Allyzza Kay Trinidad

12 unforgettable, jaw-dropping gender-switch performances on “Your Face Sounds Familiar”

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>For the past decade, “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>Your Face Sounds Familiar</em></u></strong></a>” has arguably become part of the weekend viewing habit of many solid Kapamilya viewers. In every episode, we look forward to seeing the performances of the celebrity performers to find out how they’re going to portray the icons assigned to them. </p><p>While every transformation has various levels of difficulty—since the contestants must not only resemble the physical appearance of their icons but also capture their voice, energy, and essence—we can all probably agree that the gender-switch performances are the most challenging yet most exciting ones, as the celebrity performers had to also keep in mind that they should project themselves in the opposite gender.  </p><p>And just like in the previous editions of “YFSF,” we’d also witnessed gender-switch performances in Season 4 that truly blew our minds away. Thus, before we get to meet the latest grand winner of the beloved celebrity talent competition, let us first revisit the amusing and amazing gender-switch acts that we’d witnessed throughout the fourth season via this feature. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Rufa Mae Quinto as Vice Ganda - “Rampa” </strong></div><p>Just on the very first week, avid fans were immediately treated to a very entertaining gender-switch performance through the transformation of Rufa Mae Quinto into the Unkabogable Phenomenal Box Office Superstar Vice Ganda.</p><p>Wearing a long dress inspired by the classic Filipino blanket design and a tall white towel wrap as a headpiece—just like the costume donned by the award-winning multi-hyphenate in the “Rampa” music video—the Comedy Bombshell truly left everyone laughing out loud with her rendition. She may not have won the inaugural round, yet Rufa Mae really caught our hearts with her effortless and innate comedic flair. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8CiEeZRQ1ac" title="Rufa Mae Quinto serves unkabogable realness in her Vice Ganda “Rampa” act | Week 2 | YFSF" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Dia Mate as Adam Levine - &quot;Sugar&quot;  </strong></div><p>She may be a beauty queen, not to mention the titleholder of Reina Hispanoamericana 2025, but Dia was able to prove that she could still look gorgeous as a man when she transformed into Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and performed “Sugar” in the third round of “YFSF.” </p><p>However, it can be recalled that it wasn’t the original icon assigned to her for that particular round since it was the image of her boyfriend, Juan Karlos Labajo, who initially appeared on the iconizer. Just as everyone was already thrilled about the thought of her performing as the love of her life, her co-performer Pepe Herrera used his one and only power to steal it from her, prompting her to press the iconizer once more and get the pop-rock singer.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1nhwMAUu9Mc" title="Dia Mate’s pop-rock persona shines in her Adam Levine act | Week 5 | YFSF" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jason Dy as Britney Spears - &quot;Toxic&quot;  </strong></div><p>The following week, Jason took over the stage with his standout performance of “Toxic” as global pop icon Britney Spears. While transforming into a beloved and legendary icon was challenging enough, it came with added pressure because he was also up against his fellow celebrity performer Alexa Ilacad.</p><p>The two of them went head-to-head in the first-ever “Battle of One Icon” in the entire history of “YFSF,” with Alexa channeling Britney in her highly talked about “I’m A Slave 4 U” act in an awards show. In the end, it was <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/11/24/week-4-winner-alexa-spills-the-most-challenging-memorable-moments-of-her-britney-impersonation-0858" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Alexa who won the round</u></strong></a>, with him being her runner-up. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aLj-r5RgYYg" title="Jason Dy takes over the stage with his standout Britney Spears performance | Week 8 | YFSF" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>JM Dela Cerna as Cynthia Erivo - &quot;Defying Gravity&quot;  </strong></div><p>After carrying their tandem and stepping onstage all by himself for two consecutive rounds following the absence of his partner, Marielle Montellano, due to sickness, JM Dela Cerna eventually found himself portraying a female icon in the fifth round. </p><p>JMielle, as their duo is fondly called, really had a solid comeback as they roused everyone with their act inspired by the latest iteration of the musical film &quot;Wicked.” While Marielle wowed us with her spot-on transformation to the “Good Witch” Glinda, JM astounded us with his enthralling depiction of the “Wicked Witch” Elphaba as they belted out “Defying Gravity.” JM’s efforts to have his face and hands be painted green and deliver high notes in a feminine voice indeed paid off since it was them who was hailed the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/12/8/jm-and-marielle-s-detailed-process-of-channeling-the-voices-characters-of-glinda-and-elphaba-0025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>winner for that week</u></strong></a>.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HJ87NXnw-oI" title="JM and Marielle shine with strong Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performances | Week 10 | YFSF 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jason Dy as Cher - &quot;DJ Play A Christmas Song&quot;  </strong></div><p>For the second time, Jason stunned with his transformation into another female global icon for the Christmas special of “YFSF” in the sixth round. He made everyone groove to “DJ Play A Christmas Song” as Cher, which received a standing ovation from jurors Sharon Cuneta and Ogie Alcasid. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WfPeU8h-Vdo" title="Jason Dy embraces the spirit of Cher in a spectacular performance | Week 12 | YFSF 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jarlo Base as Amy Winehouse - &quot;Rehab&quot;  </strong></div><p>Despite his brawny physique, Jarlo Base was able to prove in the seventh round that he could also impersonate a female artist through which he got to display his feminine yet fierce side. While his and Amy Winehouse’s height and build were totally different, everyone—especially the jury—was so mind-blown and amused by how he was able to mimic his icon’s distinct vocal style while singing her Grammy-winning hit “Rehab.” </p><p>This amusing transformation earned him the “Borta Babe” special award from his “YFSF” family.