Title: To Avoid Scandal, TVJ Production Hires Official Tabulator for Clones Grand Finals—What Are They Trying to Hide This Time?!
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The tension is electric, the stakes are higher than ever, and the nation’s eyes are fixed on one of the most controversial talent competitions of the year: Clones: The Ultimate Impersonator Showdown. But just days before its highly anticipated Grand Finals, a bombshell decision by TVJ Production has sparked both applause and suspicion—an official, third-party tabulator has been brought in to oversee the final results.
The move, while seemingly intended to promote transparency, has only fueled the fire of existing rumors that something shady might be happening behind the scenes. Fans, critics, and even former contestants are now asking the same question: Is the Grand Finals already rigged? And what exactly is TVJ trying to cover up?
A Show Built on Imitation—Now Accused of Deception?
Clones, produced by the legendary TVJ trio—Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, quickly became a national sensation when it launched earlier this year. The format was simple yet compelling: contestants from all walks of life impersonate iconic Filipino celebrities, competing in a series of intense, hilarious, and often emotional challenges.
From near-perfect replicas of Nora Aunor and Sharon Cuneta, to spine-chilling impersonations of Jovit Baldivino and Sarah Geronimo, the show offered nostalgia, comedy, and raw talent. Ratings soared, and fanbases formed around their favorite “clone” artists.
But behind the laughter and standing ovations, controversy simmered.
Whispers of Bias and Manipulation
Weeks leading up to the finale, rumors began circulating on social media that the competition was being manipulated. Several fan-favorite contestants were mysteriously eliminated, while lesser-known performers with alleged “insider connections” advanced.
One anonymous insider claimed, “There were times when the judges’ scores were overruled by producers. We weren’t supposed to talk about it, but we saw it happening.”
Another former contestant known only as “CloneZsaZsa” told BuzzPH, “I was told to tone down my performance so another contestant could ‘shine.’ It felt off.”
Netizens began calling the show “Cloned Results” and even demanded that TVJ address the growing skepticism. For weeks, the production team remained silent—until now.
The Tabulator Twist
On Wednesday morning, TVJ Production shocked everyone by announcing the hiring of an independent auditing firm, A.E. Cruz & Partners, to act as official tabulators for the Grand Finals. In a press release, the network stated:
“To preserve the integrity of Clones and honor the support of our loyal fans, we have partnered with a third-party tabulation firm to ensure that the Grand Finals results are 100% transparent and tamper-proof.”
While some praised the decision as a move toward fairness, others saw it as too little, too late.
“This reeks of panic control,” said showbiz analyst Mario Dionisio. “They waited until the last moment. Now it looks like they’re trying to cover tracks rather than prevent cheating.”
Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions
Social media platforms exploded with reactions ranging from enthusiastic support to absolute disbelief.
“Finally! At least now the REAL winner has a chance!” wrote one Facebook commenter.
“They wouldn’t need a tabulator if there was nothing shady going on in the first place,” tweeted a fan using the hashtag #CloneWarsPH.
Others speculated whether the tabulator is just a PR stunt, and that the actual scores will still be “edited for drama.”
Videos showing alleged arguments between contestants backstage and claims that “favorites” were given more airtime and expensive costumes have also gone viral, adding further intrigue.
Who Are the Finalists—and Who’s Favored to Win?
The Grand Finals will feature six powerhouse impersonators, including:
“Miguel Magsaysay” as Gary Valenciano
“Charmaine Dela Cruz” as Regine Velasquez
“RJ Blanco” as Bamboo
“TonTon Escudero” as Michael V.
“Clara Kim” as KZ Tandingan
“Andrew Coloma” as Rico J. Puno
Early polls show Miguel Magsaysay and Charmaine Dela Cruz neck-and-neck in fan popularity, with Clara Kim rising fast after her explosive semifinal performance.
However, some insiders claim producers have long been grooming RJ Blanco to win, allegedly due to his connection with one of the show’s executive sponsors. This is one of the key reasons fans have demanded external tabulation.
TVJ Responds—Sort Of
In a rare moment of direct engagement, Joey de Leon responded to the controversy on X, posting:
“Too much drama. Let’s just enjoy the finals, people. We got nothing to hide. You’ll see.”
But critics weren’t impressed. Some reminded Joey that he had once joked about “controlling results for better ratings” during a behind-the-scenes clip—a joke that now doesn’t seem quite so funny.
Vic and Tito Sotto have yet to issue personal statements, but sources say the trio met with the show’s legal and production teams to ensure “no funny business” happens on finale night.
What’s at Stake?
The Grand Champion of Clones will receive:
₱1 million in cash
A contract with Star Harmony Productions
A guest slot on a major primetime show
A nationwide concert tour
It’s a dream prize that could change the life of a struggling impersonator forever. And that’s exactly why any hint of manipulation is being taken so seriously.
A Make-or-Break Moment for TVJ
For decades, TVJ has been an institution in Philippine entertainment. But in an era of cancel culture and real-time outrage, even legends are not safe.
“If this finale ends with even a whisper of unfairness, it could tarnish their legacy,” says media historian Corina Velasco. “They’ve built a career on laughter and loyalty—but trust, once broken, is hard to fix.”
The Grand Finale: All Eyes Watching
Set to air this Sunday in a live nationwide telecast, the Clones Grand Finals promises performances, guest appearances, and a “dramatic reveal” of the winner. With A.E. Cruz & Partners present on-site, the production team insists everything will be transparent.
Still, questions remain: Is this tabulator too late? Can one auditing firm undo weeks of distrust? Or is it just another clone of fairness, hiding the real story underneath?
One thing is certain: This isn’t just a talent show anymore—it’s a test of credibility.
Stay tuned to StarScoop for live coverage of the Clones Grand Finals and post-show revelations you won’t believe.
