Tara: When I heard about the new summer show Duets on ABC, I asked Michael if he wanted to cover it with me. It sounded like a hot mess that we could snark about. And we are among the few writers here who can not only stomach reality shows, but who dig singing and dancing competitions.
Michael is cautiously in, with the stipulation that he can bail on me anytime if the going gets rough. Which very well could happen, but I’m feeling pretty positive we can coast through the season without too many problems, based on what I saw last night.
For those of you not in the know? Duets takes established music stars and puts them to the test of finding their perfect singing partner in the form of an amateur. The entertainers include Kelly Clarkson, Robin Thicke, Jennifer Nettles and John Legend. Michael says Lionel Ritchie was once signed on … What happened there?
Michael: Yep. He was signed on to do the show, but had to bow out because his latest album, “Tuskeegee”, hitting the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Legend stepped in because of Richie’s “personal scheduling conflicts” due to the popularity of his 10th studio release. Guess it’s a pretty hot ticket … and when you have a hot ticket, that creates fire in the form of concerts, promotions and the like. Honestly, I was looking forward to Richie doing the show. Between he and Kelly Clarkson, they were the reason I thought I’d give the show a go. Now? There are three relative unknowns to me doing their thing. It’s not like I don’t know them, but I’m not familiar with their work in the least. I know Thicke and Legend are rather croony, not necessarily my cup of tea, and I know zippo about Nettles or Sugarland from where she hails. But I’m willing to see where Duets goes and give it a fair shake.
Tara: John Legend has a crooner like himself in pick Johnny Gray. I thought he was too much like Legend as a matter of fact. They don’t blend as well harmonically as he and Bridget Carrington (his second choice), who dripped sex all over each other.
Michael: Rather boring for me. Neither pick is lighting any fires underneath me. Legend and his picks are far down the line for me to mouth off about. The stuff I saw them sing was yawn-inducing.
Tara: Robin Thicke is only here to confuse us. I mean, who the heck is this guy? It cracks me up that his speaking voice is so similar to his Dad’s if you close your eyes.
As far as his “team” goes? Weak weak weak. Olivia Chisholm is alright, I suppose. But I’ve already forgotten their song together. And his other partner Alexis Foster and he? (“Magic”) Have about as much chemistry as oil and water. Blech.
Michael: Olivia is … interesting. That’s all I’ll give her. She was the only pick between Legend and Thicke who made me stand up and take any notice. I’m sure I’ll have more comments on her as things chug along, but I will say this: I wasn’t impressed with their duet. Off and clunky. But, as you said, better than Alexis Foster. Good analogy — oil and water.
Tara: Jennifer Nettles is such a drama queen! Did you get a load of her in the second duet with her chosen companion John Glosson? (“Stay.”) Yikes! That song was totally unbelievable. I have to say? And I’m going to take major heat for this … I can’t be on board with a chick who looks like her singing a romantic song with an overweight effeminate guy. Sorry.
Michael: Well, you better get used to it, because I think Glosson might be one of the few to give Clarkson and her crew a run for their money. I don’t have a problem with the femininity of a male singer if the dude can belt a tune and isn’t drag queeny. I didn’t see that in Glosson. But … it did seem a big odd, almost as if Nettles played into it.
Tara: I did dig her first choice, though. Apparently, so did the other celebrities. J Rome (puh-leeze with the silly spellings, people) stayed at the top of the performance chart all night. He really looked and sounded professional in their duet. I thought he was impressive. I’m sure he’ll go far on this show.
Michael: I’ll give J Rome his due. He put himself on the map and he was impressive only from an initial standpoint. To lead off like that, right out of the box? Yeah, pretty nice way to start things off. We need to get more episodes under our belt, though, because overall I’m not high and mighty on this concept.
Tara: Along with Kelly Clarkson’s choices. She absolutely has the best contestants in Jason Farol and Jordan Meredith. Don’t you think Michael?
Michael: Yes. Clarkson’s crew is the one to beat at this initial stage of the game. And I’m not just saying that because she’s an alumni of American Idol. I’m rather impressed with her — she’s a go-getter and she appears to know what she wants. She’s got a different perspective than the other Duet stars and I think her motivation to do well may just trump the other three.
I’ll say this: I’m not won over with the show by any means yet. As mentioned, three of the four professionals don’t trip my trigger in the least, but there’s the possibility they could grow on me. (Doubtful, but I’m leaving the option open.) I’m interested in going forward to see what comes of the show. I need to invest more time into it to come up with an informed decision. But right now, if you’re putting me on the spot, I say *meh* …
And my final word: While Quddus seems likeable enough (pretty goofy name if you ask me; I will fondly be referring to him as “Kuh-Deuce” going forward), I’m not on board with him at all either. He can endear himself to me by flubbing or chiding or somesuch later on. I secretly want some Vernon Kay-isms (Skating With The Stars) to come out. Until then? I’m content to make fun of his name.
Tara: Well, I liked it. I mean I’m not jumping up and down, but I’ll stick with it. (Looks like I might be singing this one solo if old Whose-It gets bored.)
What did you guys think? Sound off in the comments!
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on May 25, 2012 @ 13:25 EST5EDT
. . . . .
… “Kuh-Deuce” …
*snort*