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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider What JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano learned after 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' win

What JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano learned after 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' win

Published Apr 29, 2026 03:28 pm
Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna (Star Magic)
Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna (Star Magic)

Starting their careers as individual performers, Marielle and JM’s journey as a duo felt like the perfect puzzle pieces unexpectedly coming together.

After clinching the crown in "Your Face Sounds Familiar" Season 4, Marielle and JM reflected on the biggest lessons they learned throughout the competition.

“Ang daming learnings po pero siguro yung pinaka-nakapagpa-realize sa akin is that the greatest risk is not taking a risk at all. ‘Yun po yung naging learning ko nung natapos po yung 'Your Face Sounds Familiar,'” JM said.

Meanwhile, Marielle shared that she discovered a deeper sense of purpose through the show. Beyond the prosthetic makeup and costumes, she realized that the heart of a performance lies in emotional connection with the audience.

“Being part of 'Your Face...' pushed me to become more intentional, not just with my music. Hindi lang siya basta-basta, andiyan lang ‘tas kakantahin mo as is. Dapat pala you put your heart into it, your soul, and how I connect with the audience as well,” Marielle said.

By taking a chance on the reality talent show, the pair said their bond became stronger and more secure.

“I will say yes po, mas tumibay talaga yung connection namin ni Marielle. Sa lahat ng bagay, hindi lang po professionally but also sa aming dalawa,” JM said.

JM also added that their connection played a big role in their growth and in overcoming the challenges they faced.

“Syempre yung connection namin ni Marielle, it plays a big role kasi yun yung importante talaga. Paano kayo magwo-work kung hindi kayo okay ng taong katrabaho mo,” he added.

Marielle fully agreed, adding that their bond deepened not only because of their own efforts but also through the support of their fans.

“Ako po, agree po ako na mas naging matibay and stronger kasi dahil din sa mga na-share naming joys and burdens. Sa journey namin ni JM, although may parts po na individual po namin inaaral yung icon, natutulungan po talaga kami,” Marielle said.

Now building a name in the music scene as JMielle, the duo is set to stage a concert titled “JMielle Sings the Icons” on May 29 at the SM North EDSA Skydome.

According to Marielle, the concert serves as a tribute that reflects how their journey led them to their win on the show.

“Hindi nalalayo ang concert na ‘to sa journey namin sa 'Your Face Sounds Familiar,' kaya siya naging ‘JMielle Sings the Icons.’ Baka mag-expect sila na gagayahin lang namin angginawa namin dati. Dito, may gagawin kaming mga hindi namin nagawa nung journey namin,” she said.

During their stint on "Your Face Sounds Familiar," JMielle performed iconic duets inspired by artists such as Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Holliday, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan.

JM and Marielle first gained public attention after winning as grand champions of the TNT Duets singing contest in 2023.

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Marielle Montellano JM Dela Cerna Your Face Sounds Familiar
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