Arzen Rose Dulzura

“Maraming rejections”: Yannie Basical shares journey to becoming first TNT Champion from the autism spectrum

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<p>After a hard-fought journey, <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/14/yannie-basical-ng-region-3-wagi-bilang-tawag-ng-tanghalan-season-10-grand-champion-0040"><strong><u>Yannie Paul Basical was named the newest “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” grand champion</u></strong></a><strong><u></u><u></u></strong> on “<a href="http://itsshowtime.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>It’s Showtime</u></strong></a>,&quot; and made history as the first winner from the autism spectrum.  </p><p>During the “Huling Tapatan” held last Saturday, June 13, the Region III representative got the judges emotional with his heartfelt rendition of SB19’s “Wakas” in Round 1, with hurado Kyla commenting that he “made the song feel alive.” </p><p>He advanced to Round 2, where only three out of the six finalists battled it out in the medley portion. The scores were reset back to zero. Yannie delivered a soaring rendition of Smokey Mountain hits, opening with “Mama’s a Maid In London,” and then “A Better World” and “Paraiso,” whose socially conscious lyrics hit even harder with his sincere vocals. His performance earned standing ovations from the judges. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/13/yannie-basical-s-winning-smokey-mountain-medley-tnt-10-huling-tapatan-1507"><strong><u>WATCH: Yannie Basical&#x27;s winning “SMOKEY MOUNTAIN” medley | TNT 10 Huling Tapatan </u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>In the end, Yannie triumphed and was officially crowned the newest “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” grand champion with a score of 97.4%. He bested Jeanel Silvestre of Region I and Charlie Palalisan of Region XII, who also brought OPM nostalgia to the stage through their Eraserheads and APO Hiking Society medleys, respectively.  </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/13/yannie-paul-basical-itinanghal-na-tnt-year-10-grand-champion-it-s-showtime-1516"><strong><u>WATCH: Yannie Paul Basical, itinanghal na TNT Year 10 Grand Champion!</u></strong></a></div><div> </div><p>For Yannie, who never let having Asperger’s Syndrome stop him from pursuing his passion for music and performing, the victory felt like a dream finally coming true after years of trying to step onto the TNT stage.  </p><div> </div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=AB68cwz9_2tmejjG"></script><div> </div><p>“Ang dami pong rejections, walang callback, pero pinagdadasal ko po sa Panginoon na makasali lang po ako just for once,” he told <a href="http://tv.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>ABS-CBN Studios</u></strong></a> after his winning moment. </p><p>Yannie drew inspiration from his family, as well as from the judges themselves, who became like mentors to the contestants. He recalled that during one of his auditions, he had the chance to share a duet with hurado Erik Santos, who told him that he would make it into TNT one day. </p><p>That&#x27;s why he dreams to &#x27;collab&#x27; with Erik, as well as with his favorite, Gary Valenciano, whose songs like “Take Me Out Of The Dark” always inspire and motivate him.  </p><p>Yannie’s preparation for the “Huling Tapatan” was a lot of hard work. He dedicated time and effort to crafting his competition pieces, making sure his performances would sound fresh and exciting for viewers. </p><p>As the Season 10 Grand Champion, he took home a P1 million cash prize, a trophy designed by National Artist Toym Imao, a management contract with ABS-CBN, a recording contract under ABS-CBN Music, and two round-trip tickets to his chosen destination in Asia, Australia, or the Middle East. </p><p>While he still does not have specific plans for the cash prize yet, Yannie wants to be practical and set it aside for his family&#x27;s needs. He also hopes to use part of it to create more music. But before anything else, his main priority after the competition is finishing his studies. </p><p>After his big win, Yannie thanked everyone who supported and believed in him throughout his journey, especially his parents and family, as well as his ‘kababayans’ in Bataan and the whole Region III. </p><p>Through all the challenges and setbacks he experienced before finally becoming a TNT ‘kampeon,’ the singer said he learned the importance of believing in one’s dreams no matter how difficult the journey becomes. “Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Huwag madi-discourage kapag natalo po kayo. Patuloy lang po ang pangarap,” he shared. </p><p>Witness more dreams turn into reality on  “<a href="http://itsshowtime.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>It’s Showtime</u></strong></a>,” airing Mondays to Saturdays, 12 NN, on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, GMA 7, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>.  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>More on this story: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/14/yannie-basical-ng-region-3-wagi-bilang-tawag-ng-tanghalan-season-10-grand-champion-0040"><strong><u>Yannie Basical ng Region 3, wagi bilang “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Season 10 Grand Champion</u></strong></a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/13/yannie-paul-basical-itinanghal-na-tnt-year-10-grand-champion-it-s-showtime-1516"><strong><u>Yannie Paul Basical, itinanghal na TNT Year 10 Grand Champion! | It’s Showtime</u></strong></a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/13/yannie-basical-s-winning-smokey-mountain-medley-tnt-10-huling-tapatan-1507"><strong><u>Yannie Basical&#x27;s winning “SMOKEY MOUNTAIN” medley | TNT 10 Huling Tapatan</u></strong></a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/1/vice-ganda-proud-na-ibinahaging-nasa-autism-spectrum-si-tnt-contender-yannie-it-s-showtime-1518"><strong><u>Vice Ganda, proud na ibinahaging nasa ‘autism spectrum’ si TNT contender Yannie | It’s Showtime</u></strong></a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/6/13/photos-best-moments-from-tnt-10-huling-tapatan-that-showcase-regional-pride-1617"><strong><u>PHOTOS: Best moments from TNT 10 ‘Huling Tapatan’ that showcase Regional Pride</u></strong></a></div>

<p>Yannie Basical shares lessons, priorities after making history as first TNT Champion from the autism spectrum.</p>

Yannie Basical shares lessons, priorities after making history as first TNT Champion from the autism spectrum.