Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, has officially joined the prestigious judging panel of Tawag Ng Tanghalan (TNT), the flagship singing competition of ABS-CBN’s noontime show It’s Showtime, now in its 9th year.
The announcement comes as TNT launches its special season, All-Star Grand Resbak, where non-winners from past seasons return to compete for another shot at the coveted Grand Champion title. Velasquez’s inclusion in the panel further solidifies TNT’s reputation as the premiere national singing contest on Philippine television.
Comedian and host Vice Ganda couldn’t hold back his admiration for the OPM icon, exalting her as the embodiment of Original Pilipino Music.
“Alam mo pag sinasabing multi-awarded singer, multi-awarded performer, parang understatement—she is OPM,” Vice declared during a recent episode.
“Parang lagi na lang (sinasabi), she is an icon, she is a legend—she is OPM,” he reiterated, emphasizing that no description fully captures the monumental success Velasquez has achieved in the industry. Her contributions have not only shaped OPM but also inspired countless aspiring talents to pursue their dreams in music.
Velasquez’s arrival on the TNT judging panel elevates an already star-studded lineup, cementing the competition’s status as arguably the most prestigious—and most difficult to win—singing contest on Philippine TV today. Over the years, TNT has produced some of the brightest voices in the local recording scene, with alums like Janine Berdin, the TNT Boys, Marielle Montillano, Sam Mangubat, and many others achieving significant milestones in their careers. Compared to graduates of other similar contests, TNT alums have consistently stood out, dominating charts and live performances, a testament to the show’s rigorous standards and unparalleled platform.
Reflecting on her own journey, Velasquez shared a heartfelt message with contestants during her debut appearance.
“Noong nagsisimula ako, hindi umaangat ‘yung career ko, kasi hindi ako uso. Hindi uso ‘yung sound ko. And then finally, noong nanalo ako sa Asia-Pacific Singing Contest, for some reason naging uso siya,” she recalled.
She credited her breakthrough to her victory at the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest, which catapulted her to fame. Velasquez also acknowledged the influence of Whitney Houston’s rise to global stardom, noting how the late American pop star’s popularity resonated with her own vocal style, winning her a legion of supporters.
“Thank you to everyone who keeps singing my songs,” she added graciously, offering encouragement to those carving their own paths through competitions like TNT.
With Velasquez now seated alongside some of the local music scene’s most successful and seasoned singers, TNT’s legacy as a breeding ground for exceptional talent grows even stronger. The All-Star Grand Resbak season promises high-stakes performances as returning contenders vie for redemption, under the watchful eyes of a judging panel that represents the pinnacle of OPM excellence.
Velasquez’s stint marks a significant milestone for the It’s Showtime segment, reinforcing its 9-year supremacy as the top singing competition on Philippine television.
