Idol Gives Back Lacking Stars?
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, Ratings,
OK, I don’t want to bust on American Idol‘s “Idol Gives Back” show too much… this was an amazing way to raise money through the highest rated show on TV. But, I felt a little cheated by the failure to deliver the big names they’ve been touting since they announced Idol Gives Back. And the celebs who did appear got very little air time—like Hugh Grant and Keira Knightley, who had been announced on the roster of stars for weeks and only (from what I saw) had a small part in that celeb lip syncing of Stayin’ Alive. Truly, there was a lot of performances and footage of African and American kids living in poverty—that’s the heart of the charity, after all. But still, I’m not so sure the massive promotion of stars who didn’t appear was necessary (Borat and Gwen Stefani come to mind). And, I don’t want to brag (well, a little maybe), but I had a feeling as soon as Ryan said this would be “the most shocking result in Idol history” that no one would be going home. It just didn’t seem right to eliminate someone with the whole tone of the show. Next week though—two get the boot!
Gallery: Idol Gives Back Lacking Stars?
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Vanessa Minnillo Bails from TRL
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Music, Reality, Cable, Cable/Satellite, Gossip, Rumors,
After four years on MTV’s Total Request Live, Vanessa Minnillo is calling it quits. Is it TRL‘s change in format to a semi-live program, or her recent shacking up with Nick Lachey to blame? Well, maybe some of both… or maybe neither. Minnillo said of her departure, “I had my four years there like high school or college. I’m ready for the next chapter – what it is, I have no idea. [But] I don’t want to be 48 saying, ‘Hey kids, now it’s Sean Preston Spears’s video.’ ” Good girl, getting out before she’s old and gray. She does have a career in the wings—a makeup line for Flirt! Cosmetics, which will be available in August. “We have two looks going on,” Minnillo said. “You can have that fun rock-and-roll look or an everyday look.” OK, sure. She’ll also show up in the next Fantastic Four. I’m sure she’ll have no trouble finding work. There’s always a new reality show looking for a host.
Read More 
| People
Gallery: Vanessa Minnillo Bails from TRL
American Idol: Season 6 Finals - Week Seven
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, Features,
It took six seasons for the producers of American Idol to finally realize that they had Oprah-esque potential to inspire acts of charity. But better late then never, right?
Taking advantage of their large audience, AI and its sponsors reminded the viewers (and themselves) how superficial a singing contest really is. In an attempt to lessen our collective guilt and help people around the world—the viewers were given the opportunity to donate to charity simply by doing what they’ve been doing for weeks: voting. For every call made tonight, $.10 would be donated to charity—up to $5 million in total.
So in keeping with tonight’s theme, the contestants were charged with performing ‘songs of inspiration’. But were they successful in getting people to vote for them? Read on!
Click to continue reading American Idol: Season 6 Finals - Week Seven
Read More | American Idol Contestants
Gallery: American Idol: Season 6 Finals - Week Seven
Votes Carry New Weight on Idol Gives Back
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, Specials, FOX, American Idol, News,
After weeks of name-dropping and agenda-pushing, it’s finally here. Tonight is the beginning of American Idol‘s extravaganza Idol Gives Back, a highly-touted charity event that will provide for young people in two countries. Clips of host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell during their trip to Africa, made in pre-season preparation, have preceded the event for many weeks now, building anticipation among Idol viewers. With each new promo came more stars clamoring to get involved, and now the star-studded event promises to be one that shouldn’t be missed. It all begins during tonight’s live performance show, where the six remaining contestants will sing touchy-feely songs aimed at garnering more votes than ever. Voting is especially essential for Idol watchers this evening, because it’s through votes the Idol Gives Back event will gather its funding.
Click to continue reading Votes Carry New Weight on Idol Gives Back
Read More | American Idol Gives Back via TV Guide
Gallery: Votes Carry New Weight on Idol Gives Back
Ellen DeGeneres Steals Ryan Seacrest’s Thunder
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol,
With American Idol‘s big Wednesday event, “Idol Gives Back,” you’d think that Ryan Seacrest would be in top hosting form. Turns out, Ellen DeGeneres will be hosting the high-profile gig from the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Check in on Wednesday night from 8:00 - 10:00 to see such big names as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Hugh Grant, Jack Black, and more. And of course, all of this is a big telethon to raise funds for the poverty-stricken in Africa and America. Gotta hand it to Idol, this could really rake in some big money. The “Idol Gives Back” performance show is on Tuesday, with the final six duking it out in a “life anthem” theme. When vieweres vote, corporate sponsors will donate money on voters’ behalf. Never fear, Seacrest will be taking care of things from the usual location, with DeGeneres holding down the fort at the Disney Concert Hall.
