GMA 7 eyes RP ‘Idol’
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 00:53am (Mla time) 09/03/2007
MANILA, Philippines – There's been persistent talk that “Philippine Idol” is moving from ABC 5 to GMA 7 for its second season.
“We’ve heard that,” confirmed Perci Intalan, ABC 5 head of creative and entertainment production. “But last week, we were still discussing with FremantleMedia (“Idol” franchise holder) … about producing not only ‘Philippine Idol,’ but also ‘Asian Idol.’”
“Philippine Idol” winner Mau Marcelo is set to compete with other country champs in “Asian Idol,” set in Indonesia this November.
Noel Ferrer, manager of “Idol” host Ryan Agoncillo, told Inquirer Entertainment that his talent was committed to do ABC 5’s “Asian Idol” special―which would feature the preparation of Marcelo for the regional contest.
According to Intalan, ABC 5 is all set to continue the local “Idol.” However, he admitted that it was not entirely “inconceivable” for GMA 7 to be in talks with Fremantle because it’s producing the local version of ‘Celebrity Duets’ and is airing ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?’ [on sister station QTV]. Both are Fox shows. I wouldn’t be surprised if other networks would be interested, ‘Idol’ generated a lot of buzz for ABC 5.”
Option no guarantee
Although ABC 5 has the “option,” it’s not “assured” of a second season, said another source.
A GMA 7 insider confirmed, “The network is in the process of short-listing celebrity judges for ‘Idol’.”
However, according to the source, host Ryan Agoncillo and main judge Ryan Cayabyab are both still attached to the show.
Sought for comment, Ryan Cayabyab insisted, “[I am not] part of the ‘Idol’ package; I’m just a hired talent. The producers are free to get whoever they want [in my stead].”
A network insider said Fremantle had reportedly “recommended” that the two Ryans still be part of the show’s second season.
However, Cayabyab reiterated, “Wherever the ‘Idol’ show is aired, I hope that it will continue to promote Filipino talent. I’m all for anything that helps the Pinoy artist.”
Ongoing
Another network insider insisted that GMA 7 was still negotiating with Fremantle.
“Talks are ongoing. Nothing is final yet,” said the insider.
GMA 7 is reportedly eyeing a February 2008 launch for its “Idol.”
Sure deal
What is certain, though, is that GMA 7 will do the local version of “Are You Smarter,” with Janno Gibbs as host, the network insider said.
In the end, according to sources both from ABC 5 and GMA 7, the fate of “Philippine Idol” rests on ABC 5 big boss Tony Boy Cojuangco and Fremantle.
“Whether or not the show will continue on ABC 5 is entirely up to him and Fremantle,” said the source.
Inquirer
Last updated 00:53am (Mla time) 09/03/2007
MANILA, Philippines – There's been persistent talk that “Philippine Idol” is moving from ABC 5 to GMA 7 for its second season.
“We’ve heard that,” confirmed Perci Intalan, ABC 5 head of creative and entertainment production. “But last week, we were still discussing with FremantleMedia (“Idol” franchise holder) … about producing not only ‘Philippine Idol,’ but also ‘Asian Idol.’”
“Philippine Idol” winner Mau Marcelo is set to compete with other country champs in “Asian Idol,” set in Indonesia this November.
Noel Ferrer, manager of “Idol” host Ryan Agoncillo, told Inquirer Entertainment that his talent was committed to do ABC 5’s “Asian Idol” special―which would feature the preparation of Marcelo for the regional contest.
According to Intalan, ABC 5 is all set to continue the local “Idol.” However, he admitted that it was not entirely “inconceivable” for GMA 7 to be in talks with Fremantle because it’s producing the local version of ‘Celebrity Duets’ and is airing ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?’ [on sister station QTV]. Both are Fox shows. I wouldn’t be surprised if other networks would be interested, ‘Idol’ generated a lot of buzz for ABC 5.”
Option no guarantee
Although ABC 5 has the “option,” it’s not “assured” of a second season, said another source.
A GMA 7 insider confirmed, “The network is in the process of short-listing celebrity judges for ‘Idol’.”
However, according to the source, host Ryan Agoncillo and main judge Ryan Cayabyab are both still attached to the show.
Sought for comment, Ryan Cayabyab insisted, “[I am not] part of the ‘Idol’ package; I’m just a hired talent. The producers are free to get whoever they want [in my stead].”
A network insider said Fremantle had reportedly “recommended” that the two Ryans still be part of the show’s second season.
However, Cayabyab reiterated, “Wherever the ‘Idol’ show is aired, I hope that it will continue to promote Filipino talent. I’m all for anything that helps the Pinoy artist.”
Ongoing
Another network insider insisted that GMA 7 was still negotiating with Fremantle.
“Talks are ongoing. Nothing is final yet,” said the insider.
GMA 7 is reportedly eyeing a February 2008 launch for its “Idol.”
Sure deal
What is certain, though, is that GMA 7 will do the local version of “Are You Smarter,” with Janno Gibbs as host, the network insider said.
In the end, according to sources both from ABC 5 and GMA 7, the fate of “Philippine Idol” rests on ABC 5 big boss Tony Boy Cojuangco and Fremantle.
“Whether or not the show will continue on ABC 5 is entirely up to him and Fremantle,” said the source.
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