They wowed us with their vocal finesse as Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Blew us away with their transformation as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Glinda and Elphaba. And just when we thought we’d seen their entire range, JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, a.k.a. JMielle, did something unexpected when they pulled off a totally different flavor as Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj.
On Top of the Leaderboard, But Staying Grounded
After clinching three wins out of seven rounds on "Your Face Sounds Familiar," JM and Marielle are currently sitting at the top of the leaderboard (with a total of 168 points so far, followed by Jason Dy at 146). But that doesn't come with bragging rights. If anything, this success has brought them a wave of self-awareness.
“Happy kami, siyempre,” JM said, smiling. But right after their third win, as Bieber and Minaj, they admitted to feeling a little hesitant about celebrating too much. “Parang nakakahiya,” Marielle shared. “Sometimes, may mga biro ['yung ibang celebrity performers na], ‘Huwag n’yo naman masyadong galingan.’” That’s why there are moments they even feel unsure if they still deserve the spotlight—knowing all too well that their co-artists are just as hardworking and talented.
“Kasi alam din namin na lahat ng kasama namin dito, magaling din talaga. And honestly, ine-enjoy lang talaga namin,” Marielle shared, adding that they never intend to “get ahead” or “overpower” anyone. “Minsan nga nag-uusap kami na sana maka-experience ng panalo lahat [ng celebrity performers]. Parang mas masaya na makita natin kung saan sila magaling."
She even mentioned a specific artist she’s rooting for, "Sana manalo na si Aki." This aligned with the Round 7 feedback, where the jury acknowledged that BGYO's Akira Morishita is nearing that breakthrough moment on the "YFSF" stage; he just needs a bit more confidence. As previous 'konteseros,' JM and Marielle know that breakthrough performances don’t always show up immediately, as it takes courage to grow in front of an audience, so they’re cheering hard for their co-performers, too.
One thing that keeps them grounded despite the pressure is the bond they’ve built with their fellow cast members Akira, Jason, Alexa Ilacad, Dia Mate, Jarlo Base, and Rufa Mae Quinto. The entire group has gotten so close, it already feels like family. JMielle shares they all make plans to hang out, but the running joke is that they’re all too exhausted after the show, so it never quite happens. What's sure, though, is with each other as support system, the "YFSF" experience feels less like a competition.
Still, they want to own their wins. “We always strive for excellence,” Marielle explained. “Sa lahat ng gagawin, hindi lang sa performance, pati sa maliliit na bagay. Kasi kung hindi naman natin ibibigay ’yung best natin, sa atin pa rin naman ang balik."
For JM and Marielle, their “YFSF” journey also reinforced their bond as singing partners. The two have always had chemistry but doing these back-to-back transformations, rehearsals, and last-minute changes together gave them a new rhythm, even without always talking. “Minsan tinginan lang sapat na. Ramdam na namin kung kailan kailangang umalalay sa isa’t isa,” Marielle said. During their Justin-Nicki prep, there was a moment when JM asked her if she could hear “Justin” in his voice. "Sabi ko buuin mo pa kasi naririnig ko pa 'yung JM," she recalled encouraging him to go all in.
Hopeful for What’s Next: New Icons, Bigger 2026
As they prepare for their next transformation, JM and Marielle know the challenges won’t be any easier as their next icons are the Philippines' King and Queen of Soul, Janno Gibbs and Jaya, both known for very distinctive tones. "Parang out of our league pa rin," they thought.
And if judge Gary Valenciano’s suggestion comes true, they might even swap genders, which will be a first for Marielle in the competition—Marielle as Janno, JM as Jaya. "[Kung sakali man], sana mapanindigan," she thought as they brace for the work ahead, “Whatever happens, we’ll give our best. Para walang regrets.”
One thing’s for sure—these Bisdak vocalists don’t want to settle into their comfort zone. "Your Face Sounds Familiar" has already pushed them into territories they never thought they could conquer, to adapt their voices, movements, and personas in ways they never thought possible.
And through it all, they’ve discovered new layers of their artistry we hadn’t seen before, and neither had they. JM can now own the stage dancing and singing at the same time. Marielle, known for her sweet ballads and pristine delivery, has even surprised herself that she can actually wear swag and deliver rap verses.
“Ang versatile pala natin,” JM shared with a laugh, realizing that growth comes from surrendering to the moment as much as it does from preparation. “Mapipilit pa pala natin ’yung sarili natin, kahit minsan iniisip mong hindi mo kaya—pero kaya mo pala basta may naniniwala sa’yo.”
“You can really do anything if you put your heart into it,” Marielle added. And heart—they’re overflowing with it.
As the new year unfolds, JM and Marielle aren’t making grand resolutions but they are holding onto hope.
JM simply wishes for their careers to keep moving forward, with their supporters still standing by their side, and for happiness to be at the core of everything they do. Marielle shares the same outlook but casts a wider net—she’s praying for more opportunities, not just locally but abroad, so they can show even more of what they’re capable of offering as artists.
Catch the amazing transformations of JMielle and the rest of the celebrity performers on “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” weeknights, 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and iWant.
*Photo credit to Marielle Montellano IG