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Soul at its finest: 5 Jaya transformations that celebrate the OPM icon on “Your Face Sounds Familiar”

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>Known for her distinct deep vocals and soulful singing style, the Queen of Soul Jaya has created remarkable hits that remain in our ‘hugot’ playlists to this day. From “<em>Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig</em>” to duets like “<em>Ikaw Lamang</em>,” her voice resonates to us deeply with heartfelt emotion. </p><p>These 5 Jaya transformations on the <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>” stage prove that she is a truly unique artist, one whom our celebrity performers successfully embodied and studied with great dedication.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Lyca Gairanod (YFSF Kids Season 1, 2017) - “Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1042" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y_v0aQBSWcI" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids: Lyca Gairanod as Jaya- Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Rocking Jaya’s signature 90s look, Lyca stepped out of the iconator to perform the 1997 hit “<em>Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig</em>.” With the Queen of Soul herself watching in the studio and cheering her on, Lyca delivered a heartfelt performance. Afterward, Jaya joined her onstage to commend her, and the two capped the moment with a touching duet of “<em>Laging Naroon Ka.</em>” </p><p>As one of Jaya’s closest friends in the industry, Judge Ogie Alcasid was delighted by Lyca’s transformation. He admitted he had nothing more to add since Jaya herself had already given her seal of approval, “’Yung galaw [mo], check. ‘Yung boses, check.”</p><p>Judge Sharon Cuneta echoed the praise, saying she didn’t see Lyca at all during the performance---only Jaya. “Paglabas mo, ang galaw mo [parang] si Jaya talaga,” she commended. Meanwhile, Judge Gary Valenciano highlighted how he truly felt Lyca’s passion, noting that her talent will surely take her to places she deserves.</p><p>Lyca placed 7th at the end of the season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Esang De Torres (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) - “Proud Mary”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1042" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/24Zkvg4hsYk" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids 2018: Esang De Torres as Jaya | Proud Mary" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Esang de Torres showed her inner diva as she transformed into Jaya, performing one of the Queen of Soul’s staples, “<em>Proud Mary.</em>” She wasn’t alone on stage---joining her was <em>“YFSF Kids</em>” Season 1 alum Awra Briguela, who transformed into Jaya’s mother, Elizabeth Ramsay.</p><p>“Ang ginawa mo, Esang… dumikit ka lang sa assignment mo at ang ginawa mo ay tumapak ka sa entablado at ikaw ay naging Jaya,” Judge Gary Valenciano remarked, praising how Esang captured Jaya’s vocal techniques and delivered a heartfelt performance alongside Awra.</p><p>Judge Ogie Alcasid also lauded her transformation, “I could see, feel, the essence of Jaya. You were so good, well done.” Meanwhile, Judge Sharon Cuneta highlighted Esang’s on-stage chemistry with Awra, noting that she didn’t step on stage to compete but to enjoy the performance. “Hindi nawala ‘yung pagka-Jaya mo kahit isang segundo, you focused on your artist kaya it worked so well,” Sharon commented.</p><p>Esang placed 3rd at the end of the season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Klarisse De Guzman (YFSF Season 3, 2021) - “Hanggang Dito Na Lang”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1042" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gnK2PcUi2ls" title="Klarisse De Guzman as Jaya | Hanggang Dito na Lang | Your Face Sounds Familiar 2021" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The Soul Diva Klarisse De Guzman transformed into the Queen of Soul as she performed the 2018 ballad “<em>Hanggang Dito Na Lang</em>” on the “YFSF” stage. Her heartfelt delivery captured the emotions of the song that it felt as though Jaya herself was singing her heart out onstage.</p><p>The judges erupted in cheers after Klarisse’s performance. Judge Gary Valenciano described her as an artist with so much soul, “’Yung pagkanta mo kanina, damang-dama ko ‘yung kanta mo. You became Jaya, you studied every move that she had.” He added that her performance deserved a standing ovation.