Why ‘Clash’ champ Golden Cañedo felt like quitting before winning

Golden Cañedo

It’s been nine months since teen singer Golden Cañedo won the top prize in the reality singing competition “The Clash,” but she’s still in disbelief over how much her life has changed in that span.

Golden was in Brooklyn, New York, last May to perform alongside some of her singing idols, one of whom was “The Clash” judge Christian Bautista.

“Here in the Philippines, I look up to Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista,” 17-year-old Golden tells the Inquirer in Filipino. “Now, I’m happy because my idols, whom I only watched on TV, perform with me onstage.”

Becoming the grand champion of the talent competition, the “kontesera from Cebu” adds, is a journey that she never imagined: “I feel super blessed. I’m thankful because I’m always supported by my family. They’re the ones who motivate me to share my talent with others and to make my dreams come true.”

The singing contest that aired on GMA 7 last year provided her some tough challenges, recalls Golden.

“There was a time when I thought of going home to Cebu because I worried that we couldn’t afford the expenses [in Manila] while the competition was ongoing,” she says. I thought of just finishing the workshop and going home. Fortunately, it all worked out with the help of people who supported me and my family. Natupad na po ang pangarap ko.”

One of the mainstays of “Studio 7,” Golden has a new song, “Tayo Pa Rin,” released last summer. It’s a change of pace from her usual competition numbers, which include the OPM ballads “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” and “Natutulog Ba ang Diyos.”

“Upbeat po ito at bagay sa mga millennial,” she says, describing the bouncy dance-pop single “Tayo Pa Rin,” which was written by Rica del Rosario. Listeners can look forward to more releases, Golden promises.

“Not only ballads and birit, there will be more upbeat and even heartbreaking songs they can relate to,” says the teen singer, who also idolizes pop stars Ariana Grande, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey.

But, having sung classic homegrown showstoppers, Golden says, made an impact on her as a singer: “I like both [genres], but the old songs are still different.”

Now that she’s performing regularly, the teen Kapuso talent can easily give aspiring singers advice: “Never lose hope, because all the trials and tests in life have their solutions. Don’t forget to thank God for your talent and stay humble. Take care of, and love, your voice.”

On what she ultimately wishes to achieve as a singer, Golden says, “I want to explore other genres. I also want my other talent to improve.

I also write songs. When I’m ready, I’ll release them.”