Reality TV is all about wedded bliss this week, with the premieres of no fewer than five—that I can think of—TV shows testing the bonds of marriage and the power of fame.
To be honest, I can’t think why anyone would agree to be filmed in the early going of their marriages, or just before—at all really. But that’s the monster created by reality TV: Non-celebrities like Jon and Kate Gosselin airing their dirty laundry to the nation, or celebrities Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott going there time and again.
It’s TMI all the time in my opinion, so take my ratings with a grain of salt. And feel free to call me a snob, but I do not care about your lives, people on most reality TV.
My ratings in this post are based purely on whether the show made me laugh (4) or cringe (1).
Kris Allen reacts to learning he's the new American Idol as Adam Lambert (left) and Ryan Seacrest look on. Getty Images photo.
Kris Allen came from behind to win “American Idol” on Wednesday, and he may have been the most surprised person of all.
“Are you freaking serious?” Allen said after Ryan Seacrest announced that he beat out Adam Lambert. “It feels good man, but Adam just, Adam deserves this.”
After the largest “Idol” vote ever—nearly 100 million votes were cast Tuesday night—Allen overcame Lambert, the judges’ favorite who seemed ready to steamroll to the title just two weeks ago.
Lambert showed in the two-hour finale why he was the presumed winner all season. He delivered one of the best performances of the night—and gave the audience a glam-gasm—when he sang with KISS. Later, he stole the show again, teaming with Allen to perform “We Are the Champions” with Queen.
As surprising as Allen’s upset was, the biggest shock of the night came when judge Kara DioGuardi whipped off her dress at the end of her performance with Katrina Darrell, the “Idol” wannabe America knows better as Bikini Girl.
The pair sparred earlier in the season, when Darrell said her singing was just as good—or bad—as Kara’s. Darrell was back in a bikini Wednesday, but with some extra padding packed into the top.
“I was going to ask you what's new,” Seacrest said, “but I think I know.”
What’s new? Kris Allen’s your American Idol.
Keep reading for the live-blog entries and some cool photos below.
The final "American Idol" sing-off was a bit underwhelming on Tuesday. I thought we'd get Adam versus Kris, the strummer trying to outdo the screamer. They both stayed pretty quiet.
Check out the live-blog below, and read my full review, and what Chicago singer-songwriter Matthew Santos thinks of Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, here.
Let the wooing begin. Chicagoan Ed chats with "The Bachelorette," Jillian Harris. ABC photos
Will a bachelor from Chicago sweep "The Bachelorette" off her feet when the reality show returns Monday?
According to ABC, 29-year-old Ed, a wealthy technology consultant from the Windy City, “makes an impact with his understated confidence.”
Ed’s competing against 29 other bachelors—including 27-year-old Chicago financial adviser Brad—for the hand of 29-year-old Jillian Harris (left).
Monday’s 8 p.m. season premiere brings a first to the series. Jillian will have her pick of 30 suitors, 10 of whom she will eliminate by the end of Monday’s episode.
What will you be doing at 7 p.m. Chicago time on Tuesday? Me? I’ll be in front of the TV watching what judge Simon Cowell predicts will be a “ding-dong” finale of “American Idol.”
I’m not sure, but I think Simon means the Season 8 finish will be an amazing battle of the opposites. America couldn’t have voted two more different artists into the finale than Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, who reportedly will sing three songs each.
Adam Lambert and Kris Allen will perform their final songs for the “American Idol” judges and America on Tuesday, May 19. Before the big finale, I thought I’d poll readers to see how they think the two finalists stacked up against each other from week to week, beginning with their Top 3 performances last week all the way back to March 10, when they performed Michael Jackson songs.
On May 12, Kris Allen sang “Heartless” by Kanye West and “Crying” by Aerosmith. Adam Lambert sang “One” by U2 and “Crying” by Aerosmith.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote. Then click the link to the next face-off.
The theme for "American Idol" on May 5 was rock ‘n’ roll, so Kris Allen performed the Beatles’ “Come Together” and Adam Lambert sang “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
The "American Idol" finalists performed songs from the Rat Pack era on April 28. Here were their choices: Adam Lambert—“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone Kris Allen—“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Disco night on "American Idol"! That was April 21, when Kris Allen sang “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer and Adam Lambert performed “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
On April 7, Adam Lambert performed “Mad World“ by Tears for Fears and Kris Allen sang “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” by Don Henley. The "American Idol" theme that night was songs from the year the singers were born.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
On March 31 episode of "American Idol," Kris Allen sang “Ain't No Sunshine” by Bill Withers and Adam Lambert performed “Play That Funky Music“ by Wild Cherry. The theme was Top Downloaded Songs.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
For March 24’s Motown theme night on "American Idol," Adam Lambert performed “Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles while Kris Allen sang “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Marvin Gaye.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Michael Jackson’s music was the theme for the March 10 performances on "American Idol," which had Kris Allen singing “Remember the Time” and Adam Lambert singing “Black or White.“
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
It's down to Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. Fox photo
He’s a rock god and the “lead winner.” He's fearless, unique and the “most exciting ‘American Idol’ contestant in years.”
If you believe judges Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, along with this week’s Entertainment Weekly, Adam Lambert is not only the favorite to win “Idol” this season, he’s the Chosen One to lift the music industry out of its slump.
Or something like that.
I happen to think Adam should win this year as well, but I fear for the guy. With so many pundits saying he’s got it sewn up, will his fans slack off and not vote for him enough? And don’t forget, he’s facing two more contestants who obviously have big fan bases of their own—Danny Gokey and Kris Allen.
In my opinion, Adam stumbled a bit in Tuesday's performances while Danny, and especially Kris, came on very strong. After my run-down of the threesome's chances below, check out the live-blog of tonight's performances. Then please tell me who you think will be going into next week's finale.
Danny Gokey Or Danny Geeky—have you seen him try to dance? I have no doubt his tragic backstory will resurface before this season ends, and that’ll earn him votes. And although his butchering of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” last week probably ended any rock fans love for him, the adult contemporary fans probably love him. He’s been compared to Michael McDonald—just like Taylor Hicks once was. That’s not a turn-on for me, but Hicks did win it all.
Kris Allen Kris was the darkest of dark horses early on, getting by with that sweet smile and humble attitude. Then he sang “Falling Slowly” and everything changed. He’s been hot ever since, scoring with women—from 12-year-olds to the cougars I’d bet. He’s an OK singer, but I can’t see him selling a ton of albums. Videos, yes, but not albums.
Adam Lambert Whether you like his performance style or not, Adam has the best voice in the competition—an octave-spanning blaster. He’s also got the best stage presence, style and, for lack of a better word, ballsiness. Whether singing emo, metal or Easternized country, Adam made each Tuesday must-see TV. Unfortunately, the guyliner, painted nails and gay-or-bi-or-just-likes-kissing debate will turn off big chunks of voters. My guess is he’ll lose the Middle America and Granny votes to Danny and a lot of the teen-girl vote to Kris. Can the big cities and urban centers carry it for him? He’s got my vote.
Joan Rivers and "Celebrity Apprentice" taskmaster Donald Trump. NBC photos
Joan Rivers outlasted poker star Annie Duke to win Sunday’s live finale of “The Celebrity Apprentice,” but she’s not ready to bury the hatchet.
Well, maybe in Duke’s skull.
“Hitler was ruthless and so was Annie,” Rivers told “Inside Edition” Monday, standing by her earlier comparison of Duke to Adolf Hitler. “The difference was mainly that Hitler never had PMS ... which I think Annie suffered from continuously.”
Although it doesn’t sound like it, Rivers told “Inside Edition” she’s ready to move on from the NBC competition series—although she won’t be forgiving Duke.
“She called me a mean, old bitch,” Rivers said, “and I don’t like being called old.”
Rivers is moving on from “The Celebrity Apprentice.” TV Land announced Monday that the comic will host “How’d You Get So Rich?” beginning at 9 p.m. Aug. 12.
In the six-episode series from Mark Burnett, Rivers will introduce viewers to millionaires and tour their homes. Among the moneyed moguls she’ll meet are the inventor of BillyBob Teeth and the Infomercial pioneer who sells Obama coins and “Mr. Mardi Gras.”
THE FASHION SHOW 9 p.m. Thursday, Bravo Tune in or out? out of four.
In fashion, there’s something known as a “knock-off,” or imitation of a designer frock. “The Fashion Show” is the ultimate “Project Runway” knock-off, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth its weight in gold ... lamé.
Paula Abdul performs Wednesday during "American Idol." Fox photos
“American Idol” is now a boy’s club.
Allison Iraheta (left) was eliminated Wednesday, leaving Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen in the competition.
“I know I’m going to be playing you on the radio real soon,” host Ryan Seacrest told the 17-year-old.
She received the fewest votes from the 64 million the Seacrest said were cast on Tuesday after singing “Cry Baby” during the first ever “Idol” rock night.
The saddest part of Wednesday’s show wasn’t Allison’s ouster, however. Judge Paula Abdul took the stage to lip-synch and dance to a recording of her new single, “I’m Just Hear for the Music.”
It was straight-up awful.
Please enjoy my live-blog postings below, and tell me what you think of tonight's vote-off.
Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Slash, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert. Fox photos
“American Idol” contestant Adam Lambert had a new fan even before Tuesday’s performances.
“Those AI kids can sing their asses off, especially Adam,” rock guitarist Slash tweeted on Twitter Monday night.
The former Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist served as mentor during the first “Idol” rock night that saw Lambert bring down the house with his rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”
“Adam’s got some pipes,” Slash said during a pre-taped segment. “He’s got so much range and it comes to him so easy; it’s like effortless.”
Judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson seemed to agree. After Adam’s Top 4 performance Tuesday, Randy said Adam and Slash should make a record together. Simon joked that the performance was “a little understated.”
“It was, actually, one of my favorite performances you’ve ever done," Simon said. “The only problem is, nobody can top that now.”
