Carmelle, a celebrated singer from the Philippines, is gearing up to represent her country in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, set to take place in Bangkok on November 14. With her entry titled "Sobra-Sobra," she aims to highlight the global appeal of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Known for her powerful vocals and as the champion of the talent show "Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown," Carmelle is excited to compete against ten other representatives from various Asian nations.
In a send-off event organized by ABS-CBN on November 4, attended by friends, family, and supporters, Carmelle expressed her hopes of creating an emotional bond with the audience. She emphasized her desire for viewers worldwide to find a relatable connection in Filipino music. "My goal is really to leave the global audience with a deep sense of connection. I hope they will understand that Filipino music is universally relatable," she remarked.
Carmelle's journey to Eurovision is a personal dream come true for her, stemming from her childhood admiration for international girl groups like the Pussycat Dolls and Spice Girls. She has mentioned that the inspiration of these iconic groups has influenced her aspiration to perform on a global platform. The singer also shared that the lyrics of "Sobra-Sobra" resonate deeply with her personal experiences, touching upon her past challenges, including dealing with criticism regarding her skin tone.
The Philippine delegation is currently refining Carmelle’s performance for the competition. They have confirmed enhancements to the overall presentation for her show in Bangkok, even while keeping the original song unchanged. Positioned to perform sixth among eleven contestants, the team remains focused on ensuring a memorable showcase, unaffected by the order in which they perform.
Leading the preparations for Carmelle is Roxy Liquigan, head of ABS-CBN Music, supported by a creative team that includes songwriters Mat Olavides and Nica del Rosario. Production head Jessamae Samson, alongside overall creative director Jonathan Manalo, have expressed their confidence in Carmelle’s ability to impress viewers with her diverse skills in singing, dancing, and rapping. They conveyed the pride that comes with representing not just ABS-CBN, but also the Filipino people on this significant platform.
Carmelle is also looking forward to building friendships with fellow artists from across Asia during the competition. Having already engaged with some contestants online, she anticipates forming deeper connections at the event. In expressing curiosity about the standards and expectations of the inaugural Asian version of Eurovision, she aims to not only compete but also contribute to setting the bar for future editions.
Despite her eagerness for international success, Carmelle has remarked on carefully weighing any opportunities that may arise which could take her away from her home country. While she received a scholarship after her win at the 2019 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), she chose to remain in the Philippines to stay close to her family. She remains open to new opportunities but will prioritize her roots.
During the send-off event, attendees were treated to surprise video messages from notable personalities, including Apl.de.Ap and P-pop group Bini, along with performances from fellow contestants. Carmelle took the occasion to reveal her upcoming solo concert, titled "Unleashed," scheduled for January 29, 2027, at the New Frontier Theater.
As the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia promises to be a vibrant celebration featuring representatives from countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and South Korea, Filipino audiences can catch the live broadcast of the competition on November 14 at 9:30 PM across various channels, including iWant and Kapamilya Online Live.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia?
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia will take place on November 14, 2026.
What song will Carmelle perform for the competition?
Carmelle will perform her entry titled "Sobra-Sobra."
How many countries will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest Asia?
There will be representatives from eleven countries participating in the contest.
Reporting by Yangs for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.