Zephanie Dimaranan wins the first ‘Idol Philippines’ edition

“Congratulations Zepn Dimaranan! Ang pangarap ko ay ang pangarap mo. Wow!” (Photo: @brezhfresh/Instagram)

Sixteen-year-old Zephanie Dimaranan is the first-ever champion of ABS-CBN singing competition Idol Philippines after the final episode of the season last Sunday, July 28, 2019, with the live show taking place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

The Biñan City, Laguna native received 100 percent in terms of judges scores and public votes, followed by Lucas Garcia of Lipa City, Batangas with 70.2 percent and Lance Busa of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte with 41.89 percent.

The day prior, Top 5 finalists Dan Ombao and Miguel Odron were eliminated from the competition, while the Top 12 is completed by Elle Ocampo, Matty Juniosa, Rachel Libres, Trish Bonilla, Renwick Benito, Fatima Louise, and Sheland Faelnar.

On the finals’ night, the teenager performed “Maghintay Ka Lamang” by Ted Ito and a new original written for her by Jonathan Manalo entitled “Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo.”

Zephanie received 2,000,000 cash prize, along with an all-expense trip to Taiwan, a house and lot from Camella Homes, and a contract with Star Music. 

This is a ‘third time’s a charm’ for Zephanie, as she previously joined 2015’s The Voice Kids Philippines on Team Sarah Geronimo and Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime. The third of five kids attributes her attitude to being a pastor’s daughter, stating that her parents’ strict upbringing has shaped herself and her siblings.

#IdolPHGrandWinner is also now number one trending on Twitter, with 2011 American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez making an appearance during the conclusion of the contest for a special performance.

Idol Philippines 2019 was hosted by Billy Crawford and had Regine Velasquez, James Reid, Moira Dela Torre, and Vice Ganda on the judging panel. At the end of the show, Crawford confirmed that they will be returning for another season.