American Idol Updates @ BLOGGED

My blog entry on Mo Twister will wear a dress if generated more than 5 times the usual hits in my blog site. Most of the hits came from Google Search Engine. I have written many Philippine Idol entries but never have I seen so many hits from the Mo Twister entry. Visitors who arrived in my site were searching “Mo Twister Philippine Idol” . They either land in my blog entry or in Jove Francisco’s blog. If hits are an indication of a blog’s popularity, the equivalent in TV shows are ratings. I am sure Mo Twister increased the popularity and ratings of Philippine Idol more than double the usual TV viewers. This made me think that the Philippine Idol producers should really consider Mo Twister as a regular judge for next season of Philippine Idol or better yet, bring him back in the next 4 to 5 shows. I am so sick of the non-committal criticisms of Mamita and Francis. These two judges should be fired. (Please read related article in the comments section on Why Pilita Corrales should NOT be a Philippine Idol judge ). Mamita is such an incompetent judge.

Pilita is bigoted and closed-minded. Isn’t Philippine Idol all about following one’s dream and being true to what one is? Why, therefore, does she insist on packaging the Idols against what they are? Why does she, week after week, harp on Pow Chavez for not wearing a dress? Pilita herself says, “It’s all about being different.” Pow is different, and her fashion sense (which is crisp and consistent, I might add) adds to her own image (I admire Pow for her class in not lashing out at Mamita for all the times the latter has brought that up). Why does Mamita insist on doing that?

The reason I watch “American Idol” is because of caustic Brit Simon Cowell. I believe that Simon Cowell is not really as cruel and mean spirited as his critics insist. In every season of American Idol, I look forward to Simon’s honest and sometimes brutal criticism of the auditions and the finals. People just have a hard time coming to grips with the truth. Face it, the real star of the American idol show is not really the Idol wannabe trying to climb three octaves, but a sardonic Brit named Simon Cowell. Simon is labeled mean-spirited, nasty, cruel, despicable, and — gasp! — full of disrespect. Ask any American Idol fan and they will tell you that they look forward to Simon’s acid tongue. It was this aspect of the American Idol that initially caught my attention.

We need a no-nonsense judge who can deliver a caustic, unapologetic brand of criticism. It doesn’t have to be rude. Mo Twister wasn’t rude . He was just honest. Mo Twister has often received a lot of flak from critics who can’t stand him. Look at this:

controversy has been following Mo Twister lately as he’s entered a “word war” with showbiz rumor-mongers by the likes of Lolit Solis and Cristy Fermin. Inciting the wrath of these gossip heavyweights, they have relentlessly bashed the radio host day-in and day-out on there respective tabloid shows and columns and made it a point to exact their revenge on DJ Mo.

My point is that Philippine Idol producers should get a judge who can make fearless criticisms , someone like Mo Twister. Philippine Idol will surely outrank any show on Sunday night. Just watch your ratings soar.

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Technorati Tags: Philippine Idol

If you read my entry, Mo Twister will wear a dress if…., then you will know why Mo is spared from the embarassment of wearing a dress for one week. It was about time that Ken Dingle leaves. Come on, in the bottom 3 were Jan, Mau and Ken. A riot will ensue if Ken manages to stay in the competition. That’s more controversy than Philippine Idol can handle. Good bye Ken, you have held on this far. You will be known in Philippine Idol history as the noisemaker of the show, the life of the show. You will have your time in another event. It’s just that it’s really your time to go. The cream of the Philippine Idol crop needs to stay in this competition.

To Mau, Pow, Gian, Jan and Miguel, keep on innovating yourselves. The fight gets harder at this point in the competitio

My blog entry Mo Twister will wear a dress if…. received so many hits from Philippine Idol fans or soon-to-be fans . I bet Philippine Idol raked in a lot of ratings too. Good for Philippine Idol to finally bring some color and fun to the show.

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I blogged my fearless prediction on the Top 3 Philippine Idol finalists. So here I am writing about each one of them. Pow is the first Idol finalist I am featuring simply because my daughters (both in college) are rooting for Pow as the next Philippine Idol. Look at how far Pow has gone….

