* * * * * * * * * *
Tonight we are continuing the battle between the network stars. I'm here with Gabe Kaplan, captain of team ABC.
Gabe. How have you enjoyed the battles,
so far?
Well Howard, we've been having some great weather and my team has been winning a lot of challenges. So I would have to say, I'm having a great time.
Now I understand Gabe, we are in for something special tonight. Would you care to explain, exactly what it is, we are about, to see.
Tonight we have decided to do something a little different. We have tried track and field, swimming, diving, even a tug-of-war. But we have never tried to see which network has the best voice.
Are we talking singing here? And do you truly believe this activity belongs in a sporting event?
Why not? Athletes have to train their bodies to compete in whatever event they perform. It's true of a singers too. I think we will see how this goes. If it works, it works. If it doesn't work, It was Telly Savalas' idea.
Well, I wish you the best of luck in this event. As do I all the networks.
Remember, The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give.
And with that. Let's let this competition, begin.
All three networks have provided a singer. It will be up to you, the audience, to decide who has the best vocal skills, needed to win.
Team CBS - Lynda Carter will perform 'the Last Song'
For NBC - Lisa Welchel has 'All Because of You'
Finally, Team ABC - Bruce Willis will be singing 'Jackpot'.
Lynda Carter (Diana Prince)
Wonder Woman - 1975-1979
Lisa Welchel (Blair Warner)
The Facts of Life 1979-1988
Bruce Willis (David Addison)
Moonlighting - 1985-1989
Those are the three contenders. Who do you feel deserves the win? ABC, CBS or NBC?
It is now your job. Please vote for your favourite. Additionally, let me know why you feel the way you do. Voting ends on the 21st when I'll cast my vote (if needed) and announce the winner in a separate posting, the next day.
Join us again tomorrow night for another exciting battle with the network stars.
Following is a sneak peak at what you will see.
Additional Questions:
Were any of these shows your favourite?
Can you name any other celebrity/actor who has dabbled in singing?
Have you ever watched the actual 'Battle of the Network Stars'?
Would you welcome a modern reboot?
If you enjoyed this Battle of the Bands feature, don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see what sort of music they are featuring. You will certainly be entertained, so click on their links below.
FAR AWAY SERIES
STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JANIE JUNEBUG RIGHTING AND EDITING
YOUR DAILY DOSE
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
QUIET LAUGHTER
BE_REINVINTAGED
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
eViL pOp TaRt
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS
Are you currently in the BOTB and don't see your name in the list above? Let me know in comments and I'll include it.
I remember watching Battle of the Network Stars back in the day.
ReplyDeleteLynda Carter can really sing. Would almost give it to my boy Bruce, but Lynda's voice was beautiful.
I was surprised by Lynda. I never even knew she sang.
DeleteGreat idea for a BotB!
ReplyDeleteThese are three very good performances. We watch "Wonder Woman" every Saturday, and Lynda Carter is just beautiful, and, as this cut proves, has a magnificent voice. Lisa Whelchel surprised me; I liked her song, kind of like what you'd hear on a "smooth jazz" station, although I think it had a semi-religious overtone. Even so, it would have been easy to put it off as "bitchy Blair from 'Facts of Life' thinks she can sing"... turns out, she can. Bruce Willis is a smartass, and the first time I heard of "Bruno," I just rolled my eyes. "Great, another Blues Brothers takeoff"... but the guy can bring it, and he's not a bad harp player.
With all due respect to CBS and ABC, NBC wins this round. Give Lisa Whelchel my vote.
Yes, I agree. I think Lisa is more Christian Rock. I know she has a very strong faith and that shows in her song. I was also very surprised by Lynda Carter. I even like Bruce Willis, he performs well. So glad you stopped by and appreciated the battle.
DeleteThey were all talented; but Lynda Carter gets my vote. She's a Wonder Woman!
ReplyDeleteShe may be a Wonder Woman, but will that be enough to win? Stay tuned for our next adventure. Same Wonder Time. Same Wonder Channel.
DeleteOh Jeffrey..... such a great idea for a battle! I enjoyed listening to Lynda Carter, and was even a bit surprised at Lisa Welchel. I already knew that Bruce Willis could sing. Short story here - back in the day when he and Demi were still married, they moved to my little town in central Idaho and bought up over half of the establishments. There was an old movie theater that Bruce completely renovated and updated, and right across the street was the Mint Bar - another of his purchases. After he upgraded the bar, he and his cronies were the regular live band. I've had a few friends that worked for him helping him with his renovations and working in his various businesses, and each will tell you that he is as one would guess an arrogant A$$. But despite my personal feelings and opinions about his personality - he really does know how to shake it and move it and knows how to get the crowd going. For that reason, I'm going to give my vote to him.
ReplyDeleteWere any of these shows your favourite?
I used to watch all three of them. For my younger self I would say the favorite would be Facts of Life, for the slightly older self - I would say Moonlighting.
