Tawag ng Tanghalan judges Jaya and Dulce are moved to tears by the performance of semifinalist Violeta Bayawa. ABS-CBN

MANILA — Judges and hosts of “It’s Showtime” were moved to tears Monday by a heartfelt performance of a Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist, who dedicated her rendition of “Unchained Melody” to her “one great love” who had left her.

Violeta Bayawa, 70, was among the seven Quarter 4 contenders who performed on the first day of the week-long semifinals.

Performing the memorable tune from the iconic 1990 film “Ghost,” Bayawa had the judges, including Jaya and Dulce, wiping tears during her number.

When Vice Ganda and Vhong Navarro joined her on stage after the performance, they mentioned that co-host Anne Curtis and judge Zsa Zsa Padilla also cried.

Bayawa, who has been open about her failed relationships in earlier episodes, said she recalled memories of her husband abandoning her while she performed the song about longing for one’s love.

According to Bayawa, her husband left her for another woman.

“Sobra-sobra po [akong nasaktan], pero wala akong nagawa,” she said.

Asked whether she ever found a new relationship after her husband, Bayawa said, “Nagkaroon ako, pero hindi katulad sa kaniya.”

She admitted she is still hoping she and her husband will be together again someday, saying her faith has taught her to be forgiving.

“Ang sabi sa Bibliya, lahat tayo nagkakamali, kaya tanggap ko pa rin siya,” she said.

Judge Dulce, in sharing her thoughts on Bayawa’s number, remained emotional and thanked the contestant for “baring her soul” on stage.

Aside from Bayawa, Shantal Cuizon, Alliyah Cadelina, Jermaine Apil, Dior Bronia, Mariane Osabel, and Julius Cawaling performed on Monday. By the end of the week, two of the seven Quarter 4 semifinalists will advance to the grand finals.