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Kent Villarba crowned 'Tawag ng Tanghalan' season 9 grand champion

Entertainment | Movies and TV

Kent Villarba crowned 'Tawag ng Tanghalan' season 9 grand champion

By Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Kent Villarba of Pangkat Luntian, mentored by Bituin Escalante, was named the grand champion of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Season 9 after earning standing ovations for both of his powerhouse performances during the “Huling Tapatan” grand finals held last Nov. 8.

Kent Villarba

The Cebuano singer, who also celebrated his birthday on the same day, garnered the highest combined score of 98 percent from the hurados and madlang people, triumphing over fellow finalists Lucky Galindez (92 percent) and Angelica Magno (56 percent).

Kent sealed his victory with a show-stopping IV of Spades medley, impressing the judges and audience with his polished vocals and stage confidence.

This season’s Huling Tapatan featured an all-star panel of hurados composed of Ogie Alcasid, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuñiga, Dingdong Avanzado, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Nyoy Volante, Yeng Constantino, Mark Bautista, Klarisse de Guzman, Lani Misalucha, and Louie Ocampo.

As the new "TNT" grand champion, Kent took home ₱1 million in cash, a recording contract with ABS-CBN Music, a management contract with Star Magic, and a trophy.

Meanwhile, Lucky received ₱100,000, and Angelica won ₱50,000.

Fellow grand finalists Aaron Lao, Jude Tangkion, and Almaerra Recentes each received ₱20,000.

Don’t miss the excitement and fun on “It’s Showtime” every Monday to Saturday at 12 NN on GMA, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (YouTube and Facebook of ABS-CBN Entertainment), iWant, and TFC IPTV.

Catch the online companion show “Showtime Online U” on It's Showtime's YouTube channel. (Robert R. Requintina)

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