Univision is set to launch the U.S. version of the popular Spanish program “Tu Cara Me Suena” (“Your Face Sounds Familiar”), featuring a groundbreaking and diverse panel of female judges. The show, known for its celebrity impersonations, will bring together Kany García, Charityn, Angélica Vale, and Amara La Negra, promising a fresh and inclusive take on the format for English-speaking audiences interested in Hispanic entertainment.
“I love the fact that there are more and more opportunities for women in this type of format,” expressed García to Efe, celebrating the diverse composition of the jury, encompassing women of different nationalities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. This season of “Tu Cara Me Suena” is making waves even before airing by championing diversity in Hispanic television within the United States.
García, a 37-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, brings her musical expertise to the judging table. Joining her is Angélica Vale, a 44-year-old Mexican actress and comedian renowned for her impersonation skills, adding a layer of comedic insight to the panel. Charityn, a 71-year-old Dominican icon who began her career as a vedette, contributes her extensive experience in entertainment and performance. The blend of generations and career paths promises to offer insightful and varied perspectives for both contestants and viewers of “Tu Cara Me Suena” program.
While one judge is yet to be announced, the current lineup already signals Univision’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent. Furthermore, Amara La Negra, known for her vibrant personality and advocacy, has been tapped as the backstage host, offering viewers an inside look at the program. The network is still to reveal who will take on the role of the main host for this highly anticipated “Tu Cara Me Suena” program.
Univision’s push for diversity isn’t new. Since 2018, the network has been actively working to diversify its on-screen talent, moving away from traditional beauty stereotypes prevalent in Hispanic television. This began with a groundbreaking season of “Nuestra Belleza Latina” (“Our Latin Beauty”), themed “no sizes, no limits, no excuses,” which welcomed contestants over 40 years old, representing various ethnicities, body types, and heights.
This inclusive concept continues with “Tu Cara Me Suena”. Kany García publicly came out in 2016 and married her partner, fitness trainer Joselyn Trochez, last year, representing LGBTQ+ visibility. Amara La Negra, an outspoken advocate for women of all sizes and the Afro-Latina community, has been a regular presence on Univision since 2019, further cementing the show’s commitment to representation.
Amara La Negra has emphasized her dedication to uplifting her community, stating, “For me, it is an honor, a pride, and a responsibility as an artist and as a Black woman to be an activist and defender of the rights of the Afro-Latina community. I am delighted to know that through my actions I am making an impact and breaking barriers for the Black community.” Her role in “Tu Cara Me Suena” further amplifies this impact on a prominent platform.
“Tu Cara Me Suena” is slated to air on Sunday nights, strategically timed before the second half of the year’s audience measurement period. With nearly 50 international versions, this first Spanish-language edition in the United States will feature eight celebrity contestants. These contestants will take on the challenge of embodying and imitating musical icons, encompassing their image, choreography, singing, and dancing.
Univision stated in an official release that “The contestants will do everything possible to look and sing like some of the greatest artists in the world. Their performances will receive points from the jury, until one of the celebrities is declared the winner.” This competitive yet entertaining format is central to the appeal of “Tu Cara Me Suena” program worldwide.
Both Amara La Negra and García have expressed their excitement for the show, anticipating a “very fun” experience for themselves and the audience. While García jokingly admitted to being a “terrible” imitator herself, she looks forward to learning from the contestants and her fellow judges, especially Angélica Vale, renowned for her impersonation talents. Amara, on the other hand, confessed she would relish the chance to embody powerful Latina musical figures like Celia Cruz, Olga Tañón, La Lupe, or La India if she were a contestant on “Tu Cara Me Suena”.
This U.S. adaptation of “Tu Cara Me Suena” program is poised to be a vibrant and celebratory showcase of talent, diversity, and entertainment, promising to captivate audiences with its unique blend of celebrity impersonations and positive representation.
