Controversies have risen after he got the boot first among the three final contenders despite a great performance. Skepticism amplified after viewers saw the blunder on the graphics and voice announcement.
Was it really just an "honest mistake," wherein someone simply chose the wrong combination of names or did someone accidentally transmit his own thoughts and personal choice? Was the victory really Jimmy's or did Kris really deserve it?
Some people whom I have asked said it was Kris' star factor and versatility that brought him the dough. Many Cebuanos think otherwise. Especially, the ones who came to see the grand draw of Metro Ayala's Wish Upon A Car Raffle Promo last Sunday.
Jimmy Marquez had been the special guest star of the draw. I chanced upon him backstage just a few minutes before the show started. The audience chanted his name as soon as they spotted him and his entourage briskly walking towards the backstage area.
Our paths had crossed several times during shows when he was yet a band vocalist. Familiarity plus his radiant smile made it easy for me to ask him such direct questions. With little time in my hands, I still managed to get his views and thoughts of the night that everyone still keeps on buzzing about.
Lou: Naunsa man to Jim? Did you notice anything strange that night?
Jimmy: Actually, Miss Lou, lain na to akong na-feel that night. It was when Agot started to cry na nakaingon ko, wala na gyud.
L: How did you really feel after the announcement?
J: Nakahilak gyud ko Of course there was that feeling of disappointment pero after that, okay na.
L: What was your reaction to the mistake made on the board announcement?
J: Actually, wa gud ko kabantay kay I was still crying that time. But somebody did tell me about it a little while after.
L: How did Sheryn (Regis) react to the decision?
J: Midu-ol baya ta to siya nako. Mitibi gud si Sheryn. Pero, okay ra. I was happy enough to have gotten that far. I didn't even expect to be one of the top finalists.
L: What was your most overwhelming experience in joining "Search for the Star in a Million"?
J: For me, it was being chosen as one of the top finalists because I really didn't expect it. Plus the support I got from everyone around me and the ones I met after the finals made me feel like I had won.
This was exactly what he told the audience in between two song performances during the show. Jimmy's fans could not stop shouting his name. "Makahilak man pud tag balloon ninyo oy!" Jimmy quipped.
He entertained the audience not only with his soulful performances but with his radiant personality as well. He interacted with the audience and cracked some jokes, which delighted his fans even more.
What really got to me was what one very candid female fan did. After Jimmy promoted the "Star in a Million" album to the audience, this lady boldly shouted, "Di mi oy kay di mi ganahan anang Kris!" That certainly got more than a chuckle from everyone watching the show.
Jimmy's announcement regarding his contract with Viva records earned a lot of cheers from the audience. He ended by thanking his fans "Kahibalo gud ko that united kaayo tang mga Cebuanos sa pagsuporta. Thank you so muchI still feel that I have won."
Jimmy did win...in the hearts of many Cebuanos who believe in him-and they certainly outnumber the judges who thought otherwise that night! Glory may not have been his but the experience is just the beginning of a potential masterpiece many of us hope to see in the near future. After all, we Cebuanos are known for our persevering character. Sheryn had strongly taken the first step it's up to Jimmy to take the trail.