Idol Philippines
The third and final incarnation of Philippine Idol.
Idol Philippines is a Philippine television interactive reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN and Kapamilya Channel. Created and developed by FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, it is a franchise of Pop Idol created by Simon Fuller. The program is the third and final incarnation of Philippine Idol, originally hosted by Billy Crawford and judged by Regine Velasquez, Vice Ganda, James Reid, and Moira Dela Torre. It aired on the network's Yes Weekend line up from April 21, 2019 to September 18, 2022, replacing World of Dance Philippines and was replaced by Everybody, Sing!. Robi Domingo serves as the latest host and Velasquez, Dela Torre, Gary Valenciano and Chito Miranda serve as the latest judges.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Reality competition
- Creator
- Simon Fuller
- Based on
- Pop Idol
- Director
- Bobet Vidanes (2019), Joane Laygo (2022)
- Presenter
- Billy Crawford (Season 1); Robi Domingo (Season 2)
- Judges
- Moira Dela Torre
- James Reid
- Regine Velasquez
- Vice Ganda
- Chito Miranda
- Gary Valenciano
- Theme music
- Julian Gingell
- Barry Stone
- Cathy Dennis
- Country
- Philippines
Facts from the source article.
History
The Idol franchise first appeared on Philippine television in 2006 as Philippine Idol on ABC 5. Early reviews were positive, with the pilot drawing strong ratings and good critical reception, but the show incurred losses from lower-than-expected advertising revenue, leading to cancellation before a second season. The franchise moved to GMA Network as Pinoy Idol, but despite expectations that earlier lapses would be fixed, it failed to be renewed for a second season and was replaced by Are You the Next Big Star?. On October 17, 2018, ABS-CBN announced it would broadcast the third iteration after sealing a franchise deal with Fremantle and 19 Entertainment. At the first season finale, host Billy Crawford confirmed a future season. The show's fate became uncertain on May 5, 2020, when the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order on ABS-CBN, halting free-to-air operations. After the denial of the franchise and layoffs, host Billy Crawford and director Bobet Vidanes moved to blocktimer shows. Production on the second season was confirmed on April 25, 2022, jointly produced by ABS-CBN Entertainment and Brightlight Productions, airing on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5. It premiered on June 25 and 26, 2022.
Judges and hosts
In October 2018, Regine Velasquez was revealed as the first judge after signing an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN, marking her first stint as a judge on a televised singing competition. Rumors that Jessica Sanchez or David Archuleta would join were denied or downplayed. On February 26, 2019, Philippine Entertainment Portal unofficially revealed James Reid, Vice Ganda, and Moira Dela Torre as the remaining judges, later confirmed on TV Patrol. Vice Ganda was the only judge handpicked by Fremantle. For the second season, on May 20, 2022, James Reid and Vice Ganda exited; Chito Miranda and Gary Valenciano replaced them, while Velasquez and Dela Torre returned. Miranda revealed he had been asked to judge the first season but declined. Comedian Ogie Diaz said Vice Ganda backed out after learning Sarah Geronimo, initially slated as a judge, had withdrawn for personal reasons. James Reid left because he was living abroad at the time. The original host was Billy Crawford; the latest host is Robi Domingo, announced on May 22, 2022 during a launch party on ASAP Natin 'To.
Format
Before each season, open auditions are held in key cities for Filipinos aged 16 to 28. For season 2, taped during the COVID-19 pandemic, all auditions were held online. Successful auditionees perform for the judges; three 'yes' votes earn a golden ticket to the Theatre Rounds. In the first round of the Theatre Rounds, contestants are grouped by genre and voice quality to perform one song; the judges select an undetermined number to advance. In the next round, contestants are grouped by gender in groups of six, with judges choosing songs to challenge them; again, an undetermined number advance. In the final round, remaining contestants perform individually, and twelve advance to the Live Shows. Each week, contestants perform live with a theme and a guest mentor. Viewers vote via SMS or Google. In a unique mechanic, the judges determine half of each contestant's overall score; the highest vote-getter in each component receives 50%, with others scored proportionally. Each week, two to one contestants are eliminated.
Reception
Kantar Media collects the ratings for Idol Philippines by surveying both urban and rural households across the country. Public reaction to the first season’s televised auditions was divided. Online, Moira Dela Torre and James Reid faced criticism over their qualifications as judges, though viewers appreciated Reid’s directness. The show drew unfavorable comparisons to other singing contests, especially after only Regine Velasquez voted to advance reggae artist Luke Baylon. In response, Velasquez told reporters that each judge was selected for their own specific strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes of Idol Philippines are there?
Idol Philippines has 30 episodes across 2 seasons.
When did Idol Philippines end?
Idol Philippines last aired on 28 July 2019.
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