Duets - Week 3

Tonight’s show opens with Jennifer Nettles and John Legend singing “I Got the Music in Me,” and even though they seem like an unlikely duo, I’m actually a big fan of this performance. Jennifer leaves it all on the stage, man. She’s just awesome.

Quddus joins us now to set up the evening. The Superstars and their amateurs will perform songs that inspire them, and the bottom 2 will sing for their lives (solo and a cappella) at the end of the show and hope to live to see another day. Here we go!

Robin Thicke and Alexis Foster

Song: “Killing Me Softly,” by Roberta Flack

Robin and Alexis open the song as silhouettes with a neat little effect, and as the beat kicks in, the stage lights up and they…don’t quite start grooving. She’s still holding the mic away from her face, and the choruses are pretty, but I find the rest of it kind of uncomfortable.

Other Superstars Say: John says Alexis sounded clear as a bell and looks great. Come on, John! Give her a real critique! I need everyone to stop being so nice - eliminations are beginning tonight for crying out loud. Kelly thinks the performance was awkward, and there is little connection between her and Robin. Jennifer thinks their connection was better than last week. We go to the chart, and Alexis is first. Duh.

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Jennifer Nettles and John Glosson

Song: “How Great Thou Art”

This song means a lot to John, and during rehearsals Jennifer is very emotional. We’ll see if they hold it together during the performance. He starts off a cappella, and it is lovely. Jennifer joins him, and though I am initially distracted by whatever she is wearing on her arms, that only lasts for a few seconds because they are giving one hell of a performance. I’ve never heard this song sound better (and I have heard this song a lot).

Other Superstars Say: Kelly and John (Legend) give a standing ovation. Kelly says she is secretly trying to figure out how to get John kicked off the show because he is that good. Robin says John gave him every feeling he needed to feel during the performance. John (Legend) says the arrangement was perfect and they should be proud. We go to the chart, and John is first!

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Kelly Clarkson and Jordan Meredith

Song: “Mama’s Broken Heart,” by Miranda Lambert

Jordan is still fighting the nerves and continues to be frustrated with her stage presence. If any song is going to cause her to bust out of her shell, it’s this one. Jordan is in bare feet, and she’s a little shaky to start but after Kelly jumps in, she does much better. They are on separate parts of the stage for most of the song which forces Jordan to stand on her own. She struts past the other Superstars with confidence, and this is definitely my favorite Jordan performance so far.

Other Superstars Say: John loves all of the energy and says Jordan carried herself like a star. Robin says Jordan looks tasty as pie. I need just a second… Okay. Jennifer loves the song because she could hear Jordan distinctly. We go to the chart, and Jordan is second. I’m good with that – I can’t say she was better than John Glosson, but I hope she is safe at the end.

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John Legend and Meleana Brown

Song: “If I Aint Got You,” by Alicia Keyes

John gives up the piano this week, and he and Meleana compete to see who can wear the tightest pants. Oh, and they are also singing….and singing incredibly well. They have great chemistry, the choruses are amazing, and John may have found a perfect competitor in Meleana.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly’s favorite part of Meleana’s voice is the softness, and she says both Meleana and John sing with such grace. Jennifer loves the presentation and says that Meleana is a seasoned performer. Robin compared Meleana to a good sandwich last week, and tonight he is “ready for dessert.” We go to the chart and Meleana is third….which means Jordan is safe!

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Robin Thicke and Olivia Chisholm

Song: “Crazy in Love,” by Beyonce and Jay-Z

This could either be awesome or disastrous. Whoa! This is not at all what I expected. Everyone in the Superstar lounge is up and dancing, and Robin and Olivia are WORKING this song. She’s done a complete 180 from last week, and I think this risk of taking on Beyonce and Jay-Z (well, mostly Beyonce) will pay off for her.

