CARMELLE is set to represent the Philippines in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia on November 14 in Bangkok, Thailand, where she will perform her original song “Sobra-Sobra” and champion the global appeal of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown winner and former Pinoy Big Brother: Collab 2.0 housemate hopes to connect with international audiences through Filipino music and its universal themes.
During her ABS-CBN send-off event, “CARMELLE: Sobra-Sobrang Send Off,” attended by family, friends, and supporters, the Bicolana singer described the competition as a childhood dream come true. A seven-time gold medalist at the 2019 World Championships of Performing Arts, she shared that she grew up watching international pop groups such as the Pussycat Dolls and Spice Girls and dreamed of performing on the global stage. She hopes audiences will discover how Filipino music can transcend cultural boundaries.
Supporting her journey is Team CARMELLE, including “Sobra-Sobra” songwriters Mat Olavides and Nica del Rosario, production head Jessamae Samson, stylist and creative director Ica Villanueva, and ABS-CBN Music, led by Roxy Liquigan, with overall creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo. Manalo described the competition as a chance for Filipinos to rally behind an empowered Filipina representing the country. Samson also highlighted Carmelle’s ability to sing, dance, and rap as strengths she will bring to the international stage.
The send-off featured surprise video messages from Apl.de.Ap, BINI, and her former The Voice Kids coach Bamboo. Philippine Selection Night runners-up Marielle Montellano and SAGA also performed and shared their well-wishes. Carmelle likewise announced her upcoming solo concert, “Unleashed,” scheduled for January 29 at the New Frontier Theater.
Carmelle will compete against 10 other artists representing Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Filipinos can watch the Eurovision Song Contest Asia live on November 14 at 9:30 p.m. via iWant, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.
