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| CARMELLE with Nica Del Rosario (right) and Mat Olavides (left) at “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night” (Image Source: Starmometer/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
“Sobra-Sobra”, a powerful anthem of women’s empowerment composed by Nica Del Rosario and Mat Olavides and performed by CARMELLE, emerged as the winner of the “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night”. CARMELLE, who first rose to fame after winning in “Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown,” will represent the country at the inaugural Asian edition of Europe's premiere songwriting competition in Bangkok, Thailand on November 14, 2026.
Taking second place at the “Philippine Selection Night” last August 30, 2026 at the New Frontier Theatre was “Broken Beyond Repair”, written by Angelo Gonzales and performed powerfully by “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumnus SAGA. “Mapadama”, penned by Jeremy G and Jungee Marcelo and performed by “Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets” season 1 champions JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, was named third-place. These songs bested seven other entries including Jungee’s “Between Bituin” performed by DNA; Nar Cabico’s “Cheri(e)” sung by Esang De Torres, Elha Nympha, Lance Reblando, and Nar; Jason Marvin’s “Di Yan (Red Flag)” performed by Jason Dy and Sassa Dagdag; Hazel Faith Santos’ “Good For You” interpreted by Ryssi Avila; Angelo Calucin’s “Make It Exist” brought to life by AJAA; Stephen Tan’s “Reason to Live” performed by KHIMO; and Julius James de Belen and John Michael Conchada’s “Round N’ Round” interpreted by VVINK and WRIVE Russu. The winners were determined by a combination of jury and public votes received during the live show: 40% votes from the jury, 40% votes from viewers from the Philippines, and 20% votes from other parts of the world. The jury was comprised of veteran songwriter and FILSCAP (Filipino Society of Composers, Artists, and Publishers) president Nonoy Tan, songwriter Choi Padilla, concert and TV director Joane Laygo, musical director Louie Ocampo, and OPM singers Angeline Quinto, Jed Madela, and Vina Morales.
A special song number, “Mabuhay Ang Musikang Pilipino” composed by ABS-CBN Music’s Jonathan Manalo for the competition, opened the show with vocals from AZTER, Bryan Chong, Ian Manibale, Klarisse de Guzman, Lyka Estrella, MIAH, and Reiven Umali. ABS-CBN serves as the official Philippine broadcaster of “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026”, reinforcing its commitment to bringing Filipino stories, music, and talent to audiences around the world. “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night” hosted by Vice Ganda, together with Alexa Ilacad and Darren, was streamed live on iWant and aired simultaneously nationwide on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live. It also aired on TFC for viewers outside the Philippines with a delayed telecast on MYX and is now available on-demand on iWant. The event took social media by storm in the Philippines with multiple related topics leading the trending list of X (formerly Twitter) including #PhilipineSelectionNight, #EurovisionAsia, and #PSN2026. You can listen to all the ten entries of “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night” as well as “Mabuhay Ang Musikang Pilipino” on all digital music streaming platforms under ABS-CBN Star Music.
