YFSF 2 more exciting than the first

MANILA, Philippines - The high ratings of Your Face Sounds Familiar (YFSF) were clear indication that the ABS-CBN reality program would indeed have a second season. Bringing the show a notch higher, the second season premiered last Sept. 12, with Billy Crawford returning as host.

First season’s champion, Melai Cantiveros, joins the new season also impersonating different celebrities every week, although not in competition. As Madonna in the pilot episode, she was later seen amusingly as Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao. 

The roster of eight, participating celebrities this season are all singers — Sam Concepcion, Kean Cipriano, Michael Pangilinan, Eric Nicolas, KZ Tandingan, Denise Laurel, Kakai Bautista and Myrtle Sarroza.

Three of them emerged winners in the respective contests they joined in. KZ was the champion in the first X Factor Philippines in 2012, while Myrtle was the big winner in Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 4 also in 2012. Sam, meanwhile, was the Little Big Star Season 1 champion in 2006.

The eight performers compete every week, impressively impersonating celebrities, from the looks and appearance to singing voice, mannerisms and even trademark gestures.

Like when Eric stepped into the shoes of Willie Revillame and rendered the hauntingly sentimental Ikaw Na Nga, the former aped not just Willie’s looks and voice, but even his known penchant of giving away jackets to his audience. That stint scored a win for Eric and paved the first winner of the season.

Sam’s Real Slim Shady of Eminen got the second highest score, while Kakai came in third, although she was hardly recognized with her rendition of Chandelier aping Sia because of the long, thick hair covering her face.

Kean shed his rocker image as he did Harry Styles of the boy band One Direction and rendered What Makes You Beautiful. Denise was sexy when she sang and danced On the Floor like Jennifer Lopez, while Myrtle was really youthful and energetic when she did Sandara Park with Fire.

KZ was not so lucky to get high scores when she sang Pangako Sa ‘Yo to copy Vina Morales. Yet, she got the biggest thrill of the night when the real Vina showed up and commended KZ’s performance. Michael did a George Michael impersonation with Careless Whisper.

In the second episode, the real Jessa Zaragoza even did an on-the-spot duet with Myrtle of Bakit Pa. Sam in character as Jason Derulo (Talk Dirty) went away with the P100,000 weekly prize, half of which to be donated to his chosen charity.

Evidently, the celebrities go the extra mile in their presentation. There are times when male celebrities get to impersonate female performers. For the show this weekend, KZ will step into the shoes of Bob Marley, while Sam will take on the challenge of doing Janet Jackson.

Last season, it will be remembered that Nyoy Volante even went to the extent of waxing his legs when he sang Proud Mary a la Tina Turner. He also did Katy Perry’s Firework, Sylvia La Torre’s Sa Kabukiran and in the finals, he belted out I Will Always Love You a la Whitney Houston and ended up in second place.

Melai was challenged when she did Blakdyak, jukebox prince Fred Panopio and even Mad Killah of Salbakuta. Some singers, she hardly even knew, but she pulled off her performances successfully. Karla Estrada did Psy and danced Gentleman.

Jolina won in the weekly contest when she did Manny Pacquiao singing Para sa ‘Yo ang Laban na ‘To. She also did Prince, Axl Rose and even Michael Jackson, while Edgar Allan did Toni Gonzaga and even crossed-dressed as Vice Ganda.

Maxene Magalona was a winner when she impersonated her dad Francis M., while she also did Vhong Navarro with Totoy Bibbo and sang Ice, Ice Baby as Vanilla Ice. Tutti Caringal performed as Yeng Constantino. Jay-R had the time of his life as Alanis Morisette and Beyoncé on separate occasions.

Helping the celebrities achieve the sound they are doing is voice coach Annie Quintos, one of the original members of The CompanY. Meanwhile, G-Force founder Georcelle Dapat-Sy assists the celebrities in the choreography and other pertinent movements needed in their performance.

The celebrity judges of the show — Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano and Jed Madela — are often impressed, amazed and in awe of the celebrities’ appearance and performance. There are times when all three judges give the celebrity a standing ovation after the latter’s performance. Obviously, the surprising transformation of the celebrities instantly delights the judges.