Pinoy Idol: The Journey Continues

The people have spoken and the top 12 finalists of Pinoy Idol have been chosen. Performing in front of their families, friends and the members of the press, the Final 12 was formally introduced to the public via a mini concert at the Music Museum. Proving that they are indeed ready for the next stage of the competition, the remaining Idol hopefuls moved the audience with their explosive and emotional numbers. A treat to all the supporters of Pinoy Idol, the remaining finalists, Penelope, Jayann Bautista, Gretchen Espina, Jeni Rawolle, Mae Flores, Sue Ellen, Ram Chaves, Kid Camaya, Daryl Celis, Toffer Rei, Warren Antig and Robby Navarro gave everybody a sneak peek of what’s to come in the succeeding weeks of the competition. The Gala Stage The press conference last Wednesday, June 18, marked the beginning of the next phase of the Idols’ journey. Ms. Hazel Abonita, Program Manager of Pinoy Idol explained to the press and guests that the Gala Stage is a tougher and more challenging phase that the remaining finalists will have to face in the competition. “They will be performing on a bigger stage and we will see them perform in front of a bigger crowd sa SM Mall of Asia – Centerstage. The competition will not be girl against girl or boy against boy. Sila na po lahat ang magkakalaban in one performance night that will start on Saturday and every Sunday malalaman na po natin kung sino ang matatanggal, so matira matibay na po ito," explained Ms. Hazel to the audience. Raymond Gutierrez, the host of the show and the press conference also gave a bit of good news to the fans of the final 12 with regards to the Gala Stage of the competition. “We would like to make an announcement na libre po ang manood sa Saturday and Sunday shows. Pero ticketed po ito so make sure that you have a ticket," reminded Raymond to everybody as he listed out the numbers to call to get a ticket.** The press conference After the mini concert, the floor was opened to the media people for them to get to know the Final 12 even better. This also became a test for the hopefuls on how well they can address the questions from the press and whether or not they can handle the controversial issues without bowing to pressure. Each of the 12 finalists seemed to have passed the Q&A part of the program and the press was quite contented with the answers they got. They all seemed prepared not only to perform that night but also ready to address the challenging questions from the media. “Sino sa mga Idol judges ang pinakai-inisan o kinatatakutan ninyo?" was one of the questions the 12 hopefuls had to answer. Judge Wyngard got the most votes from the 12 to which the press readily agreed. Even Raymond had his own comment about Mr. Wyngard Tracy: “Ako nga feeling ko pati pagho-host ko jinu-judge nun! (laughs)." All in all the Final 12’s debut was a success and piqued the interests of everybody. With the grand production numbers and inspiring solo performances from the 12 finalists, everybody is starting to wonder who they should vote for in the succeeding weeks of the gala performances. This early, it is clear that each of the 12 Idol hopefuls has their own followers and it is expected that the votes will be close week after week. Follow the Idols’ journey as they continue their quest to be the first ever Pinoy Idol! - iGMA.tv