GMA-7's interactive reality-based singing competition, Celebrity Duets, will open its third season with an all-new roster of celebrities coming from diverse fields.
This year's line-up are actor/producer Jomari Yllana, 2008 Bb. Pilipinas World Janina San Miguel, costume and fashion designer Maxie Cinco, salon-spa owner Mikaela Bilbao, perfume connoisseur Joel Cruz, seasoned actress and director Gina Alajar, Brazilian-Japanese model Akihiro Sato, fashion photographer Niccolo Cosme, and WBA Interim Super Flyweight World Champion Nonito Donaire, Jr.
Though successful in their respective industries and chosen professions, all names share one common waterloo.
"Ang common denominator namin is talagang hindi naman kami mang-aawit," admitted Jomari, speaking in behalf of his rivals, during the press conference held last August 24 at Annabel's restaurant, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
"I can say that this is very even. Kumbaga lahat kami rito at par, kumbaga walang lamang, walang dehado. Ang nakikita ko sa umpisa nahihirapan lang kumawala pero bottom line ang gusto talaga namin is mag-enjoy."
SINGING FOR CHARITY. All celebrity contestants will be paired with a professional singer, who in turn will guide them in delivering their chosen material each week. By virtue of texting, the contender with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated from the competition until only three are left to slug it out in the finals.
"Actually nung pinag-aaralan namin yong concept, yong show ‘di ba parang exciting? Parang ang saya-saya. Then parang napaka-simple tapos nung ginagawa na namin hindi naman pala siya ganun kadali," said Jomari.
The participants are starting to feel jittery as opening night looms. Given that all contestants are not professional singers, the thought of singing on national television is understandably unnerving.
Hosting the show are singers and real-life lovers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez. Serving as judges are veteran concert and theater director Freddie Santos, respected composer and arranger Danny Tan and socialite and Celebrity Duets Season 1 grand winner Tessa Prieto-Valdes.
The Grand Champion of Celebrity Duets Season 3 will have the option to donate the entire one million peso prize money or a portion of it to his or her chosen charity.
Since its inception on August 11, 2007, Celebrity Duets has steadily gained a strong following. The show's previous contestants include cosmetic surgeon Manny Calayan, talent manager Wyngard Tracy, eventologist-host Tim Yap, former talent manager Jessica Rodriguez, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, fashion designer Frederick Peralta, comedian Joey Marquez, and beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, among others.
It was also in Celebrity Duets where the pair of model-cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho and sexy actress Katrina Halili performed the now infamous "Careless Whisper" number. The two would eventually be involved in a controversy after a sex video of them proliferated, triggering a widespread scandal.
Celebrity Duets Season 3 airs this Saturday, August 29, after Wish Ko Lang on GMA-7.
Click HERE to view photos of the contestants.