Idol Thoughts: 11/1/07

Friday, November 30, 2007

American Idol Judges Claim This Will Be The Strongest Batch of Finalists Yet

You know American Idol season is right around the corner when the judges start talking up the next season's contestants.

Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul told Extra TV that they expect this to be the best season yet. “This will be the strongest twelve we've ever had, and I've never, ever said that before,” Simon told the show. Paula agreed, chiming in, "We've never had a top twelve like we're going to have this season. "

Of course, the judges don't pick the Top 12, the viewers do, but that's neither here nor there.

Randy, as always adding practically nothing to the conversation, declared, “I think it's the best we've ever had.”

When asked by the entertainment show whether this season was capable of producing another Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood, Paula responded, "I'm going on record: There's more than one,” with Simon adding, “Yeah, Kelly, Carrie – all of them. I mean, very, very strong.”

What do you think -- is this simply PR hype, or are we really in for a stellar batch of contestants? Here's hoping it's the latter that is true!

Source: Extra TV

Listen to Carrie Underwood Sing "Do You Hear What I Hear"

As if winning countless awards, recording a song for a hit move (Enchanted), dating a super-hot guy (Gossip Girl's Chase Crawford) and releasing multiplatinum CD's wasn't enough, Carrie Underwood has gone and released a Christmas song. Girl, take a break!

Having said that, the song is, per usual for Carrie, fantastic. Listen to it below and let me know what you think.

Youtube Video of Kellie Pickler Embarrassing Herself on TV

I was most definitely not a fan of Kellie Pickler when she appeared on Season 5 of American Idol. I was underwhelmed by her singing voice, and quickly grew tired of her "ditzy blonde" shtick. But, in the past year or so, as she has toned down the stupid act, shown some real emotion (weeping as she sang "I Wonder," about her estranged mother, in various performances of that song) and begun to gain some credibility as a country musician (including picking up a few award nominations), I've actually become quite fond of her.

Then she has to go and do something like this.

Watch the video above of Kellie appearing on the Fox television show Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, and try not to cringe. She tries to play off her absolutely inane comments by pouring on the charm, but, unfortunately, her dense-ness doesn't appear to be an act.

Maybe stick to singing, Kel?

For more videos like this one, visit Idol Thoughts new VIDEO page

Who Is Going To Win Project Runway?

Ok, Idol Thoughts readers, I need your help.

Every year, my aunt and I make a bet very early in the season as to who is going to win Project Runway. Last year, I selected Allison (who, of course, was unceremoniously booted way too early in the season), while my aunt chose Ulli (who made it all the way to the Final 2). By the time next week's episode begins, I've got to be ready with my pick.

The problem is -- I have no idea who to select!!

There's two designers I can rule out right off the bat: Ricky and Sweet P. Neither has a shot in hell at bringing home a victory. While I get a huge kick out of Christian (he's hysterical!), I can't imagine him walking away with the prize, no matter how fast he can sew. And though Elisa's quirkiness certainly makes for good TV, I find it hard to believe she's going to make it all the way to Bryant Park. Jillian, Chris and Stephen all seem like competent designers, but none has made even a bit of a splash yet, so I'm going to cross them off the list for the time being as well.

That leaves the three challenge winners (Rami, Victorya and Jack), along with Kevin and Kit, who both performed well on the most recent challenge. I'm going to take Jack out of the equation, as I'm not sure he'll consistently be able to produce work as high quality as he did this week, and Kevin as well, based solely on the fact that he reminds me too much of last year's winner Jeffrey. (I know, that's terrible logic, but I'm grasping at straws a bit -- it's too early in the competition to have to make a decision like this!)

So I'm left with Rami, Victorya and Kit. My instinct is to go with Kit, but after choosing a young, blonde designer last year (Allison) and getting bitten in the ass, I'm a little gun-shy when it comes to the pretty girls. Victorya's Sarah Jessica Parker design was fantastic, but is she edgy enough to win the title? And is Rami a one-trick pony, or does he have what it takes to win the title?

