Allyzza Kay Trinidad

From cat ears to Galinda-fied performances: 8 “Your Face Sounds Familiar” moments that turned the stage into an Ariana Grande concert

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>The “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u><em><strong>Your Face Sounds Familiar</strong></em></u></a>” stage turned into a Grande-inspired spectacle, with contestants channeling Ariana’s signature cat ears, high ponytails, and powerhouse vocals. </p><p>Here are eight “YFSF” performances over the years that turned the stage into an Ariana Grande concert, as our Ka-Familiars transformed into the global pop superstar. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Xia Vigor (YFSF Kids Season 1, 2017) - “Break Free”</strong></div><div> </div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3l4OCc0s-lA" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Rehearsal: Xia Vigor as Ariana Grande" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>With Ariana’s iconic cat ears and creative makeup, Xia lit up the stage with her charm. Judge Sharon Cuneta said that the word “cute” is not enough to describe Xia, “Siya ‘yung pinakamaliit dito, pero ‘pag lumabas siya, kanyang kanya ‘yung napakalaking stage.”</p><p>Aside from Sharon’s comment, Judge Ogie Alcasid admired how Xia radiated joy and called her “precious,” while Judge Gary Valenciano emphasized that her mere presence on stage already drew attention, proving her natural star power even just as a kid. </p><p>Xia placed 5th at the end of her season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Sheena Belarmino (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) - “Problem”</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/idVL5baPh_Q" title="YFSF Kids 2018 Highlights: Sheena Belarmino as Ariana Grande | Week 7 Mentoring Session" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Sheena stepped out in Ariana’s black-and-white dress, boots, and cat ears, hitting the high notes with ease. Her performance was so polished that Mentor Jed Madela admitted, “This is one of your best performances. Your voice was on point, your mannerisms, your facial expressions, tapos yung kilay kuhang kuha mo lahat, yung aura nya. Kapag napanood ‘to ni Ariana, she will be flattered”</p><p>Beyond Jed’s praise, Judge Ogie was left nearly speechless, simply declaring Sheena a “sensational singer.” Judge Sharon was so impressed she gave Sheena a standing ovation, saying it was her best performance yet. </p><p>Sheena placed 4th at the end of her season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Kakai Bautista (YFSF Season 2, 2015) - “Break Free” ft. Maxene Magalona</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ajlaXKZWPDw" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar: Kakai Bautista and Maxene Magalona as Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Kakai Bautista wowed everyone with her effortless vocals while Maxene Magalona delivered the rap with sass, creating a dynamic pairing. Mentor Jed captured the moment best, “What really stood out was really your vocals… effortless. Overall, I love this performance. Iba ka.”</p><p>Meanwhile, Judge Gary noted that vocally, Kakai had no issues at all and praised her chemistry with Maxene who was impersonating rapper Iggy Azalea. Judge Sharon added that every note Ariana would hit was matched, showing Kakai’s technical mastery. </p><p>Kakai placed 7th at the end of her season</p><div> </div><div><strong>Vivoree (YFSF Season 3, 2021) - “Focus”</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n05yhpIr26Y" title="Jury, pinuri ang performance ni Vivoree as Ariana Grande | The Grand Showdown | YFSF 2021" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>For the grand finale episode, Vivoree embodied Ariana’s polished aura with a high ponytail and pink costume. Judge Ogie praised her growth, commenting, “Maangas, matindi, pulido. Sobrang polished” to her performance.</p><p>Later on, Judge Sharon called it her best performance yet, admiring her look, movements, and voice. Judge Gary said she kept improving week after week and had raised herself to a new level. </p><p>Vivoree placed 3rd at the end of her season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>TNT Boys (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) – “Bang Bang”</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H9J_6sew0DQ" title="YFSF Kids 2018 Highlights: TNT Boys as Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj | Grand Winner" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>The trio brought Resorts World Manila to life with their fierce rendition of “Bang Bang” by Jessie J., Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj, with Mackie Empuerto transforming as Ariana, complete with the inspired ponytails and energy, while Francis transformed as Nicki Minaj and Keifer as Jessie J. Judge Ogie couldn’t help but laugh in admiration, even making up a millennial term to describe their performance, saying it was “KNT”: “Naka-KNTimidate. Kung kayo kalaban ko, mai-intimidate na ako.”  </p><p>Judge Sharon described the number as “fantastic,” while Judge Gary admitted he didn’t even take notes because the trio had completely captured the audience’s attention. He reminded everyone of the inspiration they bring and the love they always receive. </p><p>The TNT Boys were hailed as the winners of their season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Maxene Magalona (YFSF Season 1, 2015) – “Break Free”</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z9gZw1sdnCI" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar: Maxene Magalona as Ariana Grande - &quot;Break Free&quot;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Maxene showcased Ariana’s sass and innocence with her cat ears and confident stage presence. Judge Sharon couldn&#x27;t help but gush over Maxene, saying, “You’re the perfect blend of sexy and innocent like Ariana.”</p><p>Mentor Jed also praised her consistency in delivering characters convincingly. Judge Gary, meanwhile, was wowed the moment she stepped on stage.</p><p>Maxene placed 8th at the end of her season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>AC Bonifacio (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) – “Don’t Dream It’s Over” ft. Sheena Belarmino</strong></div><div> </div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R4vbveUBv7k" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids 2018: Sheena Belarmino as Miley Cyrus | Don&#x27;t Dream It&#x27;s Over" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>In cozy onesies, AC and Sheena captured the friendship vibe between Ariana and Miley, with AC transforming into Ariana Grande. Judge Gary praised their authenticity, “Pinapakita n’yo sa lahat ng tao kung anong relationship of the two artists in real life. I think you succeeded in doing [that] tonight. You captured the moment of friendship.”</p><p>Secondly, Judge Ogie noted there were no flaws in how they embodied Ariana and Miley’s attitude. Judge Sharon added that AC managed to channel Ariana’s sweet voice despite the difficulty, and that her chemistry with Sheena Belarmino, who impersonates Miley Cyrus, felt natural and unforced. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Marielle Montellano (YFSF Season 4, 2025) – “Defying Gravity” with JM Dela Cerna</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5vbpmIyim2U" title="JMielle earns a rousing ovation for their exceptional Cynthia and Ariana Grande duet | Week 9 | YFSF" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Wearing Ariana’s pink gown, Marielle stunned the audience and earned a standing ovation after her “Defying Gravity” performance with duo JM Dela Cerna (together known as JMielle) portraying as Cynthia Erivo. Judge Sharon summed it up with awe, “Unbelievable. Si Marielle, talagang pati arte [kuhang-kuha]. Kahit anong ipagawa mo, you&#x27;re always perfect.”</p><p>Mentors Nyoy Volante and Klarisse de Guzman also praised her transformation, saying she looked and sounded exactly like Ariana.  Judge Ogie added that their talent felt “unlimited” and full of love for the craft, certain that even Ariana herself would be delighted. </p><p>From capturing Ariana&#x27;s playful charm to her theatrical flair, these “YFSF” transformations showed Ariana Grande&#x27;s range and versatility in every performance--and they truly gave us a Grande concert experience. </p><p>Can’t get enough of these iconic performances? Catch more on “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><u><strong>Your Face Sounds Familiar</strong></u></em></a>&quot; every weekend night on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5 and <strong><u><em></em></u></strong><a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a><strong><u><em></em></u></strong>!</p>

<p>The “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage turned into an Ariana Grande-inspired spectacle, with contestants channeling her signature cat ears, high ponytails, and powerhouse vocals. </p>

The “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage turned into an Ariana Grande-inspired spectacle, with contestants channeling her signature cat ears, high ponytails, and powerhouse vocals.