No one did. It’s hard to say who will be in the Bottom 2, but I’ll suggest Allison and Danny. Kris will stay safe because of that smile.
I can't say enough about Adam Lambert. That guy can make a song his. I didn't love his version of "Feelin' Good," but I loved his performance. Dare I quote Randy Jackson? It was off the hook, yo, dawg.
Anyway, here's the Nina Simone version, one of my favorite songs of all time. Read tonight's liveblog blow-by-blow below.
If you’re not afraid of death, you might as well see how close to death you can come. That’s apparently “Monster Garage” star Jesse James’ thinking behind his new Spike TV series, "Jesse James Is A Dead Man."
I bet his wife, Sandra Bullock, is really happy about his attitude.
Beginning at 9 p.m. May 31, James takes on challenges that could kill him, including the off-road race Baja 500, getting lit on fire and riding a motorcycle in minus 60-degree Arctic weather on the Ice Highway.
“It’s a 150-mile-an-hour bike, 40-mile-an-hour brain,” he says in the clip above.
He may not be going to Costa Rica to film “I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here,” but on Friday, Rod Blagojevich marked a new episode in the increasingly bizarre reality show that is his life when he appeared with some full-time cast members to promote the NBC series.
“What’s really appealing about this opportunity is it’s a chance to do something that’s really fun and entertaining, compared to some of the other things I gotta deal with which, frankly, sucks and it's scary,” the former Illinois governor said during a news conference in Pasadena, Calif., to introduce the cast of the show, which begins June 1. Show Patrol listened in.
U.S. District Judge James Zagel on Tuesday ruled that the former governor could not leave the country to film the show in Costa Rica in June, but NBC still wants him to be part of it. On Thursday he filmed a promo in which he was suspended by wires and pretending to fly while a fan blew his famous hair wildly.
Disco's dead—and so are the "American Idol" hopes of Lil Rounds (above) and Anoop Desai (below). Fox photos
It was a nope for Anoop Desai—and another for Lil Rounds—during Wednesday’s “American Idol.”
Both singers were sent home by the more than 45 million votes cast after Tuesday’s disco night.
“I’m so really disappointed, I really am,” Anoop said after singing “Dim All the Lights” one last time. “This is all our dreams.”
Lil said she’d miss all the other singers, of which five remain—Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud and Allison Iraheta.
Two singers were eliminated because last week the judges saved Matt, who managed to change America’s collective mind this week. Allison was the last person in the Bottom 3.
Daisy’s boys: Fox (front from left), '84, '86, '85, Chi Chi, Daisy, London, Tool Box, Sinister, 12 Pack, Torch and Flipper; Big Rig (back from left), Weasel, Flex, Cage, Brooklyn, Dropout, Professor, 6 Gauge and Cable Guy. VH1/51 Minds photo
DAISY OF LOVE 8 p.m. Sunday, VH1
Tune in or out? out of four.
There’s something about a train wreck that just keeps people gawking.
That’s obviously the thinking behind this “Rock of Love” spin-off, which puts Bret Michaels-dumpee Daisy De La Hoya in the driver’s seat and looking for love.
“Project Runway” returns to the TV catwalk on Aug. 20, Lifetime Channel said today.
The show’s sixth season will now air on Lifetime after a long and boring battle with Bravo. The show already has begun searching for possible designers for the seventh season. Bunim-Murray is now casting for the season, and will conduct invite-only calls in Chicago, Atlanta, LA, New York City and Seattle.
People 21 and over must fill out an application and turn it and an audition tape in by April 30 to:
Project Runway Casting
Bunim-Murray Productions
6007 Sepulveda Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91411
I predict Lil, Matt and Anoop will be in the Bottom 3 again. Fox photos
The “American Idol” judges kept Matt Giraud’s hopes alive last week when they saved him from elimination.
Looks like his luck has run out this week. America’s likely to kill the dream after his performance of “Stayin’ Alive” on Tuesday. Lil Rounds, who sang a frantic “I’m Every Woman,” will be going home too. I think Anoop Desai will join them in the Bottom 3 after his slow, ballady version of “Dim All the Lights.”
Once again, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen wowed the judges.
Metromix on CLTV's Marcus Leshock wraps up the show in the video below, and you can read my live-blogging comments after that. See you at 8 p.m. Wednesday for the vote-off.
Lauren Conrad, above with Brian, voices herself on the May 3 "Family Guy." Fox photos
“The Hills” star Lauren Conrad won’t be attending the wedding of her co-stars, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, but she is guest starring on an upcoming episode of “Family Guy.”
Conrad was asked about going to the wedding Monday during a conference about “Family Guy.”
“Probably not,” she said laughing, adding that she was invited.
Host Phil Keoghan and the “Amazing Race” casting directors are coming to the Chicago area this weekend looking to possible competitors for “Amazing Race 15.”
Anyone interested in auditioning for “the reality TV adventure of a lifetime and wanting to travel around the world” should come to the open casting call this Friday in Joliet.
You can find more details and fill out the application at the CBS2 Chicago Web Site. Applicants must bring the completed application, photos, and passports (or proof of appliance) to the audition. You must be 21 years of age or older to audition.
“Amazing Race 15” open casting call When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, April 24
Where: Harrah’s Joliet, 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet
One of these Chicago guys gets the kiss-off on tonight's "The Cougar": Brad, Nick, Bryan and Grant.
Four Chicago men embarrass themselves on the new dating reality series “The Cougar,” which premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday on TV Land.
Event producer Grant, 25; retail guy Brad, 24; bartender Ryan, 29, and police officer Nick, 27, all vie for the affections of 40-year-old, self-proclaimed “cougar” Stacey Anderson of Scottsdale, Ariz. Vivica A. Fox, herself a cougarlicious lady, hosts the show.
"The Cougar" isn't any different than other dating shows such as "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," mostly because it comes from the creator of those shows. One thing I do like about it is "the kiss-off." When Stacey wants to boot a boy, she asks them to kiss her, and she gives them her cheek. Bu-bye!
Go the TV Land for more info, photos and video extras.
Quentin Tarantino gave a very quick peek at his latest movie, “Inglourious Basterds,” during Tuesday’s “American Idol.” The Weinstein Company sent the entire clip out today. The film, set during WWII, stars Brad Pitt and Diane Kruger and will hit theatres on Aug. 21.
Nadya Suleman is photographed outside her California home on March 10. AP photo
Nadya Suleman has to support her 14 kids somehow. The Octo-Mom has confirmed to Life & Style magazine that she will be doing a TV show with her kids.
Just don’t call it a reality show, Suleman says. (Is that because she’s not in touch with reality? I’m just saying.)
"What I'm doing with this TV show is basically creating documentaries about the lives of my children," Suleman told Life & Style. “It's going to be an ongoing thing, and it will follow them from now until they are 18.”
The European production company Eyeworks will produce the series of docs to air in Britain, Suleman said, “then we'll see if the U.S. is interested."
Suleman supported her six oldest children by using food stamps, disability payments, student loans and her mom's retirement checks. The last of the octuplets, born Jan. 26, went home from the hospital Monday night.
The Top 7—even almost ousted Matt Giraud far left)—will be back next week. Quentin Tarantino (center) won’t. Fox photos
Matt Giraud made “American Idol” history on Wednesday, becoming the first singer on the Fox show to be saved by the judges after being voted off by America.
“Matt,” judge Simon Cowell said, “it’s good news …”
With that, the audience—and the performers—went nuts and Giraud cried tears of joy.
“I wouldn’t be so quick to congratulate him,” Cowell said, obviously not happy with the decision. “No. 1, two people are going home next week now. Second piece of bad news: Next week is disco week.”
Before Cowell delivered the good news, he had said he didn’t think Giraud had any chance of winning the competition.
News broke earlier today that former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich is considering going on the reality show “I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here.”
That’s … just … crazy.
NBC’s show, which will air June 1, would have Blago and nine others being dropped into the jungles of Costa Rica “to face fun and comedic challenges designed to test their survival skills.” Viewers vote to keep or ditch a celeb.
Adam Lambert gave another brilliant performance during Tuesday’s “American Idol” movie-song night.
The obvious “Idol” front-runner (right) sang “Born to be Wild” from the film “Easy Rider,” and although he got a little spazzy on stage, his vocal was amazing.
Kris Allen probably made the smartest song choice of the night. People would have liked “Falling Slowly” from “Once” even if he had screwed it up, which he didn’t.
Those were my Top 2. Who do I think will be sitting at the bottom on Wednesday? Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud and Allison Iraheta.
Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson perform Wednesday.
OUT OF THE WILD: THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT 9 p.m. Tuesday, Discovery Channel
Tune in or out? out of four.
Chicago residents Carolyn Yamazaki and Fredric Birt are among the nine ordinary people dropped into the Alaskan wilderness with only the clothes and gear they can carry. They—along with camera crews, of course—have one month to hike 54 miles to civilization.
The USS Boxer is shown in the April 5 photo released by the U.S. Navy. AP photo
This is a story of being in the right place at the right time. One day after the U.S. navy rescued Capt. Richard Phillips from pirates off the coast of Africa, Spike TV has announced it will air a show about the Navy pirate hunters.
The show’s producers, 44 Blue Productions, had been in talks with the Navy for months and sealed the deal last week, according to the Associated Press. "Pirate Hunters: USN" cameras will be aboard the USS San Antonio and USS Boxer as they embark on missions out of Djibouti, Africa, the network said.
“Piracy off the coast of Africa is a real and deadly threat,” Rasha Drachkovitch, president of 44 Blue Productions, said in a release. “With ‘Pirate Hunters: USN,’ our goal is to capture that drama for the TV audience in order to highlight the heroic work undertaken by the US Navy every day in this fight against terrorism.”
