‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ new judges ready for action

Two judges are out but three new ones are in.

With veterans Kris Aquino and Ai Ai de las Alas dropping out of the judging panel, “Pilipinas Got Talent” (PGT) is gearing up for its upcoming season with new judges Angel Locsin, Robin Padilla and Vice Ganda.

Aquino will not be returning this season after reportedly citing health problems, while De las Alas is already tied with GMA Network after transferring last year.

Retired ABS-CBN head Freddie M. Garcia will remain as the fourth judge for his fifth consecutive season. “We have a lot of talent in the Philippines. We hope to discover them this season,” he said.

Real-life best friends Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford are keeping their hosting duties as well.

The four judges were all present during the show’s red carpet opening and taping of the first set of auditions on Tuesday at Kia Theater in Quezon City.

“I am super ready, super excited to be a judge,” said comedian-host and box office star Vice Ganda in an interview.

Acknowledging that the competition would be very tight among the contenders, Vice Ganda said he was looking for an act who “will affect him and touch his heart and soul.”

“I don’t want this show to be “Pilipinas Got Awa (sympathy),” he said. “I want that this would all be about talent and the winner would be really deserving.”

Vice Ganda, who had previously served as a temporary judge for the show, expressed excitement and said he was ready to have a fun time with his cojudges.

Padilla, meanwhile, believes that the latest season will be much more exciting than the previous ones. “The judges would be more excellent, as well as the talent of the performers,” the actor said.

He said he would be an ally of the contestants throughout the competition. However, he added that he would not be too kind nor too strict.

“I will not show off. And I will say things from my heart,” said Padilla, who also had previous experience in hosting a talent show.

For Locsin, talent is not the only key to succeed and win people’s hearts.

“I want good attitude. I want magic,” the award-winning actress said.

Locsin said she was lucky to have opportunities to showcase her talent in the past and now was the time to repay the acceptance and chances people had granted her.

“I want to say yes to all but that’s not possible because we have to be honest and fair to the contestants,” she said.

A new element in this year’s PGT is the power of each judge to pick one act that will dart straight to the semi-finals using the “Golden Buzzer,” according to business unit head Lui Andrada.

First introduced in the country six years ago, PGT is the local franchise of the “Got Talent” format created by Syco Entertainment, a company co-owned by music and television mogul Simon Cowell.

It is coming back for its fifth season this month, following the success of four Filipino acts who got through the grand finals of AXN’s first “Asia’s Got Talent” (AGT) last May, two of whom are PGT alumni.

Season 3 finalist shadow-play group El Gamma Penumbra emerged as the grand champion of AGT, while singer Gerphil Flores from Season 1 finished in third place.

READ: El Gamma Penumbra is ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ grand winner

The talent reality show showcases performers across the country such as singers, dancers, magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists and other entertaining aspirants, all competing for the chance to win P2 million.

The previous winners, who are all singing acts, include Jovit Baldivino, Marcelito Pomoy, the Maasinhon Trio and Roel Manlangit. RAM/RC

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Originally posted: 02:50 PM January 12th, 2016