Filipino-American Idol on FOX

19 Entertainment, a division of Core Media Group and Fremantle Media North America, Inc. produced the new reality television singing competition “Filipino-American Idol.” There will be four judges namely Nicole Scherzinger, (recording artist, TV personality & actress) Bruno Mars singer-songwriter & record producer), apl.de.ap (rapper, record-producer & occasional drummer) and Vanessa Hudgens (actress & singer) while comedian Rob Shneider will be the show’s host. This show will premieres on FOX in March 2013 as the 12th season of American Idol airs on January 16.

Ellona Santiago @ X Factor

Young Filipina singer Ellona Santiago is a step closer to entering the live shows of hit US singing competition “The X Factor” as her group InTENsity made it as one of top 17 acts that will battle it out for a slot in the much awaited finals.Watch them take their final shot at making it to the cut via satellite this Wednesday (Oct 26), 7PM, in a two hour special on Studio 23.

Ellona belted out the high notes and was among the lead singers of the group when they sang the song “That’s Not My Name” before their mentor Paula Abdul during the Judges Home episode. Their performance was good enough that Paula and celebrity mentor Pharelle Williams sent them through the next round.Other group acts that made it to the top 17 were The Brewer Boys, Lakoda Rayne, and The Stereo Hogzz.

Judge Nicole Scherzinger and celebrity mentor Enrique Iglesias, on the other hand, sent through Leroy Bell, Stacy Francis, Dexter Haygood, and Josh Krajcik for the over 30s category. Meanwhile, representing the boys under the mentorship of L.A. Reid and celebrity mentor Rihanna are Astro, Marcus Canty, Phillip Lomax, and Chris Rene while Simone Battle, Rachel Crow, Drew Ryniewicz, Tiah Tolliver, and last minute additional semi-finalist Melanie Amaro will represent the girls under the sole mentorship of Simon Cowell.

Simon Cowell was supposed to bring in international diva Mariah Carey as celebrity mentor. Unfortunately, Mariah was caught in a storm. Her plane didn’t make it in time for the shoot in Paris. After the two hour episode this Wednesday (Oct 26) the live shows will finally begin on Nov 2 as the official finalists battle it out to impress the fifth and final judge of the competition—the viewers.

Watch how the remaining 17 acts face the music on “The X Factor” on a special airing this Wednesday (Oct 26), 7 PM, via satellite on Studio 23.

American Idol 10: Karen Rodriguez out

Karen Rodriguez was ousted and was the second finalist eliminated in the season 10 of American Idol. Fortunately, our very own Thia Megia was able to survive the said elimination round given despite some criticism from Idol judges on her choice of song, “Colors of the Wind”. The bottom three were Karen Rodriguez, Haley Reinhart and Naima Adedapo. Thia thanked everyone for their support in her official Twitter account.

Ashton Jones out in American Idol

Ashton Jones was saved by the judges as they tried to save 3 more aspiring American Idol contestants to be part of the Top 13. Receiving a compliment of “confidence of a queen” from Steven Tyler, Jones was the first to leave the top rating show. On the other hand, our very own Thia Megia was safe again.

ASAP Rocks: Sarah & Angeline showdown

ASAP Rocks last Sunday paved the way for the showdown of vocal prowess of Popstar Princess SARAH GERONIMO and Female Pop Superstar ANGELINE QUINTO. After 9 years, when Sarah and Angeline vied for the title of “Star of the Night” in 2002, the face off was one of the most awaited part in ASAP Rocks last Sunday. Each girl has a story to tell before reaching their respective dreams and I could say that aside from the vocal prowess these girls has, they also both determined to continue reaching their dreams in the world of music and maybe even in the movie industry.

Congratulations Sarah and Angeline!

Thia Megia @ American Idol Season 10

Thialorei Lising Megia or simply “Thia” is now part of American Idol Season 10’s Top 24. She rendered “Chasing Pavements” during her audition and wowed judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. International singing sensation Charice is happy for Thia who is a friend. They met in 2009 during the David Foster and Friends concert in Vancouver, Canada. In the same year, Thia became a semi-finalist in America’s Got Talent Season 4.

Star Power winner Angeline Quinto

And ABS-CBN’s “Star Power: Sharon’s Search for Next Female Pop Star” winner is ANGELINE QUINTO. The first grand winner got the highest percentage of 90.88% on the singing competition from text, online voting and from the judges. She won P1 million, an entertainment showcase from Sony, diamond jewelry set, 1 year managing contract with Star Magic, a recording contract with Star Records and a brand new car.

Quinto once lost her dream in entering the music industry to Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo in the singing competition “Star for A Night” in 2002. Now that she together with Krissel, Monica, K-La and Akiko will join “ASAP,” she was excited to work with Sarah Geronimo.

