When viewers turned on Globo on the evening of Sunday, September 9, they might have felt a bit confused yet entertained. The show featured hosts Rodrigo Faro, who had previously led programs on Record until December of last year, and Luciana Gimenez, hosting Superpop on RedeTV! since 2001. They both appeared as guests on the season premiere of the Lip Sync Battle segment on Domingão com Huck, captivating the audience with their performances.
The Lip Sync Battle has become one of the most popular segments on Brazilian television, known for celebrity contestants performing well-known songs with breathtaking theatrics. Faro, showcasing his talents, delivered the standout performance. He kicked off his act with a reinterpretation of his first viral moment, impersonifying Beyoncé from the hit video “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” This included a playful striptease where he disrobed from his suit to reveal just a black swimsuit, complete with wig and heels, igniting cheers from the crowd. Faro then dramatically entered the stage riding on a giant elephant prop, performing “A Whole New World” from the beloved animated movie Aladdin. His wife, Vera Viel, made a surprise appearance alongside him for this fantastic performance on the 'magic carpet.'
Conversely, Luciana Gimenez opened her performance with “Mania de Você” by Rita Lee, radiantly showcasing her vocal skills. She later transformed herself with tattoos and piercings to portray Amy Winehouse. Both Faro and Gimenez were visibly touched by heartfelt messages sent by their families during the show, adding layers of emotion to the competition.
During the Lip Sync Battle, Gimenez garnered significant attention for her emotionally charged tribute from her children, Lucas Jagger and Lorenzo, and her mother, Vera Gimenez. Lucas, 25, jested about their connection, stating, “My mom is very good, and if I’m too nice, as she says, it’s because of her. Thanks for not letting me eat junk food.” Lorenzo, 13, reminisced about their fun trips together, declaring his love for her. Vera expressed her pride, adding, “Luciana is generous, and I am very proud of her and the grandchildren she gave me.” Overwhelmed with emotion from the tributes, Luciana remarked, “I don’t know if I deserved so much.”
Rodrigo Faro and Luciana Gimenez shared the stage on Globo, as surprising as it may seem. Both of them have built their careers on rival networks, making this collaboration noteworthy. Faro reflected on the nostalgia of returning to Globo after 17 years, excitedly stating, “I’m super anxious; it’s going to be a mixture of emotions... This return to Globo is very special, it brought back memories of my time there, especially during the show’s popular novellas.” Gimenez echoed this sentiment, expressing her excitement for the collaboration, “I’m always happy with Globo; it’s part of our history. We want to connect with the audience, and I’m thrilled!”
Despite the friendly rivalry, their performances drew great attention on social media, indicating the audience's enthusiasm for this encounter. The pairing of Faro and Gimenez for the Lip Sync Battle is intended to revitalize the show with diverse talents, appealing to fans across different demographics.
Faro triumphed after the public vote, taking home the championship belt for the first session of the new season. The Lip Sync Battle aims to create engaging and entertaining television experiences, with audience voting adding another level of interaction and excitement. The format itself draws inspiration from international hits, adapting to local tastes.
Fun Facts About the Lip Sync Battle: The segment has been adapted from the American version, featuring some of Brazil's leading celebrities. Past memorable performances have included Claudia Raia, who dazzled with her Broadway interpretation, and Paolla Oliveira, who won hearts with her expertly choreographed routine.
This season promises to be filled with riveting performances and perhaps some surprises as well. With the bar set high, Gimenez and Faro's Lip Sync Battle not only marks the return of Faro after years away but also the potential for new collaborative opportunities within the dynamic world of Brazilian television. With both hosts excelling at entertaining, the audience can expect nothing short of spectacular as the new season of Domingão com Huck commences.