It's hard to believe I just started Idol Thoughts nine months ago, and in that time the site has gotten more than 700K views! I hope you'll continue to check Idol Thoughts out in 2008 (read See What's Coming to Idol Thoughts in '08), but as the year comes to a close, here are the most popular posts from 2007:
1. Has Big Brother's Daniele Been Dumped?
2. American Idol Best-Of Lists
3. Cute Boys of Pop Culture
4. Carrie Underwood is Crossing Over
5. The Best So You Think You Can Dance Performance Of All Time Is...
6. Who Played the Best Big Brother Game? Ranking the Top 9 Houseguests
7. Soul Patrol Meltdown: Idols and CD Sales
8. What's Up With Big Brother's Nick?
9. Are Dancing with the Stars' Helio and Julianne a Couple?
10. You Wanna Be On Top? Ranking the Winners of America's Next Top Model
Did you have a favorite Idol Thoughts' post from 2007? If so, lemme know!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Idol Thoughts' Ten Most Popular Posts of 2007
Coming Soon: ALL-TIME IDOL MADNESS: THE GAME!
6 seasons. 70 finalists. YOU choose the ULTIMATE Idol. Get ready for ALL-TIME IDOL MADNESS!
If you've ever been part of an NCAA March Madness pool, you already know how this works. Over the next few weeks, we will be presenting 64 Idol finalists to face off in head-to-head match-ups for your vote until only one is left standing. The brackets will include the 60 Top 10 finalists and the top 4 (by your vote) of the remaining 11th and 12th place finishers.
Watch this space for more details soon including:
-The "play-in" round (to vote for your last 4 finalists)
-The full brackets with seeding for all 64 finalists!
-The voting, complete with color commentary on contestants and match-ups!!
Get ready for Idol maaaaaaadness!
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Which Former Idol Had the Best 2007?
Now that 2007 is coming to a close, I thought it might be interesting to try and figure out which former American Idol contestant had the best year -- was it Carrie, with all her awards success? Chris, with his huge-selling album? Fantasia, who took Broadway by storm?
I think we can all agree that the best year was had by Jennifer Hudson -- an Golden Globe, Oscar, and SAG award; a role in the Sex and the City movie; a role opposite fellow Oscar winner Forrest Whitaker in Winged Creatures; IT girl status; an album on the way; and now the news that she will star opposite Queen Latifah in The Secret Life of Bees. Yeah, pretty hard to top that.
But who comes next?
Of course I want to know what you think as well, so please take the poll below!
Here are my picks:
1. Carrie Underwood
This is the year Carrie Underwood went from successful Idol alum to complete and total superstar. Her music crossed over from country to pop; she picked up every award imaginable; she dated high profile, very goodlooking guys; and she released a second CD without skipping a beat. There was no topping Ms. U. this year.
2. Chris Daughtry
His album is, as of now, the biggest seller of 2007 (despite the fact that it was released in '06), and he recently picked up 3 American Music Awards and 4 Grammy nominations. Yeah, he's rockin' it.
3. Fantasia
'Tasia didn't just appear on Broadway this year -- she took it by storm. Totally rejuvenating The Color Purple, she also released her sophomore CD, had a couple of hit singles on the R&B charts, and picked up 3 Grammy nods in the process. Not too shabby.
4. Kelly Clarkson
Sure, My December didn't have nearly the success of it's predecessor Breakaway, but it was just certified platinum and spawned a Top 25 single in "Never Again." She also released a duet with Reba McEntire of "Because of You" that went to the top of the country chart and earned her a Grammy nomination, and embarked on a sold-out tour this fall. All in all, not quite the disaster of a year some pundits would have you believe.
5. Kellie Pickler
Surprising just about everyone, Kellie released a CD that people actually wanted to listen to, and she's produced three chart-ing country songs, in addition to touring. Throw in a couple of award nominations, and all of a sudden this dumb blonde seems pretty smart.
6. Elliott Yamin
At this time last year it wasn't clear Elliott would even release a CD, but now that he has, he's become the second most successful alum from '05. The album has gone Gold, and debut single "Wait for You" was a Top 5 smash.
Outside the Top 6:
Katharine McPhee (disappointing CD sales, but will make movie debut early next year)
Clay Aiken (where are ya, Clay?)
