'TNT' 3 champ Elaine Duran proves perseverance pays off
After so many rejections and failed auditions, Elaine Duran gets her turn to shine as grand champion of this year’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan (TNT).”
“I didn’t even expect I would be able to become finalist this year on ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan.’ I just kept auditioning — and now I am grand champion,” she said.
“There were so many good contestants and I commend all the finalists, they all deserve to win. I just thank the Lord that I was given this opportunity among all of us.”
Elaine, despite being the show’s Hall of Famer, said she didn’t expect to win. She defeated John Michael dela Cerna and John Mark Saga, who placed third and second, respectively.
“I’ve always told myself that as long as I survive this grand finals day, I’ll be okay. And just to be part of Top 6 is already a big deal for me.
“I was rejected many times on ‘TNT’ for many seasons. Finally, God gave me this chance to be part of ‘TNT.’ I surrendered everything to the Lord. ”
She performed a medley of Basil Valdez songs, and gave unique and ethnic twist to Shanti Dope’s “Nadarang.” While Elaine initially felt that one of those songs isn’t her style, she gave it her best.
“I was telling the Lord that whatever place I achieve, that’s fine with me because I have already reached the top 3. With so many people who auditioned on ‘TNT,’ I’m blessed, just to be part of this whether as semi-finalist or grand finalist. In fact, I didn’t even expect to be in the Top 6.” Elaine was one of those who arranged and thought of making “Nadarang” ethnic and pop-rock. “I’m known for doing runs, ballads, and there was also a time when I showed my opera side. I also
know how to rap. For example, people didn’t expect me to rap in the grand finals. Hindi din naman ako masyado bumibirit, binigyan ko na lang talaga
ng artistry ko at ng puso ang ‘Nadarang,’” she said.
Among the contestants, Elaine found comfort in and support from John Mark.
“We’re the closest (friends). We are similar in many ways,” she said. “I would like to thank Kuya John Mark because whenever I doubted myself, he’s always there, telling me I can do it.”
This season of “TNT” has been controversial wherein some viewers questions judges’ scoring and a contestant also withdrew from the competition. Elaine thinks controversies are inevitable and she also respects people’s sentiments.
“I believe there’s really a time for you. I also want to say that people should respect the judges’ decisions. They won’t be where they are now without their expertise,” she said.
Elaine won R2 million cash prize, a house and lot, and a recording contract. She would help her family, especially her sibling, go to school and pay for the expenses.
She will also donate to the construction of a church.
“I was a fresh graduate last year and I didn’t have a job. I was praying to the Lord, asking what my purpose in life is,” Elaine recalled.
Had she not won, Elaine would’ve started looking for a job. She used to earn only R1,500 for singing 30 songs in gigs, so she’s happy to provide for her family more from here.
Elaine hopes to fulfill her dream of recording a teleserye theme song.
She ended the interview by thanking her family and fans.
“Thank you very much for supporting me and believing in my capabilities, and for not leaving me behind in my journey here in ‘TNT.’ I won’t be able to achieve this dream without you. Along with God, all of you gave me this chance.”