Pinoy Idol is the second Idol franchise in the Philippines, replacing ABC’s Philippines Idol, after FremantleMedia awarded GMA the rights to the franchise and slated to be aired on the first quarter or around February of 2008. It is bound to be a spectacular showdown of talent among the most promising young singers of the archipelago.

Pinoy Idol is the new local equivalent of the American Idol franchise. GMA promoted Pinoy Idol as “the first Idol competition in the Philippines” during its New Year’s Eve 2007 Presentation, and therefore will not recognize Philippine Idol and its winner Mau Marcelo.

Louie Ignacio, who directs GMA’s variety program SOP Rules and was part of the network’s own singing competition Pinoy Pop Superstar, is slated to direct the first season of Pinoy Idol.

Raymond Gutierrez, the twin brother of Richard Gutierrez was chosen by GMA-7 to host the most-awaited Philippine franchise of the world’s number one singing competition dubbed as Pinoy Idol. Sitting as judges of Pinoy Idol are singer/composer/comedian Ogie Alcasid, multimedia artist Jolina Magdangal, and talent manager Wyngard Tracy.

Audition Schedule:

January 17 - SM Cagayan de Oro
February 12 - SM Cebu
February 19 - Davao
February 21 - SMX Mall of Asia
February 28 - Dagupan
March 6 - SM Clark
March 13 - Naga

Pinoy Idol hopefuls are required to bring a full body photo and proof of age (birth certificate, etc). Applicants who are 16 to 17 years old must bring a signed parental consent (stating that they have their parents’ permission to join the contest). Everybody is required to dress to impress.