I Don't Get Celebrity Duets (Updated)

By get, I don't mean "receive" I mean "understand."

During this past season's "Dancing With The Stars," some fans complained that Stacy Keibler was a "ringer" in the competition because she studied ballet when she was a kid. Other fans pointed out that Drew Lachey had performed his share of boy band choreography when he was with 98 Degrees.

It's true, their training and experience did give them an edge, but one could also argue that ballroom dancing is different enough from classical dance and teen idol steps to make it a challenge for them.

But, with "Celebrity Duets" I don't see how anybody can say it's fair that four of the contestants have starred in Broadway musicals and/or have released records.

Alfonso Ribeiro released some bubble gum singles when he was ten, danced in a Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial, and starred in the musical "The Tap Dance Kid." Sure, he was a child then and his voice has probably changed, but to me, those credits make him a professional singer.

Lucy Lawless -- or somebody masquerading as her, because she sure doesn't look like Lucy Lawless anymore -- played Rizzo in "Grease" in 1997. Lea Thompson played Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" in the Studio 54 revival. It could be argued that both landed those parts as a strategy to boost ticket sales which is a not uncommon theater practice with stars from TV and movies.

But, there's no way to rationalize Jai Rodriguez's presence in the show. Hello? He starred in "Rent" on Broadway. No, wait, let me rephrase that for any of the Rent-heads out there: He starred as Angel in "Rent" on Broadway.  That's a demanding role that requires major singing chops.

The other problem I have with the show is that it's often boring and sometimes downright painful to listen to the contestants who can't sing very well. Pairing them with music legends just underscores their lack of ability.

Maybe the show will get better as the middle group of contestants begin to, hopefully, improve.

I love Wayne Brady, though.

Anyway, tonight's bottom three were Carly Patterson, Lea Thompson and Cheech Marin.  Lea, whom judge Little Richards said had "Tina Turner's legs" -- but not voice, was sent home.

Just in case you're wondering why I watch the show at all, it's an occupational hazzard.

Comments

[Little Judy]

Don't get me wrong, I love Jai and think he's a great singer. It's just unfair.

[Kris]

I did NOT know that about Jai - that makes me mad. And David Foster is definitely an ass.

[Little Judy]

I agree with you about Foster. He's downright nasty to Little Richard. I mean, sure, Little Richard is going to say some crazy stuff, but Foster should have some respect for a living legend. And I'm not just saying that because we share the same first name! :)

[Pop Culture Diva]

I don't get it either. Jai clearly sings rings around everyone. David Foster is also way more caustic than he has to be.