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ARTICLE
A Dose of Reality: Celebrity Duets - Week 2
by Sheila Franklin
Published: September 8, 2006

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· SirLinksalot: Celebrity Duets

When is Wayne gonna belt us out a tune? ©FOX

When is Wayne gonna belt us out a tune? ©FOX

It looks as though Simon and company have another hit on their hands. Duets garnered 8.1 million viewers on its premiere, making it a #1 coup for the night for Fox. In light of all the bugs I still see in it (i.e. bad sound levels), it seems that most of us will watch anything Cowell.

During an interview last week, judge David Foster had this to say about Marie Osmond: “She talks too much”. He has also complained that Little Richard rambles. Gee whiz Dave, with all your clout, can’t you allow yourself a little more time instead of cutting off theirs?

Little Richard (henceforth referred to as LR) is quite dazzling tonight. I am so impressed with his quirkiness that I am thinking of incorporating his best line of the evening into these reviews (a la Caroline of The-Trades). Last week’s would have been “Get out of the mustard and catch up!”

Hal Sparks and Wynonna Judd

Hal and Wynonna lead off the show with their rendition of “I Wanna Know What Love Is”. Although he has had no formal training, Hal can carry a tune and he definitely knows how to work a camera. His harmony is decent and I am amazed that Wynonna’s vocal range is lower than his. The camera gives us a quick glimpse of Hal’s family and they all look like Hal clones. The judges seem to like him and Marie points out he “has soul”.

Lea Thompson and Belinda Carlisle

It is now clear that the non-singing celebs get a couple of practice days in before the real singers show up. In Lea’s case, she also has her daughter, who is a “real” singer. Lea may not always be on key during “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”, but Belinda makes her performance sound a little more polished. Marie says that she has “fierce energy”.

Cheech Marin and Clint Black

Cheech begs to the camera, “if I can just get the Latinos to vote for me”. He can carry a tune, and I don’t think anyone is having as good a time onstage as he and Clint are during their performance of “Been There”. Marie is sounding almost LR as she comments, “great reach in the Cheech”, whatever that means.

Alphonso Ribeiro and Jeffrey Osborne

Last week Alphonso was upset with Foster’s reaction to his vocal ability so he decides he has to “bring it”. Unfortunately, Jeffrey’s voice is so incredible that during the performance of “On the Wings of Love”, it makes Alphonso’s vocal ability pale in comparison. At least they had the sense to look into the audience while they were singing, because it would be difficult to create any actual chemistry between the two of them. Foster’s reaction this week is for him to, “stay in tune and stop dancing”. Not exactly high praise.

Carly Patterson and Anita Pointer

One of the best things about this show is that you get to hear from some “Where Are They Now?” performers. I haven’t heard a lot about the Pointer sisters of late, and now I know I missed them. Carly Patterson may not have the greatest voice in this competition, but her rendition of “I’m So Excited” has just proven that she has the most moxie. Even LR comments, ”You made a point!”

Jai Rodriguez and Brian McKnight

Jai claims that he is feeling poorly tonight, but you would never know it during “Only One For Me”. He, too is already learning to play to the camera and the audience, and he is giving a Nancy Reagan kind of look when Brian belts out the end of the song. Foster tells him he has “won the lottery”. I agree. He is still one of my faves in the competition.

Lucy Lawless and Kenny Loggins

Lucy admits that she has gotten some vocal lessons before singing “Forever”, Kenny’s signature song A.M. (“After Messina”). I think she could use the help, but then again she is the “pretty one” of the group and won’t be admired for her voice. Remember Jillian Barberie on Skating With Celebrities and Stacy Keibler on Dancing with the Stars? Lucy should have held out for that show, too. Even the judges think her performance is only so-so.

Final Thoughts

I’ve noticed that there is a trend in reality/talent shows, or maybe it’s just a Cowell thing. There are the usual fans and family members in the audience, but there are also stars from the network’s shows. Look, there’s Michael Rappaport! Isn’t he the guy that used to be slotted somewhere between The Simpsons and Family Guy?

Best Little Richardism: (to Lea Thompson)
“When you came out you reminded me of Tina Turner -- not the voice, the legs!”

Previous Episode Recaps:
Week 1