Philippine Idol: Pinoy Dream Academy Piracy Theory

AN ABC 5 OFFICIAL HAS confirmed reports that one contestant in the talent search program “Philippine Idol” has dropped out of the competition to join a rival singing contest —after another TV network reportedly approached several contestants and convinced them to switch channels.

“We are sad because kids have to face decisions like these so soon,” Perci Intalan, ABC 5 Creative and Entertainment Production head told Inquirer Entertainment on Wednesday. “They are still new in the business. From our end, we are flattered. Instead of looking elsewhere, other networks decided to just get ‘Philippine Idol’ contestants, apparently because they see that the best have come here.”

An ABC 5 insider said the one who left joined ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Dream Academy,” which has the same format as “Idol.” “Dream Academy” is a franchise from the same Dutch company behind the Kapamilya network’s “Pinoy Big Brother.” Continued...