Raymond Gutierrez is new host of Pinoy Idol

Raymond's new hosting job on GMA-7 was formally announced yesterday, January 20, at Showbiz Central. The twin brother of Richard Gutierrez was chosen by GMA-7 to host the most-awaited Philippine franchise of the world's number one singing competition dubbed as Pinoy Idol. This is the biggest break for Raymond's hosting career. He is also currently hosting Showbiz Central and SOP in GMA-7 and Livin' It Up in QTV 11. Raymond will take the place of Ryan Agoncillo, who hosted Philippine Idol in ABC-5, where Mau Marcelo was declared the winner. Her runners-up, Gian Magdangal and Jan Nieto, are now part of Kapuso network's SOP. Raymond is, of course, excited about his new hosting job. When GMA-7 acquired the Philippine franchise of American Idol, the Kapuso network decided to give the show a fresh start, partly ignoring the first staging of Philippine Idol in ABC-5. Sitting as judges of Pinoy Idol are singer/composer/comedian Ogie Alcasid, multimedia artist Jolina Magdangal, and talent manager Wyngard Tracy. It can be recalled that Ryan Cayabyab, Francis Magalona, and Pilita Corrales were the judges in Philippine Idol. Pinoy Idol has already started its audition in Cagayan de Oro City last week and will scour the entire Philippines until March to find the first Pinoy Idol. - Philippine Entertainment Portal