For Gretchen Espina, show business did not entirely welcome her with open arms after winning “Pinoy Idol” a year ago. Instead of succumbing to critics who were not exactly in favor of her winning local “Idol,” Gretchen took her time to ponder her options and emerge a better performer, a sexier songstress and a more mature woman who is ready to take the hard bites of show business.

For starters, she was able to get back on track via her debut solo CD “Shining Through” from Sony Music. During Gretchen’s album launch at Holiday Inn Galleria Suites last Wednesday, Gretchen performed as though she was ready for stardom, whether her detractors approved or not.

“I have learned to deal with the haters in the business. Meron pa ring mga haters eh pero the more important thing that I realized is that marami nang nag-switch side [to my favor],” Gretchen said to the entertainment press.

With a hint of disappointment, she added, “Mahirap naman magpaka-plastic and say na hindi ako nasasaktan. But I know better to just grow with the criticisms. I’d rather learn and grow from it. Pasok sa isang tainga, digest and think about the things I could learn from it tapos ilabas sa kabilang tainga yung the rest. I know that I cannot please everybody.”

It will be recalled that Gretchen faced-off with co-Idol finalist Jayann Bautista whom she said remains a friend. “Although I haven’t talked with her in a long while, okay naman kami ni Jayann. I think she’s just busy doing her own solo album,” Gretchen explained.

ONE YEAR AFTER

The public expected more of Gretchen after she won “Pinoy Idol.” Instead of overshooting the driveway, Gretchen opted to hone her craft while constantly reminding herself that releasing her solo CD will happen at its own perfect time. Believing that she now has more in her arsenal to please more of the public, the young singer wishes to capitalize in a renewed sense en route stardom.

“One year and one day after winning Idol, I finally come out with my solo CD. Ang dami na ngang nagtatanong kung kailan lalabas ito… well finally it’s out. I believe that there’s a perfect time for everything and for this CD, now is the time. Kung lumabas din ito dati, hindi pa siguro ako ganun ka-ready,” Gretchen explained.

“Shining Through” played around a good number of genres aimed to showcase Gretchen’s range but the singer believes she is at her best doing easy-listening types of ballads. “I can do R&B, pop at kaya ko na ring bumirit but I think I am most at home doing ballads lang na masarap lang pakinggan.

I also like songs with a good amount of emotion. For example, yung carrier single ng album na ‘Kasalanan Nga Ba’ was recorded during the time na kaka-break lang namin ng boyfriend ko kaya I felt I was really into the song while recording it.”

The CD is a mix of originals – “Shining Through,” “Kasalanan Nga Ba,” “Di Man Sabihin” – and interesting choice of remakes – “So Slow,” “Suntok Sa Buwan” and “One More Try.” Other cuts are “I Promise,” “Never In My Life,” “I Know You By Heart,” “Pangako Sa'yo,” “To You,” and an upbeat version of “Kasalanan Nga Ba” (which has a video out on music channels very soon).

According to Gretchen, although she could “swerve toward different genres of songs,” she looks up to the likes of Leona Lewis, whose steps she hopes to take after. Gretchen said she also admires Lani Misalucha and Gary Valenciano.