Pow during the Manila auditions at PICC

Pow singing “Love Moves in Mysterious Ways” for the Radio Night Performance

In the official Philippine Idol site (http://philippineidol.com) , a short write-up on Pow reveals that

Not everyone may know it but this 23 year old Aquarian band vocalist has interior designing for a day job. Paula Patricia Pineda Chavez or Pow for short, may be into jeans and polo shirts as her choice of everyday wear but she works for none other than the company which gives us Barbie dolls.

Pow graduated from the University of Sto. Tomas and was a batchmate of fellow Philippine Idol finalist Apple Chiu who is also into Interior Design. Before getting her job with Richwell Trading, Pow also worked as a furniture designer. This designing woman has more than drawings up her sleeve as she proves to be a multi-talented artist.

Pow is truly gifted, a true artist. She’s also into playing musical instruments like the piano, guitar and drums which really comes in handy when she’s jamming with her band mates from the JOINT acoustic band. So, if by day, Pow works as an interior designer, by night she gives way to her lifelong passion for music and sings as the vocalist for her band.

For me , a Philippine Idol should be
1. likeable. Charming to fans and the audience.
2. Entertaining.
3. unique in their vocals
4. able to show a strong fan base
5. Not predictable. Should be versatile, flexible to other music genre

That’s me posing with Pow in yesterday’s radio night performance. I believe Pow exhibit all the qualities to make it as the Philippine Idol. At first I was not too sure because of her fashion style. I have nothing against polo and jeans but this is show business. Fans, Audience and viewers want variety, flexibility in entertainer. Sometimes having the same look can be boring and predictable. The Radio Night performance showed Pow’s flexibility, that she was willing to satisfy part of the mainstream on glamor and female stereotype singer. Pow need not sacrifice her sexuality or her identity since she knows who she really is. Whatever is the outward appearance she shows to the public is for show. I hope Pow continues to innovate herself…add a twist to her fashion style. See, I don’t think there is anything wrong with her voice or her persona. Pow is very likeable , charming and wonderful. Let’s vote Pow for Philippine Idol because she truly deserves the title.

My daughters love Pau so much that they wanted a photo with her. Even my nephew. Definitely, Pow appeals to the young crowd.

Pow with M, my daughter and a nephew

Pow with my other daughter L

Vote Pow for Philippine Idol

Other Youtube Videos of Pow’s Performance .
Cheryl Lynn’s “Got to Be Real”
“ForeverMore” by Side One
For Once in My life by Spiral Staircase
Till I Met You originally sang by Kuh Ledesma
You got it Bad (Soul R & B night)
Ikaw Lamang (semi-finalist)

By listenng to the above youtube videos, you can tell she has a unique singing style.

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*EDIT- thank goodness, Ken is out.

I want to be prepared for the worst. My fearless forecast: Ken will stay. Wanna bet? I will wear pants for one week if Ken Dingle is NOT booted out. I bet Ken Dingle will manage to stay in the Philippine Idol competition. Some kind soul will make sure that DJ Mo Twister will wear a dress for one week. If you read my entry on Mo Twister will wear a dresss if….., then you will know the reason why Mo will wear this dres. See, this kind of controversy will rake ratings for Philippine Idol. My entry on Mo Twister garnered so much hits. I bet last night’s show even gave in huge ratings for Philippine Idol.

Let’s stay tuned to the results in a few minutes.

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The theme was Radio top hits with a twist. The contestants were paired and placed into 3 groups. Each partner in the pair chose a song for the other.

Pair number 1 was Jan Nieto and Gian Magdangal

Jan , the Atenean and Gian, a La Sallite , just like the classic match in a basketball game. Atenean vs. LaSallite . Jan Nieto selected Jay-R’s Bakit Pa Ba for Gian while Gian picked You are My Song for Jan.
View Youtube video of Jan’s Performance
View Youtube video of Gian’s Performance

The verdict? Jan Nieto performed so much better than Gian. The Atenean won. It helped that I love the song. Knowing it was a difficult song with a lot of high notes, I prepared myself for the worst. But Jan Nieto hit the right notes with very minimal flats and sharps. Though Gian was just amazing as usual, there was nothing really new with his performance. He still has the total package of the Philippine Idol. And I am still rooting for him. Go Gian!