So what do you think, Idol Thoughts readers? Help me out here -- let me know who you think is going to be the winner of Project Runway Season 4.

Kathy Griffin Cracks Me Up

I am most definitely not a fan of stand-up comedy. To me, there's something vaguely unnatural about someone standing in front of a group of people telling jokes. Sure, I can appreciate the humor of old school Eddie Murphy or Richard Pryor, and Jerry Seinfeld's observations are pretty funny, but generally I don't really feel the stand-up.

But Kathy Griffin rocks my world. In a serious way.

Maybe it's the fact that she doesn't tell "jokes," per se, but rather tells stories in her singularly acerbic and hysterical way, but I find her consistently, and ridiculously, funny. Her most recent Bravo stand-up special, subtitled Straight to Hell? Pure comic genius.

She began the evening recounting the controversy surrounding her Emmy Award acceptance speech ("Suck it, Jesus!"), which, ironically, got more press for the shameless publicity seeker than she ever could have possibly have hoped for. She continued with anecdotes about Paula Abdul, Martha Stewart, Dr. Phil and, of course, her sometime-View colleague Barbara Walters. Attempting to recreate any of her stories would be a fruitless exercise -- her delivery is just as important to the humor as the content of what she's saying. But, if you missed it, take my word for it: one story is funnier than the next, and if you are a fan of celebrity culture, I'd be shocked if you don't find yourself with a huge smile for the entire duration of the set.

I may not be a fan of stand-up comedy, but I am most definitely on the Kathy Griffin bandwagon.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

No Nudes is Not Good News For Brad Pitt Fans

Well, color me disappointed.

After memorable nude scenes in Thelma & Louise, Fight Club, 12 Monkeys, Troy and more, Brad Pitt has declared that he will no longer do nude scenes, telling the BBC, "I don't want to be embarrassed when my kids get old enough to see my films. I can't see [doing] any more nude scenes."

Bummer!!

The #1 Best So You Think You Can Dance Performance of All Time Is...

After a very long and drawn out process, I am ready to identify the #1 Best So You Think You Can Dance performance of all time (for #'s 12 through 2, please click here).

And the #1 dance of all time is...

Heidi and Travis' Contemporary Dance ("the park bench"), choreographed by Mia Michaels!!!

Loyal Idol Thoughts readers (as well as Emmy voters, who gave Michaels the statue for her work on this piece) won't be shocked by this choice -- time and again I've cited this dance (to Celine Dion's version of "Calling You") as how powerful performances on this show can be. Everything about it works -- the music (gorgeous), the choreography (dazzlingly innovative -- check out Travis as he slides down the bench), the emotion (the look on Heidi's face as Travis "leaves her" is simply heartbreaking), and the performances (neither Heidi nor Travis was ever better than they were during this dance). I could watch this number over and over again -- and I have!

So, there it is...the #1 dance of all time. Now that the list is complete, what are your thoughts? Did I leave off one of your favorite dances? Did I include something you hate?

And stay tuned for the 15 Best American Idol performances of all time, which I will unveil in the weeks leading up to the new season.

Click for more So You Think You Can Dance

Theater Suggestions: Farnsworth Invention, Peter & Jerry, Rock 'N' Roll, Glorious Ones

Now that the Broadway strike has finally ended, it's time to get back to the theater! As a reminder, all Broadway shows are resuming performances tonight (Thursday 11/29).

Here's a few shows I've seen in the past month or so that I would recommend:

The Farnsworth Invention
By Aaron Sorkin, and starring Hank Azaria and the excellent Jimmy Simpson, this fast-paced depiction of the invention of the television is thought-provoking and well acted.

Peter & Jerry
Edward Albee's classic Zoo Story is paired with a new one-act, Homelife, at Off-Broadway's Second Stage theater. While I wasn't bowled over by Zoo, I found Homelife to be incredibly well acted (especially by Johanna Day) and very insightful.

