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Ever since the finalists of the Top Five was announced, the results of Pinoy Idol has been tainted with controversy.
Ever since the finalists of the Top Five was announced, the results of Pinoy Idol has been tainted with controversy. Now that the title has been given to Visayan princess Gretchen Espina, mixed emotions were felt by the general public, and many are asking who Gretchen really is and why she deserves the title. In an interview right after the show's finals, iGMA sat down with first-ever Pinoy Idol to get to know her even better. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. A daughter of Governor Rogelio Espina of Biliran and Dr. Cecil Espina, Gretchen was tagged as the Pride of Visayas during the finals of Pinoy Idol. Bringing honor and credit to the Biliranians, Gretchen dedicated her title to her kababayans who has supported her dream from beginning to end. Beginning her Idol journey Starting her journey at the SMX audition leg, Gretchen stood out among the other hopefuls simply because she had the brains, the looks, and the talent that the judges were looking for. Many were intrigued why she came with bodyguards in the auditions and were quite eager to know the real story behind it. Discovering that she was the daughter of a governor, Gretchen stood out even further. “I don’t usually go out with bodyguards naman. Pinasamahan lang ako that time kasi baka magkagulo or something, for safety purposes lang,” clarifies the 20-year old looker. She also added that she is quite aware that she may ruffle some feathers if she actually makes it in the auditions. “Actually, before I started Pinoy Idol, I was aware na there are possibilities na magkaroon ho talaga ng criticisms knowing my family background is in the line of politics. I think kaakibat na ho 'yun, eh. It can be really, really nasty and I am still learning right now coz bago ho ito para sa akin and I am willing to take in everything para matuto ho akong magsurvive sa industry,” assures Gretchen, who appeared to be a very level-headed girl. When she made it to the Top 24 and down to the Final Three, Gretchen was constantly bombarded with issues pertaining to her family background and how that fact influenced a lot of voters. Gretchen took all of this negative publicity in stride and tried to concentrate in performing in front of national television. “All throughout the competition, eight months po na itinagal namin dito sa Pinoy Idol. It has been a battle. It has been a journey. It has been sobrang ups and downs sa loob ng competition, but nandyan 'yung mga saya, nandyan po 'yung mga lungkot pero andami dami kong natutunan sa Pinoy idol.” Her plans After winning the title, Gretchen faced another stage of her Idol journey. She addressed many of her detractors’ comments in a positive note and concentrated on conveying her gratitude to her supporters. “Kanya-kanya po kasi kami ng supporters basta nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng mga taga Biliran at lahat ng taga-Visayas kasi alam ko sila 'yung numero unong sumusuporta talaga sa akin pag dating dito sa Pinoy Idol,” she says. Instead of entertaining the issues and rumors, Gretchen said she would rather concentrate on the new opportunity that GMA has given her. “This comes only once, so I would like to make the most out of it.” Visit the Pinoy Idol forums to post your comments on Gretchen Espina!