JM Yosures of Taguig City was named the grand champion of “Tawag ng Tanghalan’s” fourth year on “It’s Showtime” after he garnered the highest total combined score from the judges and viewers’ text votes in the competition’s worldwide-trending grand finals on Saturday (February 6).
An engineering graduate, JM nabbed a total combined score of 89% in the final round and beat out his contenders Rachell Laylo (77.6%) and Ayegee Paredes (73.1%).
As the grand champion, JM won P1 million, a brand new house and lot from Lessandra worth P2 million, a recording contract with Star Music, a management contract with Star Magic, and a special trophy made by renowned Filipino artist Toym Imao.
JM clinched his victory in the final round with a medley of songs by Lady Gaga that included “Million Reasons,” “I’ll Never Love Again,” and “You and I.” He also received a standing ovation from the judges for his performance of “House of the Rising Sun” in Saturday’s first round.
Netizens, meanwhile, watched the three-hour live finale as the hashtag #TNT4AngHulingTapatan became the number one trending topic on Twitter worldwide and in the Philippines, along with JM, Rachell, Ayegee, and Vice Ganda. Karylle, Lady Gaga, and other grand finalists Makki Lucino and Nikole Bernido also trended in the Philippines.
Viewers also tuned in to Saturday’s episode on YouTube where it trended at number four in the Philippines, while the week-long grand finals from February 1 to 6 received 2.6 million views on Facebook and YouTube.
Rachell and Ayegee, meanwhile, took home P200,000 and P100,000, respectively, for placing second and third in the finale.
The finalists’ performances were critiqued and rated by OPM icons Gary Valenciano, Louie Ocampo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Randy Santiago, Jaya, Erik Santos, Kyla, Jed Madela, Karylle, Nyoy Volante, Mitoy, and Rey Valera.
After Saturday’s grand finals, “Tawag ng Tanghalan” is set to begin its fifth year on “It’s Showtime” on Monday (February 8) as it continues to search for more talented singers in the country.