The victory came under the banner of Eurovision, one of the world's biggest televised music competitions, whose original European contest draws more than 100 million viewers internationally.
CARMELLE defeated contestants from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Thailand, South Korea, Nepal and Malaysia with her performance of “Sobra-Sobra.”
The Filipino singer topped both jury and audience voting, earning 93 points from the jury and 118 points from viewers for a combined 211 points.
Her winning performance combined powerful vocals, rapid-fire rapping and energetic dance moves, while paying tribute to iconic Filipino women.
“Sobra-Sobra,” written by Mat Olavides and Nica del Rosario, celebrates women's strength, confidence and self-worth.
From Kapamilya talent to Asian champion
The international victory adds to CARMELLE's growing list of achievements after winning Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown on ABS-CBN's It's Showtime in 2025.
She was also first runner-up in The Voice Kids Philippines Season 4 and collected seven gold medals at the 2019 World Championships of Performing Arts.
Last August, she defeated nine other candidates to secure the Philippine slot at Eurovision Asia.
ABS-CBN and its music label Star Music backed her participation, extending the Kapamilya network's presence on the international music stage.
The inaugural Asian competition builds on Eurovision's 70-year legacy as one of the longest-running international television music contests, organized by the European Broadcasting Union.
ABS-CBN also served as the competition's Philippine broadcast partner, airing the event across its platforms, while Vice Ganda announced the Philippine jury's votes during the program.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
