Wayne Brady, host/singer/comedian, started this show with a reminder: All five of the remaining contestants had performed their most important duets to date. Now, the viewer telephone votes would reveal which two would leave the show and who would move onto the upcoming season finale.
Thus began this week's results show for Celebrity Duets, the latest in a new breed of reality television that pits celebrities/entertainers against one another in competition. The Non-Singing Celebrities (NSC), each famous in their own right for anything but music, are matched up with a different legendary singer for two shows a week. The first would be the Performance Night, after which the American viewing audience voted for their favorite. The next show would then give the duos another chance to perform; as they find out who would be safe, which three received the least amount of votes and who would be sent packing. The last remaining NonPro shall be proclaimed the champion.
The competitors have been whittled down to the Top Five performers. They are Lucy Lawless (Xena, Princess Warrior), Queer Eye For The Straight Guy's 'Culture Vulture' Jai Rodriguez, actor Alfonso Ribeiro (Silver Spoons/Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), comedian Hal Sparks (Dude, Where's My Car) and Cheech Marin, actor and former member of the seminal comedy duo Cheech and Chong. All of them shared a common dream, to be recognized as a singer. his contest gave them that chance. In addition to that, the ultimate winner would receive $100,000 (USD) to donate to the charity of their choice.
A video clip medley brought us up to speed on the performances from the previous night. It included highlights of some of the more memorable comments made by the celebrity judging panel. Singer/actress/author Marie Osmond is seated in the number one spot and is usually allowed to speak first. Next to her, the inimitable Rock and Roll Architect Little Richard. Rounding out the group was David Foster, who made his name behind the scenes as a songwriter, arranger and producer for many high profile clients including Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion.
My least favorite segment of any musical competition was next. It was time for the Top Five to present a group sing. One song, five performers all worked their own personalities toward their best advantage, which did not make it a good team effort. "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" had me beg for them to do just that — and hard enough to daze me until the song ended please.
That out of the way, Wayne placed the judge's panel in the hot seat as he asked "Who do you think is going to the finale?" You could tell this was not easy for Marie but she eventually listed Lucy, Jai and Alfonso. Little Richard, very serious and short on words for a change, thought it would be Hal, Jai and Alfonso. I was surprised when David agreed with Marie's choices, as they were often at odds in their comments throughout the season so far.
Article comments
1 - Kristie
Thank you! I'm glad I wasn't the only one who cried when Jai was eliminated. If I watch the finale at all, it'll only be to see him come back. Hmph!
2 - tink
I know what you mean. Jai's appearance was definitely the top reason that I wanted to catch the last show. He has a profile up on MySpace with one song up there that you can listen to right now and said that he'll be adding more soon!
Thanks for reading!!!