MANILA, Philippines—It was billed as a one-night encore to a reality-based TV talent search that discovers singing stars expected to further showcase their talents in uncharted territory. As a bonus, the young “Idols” shared the stage with an “Idol” judge who just celebrated his 20th year in show business.

The show featured Pinoy pop star Ogie Alcasid with “American Idol” Season 7 finalist Ramiele Malubay, “Pinoy Idol” grand champion Gretchen Espina and five other finalists. In the end, people could not help but remark that such an “Idols” night could have achieved more—maybe even end up as something that, as Simon Cowell might say, “would surprise us” or “leave us mesmerized.”

The last date of the two-night “Ogie Sings with the Idols” concert at the Aliw Theater last Sunday took off with a grand entrance: Alcasid mimicking Renaldo Lapuz’s Season 7 finale performance of his audition piece, “I Am Your Brother,” complete with a marching band. Alas, the succeeding numbers were mere repeats of Alcasid’s performances in previous concerts, with the singer-songwriter dishing out “Kung Sakali” (from his recent all-covers album), improvising a reggae version of “Nandito Ako,” and reprising his own composition, “Ikaw Lamang.”

He struggled with difficult notes and later admitted that it was a “miracle” he made it to the concert at all, as he was suffering from a cold. With a voice that intermittently threatened to fail him, he had good use for his famous wit and charm. Serenading women in the audience, Alcasid seemed to have fun mugging for camera phones. It was his saving grace, with volunteers helping finish the songs.

As the show went on, it became clear that nothing unexpected was going to happen. The performers were all in their comfort zones. Espina sang her oft-repeated rendition of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” and Alcasid relied on his greatest hits. The “Pinoy Idol” finalists succeeded only in turning out a typical episode of a Sunday noontime variety program.

Happily, one dared to be different. Though seemingly tense, Malubay gave a wonderful performance, which called to mind positive comments of her AI mentors. She didn’t disappoint with her renditions of Lani Misalucha’s “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” and Regine Velasquez’s “You Are My Song” and “Dadalhin.”

Malubay capped her medley with her memorable “Idol” rendition of Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” plus the holiday standard “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” with clips of her homecoming in the background.

High points

Other high points of the two-hour concert were a medley of Alcasid/Velasquez duets from pairs of “Pinoy Idol” finalists—Daryl Celis and Jayann Bautista, Kid Camaya and Penelope, and Robbie Navarro and Espina. Their heartfelt renditions proved they have come a long way from their auditions earlier this year, revealing maturity and enhanced skills in intonation and harmony.

Another plus point was a spot number by former musical theater artist Dio Marco—now an OFW singing opera standards to gondola passengers in a Venetian-type facility in Macau—who did a stirring version of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.”

Really, the show could have done much more with its fantastic roster of performers.

Alcasid could have been given more numbers with the Idols, and more challenging arrangements would have enhanced each featured singer’s range and style. To paraphrase the oft-repeated comment from judges in all “Idol” franchises: Better song choices would have made a big difference.