Elaine Duran of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte was named the latest grand champion of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” on It’s Showtime on Saturday (Sept. 28), capping off an illustrious journey that began when she became the singing competition’s first-ever ten-time daily defending champion or “TNT record holder.”
An early fan favorite, the 20-year-old singer sealed her victory in the grand finals’ last round by performing a medley of Basil Valdez songs “Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” “Sana ay Ikaw na Nga,” and “Ngayon and Kailanman,” which she finished with a perfect whistle note. Her performance gained her the highest combined average score of 41.18 percent from the “madlang people’s” votes and judges’ scores.
She also thrilled the audience at the Caloocan Sports Complex and triggered positive reactions on social media when she performed her ethnic-pop-rock rendition of Shanti Dope’s hit song “Nadarang,” which showed off her rapping skills.
As the newest “Tawag ng Tanghalan” grand champion, Elaine won a family vacation package, custom in-ear monitors, a business franchise, a talent management contract with ABS-CBN, a recording contract under TNT Records, a brand new house and lot, and P2 million.
Elaine edged out fellow grand finalists John Mark Saga, who was declared the second placer and received P500,000, and John Michael Dela Cerna, who placed third and won P300,000. The other top six grand finalists Kim Nemenzo, Shaina Mae Allaga, and Jonas Oñate were awarded with P100,000 each.
Many Filipinos watched “Tawag ng Tanghalan” name its newest grand champion, as the grand finals’ official hashtag #TNT3AngHulingTapatan topped the list of trending topics on Twitter worldwide. Also making it to the list of trending topics related to the event were Elaine, John Mark, John Michael, “Nadarang,” December Avenue, Kim, and Shaina,to name a few.
After the vocal showdowns in “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” It’s Showtime is set to commemorate its biggest anniversary celebration to date this October as the country’s number one noontime show marks its tenth year on air.
