Mau Winner in Movie Round, Gian in Broadway

It’s Movie and Musical night in Philippine Idol and the remaining 5 finalists get the privilege of receiving performance critiques from Tony award-winning broadway actress, Philippine pride and the guest judge for tonight Miss Lea Salonga. There are two rounds of competition as the finalists sang twice, first in the movie themesongs round and second in musicals. And Lea Salonga’s verdict? Mau wins the 1st round and Gian wins the second. Here’s my personal ranking:

>>> First Round: Movie Theme Songs <<<

1st Place: Mau Marcelo (Diamonds are Forever) – The audience were captivated once again with another brilliant performance from Mau. The applause says it all: flawless intonation, strong vocals, a little short in sustaining the last verse but nevertheless, 99% glorious as diamonds.

2nd Place: Jan Nieto (Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang) – The short love triangle skit starring Jan, Suey and Jeli helped in setting the mood for Jan’s song. The emotions were felt, the voice was perfect for the song but the judges were a little eeky on Jan’s movements and facial expressions. Lea said it was a little awkward. Nothing negative was said in the rendition though as far as the vocals are concerned. If i were to comment on the singing alone, it was nice and clean.

3rd Place: Pow Chavez (So Far So Good) – Good but overpowered by Mau and Jan’s performances.

4th Place: Gian Magdangal (Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga) – There is no doubt Gian has the “it” factor to win but his rendition of Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga was short of hitting the emotions because of his tendency of doing a song theater style. There are some notes left unsustained and this is ok in theater but with an emotional ballad as this one, kulang ang dating.

5th Place: Miguel Mendoza (Growing Up) – For fans of Miguel out there, i’m very sorry to say that his performance is a far fifth. The first four Gian, Jan, Pow and Mau, they’re almost on equal footing and you can say na lumalaban sila para sa titulo. But with Miguel and his Growing Up rendition, parang Kindergarten song ang dating. In fairness, Miguel is the youngest and his vocals are not yet fully developed. And he’s not yet ready to enter the final four.

>>> Second Round: Musicals <<<

1st Place: Gian Magdangal (Greased Lightning) – This is Gian’s element and no one else can penetrate this round but him. It’s expected for him to excel in this genre and he did conquered this round. This performance received the 2nd thunderous applause from the audience last night.

2nd Place: Mau Marcelo (And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going) – Regardless of what the judges said, i think Mau is as good as her first song as with this one. Medyo naover-powered nga lang siya ni Gian because you’re supposed to do it theater style with big movements and all pero vocally, ang galing ng rendition niya ng song: fast-paced, powerful, fantastic!

3rd Place: Pow Chavez (I Still Believe) – Ang galing ng sustain ni Pow, never thought na makakaya niya yung sustain parts. Aside from the falsetto na kinulang sa power, in general, mahusay ang rendition ni Pow ng I Still Believe. Hindi siya napahiya kaya Lea Salonga, ang original na kumanta ng I Still Believe sa Miss Saigon musical.

4th Place: Jan Nieto (Corner of the Sky) – Robotic ang dating ng placing niya sa stage, and the awkward facials are still there. Good voice, bad facial expressions. And facial expressions are very important in singing musicals.

5th Place: Miguel Mendoza (Can You Feel the Love Tonight) – Poor choice of song, karaoke rendition, what more can i say? Good looks na lang siguro. Matinee Idol material but a far fifth performance-wise.