The curtains have risen on the thirteenth season of one of Spain’s most enduring entertainment staples, and the premiere delivered exactly the kind of high-octane energy fans have come to expect. For those asking ¿quién ganó ayer ‘Tu cara me suena 13’?, the answer arrived in the form of a powerhouse performance by María Parrado, who claimed a perfect score in a night defined by both technical precision and deep emotional resonance.
The gala opened with a cinematic medley featuring Melani as Rosalía, Agoney as Awful Bunny, and Angy as Aitana—a sequence that set a demanding bar for the eight new contestants. From the moment the first notes hit, it was clear that this season would prioritize vocal versatility, with a cast ranging from the unexpected charm of Jesulín de Ubrique to the seasoned stage presence of Sole Giménez.
While the evening was a showcase of diverse talents, María Parrado emerged as the definitive standout. Her transformation into Ana Mena, performing the hit “Las 12,” captured both the aesthetic and the sonic essence of the artist, earning her the maximum possible 24 points—a rare feat for a premiere episode. This victory not only placed her at the top of the leaderboard but too provided a platform for a poignant personal tribute.
A victory defined by talent and generosity
The technical mastery of Parrado’s performance did not go unnoticed by the jury. Chenoa, known for her rigorous standards, praised the singer’s capability to handle the “airy” vocal style required for an Ana Mena imitation, describing Parrado as possessing a “portentous voice” and a vocal “machine” that promises to keep the audience surprised as the season progresses.
However, the most memorable moment of the night occurred after the applause subsided. Upon winning the 3,000-euro prize, Parrado dedicated the victory to her late father, who suffered from a rare disease. In a moving address to the audience, she donated the entirety of the funds to FEDER (Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras), highlighting that over three million people globally struggle with rare conditions.
Analyzing the first leaderboard and key performances
While Parrado took the gold, the competition was fierce. Argentine tenor Martín Savi nearly mirrored her success, delivering a charismatic rendition of Mika’s “Love Today.” Savi’s ability to pivot from operatic tones to Mika’s quirky pop energy earned him 21 points, securing second place and establishing him as a primary contender for the title.
The rest of the field showed promising versatility. Sole Giménez brought a touch of Shakira to the stage, while J Kbello tackled the rhythmic demands of Daddy Yankee. Even the non-professional singers, such as Jesulín de Ubrique imitating Melendi, managed to win over the crowd, proving that the “entertainment factor” remains as vital as vocal accuracy in the Tu cara me suena format.
The current clasificación tras la Gala 1 reflects a tight race, with several contestants separated by only a few points. Because this was the opening night, the nightly results double as the general season standings.
| Contestant | Jury Points | Public Points | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| María Parrado | 12 | 12 | 24 |
| Martín Savi | 10 | 11 | 21 |
| Cristina Castaño | 8 | 10 | 18 |
| Sole Giménez | 9 | 9 | 18 |
| J Kbello | 11 | 6 | 17 |
The lower bracket and remaining scores
Beyond the top five, the competition remains open. Jesulín de Ubrique and Paula Koops both finished with 14 points, while Leonor Lavado (10 points) and Aníbal Gómez (8 points) uncover themselves at the bottom of the initial table. For these artists, the coming weeks will be critical to prove their range and climb the rankings.
What’s next: The challenge of Gala 2
The excitement now shifts to the second gala, where the difficulty level is expected to rise. The contestants have already drawn their next assignments, and several high-profile imitations are on the horizon. María Parrado will seem to maintain her momentum by taking on the iconic pop star Thalía, while Martín Savi will pivot to the legendary voice of Tom Jones.
Other notable assignments for the upcoming week include:
- Cristina Castaño: Chappell Roan
- Sole Giménez: Alizzz and Amaia (in a “bring a friend” format)
- Jesulín de Ubrique: Hombres G
- Aníbal Gómez: Alaska
- Paula Koops: Jeanette
With a mix of contemporary pop and timeless classics, the second episode will test whether Parrado’s perfect start was a fluke or the beginning of a dominant run. The public’s voting patterns from the first night suggest a preference for high-energy pop, which may influence how contestants approach their choreography and vocal arrangements in the next round.
The next official update on the standings will occur following the broadcast of Gala 2, where we will see if the leaderboard undergoes a significant shake-up.
Who was your favorite performer of the night? Do you think María Parrado can keep the top spot? Let us know in the comments and share this story with other fans of the show.
