MICHAEL V says the TV show prefers contestants who are not singers.
Finally, a program for show biz personalities who love singing, but whom singing doesn’t quite love back.
The local version of the American reality TV competition, “Lip Sync Battle,” which allows celebrity contenders to assume the persona of their favorite music artists and mime to their songs, will air Saturdays on GMA 7 starting Feb. 27. And its main host, Michael V, assured that all frustrated singers will be welcomed with open arms.
“We prefer contestants who are not singers,” he told the Inquirer. “You don’t have to perform like a professional; you just have to sell it.”
Michael V will be joined by Iya Villania as the show’s “color commentator.”
He is a suitable choice to host the show, since doing celebrity impressions has been part of his shtick for the longest time.
His advice to celebs? “Give it your all.”
“Don’t hold back. You have to be the total package,” he said.
While looking, sounding and acting exactly like the chosen singers are advantages, they’re not the be-all and end-all, he said. “You have to capture the nuances. That’s what I do—I look for something in a character that I can imitate. I think of myself as an impressionist, not necessarily an impersonator.”
“Lip Sync Battle Philippines” could end up being compared by fans to the local adaptation of the Spanish reality contest, “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”
But unlike “Your Face,” which involves real, competitive singing and cash prizes, “Lip Sync Battle Philippines” will be mostly “for fun.”
“There are no prizes at stake, but of course, karir pa rin,” he said. “The contestants will be fighting for the bragging rights! Well, they get to wear the winner’s belt, but they can’t take it home,” Michael V quipped, adding that the program isn’t exclusive to actors. “Athletes and news anchors can join. Perhaps even politicians!”
Each episode features two contestants, preferably those who share a relationship of some form, fighting it out in two rounds.
Many of such riotous battles in the American version have gone viral—the latest one being Channing Tatum’s impersonation of Beyoncé, who even made a surprise appearance in the show.
“Lip Sync Battle Philippines’” debut episode will pit former screen tandem, Dennis Trillo and Tom Rodriguez, against each other.
Asked which pair he would like to see in the show in the future, Michael V said having Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza would be a treat.
“We’re doing everything we can to have them in the program! After all, the two of them—Maine, in particular—got really big with the help of Dubsmash,” Michael V said.
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph