JM Yosures is TNT 4 grand champion

JM Yosures dedicated his performance to biological father, whom he has not met, in last Saturday’s Tawag ng Tanghalan 4, Ang Huling Tapatan and beat five other grand finalists to be declared the new grand champion.

Through his journey in Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT), JM said he hopes his biological dad would be proud of him as he remains hopeful to meet him someday. With this in his heart and mind, he sang House of the Rising Sun in the grand finals that earned praises and standing ovation from the hurados.

Asked by Vice Ganda what would have been different if he had met his biological dad before his performance, JM said he would have made a connection with his dad, who is a musician.

“Tingin ko, may ibang connection kapag nakita ko siya. Mas mabibigyan niya ako ng inspirasyon,” he said.

In the final round, JM performed a Lady Gaga medley composed of Million Reasons, I’ll Never Love Again and You and I and cemented his place in Tawag ng Tanghalan’s history as its new winner.  He follows in the footsteps of Noven Belleza, Janine Berdin, Elaine Duran and Mark Michael Garcia.

With a combined score of 89 percent from the hurados (39 percent) and text votes (50 percent), the new TNT grand champion won P1M, a management contract with Star Magic, a recording contract with Star Music, a trophy designed by Toym Imao and house and lot worth P2M from Lessandra.

Finishing in second place was Rachell Laylo (77.6 percent), who won P200,000, earned a standing ovation from the hurados for her Aegis’ medley.  She considers the stage as her second home as she competes in singing contests all her life.

By joining Tawag ng Tanghalan, Rachell said she had gained confidence and overcame self-doubt.  She sang This Is My Life, hoping it would inspire people never to give up on achieving their dreams.

Completing the Top Three grand finalists was Ayegee Paredes (73.1 percent). Like JM, the single mom from Bukidnon sang All the Man I Need and dedicated her performance to her father, who could not be present to watch her.

She won P100,000.

The other grand finalists were Emmar Cabilogan, Makki Lucino and Nikole Kyle Bernido.

Ten of the country’s most popular and respected artists and composers comprised the board of judges or hurados. They were Gary Valenciano, Louie Ocampo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Randy Santiago, Jaya, Erik Santos, Kyla, Jed Madela, Karylle, Nyoy Volante, Mitoy and Rey Valera.

The grand finals, which aired on TV and streamed online, dominated the top trending topics on Twitter, with the official hashtag #TNT4AngHulingTapatan leading nationwide and worldwide. Vice Pretty in Pink, Karylle, and names of grand finalists JM, Ayegee, Rachell also trended as their fans and supporters actively campaigned for their bets.

Tawag ng Tanghalan premiered in January 2016 as part of ABS-CBN’s noontime show It’s Showtime. It has fulfilled many singers’ dreams and opened many more opportunities, especially for its grand champions.