Are you ready for Pinoy Idol?

The biggest and most prestigious reality-talent search is now on the number one television network in the country. All set and ready to launch the show this coming April, everybody is excited to learn about how GMA’s Pinoy Idol will revolutionize Philippine television. Negotiations to acquire the Philippine franchise of American Idol started as early as 2006. According to Ms. Darling de Jesus, AVP for magazine, talk and variety shows of GMA: “This is the most awaited program of GMA since we announced it in the first quarter of 2007. Ito rin ang pinaka mahabang naming ni-negotiate na show, since we were negotiating this from 2006." But the wait is truly worth it. Presenting the show to the press last March 28 at Annabel’s restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, everyone was excited about the launch of Pinoy Idol. The host First on the itinerary of the press conference was to present the chosen host of the show. Ms. Darling said that it was one of the most difficult decisions that they did in preparation for the program. “It is like searching for the first Pinoy Idol, marami pong pangalan na pinagpililian. Maraming kinonsider and challenge din ito para sa amin and I am proud to say that we have chosen the perfect host for this program – Raymond Gutierrez!" The press welcomed Raymond warmly and were all ears as he delivered his opening comments. “ I want to thank GMA 7 for giving me this job for becoming the host of Pinoy Idol.Alam kong hindi naging madali ang naging proseso for choosing the host but I am thankful na sa akin nag end up 'yung trabahong ito kasi alam po nating lahat na this is the number one show in the world!" He further shared his experience during the auditions and acknowledged the fact that hosting Pinoy Idol is the most challenging job that GMA has given him and he is ready to take on the role. The Judges Next on the program was the introduction of the most controversial set of judges. Video clips of Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy judging during the auditions were shown to the media. Some clips were hilarious, some were emotional. The clips showed what roles the judges will play once the program starts airing on April 5. Ogie started the ball rolling by sharing his experience during the auditions. “Ang pagpili po ng Pinoy Idol ay hindi madali in fact napakahirap, sari-saring drama ang nangyari sa loob ng judges room." Jolina seconded Ogie and pointed out that there were times that the three of them do not agree on whether a contestant should get a golden ticket or not but reiterated the fact that whoever they choose to be the first ever Pinoy Idol, it should be a unanimous decision from all of them. “Kung sino man ang magiging Pinoy Idoldapat kaming tatlo nag a-agree dun at mismo 'yung mga nagvote at mga viewers dapat nag a-agree din na ‘yun ang magiging first na Pinoy Idol" Wyngard, the most controversial of the Idol jury, on the other hand gave some juicy revelations during the press conference. “Maraming gustong maging Pinoy Idol pero marami rin ang walang karapatan na nakita namin doon na actually para sa akin sinayang lang nila 'yung time ko." He also described his two co-jury and said unabashedly: “Actually si Ogie ang Paula Abdul dito pero ang abangan nyo si Jolina, revelation si Jolina dito. Magugulat kayo, it’s a new Jolina na ang galing!" Before the press conference ended, Ms. Wilma Galvante, Senior Vice-president for Entertainment in GMA, announced a big surprise. “Ordinarily when we get a franchise program hindi ma-air sa international grid but for Pinoy Idol, ina-allow tayo na ma-air sya sa United States, sa Middle East hindi pa sa ibang countries, hindi pa, pero sa US where it matters mapapanood ang Pinoy Idol under GMA Pinoy TV!" If this press conference is a preview of what was about to start on April 5, then Pinoy Idol’s success is definitely guaranteed. - iGMA.tv