Duets Recap: Going Solo

Duets sent a mixed message during its penultimate episode last night, which was called Superstars Choice even though the main focus was on the amateurs picking one of their own songs. Yes, after what seemed like an infinite amount of duets week after tedious week, the homestretch was largely based on each of the final three singing solo. Thats kind of a defeatist attitude for a show called Duets, dontcha think?

But lets back up, because at the beginning of the hour one of the hopefuls was eliminated based on viewers votes: Bridget Carrington. Her departure leaves John Legend partnerless (like Robin Thicke before him) and the finale overflowing with testosterone.

While unfortunate, Bridgets exit wasnt surprising, considering she had a shaky performance last week. But really, Jason Farol should have gotten the pink slip . . . yet he wasnt even in the bottom two! (John Glosson actually stood alongside Bridget, awaiting his fate.) How or why that drip has lasted this long is beyond us. He keeps getting pushed forward as if hes already signed the coveted Hollywood Records deal. That scares us because, of the three left, hes the least deserving of a recording contract, but its possible he could come out on top because of the way the judges have gushed about him all season, particularly this week.

For the nights performances, each amateur sang both with their partner and by themselves. Below, we break down who we think will win next week and why.

The Whole Package: J Rome
This guy pretty much has had the competition sewn up since he stepped onstage back in week one. Seriously, it was like just add water to this insta-pop star: He has the looks, he has the vocal chops and he knows how to work a crowd. However, that rock star-ready savvy could also be his Achilles heel. As American Idol has proven over the years, viewers dont always crown the most polished (or deserving) person the winner. Still, week after week he has delivered strong performances, and this week was no different.

For his duet with mentor Jennifer Nettles, he sang the Scripts Breakeven. Maybe it wasnt the strongest or most exciting song choice, but it worked. He sounded good, looked the part and, as always, really gelled with Jennifer. For his solo song he also picked something a little unexpected, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours) by Stevie Wonder. As always, he dominated the stage like a seasoned pro, proving he can shine without a celeb by his side. As if we didnt know that already.

The Voice: John Glosson
If the show was based on vocal ability alone, this guy should win. But its not, so were predicting hell be the first to be knocked out next week. Although his voice is velvety smooth and nearly pitch-perfect, hes lacking some stage presence and a contemporary vibe. Case in point: The fact he sang Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dions The Prayer alongside mentor Nettles for his duet. While it showed off his range and ability, it was both obscure and snoozy. The most impressive thing about the whole performance was watching Jennifer sing in Italian with a country twang. For his solo, he chose Rascal Flatts Bless the Broken Road, which might also elude a younger, mainstream audience whos more likely to vote. Plus, he seemed a bit shaky stepping out from behind Jennifers shadow, sounding a bit pitchy for the first time ever and missing his usual charisma.

The Wild Card: Jason Farol
Were almost inclined to think the judges latched onto this marblemouthed shy guy for shits and giggles because they were so bored or werent really paying attention. Either way, well say it again: We have no clue how he got this far. He should have been tossed the first week of eliminations or the second, or the third. But for some reason, he kept hanging on. Now, he could win the whole damn thing, especially since the judges have practically tripped over themselves heaping praise on him. All we see is a wet rag.

For his duet with mentor Kelly Clarkson, he sang Me and Mrs. Jones, which he once performed a cappella when he was in the bottom two for, like, the umpteenth time. He might be the best looking, with his exotic baby face and dapper suits, but hes just so boring and unpolished it would be a joke if he won. But that didnt stop Robin Thicke from claiming he brought down the house during his awkward solo rendition of Bruno Mars Runaway Baby. To us, he sucked all the life and energy out of the song and somehow made it both boring and cringe-worthy. A truly amazing feat. So if you want to reward that, America, by all means, crown him the winner.

Should win: J Rome. As we said, hes the whole package. His biggest competition is Jason since, aside from voice-of-reason John Legend, the judges really went to bat for the Filipino heartthrob at the end of the night. Plus, the producers gave Jason the coveted pimp spot, which let him perform right before voting opened.

Will win: J Rome. We have faith that America will do the right thing and crown him the victor. Now, dont go dashing our dreams.

Last week: A Less Than Unforgettable Night