Tamyra Gray (getting good reviews for her work in the Broadway musical Rent)
Taylor Hicks (very disappointing CD sales)
Bo Bice (released a sophomore CD to very little fanfare)
Poll closes December 31, 2007 at 11:59PM
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Year End: Ten Best Reality Shows of 2007
All this week I'll be listing my favorites in the different areas of pop culture that Idol Thoughts covers. Now up: reality shows!
As much as I love American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance was, to me, the most entertaining reality show for the second straight year. Dancing with the Stars grabbed two of the Top 5 spots, while Survivor also secured two positions on the list. Only one Top Model cycle made the cut, however, while Amazing Race missed a spot on the list completely.
Please let me know what your favorite reality show of the year was by taking the poll here.
Also let me know which reality show you are most looking forward to in 2008 by taking the poll here.
1. So You Think You Can Dance (Winner: Sabra Johnson)
2. American Idol (Winner: Jordin Sparks)
3. Dancing with the Stars (Winner: Apolo Anton Ono)
4. Big Brother (Winner: Dick Donato)
5. Dancing with the Stars (Winner: Helio Castroneves)
6. Project Runway (Winner: Jeffrey)
7. Survivor: China (Winner: Todd Herzog)
8. Top Chef (Winner: Hung)
9. Survivor: Fiji (Winner: Earl Cole)
10. America's Next Top Model (Winner: Saleisha)
Take the poll
Click for Ten Best Plays & Musicals of 2007
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Jake Gyllenhaal Sports a Neck Tattoo
Has Jake Gyllenhaal turned into a bad boy?
Naaaaaah -- he's just sportin' a tattoo on his neck for his next film, opposite Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire.
Jake + rough-around-the-edges = I am SO there.
Click for more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Year End: Ten Best Non-Reality TV Shows of 2007
I would've imagined I'd have tons of options when considering my ten favorite non-reality shows of the year, but when I sat down to make this list, the well was surprisingly dry. Even some of the shows I included (Weeds, Grey's Anatomy) didn't have perfect seasons, but when looked at in the bigger picture, they still made the cut.
Here's my list...
1. Friday Night Lights
2. Brothers & Sisters
3. Mad Men
4. Damages
5. Lost
6. Weeds
7. Desperate Housewives
8. House
9. The Office
10. Grey's Anatomy
What was your favorite TV show in 2007? Leave a comment and let me know!
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Jennifer Hudson To Star In The Secret Life of Bees
Jennifer Hudson is not playin' around with her film career.
After the novice actress won the Oscar for Dreamgirls, I wasn't quite sure what her next move would be, or if she would be able to really sustain a movie career. Well, someone is advising her well, because she's just signed on to star in The Secret Life of Bees alongside Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning and possibly Alicia Keys. Adapted from the acclaimed novel, the movie is sure to be a hit.
This, of course, is on top of her supporting role in the Sex and the City movie, and a small part in the film Winged Creatures as Forrest Whittaker's daughter. Nice choices J-Hud!
My only question is...when is your album coming out??
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Source: EW.com
SAG Award Nominees Announced
The nominations for the Screen Actor's Guild Awards have been announced, and Into the Wild leads the pack. Yay!
Emile Hirsch, Catherine Keener and Hal Holbrook all picked up nominations, and the film was nominated for Best Ensemble. Other multi-nominated films include Michael Clayton and No Country for Old Men.
On the television side, I'm psyched to see that Mad Men grabbed nods for it's star (Jon Hamm) and ensemble, and glad to see Christina Applegate recognized for Samantha Who?
Here are the nominees...
