MANILA, Philippines - So far the most ambitious and most-awaited reality talent search in the country, GMA-7?s ?Pinoy Idol,? was launched in a grand debut last night.

After scouring the archipelago for a prime batch of aspirants, the program commenced its selection among the 179 hopefuls who received gold tickets.

The three judges?talent-manager Wyngard Tracy, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and singer-actress Jolina Magdangal?gave compliments to deserving contestants, and useful, if candid, critiques to those who faltered.

Host Raymond Gutierrez consoled the ones who didn?t do so well.

?Pinoy Idol? is the local version of the wildly popular ?American Idol.? The country?s first attempt at the franchise was with ?Philippine Idol,? on ABC 5 last year. The Kapuso station won the bidding for this year.

?Pinoy Idol? hopes to be the biggest platform for Filipinos who dream of landing big recording contracts and making their mark in the music industry.

All 179 gold-ticket holders passed through painstaking auditions and elimination.

?Pinoy Idol? airs 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, for the first six weeks.