Philippine Idol
Marcelo tried out in Philippine Idol through a "fast track" screening held in SM City Lucena. Passing the fast track audition meant that she did not have to go through the numerous screenings of the main auditions.
She was contestant number 1646 during her auditions in Pasay City, wherein she sang Jaya Ramsey's "Laging Naroon Ka" (You Were Always There). Her audition was not shown on Philippine Idol, although she appeared during the final phase of the theater eliminations singing "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Laura Branigan.
Despite her impressive auditions, Marcelo's journey through Philippine Idol was not easy. She did not reach the Top 4 of the Women's Semi-finals and had to go through the Wildcard. Her confidence slowly started to dwindle to the point that she commented during the Wildcard Results Show, when there was only one finalist spot to fill, that Philippine Idol is a "beauty contest". Her sarcastic yet tearful comment garnered laughter and applause from the audience, including Idol judge Ryan Cayabyab. When her name was finally called as one of the finalists, Marcelo cried out loud on stage.
During competition, Marcelo's father had petitioned her to migrate to the United States. Marcelo talked to him about what she was going through the competition. He advised that she can continue with the contest, but would rather not see her getting hurt in the process. She ultimately decided to continue.
Marcelo received immense fan support during Philippine Idol to the point that some of them even lent their services to her by giving her a total make-over from her choice of clothes, hairstyle, posture, and even her manner of speaking. She even underwent a strict South Beach Diet and lost 12 pounds during the competition.
Lea Salonga, who was a guest judge during the Movie and Musical Theme Week on November 19, 2007, praised Marcelo and named her as the best singer in the competition.
Officially, she was at the Bottom 3 twice. Marcelo was also called twice in the "Hot Spot", wherein the official Bottom 3 or 2 were not announced.
Some entertainment writers did not predict Marcelo as the eventual titleholder, saying that the competition was looking for a "Philippine Idol", not a diva. They even compare her to Ruben Studdard, winner of the second season of American Idol, who may have the talent but does not have the popularity.
During the Finale held in Araneta Coliseum, the Idol judges boldly predicted that a male would win the competition, subtly implying that it would become a showdown between Gian Magdangal and Jan Nieto. Marcelo received negative comments from the judges on her first two songs—namely "Love Takes Time" by Mariah Carey which was her personal choice and "Balut" by New Minstrels which was the judges' choice—despite what appeared to be impressive performances. She rebounded on her third song, "Try It On My Own" by Whitney Houston, which was the record company's choice and would become her "victory song" if ever she would win. Her final performance received a long standing ovation from the audience.
The following night, Marcelo cried out loud on stage when it was announced that she bagged the title as the first Philippine Idol, garnering 35.36% of the total votes.
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