Format
The show challenges celebrities to perform as different iconic music artists every week, which are chosen by the show's "Randomiser". They are then judged by the panel of celebrity judges.
Each celebrity becomes transformed into a different singer each week, and performs an iconic song and dance routine well known by that particular singer. The "randomiser" can choose any older or younger artist available in the machine, or even a singer of the opposite sex, or a deceased singer.
The contestants are awarded points from the judges based on their singing and dance routines. After the jury vote, the contestants have to give a set of points to a fellow contestant of their choice. The total score of each contestant is counted by summing the points from judges and contestant's voting. In case of a tie, the judges will choose the weeks winner.
Whoever is at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the each show receives a cash prize for a charity of their choice and a further grand prize for the "series champion".
Blackface incidents
Throughout the course of its broadcast, the Your Face Sounds Familiar franchise has received heavy criticism due to its contestants' frequent usage of blackface. Prominent artists who have been impersonated via blackface include Drake, [2] Tina Turner, [3] Michael Jackson [3] and Stevie Wonder. [4] In March 2021, actor Tomasz Ciachorowski received backlash after performing Kanye West's single "Stronger" on the Polish iteration of the franchise while using blackface. [5] The series defended Ciachorowski's impersonation and were "very surprised" by the negative reception, arguing: "The intention of each star performing on the show, as well as of the whole production team, is to recreate the original performance in the most precise manner, while honouring the original artist." [5]
In accordance with the requirements of the franchise's owner Banijay, the Czech version of the series prohibited the usage of blackface in April 2021. [6] Vojtěch Boháček, the edition's public relations coordinator, supported the decision and added that the show's goal "has always been and is to respect and celebrate artists around the world, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or any other characteristics." [6] Artists of color can still be impersonated but without the usage of blackface.
The Polish edition of the series received widespread criticism again in September 2023 after singer Kuba Szmajkowski and actress Pola Gonciarz used blackface to impersonate Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé. [7] As Szmajkowski performed Lamar's single "Humble", he also sported fake cornrows and repeatedly used nigga ; the broadcast did not censor the racial term, although it did censor other profane language. [8] In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter , Banijay Group condemned its subsidiary, Endemol Shine Poland, for its execution of their franchise, stating that it "contradicts with our group's global values." The company shared that a "subsequent internal investigation is underway and the appropriate measures will be taken." [9]
In 2021, the Chinese version of the series featured rapper Vava in blackface as Nicki Minaj. [10]