Who will be part of the America Idol duet that Ryan Seacrest teased about on the most recent American Idol results show?  If Seacrest’s hyperbole is to be believed, then American Idol viewers can expect to see “two of the biggest stars in musical history come together.”

Later in the American Idol results show telecast, Celine Dion’s name was mentioned as one of the artist performing, and much early speculation has revolved around that she will be half of the two biggest stars in musical history equation.  However, there has been much debate as to who her singing partner will be with speculation ranging from Michael Jackson to surprisingly Elvis Presley. How could Elvis Presley sing with Celine Dion considering by most accounts he passed away almost thirty years ago?  No, the rumors are not as outrageous to assume that Presley has been found alive and persuaded to emerge from hiding, but instead center around a virtual reality Elvis being used.  Reality TV Magazine readers have posted comments claiming that during a recent rehearsal for the “Idol Gives Back” special that Celine Dion performed with an Elvis impersonator (who will be replaced with a virtual Elvis).  The song performed is rumored to have been “If I Can Dream,” which viewers might remember as the Elvis song that Elliott Yamin sang last year during American Idol Elvis theme week.

Now, as unbelievable as a duet between Celine Dion and Elvis Presley might initially sound, it might not actually be that far-fetched.  Seacrest did describe the duet as something viewers “will have to see to believe.”  A virtual reality Elvis on stage would certainly qualify as something people would have to see to believe.  Also, Celine Dion has experience performing with deceased singers, as she did a virtual duet with Frank Sinatra.  Finally, CKX Entertainment which owns 19 Entertainment (the producers of American Idol) also owns the rights to the name, images, and likenesses of Elvis Presley. 

However, according to a comment by another Reality TV Magazine reader, Michael Jackson will be performing “I Have This Dream” with Celine Dion.  “I Have This Dream” is the rumored title of a Michael Jackson single intended to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims.  The singles release has been repeatedly delayed, leading to some speculation over if it will ever be released.  Part of the money raised by “Idol Gives Back” is going to help people in areas of Mississippi and Louisiana devastated by Hurricane Katrina. 

Michael Jackson’s management as well as American Idol producers have repeatedly denied that Michael Jackson will appear on American Idol, but it certainly is a wild coincidence that Jackson has a delayed single to benefit Hurricane Katrina and American Idol is doing a special that will in part benefit Hurricane Katrina.

So while nothing has been confirmed, Celine Dion singing a song with someone about dreams seems to be one of the biggest rumors floating right now.  Then again, maybe Celine Dion is just a decoy.  What if it turns out to be Michael Jackson and a virtual Elvis Presley?  To quote Ryan Seacrest, that is something we “will have to see to believe.”

(News, Source: Reality TV mag, 22 April 2007)