Khimo Gumatay was named “Idol Philippines” Season 2 grand winner in the final showdown of the reality competition held last Sunday, Sept. 18.
He impressed judges Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Moira dela Torre, and Chito Miranda and the Uplivers as he garnered a total of 89% combined scores from the judges and the public, beating his competitors Ryssi Avila (49.38%) and Kice (45.77%).
Winning the coveted title is like an advance birthday gift for Khimo as he will be celebrating his 23rd birthday on September 24.
Khimo took home a grand prize of 1 million pesos in cash, a brand-new house and lot from Camella worth P 2.5 million, a recording contract with ABS-CBN Music, and a full franchise package from Dermacare Face, Body, and Laser Center worth P3 million.
Last Saturday, the 22-year old singer from Makati City gave a show-stopping performance with his version of the Shania Twain hit song “You’re Still The One,” which notched him a spot in the Top 3.
Khimo started the showdown with his performance of “Bagong Simula,” a song he dedicated to dreamers like him. He proceeded to belt out an original song “My Time,” written for him by “ASAP” mainstay Jeremy Glinoga.
Apart from the performances of the Top 3 hopefuls, Vice Ganda graced the stage with his rendition of “Pearly Shells.”
He also gave a piece of advice to the grand winner and the other hopefuls: “Sa mananalo pati na sa lahat ng mga sumali nagsimula naman na ang inyong singing career, tapangan niyo. Kasi maraming talented pero hindi lahat matapang kaya bumigay agad. Sa napakaraming haharapin ninyo, hindi easy ang showbiz. Hindi ito easy money. Ang dami mong isasakripisyo dito kaya tapangan niyo.”
The original songs for “Idol Philippines'” Top 6, namely “My Time” by Khimo, “Totoo Na ‘To” by Ryssi, “Angels” by Kice, “Sa Wakas” by Bryan Chong, “Power” by Ann Raniel, and “Ang Pinakaiibigin” by Delly Cuales, are now available on Spotify and other various music platforms.
