Noven Gonzaga Belleza was born on November 26, 1994, in Hacienda Salome, Victoria City, Negros Occidental. He grew up in an agricultural area as the son of farmers Reinaldo and Rosy Villeza. As the eldest of eight siblings, he experienced the hardships of farm life at an early age despite their poverty.

Noven didn’t let his circumstances hinder his education. He attended Doña Andrea Palanca Elementary School and Victoria’s National High School. At the age of seven, he began joining local singing competitions, which helped him get noticed for his talent. His father was the one who nurtured and inspired his passion for music.

Before joining Tawag ng Tanghalan on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime, Noven auditioned for The Voice of the Philippines and Pilipinas Got Talent but was not successful. Despite these failures, he didn’t give up and continued seeking opportunities. In 2017, he decided to audition for Tawag ng Tanghalan, where he finally got his big break.

During the grand finals of Tawag ng Tanghalan on March 11, 2017, Noven showcased his vocal prowess by performing songs like “May Bukas Pa” by Rico J. Puno, which led him to the top three. In the second round, his medley of Air Supply songs earned him a standing ovation from the judges and audience.

Ultimately, he achieved the highest average score of 99.96%, making him the grand champion, defeating finalists Sam Mangubat and Froilan Canlas. His prizes included ₱2 million, a house and lot from Camella Homes, a contract with Star Music, a musical instrument package from JB Music, a business package, and a family vacation.

His victory inspired many young people, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds who are striving to reach their dreams. After his win, Noven released his debut album titled Ako’y Sayo in September 2017 under Star Music. The album featured songs by renowned composers such as Vehnee Saturno, Jungee Marcelo, Jonathan Manalo, and Rey Valera.

The carrier single, “Tumahan Ka Na,” became a hit and stayed on the MOR 101.9 charts for 10 weeks. Other tracks in the album included “Nais Kong Ibalik,” “Problemang Puso,” “Lupa,” “Sino Ako,” and a cinematic version of “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako.” As part of his music career, Noven performed in various concerts and shows, including ASAP, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Magandang Buhay, and It’s Showtime.

One of his standout performances was again a medley of Air Supply songs on ASAP, which earned him more recognition and invitations to special concerts.

In July 2017, however, Noven faced a major controversy when a 19-year-old woman from Cebu City accused him of sexual assault. He was arrested but strongly denied the allegations. The complainant later withdrew the case on August 31, 2017, and the court officially dismissed it on September 11 of the same year.

According to the complaint, the incident allegedly occurred in a condominium in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, a day before a concert featuring Vice Ganda. The woman claimed Noven assaulted her, leaving bruises and injuries. After three days in police custody, Noven was released on bail of ₱120,000. The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office downgraded the charge from rape to sexual assault, which was bailable.

In September 2017, the complainant filed an affidavit of desistance, stating that she no longer wished to pursue the case due to its negative effects on her and her family. As a result, the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Cebu City ordered the dismissal of the case.

Following this incident, Noven resumed his music career. In September 2017, he released the successful single “Tumahan Ka Na,” which remained on the charts for 10 weeks and even reached the top spot.

To this day, Noven Belleza continues to share his musical talent and remains an inspiration to aspiring youth despite the challenges he has faced. Nowadays, he seems to be happy with his wife and children. Although his career is not as active as before and he appears less frequently on shows and concerts, his voice remains powerful, and he has found more sources of inspiration to continue his journey.

No matter what happens, Noven Belleza will always hold a place in the history of Philippine music as the very first Tawag ng Tanghalan grand champion on It’s Showtime. Born into poverty and raised in a rural, agricultural community, Noven chose to dream big and succeed in music despite the odds.

His unwavering dedication and vocal talent led him not only to triumph in Tawag ng Tanghalan but also to secure projects in the music and film industries. As a singer, he showcased his versatility across various musical genres, from OPM to modern ballads. Despite personal trials and controversies, he managed to rise above them and continue his path to success.