Over the past six months and 12 rounds, we’ve followed the individual and collective journeys of the talented and versatile celebrity performers of “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” comprised of BGYO member Akira Morishita, singer-actress-host Alexa Ilacad, singer-beauty queen Dia Mate, singer-songwriter Jarlo Base, singer Jason Dy, singing duo JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, and actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto.
Now, as they take their final shot in “The Grand Showdown” to prove that they are deserving of being this season’s grand winner, let’s revisit the champions of the previous editions and their exceptional performances in this feature.
It was in 2015 when “Your Face Sounds Familiar” first aired on Philippine television. Since then, it has already produced five winners—three from the regular edition and two from the “Kids Edition”.
In its inaugural season, it was actress-comedienne Melai Cantiveros who was crowned the first-ever grand winner after garnering 51.93% of the total public votes with her spot-on impersonation of Miley Cyrus in the “Wrecking Ball” music video. From the hair, makeup, and costume of the Hollywood pop star to the iconic giant wrecking ball stunt, the “Prinsesa ng Masa” indeed nailed her remarkable act, which she later reprised in one of her appearances on “ASAP.”
Just three months after the first season concluded, a new batch of celebrity performers for the second season was introduced. Despite being the only celebrity performer of that season who didn’t have any weekly wins, “Sultry Heiress” Denise Laurel still managed to clinch the grand winner title in the finale. Her fiery version of “Crazy in Love” as Beyoncé, which was inspired by the Hollywood superstar’s Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show in 2013, got 27.51%—the highest share of the total public votes.
“Your Face Sounds Familiar” returned in 2017, but for the first season of its “Kids Edition.” Internet sensation-turned-child actor McNeal “Awra” Briguela was able to prove that there was indeed more to her than being that funny kid online who amused us with her signature wacky face and other viral antics, for it was she who was hailed the grand winner. Her impressive performance of “Super Bass,” inspired by Nicki Minaj’s 2011 American Music Awards appearance, captivated viewers and garnered an overwhelming 95.41% of the total public votes.
A year later, Keifer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto, and Francis Concepcion—collectively known as “The TNT Boys”—were declared champions of the second Kids Edition. Their spot-on and electrifying rendition of “Bang Bang,” which drew inspiration from the 2014 American Music Awards performance of its original singers Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj, indeed made history. This highly exceptional act earned a perfect 100% of both the judges’ and public votes—the first in the franchise’s Philippine run. Each member shone in his own right, with Mackie as Jessie, Keifer as Ariana, and Francis as Nicki.
And in 2021, the well-loved celebrity talent competition made a comeback for its third regular season, which was dominated by none other than Klarisse de Guzman, who has served as the voice mentor of the current season. From the look and nuances to the vocals, she really nailed her tribute to the “Godmother of Soul” Patti La Belle during the grand showdown by singing her soulful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Klarisse’s winning act, which was an interpretation of the American singer-actress' music video performance, earned 90% of the combined jury and public votes.
Were you able to catch these stellar performances from the “YFSF” grand champions over the years, Ka-Familiars? Who do you think among the Season 4 celebrity performers will be added to this roster of grand winners?
Find out if your bets will emerge victorious by tuning in to “Your Face Sounds Familiar: The Grand Showdown” this April 12 at 7:15PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and iWant.