(Beth Schonberger)
The competition intensifies in round three of the CU Independent’s “End of the Decade” series. Instead of the usual five suspects, we’ve doubled the field. Now the fates of 10 albums, live performances, movies and TV shows are in your hands. Tuesday, vote to see if the final duet between music icons James Brown and Luciano Pavarotti is able to take the heat from five amazing Grammy performances? Can “Survivor,” the granddaddy of all modern day reality shows, beat fan-favorite dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy” or “House”? The question will be answered on Wednesday. Finally, can Coldplay’s juggernaut “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” be able to take down albums from numerous divas in Thursdays’ poll? Vote below and check back on the results to find out.
The choices for Live Music Tuesday are:
Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone’s performance of “A Piece of My Heart.” (2005)- At 2005’s Grammy Awards ceremony, Etheridge (still bald from chemotherapy treatment) returned to the music scene in full force to perform Janis Joplin’s signature ballad with the help of the young British songstress.
James Brown and Luciano Pavarotti’s performance of “It’s A Man’s World.” (2006)- During the last months of both of the legendary singers’ lives, the Godfather of Soul collaborated with the legendary Italian tenor to perform one of Brown’s signature songs in a interesting twist with Pavarotti singing in his native language.
Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Alone.” (2005)- When the future winner of “American Idol” sang one of Heart’s biggest hits, she proved that she could step away from her country roots to sing a powerful rock ballad.
Faith Hill’s performance of “There Will Come A Day.” (2001)- One of the best songs of the “America: A Tribute to Heroes” special came from country queen Faith Hill and a gospel choir which gave everyone hope after one of the darkest days in our country’s history.
Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas’s performance of “Smooth.” (2000)- The Latin rocker wowed the audience with an electrifying performance of his hit single with Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas. It helped him win eight Grammys for his “Supernatural” album.
U2 and Mary J. Blige’s performance of “One.” (2006)-When two artists with different genre styles collaborate for the first time, there is always the question of whether the performance will sink or swim? In the case of the R&B diva and the Irish rock group, they passed their test with flying colors.
Christina Aguilera’s performance of “It’s A Man’s World.” (2007)- The pop singer proved that she could take on the Godfather of Soul and surpass him with her dynamite vocals and a powerful on-stage presence.
Elton John and Billy Joel’s performance of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” (2000)- Longtime friends and piano men reunited to perform the British rocker’s classic song, which wowed the crowd at Elton’s “One Night Only” concert series at Madison Square Garden.
Bettye LaVette (CQ)’s performance of “Love Reign Over Me.” (2008)-It’s always interesting to hear another artist’s interpretation of a classic. The songstress’ take of The Who’s classic not only impressed founding members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, but also fellow Kennedy Center Honoree Barbra Streisand.
Eminem and Elton John’s performance of “Stan.” (2001)- The always-controversial rapper collaborated with one of music’s legendary performers in his song about an obsessive fan boy who ultimately murders his pregnant girlfriend.
Vote on Tuesday’s choices in the poll below:
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