Shawn explains why Elmo is the Sexiest Muppet Alive.
This week, "Sesame Street" celebrates its 40th birthday. For nearly two generations, the pioneering children's show has taught kids to count, spell, and appreciate the joys of garbage and cookies. Most importantly, "Sesame Street" has brought good music to children's television. Everyone from Johnny Cash to John Legend has turned their iconic songs into Sesame Street jams. More than an appearance on "Saturday Night Live," a performance with Muppets means an artist has truly hit the big time.


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But the biggest "Sesame Street" catch of all? A musical-face-to-face with Elmo. The furry red monster has the biggest Muppet mojo of them all. Elmo made his debut in 1972, but it wasn't until puppeteer Kevin Clash took on the role in 1984 that the character stole the Street.

Nowadays celebrities line up behind the velvet rope to get next to the eternal three-and-a-half year old. And at the front of the line are females. The ladies love Elmo. Maybe it's his innocence. Maybe it's the fact that he refers to himself in third person. Whatever, the reason, Elmo has more female admirers than George Clooney. He's the sexiest Muppet alive.

While everyone spends this week recounting their favorite "Sesame Street" moment, here are my favorite duets with Elmo and his chicks. He needs to ditch the Street and start a duo with a female singer ripe for a comeback. Elmo & Cher? Elmo & Marie? What about Elmo & Tennille? He'd look good in that captain's hat.

Norah Jones: "Don't Know Why "Y" Didn't Come"



Alicia Keys: "Dancin'"



India.Irie: "Alphabet Song"



Destiny's Child: "A New Way to Walk"



Diana Krall: "Everybody's Song"



Feist: "1-2-3-4"