Then Pair Number two was Mau Marcelo and Miguel Mendoza

Miguel picked the song Jamie Rivera’s Mahal naman Kita for Mau while Mau selected Wency Cornejo’s Hanggang for Miguel Mendoza.
View Youtube Video of Miguel’s performance
View Youtube Video of Mau’s performance

Both song choices were horrible. No wonder neither Miguel nor Mau sang it well. The better singer was Mau of course. Miguel as usual appears so stiff whenever he sings. Though he has the voice potential, he lacks the experience to feel the emotions of the song he is singing. He just sings. No emotions. Mau looked quite attractive in her red tunic. The new hairstyle suits her too. I think she is getting great advice from her image consultants.

Pair Number 3 was Ken Dingle and Pow Chavez

Pow selected Bryan Adams’ Everything I Do I do it for You for Ken Dingle while Ken chose Love Move for Pow.
View Youtube video of Ken’s performance
View Youtube Video of Pow’s performance

Pow as usual brought the house down. Fantastic voice. I just love her soothing vocals. It is unique. No wonder my daughters are rooting for Pow to be the first Philippine Idol. I noticed that she wore a cool top with her jacket. The long beaded jewelry added the femine touch to her over all look. Pow is really pretty but then again she prefers to be called cute. Ack and Ken is predictably Ken. His notes were everywhere. it is time for Ken to go. I have been saying that for the past 3 weeks but he is still there. Maybe Mo Twister will wear that dress after all. Mo dared to wear a skirt for a week if Ken manages to stay in the competition. Generous fans are making him win or is it ABC Channel 5? (View Philippine Idol Photos and my entry Mo Twister will wear a Dress)

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Sultry Idol, Apple Chiu is eliminated. Now that was a shocker. Between Ken and Apple, the latter had consistently churned out remarkable performances. Ken just recently redeemed himself from bad to worse to “just ok” performance. Good for Ken to have made it this far. Someone is voting hard for him, eh? But that is how the boat floats. I was even prepared to see Pow go. Bracing myself for the worst, I kept my cool. Be prepared for the worst is my latest motto for the way the Philippine Idol is turning out. I am just happy that Pow is here to stay for the Top 6 performance.

Now that there are only 6 Philippine Idol finalists, it’s time to make a fearless forecast. But I am going to make two sets: The first is my own prediction based on Philippine Idol Standards and my personal opinion , The second set of prediction is based on reality, the votes.

Now for the first set of prediction. We all know that the Philippine Idol should be a top-notch, world class singer with unique singing voice, a total performer that has audience impact, charisma and ability to entertain and lastly, a strong fan base that can catapult them to fame and money . With that , here is my fearless prediction on my top 3. Take note, any of these 3 can be the first Philippine Idol.

1. Mau Marcelo

Mau with my husband
Mau hits her notes on the dot with very minimal flats or sharp. Her voice is rich and powerful. We all know that right?. She has exotic looks which neither make her ugly nor a goddess. Her beauty just grows on you. What the heck is Mamita thinking about being tall and sexy? I know looks sells in the music business but Mau can easily make up for it in her total look. At this point in the competition, her delivery is the crucial factor that will nail her the crown as the first Philippine Idol. Mau needs a fashion makeoever. More costume innovation and improved dance movements should be seriously considered by Mau. This woman also knows how to treat her fans, someone like me who is a stranger to her. But she recognizes me everytime I take photos of her. Nice, Mau! I should have a photo taken with her. I am sure she has the most number of fans but who probably don’t have all the money to vote for her non-stop. To continue being in the Top 3, Mau needs philantropist who will shell out some text votes. I am just being realistic.

