'Celebrity Duet' Lawless sang as 'Xena'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Lucy Lawless, who will sing competitively in the new series "Celebrity Duets," actually sang in a few episodes of "Xena: Warrior Princess."

Lawless is one of eight celebrities to be paired with superstar singers performing duets in the Fox series, starting Tuesday. The actress played a mythological Greek heroine in the 1990s TV show, "Xena," the New York Post reported.

"Celebrity Duets" is the latest creation of Simon Cowell, who launched "American Idol." Viewers will vote for their favorite duo in an elimination contest with competitors rotating partners.

"It's a great way to test someone's singing ability -- not only are they performing in an arena that nobody knows them for, but they're also singing with some of the greatest singers of our generation," "Duet" Executive Producer Arthur Smith said.

The show will pair comedian Cheech Marin, wrestling champ Chris Jericho, gymnast Carly Patterson and actors Alfonso Ribeiro, Hal Sparks, Jai Rodriguez and Lea Thompson with professional singers, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, Clint Black, Dionne Warwick, Aaron Neville, Randy Travis and Michael Bolton.

"You could be singing with Michael Bolton one week and Chaka Khan the next," Smith said.