TONIGHT IS, BY FAR, THE BEST NIGHT OF LIEZEL EVER! SHE’S PROVEN THE POINT THAT SHE DESERVES TO WIN THE WHOLE LOT. I COULD NEVER BE MORE IMPRESSED, PLUS SHE LOOKED STUNNING, AS ALWAYS.

WE ROUGHLY HAVE 13 MORE HOURS TO MAKE LIEZEL GARCIA THE GRAND STAR DREAMER.

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THIS IS SO CLICHE, BUT SERIOUSLY, EVERY VOTE COUNTS.

Open Voting for 2 weeks!

Top 3 highest vote-getters will be announced on September 13th and will battle it out for the Grand Star Dreamer throne!

Vote now!!!

Thanks to POTOSERV for this banner!

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For ONLINE & INTERNATIONAL VOTING PROCEDURES, click here.

MAY MGA UNOFFICIAL TALLIES NA MAG-CICIRCULATE SA MGA FORUMS AT KUNG SAAN MAN. THEY COULD BE TRUE, BUT LET’S NOT BE COMPLACENT. ISIPIN NATING KULELAT SI LIEZEL.

KULELAT! PANG-ANIM SIYA SA ANIM! NASA IBABA! SO LET’S VOTE!

Alongside Side A frontman Joey G, Liezel delivered the Joey Albert original, Tell Me, another one of those popular mushy hits during the 90’s. This song demanded pure emotion and sentiment. Good thing Liezel improved her emo skills, thanks to Ms. Molina. I sensed passion this time. And yeah, just like her Piolo stint on ASAP, she performed well with a celeb, almost like a pro.

One thing though, the whole performance was a bit too long for me. One too many solo parts, I thought.

Listen to Liezel Garcia and Joey G – Tell Me

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Dulce: “Liezel. You know, mas maganda ang performance mo na ang kasabay mo ay isang professional artist. Hindi ka na yung parang natatakot. And ang sarap pakinggan. Meron lang kailangan mong bantayan, lalo na siguro when you come in cold nung part na hindi ikaw ang kumakanta, pagpasok mo nag sharp. Iingatan mo yon. But as a whole ang ganda-ganda ng performance mo. At napakaganda mo at ang ganda ng boses mo.”

Liezel ranked 4th tonight. I ain’t surprised. Next week, SCHOLARS GET TO CHOOSE THEIR SONGS. FINALLY.

Cris Pastor looked gorgeous as always. =)

Bugoy Bogayan topped the class with Gary V’s “Muli.” Poy Palma’s out, ended her journey strong with Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer.” Probies Van Pojas and Hansen Nichols will battle it out on Saturday for a Top 6 spot.

WATCH THE VIDEO AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP.

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Mr. Salonga’s back! Woohoo! Talk about constructive criticism!

I could imagine hearing Miguel and Liezel’s collaboration on the radio. Problem is, these songs for a contest? Hmmm. It wasn’t that great, just average, but still, both have exceptional vocals. I also thought the performance was a smooth sail, something I’d probably look forward to when I sit, relax and soak up the atmosphere in a bar. What I am 100% sure of is that this counterpoint could never be stellar, let alone be a show stealer regardless who sang it.

Listen to Liezel Garcia and Miguel Mendoza – Stay Awake / Sometimes A Love Goes Wrong

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The Poy-Zhel showdown. I didn’t get it. There wasn’t even a comment from the jury.

Listen to Liezel Garcia and Poy Palma – Got To Be Real

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MIGUEL is in the BOTTOM 4 (huh?). Mentors chose Hansen to stay. Who will Zhel save then? Partner Miguel or bestfriend Cris? For those who look forward to this drama, watch Monday (or check forums for spoilers).

Well-deserved Laarni bagged Star Scholar throne and will be performing on ASAP 08 next week. Nice!

I’ve had enough of duet nights and song spoonfeeding. Please let the scholars choose their piece!

WATCH THE VIDEOS AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP.

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Great! Great! Great!

Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! A recording star is on the rise!

This Sunday, Star Scholar Bugoy will perform on ASAP Live with PDA Season 1 Champ Yeng Constantino! Watch out for it!

WATCH THE VIDEO AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP.

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It’s one of those nights a performer gets to sing a suck-y song. The 8th Gala Performance night was that night for Liezel. I officialy hate mentor’s-choice/producer’s-choice/judge’s-choice or whatchamacallit. Please leave the song picking to the scholars, for crying out loud.

Listen to Liezel Garcia – Best Of My Love

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Judge Louie: “Hi Liezel. Okay, very safe song. You did it well although I was a bit disturbed with the, I don’t know, baka siguro, if I were in your shoe, I would’ve sang it in a lower key, just a slight, a step lower lang because parang I felt that you were straining for the first time, I felt that you were straining. I wasn’t sure about the ending. It was still a good performance. A word of warning, the others are catching up, so you have to work.”