UST wins 2010 Choir of the World Luciano Pavarotti Grand Prize

The UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS Singers won the “Choir of the World – Luciano Pavarotti Grand Prize" at the 2010 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, in Wales, UK. The singers made history in the oldest and most prestigious choir competition in the world. It’s the second time for the group to win the same award way back in 1995. Congratulations fellow Tomasians!!!

UST Singers bag 2010 'Choir of the World' prize

Simon Cowell exit on American Idol

Will you still watch AMERICAN IDOL minus Simon Cowell from the judges’ table??? Simon Cowell’s sarcasm wit is one reason why people are very fanatic of Idol. He will bring X Factor to the United States in 2011 and Cowell cannot deal with both shows at once. The X Factor is almost identical to Idol, except that groups are allowed to enter the singing competition and there's no age limit on contestants.

After Paula Abdul’s exit is Simon Cowell. I’m pretty sure the show will continue to be on the top with the commitment coming from the new and old judges.

Ellen DeGeneres on American Idol Season 9

It is official: Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul in the “American Idol” family. Her debut on the panel will be on February 9 and she appears in a series of promotional photos for the competition so there’s truly no turning back. American Idol premieres on January 12 and will begin again its search for the next Kris Allen, Adam Lambert or Carrie Underwood.

Kris Allen wins American Idol title

The American Idol Season 8 is over and Kris Allen from Arkansas won the title. Allen seems to disbelieve hearing Ryan Seacrest mentioning his name as the winner. Well he seems to be the underdog as compared to Adam Lambert’s commanding vocal range and stage presence plus the judges’ adoration over him but personally I still prefer Kris Allen for the title. I do not like high notes and pitchy voice of Adam plus his music. On the other hand, Allen’s use of piano and guitar while singing is a plus for me aside from the fact that he sang great songs. He is such a good looking guy too but taken already, ouch!

More of the finale here.

You Tube of Susan Boyle @ BGT 2009

Never judge a book by its cover. That’s exactly what happened to the three judges of Britains Got Talent 2009 and Susan Boyle is the living proof of that quote. They got the biggest shocked of their lives when the 47 year old woman Susan Boyle sang Les Miserables’ I Dreamed A Dream. I am not familiar with the song but Susan Boyle made me love it. Her angelic theatrical voice and singing prowess gave her three yeses among the completely surprised judges and audience as well. Guys it’s a talent search so let the contestants show what they got first before your judgment. Okay??? Like what Judge Amanda said, “It’s a wake up call” and I guess ma’am it’s a big lesson learned not only to you and your co-judges but also to those at your back and the whole humanity. Go Susan!!! Go for your dream. Check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY&feature=related for the video.

I DREAMED A DREAM

Les Miserables

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.

Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used
And wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung
No wine untasted.

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
As they turn your dream to shame.

And still
I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms
We cannot weather...

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
so different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed
The dream I dreamed.

Laarni Losada: Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Grand Star Dreamer

The Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 is ended and “The Independent Woman” Laarni Losada from Sultan Kudarat was hailed as the Grand Star Dreamer. Laarni who chose to drop school and join PDA successfully fulfilled her dreams of freeing her family from poverty. She now has a house and lot, entertainment showcase, home appliances, a mineral water business and her hefty P1M. Laarni owned the stage with great pride and with the grandiose entrance she sang her very first single "Manalig Ka."

Though I go for Bugoy to be the winner, admittedly Laarni deserved the title too given her powerful voice and her passion to sing. As she quoted: “Music is my passion. Music will save me.” Well, Laarni you made it. Your passion for music saved you and fulfilled your dreams for your family.

Now is just a start for the six scholars to face the real world of music industry and show what they have learned in the academy. Winning is just a start but to stay popular is a hard thing to keep. Always bear in mind the teachings of your mentors not only about the singing thing but more over about attitude. Congrats and good luck scholars!!!♥♥♥

PDA Season 2: Who will complete the Top 6?

The famous and well-watched reality TV show of ABS CBN, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2, is nearing its end. The Gala Night this coming Saturday will determine who will complete the Top 6 among scholars Sen and Van who where unfortunately the bottom two last Gala Night.

Included in the Top 6 and is now in the safe position are Bugoy from Camarines Sur, Laarni of Sultan Kudarat, Pride of Puerto Galera’s Zhel, The Singing Interior from Parañaque Cris and The Romantic Crooner Miguel.

There will be 2 Grand Awards Nights for the scholars and I’m sure the pressure is on the rise with such kind of fabulous and extravagant prizes awaiting the winners. As for me, I think it will be tough fight between Bugoy and Laarni.