Denise proves performing chops

Before the YourFace Sounds Familiar (YFSF) grand showdown, Denise Laurel never won in the weekly rankings. 

She placed second four times for her performances and impersonations of Lea Salonga, Thalia, Jed Madela and Barbra Streisand, but it was only when she transformed into her idol, Beyoncé, that she truly shone. 

And she did on the night that mattered the most. Last Sunday (Dec.  13), Denise emerged as the grand winner of the second season of the hit musical competition, besting her co-finalists after scoring the highest percentage of text votes (27.51 percent) in the show’s final showdown. 

“I never won, and every week my son would cry. But I wanted to show him hard work and perseverance, and that whatever happens, try and try until you die,” she said. 

Your Face Sounds Familiar Final 5: Sam Concepcion, Denise Laurel, Kean Cipriano, KZ Tandingan and Michael Pangilinan with jurors Jed Madela, Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano and host Billy Crawford?

For the finale, Denise sang the hits Love on Top and Crazy in Love, which pulled her out of her comfort zone as she was required to channel Beyoncé’s ferocity and attitude on stage.

Denise called impersonating Beyoncé “more than I could ever ask for” and said that her Christmas would be “more than complete” after scoring her victory in the show. 

KZ as Lady Gaga

“I was already okay with being in the Top 5. I already felt like I won. Then I got to do Beyoncé… Ang pagbibigay talaga ng Diyos ng pagmamahal ay bumabagyo,” she said. 

Right before Denise’s name was announced by Sharon Cuneta as the winner of the second season of Your Face Sounds Familiar, the Megastar quipped, “Now you will never need validation again.” 

Kean as Ricky Martin

Denise has been vocal about her dream of being known not only as an actress, but also as a singer. And she is thankful for Your Face for giving her the opportunity to showcase her voice and her ability to perform. 

As the grand winner of Your Face’s second season, Denise took home P2M, half of which will be donated to her chosen charity, Caritas Manila. 

Michael as Adam Levine

Dubbed as the program’s Sultry Heiress, Denise beat co-finalists Kean Cipriano, KZ Tandingan, Sam Concepcion and Michael Pangilinan. 

Michael copied rocker Adam Levine and came in second. Sam, who donned his best impersonation of Justin Bieber, placed third. KZ, who impersonated Lady Gaga, and Kean, who turned into Ricky Martin, ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. 

The four placers all got P200,000 each, half of which will also be given to their chosen charity. 

Sam as Justin Bieber

Meanwhile, on Sunday’s finale show, other celebrity performers Kakai Bautista, Eric Nicolas and Myrtle Sarrosa took the stage for the last time for their impersonation of Bee Gees. 

The Sunday’s show was also opened by jurors Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela and Sharon who sang a medley of Christmas songs. 

The two-night Your Face Sounds Familiar: The Grand Showdown was hosted by Billy Crawford and Melai Cantiveros.