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by Sheila Franklin Published: August 30, 2006
Wayne Brady of Who's Line is it Anyway and the short-lived Wayne Brady Show might be the best casting for host since Howie Mandell in Deal. He can not only sing, but can ad lib the hell out of any situation. Producers Simon Cowell, Michael Levitt (Billboard Music Awards), and Arthur Smith (Hell's Kitchen, Skating With Celebrities) have teamed up as producers. That's a commendable start. Each week these celebs, not really known for their pipes, will team up with a different celeb singer. The announcer calls them the "greatest music superstars of our generation". Often these singers could use a bit of publicity for a waning career, but I am pleasantly surprised by the likes of Peter Frampton, James Ingram, and Gladys Knight. We have the good/nice judge (Marie Osmond), the bad/mean David Foster, and the well, not really ugly/strange, Little Richard. Lucy Lawless and Michael Bolton Lucy (aka Xena) is clearly nervous as they sing "Time, Love, and Tenderness" which is understandable since this is not her forte. But where is the rehearsal footage? I would have preferred that over Michael's "look at me" entrance. Little Richard is clearly nervous too, or maybe just a bit high as he refers to Lawless in 3rd person. Alfonso Ribeiro and Michelle Williams Alfonso (Fresh Prince) can actually sing. He is no George Michael, but then Michelle is no Aretha. We could use some choreography here as they perform "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" and somebody please turn down the volume. Little Richard mentions that Alphonso actually sang backup for him. It's a good thing that the fans are voting. Carly Patterson and James Ingram Eighteen year-old gymnast Carly, in a clearly untrained voice, seems intimidated by her partner James as they take on "Somewhere Out There". Who wouldn't be? They have a nice chemistry thing going and hopefully she will take Marie's advice to relax and breathe occasionally. Cheech Marin and Peter Frampton Peter is looking a bit older and follically challenged but still sounds great. He and Cheech must have had some awesome rehearsals for "Baby I Love Your Way". Cheech's singing ability isn't really mentioned by any of the judges, which is a good thing for him, and even Brady slips in a "Dave's not here" reference. Lea Thompson and Randy Travis Lea (Caroline in the City) starts out a bit bluesy in "Forever and Ever, Amen", then quickly falls into country when Randy comes out. There is even a touch of harmony there, but if I were Lea, I would stick to the basics. Jai Rodriguez and Gladys Knight Jai (Queer Eye) and Gladys have clearly the best performance in "Since I Fell For You" thus far. I wish that there were more performances of this caliber. Chris Jericho and Lee Ann Womack With his smarmy good looks and Hasselhoff charm, it's a pity that wrestler Chris can't carry a tune. He tackles "Mendecino County Line" with all the vocal finesse of, well, a wrestler. Once again, the judges are kind. Hal Sparks and Smokey Robinson Hal (Queer as Folks) is waaay outside his range when performing "Tracks of My Tears", but then you would have to be if you were around Smokey. I suspect he has a decent enough voice if comes down an octave. They make a "cute" couple, though. Lea Thompson and Michael Bolton Lea sounds much improved during "That's Life" since they both have the same vocal range. They even showed a bit of rehearsal time with the two of them, although it was mostly mutual gushing. Carly Patterson and Lee Ann Womack Another "cute" couple (don't they look like sisters?), Carly sings "I Hope You Dance" with Lee Ann. She is clearly more relaxed and even gets a chance to partake in a bit of harmony. I think that was the name of the song. Brady rarely mentions them, but maybe even he doesn't know what they are. Alphonso Ribeiro and James Ingram Alphonso is not great, but when paired with James (be still, my heart) during "Yah Mo B There" they seem compatible in personality and look as though they are having a wonderful two minutes together. Chris Jericho and Peter Frampton Oh Chris, this is why they invented the term lip-sync. He even screams off-key during "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and Peter just keeps playing. Very cool. This time around the judges are too kind. Lucy Lawless and Smokey Robinson How could Lucy not fall in love with that voice? She is flat at times during "Ooh, Baby, Baby" and has a problem with feedback from her mic, but is not the worst we have seen tonight. Hal Sparks and Gladys Knight Hal hasn't improved much when he performs with Gladys but his performance of "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" is engaging. Now if he could just learn not to try so hard, I think his vocals would be truer. Cheech Marin and Randy Travis Cheech and Randy are not exactly believable during "Diggin' Up Bones", but I do so hope Cheech will stick around for a few episodes. Every show needs a good mascot. Jai Rodriguez and Michelle Williams The best is saved for last, as is this performance of "Say My Name" with Jai and Michelle. I wish there was more talent in terms of vocal ability but perhaps some of the other contestants will improve with time. If it were up to me, I would vote for Jai, even this early in the competition. Chris is sent home, but he is very cool about it and I love the way Brady doesn't make them wait around for the verdict. All of the performers on stage singing together made the two hours worth the price. Final Thoughts As of the end of this premiere episode, the best thing is Little Richard. I am amazed how he can put these "stars" down a tad and they never know what hits them. I would like to see more choreography, more behind the scenes, and hear a little less volume from the band. But it is music, and as Marie said, it's making a comeback. That's good news to me. |
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