Alexa Ilacad is finally getting her flowers

The weekend is here, and that only means one thing: “Your Face Sounds Familiar” is lighting up primetime once again on TV5.

After her viral Chappell Roan transformation last week, all eyes are on Alexa Ilacad, and it is for good reason. The Gen Z total performer has been turning heads, breaking molds and proving that the word “underrated” no longer applies to her.

A partner of UNIQLO, Alexa had a conversation with yours truly just right after joining an empowering panel hosted by Bianca Gonzalez-Intal that centered on supporting women in every season of life. In the chat, Alexa opened up about how meaningful it is to have women cheer each other on, not out of competition, but out of connection.

For Alexa, support isn’t just about being there during successes, it’s about showing up when things get quiet, too. She spoke about her journey from a child star to the confident Gen Z total performer, and how genuine encouragement has helped her navigate the industry with grace.

“It’s easy to doubt yourself when you’ve been in the business this long,” she admitted.

Alexa has been in the public eye since she was just two years old, but she admitted that it’s only recently that she feels truly seen.

This columnist with Alexa.

“Finally, I’m getting my flowers,” she told me with heartfelt gratitude. “I’ve been doing this for so long, and it still surprises people that I can actually sing. Nakaka-touch talaga. I do not expect everyone to know.”

And sing she did do great, especially in her recent “Your Face Sounds Familiar” performance as Chappell Roan that had everyone talking. With her bold makeup, over-the-top glam and powerhouse vocals, Alexa transformed so completely that social media erupted in applause.

“It’s one of my favorite performances ever,” she said, smiling. “Halloween is my favorite day of the year, and with ‘Your Face,’ I feel like it’s Halloween all the time. I was Chappell Roan for a day and it was magical to step into her shoes.”

But behind the glitz and viral moments lies a story of resilience. People do not see Alexa’s dedication in each project that she has been given.

From “Four Sisters Before the Wedding” to “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” Alexa immerses herself in everything she does.

Her Chappell Roan transformation took hours of preparation, but she said every minute was worth it. “You pour everything into it, and when people finally recognize your hard work, it hits different,” she admitted.

We got surprised when Alexa mentioned the word “underrated” referring to her when we were having this conversation. She was humble, but we do know her every move has been very successful. Alexa shared, “I’ve worked since I was two, and I think people are finally seeing me for who I really am — not just a child star, but an artist,” she shared.

Her ongoing journey on “Your Face Sounds Familiar” has been a revelation so far. The show’s format, which requires celebrity contestants to impersonate iconic artists, allows her to stretch her range and artistry beyond what fans have seen before and on free TV.

“Honestly,” Alexa laughed, “we’re only two episodes in, but we’re already like a family. We text each other all the time! It’s a running joke that Jason Dy and JMielle (JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano) are the only real competitors. The rest of us are just there for the vibes!”

That sense of camaraderie is what makes “Your Face” special this season. With performers like Akira Morishita (who went viral last week also as Jungkook), Dia Mate, Jarlo Bâse, Jason Dy, JMielle, Pepe Herrera, and the one and only Rufa Mae Quinto, the stage is a playground of talent, humor and heart.

“It doesn’t even feel like a competition anymore,” Alexa admitted. “It’s an outlet and a space where we can celebrate each other.”

Offstage, Alexa is also embracing another powerful platform, women empowerment. As the newest UNIQLO Philippines ambassador, she’s using her voice to highlight women supporting women in an authentic, relatable way.

In the age of fast fame and fleeting virality, Alexa stands out for her consistency. She transforms. Whether through her music, acting or television performances, she constantly reinvents herself without losing her authenticity.

“Her Your Face Sounds Familiar” journey continues to be a highlight of weekend primetime with a dose of fun, creativity and inspiration that’s hard to miss.

“The vibe is vibin,’ talaga!” she laughed. “Every week, we push each other to surprise the audience — and ourselves.”

What we love about Alexa as well is that she’s the kind of artist who celebrates collaboration, who finds joy in the success of her peers and who uses her platform to remind women that strength and softness can coexist.

This weekend, catch Alexa and the rest of the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” cast lighting up primetime, which also airs on TV5 every Saturday at 8:15 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 p.m.