Van Pojas and Chris Pastor were the best, by a mile. At least for me.

The Puerto Galera scholar delivered it so-so as she dropped to number 5 this week.

Nevertheless, it’s still worth a listen.

WATCH THE VIDEO AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP.

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hello guys. hindi tlga tayo nagtatagpo sa chat. haha. pero thanks sa visit at sa comments. support nyo lang si liezel all the way.

ok, ive been getting a lot of PMs and casual conversations regarding the liezel-laarni matter. i’m not a big fan of the primetime/uberture episodes because of such drama, the very reason kaya’t hindi ko alam ang mga nangyayari. i don’t watch pbb. pero sige, i’ll give you my 2 cents since some have been questioning my defending laarni and being a webmaster of liezel garcia online website at the same time.

“Whether you are doing something good or bad, you’re pissing someone off.” – David Cook

yang mga issues na yan, kahit kanino mangyayari yan, lalo na’t public material na ang mga scholars ngayon, taking into account na may public voting na involved. hindi nabubuhay ang ratings pag wala nyan, controversy keeps a reality show runnin’. i’m pretty sure every reality show ceo would be more than happy to welcome such noise with open arms.

sa mga nagccriticize intelligently, let them, karapatan nila yan, even us have the right to do so. sa mga naninira, well, blame it to their upbringing. ganyan sila pinalaki. aren’t we just lucky? hehe. bottom line, support lang natin ang mga scholars because of their gift and their talent, and let’s not hate them for having such emo fans. i’m not just pertaining to PDA, but also to other reality shows and contests wherein may kanya-kanyang manok ang mga tao. believe me, i even encountered far more worse fanatics tuwing american idol season.

if you’re the type of person na naooffend sa mga malicious and negative forum posts and comments, why bother reading it? a forum is a place where anyone could be anonymous, let alone, be someone else. dun sa mga nagdedefend ng kani-kanilang bets, that’s natural, minsan OA, pero it’s human nature.

pero to those na nagkakalat ng false statements, even those who intentionally tweak the story to make someone else look bad, ingatan lang ang anonymity. such claims are punishable by law dito sa Pinas, in case you don’t know. seriously, may iba talaga na they find joy sa paninira at pakikisawsaw sa away. we shouldn’t hate them, rather, understand na in the real world, they’re just a bunch of lonely nobodies.

LIEZEL and LAARNI are my bets who deserve finale spots. LIEZEL gets my vote.

JUST THINKING OUT LOUD. To comment, click here.

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OT. SUPPORTAHAN NATIN ANG BARANGAY! WE GOT GAME 1!

Despite a hell week of non-stop piyoks and hoarseness, WE HAVE OURSELVES A STAR SCHOLAR! Haha.

Liezel regained Star Scholar regime as she Beyonce-d her way up to the top with massive personality and elegance. Her “Listen” performance, a piece Zhel wouldn’t even have dared singing, was the top showstopper of the evening. She proved to us that Beyonce’s songs are not just about the high pitch, birit notes and curves. It’s also about putting soul into it. I must admit that there were a couple of rough spots towards the end due to her condition but it was how she made up for them that was praiseworthy. Notice her last note, she surely felt that she was about to end it flat, so she cut it short. Talk about musical technique.

Listen to Liezel Garcia – Listen

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Judge Louie: “Alam mo Liezel. Hindi lang napakaganda ng boses mo at pagkakanta mo. Para ka pang beauty queen ngayon, ang ganda-ganda mo ngayong gabi. I think this is the performance of the night.”

Indeed, Mr. Ocampo. Indeed.

Again, I reiterate. Liezel’s voice is, by a mile, more captivating live than on TV. Watch the next gala live, and see for yourself.

I would also like to endorse LAARNI LOSALA. She deserves safety this week. Please vote for her.

WATCH THE VIDEO AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP.

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Liezel was first asked to sing the heartfelt “Hiding My Feelings” but was later changed to “Letting Go.” Apple sang the former. MP3s available after the jump.

LISTEN TO BOTH SONGS AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP.

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Proven fact: Watching the show live is way better than watching it on TV.

Liezel, Bunny and Cris did the Spice Girls proud! Strutting their stuff on stage, the girls gave us an outstanding rendition of late 90’s hit song, Stop. LIEZEL LOOKED EXQUISITE! Good thing they worked the stage a little with cute dancing and walking. Judge Louie was impressed. “Finally we’re having fun. I’m giving you a 10!,” he commented.

