Lucena woman wins ‘Idol’

Pinoys love underdogs, not the least Maureen "Mau" Marcelo, the soul belter who was named the first "Philippine Idol" in ABC 5’s six-month-long talent search capped by a glittering finals at a jampacked Araneta Coliseum last Sunday night.

Mau was the last person standing in a hotly contested search that pitted her against La Sallian Giancarlo "Gian" Magdangal and Atenean Jan Kurt "Jan" Nieto.

The Quezon National High School graduate, who resembles a young Aretha Franklin, stole the scene from the more stage-savvy Gian and Jan.

The competition was neck-and-neck. Mau edged out the second placer by only 1.42 percent.

"I didn’t expect it," says Mau of her victory, especially because two of the Idol judges (Pilita Corrales and Francis Magalona) announced during performance night last Saturday that the winner would be male.

"I just prayed and I thank those who prayed for me like Fr. Faller and my supporters," relates Mau.

Asked what she will do with her P1-million cash prize, Mau replied, "They say I should buy a car first – even second-hand. So I will not commute – by riding a tricycle or a bus." As the big winner, she will also receive recording and management contracts from ABC 5, Fremantle and SonyBMG.

The 26-year-old lass from Lucena City is a veteran of singing contests, from barangay to national levels. Mau has won 200 trophies all in all. Before Philippine Idol, she joined Viva’s talent search "Star for a Night" on IBC 13 where Sarah Geronimo won and Mark Bautista was a finalist. "It was Sarah’s time," says Mau of the Sarah’s victory. And Mau’s time has come.

Before finals night, however, everything was a blur for the televiewers and live audience because Mau, Gian and Jan gave the best performance of their lives.

During performance night, the finalists sang three songs each – a song of their choice, another one picked by the judges and still another chosen by the record company.

For the first round, Gian performed Impossible Dream; Jan, Say That You Love Me and Mau, Love Takes Time. Jan owned this round for his out-of-the box interpretation.

The next round belonged to Gian, who sang Volare. Mr. C (Ryan Cayabyab) said Gian’s performance was world-class. Jan, however, gave Gian a run for his money when he crooned Sway.

"Tinapatan mo si Gian (You equaled Gian), " commented judge Francis M. Mau, on the other hand, received not-so-good comments from the judges for the Balut performance. Francis said her performance of the song at SM Megamall was better than the interpretation she did in Araneta. Mr. C agreed with the rapper-producer by saying he has seen better performers doing the number and Mau lost concentration.

The third round came. Gian was in his best vocal form and engaging stage presence, singing Flying Without Wings. In his rendition of Evergreen, Jan showed how he has improved as an Idol contender. He was a big threat that night. Mau, whom many believe did well in her Balut song, showcased her effortless vocal calisthenics in On My Own. She nailed down the Whitney Houston hit, prompting Mr. C to comment, "This is what I’ve been waiting for. It has magic."

The scales tipped in her favor.

"It still boils down to talent," says Mau of what the Pinoys are looking for in their Idol – more than looks and charm – at the end of the day.

"I’m happy and proud that I’ll represent the Philippines in the ‘World Idol’."