Justin Timberlake amazes me. When you think of all the teenyboppers that began in the business who were unable to prolong their success after their bubble-gum-genre crashed and burned, it’s extremely impressive how much he reinvented his career. He’s not only managed to land major acting roles, but he’s also had continued comedic success on Saturday Night Live with some incredible sketches (who could forget “dick-in-a-box?). So when he joined Jimmy Fallon for the History of Rap Part 2, I almost fell off my chair. It’s damn good, and they even topped the last one. I need not even mention Jimmy Fallon’s talent for impersonations. That guy never disappoints.
Category: General
Hugh Grant Goes Undercover in News of the World Scandal — ‘The Bugger, Bugged’
I haven’t commented on the News of the World phone hacking scandal mostly because it’s not fun. It’s gross and sad, and I’m happy to see these blood-sucking-maggots go down in flames. But when I came across an article written by Hugh Grant for the New Statesman, I had no choice but to cover it. First, Hugh Grant is on my celebrity-crush list. And second, his coverage is damn entertaining.
Grant discovered his phone had been hacked after a chance meeting with a paparazzo, and he subsequently “bugged the bugger” to get more information. He later admitted to feeling guilty about the covert recording, but I suppose that’s because, unlike the paparazzo in question, Hugh Grant actually has a soul. As it turns out, the paparazzo was Paul McMullan, one of the whistle blowers that ratted on the publication. There are a few wonderful parts of the secret interview executed by Grant. At one point, McMullan confesses that Murdoch might not have known about the hacking, and that Murdoch himself was furious when Hugh Grant’s sexual escapade with Divine Brown ended up on the front page of his paper. Grant quickly explained Murdoch’s outrage, saying, “it’s because it was his [FOX] film I was about to come out in.” Another gem in the interview occurred when McMullan told Grant that he “lives off his image” and he therefore “can’t complain” about the invasion of privacy. Grant then reminded McMullan that people still came to his films after he was arrested with a hooker. “They don’t give a fuck about your public image,” he said. “They just care about whether you’re in an entertaining film or not.”
Since McMullan is so convinced that he’s entitled to invade the private lives of public figures, my favorite part of the interview was when he disclosed the reason for his whistle blowing. Did he grow a conscience later in life after years in the mud pit? Nope. He blew the whistle because, “a friend of [his] at the Guardian kept hassling [him] for an interview,” and he said, “Well if you put the name of the Castle [his pub] on the front page of the Guardian, I’ll do anything you like.” And there you have it. So what have we learned from this story? I think we learned that if hell exists, there’s a few individuals that might have a front-row seat, and Hugh Grant is a very sexy Hollywood bad-ass. Click the link below to see Grant’s full article.
Michele Bachmann Can’t Pronounce Chutzpah — Jews Rejoice
Ryan Murphy Fires Lea Michele, Cory Montieth, & Chris Colfer — Negotiating Ploy?
There’s something suspicious about Ryan Murphy’s recent announcement that he’ll be letting go of his three choice players after Season 3 of Glee. First, all three actors are up for a contract renegotiation, and everyone knows that actors on a hit-show play hard-ball on Season 3 (remember Katherine Heigl’s Grey’s Anatomy debacle?). Second, they are three major stars, and despite Murphy’s proclamation that it’s the right creative choice, there is a huge risk of axing your primary series regulars. Does he seriously think that he can get three more unknown actors to duplicate the current lightning-in-a-bottle success of the show? All signs point to no. Third, what about Mark Salling? Why did he only announce that Lea, Cory, and Chris are leaving and neglect to mention Salling? Is it because Mark is less expensive, and Murphy knows he doesn’t require the same game of hardball? And lastly, the show barely tracked the years of its students, which means Murphy could easily stick to his real-time formula and keep these cast members on for two additional years (presuming they started as freshman). Instead, Murphy insists that “everyone knows they started as sophomores.” Really Mr. Murphy? I guess “everyone” doesn’t include The Dishmaster, because I was under the impression they all started as freshman, which gives them four years on the show — not three. His assumptions are certainly financially convenient — and suspicious.
Simon Fuller Sues Fox & Fremantle over X-Factor — He’s Right!