Other Superstars Say: Jennifer wanted to get up on stage and dance with them. She’s blown away. Kelly thinks Olivia’s voice is special and her voice became bigger and bolder with this song. John compliments Olivia’s legs, and then says Olivia opened up. Tee-hee. He wasn’t as vocally impressed as Kelly and Jennifer were though. We go to the chart, and Olivia is fourth…meaning Meleana is safe.

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Jennifer Nettles and J Rome

Song: “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You?” by Michael Bolton

J Rome is dedicating this song to his grandfather, and he is very connected to the lyrics. Jennifer has thankfully taken off the weird arm things she wore during her earlier duet with John Glosson, so I am able to focus quickly. This is tough for me, because John is really my favorite of her two contestants, but damn, J Rome has a good voice. They absolutely slay this song, and they have a very touching moment at the end.

Other Superstars Say: John says J Rome is a phenomenal vocalist. Robin just claps, and Kelly is crying. She tells J Rome that Team KC loves him, but then she giggles and says “I hate you.” Well, I’m glad someone is competitive in this show. It is a competition, right? We go to the chart, and J Rome is first.

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Kelly Clarkson and Jason Farol

Song: “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen

Jason’s family would rather have him focus on school than a singing career, and apparently this is the source of his confidence issues. Kelly brings Jason’s dad to rehearsals to support him. Right now he's the one who doesn't quite fit in, and I hope dad's encouraging words make all the difference for Jason. They do. He’s never sounded better. Kelly has done a wonderful job letting her contestants shine this week, which is a challenge because a voice like hers can be overpowering by nature. I. Love. This.

Other Superstars Say: Robin thinks it was a lovely performance and tells Jason he belongs on stage. John thinks it was pitchy and that Jason needs to pronounce words more clearly. Boo. Jennifer is playfully angry because she set a reminder in her phone last night to submit this song to sing later in the season. You snooze, you lose. She also says the song perfectly suited Jason's voice and gave him confidence. We go to the chart, and Jason is sixth and still in danger of being in the bottom 2.

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John Legend and Bridget Carrington

Song: “Heard It Through the Grapevine,” by Gladys Knight and Marvin Gaye

Bridget is full on attitude tonight, including foot stomps and growls in her voice. She has great chemistry with John as well, but I think Meleana has the upper hand on this team. This is a good performance, but I definitely prefer many of the others tonight over this one.

Other Superstars Say: Robin thinks Bridget did a great job. Jennifer says Bridget was “giving it to him” on this song. She doesn’t love Bridget’s lower register though. Kelly agrees, but says Bridget is fun to watch (is that the equivalent of "you look great?). We go to the chart and…Bridget is fourth, meaning Alexis and Jason are the bottom 2. Bummer.

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Here are the final chart results:

1. J Rome (Jennifer)

2. John Glosson (Jennifer)
3. Jordan Meredith (Kelly)
4. Bridget Carrington (John)
5. Meleana Brown (John)
6. Olivia Chisholm (Robin)
7. Jason Farol (Kelly)
8. Alexis Foster (Robin)

Now we have the Solo Showdown, not to be confused with the Showcase Showdown. I miss Bob Barker. Anyway, Jason goes first, singing “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Really, how can the Superstars resist him? He's just fabulous. Alexis takes on “Natural Woman.” Okay – you all know this is coming. If you are interested in seeing an awesome rendition of “Natural Woman,” here is a link to Kelly Clarkson’s rendition from Season 1of American Idol. Just sayin. I'll even be fair here and give you Adele's version too. Either way, Alexis doesn’t seem to find the pitch here, and I hope Jason makes it through.

Superstars Say: Kelly thinks both of them were a little pitchy, but she does not believe Jason should have been in the bottom to begin with. I agree. Robin thinks Alexis is amazing and Jason is lovely, and he tells both of them to never give up on their dreams. John says the business is all about drive and tenacity and tells them they have to keep going. Jennifer wishes the two of them performed as well earlier as they did with their a capella songs just now.

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After the Superstars enter their final score, we find out that Alexis is going home. Good thing too – I was just about to go on quite a rant. Perhaps next week I will when we watch another episode where America will still not be voting. Til then!

