Filipina singer Carmelle Collado makes history as first Eurovision Asia champion

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 15, 2026

Photo courtesy: Eurovision Asia Updates

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino singer Carmelle Collado has made history after winning the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, bringing home the competition’s first-ever title with her original song “Sobra-Sobra.”

The 19-year-old singer claimed victory during the grand final held at One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14, defeating representatives from 10 other Asian countries in the international music competition.

Collado earned a total of 211 points, securing 93 points from national juries and 118 points from the public vote. She topped both voting categories, making the Philippines the first country to win the Asian edition of the internationally recognized Eurovision Song Contest.

Thailand finished second with the duo MANG x DAOU performing “Aroma,” while Vietnam placed third with singer Tóc Tiên’s “EM TIÊN.” Malaysia and Laos completed the competition’s top five.

The contest brought together performers from 11 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

The winner was determined through a combination of professional jury scores and public voting, with each accounting for 50% of the overall result. Votes were received from viewers across 183 countries and territories.

Collado’s winning entry, “Sobra-Sobra,” is an upbeat pop anthem celebrating women’s empowerment and the strength of Filipino women.

Written by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides, the song was selected to represent the Philippines during the country’s national selection competition in August.

Speaking after her historic victory, Collado expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country and bring Filipino music to an international audience.

“I’m really happy. I’m really grateful that I made history,” she told ABC News following her win.

The singer also expressed hope that audiences around the world would connect with Filipino music and recognize its universal appeal.

A native of Bicol, Collado had already established herself in the Philippine entertainment industry before her Eurovision Asia victory.

She previously finished as first runner-up on The Voice Kids, won Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown, and participated in Pinoy Big Brother.

Her international achievements also include winning seven gold medals at the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2019.

The first Eurovision Song Contest Asia marked an expansion of the Eurovision format, which originated in Europe in 1956.

Held under the theme “United by Music,” the inaugural Asian competition showcased original performances representing different musical styles, languages and cultures across the region.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, congratulated Collado and the Philippines, describing the victory as a historic achievement for the competition’s first Asian edition.

The grand final also featured performances by Thai singer Jeff Satur and Bulgarian Eurovision champion DARA, who presented the trophy to Collado.