These two singing talent searches have become flagship shows of their respective networks for six years now.
Both ABS-CBN and GMA Network continued their quest to find the next singing champion, in the last two years, despite the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic. ABS-CBN remained unfazed as it found ways to continue, Tawag ng Tanghalan, the country’s oldest singing competition on local television, on-air. The It’s Showtime segment, which is now on its sixth year, has declared two grand winners, within the pandemic.
Since its return to the small screen, the Kapamilya amateur singing competition has declared a total of eight grand champions, with five of which hailing from regular editions, while the two from Kids and Celebrity editions. The competition has given way for the rise of its grand winners, Noven Belleza from season 1, Jhon Clyd Talili from Kids edition, Janine Berdin from season 2, Elaine Duran from season 3, Ethel Booba from Celebrity Champions, Mark Michael Garcia from All-Star Grand Resbak, JM Yosures from season 4, and Reiven Umali from season 5.
GMA Network’s original talent search, The Clash, similarly had a streak of talent of discovery. The singing reality show had declared four grand champions in the last four years. Golden Cañedo was declared its first-ever winner in 2018, Jeremiah Tiangco in 2019, Jessica Villarubin in 2020, and Mariane Osabel, the show’s latest winner was crowned in December, last year.
As much as being a titleholder does not automatically spell success for competition winners, being runner-up also does not mean a contestant no longer has a shot to stardom. In Tawag ng Tanghalan’s case, several non-winners found incredible fame after completing their TNT stints. Some even went on to become more successful than grand winners. Among names that the competition gave rise to include season 1’s Sam Mangubat, Kids edition’s TNT Boys (Mackie Empuerto, Francis Concepcion, Keifer Sanchez), season 1’s Eumee Capile and Marielle Montillano, and season 3’s John Mark Saga.
Tawag ng Tanghalan’s winners and finalists also became staple performers on various ABS-CBN shows. Sam Mangubat, Reiven Umali, Janine Berdin, and JM Yosures, are currently performing on teh Sunday noontime variety show, ASAP Natin ‘To. Most of them have also released chart-topping singles, and have released full-length studio albums, too.
Similarly, in The Clash’s case, winners are allowed to release their singles and studio albums. Jessica Villarubin and Golden Cañedo both sang memorable soundtracks for some of the GMA network’s top-rated TV shows. Non-winners like Garrett Bolden and Anthony Rosaldo are also given exposure to various Kapuso projects.
Which of these two shows do you think is better at producing stars? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section.