So You Think You Can Dance

I have watched every episode of So You Think You Can Dance and have loved every season. I am greatly disappointed that Fox has eliminated the results show this year, and I’m not sure how exactly this will affect the pairings and the ability to switch them up. Nigel Lythgoe has hinted at a format where each week's episode ends with the revelation of the bottom three couples based on the votes from the previous week. So, this will happen after all of the dancers have performed the new week's routines, giving the judges an additional routine to take into account when deciding which dancers (of the bottom three couples) to save and which to send home. Interesting.

I have always been a big fan of the group numbers as well (watch my absolute favorite here), so I hope SYTYCD finds a way to work those into the performance episodes. I am, however, greatly looking forward to more rotation amongst the judges. Sorry Adam Shankman....not really....best of luck with Rock of Ages though.

I will start blogging the show when it goes live, and I look forward to seeing what the season has in store. Til then!

Duets - Week 2

On tonight’s episode of Duets, each Superstar will perform “classic duets” with their amateurs. We also learn that the show will not go live until the sixth week (!), and that is when America will get to vote. Wow. Six weeks? No one will go home this week either, but the bottom 2 will sing for their lives next week, and one will go home then. Kelly Clarkson and Robin Thicke open the show with “State of Shock” while John Legend and Jennifer Nettles groove along from their respective lounge areas. I could watch these two sing together all day, so I have very little to say here. I’m too busy grinning.

John Legend and Bridget Carrington

Song: “I Knew You Were Waiting,” by Aretha Franklin and George Michael

John and Bridget are working this song, but I can’t help but be pleasantly distracted by Jennifer Nettles when the camera cuts to her. She is singing the song with attitude from the audience like she is a fan at a concert trying to get noticed by the singers. It’s pretty adorable. As for John and Bridget, this is a great start to the show. I actually prefer her portions of the song to his, which is surprising. She’s got some pipes.

Other Superstars Say: Jennifer says that the voice fit Bridget’s voice and she has definitely raised her game this week. Kelly thinks Bridget is fantastic (I think Kelly is fantastic, but let’s move on). She calls the duet tasteful and classic. Robin tells Bridget “you look like a bag of Skittles, and I love Skittles.” Swoon. He says she and John have great chemistry and she finished the song well. We go to the chart, and Bridget is first. Yup.

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Kelly Clarkson and Jordan Meredith

Song: “Misery,” by Pink and Effie Trinket

Jordan has to fight her way out of the bottom 2 in her duet this week. She is going to have to embody the emotions of the song and also keep her confidence up – not an easy feat. Jordan does a wonderful job here. I fully believe that she is torn apart, but she is also hitting her notes, and she and Kelly sound amazing.

Other Superstars Say: Jennifer says Jordan showcased her voice and her soulfulness. Robin says Kelly chose the perfect song for Jordan and he knows who Jordan is now. John loves her tone up top, but he does mention pitchiness and cautions her not to use Kelly as a crutch. We go to the chart, and Jordan is second. Fair enough...for now.

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Jennifer Nettles and John Glosson

Song: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” by Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross

It’s incredibly difficult not to dance when I hear this song….even at karaoke bars. Jennifer and John are having a great time, and I am really pulling for this guy, but unfortunately, I do feel that this is very karaoke.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly liked the performance but says it was kind of cheesy. Here we go! I hope the claws are starting to come out now. Everyone on this show has been too nice so far. Robin thinks Jennifer chose the wrong song. Jennifer is not having this. Awesome. John (Legend) calls John (Glosson) one of the best voices in the competition. He feels, however, that the performance was “Broadwayish.” We go to the chart, and John still beats Jordan. Ugh.

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Robin Thicke and Olivia Chisholm

Song: “Where Is the Love?” by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack

Olivia does not know this song, so she is already nervous and forgetting the lyrics going into rehearsals. I’m nervous for her. Olivia seems very unsure of herself, and her vocals are soft, but more shaky than sultry. This is my least favorite performance so far.

