NPR’s Tiny Desk Series has always been a personal favorite, and Billie Eilish is a next-level get for a format in which she’s bound to thrive. She’s proven her stripped-down capabilities, and the video below punctuates her prowess. Watch and enjoy.
The Dishmaster Does Things: New Podcast Episode
Quote of the Day: Annabelle Wallis Talks Tom Cruise
He’s on a different level, and, you know, I ticked a box. I got to run on-screen with him, but he told me no at first. He said, “Nobody runs on-screen [with me],” and I said, “But I’m a really good runner.” So, I would time my treadmill so that he’d walk in and see me run. And then he added all these running scenes. So, that was it. It was, like, better than an Oscar. I was so happy! (Laughs.) I was so happy that I got to run on-screen with Tom Cruise. But I don’t think it ever goes away and I hope it never does. It’s so wonderful to be excited by someone and in awe of what they’ve achieved in their lives. Yeah, good on him. And I hope the questions never stop. I love talking about him. It’s really cool.
Annabelle Wallis on working with Tom Cruise in The Mummy
Alanis Morrissette’s Daughter Steals the Show As She Performs “Ablaze”
In case you’ve ever wondered whether women are truly better multi-taskers than men, then watch the video below to see Alanis Morrissette to perform”Ablaze”with her daughter on her hip equipped with adorable, impromptu interruptions. Literally never missing a beat, she graced the virtual stage of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to debut the beautiful new tune. the album, Such Pretty Forks in the Road is Morissette’s first album in eight years.
Are Celebrities Ignorant or Antisemitic? A Deep Dive Into Nick Cannon’s Comments
When Nick Cannon took to his podcast to spout anti-Semitic conspiracy theories alongside a known anti-Semite — former Public Enemy member Richard Griffin (“Prof. Griff”)— outrage followed. ViacomCBS dropped him and his upcoming television show was shelved.
Cannon’s first reaction included a lengthy non-apology, claiming that people “misused an important moment for us to all grow closer together and learn more about one another.” Instead, he furthered, ” the moment was stolen and hijacked to make an example of an outspoken black man. [He] will not be bullied, silenced, or continuously oppressed by any organization, group, or corporation. [He is] disappointed that Viacom does not understand or respect the power of the black community.” When Cannon finally seemed to take some level of responsibility, he claimed that doing so turned his own community against him. If his community includes Richard Griffin — then I’d say he’s better off.
I hurt an entire community and it pained me to my core, I thought it couldn’t get any worse. Then I watched my own community turn on me and call me a sell-out for apologizing. Goodnight. Enjoy Earth🙏🏾💙
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 17, 2020
Unfortunately, Cannon is not the only offender. Chelsea Handler landed in hot water when she shared a video on Instagram, which quoted Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation Of Islam and a widely known anti-Semite. Both the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified Farrakhan as anti-Semitic, and the Nation Of Islam as a hate group. Handler’s influence proved dangerous, as many celebrities with large platforms also shared the video. When confronted, Handler double down, insisting his message Farrakhan’s message was powerful and that she didn’t even consider the fact that he was anti-Semitic when she posted it — thus illustrating the recklessness of her actions. After unending uproar, she finally relented — but the damage was done.
There are many other offenders as of late, and I have held an extensive discussion on my podcast diving deeper into anti-Semitism and many of the conspiracy theories being spouted.
Listen below (the conversation begins at minute 30 if you’d like to skip the pop-culture portion of my podcast).
Quibi Creates Quarantine Version of The Princess Bride With A-Listers
After many A-list celebrities have tried and failed to bring us joy during these difficult times, Quibi is showing everyone how it’s done, with a homemade version of The Princess Bride — all proceeds going to charity. For those wondering about the intimate scenes, existing couples were used, such as Sam Rockwell and Leslie Bibb — which is pretty genius if you ask me. Watch a clip below.
View this post on InstagramNow on @quibi @wckitchen #homemade
The Kissing Booth 2 New Trailer Proves Not Every Film Needs a Sequel
Netflix has cornered the market on fun romantic comedies, but after watching the sequel for To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, one thing is clear — not every film needs a sequel.
Netflix just released the trailer for The Kissing Booth 2 and within five seconds I immediately realized that this will likely be another case of prioritizing public pressure over creativity. also, I can’t help but feel bad for Joey King for having to work alongside Jacob Elordi/her ex-boyfriend. that cannot be comfortable, especially since he’s moved on to Zendaya.
