Kanta Pilipinas gets even more exciting as it aired its first elimination night last Saturday. The first batch of hopefuls that made it to the next stage of the competition include Timmy Pavino, Thara Jordana, 5az1, Nicole and Carlo David, Dea Formilleza and Allan Gonzales.

The judges and viewers were wowed with the jaw-dropping performances early on in the competition. Fil-Am singer Timmy was considered a complete package because of his excellent singing voice and stage presence while Fil-Spanish Thara proved that she does not just register well on camera but that she can also be a formidable performer. 5az1 (Herbert, Rex, John, Bryan and Mick) serenaded the audience with their unique blending while the brother-sister tandem of Nicole and Carlo David put their own twist on some acoustic favorites.

Two other hopefuls emerged victorious from the second batch of finalists – Dea Formilleza, the girl-next-door from Davao who has proven everyone that she has what it takes to music stardom and Allan Gonzales, the music wonder from Quezon City who refuses to be confined by his loss of eyesight.

Early favorites like former American Idol contestant AJ Tabaldo and YouTube sensation Isaiah Antonio failed to live up to expectations.

Related: 3rd Batch of Top Auditionees Compete this Saturday in ‘Kanta Pilipinas’ (Video)

The finalists were chosen by host Rico Blanco and Kanta Pilipinas’ esteemed panel of judges: Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Asia’s Nightingale Ms. Lani Misalucha with the multi-awarded songwriter, producer and hit-maker Mr. Vehnee Saturno.

Stay tuned for the next set of contenders who are out to prove that they are worthy to be in the Kanta Pilipinas’ Top 12. The battle gets hotter as TV5’s first and the original singing reality-search Kanta Pilipinas continues every Saturday, 9:00PM on TV5.