Other Superstars Say: John likes her presence on stage says the performance was lovely. Jennifer seems want to use the words “pitch” and “pitchy” as often as she can, but right now I like her so much, I don’t care. Kelly pokes fun at Olivia forgetting the lyrics, since Olivia just has to sing “where is the love?” over and over again. Ha! Olivia doesn’t laugh though. We go to the chart and Olivia is 4th.

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John Legend and Meleana Brown (wait – who?)

Song: “Endless Love,” by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey

Apparently, “due to unforeseen circumstances Johnny Gray is no longer in the competition.” I'll need to do some more research there. Poor Mr. Legend – not only was he a last minute replacement for Lionel Richie, now he has to replace one of his Duets partners too (in 48 hours no less). I prefer Meleana to Johnny Gray though. This may have been a blessing in disguise for Team John. In terms of the “classic duets” theme for the evening, this one hit the nail on the head.

Other Superstars Say: Robin compares Meleana to a really good sandwich. Kelly welcomes Meleana to the show and cautions her not to be too perfect. Jennifer calls Meleana classy. We go to the chart, and Meleana is first!

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Kelly Clarkson and Jason Farol

Song: “Whenever You Call,” by Brian McKnight and Mariah Carey

Jason is working on his nerves going into this week’s performance. I’m really hoping this goes well for him, because he is beyond cute (and being on Kelly’s team doesn’t hurt either). This is just beautiful. He is still doing the nervous swaying back and forth, but he has made huge strides since last week, and Kelly is beaming with pride at the end of the performance.

Other Superstars Say: John thinks it was good, but he worries that Jason is always looking to Kelly for approval. Robin says it was much better than last week, and he agrees that when Jason steps away from Kelly, he shines more. Jennifer likes the big notes, but asks that he open up his upper body more, because he is too tense in his movements. Kelly jumps in, saying “he doesn’t even know how sexy he is.” She then asks him to bring the sexy. Um..yes, please. We go to the chart, and Jason is 5th. Bummer.

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Jennifer Nettles and J Rome

Song: “You’re The One That I Want,” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton John

Really? I hope they have the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies as backup dancers. Not quite, but I do appreciate the staging of it all. I will hand it to Jennifer Nettles – she is working some Olivia Newton John leather pants and having a great time. Good for her. As for J Rome, it takes him a little while to convince me he is enjoying himself as well, but he really keeps up with her. I really, really enjoyed this, even though this is wayyy more "Broadway" than Jennifer's earlier duet.

Other Superstars Say: Kelly had given them a standing ovation, and she now tells J Rome he has some Bruno Mars swag. She does not, however, think the song was super challenging. John says J Rome is a natural on stage and agrees that the song choice did not show off his voice. Robin gives him a 10 for presence and a 10 for hip thrusting (are those new categories on the Superstars’ judging sheets?). We go to the chart, and J Rome is 2nd.

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Robin Thicke and Alexis Foster

Song: “You’re All I Need to Get By,” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

I’d just like to point out that Kelly Clarkson covered this song in season one of America Idol. Seems like just yesterday…

Anyway, this is an interesting collaboration, but I’m not sure I like it. Alexis looks like she is ready to break it down, but the arrangement never allows her to get there. Nope, not a fan.

Other Superstars Say: Jennifer liked the presentation of the performance. John asks her to hold the mic closer to her mouth because he could not hear her at all times. Kelly did not like the presentation, saying it was disconnected. She did it better anyway. We go to the chart, and Alexis is 6th. Wow.

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In looking at the entire chart we have:

1. Meleana (John)

2. J Rome (Jennifer)

3. Bridget (John)

4. John (Jennifer)

5. Jordan (Kelly)

6. Alexis (Robin)

7. Jason (Kelly)

8. Olivia (Robin)

Next week one of the amateurs will go home, even though America has not gotten to vote yet. Interesting. I am withholding my comments until I see how this elimination works. Til then!