Emotions run high on Philippine Idol

Her unabashed appeal must have won over the fans who gave her the swing vote. Maureen Marcelo pleaded: "Vote for me please! This is what I really want! Parang awa nyo na!" And the audience roared. The following night, she bagged it – a slot at the Top 12. Maureen, a judges’ favorite made it through.

Meanwhile, he who left Australia sometime in May to go back to his roots and brave the Philippine Idol competition was incredulous upon hearing his name called by Ryan Agoncillo. Why wouldn’t he be?

Kenneth Dingle was not in his best form when he performed A House is Not Home during the wild card round. He already said thank you to his fans and followers that night, signaling a moment of doubt as to whether he will get the necessary votes from his fans.

His previous performances were better, the judges noted, but Ken got a sympathetic comment from Pilita Corrales: "He sang as if it came from the heart." And indeed his sincerity paid off. Crybaby Ken won! (He was often seen crying like a baby whenever interviewed or when personal issues regarding his sacrifices for the show is discussed on air. Perhaps, his lack of inhibition to show his real emotions is what endeared him to fans nationwide.)

This music adventurer’s hard work paid off and he is now a cut above the rest by owning a slot at the Top 12.

As for Gian Magdangal who as always, performed excellently during the wild card night, he must have made his fellow Trumpets actors proud. His charming rendition of Lately spoke of a brilliant talent who can live up to international standards.

"You must make it to the Top 12," the maestro Ryan Cayabyab told Gian.

The competition was more than tough. But this dapper fellow proved patience is a virtue. Previously, he had been getting rave reviews. He deserved to go further. Finally, on Sunday night, he got the votes.

Meanwhile, it was an all-for-love performance for Ramirr Grepo who the previous week wowed the audience with his heart-stopping, head-banging Guns & Roses beat on stage. But amidst the intense competition, he had self-doubts of whether he could make it. He admitted off cam he felt the pressure.

His girlfriend though convinced him to continue the race. He picked up where he left off and went back to his obligations as an Idol contender. The fans were willing to take him back. In I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing, his voice reverberated through a crowd of fans but he obviously sang for a crowd of one: his girl, is inspiration.

Another great performer who upstaged her lady competitors in terms of beauty and elegance, and is gifted with a unique singing style (she sang a wonderful rendition of Patti Austin’s song In My Life recently), Ira Marasigan fell short of votes. "Will you still be continuing your television career after Idol?" The pretty Atenean replied: "Not for a while. And I’m still busy with Idol." Despite her lackluster appeal to the texters, Ira took the results gracefully.

After the results were shown, someone from the audience commented: "Even if they did not make it through the wild card, they are already popular in their own right." She was hinting that all is not lost for the contestants who were booted out by the texters.

In Philippine Idol, the contestants are not the only risk-takers. Even the fans share the most they can give to win the littlest but meaningful joy of waving, shouting and voting for their bets. The triumph of their Philippine Idol contender is also theirs in the end.