Rock 'N' Roll
This heady Tom Stoppard play won't be for everyone, but I was fascinated by the tale of a professor and a revolutionary in Czechoslovakia in the second half of the 20th century (that is, what I could understand of the tale!) The acting is superb (especially from Rufus Sewell, who ages brilliantly throughout the production), but be prepared for lots of philosophical discussions that, if you're anything like me, will mostly go over your head.

The Glorious Ones
Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty achieved theatrical perfection in my book with Once on this Island and Ragtime, and while their newest show doesn't quite live up to the splendor of those, it's still a very enjoyable evening in the theater. Marc Kudisch (never a favorite of mine) is actually quite fantastic, and there are a handful of songs that will simultaneously make you laugh out loud and find a tear falling down your cheek. If you like your traditional musical theater with a slightly raunchy twist, this is the show for you.

Personally, I didn't find much to like in The Seafarer, but I'm hearing wonderful things about August Osage County, and the buzz on Lincoln Center Theater's Cymbeline is quite good (especially considering it's one of Shakespeare's least known plays). I'll be sure to report on these once I've gotten a chance to see them.

Viva la theater!

Report: Writers Strike "Not Headed in Right Direction"

According to Nikki Finke's "Deadline Hollywood" blog, which has been a reliable source of information on the current writer's strike, yesterday's talks were not productive. She quotes one source as saying, "This is not heading in the right direction," and another declaring "It's stalemated. Nothing's getting achieved."

Come on, guys -- the stagehands and Broadway producers resolved their issues, you can too!

Say It Ain' So! Heather Eliminated From Top Model

Anyone who has watched America's Next Top Model for years had to have seen it coming, but it didn't make it any less painful. Yes, Heather has been eliminated -- and I'm not happy.

From day one, it was clear that Tyra and co. would love love love Heather in all her awkward glory, until, of course, they got to the point where they decided she was just too awkward to make it in the modeling business. It happened to Shandi, it happened to twins Amanda and Michelle, and now (gulp!) it's happened to Heather.

Boooooooooooooooooo!

Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't want Jenah to go home either. Sure, she's sarcastic and has a bit of an edge, but she takes some fierce pictures, and who says a Top Model has to be sweetness and love all the time? I'd take Jenah over Chantal's bubbly emptiness any day of the week!

But Heather?? Sure, she fumbled the Cover Girl TV spot last week, and she royally F'ed up the go-see challenge. And she'd gotten a bit whiny and annoying in the past couple of weeks. But the girl is gorgeous (!), and an inspiration to all those who are "different." Yes, there have been theories raging that she was "faking" her condition (my favorite theory comes from the love of my life, who believes she is really an acting graduate student doing her masters thesis), but I'd like to believe in the purity of life (and reality TV) and believe that she really did have a syndrome, and managed to overcome the obstacles associated with it to really thrive in the competition.

Heather, we'll miss ya.

So who's gonna win this thing? Last week I would've strongly gone with Jenah, but it seems like the judges are souring on her a bit. Saleyshia may have climbed into the frontrunner spot thanks to a strong showing last night, but Bianca is showing some surprising legs as well.

Just, please, anyone but Chantal!

Are Dancing with the Stars' Helio and Julianne a Couple?

On my way into work this morning, two of my colleagues stopped me to gossip. Not about fellow co-workers, mind you...about Dancing with the Stars.

"Are Helio and Julianne dating?" they asked me.

Well, hmmmmmmmmmm. Let's consider the evidence:

-About two weeks ago, Helio gave an interview to TV Guide where he admitted that his fiancee was having a difficult time being away from him and watching him get intimate on the show, but he stressed that there was not anything going on with Julianne.

-The next episode, their dance performance ended with a kiss.

-In this week's finale, their performance ended with a looooooooong kiss.

-It's been announced that Helio and his fiancee (who did not appear in any of multitude of clip packages shown during the finale) have broken up.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Now, remember, after Apolo and Julianne's victory last year there were rumblings that they were doin' the nasty. (I, for one, never believed it.) So take everything you read with a grain of salt, but there does seem to be something curious going on.

