After astonishing viewers with their spot-on portrayals of OPM icons Jaya and Janno Gibbs singing “Ikaw Lamang” in the previous round, JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano once again set hearts aflutter as they took on real-life couple TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan in the ninth round of “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”
Despite the stark contrast between their own vocal ranges and singing styles and those of their chosen icons—and the fact that they aren’t sweethearts in real life—the “Birit Duo” still managed to deliver a heartfelt rendition of “Palagi” in the January 25 episode. Right off the bat, their performance instantly filled the studio with excitement, ultimately earning a well-deserved standing ovation from the jury by the end of their act.
Apart from their oozing chemistry and genuine connection, carefully applying the pointers and instructions that resident coaches Klarisse de Guzman and Nyoy Volante had relayed to them during their mentoring sessions also helped JMielle impressively elevate their performance and convincingly bring the love story of TJ and KZ to life on stage.
As if their kilig-filled duet wasn’t enough, hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario further amped up the excitement by giving the musical pair an exciting challenge. Since their icons have been happily married for years now, they requested JMielle to exchange vows incorporating the word “Palagi,” as if they were in their own nuptials.
The hosts went on to playfully suggest that they should proceed to having them hitched since they were already clad in white ensembles, reminiscent of what TJ and KZ wore during their second nuptials in August 2023. They even tapped celebrity performer BGYO Akira Morishita to “officiate” the mock ceremony.
Juror Gary Valenciano gamely joined the kulitan, quizzing the fast-rising singers about the score between them. He then went on to express how they were able to convince everyone watching that there was already something romantic going on between them because of their on-point portrayal of KZ and TJ.
Mentor-slash-juror Klarisse echoed the comment of Mr. Pure Energy, saying that they indeed made her kilig as she felt like she was watching the real KZ and TJ singing “Palagi.” which, according to her are two of her favorite singers and among her favorite songs.
It may be guest celebrity performer and juror Karla Estrada’s first time meeting them and watching them perform live, but they’d already earned her admiration. She praised how they genuinely embodied the spirit of “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” especially Marielle, so she’s confident that the pair would win “palagi” until the very end of the competition.
Catch the amazing transformations of your favorite celebrity performers on “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” Saturdays and Sundays, 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and iWant.