More ‘winning’ and ‘winnable’ impersonation concepts needed

The second telecast of “Your Face Sounds Familiar-Kids” last Jan. 8 fielded four more pint-sized contestants channeling a merry mix of idiosyncratic show biz stars.

Alonzo Muhlach led off with his vague approximation of One Direction’s Harry Styles.

His weak showing wasn’t completely his fault, because Styles doesn’t really have a distinct singing and performing style that can be spoofed with relish and impact.

Sam Shoaf did better as the more clearly distinct Bruno Mars, but his spoof was quite predictable and obvious. Still, we were glad that the tilt introduced us to Sam and his obvious talent.

He may not have done all that well as an impersonator, but he’s clearly a versatile and enthusiastically “giving” performer who, if mentored well, could go far in the biz.

Singing tilt champion Lyca Gairanod was up next as Katy Perry, whom she approximated vocally and “facially” (with the help of “transformative” makeup and costuming), but not in terms of inner unction.

Despite this lack of definitive impact, however, the now “tweening” child singer benefited from the exposure because it affirms her Nora Aunor “vibe,” which augurs well for her career as a tween and teen performer.

Instead of forcing the very Pinay Lyca to try to look and perform like “hot” foreign singing stars, she should next impersonate Nora herself (as a tween or teen performer)—and watch her score a bull’s eye!

The fourth and last contestant last Jan. 8 was AC Bonifacio, who some months ago won a TV dance tilt for kids with her male codancer.

This year, it looks like AC is going it alone, and her stint on “YFSF” is her buena mano exposure as a solo act.

She did very well, indeed—but her Britney Spears impersonation required the now tween performer to go “a little sexy”—which, in our view, shouldn’t happen on a child talent tilt.

This is no “fault “ of AC at all—the production should scrupulously inhibit itself from going there, even for “pop popularity’s and trendiness’” sake.

At the end of the show last Jan. 8, we felt that AC did best of all, but the Sunday telecast didn’t have a “big surprise” highlight like the previous night’s “Awra as Mommy D” brainstorm. So the new tilt’s second telecast was upstaged by the first—not a good way to go.

Before the Sunday show ended, the first week’s winner was named by the board of judges. No big surprise there, it was Awra Briguela with 24 points, followed by AC and Elha Nympha.

Our initial conclusions: The “real” singers have a clear edge in the competition, with AC and Elha scoring well, but an inspired concept, like the Awra-Mommy D comedy tie-up, can trump that rule.

So, contestants’ handlers should proactively think up unusual or “swak na swak” concepts for their talents to essay.

As for the show itself, it should avoid accusations of favoritism by making sure that all of the contestants are given “winning” and “winnable” impersonation concepts. No more vague assignments like Harry Styles, or inappropriate tie-ups like Lyca-Katy Perry, please.

Above all, keep the acts free from any hint of romantic love, passion or sensuality, even in the choice of songs, or stars to spoof or impersonate. Otherwise, some parents and teachers may have cause to complain.

The child impersonation tilt can do very well without the potentially inappropriate, needling, niggling and needless distractions.