Bravo is fighting back—with scissors, fabric and two fashion whizzes from the Chicago area. The network that lost the right to air “Project Runway” will launch its copycat competition series, “The Fashion Show,” at 9 p.m. on May 7. Highland Park native Keith, 31, and Orland Park resident Kristin, 23, (both at right) are two of the 15 designers competing for the $125,000 prize and the chance to release a retail clothing line.
We haven’t seen the end of “Pushing Daisies,” "Eli Stone" and “Dirty Sexy Money." ABC says it will air the unseen episodes of the cancelled series on Saturdays over the summer.
The “Pushing Daisies” news actually made me smile today. I miss it. Here’s the schedule from an ABC press release:
“Pushing Daisies”: 9 p.m. May 30 through June 13.
“Eli Stone”: 9 p.m. June 20 through July 11.
“Dirty Sexy Money”: 9 p.m. July 18 through Aug. 8.
Here are the premiere dates of other shows:
“The Bachelorette”: Jillian Harris returns at 8 p.m. May 18, then settles into the 7 p.m. time slot on May 25.
“The Newlyweds”: Reailty show premieres at 9 p.m. May 25.
“Wipeout”: The reality series returns at 7 p.m. May 27.
“The Goode Family”: The animated comedy begins at 8 p.m. May 27.
“The Superstars”: Celebs team with athletes in this sports competition reality series that debus at 7 p.m. June 23.
“I Survived a Japanese Game Show”: Reality series returns at 8 p.m. July 8.
“Dating in the Dark”: Three men and three women move into the same house, but are the opposites sexes are not allowed to see each other. “They will have the chance to date in a completely dark room,” ABC says. Say what? Begins at 9 p.m. July 20.
Scott MacIntyre was no Guitar Hero on “American Idol” this week.
The singer gave up his piano for an electric guitar during his Tuesday performance, but earned the fewest votes out of the 34 million that were cast, just 30,000 less than Anoop Desai. That left his fate to the judges.
“This is really tough,” Simon Cowell said as the judges argued around him. Finally Simon made the call, sending the legally blind performer back to Scottsdale, Ariz.
Scott didn’t leave without some kind words. Paula Abdul, who obviously wanted to keep him in the competition, called him “one classy gentleman.”
“You’ve been an inspiration to the entire world,” Paula said. “… God bless you. We love you.”
Click the link below to read tonight's live blog entries--and watch that Adam Lambert performance again.
Simon Cowell was mad for Adam Lambert's "Mad World" on Tuesday. Fox photos
“American Idol” went overtime on Tuesday, cutting off Adam Lambert’s chance to bask in the glory of another awesome performance.
“The bad news is we’re running out of time but the good news is I’m the only one who’s going to be talking,” Simon Cowell said. “And I think words are unnecessary, but I want to give you a standing ovation.”
Adam sang Tears For Fears’ “Mad World,” and nailed it. Awesome job. He’s my winner. I think Allison Iraheta and, surprisingly, Anoop were good to.
To read about the other somewhat disappointing performances, click the link below.
Fox must think “average” guys and “full-figured” gals are meant for each other—and no one else.
“More to Love,” a “Bachelor”-like reality show in which “a husky hunk will wine and dine a group of curvy women,” is coming to the network—and the Chicago area in search of contestants.
If you are a “real” woman, as Fox says, casting directors are hosting auditions at the Lane Bryant clothing store in the Fox Valley Mall, Aurora, from 2-6 p.m. Saturday. For more info, see moretolovecasting.com.
Apparently women who aren’t “real”—as in “curvy, beautiful, sexy women ages 21 to 32 who are ready for the romantic adventure of a lifetime”—you need not show up.
Fox must think “average” guys and “full-figured” gals are meant for each other—and no one else.
“More to Love,” a “Bachelor”-like reality show in which “a husky hunk will wine and dine a group of curvy women,” is coming to the network—and the Chicago area in search of contestants.
If you are a “real” woman, as Fox says, casting directors are hosting auditions at the Lane Bryant clothing store in the Fox Valley Mall, Aurora, from 2-6 p.m. Saturday. For more info, see moretolovecasting.com.
Apparently women who aren’t “real”—as in “curvy, beautiful, sexy women ages 21 to 32 who are ready for the romantic adventure of a lifetime”—you need not show up.
You like the idea of being locked up in a house with strangers and filmed 24/7? Then you’re crazy enough for “Big Brother 11,” which will air this summer on CBS.
The show’s producers are looking for people—at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen—at open casting calls across the country. Three Illinois calls being on Saturday. For more information on eligibility requirements go to the CBS Web site.
CHICAGO When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, April 4
Where: Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 1 W. Grand Ave.
MOLINE When: 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Where: LifeStyles Furniture, 3735 Avenue of the Cities
LOVES PARK When: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Where: Shooters North, 7742 Forest Hills Rd.
You like the idea of being locked up in a house with strangers and filmed 24/7? Then you’re crazy enough for “Big Brother 11,” which will air this summer on CBS.
The show’s producers are looking for people—at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen—at open casting calls across the country. Three Illinois calls being on Saturday. For more information on eligibility requirements go to the CBS Web site.
CHICAGO When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, April 4
Where: Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 1 W. Grand Ave.
MOLINE When: 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Where: LifeStyles Furniture, 3735 Avenue of the Cities
LOVES PARK When: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Where: Shooters North, 7742 Forest Hills Rd.
With one last caw and a final odd dance move, Megan Joy Corkrey flew the “American Idol” coop Wednesday.
America voted her off, and the judges didn’t even wait for her final performance before saying they wouldn’t save her.
“With the greatest respect when you said that you don’t care,” judge Simon Cowell said coldly, “nor do we. This is your swan song.”
Simon was responding to a comment Megan—famous for making bird noises during the show—made earlier in the night. She told Ryan Seacrest she didn’t care that Simon didn’t like her Tuesday performance.
Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta also were in the bottom three after 36 million votes had been cast on Tuesday.
Read the “Idol” blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
With one last caw and a final odd dance move, Megan Joy Corkrey flew the “American Idol” coop Wednesday.
America voted her off, and the judges didn’t even wait for her final performance before saying they wouldn’t save her.
“With the greatest respect when you said that you don’t care,” judge Simon Cowell said coldly, “nor do we. This is your swan song.”
Simon was responding to a comment Megan—famous for making bird noises during the show—made earlier in the night. She told Ryan Seacrest she didn’t care that Simon didn’t like her Tuesday performance.
Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta also were in the bottom three after 36 million votes had been cast on Tuesday.
Read the “Idol” blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
Bravo probably never expected hear Heidi Klum's famous “Project Runway” brush-off directed at the network. But on Wednesday, Lifetime was granted rights to the reality show that aired five seasons on Bravo.
Lifetime will broadcast Season 6 this summer, a rep told me Wednesday. The legal issues between NBC Universal, which owns Bravo, the Weinstein Co., the show's producers, and the Lifetime channel have been settled, the rep said.
Bravo probably never expected hear Heidi Klum's famous “Project Runway” brush-off directed at the network. But on Wednesday, Lifetime was granted rights to the reality show that aired five seasons on Bravo.
Lifetime will broadcast Season 6 this summer, a rep told me Wednesday. The legal issues between NBC Universal, which owns Bravo, the Weinstein Co., the show's producers, and the Lifetime channel have been settled, the rep said.
Jesse McCartney and Jordin Sparks at the "Kids Choice Awards" over the weekend. Getty Images photo
Jesse McCartney hasn’t been keeping up with “American Idol,” but he is keeping up with an “Idol” winner.
The singer is writing songs for Season 6 champ Jordin Sparks, he told me recently.
“She’s an incredible talent,” he said. “She’s someone who’s definitely deserving of a record deal and all the success she has.”
McCartney says that despite not watching it this season—the guy is busy after all—he thinks “Idol” serves a purpose for those lucky winners and he would “definitely perform” on the show.
“I think that show is really cool for the one person who wins,” he said. “… Sometimes I’m really into it if there’s a really great performance on there and sometimes I’m like ‘Eh.’”
Jesse McCartney and Jordin Sparks at the "Kids Choice Awards" over the weekend. Getty Images photo
Jesse McCartney hasn’t been keeping up with “American Idol,” but he is keeping up with an “Idol” winner.
The singer is writing songs for Season 6 champ Jordin Sparks, he told me recently.
“She’s an incredible talent,” he said. “She’s someone who’s definitely deserving of a record deal and all the success she has.”
McCartney says that despite not watching it this season—the guy is busy after all—he thinks “Idol” serves a purpose for those lucky winners and he would “definitely perform” on the show.
“I think that show is really cool for the one person who wins,” he said. “… Sometimes I’m really into it if there’s a really great performance on there and sometimes I’m like ‘Eh.’”
I think Megan Corkrey might be going home this week. Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta are likely her Bottom 3 buddies. Or maybe Matt Giraud, since he was in the bottom last week when he really did well.
David Cook and Lady Gaga perform on Wednesday, when one of those singers will go home.
Read tonight’s blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
I think Megan Corkrey might be going home this week. Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta are likely her Bottom 3 buddies. Or maybe Matt Giraud, since he was in the bottom last week when he really did well.
David Cook and Lady Gaga perform on Wednesday, when one of those singers will go home.
Read tonight’s blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
The Osbournes—Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack—are bringing back the family variety show with “Osbournes: Reloaded.”
But have no doubt: The Osbournes are not the Osmonds.
“Reloaded,” premiering at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday after “American Idol,” has “the first family of being [bleeped] up,” as Kelly has said, serving as ring masters in a circus of obnoxious stunts, pranks and other foolishness in front of a live audience.
The Osbournes—Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack—are bringing back the family variety show with “Osbournes: Reloaded.”
But have no doubt: The Osbournes are not the Osmonds.
“Reloaded,” premiering at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday after “American Idol,” has “the first family of being [bleeped] up,” as Kelly has said, serving as ring masters in a circus of obnoxious stunts, pranks and other foolishness in front of a live audience.
Last year’s “American Idol” winner David Cook will take the “Idol” stage April 1 along with Lady Gaga.
