GMA Network’s original singing reality show, The Clash, wrapped its inaugural season on Sunday with an extravaganza called The Final Clash, a showdown between North Cotabato’s bet Jong Madaliday and Cebu’s pride Golden Cañedo.
First to perform was Jong with his lively rendition of The Chainsmokers’ “Roses” and immediately followed by Golden who belted out a rather conventional yet emotional version of Martin Nievera’s “Ikaw ang Pangarap.”
Following the high-energy performance of the two was the nerve-wracking announcement that changed the life of these two up-and-coming singers.
Host Regine Velasquez took centerstage and proclaimed Golden Cañedo as The Clash first grand champion.
Amid the flying confetti and loud cheers, Golden was hugged by Regine and then by her parents who came to celebrate her victory.
As the victor of the tilt, Golden took home more than four million worth of prizes including an exclusive management contract with GMA Network, 1 million pesos cash, a brand new car, and a Bria house and lot.
Looking back, the Golden could only say good things about her journey in The Clash, from being included in the Top 62 until she became part of the Top 6.
“I was really nervous, I thought after the show I’d go back to Cebu. But I just kept on praying,” the 16-year-old said in vernacular during an interview with the press right after the live program.
She further said that winning the contest will allow her to learn more as a singer and improve as a performer. She felt ecstatic, too,because along with the Top 6 clashers, Golden will join the variety program Studio 7, which will replace The Clash in its Sunday timeslot.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to do the things that I haven’t done before and probably be able to try other things like acting. I just want to prove that I really deserve to win,” she added.
Before she auditioned for the show, she said that she had already prepared herself for the challenges that come with being in showbiz.
“I’ve been discouraged before but I really wanted to do this so I just prayed and enjoyed the whole experience,” she said.
Growing up, Golden considers Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, and Morisette Amon as her musical influences. Thus, sounding like them was kind of expected by she is positive that she could give people a different experience when she performs because of her positive disposition and fresh style.
Asked on what she’s going to do with the prize money, she revealed that she’s going to help a relative who badly needs an operation.