Intensity was the order of the day for the fourth Live Exam of “Artista Academy” as the remaining 13 scholars raised their game. In a show with the theme “Intense”, most of them students lived up to the name.
Marvelous Alejo, however, found out the hard way that missing a crucial exam date can have dire consequences. Although she managed to escape expulsion last Monday, Principal Wilma Galvante nonetheless ordered her to do a make-up exam, which means she had to perform in both the dancing and acting competitions for this week.
The double preparation seemed to take its toll on Marvelous as the critics were not impressed with her showing in both categories.
While director Mac Alejandre complimented her overall impact in the dancing round, all four critics (Galvante, Alejandre, Lorna Tolentino and Gelli De Belen) were unanimous in saying that her performance was simply not so marvelous in the acting department.
By the end of the show, the 16-year old Valenzuela native was joined in the bottom three by Benjo Leoncio, who didn’t fare so well himself in the dancing segment, and Brent Manzano, which was quite a surprise considering that he wasn’t singled out by any critic in the acting showdown.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert, Chanel Morales continued to live up to their frontrunner status as they consistently topped their respective categories.
Although Vin was cited as the overall Top Performer in the dancing and singing categories, the critics noted that his acoustic performance of Adele’s “Someone Like You” was somewhat lackluster and the only reason he got the highest grade there is that he was still better than his singing competitors Mark Neumann, Shaira Mae and Akihiro Blanco.
Knowing that he’s no Justin Bieber, Mark tried to make up for his lack of singing abilities by adding some dancing to his overall performance of Bieber’s “Baby” and managed to impress LT, Gelli and Principal Wilma.
Akihiro, who excelled in the acting face-off last week, failed to maintain his momentum as the female critics all called him out for his uninspired singing this week.
For the third week in a row, Sophie was once again a standout in the dancing competition even as she was also given a recognition as the overall Top Performer in the acting category.
Alberto Bruno was also cited for his dancing as Direk Mac noted how hard he has been working on his craft.
And critics’ darling Chanel Morales was particularly impressive in the acting derby as all competitors, including Marvelous, Brent, Malak So Shdifat and Stephanie Rowe, had to play characters with dual or multiple personalities and interact with other actors in their sets.
In a suspense thriller-themed contest, Chanel delivered the goods with her performance of a mental patient possessed by an evil spirit. Malak and Stephanie were also cited by their convincing portrayals as well.
While there was very little by way of surprises and the scholars brought their A-game to the Live Exam, it was also clear that they showed more confidence and seemed more relaxed on stage.
Getting more public exposure may have something to do with that as the scholars also graced the premiere of “I Do Bidoo Bidoo (Heto nAPO Sila)” to which they paid tribute in their opening number and a special screening of “Bwakaw,” both at SM Megamall.
In any case, fans still need to vote to keep their favorite scholars from being kicked out in another expulsion night this coming Monday. To vote for you favorite “Artista Academy” students and save them from elimination, text AA space (name of student) and send to 5656.
Hosted by Cesar Montano, Marvin Agustin and Valeen Montenegro, “Artista Academy” airs on TV5 every Monday to Friday at 9PM and every Saturdays at 9:30PM.
article source: interaksyon.com
