Who would have thought that one day, the so-called “network war” between ABS-CBN and GMA would come to an end? Well, that much-awaited day has finally come, as the nation’s well-loved noontime program It’s Showtime got aired on GMA’s second free-to-air channel GTV for the very first time this Saturday, July 1.

And since it’s their debut in the Kapuso Channel, not to mention that it’s a monumental and historic moment on television, ABS-CBN and It’s Showtime made sure that they would kick off this brand-new chapter by offering an absolutely unkabogable and star-studded opening number comprised by astonishing and lively performances featuring the hosts and several Kapamilya and Kapuso guest stars, living up to the expectations of the audiences.

The show commenced with Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis performing the former’s song “Toxic Free” alongside their co-hosts. It was immediately followed by the invigorating dance number of Jhong Hilario and Vhong Navarro together with brothers Rodjun and Rayver Cruz, who were all wearing identical pairs of white coordinates.

We then had a little blast from the past as Tyang Amy Perez performed Rick Astley’s “Together Forever” alongside Jolina Magdangal and Pokwang, with the Streetboys as among their backup dancers. The throwback went on as the Dynamic Duo of Teddy Corpuz and Jugs Jugueta sang the rock version of The Turtles “Happy Together” with Erik Santos and Mark Bautista.

Kim Chiu then slayed the stage with promising Kapamilya leading ladies Alexa Ilacad and Belle Mariano, and Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza through a vigorous dance number. Jackie Gonzaga, on the other hand, was joined by dancefloor diva Chie Filomeno and Kapuso network’s First Lady of Primetime Sanya Lopez as they unleashed the showgirls in them.

It was followed by the amusing number of Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, MC, Lassy, and Cianne Dominguez clapped and snapped with the madlang people, who were all wearing bunny ear headbands. They were joined by the adorable Batang Cute-pos and “Mini Miss U” contestants who surely endeared us with their energy as they danced altogether onstage.

Anne then proved that she’s indeed the sweetheart of television as she took to the stage in her neon green ensemble and confidently belted out Jesse Glynne’s “Hold My Hand” live.

Of course, the grand production wouldn’t be complete without the Unkabogable Star herself, who thrilled us when she started off her number with a video of her sashaying at the helipad of ABS-CBN in her fabulous hot pink outfit and “LOVE” shades while munching cotton candy as she embarked on a helicopter going to the GMA Headquarters in Kamuning. There, she was welcomed by loud cheers from the excited Kapuso employees as she performed The Wanted’s “Glad You Came” along with dancers in purple and white suits. She then emerged on the It’s Showtime stage and continued her number alongside her co-hosts and the Kapuso talents who joined them for that epic spectacle.

It was succeeded by the traditional singing of the noontime program’s anthem, in which the Kapamilya and Kapuso stars united. ABS-CBN executives CEO and President Carlo L. Katigbak and Head of Star Magic and TV Production Laurenti Dyogi were also present in the momentous event. After greeting the madlang people, the hosts then gave the floor to the Kapamilya and Kapuso guest stars who screamed their respective renditions of the iconic “What’s up madlang people!” holler.

Aside from the trending opening number, the viewers also watched out for the Huling Tapatan of Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets, wherein nine pairs battled it to be hailed the first-ever grand winners of this special edition of the popular singing contest on TV.

Gauging their performances were punong Hurados Maestro Louie Ocampo and Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Marco Sison, Nyoy Volante, Erik Santos, Jona, Kyla, and Darren Espanto. They were also joined by Kapuso singers Mark Bautista and Christian Bautista.

In Round 1, the duos belted out their chosen songs, with twins Arnelli and Jesselli Balasabas doing their own take on Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” Rocelle Jeanne Solquillo and Abegail Rivera endearing us with their rendition of “Ikaw Lang” by Nobita, and Reggie Tortugo and Christian Bahaya captivating us with their version of another Survivor hit “Ever Since the World Began.”

Bhal Sagaysay and Shirlyn Hida then proved that they’re indeed power belters with their performance of Celine Dion’s “I Surrender,” while John Saga and Kim Nemenzo amazed us with their rendition of “Minsan Ay Minahal Ako” by Celeste Legaspi.

Meanwhile, crowd favorite Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna got everyone kilig with their duet of the classic love song “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. The tandem of Lorraine Galvez and Jo Pasaron put a different flavor on Vice Ganda’s “Boom Karakaraka” that truly impressed not just the host herself.

And lastly, John van Lapu and Russel Solis won our hearts with their version of “Buwan” by JK Labajo, while TNT OGs (or originals) Eumee Capile and Anton Antenorcruz wowed us with their performance of the Aegis hit “Basang-basa Sa Ulan”.

Prior to the announcement of the Top 3 scorers, special hurado Christian Bautista serenaded us with his song “You Are Everything,” the official soundtrack of the ABS-CBN, GMA, and Viu’s first-ever co-production “Unbreak My Heart.” He was eventually joined onstage by its lead stars Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Richard Yap, and Jodi Sta. Maria.

The powerful performances of John Saga and Kim Nemenzo, Eumee Capile and Anton Antenorcruz, and Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna garnered the top three highest scores and proceeded to the Round 2 of the competition, wherein they showcased their own takes to iconic Air Supply hits.

John and Kim received 95.3% as they sang “All Out of Love,” Eumee and Anton made our hearts flutters with their duet of “Two Less Lonely People” that earned 91.6%, while Marielle and JM’s beautiful rendition of “Now and Forever” got the highest score of 98.3%, making them the grand winner. They took home the whopping 500,000 pesos grand prize and a trophy.

At the same time, the official hashtag for today’s episode #GnaGsaShowtime has also become the top trending topic on Twitter worldwide. Netizens, fans, and even some celebrities expressed how extremely delighted they are to witness the Kapamilya and Kapuso unite and shatter the long-running “network wars” as its stars share the same stage. Besides, they also gushed over the vibrant, awesome, and remarkable performances during the opening production number and the intense and powerful showdowns in the TNT Duets grand finals.

What an epic, historic, and memorable day it has been, right, madlang people?

Get your daily dose of good vibes by watching It’s Showtime on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and now on GTV!