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WEEK 8: Darren lights up the stage with a powerful tribute to Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

&quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Your Face Sounds Familiar</a>&quot; is on a roll with its nonstop surprises! On the January 18 episode, Darren Espanto made a show-stopping appearance as a guest celebrity performer.We’ve all heard Darren impersonate Gary Valenciano, but this was his first time doing it as a full-on production. As soon as Darren stepped out of the &#x27;iconator,&#x27;  he got the whole jury—Sharon Cuneta, Ogie Alcasid, Klarisse De Guzman, and Nyoy Volante—and the celebrity performers on their feet, as he channeled not only Gary’s voice but also his signature dance moves for an energetic “Shout For Joy” number. It felt like being transported to a throwback Gary V concert! Darren shared that constantly being with Gary on &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ASAP</a>&quot; every Sunday has made it easier for him to pick up on his mannerisms. But he admitted to still feeling nervous before stepping onstage for this transformation. The Asia&#x27;s Pop Heartthrob proved his talent even more when he took on Ogie’s on-the-spot impression challenge, where he sang “Shout For Joy” in the voices of Erik Santos, Vina Morales, and Rufa Mae Quinto.As the judges said, Darren has nothing left to prove when it comes to skill. &quot;Hindi na ako nagulat, eh,&quot; said Klarisse, adding that if he joined &quot;YFSF&quot; as a contestant, he would most likely sweep the weekly wins. Sharon also told him, “Thank you for that. Kuya Gary would be so proud!”Watch out for more amazing transformations on “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Your Face Sounds Familiar,</a>” weeknights, 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, ALLTV, and<a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> iWant.</a>

Darren Espanto channeled Gary Valenciano in his guest performance on "Your Face Sounds Familiar."

Darren Espanto channeled Gary Valenciano in his guest performance on "Your Face Sounds Familiar."

WEEK 8: Darren lights up the stage with a powerful tribute to Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano | YFSF 2026

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WEEK 8: Darren lights up the stage with a powerful tribute to Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano | YFSF 2026

Liezel Dela Cruz

Published January 18, 2026 08:47 PM PHT

|

Updated January 19, 2026 08:19 AM PHT

Read More:

Your Face Sounds Familiar

Darren Espanto

Gary Valenciano

Klarisse De Guzman

Nyoy Volante

Sharon Cuneta

Ogie Alcasid

Vhong Navaro

Jhong Hilario

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