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JdqYuXNFpMs" title="Jarlo Base stuns the crowd with a fierce, powerhouse Amy Winehouse | Week 14 | YFSF 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Akira Morishita as Lisa - &quot;Money&quot; </strong></div><p>Joining “YFSF” has indeed allowed BGYO member Akira Morishita to prove that there’s definitely more to him aside from being a part of a Pinoy Pop boy group. Throughout his journey, he was able to showcase not just his flair in singing and dancing but also in acting as he portrayed various personalities in every round.  </p><p>And among his standout transformations was his first and only gender-switch act as BLACKPINK member Lisa in the eighth round, through which he mesmerized us with his adorable charm and beauty, as well as impressed us with his performance of “Money.” </p><p>It can be recalled that he was supposedly to take on Yeng Constantino if only his fellow celebrity performer Alexa Ilacad, who was originally assigned Lisa, didn’t use her “power to steal.” But it turned out to be the best decision that she had made for him as Akira got to earn a standing ovation from the jury and snag <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/1/20/lisa-transformation-made-your-face-sounds-familiar-week-8-winner-akira-realize-about-himself-0100" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>his first-ever weekly winner trophy</u></strong></a> because of that awesome number. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/muX4GNT-Vxo" title="Akira Morishita delivers a fierce and unforgettable Lisa “Money” performance | Week 16 | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>JM Dela Cerna as Sabrina Carpenter - &quot;What A Girl Wants&quot;</strong></div><p>While his first gender-switch performance as Elphaba was victorious after he and Marielle were declared winners, JM’s second appearance onstage as a female icon unfortunately didn’t have the same fate. Although their rendition of “What A Girl Wants” by Christina Aguilera and Sabrina Carpenter was good, it only received a total of 5 points from the jury, landing them in sixth place of the 10th round. Marielle took on Christina, while JM depicted Sabrina. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rwXxJ5uBIDI" title="JMielle brings the best of pop in a Sabrina Carpenter and Christina | Week 19 | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jason Dy as Cardi B - &quot;I Like It&quot; </strong></div><p>Aside from JM, Jason also had a gender-switch act in the 10th round as he transformed into Cardi B. He instantly caught the attention of everyone as soon as he stepped out of the ‘iconator’ and started delivering a spectacularly “okurrr” performance that revealed his talent in rapping. His impersonation was so absolutely spot-on that he garnered the highest combined jury and celebrity performers’ votes of 29 points, making him that round’s <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/2/16/jason-dy-goes-hands-on-for-his-winning-cardi-b-act-on-your-face-sounds-familiar-0045" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>weekly winner</u></strong></a>.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OBCjy8ZXGMs" title="Jason Dy channels Cardi B in a bold and electrifying performance | Week 20 | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>JMielle as Rod Stewart &amp; Tina Turner - &quot;Hot Legs&quot; </strong></div><p>Never ones to shy away from a challenge, JMielle finally gave fans what they’d been waiting for in Round 11—a role swap! In their electrifying performance of “Hot Legs,” Marielle stepped into the shoes of the ever-magnetic Rod Stewart, while JM embodied the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Tina Turner. The bold move paid off as they managed to bounce back and secure 2nd place after receiving the second-highest score of 20 points. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BSdm8o0Nd9U" title="JMielle channels pure rock energy in a fiery tribute to Tina Turner and Rod Stewart | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jason Dy as Beyonce - &quot;Crazy in Love&quot; </strong></div><p>As he kicked off the “Grand Showdown,” Jason made sure to leave a mark through his magnificent transformation into Beyoncé. He indeed brought the “Beychella”—or the Hollywood superstar’s historic set at the famous annual music festival Coachella in 2018—via his astonishing performance of “Crazy in Love.” He earned a standing ovation from the jury because of how he nailed not just the fierce look of his icon but also her singing and dancing prowess.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2k77jom7zxw" title="The Grand Showdown: Jason Dy embraces the spotlight in a Beyoncé transformation | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>JM Dela Cerna as Jennifer Holliday - &quot;And I Am Telling You&quot; </strong></div><p>For their last hurrah in the “YFSF” stage, JMielle once again pulled off a totally unexpected twist by choosing to recreate the exhilarating “killer duet” of Jennifer Holliday and Jessica Sanchez in the finale of “American Idol Season 11” of “And I Am Telling You” in 2012. </p><p>As Marielle portrayed Jessica, JM indeed astounded us with his courage in taking on Jennifer—his fourth gender-switch performance—who’s not just an ordinary singer but is regarded as one of Broadway&#x27;s most legendary &quot;power belters.” Because of their powerful showdown within a showdown, the “Birit Duo” received a standing ovation and rave reactions from the jury.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-OWBCFBFr2c" title="JMielle delivers a fiery vocal showdown in a tribute to Jennifer and Jessica Sanchez | YFSF 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>In the final showdown of the celebrity performers, expect an exciting culmination filled with world-class performances and unforgettable impersonations! Don’t miss “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>Your Face Sounds Familiar: The Grand Showdown</em></u></strong></a>” on April 11, and 12 on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>.</p>

<p>Revisit the amusing and amazing gender-switch acts that we witnessed throughout the fourth season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” via this feature!</p>

Revisit the amusing and amazing gender-switch acts that we witnessed throughout the fourth season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” via this feature!