Do you wish every week was country music week on American Idol? If so, you’re in luck! The producers of Idol and CMT have joined forces on Can You Duet (Fridays, 8 p.m. ET), the newest country music craze to hit reality TV — and it’s a boot-scootin’ good time.
Here’s how it works:
Thousands of country singing contestants lined up in downtown Nashville to audition in hopes of becoming the next big country duo. Some had their hopes crushed on the spot, some were sent through together and some were split up. Twenty-five duos made it to the Can You Duet workshop, but only 12 will make it through to the next round.
Here’s why we love it:
• Country music. If you were sad to see Kristy Lee Cook booted off Idol, then get a load of the contestants on Can You Duet. They’ve got a range of classic honky-tonk ready songs as well as current hits.
• The power panel of Naomi Judd, Brett Manning and Aimee Mayo. This trio is pitch perfect to judge the duos. Judd, a country music legend with multiple Grammys, doles out constructive criticism without being rude. Songwriter Mayo has had a string of hits including Kelli Pickler’s “I Wonder” and “Red High Heels” and Carrie Underwood’s, “Wheel of the World.” Vocal coach Manning has worked with country’s biggest stars like Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. If only he’d get his hair out of his eyes!
• The Drama of duo swapping. Unique to Duet, judges have the power to separate duos, sending one person home and another to the next round. Disappointed contestants may see their partners go home and be shocked to see who they’re paired up with in the next round.
• Harmony. Unlike Idol, this show is all about blending voices and creating harmony. Of course, the show has it’s fair share of equally entertaining duet disasters.
• Wild Honey. Ruth Collins and Victoria Gibson are ones to watch. They’ve got beautiful harmonies and a peppy sound. Think Miley Cyrus all grown up. Check out their MySpace page.
• The Lexington Brothers. These good ol’ boys from Mississippi — Durant and Pickens Lexington — have a Johnny Cash flair, a light-hearted demeanor and a sense of humor that makes them a lot of fun to watch. Check out their MySpace page. –Katie Kauss
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