Shantal Cuizon, a finalist of “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” has apologized to Louie Ocampo for an insensitive remark she made on Twitter about the legendary songwriter.
Cuizon was heavily criticized for writing “composer ka lang” in her now deleted tweet after Ocampo, the head judge at the time, almost had her eliminated from the contest following her performance on Friday.
Cuizon issued her apology this Saturday, after a shaky performance.
On live television, she said: “Gusto ko pong mag-public apology kay sir Louie Ocampo. Thank you po kasi kahit ano po iyong nararamdaman ninyo, hindi niyo pa rin ako gi-nong.”
She admitted that she failed to contain her emotions because of the “stress” and “pressure” of the competition, adding: “Sorry po at nabigla lang po talaga ako.”
Ocampo was not part of the judging panel on Saturday.
Vice Ganda, one of the hosts of “It’s Showtime,” said that he was offended by the post, particularly by Cuizon’s insinuation that the semifinals were rigged from the start.
In addition to her “composer ka lang” tweet, Cuizon also called for justice after she felt that she was treated unfairly.
Vice Ganda told her: “Huwag ninyo sanang maramdaman na dinadaya kayo ng show na ito at may isang hurado na mandadaya sa inyo at magbibigay ng injustice.”
The comedian hoped that Cuizon realizes how small the music industry is, and the importance of composers.
“Kung wala ang mga composer, wala kayong aawitin,” Vice Ganda said.
Cuizon then said: “Lahat po ng pagkakamali, aminin mo lang, kasi wala namang pagkakamali na naitatago, lahat kailangan aminin at dapat matutunan.”
“At may mga pagkakamaling hindi nakaka-proud,” Vice Ganda added.
Cuizon failed to progress to the grand finals, with the final two spots going to Julius Cawaling and 70-year-old Violeta Bayawa. (ABS-CBN News)
