Can You Duet - TV-PG

Contest plays up teamwork, but some iffy stuff.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: CMT Cast: Naomi Judd, Rossi Morreali, Brett Manning Genre: Reality TV

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this country music competition show -- in which hopeful twosomes compete for a major recording contract -- is a lot like American Idol . It highlights the hard work that goes into succeeding in the industry, and the judges offer lots of constructive criticism and actually work with the contestants to improve their performances. Overall, the content is on the milder side, but there's some infrequent strong language ("hell" and "ass"), a bit of sexual innuendo, and -- unlike -- on Idol occasional visible drinking and smoking. Watch out for tension-filled arguments in later episodes, too.

Families can talk about what it takes to become a country music star. What additional challenges does a country music "duo" face (over a solo performer) when trying to break into the industry? How do judges (and audiences) know when two talented people shouldn't sing together? Is there a certain sound or look that they need to have? Families can also discuss their favorite country musicians. How did they get their big break? Would you ever want to try a competition like this? Why or why not? How does this show compare to American Idol? Which do you like better? Why?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

In latest would-be American Idol CAN YOU DUET, aspiring country music pairs work hard to become a harmonious duo both on and off the stage so they can survive each phase of competition. Each performance is judged by country singer Naomi Judd (half of superstar country music duo The Judds), renowned voice coach Brett Manning, and award-winning songwriter Aimee Mayo. At stake is the chance to compete live on stage and win a major recording deal.

Unlike Idol, Can You Duet's judges spend a lot of their energy actually assisting with the vocal development of each pair of contestants, as well as providing lyrical and performance advice. But while the competitors are spared from sharp, Simon Cowell-like insults, the real tension comes from learning how to grow creatively and perform as a twosome rather than just focusing on individual talent. For some that means redefining their already established musical act. For others it means building a professional and personal rapport with another singer after splitting from their original musical partner to pursue their dream -- a decision that can potentially stir up feelings of guilt and disloyalty.

Hosted by Rossi Morreale, the show highlights some of the unique challenges that go into producing a winning duet, as well as the hard work that goes into creating a successful country music performance. While the series' content is fairly tame overall, there's some occasional strong language ("ass," "hell"), mild sexual innuendo, and occasional drinking and smoking. That makes it little iffy for young kids, but mature tweens and teen country fans will find it entertaining.

Fans may also like Nashville Star and American Idol. Older fans might enjoy Gone Country.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some mild sexual innuendo. Lots of lyrics about love, heartbreak, and -- during one brief moment -- cheating and a messy divorce. The audition phase includes a "singles room" in which single artists can "mingle" to find someone to duet with in order to be eligible.
Violence
Language Occasional use of words like "ass" and "hell."
Message
	Social Behavior The competition demonstrates the hard work that goes into becoming a country music duo. Judges offer lots of constructive criticism and work with the contestants to improve their performances. Some friendships are tested when duos are split up. The contestants are primarily Caucasian.
	Commercialism Lots of references to popular country songs and successful country duos, especially The Judds. The winners' recording contract is with Sony BMG Nashville. Briefly shows Hooters Restaurant and refers to "Hooter Girls."
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some references to and consumption of alcohol, including beer and hard liquor. Smoking is occasionally visible (mostly in the audition process).