Cook, who bested David Archuleta to win last season's crown, will perform the single “Come Back to Me” from his self-titled debut album. Lady Gaga, who scored a hit with “Just Dance,” will perform "Poker Face," her second hit from her "The Flame."
On March 31, the Top 9 finalists—Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre and Lil Rounds—will perform, but Fox hasn’t said who will mentor the singers or what week’s theme is.
With fewer singers, the Tuesday shows get shorter, running 7-8:20 p.m. on Fox. The new reality series “Osbournes: Reloaded” will follow it.
Michael Sarver and Matt Giraud wait for the news on Wednesday. Fox photos
It’s back to the oil fields for Michael Sarver.
The 27-year-old oil rigger from Jasper, Texas, was sent home during Wednesday’s “American Idol.” His rendition of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” didn’t excite voters who called in more than 36 million votes after Tuesday’s performance show.
He needed to beg after performing again for the judges Wednesday. They didn’t save him from elimination.
“You can’t go wrong by getting better at who you are,” Sarver said in a pre-taped interview.
Sarver probably won’t go back to his old job—the fifth most dangerous in the world, he said—right away. As a member of the Top 10, he gets to go on the Idols in Concert tour that kicks off in April.
Read tonight’s live-blog by clicking the link below.
“Millionaire Matchmaker” Patty Stanger has met a lot of millionaire bachelors, so when she calls one cocky, you can bet she’s right.
Meet Jimmy “Jimmy D” D’Ambrosio (right), a Chicago club owner and professional poker player, who Stanger tries to fix up—and fix his attitude—on the 9 p.m. Thursday episode of the Bravo reality series.
"I'm sick of these women using me for sex," Jimmy tells Patty.
OKaayy.
As you can see in the video clip from the episode, Stanger’s also put off by Jimmy D’s habit of speaking of himself in third person.
If you want to watch the show—and meet Jimmy D in person—head to his club, Citizen, at 8 p.m. Thursday for the viewing party. The address is 364 W. Erie St. Call 312-640-1156 or go to the Citizen Web site for more information.
Read more excerpts from a press release by clicking the link below.
Allison Iraheta closes Motown night with a bang, and Adam Lambert made lotsa noise with a quiet song. They're my picks for the Top 2 of the night.
Dillbit Michael Sarver and Megan Joy Corkrey, I think, will be in the Bottom 2 on Thursday. But I'm always shocked by how America votes. Tell me what you think and come back Thursday. Oh, a duet from Smokey and Joss Stone, plus Stevie Wonder doing a Motown medley. Woot! Woot!
Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson is coming back to “American Idol,” but we won’t see her on the show live.
The Oscar winner will tape a performance after the Wednesday live show, the Associated Press reports. She’s expected to perform something from her self-titled, Grammy-winning CD. The performance will be broadcast later in the season.
One person Hudson won’t cross paths with Wednesday is Tatiana Del Toro, the Puerto Rican contestant who did not make the finals this season. Del Toro wants to work with Hudson.
“She is just the most humble woman in the world, even with all the success," Del Toro told OK Magazine. "Being on the Wild Card, all I could think about was Jennifer Hudson, how she was a Wild Card, and how I want to be just like her. I love her so much."
Hudson made the finals of Season 3 of “Idol” thanks to the Wild Card vote that was restored this season. Del Toro received a Wild Card, but didn’t move into the finals.
Talk about your late-breaking news. Finally, the site of Wednesday's Chicago casting call for Season 13 of “America’s Next Top Model” has been set.
But it's not in Chicago. The casting takes place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Donald E. Stephens Conference Center & Ballroom, 5555 N. River Road, in Rosemont, Jeff Tobler from the CW told me Tuesday.
Tyra Banks is looking for women under 5-feet-7-inches, the industry’s usual minimum height requirement. You can read more about the new season here. A few site-specific rules have been set, along with the usual requirements that "ANTM" wanst women ages 18 to 27, of diverse backgrounds, shapes and sizes who, for this season, are 5’7” or shorter.
You can find the site-specific rules by clicking the link below. The general rules are posted at the CW Web site.
Chicago “ANTM” casting
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 25
Where: Donald E. Stephens Conference Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
The "Idol" finalists sing together in a Ford commercial. Looks like Allison Iraheta (far right) doesn't like what she hears either. Fox photo
I think even the most rabid “American Idol” fans can agree on one thing: The group performances are the worst.
Now we have another reason to hate them. According to Justin Guarini, “Idol” alum and co-host with Kimberly Caldwell (pictured) of TV Guide Network’s “Idol Wrap,” the performers lip-synch the group sings.
“Every single year, we cannot stand the group performances. I know they can't stand it either. And I think what makes [the group performances] even worse now is that they're lip-synced. They're really prerecorded now,” he said on last Friday’s “Idol Wrap,” according to E! “And you see them kind of do this with the microphone [he holds a mic away from his mouth] and they're not even holding it to their face and they're laughing.”
E! reports that a source at “Idol” confirmed parts of the songs are prerecorded.
“They do prerecord the chorus stuff,” the unnamed source said. “And they sing live their solos and sing over the track on live TV with the band playing live as well."
Hmm. If they aren’t live, and no one really likes them, why not ditch the group songs? They already sing together in those cheesy commercials, right? What do you think?
The theme for next week’s “Idol” is “50 Years of Motown,” which means Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver will choose songs from classic Motown songs.
Smokey Robinson will mentor the group during the 7 p.m. Wednesday edition, and on Thursday’s 7 p.m. elimination ep, Robinson and past “Idol” winner Ruben Studdard will perform.
President Barack Obama’s address on Tuesday pushes “Idol” back a day.
“American Idol” had its first big—well, mid-sized—surprise on Wednesday when Alexis Grace was voted off the show.
An early favorite to some, the 21-year-old mom did not rouse enough votes from the 31 million host Ryan Seacrest said “Idol” received on Tuesday.
The judges, who had the power to save Grace, made her sing Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” again for her survival. They had said before the announcement that they might save her.
“It was good, but it wasn’t good enough,” Simon Cowell said. “Sorry, it’s the end of the line I’m afraid.”
Grace is going home, and Michael Sarver—also at the bottom Wednesday—moves on to the Top 10 and to this summer's Idol Live tour. Only the Top 10 are invited.
I seriously thought Drillbit Michael would be going home. Instead, Alexis is going back to Memphis.
“I learned a lot about myself,” she said. “I wish I could have done better.”
Ryan said "Idol" will air Wednesday and Thursday next week due to a presidential address on Tuesday. Read my liveblog by clicking the link below.
Mentor Randy Travis with the Top 11. Travis will sing with Carrie Underwood on Wednesday. Fox photos
Who is going home on Wednesday? It’s hard to say. Megan was bad—but she’ll get a pass for being sick. Adam was awesome—although I might be the only person who thinks so. No one else was horrible. Sooo…
I’m saying Michael Sarver will go home. He was the least memorable to me. America might just get behind him, though, for sassing Simon. Read what he said by clicking the link below.
Would you trade Paula Abdul for Randy Jackson? AP photos
Ever wish you could trade in loopy “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul?
Now you can. “Idol” production company FremantleMedia and publisher Upper Deck have created trading cards featuring past and current “Idol” contestants, judges and host Ryan Seacrest, the Associated Press reports. The 138-card line is set to debut April 21.
The deck has been stacked, so to speak, with some very special cards. To get people really excited about the cards, Upper Deck is adding one of six cards autographed by past “Idol” folks into random five-card packs.
AP says the regular cards will show such “Idol” rejects as William Hung and Nick Mitchell, winners Ruben Studdard and David Cook, and finalists such as Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.
The future of “Project Runway” is still in limbo, but Christian Siriano (right) hasn’t stopped moving since winning the design competition a few seasons ago.
He created a buzz-worthy 2009 collection and dressed such stars as “Runway” host Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham and Anne Hathaway.
Chicago fashionistas will get a chance to meet Siriano on April 10, when he and Wicker Park boutique Bonnie & Clyde’s present the Love Games Fashion Show at the newly renovated nightclub Lumen (839 West Fulton Market St.).
Bonnie & Clyde’s is the only Chicago store that carries Siriano’s clothing. The 10 p.m. fashion show will present his spring and summer 2009 collections.
Table reservations are highly recommended; to set up, please call Alison at 312-733-2222. For complimentary cover before 10:30 p.m., please RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com. Cover is $20 thereafter.
The future of “Project Runway” is still in limbo, but Christian Siriano (right) hasn’t stopped moving since winning the design competition a few seasons ago.
He created a buzz-worthy 2009 collection and dressed such stars as “Runway” host Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham and Anne Hathaway.
Chicago fashionistas will get a chance to meet Siriano on April 10, when he and Wicker Park boutique Bonnie & Clyde’s present the Love Games Fashion Show at the newly renovated nightclub Lumen (839 West Fulton Market St.).
Bonnie & Clyde’s is the only Chicago store that carries Siriano’s clothing. The 10 p.m. fashion show will present his spring and summer 2009 collections.
Table reservations are highly recommended; to set up, please call Alison at 312-733-2222. For complimentary cover before 10:30 p.m., please RSVP to info@lumen-chicago.com. Cover is $20 thereafter.
The singers on “American Idol” and dancers of "So You Think You Can Dance" have nothing on the kids attending Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Five of those students—Mia, Jasmine, Tyler, Malik and Shaakira—are the subjects of MTV’s new docu-series “Taking the Stage.” Former student Nick Lachey co-created and exec produces the 10-episode series, premiering at 9 p.m. March 19.
“I spent my formative years at SPCA, so I know first-hand what a fantastic yet often intense environment it can be,” Lachey said in a press release.
Other famous SPCA alums include Sarah Jessica Parker, Carmen Electra, Todd Luiso (“High Fidelity”) and Rocky Carroll (“NCIS”).
Think of the show as a reality version of the movie and TV series “Fame.” Each episode will feature songs and dance routines written and choreographed by the cast of students.