Furthermore, given that Jacob has proven his prowess in Euphoria as has King in The Act, this does feel like a step backwards. Don’t get me wrong — I think a romantic comedy can be just as challenging as a drama — but only when the script is good.
An Interview With ‘Songland’ Winner David Davis
I’ve been watching Songland since its launch, and while I was immediately struck by the powerhouse panel of judges—Ryan Tedder, Shane McAnally, and Ester Dean— I was most impressed by its positive tone. In a world where many reality shows live and die by its cantankerous comments, the Songland judging panel makes a point to deliver useful, kind feedback to aspiring songwriters. one such songwriter is David Davis, whose song, “Everything I Did to Get to You” was selected by Grammy/Tony/Emmy-winner Ben Platt.
When Davis got paired up with Ryan Tedder to produce his song, viewers were taken inside the recording studio to witness Davis and the three-time Grammy-winning producer/co-writer of Adele’s “Rumor Has It” —in action. Davis’ humility, massive amount of talent, and unbelievable voice caught my attention, and I wanted to know more. He was kind enough to join me for my podcast to discuss his journey as a songwriter and performer, and his experience on Songland.
Listen below to hear him talk about performing at Quincy Jones’ bar and lounge in Dubai, his experience on the road at the beginning of his career, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. If you’d like to join David Davis for a virtual concert experience, join him for his next “Evening Inn” on June 26th at 6:30 PST.
New Podcast Episode With Special Guest Star
Hi, friends! For this week’s podcast I asked my very kind, informed friend to join me as we discussed some of today’s most relevant topics.
Listen below for our take on the Lea Michele controversy, that Drew Brees apology, Vanderpump Rules’ cast members Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute dangerously calling the police on fellow black cast member Faith Stowers, Alicia Silverstone’s latest antics, and more!
Lea Michele Apologizes As More Co-Stars Come Forward About Her Bad Behavior
The hits just keep on coming for former Glee star Lea Michele. In response to a Michele’s tweet in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Michele’s former costar Samantha Marie Ware said:
LMAO REMEMBER WHEN YOU MADE MY FIRST TELEVISON GIG A LIVING HELL?!?! CAUSE ILL NEVER FORGET. I BELIEVE YOU TOLD EVERYONE THAT IF TOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY YOU WOULD “SHIT IN MY WIG!” AMONGST OTHER TRAUMATIC MICROAGRESSIONS THAT MADE ME QUESTION A CAREER IN HOLLYWOOD… https://t.co/RkcaMBmtDA
— SAMEYAAAAAA (@Sammie_Ware) June 2, 2020
And in case you were going to chalk this up to two people who just don’t get along, other costars quickly doubled down on Michele’s bad behavior. Since there are now so many individual stories, I’ve compiled them in a list for ease of read.
- Spring Awakening‘s Gerard Canonico: “You were nothing but a nightmare to me and fellow understudy cast members. You made us feel like we didn’t belong there. I tried for years to be nice to you to no avail. Maybe actually apologize instead of placing the blame on how others ‘perceive’ you. You’ll probably just delete this though.”
- Glee actor Dabier Snell: “GIRL YOU WOULDNT LET ME SIT AT THE TABLE WITH THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS CAUSE ‘I DIDNT BELONG THERE’ F— YOU LEA.”
- Glee actor Jeanté Godlock: “did somebody say cockroaches? because that’s what she used to refer to the background as on the set of glee. but we grow up and we don’t stay background forever sooooo…”
- Glee star Heather Morris:
pic.twitter.com/C9CZSZc6k5— heather (@HeatherMorrisTV) June 3, 2020
There is a great joy in holding others accountable, especially when their misbehavior has gone unchecked for so long. It should be noted that Lea Michele issued an apology, but it felt as if it was written by her publicist and not Lea herself. Furthermore, she used the objectionable word “perceived,” saying, “Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult, I apologize for my behavior and for any pain which I have caused. We all can grow and change and I have definitely used these past several months to reflect on my own shortcomings.”
Is it possible that this will be the wake-up call that Lea Michele needs? Can people who have a history of treating others like crap with zero accountability, ownership, or responsibility actually change? I don’t have the answer to those aforementioned questions — but I do know one thing — if you’re going to be a disrespectful hypocrite that has made the lives of others “a living hell,” then you’re going to have to do better than that halfhearted apology.