Gretchen Espina was voted as the very first Pinoy Idol in the star-studded finale night of Pinoy Idol last night at the SMX (SM Mall of Asia Convention Complex). Gretchen Espina, 20, from Biliran Province in the Samar-Leyte Region, and daughter of the Governor of Biliran Province, bested 21-year-old Jayann Bautista of Pampanga in the final two to win the first ever Pinoy Idol. The Pinoy Idol finale night started with a three-way battle for the Idol title with Ram Chaves of Cagayan De Oro City eventually placing third.

Jayann Bautista and Gretchen Espina each sang their own interpretation of the Ogie Alcasid composition “To You,” ala American Idol’s memorable final songs like “A Moment Like This,” ( Kelly Clarkson), “I Believe,” (Fantasia), among other greats. Let’s just wait and see if the Gretchen Espina final song “To You” will attain great popularity in the Philippines. In fairness to Gretchen Espina, she i think of the performers on Saturday were the best and it’s true that she was a revelation that night. I actually like her version of “For Your Eyes Only,” she sang it with feelings, not just with hysterics and histrionics. (mind you, lol)

The prizes pala for the first Pinoy Idol were amazingly huge in Philippine standards (which Gretchen Espina should just donate to her province mates, she does not really need some of those) with 1 million in cash from SM Supermall, a recording contract from Sony BMG, a management contract from GMA Artist Center, a brand new car courtesy of Mitsubishi, and a condo unit in New Manila courtesy of Avida Towers.

Ace Young, for those who don’t know who is Ace Young, was on American Idol a couple of seasons ago. Ace Young shirtless photos caused some scandal among fans who wanted it to be removed in all of the internet (some task there, lol)..Well, Ace Young is back and strips on video for an advocacy campaign though for strip2clothe.com saying “With your help we can help keep clothes on kids backs across the country!”

Danny Noriega criticizes American Idol for not giving him a free invite to the American Idol finale next week. Danny Noriega placed 11th in the current season of American Idol. He was invited by was it Ellen DeGeneres or Rosie O’ Donnel to sing in a cruse ship and to move in with her by Filipina Ramiele Malubay. Danny Noriega says that American Idol is full of $hit. Watch Danny Noriega below rant (again?).

Before her pregnancy, Sheree starred in the straight to DVD release, erotic DVD, “Bosom Bodies” with another Viva Hot Babe, Jennifer Lee.

In that Bosom Bodies DVD, Sheree and Jennifer Lee had a lesbian kiss and both showed their boobs full frontal. Sheree is also in the cast of RoXXXane with Janvier Daily and Jay Aquitania, an indie film now showing at the Indie Sine of Robinsons Galleria.

Giancarlo Magdangal meanwhile has a wholesome matinee idol image, placing second in the first ( and last! ) Philippine Idol. Philippine Idol is actually the first edition of the Idol franchise, like American Idol, but GMA reportedly will not recognize the winners of the first Philippine Idol as it was shown in rival ABC 5. GMA 7 was awarded the Philippine franchise of the Idol by Fremantle and has now renamed it, Pinoy Idol.

Sheree had a longtime relationship with another actor, OneMig Bondoc, while Giancarlo Magdangal with Aiza Marquez.