Melai Cantiveros (MNS photo)
Comedian Melai Cantiveros was named the first grand winner of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” Sunday at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.
Cantiveros won the hearts of the viewers, earning 51.93 percent of votes for her impersonation of Miley Cyrus during the final performance show on Saturday.
“Ay naku, talaga sobra. I cannot believe this is happening. God moves in mysterious ways talaga, kasi hindi naman talaga kasi ako kuwan, singer, but Lord, thank you. Sa aking, kuwan, charity, sa simbahan sila, thank you very much kasi nagpray siguro sila ng rosary kaya nanalo ako. Thank you sa inyong pray,” Cantiveros said.
She took home P2 million, half of which will be donated to her chosen charity, the Alay Kapwa Desk of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel.
Singer Nyoy Volante, who impersonated Whitney Houston, came in second with 24.51 percent of votes.
R&B singer Jay R, who impersonated Frank Sinatra, came in third, while actor Edgar Allan Guzman came in fourth for his performance as Chris Brown.
The four other celebrity performers – Jolina Magdangal, Maxene Magalona, Karla Estrada and Tutti Caringal – also had one last chance to perform on the “Your Face” stage.
Magdangal came out on stage as Karen Carpenter, Magalona as Nicki Minaj, Estrada as Gloria Gaynor, and Caringal as Bryan Adams.
Teen stars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano also performed to promote their upcoming movie “Just the Way You Are.”
A consistent high-scorer throughout the entire season, Cantiveros took home the trophy for impersonating Elizabeth Ramsey on the show’s ninth week. (MNS)