MANILA, Philippines – Tawag ng Tanghalan standouts return for another shot at glory in what Ogie Alcasid called the “toughest singing contest in the world.”
Forty-eight of the best singers from past seasons will get a fresh chance to capture the elusive TNT crown as they duke it out in the All Star Grand Resbak starting on Monday, March 10.
“This is the toughest singing contest in the world, dare I say. This is the toughest. It stands the test of time,” said Alcasid, who will serve as judge alongside Karylle, Jed Madela, and Louie Ocampo.
“It is a marathon. This is a test of will.”
Several runners-up from previous seasons are back, including Year 4 third placer Ayegee Paredes, Year 6 second placer Nowi Alpuerto and third placer Jezza Quioge, and The School Showdown third placer Arvery Love Lagoring.
Also competing again are fan favorites Marko Rudio, Makki Lucino, Kim Nemenzo, Raven Heyres, Eich Abando, and Miah Tiangco.
TNT Kids Dylan Genicera, Neithan Perez, and Aliyah Quijoy come back as well as they test their mettle against their older counterparts.
Karylle said the contestants should be celebrated for displaying courage to return to the TNT stage despite losing in the past.
“They are people to be idolized and recognized and given yet another chance, if they will take it. They are so worthy of our love and attention,” said Karylle.
“When you lose, you have to feel sad, but you get back up and you move on. That is the human spirit.”
Prime example
For these singers seeking another opportunity to make it big, they should look no further for inspiration.
Alcasid said TNT alumnus Sofronio Vasquez is a prime example of tenacity as he overcame multiple career setbacks on the way to becoming the latest The Voice USA champion.
Vasquez never won the TNT crown, finishing as a grand finalist in Year 2 in 2018 and third in the first All Star Grand Resbak in 2019 before he took his act to the USA, where he ruled Season 26 of The Voice in December.
Coached by Michael Bublé, Vasquez became the first Asian to win The Voice USA.
“I think his story says it all. Story of perseverance, story of someone who had a dream, never stopped until he reached that dream,” said Alcasid of Vasquez, who became a mentor to TNT contestants after his stints in the show.
“He continues to leave an impact on the lives of so many of these singers. I think now that he is internationally renowned, he will leave more of a bigger impact to so many.”
To determine the finest of the 48 participants, TNT tapped veteran singers Lani Misalucha and Pops Fernandez as additional judges. – Rappler.com