Bigger contenders as ‘Celebrity Duets’ returns

A politician, a fitness guru cum socialite, a designer to the stars, controversial celebrity siblings are among the roster of high-profile personalities in the second edition of “Celebrity Duets,” GMA Network’s hit reality musical show heads for the TV screens beginning August 23.

Heading the pack of A-listers from outside the music industry, who are set to discover or develop their vocal talents in “Celebrity Duets 2,” are MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando, beauty expert Cory Quirino, fashion designer JC Buendia, actor-comedian Joey Marquez and his sister, beauty queen Melanie Marquez. Completing the line-up are former Bb. Pilipinas World Carlene Aguilar, celebrity chef JL Cang and the Fil-British professional soccer player Phil Younghusband. 

Hosted by Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez and singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, “Celebrity Duets” follows the eventful lives of the celebrity contestants as they are trained and transformed into being the next musical sensations. Each week, a celebrity will be paired with an established singer to train and to guide them from their choice of song to their actual duet in front of a panel of judges and a live studio audience.

This season’s panel of judges includes multi-awarded playwright and director Freddie Santos, renowned composer and arranger Danny Tan, and all around social butterfly and first grand winner of “Celebrity Duets” Tessa Prieto-Valdes. All three are equally responsible in assisting and influencing the viewing public as to who deserves their text votes. The winner will get to choose a charity of his or her choice to which he or she will donate in whole or in part the one million peso grand prize.

Asked to give advice on how to win the competition, Tessa Prieto-Valdes boldly offered this tip: buy votes. “It’s the best way para manalo sila, ‘di ba?” Tessa said with a laugh. “Kasi naman, this is a show just to entertain our televiewers. Hindi naman kami mga professional singers, ‘di ba? Ako naman, I joined because I wanted to make people happy. Eh napansin ko parati akong nasa Bottom Three. Kinakawawa nila ako parati kaya tinodo ko ang vote buying via texting, eh di nanalo ako!”

Tessa added, “Your vote-buying naman will go to a good cause. Like me, ang one million pesos na nakuha na tax-free was given to my chosen charitable institution ng buong-buo. Kaya I feel good kahit na nag-vote buy ako marami naman akong natulungan.”

Catch “Celebrity Duets” every Saturday after Pinoy Records only in GMA. (With reports from Pilipino Star Ngayon)