Read More | Comingsoon.net
Gallery: Ellen DeGeneres Steals Ryan Seacrest’s Thunder
America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 8: The Girls Who Go Down Under
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Prime Time, Reality, The CW, America’s Next Top Model, Features,
With the contestant pool whittled down to the final six girls, Jaslene was worried. Once a shining star in the group, Jaslene was told at the last elimination that her work was steadily going downhill. Meanwhile, Jael was enjoying the fact that she could differentiate herself from the other models.
The ladies got a house visit from former contestant, April (ANTM, Cycle 2). She was there to give them their lesson of the week. As a model-turned-television correspondent, April taught the girls how to get through several types of potentially dreadful interviews. The girls then tested out their skills by questioning each other.
Click to continue reading America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 8: The Girls Who Go Down Under
Read More | America's Next Top Model
Gallery: America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 8: The Girls Who Go Down Under
I’m not knockin on Ponch, but I was surprised to hear that Erik Estrada just received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I would have thought that a celeb would have to have a more illustrious career to be honored with a star, but I’m seeing that’s not the case. Again, that’s not a dig on Estrada. I grew up on CHiPs—but has he had much high-profile work since then? A peek at IMDB shows that he’s had a steady flow of acting gigs, but nothing terribly notable. His most recent appearance was on the short-lived reality show Armed & Famous. During the star ceremony, he reflected on how CHiPs fulfilled his dreams, saying, “One, of course, a certain amount of success in the entertainment business, for which I really am extremely grateful and I’m very proud. But equally important, it represents my childhood dream of becoming a police officer.”
Read More | Yahoo! News
Gallery: Erik Estrada Receives Hollywood Star
Sharon Osbourne Judging ‘Talent’
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Prime Time, Reality, NBC, Gossip, Rumors,
It’s official… Sharon Osbourne will be taking over judging duties for Brandy on America’s Got Talent. She’ll be joined by David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan for the second season of the hit talent competition. According to NBC executive vice president Craig Plestis, “Sharon Osbourne is show business personified and she has seen and done it all. She will make an excellent fit with David and Piers, who we’re delighted to have back for another great season.” Yawn. How about the real reason for replacing Brandy this season? If you recall, Brandy was the cause of a Los Angeles car accident that involved four cars and ultimately killed one motorist. She is currently facing wrongful death lawsuits and may be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. Brandy’s rep said, “Brandy has enjoyed her association with [America’s Got Talent]. However, she felt she couldn’t give the new season the attention and commitment it deserved.” I’m not sure what Osbourne can bring to the table, but this show is already so kooky, what’s one more nutty lady? And don’t forget, Jerry Springer is taking over as host. The show will begin May 29 at 9 p.m.
Read More | Reality TV World
Gallery: Sharon Osbourne Judging ‘Talent’
Malakar Making His Way to White House
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, Talk Shows, FOX, American Idol, News,
Sanjaya Malakar, recently eliminated American Idol contestant, is off to a post-Idol adventure that might be even harder than dealing with Simon once a week: he’s going to the White House. Just don’t get President Bush started on foreign policy – who knows what sort of drama that might cause? Malakar will attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this weekend as the guest of People magazine. Huge stars like John Cusack, Jane Fonda, and Sheryl Crow will also be in attendance. What are the odds that anyone will ask to hear him sing with Sheryl in the room? President Bush, Henry Kissinger, A-list movie stars…and Sanjaya Malakar. Yah, that makes perfect sense. But, Sanjaya won’t stay in the capital city for long – he’s got media to do. The Idol star of the week will appear on the Late Show, Live With Regis and Kelly, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show next week. As for his future musical plans, Sanjaya said in an interview he’d like to attend the prestigious Berklee School of Music. The chairwoman of Berklee’s Vocal Department, Jan Shapiro, said to the Boston Herald that Sanjaya is “real cute, but not much of a singer.” Time for Plan B. Who knows? Maybe Bush will have another opening in his Cabinet soon…and from what I hear, Dick Chaney is still looking for a new hunting buddy.
Read More | E! Online
Gallery: Malakar Making His Way to White House
Real Wedding Crashers Fails to Deliver
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Prime Time, Reality, NBC,
I don’t know if any of you are planning to tune into The Real Wedding Crashers on Monday. I’m on the fence about this hidden camera show from Ashton Kutcher, but the latest review has me thinking I may just skip it. The good news is that this midseason series is only six episodes long. The better news is that it’s probably the last we’ll see of it. The 10 p.m. time slot for NBC seems to be where shows go to die. Remember Studio 60 and The Black Donnellys? Yeah, what happened to them? And are they ever coming back? I know I may be in the minority here, but I would really like some closure to Studio 60. OK, back to this wedding crasher show—five crashers work with the bride and groom to prank the guests. Hidden cameras capture all the hijinx. I guess the couple in on the joke would have to love a good prank—why else would you ruin your wedding day?
Read More | Reuters
Gallery: Real Wedding Crashers Fails to Deliver
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