MANILA — Filipino-American and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bruno Mars noticed his impersonator’s performance on the Kapamilya noontime show, “It’s Showtime.”
In the October 4 episode, Kent Villarba was among the contestants of “It’s Showtime” hit segment “Kalokalike,” in which he performed Mars’ hits such as “Just The Way You Are,” “Grenade,” “When I Was Your Man,” and “Die With A Smile.”
Villarba wowed the hosts of “It’s Showtime”, with Vhong Navarro remarking, “Parang nag-concert.”
A few hours later, the Filipino-American singer-songwriter Mars appeared impressed with Villarba’s performance and reposted the full performance of his impersonator in a now-expired Instagram Story.
Mars, who is Peter Gene Hernandez in real life, was born in Hawaii to a Filipino mother and a Puerto Rican father.
The 15-time Grammy winner staged a two-day sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena last year, where he commanded the venue with his vibrant stage presence and infectious energy.
Mars and American pop superstar Lady Gaga recently released their hit song “Die With A Smile”, which has topped the Billboard Global charts with for the sixth week in a row.