“Perfect” is my latest LSS (Last Song Syndrome). Like pudding in my brain, this earworm has taken a special place in my cerebrum, helped as well by the constant rotation in radio airwaves. It is the latest hit from British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. My obsession with the song grew when I saw the video of an orchestration of Sheeran’s duet with Italian tenor THE Andrea Bocelli.
Wow, simply "Perfect". Pop blended with opera in a magical rendition of a love song. The look of awe on Ed Sheeran's face as he listened to greatness- Precious. Just like Andrea’s wife who closed her eyes to listen to the Great One’s voice soaring up to the heaven above, I was transfixed. Andrea sang in Italian but I understood the emotions behind the words. ""Tesoro, sei perfetta stasera". I was dreaming I was the woman dancing in the dark with someone’s arms around me. Sigh.
Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli- "Perfect" (2017)
I am fascinated by song duets. There is something special when voices blend in harmony, when singers become one. Even though some celebrity pairings are unexpected and surprising. Sometimes from different genres, and even singing in a different language, and yet the singers connected to each other on a different level.
In no particular order, here are some of the duets that resonated with me and had even been my LSS at some time:
Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake- “Love Never Felt So Good” (2014)
The King of Pop with a hugely talented dude named Justin. The song was written by Michael Jackson with Paul Anka. It was released posthumously and Justin gave it an airy, sweet, and funky sound. I found it nostalgic and quite sentimental watching MJ’s dance moves. Justin is a heck of a dancer himself. No wonder the song was a huge hit.
Bette Midler and Wynona Judd- “The Rose” (1997)
Pop diva meets Country Diva. A powerful duet that gave justice to a great song. I have always loved these lyrics from Amanda McBroom.
Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower
And you, its only seed
Lea Salonga and Brad Kane- “A Whole New World” (2015)
In 2015, the original singers of the “A Whole New World” reunited on Good Morning America. Twenty-three years after Aladdin’s magic carpet ride, Lea and Brad sounded incredibly the same. It’s a different world now, but their crystal-clear voices still soared, tumbled, free-wheeled, still with excitement and youthful exuberance.
Here’s the original recording session in 1992. I dared to close my eyes, and Wow! Still the same magic.
Tina Turner and Cher- “Proud Mary” (2008)
Okay, what excuse does anybody have not to be as fit as these two ladies? In 2008, they were already in their 60’s. I guess all that rolling and shaking do wonders to the abs. Living legends, indeed. The Ultimate Divas. Showmanship at its best.
The Voice Teens Philippines Battle Round: Christy vs. Mica – “Ave Maria” (2017)
This will not appear in any music professional list, but I love the raw talents of these two young contestants from Voice Teens Philippines. Their coach, my favorite Lea Salonga, was beaming with pride as her two charges sang pop and opera flawlessly at their young age. The future looks bright for Mica and Christy. A few years from now, they will meet again, in a bigger stage, no doubt about it.
Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers- SuperBowl XLVIII half-time show (2014)
I admit I know nothing about football. Sorry, but I only watch the SuperBowl for its halftime show (and commercials, too). When I joked on Facebook why there is a sports game in Bruno Mars’ concert, I was almost
Harrison Craig And Tim Moxey- “You Raise Me Up”, The Voice Australia Season 2
Breath-taking duet. Two beautiful voices. Just watch the rapturous faces of the judges. So worth it to see Seal in ecstasy.
Charice and Celine Dion- “Because You Loved Me”, Madison Square Garden (2008)
In 2008, Charice Pempengco from the Philippines shared the stage with THE Celine Dion to sing a beautiful and heart-felt tribute to her mother. Oprah paved the way for her to sing with the international superstar. It was a goosebump-inducing moment for the audience as we saw the young singer hold her own with Celine. It was a masterful performance; something that her fans will always remember, even though Charice is now known as Jake Zyrus.
Claire Ryann and Dave Crosby- “You've Got a Friend In Me” (2017)
A heart-warming father-and-daughter moment as they shared their love of music. And to think that Claire was just four years old when their video went viral. When dad Dave joined the music contest The Voice, Adam Levine recalled how he connected to their video after the birth of his own daughter. Define adorable.
Marcelito Pomoy- “The Prayer” (2016)
Technically, this is not a duet. Just listen and pick up your jaw from the floor.