Can you name any other celebrity/actor who has dabbled in singing?
Sure. How about the Hoff?
Have you ever watched the actual 'Battle of the Network Stars'?
I am not positive that I have.
Would you welcome a modern reboot?
I would.... if it were on say Netflix or Amazon. I very rarely watch actual television these days.
Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Well, I'm not surprised to find out he is arrogant. It saddens me because I like him as an actor. But I am glad you don't let person feelings get in the way. I try not to let that affect my picks in these music battles either.
DeleteOf course the Hoff! How could I have forgotten him. Well, maybe I can do another Network Battle next year. ;)
I used to watch the Battle of the Network Stars whenever it was on. I enjoyed seeing my favourite celebrities compete against each other.
On your last point. I agree, there are a few shows I MUST watch, but after that I only catch shows on DVD or Amazon Prime.
Cool idea for BOTB, JEFFY!
ReplyDelete'MOONLIGHTING' is one of my very favorite TV shows of all time. I own every single episode on DVD - that's how much I love it.
I never watched the other two shows, but I did once do a "hand insert" for the show 'Wonder Woman'. Lynda Carter wasn't on the set that day, but they filmed my hand holding onto a dog's leash. I have no idea which character "my hand was supposed to belong to" because I never saw the show. I'm sure my hand wasn't Wonder Woman's though!
Lynda has a surprisingly good voice. Lisa's voice is just too high-pitched for my ears (and the ears of my dog, at the end his leash).
If this were just about "vocal quality", I'd give Lynda my vote. But I'm taking EVERYTHING into consideration, including how much I like each song. And therefore, ABC (also known as "Bruce Willis") gets my vote. Back in the day, I even owned that Bruce Willis album. It was pretty good, actually. And, yeah, Bruce can really play that harp!
I don't think I've ever seen 'Battle Of The Network Stars', but I know it was inspired by an earlier show called 'Superstars' which featured famous athletes competing against each other in sports they didn't specialize in.
By far, the most memorable event was (Link...>>) boxer Joe Frazier in the SUPERSTARS swimming competition. None of us who saw it live, as it was actually occurring, will ever forget it. Damn, was that ever FUNNY!
~ Stephen
POSTSCRIPT:
DeleteI forgot to mention that I once used Bruce's co-star, Cybill Shepherd, in a BOTB contest. She actually beat The Marcels on 'BLUE MOON', and that was their big hit song!
I'd like to see Lynda Vs. Cybill in a BOTB. My money would be on the Shepherd.
~ D-FensDogG
I just watched that video. That was crazy. He was leading, why did he stop and stand up? LOL
DeleteWow! That's amazing that Cybill actually beat out the Marcels.
More celebrity battles? Hmmmm, perhaps I can make this a yearly thing.
Wow, was this ever a fun battle! Very creative Jeffrey. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Lynda Carter and Lisa Whelchel could sing. I knew about Bruce Willis' band but never really paid attention to any of his music. I'm giving my vote to ABC/Bruce because that song was so much fun. The music was great and the harmonica fantastic!
I know there are other actors who dabble in music but can't think of anybody off the top of my head right now except David Hasselhoff. What about those old western cowboys Gene Autrey and Roy Rogers? That's all I can come up with right now...
Really fun Battle of the Network Stars. And yes, I think I have watched one or two of those in the past but it's been a long time ago...
Great seeing Telly Savalas: he's one of my favorites!
Michele at Angels Bark
I'm glad every seems to think this was a fun battle. I was worried for a bit it would not be well received.
DeleteIf I do this again, the Hoff will certainly have to be a contender. I think I may do this sort of battle again some time, but not likely any time soon. Don't want to drain the well to quickly. LOL
Jeffrey, what a cool battle and a tuffy! For me, it's between CBS and ABC. I'm giving my vote to ABC because Bruce Willis always makes things so darn fun! Actors/Actress who sing...well, I know there are a few of them, but what comes to mind instantly is John Travolta and David Hasselhoff. And, yes I did watch Battle of the Network Stats eons ago. Cool fun! Groove idea! :D
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think Bruce Willis is lots of fun, no matter what he may be like in person.
DeleteABC Bruce Willis has the blues, swing thing going which appeals to me more than the other selections.
ReplyDeleteSounds like good reasoning to me. :)
DeleteThis was an excellent battle of the Network Stars and, yes, I watched it faithfully. They had some big stars on that program. I am surprising myself here but I am giving it to Lynda Carter. Her voice is actually the best of the 3. Lisa made my teeth hurt and Bruce...I don't know...I like the blues but I was waiting for him to say to some die hard quotes and the song didn't sound that great in his hands so Lynda gets my vote. If this program came back on, I would watch it but they would only get the d listers now
ReplyDeleteI would love to rewatch a few of these episodes. You are probably right, they would not get the big named stars on this show any longer. They would all be reality TV 'stars'. i.e. Honey Boo-Boo, the Situation or one of those Biggest Losers to compete.