Here’s the history of the Simon Cowell v. Simon Fuller feud in a nutshell. Simon Fuller created a show in the UK called ‘Pop Idol,’ which is where Simon Cowell got his television start. At the time, the Simons were good friends. Cowell then jumped ship by creating ‘X Factor,’ which was basically a rip-off of ‘Pop Idol.’ Since Cowell was deemed a “creator” of ‘X Factor’ (a credit he did not get on Pop Idol), he received a lot more money for the new show. Fuller sued Cowell, claiming that ‘X Factor’ was a rip off of Pop Idol (which it was). The parties settled, and the settlement included Fuller getting Executive Producer credit on ‘X Factor’ (and most likely a percentage of the back-end profit). So here’s where it gets sticky. Simon Cowell pulled the same move twice, by jumping ship on ‘American Idol’ in favor of ‘X Factor’ (note: the same rule applies — Cowell stands to receive much more money because he’s a creator of ‘X Factor’ and he is not a creator of American Idol). Fuller sued, saying that according to their original settlement, he should receive Executive Producer credit on the American version of ‘X Factor.’ Are you ready for Fox’s official response? They said, “His suit seeks payment and credit as an executive producer despite his neither having been approved by the required parties, nor hired, as such. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and we expect to prevail.” Nice try, guys. It’s completely irrelevant whether the “parties” approved him as an Executive Producer or whether he actually rendered any services on the new show. What matters is his settlement. He created a show, his friend ripped him off, and he’s entitled to some dough. That’s the long and short of it.
Jersey Shore Season 4 Trailer — is America Crying for Italy?
Once upon a time, I studied abroad in a European country that will go unnamed to protect the innocent parties involved. While there, I distinctly remember my class of neanderthals engaging in a beer chugging race on the beach. The locals were disgusted, and I thought, “that’s why they hate Americans — because they are gross.” Europeans might drink a lot, but they don’t exceed their tolerance, and they certainly don’t publicly vomit or openly scream profanities. The reason I’m on my high horse, is because I just watched the new trailer for Jersey Shore, and it’s tragic. It’s not that I’m a Jersey Shore hater, it’s just that I’m fully aware that this group of folks solidify the disdain for Americans. Having said that, I will watch every minute of the new season. It looks damn funny.
Get More: Jersey Shore, MTV Shows, Jersey Shore (Season 3), MTV Shows
The Bachelorette’s Dream Date With JP Rosenbaum
Most of the time, I love being single. I love going out every night and not having to answer to anyone at the end of my day. Having said that, there are a few choice moments when I miss having a relationship. First, when I have to squash a bug. I need a man for that. Second, when I need my tire changed. And third, when I watch ‘The Bachelorette’ and see Ashley Hebert on my dream date. Watch below.
Quote of the Day — Beyonce
“There is room on this earth for many queens . . . I have an authentic, God-given talent, drive, and longevity that will always separate me from everyone else. I’ve been fortunate to accomplish things that the younger generation of queens dream of accomplishing. I have no desire for anyone else’s throne. I am very comfortable in the throne I’ve been building for the past 15 years.” Beyonce’s best attempt at humility
Lady Gaga Sings ‘Edge of Glory’ on Howard Stern — Magical
I have to admit that I’m not a Lady Gaga fan. I find her to be indulgent and inauthentic. Plus, I don’t love her music. Having said that, her performance of ‘Edge of Glory’ on Howard Stern blew me away. Dave Grohl once said that his acoustic performance of ‘Everlong’ on Howard Stern put Foo Fighters on the map, and I have a feeling Gaga will join Grohl in the Howard Stern history books. Listen below.
Teen Mom’s Maci Bookout & Ryan Edwards — Still in Love
Perhaps I have a skewed view of relationships, but here’s what I know for sure: If you don’t fight — you don’t love. So if you ever meet one of those annoying couples that proclaim to “never argue,” then give them that message. One such person in need of that advice is Teen Mom’s Maci Bookout, who left her baby daddy, Ryan Edwards, and is now in a new, no-drama relationship with Kyle King. The only problem? — Maci and Ryan are still madly in love with one another and they are too dense to notice. Watch the clip below to see what I mean.