Almost nine months since it was launched on April 22, 2024, and after 36 preliminary rounds, 8 midterm exams, one week of “Resbakbakan,” and one week of intense final examination, through which the 10 grand finalists were determined, “Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown” has finally hailed its “batch valedictorian,” a.k.a. grand champion, on Saturday, January 18—and she’s none other than Carmelle Collado!

The “Ang Huling Tapatan” episode commenced with a VTR featuring the 10 grand finalists— Isay Olarte of City College of Calapan, Christian Tibayan of De La Salle University-Lipa, Arvery Lagoring of Claret School-Lamitan, Pia Carandang of Tanauan City Integrated High School, Carmelle Collado of King Thomas Learning Academy Inc., Adie Hamja of Western Mindanao State University, Hargie Ganza of Canlubang Integrated School, Mary Khem Cabagte of Cebu Normal University, Lance Ocoma of San Mateo Municipal College, and Christian Pasana of Phinma University of Pangasinan-Dagupan—during their excursion at the Museo El Deposito in San Juan City.

Clad in silver and gray ensembles, the 10 young singers opened this Saturday’s episode of “It’s Showtime” by singing R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly,” Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe,” and Fantasia’s “I Believe” together, along with TNT alumnus and “The Voice USA Season 2” grand winner Sofronio Vasquez.

It was followed by the grand entrance of the hosts in their fabulous garbs to welcome the madlang people to the highly anticipated “Ang Huling Tapatan” and introduce the esteemed panel of hurados, comprised of Ogie Alcasid, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dingdong Avanzado, Bituin Esclante, Jolina Magdangal-Escueta, Kyla, Nyoy Volante, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Yeng Constantino, Klarisse de Guzman, Kean Cipriano, and Darren Espanto, as well as guest hurado Sofronio Vasquez and punong hurado Louie Ocampo. 

The competition had two rounds, beginning with the 10 grand finalists performing their ‘pangmalakasang’ solo pieces in the initial round.

Fresh from his win in the Final Examination round, the pride of Pangasinan, Christian Pasana, showed his determination and hunger to dominate by singing Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.” He was succeeded by Arvery Lagoring, who surely made Basilan proud with her heartfelt version of Sheryn Regis’ “Sabihin Mo Sa Akin,” which brought goosebumps to everyone and received a standing ovation and round of applause from the judges.

 San Mateo, Rizal’s Lance Ocoma dedicated his highly emotional performance of Sugarfree’s “Burnout” to his ultimate inspiration—his late Lola Leony. Talented Cebuana Mary Khem Cabagte totally shone with her beautiful rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day, while “resbaker” Carmelle Collado from Camarines Sur once again made the hurados stand from their seats with her awesome performance of Dianna Reeves’ “Better Days.”

The son of Zamboanga, Adie Hamja, began the second set by rocking the stage with Hoobstank’s “The Reason.” Fueled by the inspiration of her late father, the palabang Batangueña Pia Carandang sang her heart out to Martin Nievera’s “Kahit Isang Saglit.”

Mesmerizing Mindoreña Isay Olarte turned BINI’s massive hit “Salamin, Salamin” into a contest piece by putting a different flavor on it that extremely wowed and delighted the hurados and prompted them to rise from their seats. On the other hand, power belter from Laguna, Hargie Ganza, captivated us with her version of the classic OPM song “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” by Carol Banawa and also got a standing ovation from the judges. 

Last, but definitely not the least, was Batangas’ pride Christian Tibayan, who astonished us with his heart-rending performance of “Kabilang Buhay” by Bandang Lapis. 

All of them might have delivered remarkable performances, but it was only Arvery, Carmelle, and Isay who made it to the second and final round. This batch's Top 3 further impressed everyone with their vocal prowess by providing us with mind-blowing concert-level performances through their chosen medley of songs that turned out absolutely standing ovation-worthy!

Arvery moved us with her soulful takes on the iconic hits of OPM legend Rey Valera, namely. “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” and “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo.” Carmelle then absolutely owned the stage as she channeled the inner Aretha Franklin in her by singing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Ain’t No Way.” And lastly, Isay displayed her versatility and range through her versions “Oo,” “Sigurado,” and “Tadhana” by OPM band UDD.

While all three of them were deserving to win, it was Carmelle who was declared the grand winner for garnering the highest score of 98%. First runner-up Isay got 97.7% and received P100,000 cash prize, while 2nd runner-up Arvery got 92.5% and received P50,000 cash prize.

“What a difficult day it was for us. You brought the house down, and you brought Tawag ng Tanghalan to another higher level. So, congratulations, and we thank you for this. And we wish you all the best,” punong hurado Louie Ocampo stated during the announcement of winners.

Aside from the most coveted title, Carmelle also took home the prestigious trophy designed by renowned Filipino artist and sculptor Mr. Ronald Castrillo, a management contract from Star Magic, an exclusive music label contract from Star Music, and a whopping P1,000,000 cash prize. Her beloved alma mater, King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc., also received P100,000 as a token of appreciation for their all-out support to Carmelle.

Here are some of the rave reactions posted by the madlang netizens on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the trending and widely watched Tawag ng Tanghalan “Ang Huling Tapatan”:

Congratulations and best of luck on your journey onward, Carmelle!