On Friday, May 9, 2025, the popular Spanish talent show Tu cara me suena aired its fifth gala, featuring an exciting lineup of performances that captivated nearly two million viewers. With an impressive audience share of 21.9%, the show continues to dominate Friday night television.
This week, 24-year-old Yenesi took the stage to impersonate the iconic Kylie Minogue, joined by her co-star from the newly premiered series Mariliendres, Martin Urrutia, who played Ricky Martin. Their performance of "Livin’ la vida loca" was a highlight of the evening, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and stage presence.
Yenesi's journey on Tu cara me suena began with her first gala performance where she sang "20 de enero" by La oreja de Van Gogh. Although her debut received mixed reviews, her talent for mimicry shone through as she garnered praise for her previous impersonation of the Carolina Durante vocalist. Despite not scoring the highest in her initial performances, Yenesi's determination and growth have been evident.
In a pre-gala press conference, Yenesi expressed her excitement about performing alongside Urrutia. "It’s rare for me to step outside my niche, which is very much aligned with the LGBTQ+ community. But if I can open doors for more professional projects, I’m thrilled to do so," she stated. This sentiment reflects her commitment to representing the queer community on a larger platform.
The fifth gala was not just about Yenesi and Urrutia. Other contestants also showcased their talents, with Ana Guerra impersonating Rosana and Bertín Osborne transforming into the legendary band Kiss. Goyo Jiménez took on the role of Raphael, while Melani channeled The Rasmus. Gisela Lladó aimed for victory with her rendition of Rigoberta Bandini, and Mikel Herzog Jr. portrayed Dani Fernández. Finally, Esperansa Grasia joined forces with Samantha Gilabert to perform as Emilia and Tini.
Chenoa, a notable figure from the Operación Triunfo franchise, made a special appearance, reuniting with Urrutia, who participated in the latest season of the talent show. Chenoa praised Yenesi's performance, stating, "Yenesi, you’ve really stepped up with Martin by your side!" This camaraderie was evident as the two artists rehearsed under the guidance of their director, Arnau Vilà, who emphasized the importance of sensuality and provocation in their act.
Yenesi's presence on social media has been growing steadily, with 96,100 followers on Instagram and 10,300 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her songs, including "Sin ti nada es igual" and "La rave del amor," have reached impressive streaming numbers, with some tracks nearing 500,000 listens. This digital success has helped solidify her status as a rising star in both the music and drag performance scenes.
Meanwhile, the show has successfully brought together contestants from various backgrounds, appealing to a diverse audience. Yenesi, alongside fellow participants like Esperansa Grasia and Melanie, represents the younger generation, while established names like Bertín Osborne and Gisela connect with older viewers.
As the gala progressed, Bertín Osborne emerged victorious, winning the 3,000 euro prize. He chose to donate the winnings to the Fundación Kike Osborne, which supports over 2,500 families with children suffering from brain injuries. "I come here to have fun, and if I win, it’s a bonus to help the foundation," Osborne remarked, highlighting the philanthropic spirit that permeates the show.
The success of Tu cara me suena lies not only in its entertainment value but also in its ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the talents of both emerging and established artists while providing a platform for important social issues.
Yenesi's performance, alongside her journey from a non-binary drag artist to a national television star, represents a significant shift in representation within the entertainment industry. As she continues to break barriers, her influence on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond grows stronger.
As the competition heats up, viewers eagerly anticipate the next gala, wondering what surprises and performances await them in the coming weeks. The blend of talent, humor, and heartfelt moments keeps audiences tuning in week after week, making Tu cara me suena a staple of Spanish television.