For more information on the five featured cast members go to MTV’s Web site.
“American Idol” goes a little bit country next week when the 11 remaining finalists perform songs made popular by members The Grand Ole Opry.
I wonder what Adam Lambert’s going to do with a country song. Of all the finalists—Kris Allen, Megan Joy Corkrey, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver—he’s my least likely to be doing country.
Country star Randy Travis will be on Tuesday’s 7 p.m. performance show as the first mentor of the season. He’ll return at 8 p.m. Wednesday, when he’s set to perform “I Told You So” with former “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood. Brad Paisley will perform his new single, “Then.”
Bravo’s “Shear Genuis” will be in Chicago on March 29-30, looking for hairburners to cast in the show’s third season.
According to Bravo’s Web site, you’ll meet with a hair consultant at the open call. I don’t think you’ll actually have to cut hair there, but check out the rules to make sure you are eligible. If you are chosen you will compete for $100,000.
The open call takes place during the America’s Beauty Show, so bring you’re A-game; you’ll likely be among tons of stylists in line.
Chicago “Shear Genius” open call
10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 29
10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 30
America's Beauty Show McCormick Place
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Ill. 60616
For the second week in a row, the 22-year-old ended up in the bottom two of Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel.” On Wednesday he was sent home.
“I was kind of shocked,” Cohen said.
The judges weren’t. He fumbled with a prop during his runway walk; his candy-themed photo didn’t work, and the judges still weren’t into his androgynous look.
Said designer Catherine Malandrino: “I don’t think so.”
Click the link below to see two reasons why I love watching this show.
The housemates on “Real World: Brooklyn” won’t be partying or bickering on Wednesday’s episode. They’ll be watching a preview screening of the new MTV movie, “Pedro.”
The movie, about “Real World: San Francisco” housemate Pedro Zamora, will air on MTV April 1. It pays tribute to Zamora, who was the first HIV-positive gay man on TV when he appeared on “Real World” in 1993. Zamora did tons of work in HIV-education before his death at age 22 in November 1994.
“Pedro” was written by Dustin Lance Black, who just won an Oscar for writing the “Milk” screenplay.
Click the link below are scenes from “Real World: Brooklyn” set to air at 8 p.m. Wednesday on MTV.
The judges could have saved a singer on “American Idol” Wednesday. Instead, they sent Jorge Nunez and Jasmine Murray on their way.
“Idol” changed its rules, giving judges Simon, Randy, Kara and Paula a one-time veto of America’s vote up to the Top 5 round. They week they save a singer, no one will be eliminated, host Ryan Seacrest said. The week after “the judges’ save” is used two singers will go home.
“No—sorry,” Simon said when Ryan asked if the judges decided to keep Jorge. Earlier, Randy delivered the bad news to Jasmine.
Read my liveblog posts by clicking the link below.
“American Idol” ended with another shocker Tuesday: Ryan Seacrest said a rule change will alter the show.
“You kind of change the entire theme and concept of the show,” Seacrest said after the Top 13 performed on the Fox series.
Last week, the judges surprised America when they named Anoop Desai the lucky 13th finalist. Usually only 12 singers make it to the finals.
On Tuesday, judge Simon Cowell (right) said the latest change involves the judges. “I’m not sure whether the public are going to like this,” he said.
I'm guessing the judges will be allowed to overturn America’s vote on Wednesday if they think the wrong person is sent home. Cowell and Seacrest would only say “tune in tomorrow.”
Cowell also announced that on Wednesday two of the 13 finalists will be sent home. Who do I think should go home? Michael Sarver and Anoop Desai.
The show starts at 8 p.m. Wednesday, a new time slot. Read my live-blog posts by clicking the link below
For the first time, “American Idol’s” final rounds will kick off with 13 finalists (7 p.m. Tuesday, Fox). So who are they and what are their chances? I have no idea. But here’s my best guess as to how America will vote—not that I agree with this potential scenario.
Personally, I’m rooting for Adam Lambert. I idolize anyone who nails a Cher song. RedEye’s iPhone blogger Scott Kleinberg also asked fans on Twitter what they think.
“The Bachelor” Jason Mesnick didn’t want her, but “Dancing with the Stars” reportedly does.
Jilted “Bachelor” finalist Melissa Rycroft (left), 25, will replace injured star Nancy O’Dell, who withdrew after injuring her knee, People reports. A source close to the ABC production told People that she will dance on Monday’s 7 p.m. season premiere.
In last week’s controversial end to “The Bachelor,” Mesnick proposed to Rycroft. But during the “After the Final Rose” special, taped six weeks after the finale, he dumped Rycroft for runner-up Molly Malaney.
Rycroft’s not the only sub coming to “Dancing” this season. Holly Madison (right) of “The Girls Next Door” reportedly will take the place of singer Jewel, who also withdrew last week with an injury.
ABC hasn’t commented on who will fill in, saying only that the new competitors will be introduced during the premiere.
“Dancing With the Stars” has lost two of its stars: Jewel and Nancy O’Dell withdrew from ABC’s dance competition.
Jewel, who was dancing with pro Dmitry Chaplin (far right), fractured the tibiae in both legs. O’Dell tore her meniscus, a muscle in her knee. The “Access Hollywood” host, who was paired with Tony Dovolani (left photo), will need surgery.
“I was devastated that I couldn’t continue the show,” Jewel said in a press release, adding that she hopes to sing on the show and will be in the audience to cheer on her dancing husband, bull rider Ty Murray.
ABC will announce the stars’ replacements during the Season 8 season premiere at 7 p.m. Monday. Jewel and O’Dell will appear on to discuss their injuries.
E! reports Hugh Hefner has confirmed that “Girl Next Door” star Holly Madison now will pair with Chaplin.
Gilles Marini reportedly has been diagnosed with tendonitis in his shoulder and groin, but the "Sex and the City" hunk is still dancing.
“American Idol” has named its Top 13 performers, and they’re getting the party started—with special guests.
Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson will perform on the Fox show at 8 p.m. Wednesday. West will sing his single, “Heartless,” while “Idol” winner Clarkson will perform her song, “My Life Would Suck Without You.”
Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Top 13 will perform for the first time. On Wednesday’s live results show, one of the 13 will be sent home.
Judges Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara chose 13 finalists instead of the usual 12. Click the link below to learn more about the Top 13.
“Make Me A Supermodel” judge Jenny Shimizu made a career out of looking androgynous. The look isn’t working as well for Chicago model wannabe Chris Cohen.
The 22-year-old ended up in the bottom two on the Bravo’s reality competition show Wednesday.
“Christine. Chris … He needed a handbag for the catwalk,” photographer Perou said. “I don’t care if he’s a girl or a boy, he needed some bite.”
Surprisingly, the judges kept Cohen, and kicked off Ken (right)—for being too manly.
The judges weren’t Chris’ only problem Wednesday. Click the link below for a blow-by-blow of the episode.
Lil Rounds (from left), Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Nuñez were voted into the Top 12.
On Thursday, the Wild Card group sings. We’ll hear Tatiana Del Toro, Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth, Anoop Desai, Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy and Megan Corkrey.
The judges pick three people form the group to join the other nine finalists: Jorge Nuñez, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Michael Sarver, Alexis Grace and Danny Gokey.
Who do you think will make it? Leave some comments, and check out the "American Idol" PHOTO GALLERY.
Last season on “Make Me A Supermodel,” fans watched as Ronnie and Ben struck up a bromance, Perry spun out of control over his girlfriend, and eventually winner Holly broke down because she had to do a nude photo shoot.
There’s no bromance this season, says contestant Chris Cohen, a 22-year-old Chicagoan, but fans can expect a whole lot of drama.
“There were eight guys and eight girls in one house together,” he told me last week. “You’re always going to have tensions.”
Tension rules in Wednesday’s 9 p.m. premiere on Bravo, when Cohen, who is gay, is paired for a semi-nude shoot with Branden, who whines “I’m especially not gay.”
The model wannabes met for only a few minutes before having to strip down and pose together, Cohen said.
“We weren’t really allowed to get to know each other,” he said. “Being in this industry you have to be comfortable with yourself. You have to be comfortable with your body. That’s huge. ... You really get to know people quick.”
Cohen claims that he shrugged off Branden’s issues and just worked through the shoot (left), but he faced a bigger challenge from one-named judge Perou, a fashion photographer who doesn’t appreciate Cohen’s androgynous look.
“He just seems sort of uncomfortable; he seems homophobic,” Cohen said. “So that was tough just working with people who don’t necessarily have the same views as you.”
Perou is one of several judges on the show, which has made changes for its second season. Mentor Nikki Taylor is gone, and Aussie supermodel Nicole Trunfio is mentoring the women. Host Tyson Beckford is not longer a judge, but serves as the men’s mentor.
The new judges panel consists of Perou, designer Catherine Malandrino, model Jenny Shimizu and international model scout Marlon. They are tough on the 16 models, who are competing for a $100,000 prize, a one-year contact with New York Model management and a Cosmopolitan fashion pictorial.
Perou and the other judges savaged Cohen after his first appearance on the catwalk. Cohen said their critiques are tough to hear, but they “knew what they were talking about.”
“I knew that being myself as I was that day wasn’t going to cut it to be a supermodel. I knew I had to work on things,” he said. “Whatever the judges would say might be harsh but I just take it with a grain of salt and take what I think is going to work best for me.”
Cohen is done filming the show in New York, and is currently back in Chicago and working at the Spanish clothing store Zara.
He says he didn’t get any advice from last season’s runner-up, Ronnie Kroell (above), before he started “MMAS,” but he has become Facebook friends with the former Chicagoan who now lives in New York.
“It’s cool to be there for each other, support each other,” Cohen said.
Cohen talked more about his experience, working with Beckford and what he likes to do in Chicago. Click the link below.
