Celebrity Duets 3 contender Mikaela Bilbao quit the celebrity singing competition last Saturday, October 3, due to health reasons. The cosmetic surgeon was brought to the hospital after her September 19 performance, and was advised by her physician to officially drop from the show.
With Mikaela out of the competition, seven celebrity contenders remained: Brazilian-Japanese model Akihiro Sato; actor and concert producer Jomari Yllana; perfume line entrepreneur Joel Cruz; actress and director Gina Alajar; fashion photographer Niccolo Cosme; champion boxer Nonito Donaire, Jr.; and celebrity fashion designer Maxie Cinco.
Cheers from the University of Philippines Pep Squad opened the Saturday show, which had "music icons" as theme for the performance night.
First to perform was model Akihiro Sato, who shared that Puerto Rican sensation Ricky Martin was his favorite superstar. With Are You The Next Big Star? winner Geoff Taylor, he grooved to Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca."
Maestro Danny Tan remarked on Akihiro's performance, "Tonight you won us over, kasi marunong ka na mag-please ng audience. And you're starting to enjoy the performance," the composer and judge observed. "Gumaganda ang boses [mo] kasi relaxed na. Kulang na lang ng chemistry with the partner."
Next was Jomari Yllana who chose Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing," because according to the actor, it was his song for Andrei, his son with actress Aiko Melendez. Singing with Imago's lead singer Aia De Leon, Jomari came up with string music as background and rendered a ballad approach to the song.
Judge Freddie Santos was pleasantly surprised with the number, noting that this was the first time in three seasons where a contender focused on the music. "Not bad, dude! Not bad!" he told the actor.
Entrepreneur Joel Cruz chose Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," the theme song from the epic film Titanic. Joel shared that he chose the song primarily because he wanted to evoke the feeling of being in love. Garbed in a formal suit, he sang with singer Vernie Varga.
Judge Tessa Prieto-Valdes said that compared to Joel's past performances, she liked this performance best. "At least this one, I think you're more relaxed," she observed, adding that Joel's voice in past performances didn't appeal to her. Tessa also advised the businessman to let loose and enjoy more. "I think to further reach the people... you gotta be more at ease. Enjoy! I can't feel that you're happy, but at least your voice is better."
Celebrity Duets Season 1 contender and cosmetic surgeon Manny Calayan was seated among the audience in support of his friend, Joel. After his ballad number, Joel even wore a necklace given by the celebrity doctor.
Next was actress and director Gina Alajar, who was praised yet again for her performance this week. Gina chose Bonnie Tyler's "I Need A Hero" because she was also looking out for a real-life hero, she shared. Gina and duet partner Rachel Alejandro both appeared as Greek goddesses in white flowing gowns, braided wigs, and floral headdresses.
"You are so getting this whole concept," remarked Tessa. "Ang galing mo na. You can sing, dance, perform, and now may element pa ng costume," observed the judge. "Congratulations! Beautiful number!"
Fashion photographer Niccolo Cosme failed to impress the judges this week with a Madonna song, which he performed with comedienne Tuesday Vargas. He sang Madonna's ‘80s hit, "Like A Prayer."
"Masyado kang seryoso," observed composer Danny Tan. He also advised the fashion photographer to lower his taste level when it comes to song choice, in order to reach a wider audience. "Energy ando'n, pero hindi ka nag-eenjoy on-stage," he observed. "Lagyan mo ng konting fun para ma-engganyo yung tao. Stiff masyado. Think of something else to do na mas enjoy sa tao."
2009's WBA Superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. shared his preference for Justin Timberlake's style and music, which he incorporated into his performance. With Pinoy Pop Superstar finalist Brenan Espartinez, he sang and danced Justin Timberlake's "My Love."
Judge Freddie Santos remarked, "That was the most complete number yet," noticing the Justin Timberlake-inspired costume, vocal styling, and dance moves. "Lahat ng elemento nando'n. Hindi overdone, hindi sobra, hindi TH (trying hard), lahat ando'n," the stage director explained. "Sana lahat ng votes din ando'n."
Last was fashion designer Maxie Cinco, who delivered another commended performance, this time with Eat Bulaga's resident comedian Wally Bayona. The duo sang "I Am But A Small Voice," popularized by a pre-teen Lea Salonga, in costumes that resembled porcelain dolls. Maxie said he chose this song because it was his offering to the "bagets" children who, according to the designer, are pure and naive.
Danny Tan was pleased with Maxie's number. "Natumbok mo. Marunong ka na gumawa ng gimmick sa stage," the composer added, saying Maxie's enjoyment on stage was very evident. For Danny, Maxie and Nonito's performances were the "best for tonight".
The Top 3 contenders based on past week's audience votes were Gina Alajar, Jomari Yllana, and Joel Cruz. Before the show ended, fallen contender Mikaela Bilbao also put up her last performance for Celebrity Duets 3, singing Jackson 5's "Never Can Say Goodbye." The beauty and wellness expert was teary-eyed after her song, and with a shaking voice, profusely thanked GMA-7, adding that Celebrity Duets 3 was a memorable experience.
Who will leave the show after Mikaela's exit? Find out next week for another round of performances and eliminations. Hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, Celebrity Duets 3 airs every Saturday on GMA-7 right after Pinoy Records.