Czarina Faith Abuso

4 “Your Face Sounds Familiar” celebrity performers who pulled off Lea Salonga's pitch-perfect vocals

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>Lea Salonga, a Tony and Olivier Award winner known for her groundbreaking roles in “<em>Miss Saigon</em>” and “<em>Les Misérables</em>,” opened doors for Filipinos in global theater. Her exceptional talent truly makes her one of a kind. On “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Your Face Sounds Familiar</strong></a>,” her remarkable vocal ability and commanding stage presence were celebrated as our talented Kapamilyas proudly portrayed the Filipino Broadway icon.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Denise Laurel (YFSF Season 2, 2015) - “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1174" height="669" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CcBPVyoPj7I" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar: Denise Laurel as Lea Salonga - &quot;Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal&quot;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Channeling Lea Salonga’s classic ’90s look, Denise Laurel performed the OPM classic “<em>Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal.</em>” From the moment she started singing, the jury was already in awe. Denise received a standing ovation from her fellow ka-Familiars.  </p><p>It truly felt like watching a carbon copy of Lea, and the judges agreed. “<em>You sounded like her, you looked like her, and even projected like her,</em>” said Jed Madela, adding that it was, by far, one of his favorite transformations. Judge Sharon Cuneta gave a brief but powerful comment, “<em>Perfect</em>.”  </p><p>Denise was hailed as the grand winner of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Elha Nympha (YFSF Kids Season 1, 2017) - “Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1174" height="669" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W6X5RyAT2kU" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids: Elha Nympha as Lea Salonga - Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Elha Nympha sang with full diction and vocal technique as she delivered her rendition of “<em>Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon.</em>” Afterward, she blessed everyone with more of her impersonation, this time offering a brief take on Lea’s version of “<em>On My Own.</em>” </p><p>According to Judge Sharon Cuneta, it seems like there’s nothing Elha cannot do. “<em>That was amazing, thank you for that number</em>,” she said. Meanwhile, Judge Ogie Alcasid recalled the time he watched Lea belt the same song back then. “<em>Kinikilabutan ako kasi gayang-gaya mo talaga eh. Huling-huli mo lahat,</em>” he commented.  </p><p>Judge Gary Valenciano confessed that when he first saw Elha, he already knew she was going to execute it well. “’<em>Pag pinikit namin ang mga mata namin, it’s Lea Salonga. ’Di na natin kailangang tingnan</em>,” he stated, congratulating Elha for another job well done. </p><p>Elha placed 2nd at the end of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Esang De Torres (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) - “On My Own”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1174" height="669" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8l9h4Ao3ETk" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids 2018: Esang De Torres as Lea Salonga | On My Own" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>It was a full-circle moment for Esang De Torres to impersonate Lea Salonga, who had been her coach back in 2015 when she joined “<em>The Voice Kids Season 2</em>,” honing her skills with Lea’s guidance. A few years later, on the “<em>YFSF</em>” stage, Esang showcased Broadway vocals with her version of “<em>On My Own</em>,” the same song Lea sang as Eponine in the hit musical “<em>Les Misérables</em>.”  </p><p>The jury was all ears, immersing themselves as they listened to Esang sing. Coach Nyoy Volante admitted that they all got goosebumps, “<em>It was very beautifully sung, we were mesmerized. Feeling namin, [si] Lea Salonga ‘yung pinapanood namin</em>.” Judge Sharon Cuneta highlighted that even Lea herself would be proud of Esang, just as she is proud of her.  </p><p>“<em>Hands down, ang galing mo talaga</em>,” added Judge Ogie Alcasid. For him, Esang was spellbinding, as she managed to incorporate her own flair into the performance. He applauded her for an excellent number. </p><p>Esang placed 3rd at the end of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Kai Montinola (YFSF Season 4, 2026) - “I&#x27;d Give My Life For You”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1174" height="669" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IKzy_MpkElg" title="Kai Montinola captures the magic of Lea Salonga in a beautiful tribute | Week 24 | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Guest performer Kai Montinola graced the “<em>YFSF</em>” stage, embodying her favorite artist, Lea Salonga. She slayed her tribute performance of <em>“I’d Give My Life for You</em>” from the musical “<em>Miss Saigon,</em>” where Lea originally brought the role of Kim to life. Kai turned the studio into a full-blown theater experience, with everyone watching her intently.</p><p>Later on, she shared that it was an honor to become Lea, “<em>She&#x27;s really my icon ever since I was little. I&#x27;m so proud and glad that you guys gave me the opportunity to be able to play my icon in life</em>.”</p><p>It was Judge Sharon Cuneta’s first time to watch Kai onstage, “<em>You did it justice, sweetheart. I am sure that you will go a long way. I hope many people give you all the breaks you deserve</em>.” Sharon added that it was a delight meeting Kai. Guest Judge Erik Santos noted that having both talent and beautiful visuals like Kai is a perfect combination, “<em>Hindi ako magtataka if one day, makikita talaga kita sa theater doing musicals na ganyan. I am very excited for what&#x27;s in store for you.</em>” He also coined Kai as a star.  </p><p>Judge Ogie Alcasid, while believing that Kai is destined to do musicals, envisioned that she can succeed both as a superstar and a stage actress, even likening her to Ariana Grande, “<em>Pangarap ko ‘yun for you and for me</em>.” He expressed his admiration for Kai and offered her a role in a musical he is currently writing. </p><p>These transformations showed us that while everything she does may seem effortless to watch, it takes another level of artistry to become Lea Salonga. She doesn’t simply sing when she’s onstage, she tells a story meant to be heard. </p><p>On April 5, the Grand Showdown officially begins! Catch the finale round of &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Your Face Sounds Familiar</strong></a>&quot; on Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live, and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>iWant</strong></a>.</p>

<p>Check these 4 Lea Salonga performances on “Your Face Sounds Familiar" that celebrated her vocal ability and commanding presence onstage.</p>

Check these 4 Lea Salonga performances on “Your Face Sounds Familiar" that celebrated her vocal ability and commanding presence onstage.