Two supermodels enter, one model leaves ... It's not quite that serious, but The CW's "America's Next Top Model" and Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel" begin their new seasons Wednesday, pitting Tyra Banks against Tyson Beckford. Luckily, they're not on at the same time, so real fans of modeling--or near nudity--can watch them both.
MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL 9 p.m. Wednesday, Bravo
Tune in or out? out of four.
The first season of “Make Me a Supermodel” introduced the world to “Bronnie,” the gay Chicagoan and eventual runner-up Ronnie Kroell and his bromantic straight pal, Ben DiChiara.
The bromance is over, but Tyson Beckford says you won’t miss it thanks to the new cast of “Make Me a Supermodel.”
“I believe they are even stronger,” the men’s mentor told reporters recently. “You’re going to be blown away by the second season.”
Call this show my guilty pleasure; I was blown away by the premiere, which starts out with the male and female models dropping trou’ and striking poses in pairs. It brings up a surprising and humorous issue midway through the shoot. "We got wood," Beckford says, as everyone around him laughs.
You have to give props to a show that doesn’t pretend to be more than it is: soft-core porn with personality. I love it.
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL 7 p.m. Wednesday, CW
Tune in or out? out of four.
The best thing “America’s Next Top Model” has going for it is producer/host/judge Tyra Banks.
To borrow her own phrase, she’s fierce. And she knows how to keep all eyes on her show. Her CW reality series begins its 12th season Wednesday with another batch of misunderstood modeling misfits: One contestant refuses to hide her scars, another is obsessed with blood and a third has epilepsy. Banks has the old stand-bys too: a model her late 20s and another who is called fat.
“This is a very special group of girls,” Banks told The Associated Press. “I want them to connect with viewers, and not just with their looks, but with their personalities.”
Banks can get a bit preachy and tiresome, but for the most part she keeps things lively. The two-hour opener starts in Las Vegas, but next week Banks packs everyone up for New York, where all the bitchy fun really begins.
Got caught up on “Idol” early Tuesday morning. So who do I think should move on Wednesday? Lil Rounds, Von Smith and Jorge Nuñez. But I bet Scott MacIntyre sneaks in there.
I’ll be back Wednesday night. Check out the updated "American Idol" PHOTO GALLERY to see who's in the Top 12 and who’s might come back for the wild card round.
Click the link below to read what I thought of each Tuesday night performance.
Another rap star is coming to our TV screens—maybe.
IME Entertainment has signed Darryl “DMC” McDaniels to host a new reality series called “The Kings of Rap.” The hip-hop competition series still is in development and is being shopped around to networks, according to Josh Gross of its PR firm, Seldin Gross Communications.
On the New York-filmed series, aspiring hip-hop artists will compete for the chance to earn a record deal, but they must create music that is not offensive. “Their music cannot glorify violence, degrade women or include the use of profanity,” reads a press release from IME.
“There are so many talented kids out there who don’t get heard or don’t get signed because they’re not controversial enough, or they’re too positive,” DMC is quoted as saying in the release. “That amazes me.
“The spirit of hip-hop was always about changing the world or yourself, not with a gun or with denigrating or offensive words, but by being effective with your mind. This is a time when everyone is talking about change and we as a country have the opportunity to make a difference. We can start by changing what we have to say to each other, and what we say to our kids through music.”
“The Simpsons” isn’t the only show to earn more air time. Fans will get more “Survivor” and “Crash” in the future too.
CBS has announced the 19th and 20th editions of “Survivor” that will air in the 2009-2010 season. “Survivor: Tocatins” currently airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays, drawing 12.3 million viewers this week against “American Idol.” CBS didn’t announce where the new editions would be filmed.
Starz Entertainment renewed "Crash" for its second season that will air this fall. The network’s first original drama wrapped its 13-episode first season in January. Starz announced that writer/producer Ira Steven Behr ("The 4400," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "The Twilight Zone") will be executive producer/showrunner for the second season, while James DeMonaco ("The Kill Point") will exec produce and Todd Harthan ("The Kill Point") will be supervising producer.
Back row from left: Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Clint Black, Claudia Jordan, Natalie Gulbis, Herschel Walker, Brian McKnight, Jesse James, Andrew Dice Clay, Tom Green, Dennis Rodman, Brande Roderick, Chloe Kardashian; Front row from left: Melissa Rivers, Joan Rivers, George Ross, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Scott Hamilton, Annie Duke. NBC photo
THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE 8 p.m. Sunday, NBC
Tune in or out? out of four.
The more unlikable Donald Trump gets, the more entertaining he is. And nothing puts The Donald’s comb-over on end more than a sassing competitor. This year, the reinvigorated reality series has plenty independent-minded celebrities to butt heads with him, including Dennis Rodman, Jesse James, Annie Duke, Andrew Dice Clay, Tionne Watkins and Tom Green. Nothing thrilled me more than seeing Joan Rivers scream, “You’re a despicable human being!” and throw a wine glass in the previews.
Philip Johnson and Rosie O'Donnell star in "America." Lifetime photo
AMERICA 8 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime
Tune in or out? out of four.
Rosie O’Donnell produced, co-wrote and co-stars in this made-for-TV film about a kid who gets lost in foster care. O’Donnell, a foster mother herself, is heavy-handed with her narration about the screwed-up system, but she mostly gets things right. She’s surprisingly restrained as a therapist helping troubled teen America. Newcomer Philip Johnson knocks it out of the park with his raw, emotional and seething portrayal of the title character.
Kris Allen (from left), Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert. Fox photos
Nick Mitchell almost became “American Idol’s” next Sanjaya Malakar.
Thankfully, America has wised up since Season 6. Sanjaya provided the comic relief two years ago with his hair don’ts. Nick did the same thing this season with his over-the-top musical comedy routines under his wacky alter ego, Norman Gentle.
“I prayed for about five or six hours non-stop last night,” judge Simon Cowell said Thursday before Ryan Seacrest announced that Simon’s prayers had been answered:
Norman and Nick are out, and Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen moved into the Top 12.
We’ll update our "American Idol" PHOTO GALLERY later tonight or tomorrow, with updated shots of the performances, who's in the Top 36 and most importantly, who's in the Top 12.
My picks for tonight’s sucky show? Adam Lambert (from right), Allison Iraheta both knocked it out of the park. Either Jesse Langseth or Kai Kalama are on the next level, followed by Mishavonna Henson. No one else comes close. See you Thursday.
Apparently something’s working over at The CW. The network, which ejected its entire Sunday night line-up earlier this year, has picked up several of its series for next season.
“Gossip Girl,” “One Tree Hill,” “90210,” “America’s Next Top Model,” “Smallville” and “Supernatural” all will be back for another season, the network announced Tuesday. Let’s hope “Reaper” is added to that list. It returns March 3—up against “American Idol” unfortunately.
Not so, says Tyra Banks, who is casting only women under 5-feet-7-inches, the industry’s usual minimum height requirement, for Season 13 of “America’s Next Top Model.”
“There have been top supermodels in the past that weren’t as tall as the industry demands,” she said in a CW press release, like Kate Moss.
Nina Gardia, Michael Kors and Heidi Klum watch the "Project Runway" Season 6 fashion show in New York last week. Getty Images photo
Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn and the rest of the “Project Runway” gang taped their sixth-season finale Friday, but they couldn’t reveal the finalists.
The three designers showed their collections at New York Fashion Week, but couldn’t show themselves. The cast has yet to be announced, so the finalists stayed hidden backstage.
The show is still mired in a legal tussle over who has rights to it. NBC Universal, which owns Bravo where it aired for five seasons, thinks the show’s producer, the Weinstein Co., didn’t have the right to shop it to Lifetime Channel, which plans to air the sixth season. NBC Universal sued Weinstein after the production company made a reported $150 million deal with Lifetime for the series that features host Klum, mentor Gunn, and judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia.
Some of the looks are fairly daring. I wonder if we’ll ever get to meet the designers who created them—or see how they made it to Fashion Week.
MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice in 2004. Getty Images photo
Did you ever think you’d see more of MC Hammer?
But the former rapper is about to make a big comeback. OK, maybe not so big. A&E Network will be following Stanley Burrell, his wife and their seven kids in a new reality show called “Hammertime.”
Don’t expect to be moved to breaking out those old moves. According to A&E senior VP Robert Sharenow, the show will “look behind his larger-than-life personality and into his life as a devoted husband, father and business entrepreneur.”
Snooze. It’s set to premiere later this year.
Click the link below to read A&E’s description of the series.
Danny Gokey (right), Alexis Grace (center) and, a surprise to me—Michael Sarver (left)—are the first three “Idol” finalists of Season 8. Not sure Michael should be there, but remember that this year with the wild card week the judges can bring back some folks America did not vote forward. So you never know.
See you next Wednesday for the next 12 singers: Kris Allen, Matt Breitzke, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud, Mishavonna Henson, Allison Iraheta, Kai Kalama, Adam Lambert, Jesse Langseth, Nick Mitchell, Jasmine Murray and Jeanine Vailes.
Predictions, predictions: I say the Top 3 this week are Danny Gokey (right), Alexis Grace (center) and Brent Keith (left).
I feel Brent, Anoop Desai, Ricky Braddy, Jackie Tohn were sort of in the second tier after the top tier of Danny and Alexis.
What do you think? Post some comments and we’ll see which three America voted for on Wednesday. Read tonight's blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
Joanna Pacitti (above) has been disqualified from "American Idol."
On Wednesday, the “American Idol” judges put singer Joanna Pacitti into the Top 36 for Season 8. On Thursday, she is gone.
Pacitti (right) has been disqualified from “Idol,” Fox says, apparently because she has relationships with one of the companies that oversees “Idol.”
"It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. AMERICAN IDOL contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36," Fox said in a statement.
Pacitti’s name was not included in the official release listing the Top 36; instead, Felicia Barton is listed. She was shown on Wednesday getting the boot.
A source close to the show told the Los Angeles Times that Pacitti was disqualified to "avoid the appearance of impropriety."
