MANILA - In a clear case of determination bearing fruit, a South Cotabato singer reclaimed on Tuesday a semifinals spot in "Tawag ng Tanghalan," half a year after she got axed from the show for forgetting lyrics during her semis bid at the time.

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Lalaine Araña made a triumphant return to the noontime singing competition last January 4 with "Waray Waray," the same song whose lyrics she forgot during the previous season's semifinals. The mishap led to the striking of the dreaded gong, which meant exiting the competition (seen above).

In contrast to her uneasy performance then, Araña "oozed confidence" this time, as described by judge Louie Ocampo. Her fierce and uninhibited rendition of "Waray Waray" made her a daily winner, before successfully unseating the defending champion.

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January 9, Tuesday, was the fifth straight episode of "Tanghalan" where Araña defended her title. Winning this time would mean getting a slot in the semifinals.

Araña took the stage with Heart's "Alone," soaring with song's notoriously high climactic notes, to loud applause from the audience and host Anne Curtis exclaiming, "Kaloka!" ("Alone" is a staple in Curtis' own concerts.)

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With the impressive performance, Araña successfully fended off challenger Gyan Carla Dolfo, becoming the latest "Tanghalan" hopeful to enter this season's semifinals.

"Ayan ka na naman! Pasok ka na naman sa semifinals!" host Vice Ganda said as he interviewed Araña after her win.

As per competition rules, a semifinalist who is also a current defending champion may opt to discontinue competing in the dailies for cash prize, until someone unseats that person. Araña chose to fight on.