Jeremiah Tiangco is “The Clash 2019” grand champion.
For Jeremiah Tiangco, a contest hopeful’s song choice is just as crucial as his or her actual singing abilities.
For the recent finals of the “The Clash” Season 2, he chose songs that allowed him to impress and express—a move that ultimately led him to the title.
“You and your song should be one. Whether it’s R&B, soul, jazz, ballad—you are your song,” he told the Inquirer in an interview. “I look for power, emotions and then technicals.”
For the recent grand finals of the GMA 7 talent search, Jeremiah went for Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” and R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” for the initial phase, then Fantasia’s “I Believe” for his one-on-one showdown with Thea Astley.
“You have to focus on the emotional connection and capture the audience’s hearts… You also have to please judges,” he pointed out. “The song has to have a buildup; otherwise, it would be dull. Then, you showcase your versatility and demonstrate what you’re capable of doing.”
“You have to excite your listeners with what you can do and how you do it,” added the newbie singer, who won P4 million worth of prizes—P1 million in cash, a brand-new car, house and lot, and a management contract with the Kapuso network.
Jeremiah plans to donate a portion of his prize to his local church, he said, as his way of giving back.
Because he sees Thea as a fierce competitor, Jeremiah, who hails from Imus, Cavite, wasn’t fully convinced that he had a good shot at winning the title. So, when his name was called, he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. And the first person he looked for in the crowd was his mother.
“She has always been an inspiration and one of the reasons I joined this contest,” related Jeremiah, who’s also hopeful that his winnings and a potential career in music would be enough to convince his seafarer father to finally retire, relax and enjoy life.
“He has been working for 30 years; he started when he was only 19,” he said. “I told my parents that if I win, they would be my priority. I didn’t join just for my sake. Being able to help them is my idea of success. I would also like to thank everyone who prayed for me and supported me.”
Jereriah said he also owes his success to the judges—Christian Bautista, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Lani Misalucha—who guided him and gave him valuable advice.
“It helps to be a good listener. Taking in their words helped me improve myself and work toward my goal,” said the 22-year-old, who was a past Philippine representative to the World Championships of Performing Arts.
While music is his top priority, Jeremiah isn’t closing his doors on the possibility of getting into acting. “I will consider whatever comes my way. If there’s an opportunity to act, why not?” he said. INQ