Since Pacitti’s first appearance on the show there has been some controversy about her professional past. Access Hollywood reports that she’s appeared on Broadway in “Annie” and sang “Watch Me Shine” on the soundtrack for “Legally Blonde.” She also sang “Out From Under” on the “Bratz” movie, which was re-recorded by Britney Spears for her “Circus” CD.
Also widely reported is Pacitti’s former record deal with A&M/Geffen, which released her 2006 album, "This Crazy Life." She also opened for Nick Lachey on his last tour. According to Billboard, Lachey is signed to Jive Records, which is owned by Sony BMG, the company that provides a recording contract to the "Idol" winner.
Finally, according to a number of sources, Pacitti’s former manager and “best friend,” Michelle Young, works for 19 Entertainment, which partly oversees “Idol.” Star magazine has reported that Pacitti lived in the same apartment building as Young and 19 Entertainment employee Roger Widynowski.
It seems like “Idol” and Fox have made a wise move in disqualifying Pacitti, but couldn’t they have figured it out sooner that this? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Click the link below to learn more about the Top 36.
Matt (right) sings first. What is he singing? Simon doesn’t like it
Michael (left) comes in, and sings better than Matt. But Simon doesn’t seem to like him either. “I’m not sure either of them could win this competition,” Simon says.
Paula tells them they are both in.
So now we have the Top 36. The list leaked a few weeks ago is accurate. You can see that here. Over the next three weeks, they'll perform in groups of 12 and you, the viewers, vote for your favorites. So start paying attention.
The judges on Wednesday are going to tease everyone before picking the 36 who will move on in Hollywood. Fox/American Idol photos
On Wednesday, the judges review the tapes and pick the final 36—after these folks are trotted before the judges one more time. In one clip, Simon tells someone to sing for his survival.
"The Biggest Loser" is looking for contestants for another season by launching a 14-city audition process that comes to Chicago on Feb. 21.
According to an NBC press release, both individuals and teams are encouraged to apply for the new season, which will air in the fall. Producers also are looking for certified trainers.
CHICAGO
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21
Where: NBC Tower, 454 N. Columbus Dr.
Chicago designer Elise Bergman needs your help. She’s one of the final two designers competing to be on Bravo's newest competition series, “The Fashion Show.”
The show follows professional designers as they compete for a chance to have their designs sold for the mass retail market.
You can vote for Bergman to join the competition as many times as one want by Feb. 13—that’s Friday—at Bravo TV.
You'll find her Bravo bio by clicking the link below, and you can see her work by clicking here.
“Dancing with the Stars” may have a new name by the end of its latest season, which begins March 9 on ABC.
How does “Divorcing with the Stars” sound? Or “Breaking Up with the Stars”?
Three real-life couples will be on the dance floor this season. Husband and wife Ty Murray and Jewel are two of the stars, while recently engaged pro dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff are competing this season.
Country singer Chuck Wicks and girlfriend/pro dancer Julianne Hough might have it even worse. They are partnering up this season. Who’s the boss?
The rest of the stars are Belinda Carlisle, Lil Kim, Denise Richards, David Alan Grier, Lawrence Taylor, Shawn Johnson, Gilles Marini, Steve-O, Nancy O’Dell and Steve Wozniak. Click the link below to read more about the stars (info courtesy of ABC).
Wilson, a former member of the group Wilson Phillips, will host Game Show Network’s revival of “The Newlywed Game” that premieres at 5 p.m. April 6.
“I’m a huge fan of the show and watched back in the day,” Wilson said in a press release. “It’s a special show that stands alone as one of a kind and I’m proud to be part of it.”
The game’s set-up has three newly married couples answering a series of questions. Each spouse will be asked to guess the other’s answers to questions ranging from the first time they met to the last time they had sex.
Wilson’s version of this one-of-a-kind show will include a bonus round in which the winning couple will challenge a Goldywed Couple—a couple that appeared in the original “Newlywed Game” that aired from the 1960s-90s.
As you can see in this video clip, the answers can get pretty strange.
Fox, who starred in last year’s season of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and was in the “Kill Bill” movies, will host a new show on TV Land called “The Cougar.” It’s a one-hour elimination dating series in which an older woman looks for love from a pool of younger men.
“I’m so excited to be the guide for 'The Cougar’s' quest for love,” Fox said in a release. “This show will prove to be empowering and enlightening for women everywhere. Plus, 20 hot guys gathered under one roof doesn’t hurt!”
Katrina (from left), Rose and Lauren did not make it to Round 3 of Hollywood. Jasmine Murray (below) did. Fox photos
Bikini Girl’s “American Idol” dream is over, but not without a lot of drama.
There’s always pole dancing, as judge Kara DioGuardi might tell Katrina Darrell (right), the 20-year-old who originally auditioned for the show in a bikini.
Kara and Katrina fought each time the “Idol” hopeful showed up. Thanks to Simon Cowell, Katrina won the first two rounds in her battle with Kara and kept moving forward.
But Kara won the war on Wednesday during the group event, happily sending Katrina packing after the Californian initially quit rehearsing with her three team members, then made most of them look pretty awful when she decided to join them onstage.
Even Simon seemed annoyed by the diva, mocking her when she said she stopped rehearsing because her scoliosis had acted up. He wasn't listening to any excuses from her or teammates. Only team member Jasmine Murray (left) survived.
After her ouster, Katrina dumped on her teammates: “They’re just fake girls,” she said. “They don’t mean anything to me.”
OMG, that Osmond dude didn’t make it?! Shocking! At least to me.
Tatiana onstage. Muna is first. Then Tat. Simon stops them. Tat tries to keep singing but the judges shut her down. They’re all safe. Again, Tat steals the screen. Crying thank yous. Did she win a Grammy? STHU!
Team Compromise is the final group, and then I can take some aspirin. Maybe they will sing “Cryin’” after they are done praying. They sing Duffy’s “Mercy.”
Nathaniel starts, and he’s very DRAMATIC. Nancy Wilson, the red head: Not good. Kristin next. Little rough, but hits that last note before Simon cuts them off.
“Wow, you really don’t like each other,” Simon says, and suggests they were singing badly in backup to sabotage partners.
“It’s not nice to see what’s up on stage right now,” Paula says, meaning they’re all bawling. Nancy shakes off Nathaniel’s hug, then calls Kristin something bleepable.
Losers parade, then montage of winners. Lil Rounds (left) is in there. I'm sure we'll see more of her next week.
David Osmond, Erika Wesley sing. Then Emily Wynne-Hughs is up. She once met Britney Spears. Check out the vid way at the bottom of this post.
Emily sings a No Doubt song she hasn’t rehearsed. And the judges do not like it. “The song was disappointing,” Kara says, and everyone agrees with her.
Alex, David, Emily make it. Erika didn’t make it, and now she’s back on stage to fight for her spot.
Paula says she wanted to say yes. Simon busts her, pointing out she wrote no. Simon says no, no, no. Simon and Paula bicker. LOL
Brent Keith makes it, Adam Lambert makes it. You can find more on both of them below. One hundred four make it.
Wednesday is group day, and it looks like Simon isn’t happy about something.
Chef Gordon Ramsay (left) lets Wil have it. Fox photo
Chef Wil Kocol of Cary couldn’t survive the heat of “Hell’s Kitchen.”
The Neil Patrick Harris look-a-like was the first contestant fire-breathing Chef Gordon Ramsay kicked out of the kitchen on Thursday’s Season 5 premiere.
Kocol nominated himself to be one of two chefs put on the chopping block after the men’s team bombed in Thursday’s restaurant opening. Kocol failed at the garnish station.
Ramsay thought it was strange Wil “didn’t even have the will to succeed.”
“Hell’s Kitchen” premiere is coming up next. Read what cranky Chef Gordon Ramsay had to say about the new season here.
Here’s Alexis Cohen, who auditioned and had a huge meltdown last year (photo at right). She’s doing Buddhism now, and is (allegedly) more relaxed. But she still can’t sing. Simon says she’s gotten worse.
She gives him a double bird.
Patricia is the last San Juan audition, and she sings “I Want to Dance with Somebody.” Simon tells her never sing Whitney Houston, because she’ll always come off as second best.
Tries another song. Randy says yes; Paula say no. Apparently Kara and Simon say yes, cuz she’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD.
Nine from Puerto Rico make it; 26 form New York make it. Next week it’s Hollywood. Promos show drama, drama, drama.
Remember Mark Mudd from the Louisville auditions for “American Idol” last week? (Click here.)
The singing hopeful was booted by the judges, and as he left he said, “You all be careful.” Simon and Paula threw a hissy, claiming Mudd was threatening them.
“Idol” producers, who played up the incident in promos, on Wednesday quietly issued an apology to viewers for “the misinterpretation of the contestant’s comment” at the Web site americanidol.com.
“We apologize to any viewers who were offended by the misinterpretation of the contestant's comment to ‘be careful’ upon completion of his audition in Louisville, KY. Our visits to audition cities are relatively brief and sometimes regional greetings and salutations are lost in translation. We had not heard that phrase from any other contestants during the day, so it took everyone by surprise. We now know better and look forward to visiting Louisville again someday.”
This morning I confirmed with an "Idol" rep that the apology is official. I called BS on the "threat" right away, as did readers who voted in a poll I posted. I can’t imagine how that could be misinterpreted.
Putting that aside, I applaud “Idol” for apologizing, but how about extending the specifically to Mudd, who was made to look like a crazy bully? The reaction from Simon, Paula and the rest of the judges went beyond the usual browbeating of try-outs.
Chef Gordon Ramsay (right) isn’t known for praising the chef-testants under his tough tutelage on “Hell’s Kitchen.”
Chicago chef Ben apparently made a good impression on the fire-breathing Ramsay.
"Ben is extraordinary and, again, tenacious and very, very flamboyant …,” Ramsay told me during a conference call Wednesday. “Ben is like having a rhinoceros in the kitchen. He's non-stop. He's energetic. A powerhouse.
