Lani and Christian want a champion who can go global

As the triumvirate of “The Clash,” Ai-Ai delas Alas, Christian Bautista and Lani Misalucha have witnessed Pinoys’ passion for and undeniable talent in singing. Part of their work as judges is to find the best and the most deserving.

Sometimes, fate tips the scales in any competition like “The Clash” as some audience members think.

This time around, Ai-Ai, Christian and Lani are judging and mentoring through their insightful comments two sets of singers: The Clashers and The Clashbackers. The former are making their debut on “The Clash” stage, while the latter are returning, hoping that Lady Luck is on their side.

At the end of the brand-new season, “The Clash” will only crown one champion.

“The advice I can give to the new Clashers is to use this platform, this contest, to really show the Philippines and the world what they’ve got,” said Christian in a recent press conference, which was also attended by Lani and Clash Masters Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz. “It’s also my advice to the Clashbackers. Right from the start of the contest, I told them, ‘Isa lang ang mananalo dito (only one will emerge as a winner). I hope it’s you, but if not, make your performance as memorable as possible.’”

Lani, on the other hand, shared what she’s looking for in this edition’s “The Clash” champion.

“Perhaps, this time, I want (the winner) not only to be appealing to the Filipino market but I also want them (he or she) to be somehow appealing to the international scene or international audience. So, that’s what I want and hope for the champion.”

The Clashers are Leigh Atienza, Divine Camposano, Liafer Deloso, Jan Echavarria, Carlos Florez, Mitzi Josh, Venus Pelobello, Marian Pimenta, Juary Sabith, Jayce San Rafael, Scarlet Yape and Adelle Yu.

Liana Castillo, Zyrene Ciervo, Arabelle dela Cruz, Allain Gatdula, Jong Madaliday, Jennifer Maravilla, Nef Medina, Lyra Micolob, Renz Robosa, Tombi Romulo, Bea Sacramento and Vilmark Viray form The Clashbackers group.

Lani considers the brand-new season as the toughest thus far because it’s the first in the history of the GMA original singing talent competition to have new faces and familiar ones since the latter are participating for the second time.

“We are able to listen and watch The Clashbackers again,” said she. “They were able to give their best performances in their respective seasons. Personally, I’m so happy to see them again and hear (them) perform for us, and of course, we have new Clashers who will give (and present) their talents and new performances. That’s why I am very excited for this season.”

“The Clash” has a good and interesting mix of singers. There are those who are eager to learn the ropes, and there are the ones who have already familiarized themselves with the competition and are determined to prove their worth one more time.

“But who knows, next year might top this season, we’ll never know because we’re going to have to do something that’s going to exceed the current season,” said Lani.

“‘How do I keep it fresh?’” asked Christian himself, reflecting on judging talents season after season. “It’s actually because of the contestants, that’s why it’s fresh because everyone gives a new energy even The Clashbackers. They have something new (to offer). They have to prove something, they have to live this moment again. And for The Clashers, we’re, like discovering them, what their strengths are, who they are (as performers). That’s how I react. I react to the new things that they give.”

What makes this clash or competition of singing talents different from previous editions is the mix of old and new contenders, said Christian, “and their energies and performances that have really brought so much color again to this new season of ‘The Clash.’”

Please watch “The Clash” Sunday nights at 7:15 after “Bubble Gang.”