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Which icons are toughest to impersonate? “Your Face Sounds Familiar” celebrity performers share their picks

Article (news)

Rianna Mae Santiago

Behind their efforts to come back stronger than in previous performances, Ka-Familiars Akira Morishita, Alexa Ilacad, Dia Mate, Jarlo Base, Jason Dy, JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano (as the duo JMielle), Rufa Mae Quinto, and Pepe Herrera tackle some of the toughest icons to impersonate—proving they’re more than ready for the challenge.<div> </div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/COBT7caDioA" title="Which icons are toughest to impersonate? Celeb performers share their picks | YFSF 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div>The first to make a choice is Theater Rak-Star Pepe, who selected his Week 2 artist, Aerosmith’s lead singer <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/18/pepe-herrera-unleashes-his-inner-rockstar-in-a-stunning-steven-tyler-transformation-yfsf-2025-2136" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Steven Tyler</a>, as the most challenging to impersonate. After performing the rock legend’s “Cryin,’” Pepe noted the difficulty of maintaining the high tones, saying, “[He’s] constantly shifting from head voice to chest voice, so it’s very challenging.”For the Birit Duo JM and Marielle,  every icon is equally talented and unique, making them all difficult to imitate. However, like Pepe, they chose their Week 2 performance—<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/25/jm-and-marielle-bring-the-house-down-with-their-heartfelt-bradley-cooper-lady-gaga-duet-yfsf-2025-2307" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow”</a> - as slightly more challenging to pull off.Also navigating the demands of a high vocal range, Ace Idol Akira chose his childhood idol, chart-topping singer Bruno Mars.More focused on local icons, the Prince of Soul, Jason, listed Concert King Martin Nievera, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez as the singers most difficult to transform into, due to their distinct voices and singing styles.“They’re pillars of the industry… You want to give them honor and do a good job impersonating them,” he explained, emphasizing the thorough study and carefulness required.The Singing Reina, Dia, on the other hand, highlighted international and multi-generational female icons such as the Goddess of Pop Cher, Songbird Supreme Mariah Carey, and the Princess of Pop Britney Spears.New to the art of impersonation, Alexa, the Gen Z Total Performer, isn’t yet sure which icons she can confidently take on or which are too one-of-a-kind to accurately imitate. “Malalaman ko pa lang dito, surprise!” she teased.One of the world’s most unforgettable and frequently impersonated artists, the King of Pop, was the Breakout Crooner Jarlo’s definite choice, highlighting the legendary singer’s iconic groove and remarkable vocals. “Mahirap siyang gawin nang very detailed… [‘Yung] kasing-husay niya,” he added.Ending with a standout, Comedy Bombshell Rufa Mae doesn’t focus on just one individual, but instead takes on a group of singers known for their high vocal ranges—similar to the challenges noted by Pepe and Akira.Sprinkling her signature humor into the conversation, Rufa Mae finds inspiration for her performances in the show’s title. “Kaya nga sabi, ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar,’ hindi ‘Your Voice,’ ‘di ba?” she joked.Enjoy their impressive transformations in “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Your Face Sounds Familiar</a>” every weekend night at 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iWant</a>. Viewers can also catch it on TV5 every Saturday, at 8:15PM, and Sunday, at 8:30PM.

The celebrity performers of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” discuss the artists and icons they find nearly impossible to impersonate.

The celebrity performers of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” discuss the artists and icons they find nearly impossible to impersonate.

Which icons are toughest to impersonate? “Your Face Sounds Familiar” celebrity performers share their picks

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Which icons are toughest to impersonate? “Your Face Sounds Familiar” celebrity performers share their picks

Rianna Santiago

Published November 16, 2025 02:56 AM PHT

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Updated November 16, 2025 09:34 AM PHT

Read More:

Your Face Sounds Familiar

Your Face Sounds Familiar 2025

Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 4

Akira Morishita

JM Dela Cerna

Marielle Montellano

Jason Dy

Dia Mate

Jarlo Base

Rufa Mae Quinto

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