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Last night, Gretchen Espina, the pride of Visayas, won the prestigious title of the very first Pinoy Idol, along with P5.7 million worth of cash and prizes.
After eight months of grueling eliminations and challenges, the search for the very first Pinoy Idol is over. On Sunday night, Gretchen Espina, the pride of Visayas, won the prestigious title along with P5.7 million worth of cash and prizes. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. The journey is finally over and one amazing lady was proclaimed winner of the prestigious Pinoy Idol search. From thousands of hopefuls from all over the country, Gretchen Espina who hails from Biliran province, won the nation’s heart by garnering the most number of text votes, and thus becoming our first Pinoy Idol. A solid performance During the final performance night, Gretchen showed that she deserved to be in the Final Three. Even the judges thought her performance was outstanding. “Gretchen, sabi ni Jolina, iba ang aura mo ngayong gabi," Ogie said. "Sabi ni Wyngard, you’re a revelation! Last week, I was disappointed with your performance because I felt you’re too emotional. But tonight, you really sang, you did a good performance, you’re a champion. Karapat-dapat na nandyan ka.” Gretchen continued her solid performance the next day, during the final showdown where she and Jayann Bautista, who both looked stunning in their white gowns, sang the Pinoy Idol song, "To You." Composed by Ogie Alcasid and arranged by Danny Tan, the song was about expressing one's gratitude, to which each lady gave her own rendition. Jayann was very emotional and clearly holding back tears when she sang the last notes of the song while Gretchen gave a compelling and confident interpretation. Both ladies received approving nods from the jurors and the audience but it was evident that Gretchen had the edge. The proclamation After performing for the last time on the Idol stage, the two stood at the center to await the proclamation of the winner. While host Raymond Gutierrez enumerated the prizes -- P1 million in cash, a recording contract with Sony-BMG, a management contract with GMA Artist Center, a brand new car, and a condo unit from Avida worth P2.2 million -- the two ladies stood hand in hand, anxiously awaiting the nation’s verdict. Finally, when Raymond declared, “ Philippines, your first Pinoy Idol is Gretchen Espina!” the SMX Convention Center erupted in cheerful celebration. While Gretchen sang the Pinoy Idol song, the other finalists trooped to the stage to congratulate her. Gretchen’s parents, Gov. Rogelio Espina and Dr. Cecile Espina, were both emotional when they joined their daughter on stage. A generous winner An impromptu press conference was held after the proclamation and people from the media took this opportunity to get to know the first Pinoy Idol even better. Personally sharing her Idol journey with the press, Gretchen looked radiant, much like her parents who proudly stood behind her during the interview. “Overwhelmed po, para kasing nag-flashback po sa akin 'yung lahat ng pinagdaanan namin since 'yung first na pag-audition namin,” was Gretchen’s sentiment when asked how she was feeling at the moment. She replied to the succeeding questions like a pro, poised and composed. Then came a pleasant surprise when Gretchen revealed that she will be sharing her winnings with Jayann Bautista and Ram Chaves, her co-finalists in the Final Three. “Kasi nag-usap po kami ng Top Three na whoever wins, magbibigay kami ng tig- P100,000 each dun sa dalawa. The rest I would like to share it with my co-Biliranians po,” the young lady beamed. No doubt this made her father even prouder of her, because when iGMA asked Governor Espina what his message to his daughter was, he said, “ Sana hindi siya magbago. Stay humble, always pray, and just enjoy life and meet lots of friends, 'yun lang. Dahil sa nangyaring ito, marami nang mga bagong mangyayari sa buhay niya. Sana lagi siyang i-guide ng ating Panginoon.” Extend your congratulations to Gretchen Espina, our very first Pinoy Idol by logging on to the Pinoy Idol forums!