Pinoy Idol hits the City of Love

ILOILO — As the seventh season of American Idol started airing a few weeks ago on Q-11, its Pinoy version titled Pinoy Idol is about to unfold soon as GMA 7 opened doors recently for thousands dreaming to be the next singing star. The third leg of audition was recently held here in the City of Love.

Except for its similarity in format, Pinoy Idol is not a mere copycat of its international franchise. Contestants here are more reserved and shy, the judges much tamer and the host more pleasant.

All these surfaced when a number of Ilonggos, united by their dream about record deals, screaming fans and singing engagements, trooped to the initial screening at SM Iloilo. Out of the 264 only 57 pop star wannabes walked into the auditions. The common dream to become a Pinoy Idol reflected on their faces as they patiently waited for their turn to perform before judges Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy in a function room of a hotel.

Judging, Ogie and Jolina agree, is not easy. Not that they’re new to the task. As performers themselves, the two have to judge not as singers or as composer (in Ogie’s case)  but as an audience that could discern real singing gems.

“As a judge, I weigh everything: The way a person performs, how his singing style affects me and his depth as a singer,” Ogie offers.

“I look at the totality of a contestant. While having a good voice is important, appeal also counts,” Jolina talks about her standards. “This way, he or she won’t just be an overnight sensation.”

Jolina, too, tries not to get emotional facing contestants with a disability. But a blind girl and a guy who performed before them one after the other hit the trio’s soft spots.

“Though she’s blind the potential of becoming a good singer is all over her,” Jolina explains why she gave the girl a resounding “Yes.”

Being in the music scene for quite sometime, the petite, bubbly singer knows better even if some quarters deem her unfit for the job. They question Jolina’s getting into the shoes of Paula Abdul in the local talent search.

“I just didn’t mind them. I passed the criteria set by the Idol heads in London and that gives more weight in accepting the position,” says Jolina, who gave up a drama series for the job.

And how does Jolina feel being a judge?

“It’s hard controlling your emotion but it won’t do any good if I use my heart,” she replies.

Ogie shares the same point of view. He assures that he only gives his nod to those deserving and no amount of sad stories could affect his decision. Otherwise, it could ruin the intention of looking for a Pinoy Idol.

 “I’m just being honest,” says Ogie of how he selects an aspirant. He need not be acerbic giving his reason when he deems a contestant is not fit for the show.

In fact, Ogie initially had second thoughts of giving the first two Ilonggo Idol wannabes a “No.” “They were saddened but my being truthful would help them find their flaws.”

But there were some who couldn’t accept rejection  and  insisted on getting the golden ticket to singing fame.

That is why, at some point, Wyngard Tracy was frank enough to tell misguided hopefuls they can’t join the contest just because they can sing while taking a shower. As jurors, they have to conform to the standards of selecting the best.

Good thing host Raymond Gutierrez always gives comforting words to those who didn’t make it. He, too, shares in the triumph of those who get the judges’ nod.

As host, Raymond admits, he cannot be compared to the two Ryans (Agoncillo of the former Philippine Idol and Seacrest of American Idol).

“I commend Ryan Agoncillo for his hosting skill. He is good and very funny. I know him because we’ve been together as hosts last year. But I have my own style which is different from him,” says Raymond who is still on his feet after almost eight hours of auditions.

As for Seacrest, Raymond says it’s hard to emulate the AI host as contestants here are more reserved and shy. He noticed only few resented the judges’ decision.

And how does he feel hosting for Pinoy Idol?

“It challenges me because this is the first time I actually host solo but I’m definitely enjoying this,” Richard’s twin brother says.

Raymond also hosts Q-11’s Living It Up and GMA 7’s S.O.P. and Showbiz Central.

At the Iloilo audition, 24 Ilonggos were selected for the chance at stardom as they vie for the title in the reality search which will air soon.

(Other Pinoy Idol audition schedules are today at SM Davao; Feb. 21, SM Mall of Asia; Feb. 28, Dagupan (Stadia); and March 6, SM Clark.)