Tuesday, August 08, 2006
IDOLMANIA PHILIPPINE STYLE
This Tuesday, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson are once again hitting the road in search for a new batch of contenders between the ages of 16 to 28 for the sixth season of American Idol. The tryouts start at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, followed by dates in Texas, New Jersey, Alabama, Tennessee, Minnesota and Washington.Over here in the tropics, the first season of Philippine Idol was launched on Sunday, July 30th. The host is Ryan Agoncillo while the judges are Ryan Cayabyab, Pilita Corales and Francis Magalona. The franchise was awarded to Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC), which also broadcasts American Idol and World Idol in the Philippines.
I wonder if the Philippine Idol will remain true to the original premise of its American counterpart; that is, its winner to be ultimately chosen by the public. You see, existing singing contests produced by local major networks, despite their solicitation of public votes through cellphone texting, the final winner remains to be the sole discretion of the network executives. Hence, SMS votes are merely to create another revenue stream for the networks.
Side note:
When I snapped this picture of giant banners hanging on the façade of SM San Lazaro mall, I was approached by one of its guards and asked why I was taking pictures of their edifice. I knew this was coming because a particular forum in PinoyPhotography discussed certain legal issues when photographing private properties. One member had pointed out that SM does not particularly appreciate anyone taking pictures of their property, but would allow foreign tourists to freely do so. So I told him the truth: I wanted to write about our local version of American Idol and share it with friends living abroad; that a picture of their banner would be perfect to go along with my missive. Moreover, I would have asked for permission first but the only SM guard around was busily directing traffic at the pedestrian crossing over at Tayuman. He accepted my explanation. Lesson learned here is always request for permission first.
Labels: idolmania, life in Manila
posted by Señor Enrique at 11:06 PM
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