Duets: J Rome Stays on Top, Alexis Eliminated

The third episode of Duets (6/7/12), featured “Songs that Inspire,” and after a showdown between the two who scored the lowest on their celebrity duets, one of them sadly had to leave the competition.

But before we get to that, let’s complain some more about the voting system. We had high hopes for this show with the talent coming out and performing duets with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Robin Thicke and John Legend. But people want to know the whys and wherefores of the results and this anonymous scoring system is the pits. If they want this show to be a hit, they seriously need to change that. Now on to the duets:

Alexis Foster and Robin Thicke – Killing Me Softly
Alexis’ voice sounded really beautiful on the chorus but, just like Where is the Love, Killing Me Softly is a repetitive song and we thought Kelly Clarkson was gonna ding it for that. Instead she dinged Alexis for looking at Robin the whole time instead of engaging the audience. John Legend thought her voice was clear as a bell. Alexis started out at No. 1.

John Glosson and Jennifer Nettles – How Great Thou Art
This was just an awesome performance. In most other song competition shows, we’d raise our eyebrows at the religious song choice. However, there is no voting audience to please or offend so far so it just wasn’t an issue. The song received kudos all around. Kelly Clarkson said: “that was so good, I can’t stand it.” John Legend saying the arrangement was gorgeous and Glosson should be proud of this wonderful version. Glosson took over No. 1.

Jordan Meredith and Kelly Clarkson – Mama’s Broken Heart
John Legend loved the energy Jordan was projecting and called it a dramatic improvement. Robin said she looked “tasty as pie” and said she was lucky he was taken. Ewww! Jennifer said she sounded like a country star. Jordan took over No. 2.

Meleana Brown and John Legend – If I Ain’t Got You
Meleana and John Legend did a great deal of gazing into each other’s eyes but that was okay. Kelly Clarkson’s only criticism was that she prefers Meleana’s light voice because when she gets big, it gets a little nasal. Jennifer believes she is a seasoned performer. Robin said she is lovely and meant to sing that song. Meleana took over No. 3.

Olivia Chisolm and Robin Thicke – Crazy in Love
Robin wants Olivia to channel her inner Beyonce. The performance had Kelly Clarkson out of her seat dancing and she thought it was so amazing, she couldn’t keep her eyes off Olivia. Jennifer thought her vocals showed great improvement. John Legend was impressed with Olivia’s legs. Olivia went to No. 4.

J Rome and Jennifer Nettles – How Am I Supposed to Live Without You
J Rome dedicated this to his recently deceased grandpa and broke down in tears after the performance. John Legend said he was a phenomenal vocalist but this was like the tear-jerker episode. Kelly said “you’re so good, I hate you.” J Rome shot up to No. 1.

Jason Farol and Kelly Clarkson – Hallelujah
Kelly arranged to bring Jason’s dad onstage to ease his fears that his father didn’t support his passion. Robin thought it was lovely and said his dad wanted him to be a dentist. John Legend said his tone was good, but it was a little pitchy and he needs to watch swallowing his consonants. Jennifer also thought there was a little shakiness but it took off. Jason went to No. 6.

Bridget Carrington and John Legend – Heard It Through The Grapevine
Robin said he loves that somebody does a Marvin Gaye song every week. LOL. This was the Gladys Knight version. Pay attention, Robin. Jennifer thought the low part in the beginning was a little muddy but once she got into it, it was great and she loved her attitude. Kelly thinks she shines a lot brighter than some people. Bridget went to No. 4, so the final chart was.

1. J Rome
2. John Glosson
3. Jordan Meredith
4. Bridget Carrington
5. Meleana Brown
6. Olivia Chisholm
7. Jason Farol
8. Alexis Foster

Now the bottom two, Jason and Alexis, had to sing to save themselves and Jason chose to sing Me and Mrs. Jones (Billy Paul) while Alexis went with Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin). Someone over here said save a little time and send them both home. It’s true that Alexis went a little overboard with the runs, but she still sounded better to us than Jason.

Kelly Clarkson, however, made it clear that she was throwing her support behind “her boy.” Because we don’t get to see the score, we have no idea what the impact of that remark was, but Alexis was voted off. Robin Thicke said that he will continue to support her efforts in music.

So there it is. Don’t forget that Duets will be on one night earlier next week, on Wednesday, or you will miss it. Thank goodness for DVRs or we know we would.