Anna Marie Lukban

6 “Your Face Sounds Familiar” transformations that showcased the commanding operatic power of Luciano Pavarotti

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>Any mention of an opera singer, his name would definitely come up as one of the most legendary voices in the field. A key member of The Three Tenors, Luciano Pavarotti was not called the “King of the High Cs” for nothing, his powerful, crystal-clear vocals remain unmatched.  </p><p>His operatic flair was brought to the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar"><strong><u>“Your Face Sounds Familiar”</u></strong></a> stage, with 6 of our ka-Familiars delivering dramatic performances as Luciano Pavarotti. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Nyoy Volante (YFSF Season 1, 2017) - “La Donna è Mobile” </strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GDbw86xjHSo" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar: Nyoy Volante as Luciano Pavarotti -  &quot;La donna è mobile&quot;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>From being the acoustic singer we usually know him as, Nyoy transforms into an opera vocalist this time as he performs “La Donna è Mobile,” showcasing more of his unique vocal range. Every time he hits the high notes, the crowd erupts in cheers.</p><p>Judge Jed Madela, who was visibly reacting positively while watching Nyoy, was on the edge of his seat, saying, “Ang galing mo, Nyoy.” Meanwhile, Judge Sharon Cuneta highlighted how Nyoy could do wonders with his vocals, remarking, “’Yung look niya, ang galing!”</p><p>Looking back at his past transformations, Judge Gary Valenciano asked Nyoy if he found those challenging or if they excited him. Nyoy answered that it was the latter. Gary was truly impressed, stating, “Vocally, excellent. Your aura was excellent.”</p><p>Nyoy placed 2nd at the end of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>KZ Tandingan (YFSF Season 2, 2015) - “New York, New York”</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y3mwYqse0l8" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar: KZ Tandingan as Liza Minelli and Luciano Pavarotti - &quot;New York, New York&quot;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Taking on the challenge of a duet transformation, KZ Tandingan not only delivered vocals as Liza Minnelli but also embodied Luciano Pavarotti to perform the classic “New York, New York.” Beyond singing, KZ brought theatrics to the stage, making it feel like we were watching a Broadway musical.</p><p>Drawing from their experience during the mentoring session, Teacher Georcelle revealed that she initially struggled since Minnelli and Pavarotti are two very different artists. However, through KZ’s performance, she saw how well connected the two could be.</p><p>Judge Jed Madela told KZ that her number could earn her a top spot in the contest, saying, “I never saw any of the artists mixed up in this performance. I’m very impressed.” Judge Gary Valenciano added that the number was excellent precisely because of KZ herself.</p><p>KZ placed 4th at the end of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Elha Nympha (YFSF Kids Season 1, 2017) - “La Donna è Mobile”</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/biL_ABZ-f5c" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Finale: Elha Nympha as Luciano Pavarotti - La Donna E Mobile" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>For the “YFSF Kids Season 1” Grand Showdown, Elha played her final card in the competition by performing “La Donna è Mobile.” As soon as she stepped onstage, she was already channeling Pavarotti, and when she began singing, it truly felt like watching an actual opera performance.</p><p>“Elha, pinatunayan mo talaga na kahit sino at kahit ano ang ipagawa sa’yo, gagawin mo nang husto at napakagaling. You’re already a champion to some extent,” said Judge Gary Valenciano.</p><p>Giving Elha a standing ovation, Judge Ogie Alcasid remarked that she did exceptionally well with her performance, stating, “You were excellent. Ang hirap nung ginawa mo. It takes a lot of discipline to be able to do that, and you did it in a fantastic manner.”</p><p>Elha placed 2nd at the end of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Francis Concepcion of TNT Boys (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) - “‘O Sole Mio” with Mackie Empuerto and Kiefer Sanchez.</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CvoQibGSbSU" title="Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids 2018: TNT Boys as The Three Tenors | &#x27;O Sole Mio" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>It was an opera kind of night as the TNT Boys transformed into The Three Tenors to sing “‘O Sole Mio,” with Francis taking on the role of Pavarotti. He opened the performance with his outstanding vocals, impressively singing in a different language.  </p><p>For the judges’ comments, Ogie Alcasid began with “Ang galing,” adding that their vocals nearly matched the original singers’ and that they never broke character while performing. He even gave them a triple clap.  </p><p>Judge Sharon Cuneta had heartwarming words for the TNT Boys, noting how they could take on any transformation, from female artists to those from entirely different genres. Coach Nyoy Volante echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the three were able to capture even the nuances and stage presence. </p><p>TNT Boys was the grand winner of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Matty Juniosa of iDolls (YFSF Season 3, 2021) - “La Donna è Mobile” with Lucas Garcia and Enzo Almario</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fpdeOXI1XQ4" title="Jury, ipinagmalaki ang performance ng IDolls as The Three Tenors | The Grand Showdown | YFSF 2021" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>iDolls took things to a different level during the “YFSF Season 3” Grand Showdown, performing “La Donna è Mobile” with Matty Juniosa taking on the role of Pavarotti. After their performance, the group shared that they chose The Three Tenors as their final transformation because the trio’s genre was something different from what they usually do, making it a true challenge.  </p><p>Judge Ogie Alcasid agreed that iDolls made a perfect choice for their final pick, even telling them that bigger things await because of their exceptional talent. Meanwhile, Judge Gary Valenciano expressed his gratitude to the three for saving such an iconic act for the last performance.  </p><p>Finally, Judge Sharon Cuneta expressed how much she loves the group, adding that it was a great choice for the final showdown. She mentioned that she wishes them the best. </p><p>iDolls placed 4th at the end of the season. </p><div> </div><div><strong>JM Dela Cerna (YFSF Season 4, 2026) - “Hero” with Marielle Montellano</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5C8ZJJl5MLU" title="JMielle brings passion to a powerful tribute to Luciano Pavarotti &amp; Mariah | Week 23 | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>JM Dela Cerna brought his own flair as Pavarotti while singing “Hero” with Marielle Montellano as Mariah Carey. Throughout the performance, JM fascinated everyone in the studio with how well he embodied the opera singer.  </p><p>Judge Sharon Cuneta was delighted by JM, adding that he and Marielle made everything look so easy, as both of them are naturally talented. Guest Judge Erik Santos echoed the same sentiment, saying JMielle were both in character.  </p><p>“Sobrang on point. Effortless,” said Judge Ogie Alcasid, agreeing that JM and Marielle always deliver a performance worthy of a standing ovation. </p><p>The spotlight doesn&#x27;t end here! Catch more iconic performances on <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar"><strong><u>“Your Face Sounds Familiar&quot;</u></strong></a> weeknights, 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant.</u></strong></a></p>

<p>His operatic flair was brought to the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage, with 6 of our ka-Familiars delivering dramatic performances as Luciano Pavarotti.</p>

His operatic flair was brought to the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage, with 6 of our ka-Familiars delivering dramatic performances as Luciano Pavarotti.