Listen to Liezel, Bunny and Cris – Stop

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I didn’t like the idea that they had to perform twice in a row. From fast song to acapella? Nakakahingal. LOL.

Anyway, the trio pulled off another girl band hit, Tide Is High. There’s something with this song (not the performance) that makes me not like it. The blending was beautifully executed as they made the most out of the song. Another lovely number!

Listen to Liezel, Bunny and Cris – Tide Is High

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Judge Louie: “You know, to do an acapella number is one of the most difficult things. And I must congratulate you for doing a good job, though, syempre hindi kasing ganda ng isa, pero maganda pa rin. Nag enjoy ako, so I gave you an 8.7.”

No probationary scholars this week. But on Saturday, the Acadreamers will have to go up against each other. Lower score = Probation. Again, I hate this idea.

Liezel Garcia (Listen by Beyonce) vs Laarni Losala (Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin by April Boy)
Van Pojas (Through The Fire by Chaka Khan) vs Hansen Nichols (Bailamos by Enrique Iglesias)
Chris Pastor (It’s Raining Men by Geri Haliwell) vs Bunny Malunda
Bugoy Bogayan vs Apple Abarquez
Miguel Mendoza vs Inaki Ting

Goodluck!

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP!

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RANT: What was up with the group’s “Goodbye Song” performance? I didn’t get it. LOL.

Dressed in a sexy silver cocktail dress (thank you Justin for the term), Liezel looked exceptionally stunning during the Pinoy Dream Academy’s 5th Gala Night. She got the pimp spot, and brought us her rendition of Sa Aking Pag-iisa, another one of those Regene-ified hits with lotsa curly runs making it too complicated for anyone to sing. As much as I would like to patronize this performance, it wasn’t really one of my favorites from her. The side-to-side striding was fun to watch, her movements weren’t awkward at all. But I’ve never been a fan of incoherent background dancers on singing competitions. It was as if her every turn was confusion because of the extra people in the background.

Listen to Liezel Garcia – Sa Aking Pag-iisa

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Judge Gerard: “Hi Liezel. As usual, ang galing. Pero some of the low notes of the song medyo wala sa range mo, hindi mo maabot. The microphone was getting away from you while you were dancing around the stage so medyo may ibang parts na hindi namin marinig. But otherwise, I mean, the only thing we’re worried about is yung progress mo. You have to keep getting better kasi the better you are, the harder it is to improve. Just keep moving and moving and moving, pero ang galing.”

Mr. Salonga was right, off mic moments were much of a bother. Pure vocals are still intact, nonetheless. She has this timbre to her voice that’s truly captivating – slow or upbeat. Though I would’ve preferred hearing the original mellow version of the song, I appreciated Liezel’s tenacity to stir things up, singing the fast paced part that suited her. Regene’s songs, as well as Whitney’s and Mariah’s, are way too rangy and so owned. Too oversang by many, that no matter how hard you try to follow the melody hitting all high flying notes, it’ll still come out as copycat suicide. Talk about diva comparison. The disco melody proved that Zhel can sing well on the dance genre too. The girl also knew how to work the stage. Quite impressive.

Liezel’s performance was pleasant enough to land the Top 3 as she garnered 8.73, same score as Laarni – who had one of her best nights, by the way. Bugoy managed to top the evening with his Boyz II Men take, getting an 8.80 average.

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP!

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First off, Resident Judge Gerard’s comment: “Hanep! That was really good! Pati yung kulot sabay na sabay, it was great! Yung konting diction issues lang, pero, if you can just work on that. Whew! Okay na to!”

Now someone’s in the mood! Mr. Salonga couldn’t be more impressed with this hot duet from Bugoy and Zhel. Suffice it to say that the duo delivered one of, if not, the best performance of the evening. The runs were spot-on, excellently rehearsed and not overdone – a rarity. “If I Ain’t Got You” has been sung a million times now with all the screeching, shouting and overlapping. Bugoy and Zhel showed us the way to perform without overkilling it.

Listen to Liezel Garcia and Bugoy Bogayan – If I Ain’t Got You

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Middle of the week, song change occurred and it was a bit of a disappointment. They switched their gala piece from “Hanggang” to “If I Ain’t Got You.” “Hanggang” is one of the most beautifully written songs ever – with the complete absence of cheesiness and mushiness – plus a lovely melody and a personal favorite. The sweetness of Liezel’s voice complimented Bugoy’s R&B-ish tone during a rehearsal. I thought it was so heartfelt, it would’ve given them enough praises for another Star Scholar week. But maybe, Liezel didn’t want to stick with mellow songs and lullabies. A wise choice indeed.

They pulled it off. So congrats to Bugoy & Liezel!

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP!