“The fascinating thing is when you discipline a young chef it's the response that tells you how long they've got in this industry and Ben's attitude was 100 percent professional."
Ben isn’t the only Chicago-area chef competing in Season 5 of the Fox series, which premieres at 8 p.m. Thursday after “American Idol.” Ramsay also offered a few words about Elgin chef Wil on Wednesday.
“[Wil is] very clever, very articulate, very, very calm in terms of putting it together,” he said. “I enjoyed working with both of them.”
Ramsay also said he thinks Chicago is a major restaurant town, citing the influence the old Blackbird had on the industry, and that Grant Achatz’s Alinea is currently having.
“I love Chicago,” he said. “I always get frustrated when they don’t get the spotlight as much as New York does.”
Chef Wil Kocol of Elgin (left) and Neil Patrick Harris.
I did a double take when previewing the 8 p.m. Thursday premiere of Fox's "Hell's Kitchen." That wasn't Neil Patrick Harris of “How I Met Your Mother” getting a verbal beating from Chef Gordon Ramsay.
It was Wil Kocol of Elgin, one the Season 5 contestants. When I asked Ramsay on Wednesday if Kocol really does look like Harris, Ramsay laughed and said, "definitely."
Check out these two sets of photos I found from Fox and CBS. What do you think?
Read more about the new season of "Hell's Kitchen" here.
Have Chicago models scared away “America’s Next Top Model”?
Tyra Banks’ reality series has announced Season 12 and not a Chicago contestant is among the 13 finalists. Three Chicago-area natives have won the contest:
Season 11: Brittany “McKey” Sullivan of Lake Forest
Season 1: Adrianne Curry of Joliet
Season 8: Jaslene Gonzalez of Chicago
The new season begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 on the CW. Click the link below to read more about the models.
Lest you all think I sit here and make fun of these try-outs having never experienced such savagery myself, let me share my own sob story with you.
Last Saturday the RedEye gang got together, and after much celebrating (it was Saturday, after all), we decided to play Rock Band. And since I’m not a musician, and I was once sweated upon by Jon Bon Freakin’ Jovi himself (short story, but unimportant), I decided to croon the Bon Freakin’ Jovi song, “Wanted Dead or Alive.” I prefer the song "Bad Medicine," but that wasn't available.
Anyway, the game itself gave me several “shaky” comments, and a few “awesomes.” Here’s what my no longer friends had to say:
I would have to say "pitchy."
It was as if Bon Jovi himself were singing ... if Bon Jovi had his vocal chords ripped out by some kind of horrible, horrible demon.
It was as if Lindsay Lohan's voice and a lawn mower blade had a baby.
I know I’m a great singer. They don’t know what they’re talking about. They weren’t much better, if I remember correctly.
Chefs Wil (left) and Ben compete on the latest "Hell's Kitchen." Fox photos
Two Chicago-area chefs are jumping into the fire known as “Hell’s Kitchen” on Thursday.
Ben, 26, an executive sous chef from Chicago, and Wil, 27, a quality-control chef from Elgin, will face 14 other contestants for the grand prize of a “head chef” position at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.
Their biggest challenge, however, will be surviving the wrath of their taskmaster, fiery Chef Gordon Ramsay, who's been known to make a grown man cry.
Season 5 of “Hell’s Kitchen” debuts at 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox. For more, click the link below.
I think the theme of tonight’s show was “Don’t cry on TV. You look stupid.” And the poster boy is Michael Perelli (right). He wasn’t a bad singer. Hopefully he’ll take the judges’ advice, start a band and do his own thing.
And get some tissues.
Anyway, see you Wednesday, when the video for Kelly Clarkson’s song "My Life Would Suck Without You" debuts during the “Idol” broadcast.
"America's Got Talent" producers are looking for talented Americans.
The NBC reality competition series returns this summer. Producers are coming to Chicago on March 1 and 2 to find talented singers, dancers, contortionists, comedians, jugglers, magicians and pretty much anything else.
Specific times and locations for open calls have not been confirmed yet, but hopefuls should pre-register at NBC’s AGT site to be kept up to date on audition information.
Stuntmen brothers, a pair of flight attendants, Harvard lawyers who are brother/sister, a screenwriter/producer/actor and his father and a team of former NFL cheerleaders are among the 11 teams racing in “The Amazing Race 14.”
The first ever deaf contestant and his mother also are taking part in the race, which will travel more than 40,000 miles in nine countries in just 22 days. Teams will be challenged by the world's second tallest bungee jump, freezing Siberian temperatures and suffocating heat in India.
Phil Keoghan hosts the show, which debuts at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 on CBS. Click the link below to meet the racers.
A former member of the Grammy-nominated group SWF, or Sisters With Voices, is among the contestants on “Survivor: Tocantins,” which begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 12. Taj Johnson-George (right) is now married to former Tennessee Titan running back Eddie George. She’s already spent time on the British reality programs “Famous People” and “I Married A Baller.”
According to CBS, Taj and the 15 other contestants will be stranded in the Brazilian Highlands, a rugged area where the castaways “will battle scorching temperatures, torrential downpours and dangerous wildlife.” A change this season is that the contestants are put into two tribes right away.
Click the link below to read about the other contestants.
Bravo announced the 16 finalists for Season 2 of “Make Me a Supermodel” on Wednesday, and another Chicago resident is in the running.
Can Libertyville native Chris Cohen, 22, who used to in Chicago and now lives in LA, make it as far as Ronnie Kroell did last season? Here’s Chris’ pre-show shot (far right), and Ronnie’s from last year (right).
According to Bravo’s release, Chris is “inspired by art—music, fashion, design. He believes they all run parallel. Chris dreams of becoming a supermodel and using his design sense and influence to create a high-end fashion line of accessories. Trained at the California Design College in LA, he currently works at the Spanish clothing store, Zara, when he is not working modeling jobs.
The new season kicks off at 9 p.m. March 4. The casting special airs at 10 p.m. Feb. 7.
Bravo’s changing things up this season. Tyson Beckford returns as host, but Niki Taylor is out. In her place as a mentor is Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio. They’re joined by a new group of judges: designer Catherine Malandrino, model Jenny Shimizu, photographer Perou and international model-scout Marlon.
Click the link below to read about the other model wannabes.
Joan Rivers vs. Andrew Dice Clay? This should be interesting.
NBC announced the contestants for the new season of “The Celebrity Apprentice” which begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 1.
“Last season's 'Celebrity Apprentice' became one of the hottest shows on television—and this season will be even better," host and judge Donald Trump says in the NBC pres release.
I’m not sure it was the “hottest” show, Donald. Click the link after the photo below to read about all 16 celebrities on the new season.
Back row: Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Clint Black, Claudia Jordan, Natalie Gulbis, Herschel Walker, Brian McKnight, Jesse James, Andrew Dice Clay, Tom Green, Dennis Rodman, Brande Roderick; Front row: Melissa Rivers, Joan Rivers, George Ross, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Scott Hamilton, Annie Duke. NBC photo
MTV’s “Real World” returns Wednesday for its 21st (!) season, and it’s still managing to have a “first.” Katelynn, a 24-year-old from West Palm Beach, Fla., is the first transgender roomie on the show. If that doesn’t get you to tune into "Real World: Brooklyn" beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday, then you really are burned out by confessional reality TV (as am I).
MTV will air 13 one-hour episodes this season, as well as present The Real World Dailies here that will show uncensored and unedited clips from the filming of the season.
13: FEAR IS REAL 7 p.m. Wednesday, CW
Tune in or out? No stars.
This new reality competition show pits 13 contestants against each other in a series of challenges inspired by horror movies. They are dumped in “one of the most haunted areas on Earth,” Louisiana bayou country, and told to do scary things by a never-seen manipulator named “The Mastermind.” Each week, one victim will be “killed off” until one survives and wins $66,666.
I’m calling it “Survivor: Stupid.”
I lost interest almost immediately, when the bus driver taking them into the woods said that a “tree” in the road meant he could not take them any further. They would have to walk. The smallest of the women could have moved the “tree” out of the way.
It only gets worse. Several of the contestants act frightened by every little thing, and really go way overboard with the screaming and melo-drama.
Do they really think the producers are going to kill them? The scariest thing about this show is that someone might believe it.
GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD 7 p.m. Saturday, CBS
Tune in or out? out of four.
CBS has fallen under the spell of producer Ashton Kutcher (right), who does not appear in this new game show. The home of everything “CSI” is airing his lame hidden-camera game show that has the feel of his old MTV hit, “Punk’d.” Host Joe Rogan orders contestants via an earpiece to generally act foolish in public for cash prizes. The first episode’s player must get a perfect stranger to “marry” her. Sorry Ashton, I will not be watching this show ’til death do we part. In fact, not even 'til it's third episode.
THE NANNY EXPRESS 8 p.m. Saturday, Hallmark
Tune in or out? out of four.
“Las Vegas” alum Vanessa Marcil (left) plays Supergirl—I mean a good Samaritan who can do anything. She’s going to school to be a teacher, tutors low-income kids at her church, takes care of her ailing father and has time to work as a nanny!. After initial trouble, she wins over a widower’s scheming kids—and the widower! Oops, did I spoil that for you? Not really, since everything thing in the made-for-TV movie is predictable, and predictably weepy.
Carson Daly will welcome Katy Perry to his annual New Year's Eve broadcast. NBC photo
Carson Daly loves music, but apparently not “American Idol.”
“I missed the whole reality thing,” the TV host and self-proclaimed music lover told reporters during a recent conference call. “... I don’t like rubbernecking television. I just think quality is everything and I’d rather be patient and put my stamp on stuff that I can wake up to and be proud of.”
To that end, Daly has amassed an impressive lineup for his annual New Year’s Eve broadcast from New York’s Times Square, including T.I., Katy Perry, Ludacris, The Ting Tings and Elton John.
