Category: General

Dancing With the Stars Week 4 Results Recap — Who Went Home?

When Dancing With the Stars debuted, I was certain it would be a hit. Why? Because unlike other reality competition shows of a different format, even bad dancing is fun to watch. After years of devoted fandom, I sat in the audience for last night’s results show, and the experience far exceeded my expectations. It was country night, and my southern roots (wait . . . does Florida count?) were met with extreme elation when I saw Brad Paisley and The Band Perry.

The most moving moment of the night came from Brilynn Rakes & Derek Hough, who executed a beautiful and elegant dance as part of AT&T’s spotlight performance (see below).

The evening ended with a farewell to Lisa Vanderpump, who was my personal favorite for her personality alone. And speaking of personality, I was fortunate enough to get a first-hand look at Vanderpump’s furry friend, Jiggy, who is a surprisingly well-behaved dog, making not a peep despite the ballroom’s raucous applause.

Tabloid Gossip — Mid-Week Rundown

  • Tom Hanks is gonna be a grandpa again. E! Online
  • Katie Holmes has a new man. Crazy Days & Nights
  • Amy Poehler has a guy-pal. Wet Paint
  • Halle Berry has a bun in the oven. TMZ
  • Tom Arnold is a first-time dad. People
  • Ryan Gosling doesn’t want you calling Eva Mendes “baby.” Moviefone

American Idol Recap: The Show Rocks Out to its Roots

WRITTEN BY DEVIN CARBAUGH, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

20130405-155445.jpgSince its 2002 debut, American Idol has been a household name and a ratings juggernaut. I first learned of the show months before it aired because I was part of the production crew that handled the Dallas, Texas auditions. Back then, we actually had to convince people to try-out. In fact, I was fortunate to have Kelly Clarkson in my audition group. I pre-interviewed her before she sang for the producers, and I immediately knew that she had something special; she was quick-witted and sassy and we hit it off right away. She hilariously asked that I hold her purse and answer her phone if it rang while she auditioned. The rest, as you know, is history.

Eleven years later, another small-town girl from Woodville, Texas is a top seven “American Idol” contender. Her name is Kree Harrison. I was also raised in Woodville, which has a current population of 2,574. A few nights ago I got to see her sing live. The entire experience was amazing. It was Rock’n’ Roll night, so the remaining contestants belted out their favorite rock song from the past several decades, even singing duets and trios. My hometown girl sang a Janis Joplin number – “Piece of My Heart,” and Amber Holcomb gave a chilling performance reminiscent of Whitney Houston.

As I sat in the audience that night, I pinched myself at the thought of the show’s trajectory since I met Kelly Clarkson. And though there are many contestants who deserve to win, I’m certainly hoping for a two-time, Texas victory.

TAKE PART

If any fans would also like to take part in the show, now’s your chance! Submit your ideas for an upcoming musical theme, courtesy of AT&T. Just tweet your ideas using the hashtag #ATTIdolTheme. Click HERE for more information.

Quote of the Day — The Great Roger Ebert Passes Away

“He fought a courageous fight. I’ve lost the love of my life and the world has lost a visionary and a creative and generous spirit who touched so many people all over the world. . . . We had a lovely, lovely life together, more beautiful and epic than a movie. It had its highs and the lows, but was always experienced with good humor, grace and a deep abiding love for each other.” Chaz Ebert, Roger Ebert’s wife, on the loss of her loving husband.

Magic Johnson On His Son’s Sexual Status: “I Support My Son”

Magic Johnson gave a moving interview to TMZ about his son coming out of the closet, and it’s worth watching. Watch the basketball star discuss his support of his son and his frustration with the discrimination against homosexuals in general.

Shia LaBeouf v. Alec Baldwin — Letterman Weighs In

There are times when I question Shia LaBeouf’s mental health. He’s now taken on both Alec Baldwin and Steven Spielberg, two titans worthy of unconditional respect. As a snot-nose kid with a chip on his shoulder, I predict his days in the business are numbered, a sad fact of which he’s clearly naive. My latest rage involved LaBeouf’s front-row seat at the opening night of Orphans, a move I can only assume was made to throw Alec Baldwin, who much to LaBeouf’s dismay, can’t be thrown. Watch him discus the feud on Letterman.

Jay Leno Retires — Fallon Takes Over

It’s the end of an era. And that era has largely been defined as television’s greatest feud in history. It began as Dave v. Jay, then Jay v. Conan, and in round three, Jay finally stopped swinging and stepped down. NBC knew that if Letterman retired, CBS would poach Fallon, which would create too much competition for Jay who would presumably lose his audience around that time. The real tragedy here lies with Conan, who is likely self-loathing about not waiting long enough for the coveted spot. Had he stuck with it, the network would have gifted him the spot without the drama.