TNT The School Showdown champ Carmelle Collado calls BINI Gwen her ‘lucky charm’

Sometimes, a star isn’t born overnight—it waits for the perfect moment, maybe a second chance even, to shine. And when they do, they dazzle like no other. 

Carmelle Collado is a true testament to this. The Bicolana student from King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc. lit up the stage and captured hearts during the two-round “Huling Tapatan” of “Tawag Ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown” on the January 18 episode of “It’s Showtime.” 

But before her victory, Carmelle had her moments of doubt and even faced a loss in the competition when she failed to pass the 'Prelims' or weekly examination. Driven to reclaim her spot, she came back stronger during the week-long 'Resbakbakan' or wildcard round, where she wowed everyone with her powerful performances of "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "One Moment In Time."

From the 'Resbakbakan,' Carmelle marched straight into the 'Final Examination' round, leaving jaws on the floor with her electrifying rendition of another Whitney Houston hit "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"—a performance that earned her a well-deserved ticket to the ‘Huling Tapatan' (Grand Finals). 

Carmelle shares that although her preparation time from the 'Resbakbakan' to the 'Huling Tapatan' was shorter, she stepped onto the stage confident in her song choices. She belted out "Better Days" during the solo performances round, and delivered an exhilarating medley of Aretha Franklin classics during the final battle round for the Top 3 finalists. Both performances earned her a standing ovation from the hurados, with the medley scoring an impressive 98% average grade.

The 17-year-old dreamer didn’t set high expectations—she simply gave her best. To her, making it to the 'Huling Tapatan' was already a huge accomplishment. "Kahit ano pong mangyari, magiging grateful po talaga ako. Kasi kung iisipin n'yo po, napakalayo na po ng narating namin, hindi lang po ako kundi lahat po ng grand finalists," she said in an exclusive interview after the event. 

So, when her name was called and announced as the Grand Champion, all she could whisper to herself was, "Thank you, Lord."

Carmelle dedicates her win to her grandma, from whom she got her golden voice. Her family is her biggest inspiration. But beyond family, it’s the challenges she’s faced as a young performer that really keeps her going. Her experiences, like competing in the 2019 WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts) where she brought home seven gold medals for the Philippines, and being a runner-up on "The Voice Kids" that same year, only motivate her to push forward. 

When asked about her 'lucky charm,' Carmelle shared the cutest story about bumping into BINI Gwen at the ABS-CBN studios before the show. When she told her co-finalists about her fangirl moment, they all said, "Ayan na 'yung lucky charm mo!" So, she believes BINI Gwen might have sprinkled a little lucky dust on her.

She also feels like divine guidance was with her throughout the competition after she was prayed over by priests back in her hometown in Camarines Sur.

As the first-ever grand champion of “Tawag Ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown,” the young dreamer is set to take home amazing prizes, including one million pesos, which she plans to share with a chosen charity. She also intends to use part of the prize to help renovate the church in her hometown, where she serves as a 'samanista' or a member who participates in communal devotions. She also plans to fix her grandmother's house as it is frequently flooded.

Also among her prizes is a management contract with Star Magic, so she’s excited yet unsure about what the talent management plans for her next. But, personally, her plan after the contest is to head back first to her province. "Gusto ko yakapin ang lola't lolo ko po," smiled Carmelle, who dreams of singing again with Bamboo, her coach on "The Voice Kids," as well as performing with girl group BINI and the Popstar Royalty, Sarah Geronimo.

Carmelle is deeply thankful for the spectators who rooted for her. She also appreciates the unwavering support from her school, especially the staff and teachers, who helped her juggle her studies and the competition. "Baka iniisip po ng iba, absent ako nang absent," she quipped, then explained that she’s part of a special program that allows her to be excused from classes. Carmelle was already doing gigs even before joining TNT, after The Voice Kids, and her school has been flexible with her schedule.

Carmelle hopes that even more opportunities will come her way after her win in "Tawag Ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown."

"I'm just really happy and thank you sa lahat ng suporta po," said the newest champion.