Duets - Week 4

Quddus welcomes us to the show and lets us know that “it’s about to go down tonight” on Duets. Bring it on. The seven remaining contestants will perform party songs with their Superstars, and at the end of the show someone will be eliminated once again (without America’s votes - just want to make sure we are clear on that).  And we’re off!

Kelly Clarkson and Jason Farol
Song: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” by The Rolling Stones

Jason hopes to finally escape the bottom 2 this week, and he connects with this song based on his struggles to gain the other Superstars’ votes in this competition. Jason seems way more comfortable with a mic stand than on his own – totally helps with his movements. As much as I enjoy Jason on this performance, this type of song is Kelly’s forte. For real. She kills it, and I forget about him for a minute. That being said...Week 4 is hands down Jason’s best week so far.

Other Superstars Say: Jennifer calls it his best performance so far. Woohoo! John thinks this was his most effective performance so far, but he was not totally sold on Jason's movements. Robin couldn’t help but watch Kelly (duh), however, he is glad to see that Jason’s nerves have gone away. We go to the chart, and Jason is first.

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John Legend and Bridget Carrington
Song: “Last Dance,” by Donna Summer                         

John and Bridget start off slow and sultry, facing each other on a platform…and then getting very close with one another. Very. Close. The beat kicks in, and some pretty impressive disco dancers join John and Bridget on stage. This is an overall fun performance, and John and Bridget have great chemistry. He seems to really believe her when she says “I’m bad – so, so bad.” Good for her.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly thinks John and Bridget made the song sexy. Her only critique is for Bridget to look at John a little less and the audience a little more. Jennifer loves where they took the song. Robin compliments Bridget’s passion but would have liked to see the song reach the next level of fun. We go to the chart and Bridget is first. Poor Jason.

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Jennifer Nettles and J Rome
Song: “P.Y.T.” by Michael Jackson

Let me just say how excited I am to hear Jennifer on this song. She and J Rome have to keep working hard to retain his number 1 spot on the chart. They are both showing some attitude in this performance, but J Rome is definitely more experienced in the Michael Jackson dance moves. They do get everyone singing along though, and the confidence J Rome shows in his performances should keep him at the top or close to it.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly thought the performance was more of a Michael Jackson impersonation than a J Rome performance. She is “booed” and I am scowling. Robin says J Rome belongs on stage and says this show is only a stepping stone in J Rome’s career. John thinks the performance was a bit nasal-y. We go to the chart and J Rome is first. HOW?!?! Everyone just criticized him. This scoring system is bogus. Next.

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Robin Thicke and Olivia Chisholm
Song: “Let’s Stay Together,” by Al Green

Robin brings his ridiculously adorable little boy to rehearsals this week, hoping to instill a sense of family for the remaining Team Robin contestant. Now I know that Robin and Olivia did an upbeat number last week with “Crazy in Love,” and they are trying to do something different this week, but I am completely bored by this. The last thing I want to do right now is party.

Other Superstars Say: John says Olivia sounds smooth but the song needed more strength. Kelly compliments Olivia’s breath control but also mentions some pitchy moments. Jennifer would rather see some more energy from her, but she loved the performance. We go to the chart, and Olivia is fourth.

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Kelly Clarkson and Jordan Meredith
Song: “I Love Rock n’ Roll,” by Joan Jett

Jordan is hoping to retain her momentum from last week’s performance, but she is nervous with the song. When the performance starts, Jordan's vocals are a little too soft for me to hear. Kelly arrives and owns the second verse. As they move into the second chorus, Jordan looks much more comfortable, and we see more of the sass she gave us last week. However, I definitely prefer the Miranda song over this one for Jordan. I still enjoy the duet though.

Other Superstars Say: Jennifer noticed Jordan’s nerves as well, but she enjoyed the arrangement. Robin thinks Jordan did not show enough angst for rock n’roll. John says Jordan looked much more comfortable and happy last week. We go to the chart, and Jordan is third…and safe! Jason is still in jeopardy though, so I can’t rest easy yet.

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John Legend and Meleana Brown
Song: “Since U Been Gone,” by Kelly Clarkson

Oh. My. God. Really? Thank goodness Kelly is laughing when the song starts, otherwise I would be throwing things. Meleana gives it her best, and she doesn’t sound too bad, but John singing this song does nothing for me. There are soooo many pitchy moments for both of them, and it’s clear that Meleana is intimidated to sing Kelly’s song in front of her. John and Meleana end the song on either side of Kelly’s chair, and Kelly sings the last few words with them, which is a nice touch. However, I don’t think this is a risk John should have taken with Meleana.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly thinks Meleana was a little pitchy but also notes she herself is pitchy when she sings the song live. Kelly loves her energy though. Jennifer had hoped to hear one of her own songs performed (ha!) and agrees on the pitch problems, but she also thinks it was a nice surprise. Robin is swimming in a barrel of emotion from hearing John sing “Since U Been Gone.” He is also impressed that Meleana came out of her shell. We go to the chart, and Meleana is fifth, meaning Jason is safe!

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Jennifer Nettles and John Glosson
Song: “Life is a Highway,” by Rascal Flatts

John is a little nervous because party songs are completely out of his comfort zone. Jennifer really tries to get him to let loose during rehearsals, but he just doesn’t exude the same kind of crazy (good crazy) that Jennifer does. She’s really just thrilling to watch sometimes. They sound wonderful together though (what a great blend of voices!), and by the end of the song, John looks like he may even be enjoying himself.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly thinks Jennifer picked the perfect song for them to sing and loved the performance. Robin says John’s voice is so good that he doesn’t have to try as hard physically. Jennifer interrupts saying “he’s not tryin’ – he’s doin’!” which is just awesome. John (Legend) likes that John (Glosson) had a good time, but cautions him to keep the mic closer to his face when he’s moving around the stage so much. We go to the chart, and John is third, putting Meleana and Olivia in the bottom.

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Here are the final rankings:
1. J Rome (Jennifer)
2. Bridget (John)
3. John (Jennifer)
4. Jordan (Kelly)
5. Jason (Kelly)
6. Meleana (John)
7. Olivia (Robin)

When we return from commercial, the Solo Showdown begins and Meleana starts with “Saving All My Love For You.” I really do like her – I think John just steered her wrong this week, and that may be her downfall.  Olivia chooses “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and she is shaky…and drops a lyric or two, so unfortunately for Robin, I hope she goes.

Other Superstars Say: Robin gives another “don’t give up on your dreams” speech. John says they both sounded beautiful. Kelly notes that there are a ton of famous people on the radio who could not get up on stage, sing a capella, and stay on key. Jennifer says both of the women are fantastic. Apparently no one wants to kick them when they’re down. After the scores (whatever those may be) are tallied, Meleana is going home. I’m not surprised by this only because I didn’t expect Robin to lose both contestants before AMERICA gets to vote. This is totally John's fault though - you had your chance, you blew it.

We have one more week of taped shows before we finally get to the live performances. Next week the contestants will be taking on songs from the movies. Til then!