Only two episodes deep, John Legend has already had a lot to juggle as a "Duets" mentor.
From quickly scouting out the talented Meleana Brown after his contestant Johnny Gray left the show for "unforeseen reasons" to getting to know fellow judges and singers Robin Thicke, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Nettles, the ABC show has been quite a ride for the singer.
HuffPost TV caught up with Legend at the 11th annual Samsung Hope for Children Gala in New York where he was promoting his "Show Me" campaign, and the singer opened up about his experience on "Duets."
There are so many singing competition shows out there. Why did you choose "Duets"?
It was the right timing for me, and it was a great opportunity. As stars on the show, we perform with our talent, and I think it's good for me to be out there in front of a bunch of people who may know who I am, but haven't heard me sing before. It helps me reach a new audience ... I wasn't on tour when they asked me to do it. It's just been so much fun working with Kelly, Robin and Jennifer. The talent we're working with on the show are really great too.
What do you think about Robin Thicke's funny obsession with food?
Oh, that was Episode 2! He was definitely all about the Skittles and the Subway sandwich. I think he lost that in the third episode. We'll see on Thursday.
Your group has stayed on top so far, which is awesome. What are you going to do to maintain your status?
It's tough because we're aiming for the top, but everybody has talented people. My challenge is making sure I put my contestants in the best possible light. I give them songs that make them sound good and make sure they're really comfortable. I feel like I picked some great singers, so I'm already starting off with a lot of raw talent.
What singing competition show do you see as the biggest threat to "Duets"?
I'm not actually the type to watch [singing competition shows] because I'm too much of a singing snob. [Laughs.] ... But if you love singing competitions, there's no reason you can't watch all of them, because they're on at different times of the year. We're still finding our audience, but I think the people who are watching "Duets" really enjoying it.
Catch "Duets" this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
For more on what to watch this week, click through the slideshow below:
