Talent search shows, especially those for singers, are a part of the local entertainment industry. Tanghalan ng Kampeon, anyone? We have a bunch of them, from ABS-CBN’s The X Factor Philippines to GMA 7’s Protégé, which started out as something for singers but is now for aspiring artistas. We love these shows. Apart from being a great source of entertainment (yes, we mean the bad auditions and singers), they are also responsible for starting the careers of today’s hottest stars.

10. Sheryn Regis

This Cebuana biritera may not have won in Star in a Million, but she managed to have a good career after the contest, releasing an album, getting good assignments on ABS-CBN, and being part of a series of local and international concerts together with other talent show winners and finalists.

9. Angeline Quinto

Now here’s a suki. From Star for a Night in 2002 and MTB Teen Popstar in 2004 (she was just a finalist in both) to Diz Iz It in 2011 and Star Power: Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar in 2011, this talented girl has joined quite a lot of contests. Good thing she finally bagged the title of the last one she joined, which has opened doors for her. A hit album and a well-received movie, she’s just getting started.

8. Toni Gonzaga

Even though she didn’t win when she joined Tanghalan ng Kampeon in 1997, Toni has become a well-known and versatile celebrity who has done it all, so far: star in hit TV shows and blockbuster movies, release catchy songs showcasing her vocal talent, book endorsement gigs, and find her niche—hosting.

7. Kyla

Here’s another suki. Named Melanie Calumpad in real life, Kyla joined Tanghalan ng Kampeon, DZRH’s Hamon sa Kampeon, and Metropop’s Young Singers’ Competition, where she placed third. So how’s life after singing competitions for Kyla? Very successful, considering she’s got several hit albums, well-attended concerts, and a regular show. Oh, and she’s gotten married, too.

6. Yeng Constantino

There was no stopping Yeng after she was proclaimed Grand Star Dreamer of Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006. The extremely talented singer-songwriter has churned out three albums so far, each one filled with catchy songs that turned out to be big hits. Although it was unexpected, Yeng became a host, for a show called Music Uplate Live, and is also an endorser of a clothing line now.

5. Jonalyn Viray

This powerful belter won the first season of GMA 7’s Pinoy Pop Superstar, and although underutilized by GMA 7 (she’s a regular at Party Pilipinas but only as part of the trio La Diva together with other Pinoy Pop Superstar graduates Aicelle Santos and Maricris Perez) and bashed a lot online, Jonalyn is one talented girl who deserves global success.

4. Elise Estrada

Elise who? She was just a finalist in season two of Pinoy Pop Superstar (where Gerald Santos won), but when she went back to Canada, that’s where her singing career went kaboom. She has two albums so far, chart-topping singles, a list of wins and nominations, plus an ever-growing fanbase in Canada. Not bad for someone snubbed by the Philippines.

3. Rachelle Ann Go

There was no doubt about it, Rachelle Ann was already a star when she won Search for a Star in 2004, so a series of successful albums and concerts just had to follow. Rachelle Ann, who has also been doing some acting on the side, is one of the best singers in GMA 7’s Party Pilipinas—just look at how many singing assignments she gets.

2. Sarah Geronimo

She may have already been doing cameos and little shows when she was younger but it was only when she won in Star for a Night in 2002 that Sarah’s career really started. Apart from a very successful singing career, Sarah has branched out to acting and hosting—successfully.

1. Charice Pempengco

Now this is a success story. She joined Little Big Star in 2005, got eliminated, and then got called back as a wildcard contestant, and then placed only third in the finals. Look at where she is now. Proof that you don’t really have to win grand prize to make it in the real world.