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The wait is finally over! 179 contenders from all over the country have been given the golden ticket to Manila to battle it out to be your Pinoy Idol.
The wait is finally over! 179 successful Idol contenders from all over the country have been given the golden ticket to Manila to battle it out in the local franchise of American Idol. How they will fare in the competition will be televised all over the country and will also be seen in the United States via GMA Pinoy TV. So hold on to your seats and get ready for Pinoy Idol! Text by Loretta G. Ramirez, Photos courtesy of GMA network The much-awaited reality talent search in the land is finally here in the Philippines. GMA Network Inc., who acquired the airing rights of the localized Idol franchise, guarantees its viewers an impressive presentation of the popular talent search and a competitive roster of Pinoy Idol aspirants. The Idol franchise The reality show which originated in United Kingdom has produced spin-offs in over 40 countries including the Philippines. The Idol franchise which is the third most popular international franchise in the world after The Weakest Link and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? granted GMA Network the rights to air the Idol series provided that they adhere to the format of the program. Among the requirements of the FremantleMedia is the right to choose the host and judges of the talent search. The GMA network executives gave the FremantleMedia people in London a list of Kapuso stars who would best fit the FremantleMedia requirements. Raymond Gutierrez was picked to host the show while Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy were chosen to be the judges of Pinoy Idol. “My family and I did not expect this, kasi kakabigay lang sa akin ng Showbiz Central. It was unexpected. It was such a blessing talaga,” says Raymond Gutierrez about his good fortune. He further added that: “This is the most challenging job that GMA has given me and I am ready to take on the role because this is not only a solo show but it is also a big show na a lot of people are really excited about.” The Idol Challenge Becoming the first ever Pinoy Idol is not an easy task, one has to go through different levels of tests not to mention endure the challenges along the way. One has to undergo a four-phased process to become the first ever Pinoy Idol. Auditions: An Idol aspirant has to compete with thousands of hopefuls during the auditions. According to Ms. Darling de Jesus, AVP for magazine, talk, and variety shows of GMA “There were about 25,000 people who came to the different venues all over the country to audition and around 8000 people were put in front of the judges. We are very positive that we will be able to bring to the audience a very good program, something that would stand next to American Idol.” Elimination: The 179 contestants who received the golden ticket will compete in a 3-day elimination round. They shall be trimmed down to 80 on the first day. From 80 the contestants will be cut down to 40 on the second day and 40 down to the final 24 on the third day. Workshops: The final 24 will perform on the concert stage and two will be eliminated every week via text votes. When the contestants reach the final 12, one will be eliminated every week until two remains for the final face-off. “The mechanics of the contest took care of how we will really monitor and look at the votes and be able to choose the best singer na may star potential,” according to Ms. Wilma Galvante, SVP for Entertainment in GMA during the press conference of the show. These 24 Idol hopefuls will undergo rigorous workshops and trainings to prepare them for their performances which will be aired nationwide. “We want to discover the country’s best singer whether male or female, hindi lang sya singer dapat nasa kanya din 'yung potential na maging star 'yung yun hinahanap natin. Pero the judges will not actually vote, sila lang 'yung mag-i-influence ng public kung sino ang magaling, it is the voice of the audience,” she further added. Gala: The gala night will feature the showdown between the two contestants. This will be held at the SM Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia where the winner will get a big prize package. “To say that this is an expensive show is an understatement, ang premyo lang ay meron siyang 1million pesos agad yan, and then there is a recording contract from BMG, tapos 'yung contract also with GMA. Syempre may house and lot, may kotse, marami, so it’s one talent show to really follow till the end,” reiterated Ms. Galvante. So are you ready for Pinoy Idol? Tune in to GMA every Saturday starting April 5 and be a part of the Idol journey. For other features about the show and Pinoy Idol hosts and judges, click on the following features: Are you ready for Pinoy Idol? The Pinoy Idol Jury The Idol Invasion Meet the Pinoy Idol Judges An Idol hosting Pinoy Idol Talk about Pinoy Idol in the iGMA Forums.