‘Face’ win embarrasses Melai

Comedienne Melai Cantiveros admitted she felt embarrassed about defeating professional singer and theater actor Nyoy Volante during the first season of the reality talent tilt “Your Face Sounds Familiar (YFSF).”

Cantiveros, who is a not a singer, won by a wide margin against Volante. She received 51.93 percent of the total number of text votes compared to the latter’s 24.51 percent. The comedienne brought home a cash prize of

P2 million, half of which will be donated to her chosen charitable institution.

“I’m thankful, but I feel a bit hesitant because Kuya Nyoy and the others are all excellent performers,” said Cantiveros shortly after the YFSF Grand Showdown at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila on Sunday night.

Edgar Allan Guzman and Jay-R joined Volante and Cantiveros in the Final 4. The other contestants were Jolina Magdangal, Maxene Magalona, Tutti Caringal and Karla Estrada.

“It’s not true that I’ve already received an offer to record an album. My singing voice is terrible,” Cantiveros owned up. “I’m ashamed of my voice. I only won because I’m entertaining.”

Cantiveros impersonated American singer-actress Miley Cyrus and performed “Wrecking Ball” during the finale. Volante did Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”

Big gap

Asked to comment on the big gap between her and Volante, the 27-year-old comedienne said: “I didn’t

expect it. I guess people liked what I did. They believed in my performance, even though I doubted myself.”

Cantiveros related that she would share her winnings with a church (Alay Kapwa Desk Social Action Center in the Diocese of Marbel).

Second-placer Volante said of Cantiveros’ win, “Honestly … I’m very happy with the results. Just to be in the Final 2 with Melai is a big deal for me. I’m very proud of her.”

He conceded that, like the other contestants, he also hoped to bag the title. “That’s why I sought the support of family and friends to vote for me. But as I said before the finale, Melai would surprise everybody. I was right.”

Cantiveros said she often turned to Volante for advice. “I’m grateful to all my kuyas (brothers) and ates (sisters) in the show. They all told me to take my performance seriously.”

Judge Gary Valenciano said Cantiveros “stood out.” Fellow judge Jed Madela said the other contestants were “amazing” as well. Megastar Sharon Cuneta completed the three-member board of judges.

Back to zero

Valenciano related: “The scores were reset after the Final 4 had been chosen. They may have gotten to the finals because of their past performances, but scores went back to zero. It had been tough for us to choose the finalists. I was more than glad to turn over the difficult task of picking the winner to the audience.”

Valenciano added that he was thankful for the positive reaction that the show received not only from local viewers, but

also from Filipinos in other parts of the world. “They were thankful that we made them happy even for just an hour each day during weekends. That’s what really matters to entertainers like us.”

Jay-R, who performed Frank Sinatra’s “New York New York,” said the other three finalists were tough contenders. “We’re one in thinking that we’re all winners because we’ve made it to the finals.”

Edgar Allan Guzman, who drew shrieks as the shirtless Chris Brown in “Turn Up the Music,” took note of Cantiveros’ “improvement” during the competition.

Guzman will start recording his second solo album next week, he announced on Sunday night. “It will be with Star Records. Jay-R will be helping me by producing some of my songs,” he shared with the Inquirer. “I will be part of a new soap, too.”

Jay-R added: “It’s such a great experience to be part of this show. I learned so much as a performer.”

Lui Andrada, business unit head, confirmed the news that a second season of YFSF is in the works. “But there is nothing definite yet, as we still need to look for contestants.”

Well, the first season’s graduates are already volunteering for a return bout.

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