Who wouldn't want to witness an epic lip sync battle between Mayor Dwight Jones and the Richmond Flying Squirells' Lou DiBella? (Left photo by Bryan Horowitz, right photo courtesy of the Mayor's office)
Wrapping up its first season this month is the always-uproarious Lip Sync Battle. Celebrity contestants on the Spike TV show pantomime a mix of Billboard chart-topping hits and classics in pursuit of laughs from a live audience. In honor of the show’s success, we compiled a list of Richmond-centric pairs we’d like to see face off and threw in some song suggestions to boot.
Mo Karn vs. Councilman Charles Samuels
Mo Karn, a perennial agitator of Samuels who once called him a dingo: “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift.
"Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift
Charles Samuels, city councilman who will not run for reelection: “Let It Go” from Frozen.
"Let it Go"
Phil Wilayto vs. Jack Berry
Phil Wilayto, of the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality: “U Can’t Touch This” by
MC Hammer.
"U Can't Touch This"
Jack Berry, executive director of Venture Richmond, “The Times They Are A Changin’ ” by Bob Dylan.
"The Times They Are A Changin'"
Shaka Smart vs. Rodney the Ram
Shaka Smart, former VCU basketball coach: “So Long, Farewell” from The Sound of Music.
"So Long, Farewell"
Rodney the Ram, VCU mascot: “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.
"My Heart Will Go On"
Maureen McDonnell vs. Jonnie Williams
Maureen McDonnell, disgraced former first lady of Virginia: “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus.
"Wrecking Ball"
Jonnie Williams, businessman and giver of the gubernatorial Rolex at the center of the McDonnell trial: “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper.
"Time After Time"
Lou DiBella vs. Mayor Dwight Jones
Lou DiBella, president of Richmond Flying Squirrels: “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by the Temptations.
"Ain't Too Proud to Beg"
Dwight Jones, Richmond mayor: “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen.
"Call Me Maybe"
Do you have other suggestions? Email them to markr@richmag.com.