DeleteUh, I vaguely remember when these "battles" were on, but I don't think I ever watched one. Lisa Whelchel's singing ranks even lower than her acting. Bruce Willis made strange noises, kind of like one hears in a zoo around the chimps. I guess I vote for Lynda, although her voice is thinner than she is or was.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
So I take it you are not a big fan of the network stars battles. And even less about their singing abilities. But I appreciate you stopping over and voting.
DeleteBruce Willis was annoying, the NBC contestant was kind of weak, while Lynda Carter had kind of a Karen Carpenter vibe. Give my vote to CBS.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about any of these shows other than maybe a few episodes of Wonder Woman which I wasn't a fan of. Couldn't name any TV stars who recorded albums--at least not off hand.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I think with Bruce Willis, you either love him or you hate him.
DeleteNow I know why they called her Wonder Woman. It's a wonder they let her anywhere near a recording studio. Karen Carpenter she ain't!
ReplyDeleteLisa held a tune pretty well and I liked her up tempo song a lot more. It had a nice arrangement and good backing singers.
Bruce Willis hit the "Jackpot" and beat the ladies handily with this rousing R&B cut from his debut album for Motown. I think I remember Bruce "Moonlighting" as a singing soul man on The Tonight Show. I don't like Bruce's politics, but I like his soulful performance of "Bruno's Bop" and he gets my vote in this battle.
So glad you liked the Bruce Willis version. I was hoping you liked the theme of this battle this time. I wanted to do something a little different. You are always entertaining us with cool themes and such, I wanted to try to do something just as entertaining. I'm hoping I succeeded.
DeleteYou did, Jeffrey. It was every entertaining. I loved Howard.
DeleteThat was fun and I remember the show. ☺ Going with Bruce Willis by a mile. Good thing those ladies kept their day jobs.
ReplyDeleteI love Bruce, I think he does a great job. He also has fun with it. I didn't think Lynda was bad and Lisa was just too 80's for me.
DeleteBut outside of all that, yes, it's good they kept their day jobs.
I had a secret chrush on david soul.
ReplyDeleteMy sister used to play his recods all of the time...i just liked looking at the album sleeve
I'm sure there have been more than one occasion I sat and looked at Diana Krall's album sleeves.
DeleteBruce Willis, all the way!!! Lynda and Lisa...yikes. Who told them they could sing? They didn't have autotune back then, I guess! True story: we went to the Planet Hollywood opening in Nashville back in the 90s. All the big stars were there. We had to stand out in the heat with 1,000 strangers all day to have a good spot when the celebs started walking the red carpet. Bruce performed for us for a while out in that heat and it was awesome. Our own private concert. At one point, he yelled for the Planet Hollywood staff to hand out waters to everyone. They didn't make it to us, but I always remember how thoughtful that was of him.
ReplyDeleteWow! That would have been an experience. Bruce is a true performer, I even have the album his song is from and I rather enjoy it. It's not to the Beatles calibre, mind you, but I find it fun.
DeleteDefinitely going with ABC. We watched RED just the other day and I just love Bruce. Such a fun actor!
ReplyDeleteI loved Bruce in Moonlighting. So it was interesting to find out he sings and then went on to become an action star.
DeleteAgreed, a fun actor.
I don't think I've ever seen RED.
3 contenders and all from a different networks? Oh this is good! I didn't know Bruce Willis could sing. It's upbeat but too much for me. I agree with Arlee that he was annoying in his song. Lynda didn't sound too great once the song's beat picked up, so I'm giving my vote to Lisa.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the Network Battles. :)
DeleteI think it would be hard to be a TV or movie star AND sing.
Despite who wins, I think it was cool for all three to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteAwesome youtube video Jeffrey. CBS were only fifty yards behind in the Network relay, its a real pity about the stumble and fumble for the baton. These are some of Hollywoods biggest names, Sarah Fawcett, Telly Savalas, Robert Conrad and others. NBC, CBS, ABC all took part. Telly Savalas has his say and champions his ancestry.. This is great footage! He says "We must allow for the emotional reaction on my team and that wasn't allowed for.(obviously because they lost the race) Its breaking the rules, upsetting us while were running - whoa Savalas doesn't hold back, its not exactly like listening to Kojak all over again, because he would have burnt the rule book but what the heck, Who loves, ya, baby? lol The Kojak magic is still there.
I'm glad you enjoyed the magic that was the Network Stars Battle. I'm looking to include a few more videos when I announce the winner of the music battle here.
DeleteHa! This was so clever :-) Who knew Wonder Woman could also sing? My vote goes to ABC (just this once) as I watched Moonlighting as a kid and Bruce just seemed to fit the mood of Jackpot.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found this clever. It's an idea I toyed with for a few months. I'm glad I ultimately went with it. Perhaps I'll do it again in a years time.
DeleteI picked a winner yeah! I like the spin you put on your battle!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Glad everyone had a good time.
Delete