Pinoy Idols pick own songs
By Marinel Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:03:00 08/09/2008
Filed Under: Television, Entertainment (general)
MANILA, Philippines - Kid Camaya, 24, says he’s a bit scared of the possibility of bagging the “Pinoy Idol” title.
Fellow hopeful Daryl Celis, 21, will consider it a miracle if he wins.
Ram Chaves, 25, admits he joined the reality talent search in the hope of meeting a producer who would be interested in his original compositions.
Gretchen Espina, 20, says she was content just to be in the Top 12, while Jayann Baustista, 21, admits she didn’t think she’d even pass the pre-casting auditions.
Kid, Daryl, Ram, Gretchen and Jayann are the talent show’s Final 5. Two of them will conclude their “Idol” journey tonight in a show at Centerstage of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Previous lessons
For almost four months now, since the start of the competition, Kid says he and the other contestants have learned precious lessons from their vocal coaches and the three judges, Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy.
“I used to just sing for myself. I didn’t really care whether or not I connected with my audience. Because of the show, I’ve learned that singing is also about sharing how you feel with your listeners,” Kid relates in an interview with Inquirer Entertainment at the Linden Suites in Pasig, where the contestants are billeted.
Gretchen says she has become mindful of the technical aspects of singing. “You have to know which notes should be prolonged, which notes should be sung loudly or softly, and when the vibrato should be used,” she points out.
Jayann, who admits that nothing much has come from previous album deals with Viva Records, says she can’t forget Alcasid’s comment early on in the competition. “He said I got in only because I’m pretty,” she recalls. “I worked really hard and tried to perfect all my performances. Luckily, I never heard that comment from him again.”
Daryl says he is thankful to the judges for helping him pick which genre works well for him. “Mas bagay daw ang love songs,” Daryl says. “I’m more confident now. I used to feel nervous standing in front of a lot of people.”
Because of his exposure on “Idol,” Ram says he now has bigger audiences in his gigs. “I guess viewers are curious. They want to see me perform live.”
Kid observes that fame takes a lot of getting used to. “Dumami ang mga kaibigan namin.” Daryl says he is now more conscious of how he behaves in front of other people.
Gretchen adds, “People I don’t know come up to me when they see me at the mall.”
For this crucial week, the Final 5 were tasked to perform songs of their choice. All hoped to garner enough votes to make it to the finals, which will be held next week at the Mall of Asia’s SMX.
“I chose to sing ‘Careless Whisper’ (by Whamm) for this week. It’s one of the most popular songs in the ’80s,” says Kid. “I want a song that viewers will remember and vote for.”
Gretchen says she has picked Fantasia Barrino’s “I’m Here,” even if the song is not widely known. “It’s a reflection of my struggle as an ‘Idol’ contestant. It’s the perfect song for me,” she insists.
Francis Magalona’s “Bahay Yugyugan” is Ram’s song of choice. “Francis is one of my biggest influences,” he explains. “I’m excited to rap for everybody. I don’t think anyone has done it in this competition yet.”
Jayann says she picked “Finally” (performed by Fergie) because “it’s special to me in a lot of ways.” Daryl is going for Martin Nievera’s version of “The Promise” and dedicates it to viewers who have been supporting him. “I will not let them down,” he says. “I will fight until the very end.”
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph
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