Kapuso singer and Sparkle GMA Artist Center artist Arabelle Dela Cruz has been named Grand Champion of the international singing competition ‘Veiled Cup’ in South Korea, marking a major milestone for Filipino talent on the global stage.
Dela Cruz emerged victorious after weeks of intense competition against top Asian vocalists, including Gyeongsangdo Gangcheolseongdae, Bangkok Soulman, Vientiane Redhair, and Phangaman Fighter. Her win makes her the first Filipino to clinch the Grand Champion title in the South Korea–based contest.
Ironically, while Dela Cruz has consistently reached the finals—and even placed first runner-up—in some of the biggest singing competitions in the Philippines, the ultimate championship title came to her on an international stage.
The 25-year-old singer was a two-time runner-up on GMA Network’s singing competition ‘The Clash’, finishing as first runner-up in Season 5 (2023) and Season 7 (2025). She was also a grand finalist in ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan’ Season 2 on ‘It’s Showtime’ in 2016.
Notably, Dela Cruz shares a parallel journey with Sofronio Vasquez, who was crowned Grand Champion of ‘The Voice’ Season 26 in the United States. Both artists belonged to the same batch and were grand finalists on ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan’ Season 2—each eventually finding championship glory abroad rather than at home.
The road to ‘Veiled Cup’ began on Philippine television through ‘Veiled Musician Philippines’, which aired on ‘All-Out Sundays’—marking the first time the competition was featured locally. Hosted by Rayver Cruz and Gabbi Garcia, the show was produced under the GMA Entertainment Group to select the country’s representatives for ‘Veiled Cup Korea’.
Twelve singers competed before a panel composed of Mark Bautista, Rita Daniela, and Julie Anne San Jose, with K-pop idol Tiffany Young joining the judges during the finale.
From the pool of contenders, Dela Cruz was chosen alongside Garrett Bolden and Thea Astley to represent the Philippines. She advanced to the grand finals and ultimately claimed the top prize.
‘The Veiled Cup’ is a unique singing competition where contestants perform unseen, hidden behind a veil—allowing voices alone to take center stage. The format proved to be the perfect platform for Dela Cruz to showcase her vocal power and artistry to audiences across Asia.
