What started as a simple “trip-trip lang” turned into one of the most life-changing experiences in the personal and professional life of Alexa Ilacad, as she opened up about her “Your Face Sounds Familiar” journey so far during an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN Studios following her win for her spot-on impersonation of world-renowned Mexican singer-songwriter and actress Thalía.
WATCH: Alexa Ilacad owns the spotlight with a show-stopping Thalia performance | YFSF 2026
It marked her second victory on the show, with her first being her remarkable depiction of Britney Spears’ legendary performance of “I’m A Slave 4 U” at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards during the fourth round in November 2025.
Still overjoyed and thrilled by her latest triumph, Alexa was indeed brimming with enthusiasm as she reflected on her “YFSF” journey, as well as how it has changed her as an individual and as an artist over time.
From “trip-trip lang” to topping the ranks
When asked how she feels about being part of the celebrity talent show now that she’s gone this far, she quipped, “Minsan talaga nagtatanong ako sa sarili ko kung bakit ba ako nandito.”
She explained, “Nandoon din kasi ‘yong kaba na why did I set myself up for a risk na I can either make it or break it here, ‘di ba? Hopefully I haven’t been breaking everything. So, ‘yon, may mga times talaga na, ‘Oh my god, what am I doing here?’”
Alexa imparted that the show is far more challenging than mere spectators might think, explaining that those who are not part of the production or the process of the celebrity performers’ transformation will not fully understand how difficult it is. When the opportunity was offered to her, she recounted saying “yes” without “batting an eyelash” because the concept truly excited her.
For her, it felt like celebrating Halloween every round—getting to transform and portray the idols she admires, totally living out her “icon dreams” for at least a day. It has been so enjoyable that she admitted almost forgetting that the show is still a competition after all.
Besides, she also shared how the “YFSF” environment is very positive and supportive, especially among the performers. While people, particularly their supporters, on social media may argue about who among them deserves to win in every round, everyone on the program actually uplifts one another since they are the only ones who truly understand each other’s experiences.
Joining the program was a mere “trip-trip lang” for her at the time—confessing that she didn’t have to think twice and immediately accepted it right at the very moment it was offered to her—we asked her how it feels to be among the celebrity performers on top of the ranks.
“It’s crazy to me. Sometimes I really can’t believe it. Of course, I’m just so thankful kasi I’ve really worked so hard. Hindi sa pagbubuhat ng bangko pero alam ko sa sarili ko na I overexert myself dahil mahal ko talaga ‘tong trabaho ko, mahal ko ang pagpe-perform. I love giving people shows, love performing,” she said.
When asked what keeps her motivated to do better in every round, Alexa stated that it’s the people who watch the “YFSF,” no less. She expounded, “They deserve a good show, and they deserve a good performance from me. And I also feel like ang dami kong kailangang patunayan because I don’t have proper vocal training. I am not an impersonator. So, for this show to give me the title, ‘Gen Z Total Performer,’ I need to fill in those shoes talaga.”
She added that the audiences’ fervent support, especially from her fans, continues to inspire her every week, regardless of whether she wins or loses. She shared that she already feels like a winner because of how well-loved each performance is and because of the constant words of encouragement from supporters who genuinely root and campaign for her, motivating her to give her all every time.
On how “YFSF” has changed her as an individual and an artist
Even though Alexa has been in the entertainment industry since she was a kid—starting as a commercial model and later appearing in “Goin’ Bulilit” and several teleseryes and films—many would agree that she is currently at the peak of her career.
In recent years, we get to see her almost everywhere, showcasing her multifaceted talent as an artist. And according to Alexa, her stint on “Your Face Sounds Familiar” has played a significant role in this, as it contributed to her personal life and career a lot.
She began with the personal benefits she has gained from this experience. In a way, she considers it a form of training for herself, since she did not undergo much formal training before. By joining the show and putting herself out there, she said she has learned to face challenges head-on and do things even while feeling scared.
“There are so many learnings, and for that reason alone, worth it na ang pagsali ko matalo man ako linggo-linggo. The training—you’ll not get this anywhere else. It’s inevitable na hindi ka maggro-grow. It’s inevitable na you don’t learn. Sobrang treasure ‘yon, sobrang lupit no’n. Just the experience? My gosh, amazing, ‘di ba?” she enthused.
