I’m playing major catch-up with Can You Duet. I’m posting the Top 3 and Top 4 today. Tonight is the finale…
(here’s last week’s recap and videos)
This week, the Top 4 duos perform their own original work on Can You Duet. Big Machine label exec and CYD judge, Scott Borchetta mentors the duos.
Ryan and Avalon – Avalon wrote the song, and it’s a pretty decent effort. I’d say this was their best performance so far. Scott is pretty happy with the result of their songwriting efforts. Naomi wonders if these laid back crooner could rock it out on stage. Big Kenny wonders if Avalon has a songwriting deal yet.
Steel Magnolia – “On the Edge of Goodbye” – The duo wrote the song together. Scott loves them, he thinks they’re the ones to beat. Unless the judges are looking for a twist ending (these two will be signed anyway) I think they ARE the ones to beat. The judges couldn’t look more excited watching them perform. They’re sassier, but I think Ryan and Avalon had the better song.
Joey + Rory – They aren’t contestants–not this year. They one the first year of Can You Duet. They were nominated for ACM Top Vocal duo, and they’re back to sing “Cheater Cheater” Chorus “Cheater, cheater, where’d you meet that no-good white trash ho”. Alrighty then! They’re plugging their new CD The Life of the Song.
JB Rocket – Scott thinks they’ve shown the most improvement, and that they have a shot to win the whole thing. Their original song, written by ex-Idol contestant Brandon Green, is very catchy, very poppy. Scott, who discovered that country pop princess Taylor Swift looks pleased as punch as they sing. Big Kenny doesn’t find them completely original at this point. Scott is very impressed with Brandon’s songwriting. He’s looking forward to more.
The Stellas – If this were a voting show, the Stellas’ kids would be total vote magnets. The duos’ original song is about their kids is perfect country music fodder. Scott thought he’d sign the Stellas when he first saw them–he thinks they nailed it. Naomi thinks they need to show more versatility and Big Kenny has no idea who he’s going to cut.
Elimination: The Stellas are eliminated. That was a tough call. I have mixed feelings about it. JB Rocket has the pop country thing down, Steel Magnolia has a very definable musical vibe and Ryan and Avalon have a better overall image (the judges were always bugging the wife about her wardrobe). Without explaining further than, “the others shone a little brighter tonight” the Stellas are sent home.