Something to keep in mind, though:

Romance = buzz = US Weekly coverage. These stars know that.

I'm just saying.

The Broadway Strike is Over!!

The Broadway strike is over. Hallelujah!

Let's go on with the show...

UPDATE: All Broadway shows will be resuming performances tonight, Thursday 11/29. Yay!!!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Helio Castroneves Races to Victory on Dancing with the Stars

Well, the fat lady has sung -- and Helio Castroneves is the champion of Season 5 of Dancing with the Stars.

Helio is the third straight athlete to take home the title (following in the footsteps of Emmitt Smith and Apolo Anton Ono), and the fourth consecutive male contestant to waltz to victory (Kelly Monaco, Season 1's victor, remains the only female champion). In addition, Julianne Hough joins Cheryl Burke as the only professional to win back-to-back titles.

Now that I've got all that outta the way, I have to admit...I was disappointed in the outcome.

Don't get me wrong -- Helio is charming as all get-out, and he definitely proved himself to be a true competitor and quite a dancer. I even said to my lovely companion while watching the show that I would be happy with any outcome. But when the winner was revealed, I instinctively groaned -- not because I don't love Helio (how can you not??), but because Mel B, to me, was just perfection -- fierceness and sensuality all wrapped up in one womanly, extremely likable package.

Hey, at least Marie Osmond didn't win!

As for the rest of the show, props to Celine for whipping out that old chestnut "My Heart Will Go On," and for looking fierce while crooning her new single, "Taking Chances." I could have done without revisiting the show's past contestants so thoroughly -- with the exception of the amazing Sabrina Bryan, the lovable Jennie Garth (who looked like she was having the best time dancing) and maybe studly Cameron Mathison, seeing the other "celebs" trot out their old dances did absolutely nothing for me.

So, another season has bitten the dust, with another champ hoisting a meaningless mirror trophy ball above their head. Gotta love reality TV.

I say...bring on Dance Wars!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

How do the Idol's Debut Sales Weeks Stack Up?

This week's sales numbers are in (click here to see them), and Jordin Sparks cannot be happy -- she had the lowest selling debut week for any Idol champ's debut CD. In fact, she was only able to sell about 50% of what the previous lowest (Fantasia) had amassed. Curious, I'd say, considering Jordin's single "Tattoo" is quickly rising up the Hot 100.

Here are the sales numbers for the six Idol champs, from highest to lowest. Obviously, one week's numbers don't tell the whole story -- Carrie Underwood's first week total, for example, is less than 5% of the 6 million CD's she eventually sold.

Here's the numbers...

1. Ruben Studdard, Soulful
400K

2. Carrie Underwood, Some Hearts
315K

3. Taylor Hicks, Taylor Hicks
298 K

4. Kelly Clarkson, Thankful
297K

5. Fantasia, Free Yourself
240K

6. Jordin Sparks, Jordin Sparks
120K

Jordin Sparks Sells Less CD's Than Any Other Idol Champ

Here's a funny irony -- Jordin Sparks' debut CD got probably the best critical reception of any American Idol winner. However, she sold less copies in the first week than any of her fellow champions. Hmmmm.

Sparks sold about 121K copies of her new CD, good enough for the #9 spot on this week's album chart. That is two positions lower than Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who moved 137K copies of her sophomore disc. Daughtry, riding a wave from the American Music Awards (where the band took home three trophies), nearly doubled sales from the week before, selling 43K CD's.

Josh Groban's Christmas album crossed the 400K mark, which earned him the top spot on this week's chart. He is followed by Alicia Keys (336K), Now 26 (232K), The Eagles (216K), and the soundtrack to High School Musical 2 (190K).

Numbers according to Hits Daily Double

NBC Picks Up Chuck and Life for the Full Season

Writers strike, shmiters strike! According to good ol' Michael Ausiello over at TVGuide.com, NBC has picked up freshman series Chuck and Life for the full season.