Furthermore, the 26-year-old multi-hyphenate admitted that prior to joining the competition, she often doubted herself and struggled to believe in her own abilities. However, the experience helped her realize that she is capable and deserving of the opportunity given to her. Performing songs outside her usual genre and range, portraying artists she was unfamiliar with, and adapting to many different factors may have been very challenging, yet those helped her discover her strengths she never knew she had. For her, the growth that came up with the process was inevitable—and something she deeply appreciates.
Meanwhile, with regard to her career, she felt like her “YFSF” appearances have made people start seeing her more seriously as a performer and singer, as it allowed her to further prove herself in those areas. Thus, from always asking herself, “Why am I here?” everytime she sings on “ASAP” alongside singing champions and powerful icons, it delights her that people are now answering for her that she deserves to have a spot there.
“I feel like it [has] put me on the radar kahit papaano na that I am a performer and that’s what I came here to do. That’s why I really wanted to join kahit nanginginig ang tuhod, kahit na takot na takot magkamali at magmukhang ewan because I really wanna show people what I’m capable of, and the fact that they see that din. It’s just so nice. Parang, I’ve put myself on the map,” she stated.
Alexa went on to regard her “YFSF” stint as her “favorite change” or factor of her growth as an artist. She expounded, “I’m a bit comfortable with my body, something I’ve always had a hard time dealing with before. I fell out of love with dancing because I was so conscious about my body, about how I look when [I’m performing].”
Moreover, she related that before joining the show, her friend, AC Bonifacio, who was part of “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Season 1,” had told her that the experience would make her more confident and at ease with herself—something she initially doubted because she felt she had already lost that part of her.
She confessed how she used to dread it whenever she was asked to dance for production numbers, but now she finds herself excited about it and is even the one to request for her to have dance numbers. As the show pushes celebrity performers to do what is asked of them despite being scared and unsure how to do their performances, it ultimately helped her regain the courage to move and perform again.
On her most favorite transformation, Rufa Mae Quinto as her next icon
As she noted that each of her impersonations comes with its own challenges, as they all required her to adapt and push her abilities in different ways in every performance, Alexa shared that her favorite “YFSF” performance was “Chinito,” when she transformed into Yeng Constantino during the 8th round.
WATCH: Yeng and Alexa perform a beautiful duet of “Chinito” | YFSF 2025
Even though she didn’t win that round, it remains her top favorite, as the Pop Rock Royalty came to the studio to watch her live without her knowing, and her ultimate crush, Enchong Dee, even made a surprise appearance by reprising his role as the “Chinito” leading man and performing with her onstage.
And for the forthcoming 12th round, everyone was as shocked and excited as her when the “iconizer” revealed that the next icon she is about to impersonate is none other than her fellow celebrity performer, Rufa Mae Quinto.
When asked about her reaction, she related, “Laro talaga. I’m scared. I’m so nervous because first week pa lang sinabi na ng judges na kapag may gagaya man kay Peachy, hindi magiging kasing ganda. I didn’t know na gagayahin ko siya noon. So, I was like, ‘tama, walang makakagaya sa kanya.’ Tapos biglang ako pala. Ako pala ang ipapagaya nila. Laro talaga!”
Then she added, “But I’m also so excited kasi I feel like this is a performance na I will just really enjoy. Kasi ‘yon naman ang inadvise sa akin ni Ate Peachy: ‘Enjoy mo lang.’ Yeah, I really will. Like todo na ‘to!”
Well, it’s not going to be her first time mimicking the legendary ‘Comedy Bombshell,’ as she confessed that she and fellow celebrity performer Jason Dy are very fond of copying Rufa Mae for fun. She even recalled trying to impersonate her during the look-test of “YFSF,” only to end up not being able to sing “Booba” since she couldn’t help herself from laughing.
The interview wrapped up with Alexa expressing her immense and never-ending gratitude to everyone watching the show and showing their support for her.
“Never-ending thank you. Punong-puno ng pasasalamat talaga ‘yong puso ko every week dahil nga walang sawa silang sumusuporta sa akin. Kaya sabi ko, as my way of giving back, I would always give my all, I will always do my best para sa kanila because they deserve it. I’m just so thankful talaga,” she conveyed.
Catch the next amazing transformations of Alexa Ilacad on “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” Saturdays and Sundays, 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and iWant.