To stand out and shine in showbiz, you need a unique identity. But some talented artists offer some fun by channeling their fellow artists. Meet the stars who are not only known and acclaimed for their individual artistry, but also skilled as impersonators, as well!
Vice Ganda would mimic OPM singers as part of his jokes. Jaya, Moira Dela Torre, Jessa Zaragoza, and Regine Velasquez are only some of the personalities the Unkabogable Star can embody. For instance, in one of the episodes of Tawag Ng Tanghalan, Vice Ganda sang the Jaya’s most popular song “Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig” and Jessa’s hit single “Siya Ba Ang Dahilan” while of course imitating the icons’ respective singing styles.
Vhong Navarro meanwhile nailed his Robin Padilla impression and the action star’s wife and It's Showtime co-host Mariel Padilla gave her approval. In an episode of TNT, Vhong unintentionally cut off Mariel’s story, while led to his heartfelt apologies by impersonating her husband.
Since sisters Toni and Alex Gonzaga grew up together, it’s no surprise that Alex can impersonate her big sister. During an appearance on Gandang Gabi Vice, Alex copied Toni Gonzaga’s singing as she sang one of her sister’s songs, "Where We Belong."
Mr. Pure Energy Gary V is the idol of many and has been impersonated by others. Meanwhile, the OPM artist that Gary can impersonate is Martin Nievera. Not only can he copy the singing voice and style of his best friend, but Gary can also copy the speaking style of Martin - even his mannerisms when speaking.
It really seems like all the TNT hurados are very talented when it comes to impersonating their colleagues in the industry, as the country’s King of Teleserye Theme Songs Erik Santos can imitate almost the exact voices of veteran singers including Vina Morales, Christian Bautista, and Janno Gibbs. In his GGV guesting, he amused the audience as he sang “Fallin’” by Janno, “The Way You Look at Me” by Christian, and “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” by Vina. It just goes to show how versatile Erik’s voice really is.
Although she has one of the most recognizable voices in OPM, Soul Diva Jaya herself can also do her own impersonations of her fellow artists. In her guesting in GGV, she took on the challenge of singing her songs while mimicking the style or voice of her colleagues in the industry. For instance, she sang “Kung Wala Na” ala Janno Gibbs. She also gave a sample of “Laging Naro’n Ka” while impersonating Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, “Dahil Tanging Ikaw” while mimicking the Asia’s Queen of Song Pilita Corrales, and “Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig” as her mother Elizabeth Ramsey.
Lani Misalucha has been dubbed Asia’s Nightingale for her incredible talent. But she is also a expert at impersonations. Lani can sing like Shakira, Britney Spears, and can talk like some cartoon characters including Mickey Mouse, Elmo, and Cookie Monster.
Master impersonator Willie Nepomuceno has a long list of personalities that he can mimic. Willie Nep’s can act as Stevie Wonder and more. He even appeared in It's Showtime as the former Manila mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada. He also appeared in the noontime show as the late King of Comedy Dolphy during the celebrity look-alike segment of It's Showtime and even said hi to Karylle.
One of the most memorable moments on Tawag Ng Tanghalan was when Vice Ganda dared all of the hurados Erik Santos, Jaya, Jed Madela, Gary Valenciano, and Randy Santiago to sing like Vina Morales.
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. So, we would love to see more impersonations in the future.