A yellow-carpet singing competition performed entirely in Minionese has become the breakout moment from the Hollywood premiere of Illumination’s Minions & Monsters.
Held on June 28 at the Dolby Theatre, the event featured four contestants delivering popular hits translated into the gibberish language spoken by the Minions. The lighthearted contest, described as the first of its kind for a major film premiere, quickly generated widespread buzz across TikTok, Instagram and X.
Rynia Kando took home the top prize — a Golden Banana trophy — for her performance of The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.” The 26-year-old delivered the soulful classic with full diva energy and high-pitched Minion-style vocals, leaning into the “oh oh oh” moments with impressive commitment.
Other standout performances included:
- Faith Elizabeth’s energetic take on Olivia Rodrigo’s “drop dead,” which captured the song’s attitude in chaotic Minionese babble and became one of the most-shared clips.
- Ella Martin’s ambitious rendition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” navigating the track’s dramatic opera sections and rock shifts in pure gibberish to widespread acclaim for its comedic timing and vocal dedication.
- Sophia Mapua’s smoother, melodic version of Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floor.”
Contestants received oversized bags of Minions-themed popcorn, while videos of the performances have racked up views for their blend of genuine vocal talent and absurdity.
The promotional stunt aligned perfectly with the playful spirit of the Despicable Me franchise. Minions & Monsters arrived in theaters on July 1.
Kando has since shared her own footage and interviews from the night, calling the experience an unforgettable celebration of the film’s silliness. Clips continue to circulate under searches like “Minionese singing contest” and “Minions premiere Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The moment underscores how creative, music-driven fan engagements can still cut through on social media in 2026, giving the family-friendly blockbuster an early viral boost.