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It’s UBERTURE time! Just heard from my good friend, Brad, over at PEX that Liezel is now a certified One Voice member and this Saturday’s Gala Night will be a Duets Night! Bugoy chooses Liezel, which I think is a good team-up. I was a bit worried though about their what’s-it-gonna-be choice of song.

I don’t wanna hear: Please Be Careful With My Heart, Say That You Love Me, I Finally Found Someone, I Want To Spend My Lifetime
Ayokong marinig: Magkasuyo Buong Gabi, Ikaw Lamang, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang

Not that I hate them. It’s just that, these songs have been owned. Unless you’re David Cook and you put a little twist on it.

Listen to Liezel and Bugoy’s “Hanggang”

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Anyhow, I was in awe upon hearing Liezel and Bugoy’s run through. The blending was just perfect, both voices were crystal, and it’s a Tagalog song! Yay. Bring it on guys!

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP!

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Liezel maintained Star Scholar regime with an 8.70 score as she performed “So Much In Love” during the 3rd Gala Performance Night of Pinoy Dream Academy, July 5. Originally done by Sheena Easton, this was actually the first time we’ve seen Zhel smokin’ an upbeat song. I thought it was okay, though I much prefer seeing her perform a slow poppin’ R&B hit. But what the heck. At least she isn’t boring, and we are now aware she could pull of a Rihanna. Change is good.

Judges were presented. First was musical director Gerard Salonga, who have been pretty much the Simon Cowell of PDA. I really like him – he knows musicality and does not compromise with the cheering audience. Check out his insightful feedback on Christian Alvear’s. Anway, singer Rachelle Ann Go was this week’s guest judge and sitting beside her was resident judge Louie Ocampo.

Host Billie was with Zhel and the 2 probies, Jet and Sheng, as we saw the footage of Liezel’s mom receiving the “Star Scholar” gift – a necklace. Mommy is evidently happy and proud of her daughter’s achievements, reminding Zhel to stay grounded.

“I love you, yun lang talaga. Na-mimiss ko na siya.” says teary-eyed Liezel to her mom.

As last week’s Star Scholar, she was up first. I thought (and was hoping) Mr. Salonga would take on Zhel since he was the first one introduced among the jury.

Listen to Liezel Garcia – So Much In Love

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Rachel: “Sobrang ganda ng boses mo, super. Nakikinig ako kanina, sobrang linis. Yun nga lang, medyo, sa stage, medyo stiff lang ng konti. Okay naman yung song mo kaso mas gusto ko yung nanggagaling sa mata sana yung nararamdaman galing sa puso. Pero overall naman okay naman yung performance. Sobrang ganda ng boses mo.”

I second to that. A little movement on stage won’t hurt, Liezel. It’s an uptempo song and we need to do that thang, y’know! Haha. Nevertheless, that mesmerizing voice that we love was stirring, flawless than ever. Oh, and no noticeable diction problems, yay! Congrats!

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP!

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I am proud to announce that Liezel once again captured and won the judges’ hearts with her soulful rendition of Whitney Houston’s Count On Me. She was the only one who got praises from toughie – acclaimed Musical Director Gerard Salonga.

Listen to Liezel Garcia – Count On Me

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Judge Gerard: “Hi Liezel. You have a gift. You have a very nice voice. Ganda ng voice mo. Very musical. ‘Eto lang ang problema ko. Number one is English diction, medyo kailangan trabahuin ng konti. Secondly, hindi ko maramdaman kung kinakanta mo para sa akin o para sa’yo yung kanta. Hindi ko alam. Make sure you deliver the message of the song to us, to the listeners. Pero galing!”

I agree with Direk Gerard’s points for improvement. He sounded a bit Cowell-ish though. What he probably meant was, Liezel’s tension was more evident than her connection. I completely understand his side. Hope this wouldn’t be taken for granted by the mentors.

Toni announced that last week’s Star Scholar Liezel could give her “small dream” gift personally to her Aunt Miguela. Her cousin, MariFe, went up the stage in behalf of her mom.

“Sana lagi siya magiingat sa health niya. Kasi medyo matanda na rin. So laging ingat lang sa health. At miss ko na sila,” said Liezel.

Then we saw some exceprts from the mentors’ room.

Mr. C: “.. mga star scholars masyadong pressured yung performance nila. I think Leizel was pushing too hard.”

Nevertheless, Liezel managed to bag the Star Scholar prestige for the second time! The other top scholars were Bugoy with his unexpected twist on “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and Laarni who bounced back with Streisand Classic, “As If We Never Said Goodbye.”

Kudos to ex-Scholar Chivas for his Pink stint with “Just Like A Pill.” I definitely thought this performance would’ve given Liezel a run for her money. Haha.

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE AND COMMENT AFTER THE JUMP!

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