After almost nine months of “ Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown ”, Carmelle Collado was declared the grand champion.

The “Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown” was launched on April 22, 2024. After 36 preliminary rounds, 8 midterm exams, one week of “Resbakbakan,” and one week of intense final examination, the grand champion was finally determined.

The “batch valedictorian,” a.k.a. grand champion was announced on January 18, 2025, and this happened after almost nine months. She is none other than Carmelle Collado.

The 10 grand finalists are:

Isay Olarte of City College of Calapan
Christian Tibayan of De La Salle University-Lipa
Arvery Lagoring of Claret School-Lamitan

Pia Carandang of Tanauan City Integrated High School
Carmelle Collado of King Thomas Learning Academy Inc.
Adie Hamja of Western Mindanao State University
Hargie Ganza of Canlubang Integrated School
Mary Khem Cabagte of Cebu Normal University
Lance Ocoma of San Mateo Municipal College
Christian Pasana of Phinma University of Pangasinan-Dagupan

The esteemed panel of judges for the grand finals includes Ogie Alcasid, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dingdong Advanced, Slender Star, Jolina Magdangal-Escueta, Kyla, Nyoy Volante, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Yeng Constantino and Klarisse De Guzman, Kean Cipriano, and Darren Espanto, guest judge Sofronio Vasquez and head judge Louie Ocampo. 

After their spectacular performances, Arvery, Carmelle, and Isay were the only ones who moved to the second and final round. As top 3 finalists, they give performances nothing short of mind-blowing concert-level energy.

Arvery sang “ Pangako Sa ‘Yo ,” “ Maging Sino Ka Man ,” and “ Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo ” while Carmelle performed “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman ,” “ Chain of Fools ,” and “ Ain’t No Way ”. Isay, on the other hand, displayed her singing prowess through songs“ Oo ,” “ Sigurado ,” and “ Tadhana ”.

During the announcement of winners, punong hurado Louie Ocampo said, “What a difficult day it was for us. You brought the house down, and you brought Tawag ng Tanghalan to another higher level. So, congratulations, and we thank you for this. And we wish you all the best.”

But the one to take home the most coveted title was Carmelle. Apart from taking home the trophy, she also received a management contract from Star Magic, an exclusive music label contract from Star Music, and a whopping Php 1,000,000 cash prize. Her school King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc. will also be receiving Php 100,000 as a token of appreciation for their support.