For Kent Villarba, music has always been about heart — not hype. On November 8, during the grand finale of “Tawag ng Tanghalan: Ika-9 na Taon” on It’s Showtime, that heart carried him to victory. The singer from Dalaguete, Cebu was crowned Grand Champion after earning a near-perfect 98% combined score from the judges and public voting — dedicating his win to Cebuanos recently affected by severe flooding.

A champion with compassion

Even before stepping onstage, Villarba said he was thinking of those back home. “May mabigat akong iniisip kasi bumabagyo sa amin. Nag-aalala ako sa mga kababayan ko sa Cebu,” he said. “Kaya nilaban ko ‘to para sa kanila.”

He added that he plans to donate part of his winnings to families affected by the floods. “Bibigay ko siguro sa mga nasalanta,” he said.

An unexpected birthday gift

Villarba described the victory as the greatest birthday gift he could receive. His performances of Lewis Capaldi’s Before You Go and IV of Spades’ Where Have You Been, My Disco? moved both the audience and the judges.

“You really deserve to be here today. You were relaxed, confident, and full of emotion — that’s what a grand champion should be,” judge Erik Santos said. Judge Mark Bautista added: “No airtime was wasted.”

Host Vice Ganda told Villarba: “This is the best gift you could give yourself. You truly touched our hearts.”

More than an impersonator

Before TNT, Villarba gained attention online for his impersonations of Bruno Mars. Throughout the season, he shifted toward showcasing his own musical identity. “Finally, I see Kent — not Bruno Mars,” head judge Louie Ocampo told him. Villarba later shared the comment online with the caption, “Noted, Punong Hurado.”

In a twist, Bruno Mars reposted a clip of Villarba’s performance of Just the Way You Are on Instagram.

From Dalaguete to the national stage

Villarba takes home P1 million, a Star Magic management contract, and a recording deal with ABS-CBN Music. The local government of Dalaguete released a statement praising him for bringing “great pride and inspiration.”

“I didn’t expect to win,” Villarba said. “But maybe this was God’s plan — not just for me, but for everyone I represent back home.”

TNT GRAND FINALS RESULTS — IKA-9 NA TAON

Grand Champion: Kent Villarba – Dalaguete, Cebu (98%)
1st Runner-Up: Lucky Nicole Galindez – Tupi, South Cotabato (92%)
2nd Runner-Up: Angelica Magno – Sultan Kudarat (56%)

Winning Songs:
• Before You Go – Lewis Capaldi
• Where Have You Been, My Disco? – IV of Spades