2. Pow Chavez

Pow with my daughter
I love the sweet , feminine , “modern kundiman” tones that Pau sings whenever it’s a soulful song. Though she sometimes turns out flat notes, her vocals are definitely unique. Her strength lies in her delivery of R & B and slow songs. You can truly appreciate the uniqueness of her tones. For her to maintain the top 3 status, she needs to have a costume makeover. I know she prefers to wear boyish clothes but I am sure there are other fashion styles that neither make her feminine or too masculine. Mau, please remove that undershirt or replace it with some shirt so it doesn’t peek out of your jacket . Pow is also endearing to her fans. Her winning smile warms the heart. My daughter is smitten by her humble nature. I like Pow.

3. Gian Carlo Magdangal

When I first saw Gian in his Cebu audition, I immediately sat up from my chair. “Now that is Philippine Idol material”. He has the looks, the charisma, the voice and delivery. I couldn’t tell my husband that Gian had the looks because my husband should only be the most good looking man in this face of the earth. (I digress). But to assuage my husband’s ego, I nonchantly added “Gian has the looks needed for Philippine Idol”.Enough said. One thing is that Gian does not really have a unique singing voice. He needs to show off his vocal prowess in future Idol themes. Sure we know he can dance, he can be sexy, he can charm you…but I need to see a little vocal acrobatics. Gian also has the ability to draw fans because of his charming smile. My daughters who are in their college years felt he had the ability to woo the younger fans. So go Gian!

My second set of prediction is based on the resources of these Idol finalist. It will not surprise me if Jan Nieto or Miguel Mendoza will be the first Philippine Idol. The thing is,do these two Idol finalists have the strong fan base that are needed for concerts and sustain their popularity. Sure, their family and friends can buy all their CD’s but how long will that last? Maybe the first year or two?

1. Jan Nieto

Jan Nieto has improved remarkably since I first heard him sing during the Top 12 eliminations night. He has the looks and a bit of audience impact. Sadly, his vocals are not world class. He was totally off key during the Message Through Songs night. But he can still improve if he has vocal coach to train him.

2. Miguel Mendoza

Miguel can definitely sing but lacks the audience impact and star performance quality. Not bad for a seventeen year old but still not Philippine Idol material.

Next to be out:

Ken Dingle
He is the weakest performer. Enough said.

Now who are your top 3 Philippine Idol finalists? Post your comments here

View Philippine Idol Photos.

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The Dance Night inside the Philippine Idol Studio was high energy entertainment. Regine Tolentino sat as the guest judge to criticize the dancing part of the idol’s performance. Anyway, I felt like I was inside a disco club enjoying the night away with these fantatstic Idol Finalists. Some of the audience danced on the dance floor as their Idol performed onstage. The Philippine Idol Crew gave away neon glow sticks to add color and excitement during the performance. Everyone did a great job except for Miguel because the latter chose a slow number. Even Ken Dingle performed well. I can’t decide who should be out but my favorites for the night are Gian and Jan because they best portrayed the dance theme. (View Top 7 Philippine Idol Dance Night Photos)

Jan Nieto (Ricky Martin “Livin La Vida Loca”) View YouTube Video

I enjoyed the song and dance number. Even if he is not Ricky Martin, I was entertained. What an excellent number to start the night. It paved the way to a fun-filled evening

Pow Chavez (Cheryl Lynn’s “Got to Be Real”) View YouTube Video

Finally Pow took great effort to change her look. The tunic is indeed a different look. Ryan C thought that Pow needs to reinvent herself. I believe Pow’s vocals are excellent. She just needs to have radical changes with her fashion style to complement her singing style.

Miguel Mendoza (The Pasadenas’ “Make It With You”) View YouTube Video

Poor song choice . Though Miguel sang well, the song didn’t suit the dance theme.

Ken Dingle (Stevie Wonder’s “Signed Sealed Delivered”)- View Youtube video

Overheard before Ken’s performance was Jellie whining that she now knows why her cat died….the fur was used in Ken’s jacket. Haha. Ken did well tonight. So maybe he will stay after all.

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