1,267 or 88% are in favor of Laarni Lozada of Pinoy Dream Academy season 2 as the better winner while only 181 or 13% are in favor of Gretchen Espina of Pinoy Idol.

Laarni Lozada VS Gretchen Espina Poll Results originally appeared on Starmometer on September 20, 2008.

Gretchen Espina’s prize package:

Laarni Lozada’s prize package:

Their prizes are both fabulous but talent-wise, who is really worth the money?

Poll: Who is the Better Winner, Gretchen or Laarni? originally appeared on Starmometer on September 17, 2008.

Last August 17, Gretchen Espina from Biliran was proclaimed winner of Pinoy Idol. Second placer was Jayann Bautista of Pampanga and third placer was rocker Ram Chaves.

Our poll started last August 18, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 4:00 p.m. today. With 973 respondents, here are the results:

Yes – 139 votes or 14%
No – 642 votes or 66%
Don’t Care – 192 votes or 20%

Some commentors do not even know that Pinoy Idol has been concluded already. Some who voted “don’t dare” don’t watch the show and some of them were disappointed early on that’s why they discontinued watching it. And of course, some of the commentors are fans of the rival show “Pinoy Dream Academy”.

Needless to say, majority of our respondents did not agree with Gretchen Espina’s victory. And that’s the way it is.

Pinoy Idol Poll Results originally appeared on Starmometer on August 21, 2008.

20-year-old Gretchen Espina from Biliran bested 21-year-old Jayann Bautista from Pampanga in the final two to win the first ever Pinoy Idol. Rocker Ram Chaves ended up third.

It’s interesting to note that Gretchen Espina is the bet of the local version of “Vote for the Worst”, a site dedicated in campaigning for the worst contestant to win the show. The judges’ favorites like Robby Navarro, Penelope, Daryl Celis and Kid Camaya were eliminated earlier in the season.

The Final results night were held at the SMX of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, City. The Top 24 finalists were grouped in fours and performed with Hajji Alejandro, Jett Pangan, Vernie Varga, and Duncan Ramos. Rock bands Pupil, Calla Lily, and Rivermaya also rendered special performances.

The final two, Jayann Bautista and Gretchen Espina sang the Ogie Alcasid composition “To You” as the coronation song with Gretchen reprising it after being proclaimed as the first Pinoy Idol.

Gretchen won 1 million in cash from SM Supermall, a recording contract from Sony BMG, a management contract from GMA Atist Center, a brand new car courtesy of Mitsubishi, and a condo unit in New Manila courtesy of Avida Towers.

The Final Three:

Gretchen Espina – To You:

(Video courtesy of Kapuso Overload)

Gretchen Espina Wins Pinoy Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on August 17, 2008.

Gretchen Espina – Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang
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Gretchen Espina – Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang originally appeared on Starmometer on July 13, 2008.

Gretchen Espina – Follow Your Road
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Gretchen Espina – Follow Your Road originally appeared on Starmometer on July 6, 2008.

Ogie Alcasid said “This is the best performance of your life…it should be but it wasn’t. I was expecting like more than Aretha could do.”

Jolina Magdangal said “Kung hindi ka si Aretha, hindi maganda ang version mo.”

Wyngard Tracy said “It was good enough.”

The judges’ comments were really weird.

Gretchen Espina – Respect
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Gretchen Espina – Respect – Pinoy Idol Top 12 originally appeared on Starmometer on June 21, 2008.

Question and Answer

Where do you get your musical talent from?
From both of my mom and dad. Musically inclined yung nuclear family ko.

What are your hobbies?
I’m a frustrated clothes designer, love designing my room, I draw, watch movies, soundtrip, chat, play table tennis, cooking.

What music do you listen to?
Anything goes.

Can you play any musical instrument, if so what and to what level?
Piano� though I’m not that good pa.

Why did you apply for Pinoy Idol?
Try lang. Plus it’s a chance to take.

Where do you sing?
I sing (w/ UPSA) at private events, UP colleges, PICC; Philamlife etc.

Which singers inspire you and why?
Aretha- mommah of soul; Ms. Reg- versatile; Amy W.- defying norms.

What’s your claim to fame?
I sing from the heart.

What 3 things would you take to a desert island with you?
My special barkada, laptop with internet connection and batteries and a boat.

Who in your life has been most inspiring to you? How?
God! HE works and loves unconditionally. Kuya Ed! He works and loves unconditionally.

Source: www.igma.tv

Gretchen Espina – Pinoy Idol Top 12 originally appeared on Starmometer on June 20, 2008.

1. Gretchen Espina
Try it On My Own by Whitney Houston

2. Penelope
Papa Can You Hear Me? by Barbara Streisand

3. Jeni Rawolle
You Raise Me Up by Andrea Joss

4. Carol Leus
I Turn To You by Christina Aguilera

5. Sue Ellen Cubing
Thank You by Dido

6. Mae Flores
Angels by Leann Rimes

7. Jayann Bautista
I Am Changing by Jennifer Hudson

Gretchen Espina Tops our Pinoy Idol Top 7 Girls Power Ranking originally appeared on Starmometer on June 14, 2008.

Gretchen Espina – On My Own
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Gretchen Espina – On My Own – Pinoy Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on June 14, 2008.

Wyngard Tracy said “Maganda yung boses mo but you only give us very plain performances. Sinasayang mo yung talent mo, hindi lumalabas.”

Ogie Alcasid said “You need to find something really edgy that will showcase your vocal prowess.”

Jolina Magdangal said “Dapat maging extraordinary ka kaysa dun sa iba.”

Gretchen Espina – Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig – Pinoy Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on June 8, 2008.

Ogie Alcasid said “I thought you had fun but i didn’t get that, it’s just fun. Your singing is just ok, it’s not extraordinary.”

Jolina Magdangal said “Kulang. Para sa akin nakulangan ako.”

Wyngard Tracy said “I agree with both of them pero yung look mo, this is your best look so far na meron kang ginawa.”

Gretchen Espina – The Way You Make Me Feel
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Gretchen Espina – The Way You Make Me Feel – Pinoy Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on May 31, 2008.