2026 marked the debut of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, the continental spinoff of the popular Eurovision Song Contest, which saw eleven nations vie for the inaugural title, including the Philippines. In a country with many talented singers, rising Gen Z performer Carmelle Collado was chosen to be the country’s representative after winning the local selection night last August. The potential was always there for a win, because if there’s one thing to know about Filipinos, it’s that we can win a competition show, and that’s exactly what happened as Collado earned her name and place in the history books.
RELATED: Carmelle Collado Is the Philippines’ First-Ever Representative to Eurovision Asia
Carmelle Collado Takes Home the Win at Inaugural Eurovision Asia
Held in Bangkok, Thailand, the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest Asia saw Collado come out on top against ten other competitors to win the title on November 14. In doing so, she made history as the first-ever person to win Eurovision Asia, and by extension, the Philippines became the first titleholder of Eurovision Asia. Collado received a total of 211 points, with host nation Thailand in second place with 170 points and Vietnam in third with 164.
Impressively, Collado was the top scorer of the jury vote, receiving 93 points, as well as the public vote with 118 points. It should be noted that voters could not vote for the representative of their country, meaning Filipinos couldn’t vote for Collado. It just goes to show that viewers across Asia believed in Collado’s performance to rocket it to the top. Collado can also add being the first winner of the jury vote and public vote of Eurovision Asia to her list of firsts.
What’s even more impressive about Collado bringing home the win for the country is that she did it with a song that is unapologetically Filipino and feminist. Sobra-Sobra, which was composed by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides, is an anthem of women’s empowerment as Collado confidently sings and raps lines about defying expectations, uplifting Filipinas, and inspiring them to hold their heads high.
When there are those who demean women for being over the top, ambitious, outspoken, or doing too much, Sobra-Sobra turns those insults into compliments about how women shouldn’t feel ashamed about owning every space they are in. In fact, during the finals performance, names of famous Filipino women were flashed on screen to further highlight the song’s message and the important role Filipinas play in society and culture.
Adding to the song’s charm is its use of traditional Philippine instruments, such as the kubing and kulintang, as well as other ethnic and tribal sounds, making for a Eurovision-winning track with a Filipino heart. Add to that Collado’s exceptional performance, undeniable talent, stage presence, and live vocals and dancing, and it was a recipe for success. Collado can take pride in knowing that she made history for herself, the Philippines, and Filipinas on the world stage. And as a bonus for her win, Collado will be a guest performer at the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria in May of next year.
The win also adds to what has been an undoubtedly breakthrough year for the Gen Z performer. While no stranger to the stage, with Collado competing in a handful of local competition shows over the years, 2026 has been special in how she started it as a fan favorite of Pinoy Big Brother Collab 2, even though she just barely missed the Big Night. Since then, she’s been honing her rising star status, and she ends the year with a historic win at Eurovision Asia.
Seeing a young Filipina show off their talent and make waves on the international stage just feels correct. If there was any doubt that she is a star in the making, the Eurovision Asia title says otherwise. And the best part is that this is just the beginning for Collado.
Featured Image and Photos: EUROVISION ASIA (via Instagram)
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