Carmelle Collado of King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc. was hailed as the first-ever grand champion of the School Showdown edition of “Tawag ng Tanghalan" during its grand finals on “It’s Showtime” last Jan. 18.

Carmelle earned a total average score 98 percent from the hurado scores, beating her fellow contenders Isay Olarte of City College of Calapan, who scored 97.7 percent, and Arvery Lagoring of Claret School-Lamitan, who got 92.5 percent.

As the grand champion, Carmelle will take home P1 million, a management contract from Star Magic, a recording and music label contract from Star Music, and a trophy created by renowned Filipino sculptor Ronald Castillo. Her school King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc. will also receive P100,000.

In the final round, the talented student from Camarines Sur earned a standing ovation from the judges and the madlang people after performing a powerful medley of Aretha Franklin hits “Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Ain’t No Way.”

Carmelle impressed the 17 “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” hurados Louie Ocampo, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuniga, Jolina Magdangal, Yeng Constantino, Erik Santos, Kyla, Nyoy Volante, Jed Madela, Bituin Escalante, Klarisse De Guzman, Darren, Dingdong Avanzado, Kean Cipriano, and Sofronio Vasquez.

Meanwhile, the “It’s Showtime” hosts announced the return of “Sexy Babe” and the launch of new segment “Hide and Sing” on Monday.

Don't miss the excitement and fun on "It's Showtime," Mondays to Saturdays, 12NN, on GMA, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, GTV, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel, and Facebook page, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV. Catch its online show, "Showtime Online U," on It's Showtime's YouTube channel.