IDOL PHILIPPINES JUDGES DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS

Now on its 3^rd week, TV ratings for reality show Idol Philippines continue to soar up but draws mixed reactions from viewers on social media with varying comments (and violent reactions) thrown on the four judges. Some says the reality show is getting to be like a mini extension of GGV and It’s Showtime, with Vice Ganda making fun of contestants - typical of a comedy bar.  At one point viewers observed that Regine was a bit peeved when a few contestants successively sang Moira’s songs. Viewers also quipped that Moira and James looks too young to sit as judges with the former looking like she’s ready to fall asleep (any moment) whenever she opens her mouth (charot lang).  When they are not happy with the contestant’s performance, they would say  “sorry is this just not your time yet, you have the voice, you're talented, it's just not ready." But they say the opposite to good-looking contestants and  would tell them - okay "we'll give you a chance to improve so it's a yes for now."  

It would have been better, in my opinion, to have Regine Velesquez, Jaya and Arnel Pineda (if to add a bit of international flair) instead of Vice Ganda, Moira and James Reid and have Luis Manzano do the hosting or have Billy Crawford shift to  the judging panel instead. James and Moira are too young and inexperienced compared to the recommended judges as mentioned above. Vice Ganda is a comedian and more of a novelty singer.

Some says instead of focusing of the talent itself, the show put more emphasis on back track stories with a series of sob stories all you can think of, from cancer patient to a neglected son, fit enough to be featured on Charo Santos drama anthology MMK. But nonetheless it proves one thing -- the Philippines is a country of singers and there are just too many undiscovered talents out there and this is a big opportunity for them to showcase their talent in one of the world’s most popular reality singing competition.  

But whatever they say, I find the show entertaining.  I think it is fair to say that all the judges are doing their job well; it’s just that what is American Idol in the U.S. is different from Idol Philippines and with Vice Ganda around, expect the scenario to be like a comedy bar, but this is what clicks with the audience so be it. 

This early, among those who are likely to advance to the next round  are Jasper Lacson, Lance Busa (winner of Bolt of Talent), Dan Ombao, Kevin Hermogenes, Juancho Gabriel and Matty Juniousa.