I watched both of these pilots, and was underwhelmed by both, but I've subsequently heard good things about both shows, so if this strike goes on (and on...and on...), and I start getting desperate for new shows to watch, I may actually revisit these two series.

Now back to praying the strike ends soon...

The Idol Thoughts Dancing with the Stars Endorsement Goes To...

How do they do it?

Every year, when the list of "celebrities" is announced for Dancing with the Stars, I scratch my head, wondering if I am really going to invest 12 weeks watching these C-listers dance. And every year, 12 weeks later, I'm obsessed.

Ah, the power of reality TV.

After last night's set of final performances, it's still not a shoo-in for Helio, Mel B, or Marie, the three remaining contestants. Helio gave hands down the best performance of the night in his freestyle, while Mel has proven herself the most consistent (and sensual) performer, while Marie has certainly brought the most drama to the competition, and may just have the biggest fanbase. So who is gonna win?

Well, the Idol Thoughts endorsement for Dancing with the Stars champion goes to...

Mel B!!!

Yes, Helio is charming as all get-out, and he has the best (and sassiest) professional partner (god, I love that Julianne!), but he hasn't been as consistent or shown as steep a learning curve as, say, Apolo Anton Ono did last year. And while Marie is, as the judges are so fond of saying, the "consummate entertainer," she just doesn't have the chops to warrant the title.

Which leaves Mel B, who has moved way past her "Scary Spice" moniker in proving herself a talented, versatile, and charming competitor. More than any other contestant throughout the season, Mel's dances make me sit up straight and pay attention, and it's been a joy to see Max, who has previously been known as the sulking narcissist, have so much fun on the dance floor. Even though she didn't deliver quite as strongly last night as she has previously in the competition, Idol Thoughts says...

Go Mel!!!!

Who do you think should win Dancing with the Stars? And will you be tuning in to Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann? I know I will!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Twiggy Eliminated from Top Model; Paulina Porizkova is In

It looks like "fashion icon" Twiggy just isn't cuttin' the mustard anymore on America's Next Top Model -- she will be replaced beginning next season with supermodel Paulina Porizkova.

According to a press release from the CW, Twiggy is leaving the show due to "scheduling conflicts." Mmmmhmmm -- in other words, she's too boring to sit next to Tyra and Ms. Jay!

I was actually quite charmed by Paulina when she was briefly on Dancing with the Stars last season, so perhaps she'll bring some spice to the show, which is an element severely lacking since the departure of spitfire Janice Dickinson several years ago.

What do you think? Will you miss Twiggy?

And who are you rooting for this season? I say...go Heather!

The State of Idol Thoughts

Some of you may have been wondering where all of the Idol Thoughts posts have gone, and with good reason -- the site has not been updated since November 12!

Here's the deal -- it's the holiday season. There's a writers strike. There's a Broadway strike. And I've been busy.

No excuse, I know -- it's an entertainment blog, and entertainment has continued to happen, so where are the posts??

All I can say is, I apologize, and this lack of posts is by no means permanent. In fact, this upcoming week expect a recap of the Dancing with the Stars finale, thoughts on Jordin Sparks' new album, the long-awaited #1 dance of all time on So You Think You Can Dance, and more. There will continue to be posts throughout the rest of the year, so please do continue to check back.

But things are really going to kick back into high gear after the 1st of the year, in anticipation of the return of American Idol (and everything that comes along with it, including Best-Of lists, recaps, rankings, elimination predictions and much more), as well as the resumption of recaps for Top Model, Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, Project Runway, the special Big Brother winter edition (!), Amazing Race, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters and many more. In fact, I'm seriously contemplating a total overhaul of the site to coincide with the new season of Idol, so stay tuned for more info on that.

So, basically, don't give up on Idol Thoughts yet -- the best may still be to come!

If you have any suggestions for things you'd like to see covered on Idol Thoughts, please feel free to drop a line to idolthoughts2007@gmail.com.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Monday, November 26, 2007

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Monday, November 12, 2007

Friday, November 09, 2007

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Friday, November 02, 2007

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