</p><p>Judge Ogie Alcasid, who knows Jaya by heart, praised Klarisse for mimicking the Queen of Soul down to the smallest details, “Your singing, the high tones, low tones, your hand gestures, it was just perfect.” Meanwhile, Judge Sharon Cuneta, deeply immersed in Klarisse’s singing, gave her a standing ovation for an excellent performance.</p><p>Klarisse was hailed as the grand winner of the season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Jolina Magdangal (YFSF Season 1, 2015) - “Dahil Tanging Ikaw”</strong></div><div><iframe width="1042" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZUym2wq83p8" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar: Jolina Magdangal as Jaya - &quot;Dahil Tanging Ikaw&quot;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>All cheers went to Jolina Magdangal as she sang the 1996 classic “<em>Dahil Tanging Ikaw</em>,” complete with Jaya’s signature 90s look. Jolina showcased her transformation not only through her vocals but also with her commanding stage presence.</p><p>Were the judges impressed? Absolutely. Coach Jed Madela highlighted how Jolina truly sounded like Jaya, “The voice, the quality of Jaya, ‘yung soul ni Jaya mas na-exude mo lahat, nailabas mo at na-feel namin ‘yun.”</p><p>Judge Sharon Cuneta, curious to see how Jolina would pull off the performance, said she was not disappointed. Meanwhile, Judge Gary Valenciano praised how Jolina gave justice to embodying the Queen of Soul, “Kahit na naging challenge sa’yo ang pagiging isang Jaya, nakuha mo siya lalo na nung nasa second part ng performance.”</p><p>Jolina placed 5th at the end of the season.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Marielle Montellano (YFSF Season 4, 2026) - “Ikaw Lamang” with JM Dela Cerna</strong></div><div><iframe width="1042" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e-MZDtmQV2Q" title="JMielle earns a standing ovation for a remarkable Janno Gibbs and Jaya performance | Week 15 | YFSF" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The judges were already in awe of singing duo JMielle as soon as they stepped out of the iconator. Marielle Montellano transformed into Jaya, while JM Dela Cerna embodied Janno Gibbs, to perform their 1999 duet <em>“Ikaw Lamang</em>.” As soon as Marielle began singing her part as Jaya, the judges were already impressed by how perfectly she captured Jaya’s voice.</p><p>Marielle and JM earned a standing ovation for their excellent performance. Judge Ogie Alcasid shared a little anecdote about how Janno Gibbs once made him listen to “<em>Ikaw Lamang</em>” for the first time, recalling how deeply moved he was by the song. To him, JMielle sang the duet effortlessly, “That tribute was really worth watching.” He added that the duo gave an excellent performance.</p><p>Coach Klarisse De Guzman highlighted how the duo consistently delivers strong performances week after week. She commended Marielle for singing like Jaya effortlessly, despite their different vocal tones, “Ang galing galing, ang husay,” she said. Meanwhile, Coach Nyoy Volante noted that although he already expects JMielle to meet his high standards every time, he still finds himself in awe of their performances.</p><p>For Judge Sharon Cuneta, it was a hands-down excellent performance. She emphasized how much trust she and the other judges have in JMielle, knowing they will always transform into their chosen artists with excellence. “You always outdo yourselves… you always come out to perform nang napaka-humble,” she praised, adding that the duo truly deserves the talent they have now.</p><p>Jaya’s deep, soulful voice is what truly sets her apart, and these performances by our ka-Familiars gave justice to the excellence of the Queen of Soul---honoring her legacy and celebrating the OPM icon that she remains today.</p><p>If you&#x27;d like to see more jaw-dropping performances, catch “<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>” weeknights, 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>iWant</strong></a>.</p>

<p>These 5 Jaya transformations on the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage prove that she is a truly unique artist, one whom our celebrity performers successfully embodied with great dedication.</p>

These 5 Jaya transformations on the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage prove that she is a truly unique artist, one whom our celebrity performers successfully embodied with great dedication.