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.

In the tradition of the Anne Curtis armpits post, let me present to you, the underarms of Alicia Keys, lol. In fairness, despite Alicia Keys being black, her armpits are not ewww black. By the way, Alicia Keys will be back in Manila after her very successful concert in Manila years ago. Alicia Keys Live in Manila was held last night, August 5 at the open grounds of the SM Mall of Asia Complex (moved inside the Convention Comlex because of rain). The SM Mall of Asia Complex is where the MTV Music Summit was held. Alicia Keys Live in Manila was brought to you by MTV Philippines. Meanwhile, Alicia Keys and Jack White have recorded the theme song for the new James Bond film”Quantum of Solace.” The R&B singer and White Stripes frontman Jack White  have teamed up for “Another Way to Die,” the first duet to be chosen as a Bond theme.

Before the Philippines, Alicia Keys came from successful concerts in Jakarta, Indonesia; Hongkong, and Singapore. Alicia Keys has rolled out a number of concert dates in North America too.

• Sept 12: Mashantucket, CT The MGM Grand at Foxwoods
• Sept 13: Hammond, IN The Venue
• Sept 14: Cincinnati, OH Procter and Gamble Hall
• Sept 17: Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre
• Sept 18: Salt Lake City, UT Abravenel Hall
• Sept 20: Seattle, WA WaMu Theater
• Sept 21: Vancouver, British Columbia Orpheum Theatre
• Sept 26: Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl
• Sept 27: Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre