Two more Pinoy Idol hopefuls had to say goodbye yesterday during the June 8 Elimination Night, leaving 14 contestants to vie for the much-coveted title. Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos courtesy of GMA Network.

Raymond opened the show by announcing the judges' picks on who would most probably be in the bottom group this week: JJ, Daryl, Warren, and Gretchen were the four names he mentioned.

The contestants performed their musical influences for Friday and Saturday's episodes, and those who stood out among the males were JJ, Toffer, and Walton, while the females who got positive remarks were Sue, Mae, and Penelope.

Friday, June 6, 2008: Boys' Performance Night

The guys were called first, with Kid, Walton, and Toffer ending up in the bottom three. Unfortunately, Walton was voted out, leaving the two to rejoin those who were moving on to the next round.




What does 25-year old Walton from Laguna have to say about his experience in Pinoy Idol? "Isang word lang. Sacrifice," he replies. "Bago ka umabot sa top, hangga't hindi mo ginagawa dapat mo gawin, di mo maaabot." He also adds that he's grateful for everyone who supported him along the way in the competition.

The seven male contestants left to compete for next week's eliminations are: Warren Antig, Robby Navarro, Toffer Rei, JJ Jr., Ram Chaves, Daryl Celis, and Elizalde Camaya

Saturday, June 7, 2008: Girls' Performance Night

During the girls' turn, those in the bottom three were: Mae, Jenny, and Meryl, with Meryl as the one who got voted out.

The 23-year old Bicolana explained during her last song with Walton that she was shedding tears of sadness and joy. "Na-discover ko dito na I can also go out of my way to really sing for a purpose. I'd like to be remembered as more than a singer. It [takes] more than a voice [to] inspire. [It's] humbling [because] I was able to realize that everyone's gifted—hindi lang ako [ang] sinuwerte."

The seven females left are: Gretchen Espina, Mae Flores, Penelope, Jayann Bautista, Carol Leus, Sue Ellen, and Jeni Rawolle.

The three judges also aired their opinions on this week's results.

"I'm not happy," imparts Ogie Alcasid. "But the people have spoken, so be it. You have so much talent, [so] go on," he advises Walton and Meryl.

Jolina Magdangal shares that she's also dissatisfied with the turnout. "Hindi talaga ako happy kasi nakita ko [ang] galing nila this week. Pero syempre, [mga tao] pa rin nagde-decide."

"Again I will always mention this and you will have to remember [it]," says Wyngard. "Isa lang matitira [dito]. [Ganito] talaga [ang] competition. From here, you have to move on. Isa lang talaga Pinoy Idol. You performed very well—yun na ang consolation niyo. You [just] have to respect the decision of the viewers."

With 14 contestants left, tune in next week for the Final 12!