Got a little bogged down with the Idol tour last week, so here is a re-cap of the Top 5 and Top 6 of CMT’s Can You Duet in one big post.
Last week, the organic duets, and those put together by the judges performed on the same stage as the Top 6. Each of the Top 6 duos got to spend time being mentored by judge Big Kenny of the country duo, Big and Rich. Duos who impressed all three judges were immediately declared safe.
Matt and Keeira sang “Poppa Loved Momma” by Garth Brooks (VIDEO). Ouch. No chemistry. Next were the Canadian husband and wife duo, The Stellas, singing Loggins and Messina’s “Danny’s Song” (VIDEO). The song choice kinda smashes the couple’s cool and edgy vibe. Not digging it. It cost them a yes from judge Scott Borchetta (and he’s the judge that counts–his label, Big Machine, will sign the winner) The boyfriend-girlfriend duo, Steel Magnolia sang Stealers Wheel, “Stuck in the Middle with You” (VIDEO). Dynamic, with oodles of chemistry, the duo impressed the judges so much, they were immediately declared safe. The Australian husband and wife team, O’Shea, sang a beautiful rendition of the Roy Orbison classic, “Cryin'” (VIDEO), setting themselves apart for the first time. They were also declared safe. Next, Ryan and Avalon, sang the Collective Soul/Dolly Parton song, “Shine” (VIDEO). Avalon sounded a little flat to me. Last up was JB Rocket, featuring Brandon Green from the American Idol Season 7 Top 50. Brandon’s pretty good, but it’s his young partner, Jonathan Cox, who really has it going on. They sing “Meet in the Middle” by Diamond Rio (VIDEO)–not a great song choice for these two.
The duo eventually eliminated, are the chemistry challanged Matt and Keeira–a no-brainer. (VIDEO).
Check out the Top 5 videos after the JUMP. The duos are mentored this week by Judge Naomi Judd and her daughter Wynona.
JB Rocket sing “Neon Moon” by Brooks and Dunn. Jonathan is pretty incredible, maybe the best singer of this entire bunch. Brandon is just along for the ride. Naomi tells them they could win, but Big Kenny isn’t ready to say yes yet.
O’Shea sing “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt. Last week, the duo impressed the judges, this week, not so much. The harmonies were off this week, it wasn’t special. Scott Borchetti tells them they can’t win. Naomi says she thinks last week was as good as it will get. The die seems to be cast.
The Stellas sing “Hanky Panky” by K.D. Lang. Kind of a strange song choice. The judges think they may do better next week when the Top 4 will perform original songs. These two have something going on, but they aren’t picking good songs.
Ryan and Avalon sing “Love Hurts” by Nazareth. The duo wins over the judges with this completely reworked rendition, stripped down to it’s bare essentials. Avalon’s ethereal vocals are lovely. The duo, put together for the show, have developed a nice chemistry. Naomi says yes, but wants to hear them rock next week. They get three yeses and advance to the next round.
Steel Magnolia sing “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams. These two are my pick to win it all. They’ve got great chemistry and a unique vibe and the judges LOVE them. Their alt/country twist on this Hank Williams classic was the standout of the night. They move straight to the next round.
O’Shea is eliminated. The judges have been lukewarm on this country/pop act from the beginning. Considering the competition, it was the correct decision.