MOTION PICTURES
ACTOR
George Clooney - "Michael Clayton"
Daniel Day-Lewis - "There Will Be Blood"
Ryan Gosling - "Lars And The Real Girl"
Emile Hirsch- "Into the Wild"
Viggo Mortensen - "Eastern Promises"
ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett - "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Julie Christie - "Away From Her"
Marion Cotillard - "La Vie en rose"
Angelina Jolie - "A Mighty Heart"
Ellen Page - "Juno"
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Casey Affleck - "The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford"
Javier Bardem - "No Country For Old Men"
Tommy Lee Jones - "No Country for Old Men"
Hal Holbrook - "Into the Wild"
Tom Wilkinson - "Michael Clayton
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett - "I’m Not There"
Ruby Dee - "American Gangster"
Catherine Keener - "Into the Wild"
Amy Ryan - "Gone Baby Gone"
Tilda Swinton - "Michael Clayton"
ENSEMBLE CAST
"3:10 to Yuma"
"Hairspray"
"American Gangster"
"Into the Wild"
"No Country for Old Men"
TELEVISION
ACTOR IN A TELEFILM OR MINISERIES
Michael Keaton - "The Company" (TNT)
Kevin Kline - "As You Like It" (HBO)
Oliver Platt - "The Bronx is Burning" (ESPN)
Sam Shepard - "Ruffian" (ABC)
John Turturro - "The Bronx is Burning" (ESPN)
ACTRESS IN A TELEFILM OR MINISERIES
Ellen Burstyn - "Mitch Albom's For One More Day" (ABC)
Debra Messing - "The Starter Wife" (USA)
Anna Paquin - "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" (HBO)
Queen Latifah - "Life Support" (HBO)
Vanessa Redgrave - "The Fever" (HBO)
Gena Rowlands - "What If God Were the Sun?" (Lifetime)
ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close - "Damages"
Edie Falco - "The Sopranos"
Sally Field - "Brothers & Sisters"
Holly Hunter - "Saving Grace"
Kyra Sedgwick - "The Closer"
ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
James Gandolfini - "The Sopranos"
Michael C. Hall - "Dexter"
Jon Hamm - "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie - "House"
James Spader - "Boston Legal"
ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin - "30 Rock"
Steve Carell - "The Office"
Ricky Gervais - "Extras"
Jeremy Piven - "Entourage"
Tony Shalhoub - "Monk"
ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Christina Applegate - "Samantha Who?"
America Ferrera - "Ugly Betty"
Tina Fey - "30 Rock"
Mary-Louise Parker - "Weeds"
Vanessa Williams - "Ugly Betty"
DRAMA ENSEMBLE
"Boston Legal"
"The Closer"
"Grey's Antatomy"
"Mad Men"
"The Sopranos"
COMEDY ENSEMBLE
"30 Rock"
"Desperate Housewives"
"Entourage"
"The Office
"Ugly Betty"
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Rumor Mill: Is Fantasia Pregnant?
In the last day we've gotten confirmation that 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears is with child, and that Lily Allen is knocked up, and now, if internet rumors are to be believed, American Idol champ and current Color Purple star Fantasia is also pregnant. The baby-daddy is apparently rapper Young Dro.
MediaTakeout.com is reporting that, according to a Color Purple insider, Fantasia has been talking openly to the cast about her new condition. The insider explained, "She told [one of the cast members] that she's pregnant and she's really excited"
The insider also claims that while Fantasia isn't showing yet, she's definitely acting pregnant, saying, "She's walks with her hand on her hip and all of a sudden she's taken to chewing ice."
Looks like they'll have to release 'Tasia's song "Baby Mama." B-A-B-Y!
UPDATE: Fantasia's rep says that she is not pregnant, although some Broadway sources are still not convinced. Thanks to the commenter below for the update.
Click for more Theater News & Commentary
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Britney Spears' 16 Year Old Sister Jamie Lynn is Pregnant!
Oh. My. God.
I told myself I was over Britney Spears and the whole family, but this sucked me right back in.
Jamie Lynn Spears, the 16-year-old sister of beleagured (former) pop star Britney Spears, is pregnant with her 19-year-old boyfriend Casey Aldridge's child.
Wow.
In an interview with OK Magazine, she said, “It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected. I was in complete and total shock and so was he.”
Um, yeah. You're 16. I would think so.
Wonder what her employer Nickelodeon will have to say about this...
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Underwood, Daughtry and Sparks' Album Sales Increase, as Lewis' Plummet
There was good news for three former Idols on this week's album chart, and not-so-good news for one.
Both Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks saw sales increases this week -- Carrie jumped by 32% to sell 138K for the #9 spot, while Jordin's sales increased 16% to 60K, good enough for the #26 spot. Daughtry saw the week's biggest gain, improving 40% to 60K, which put him at #27.
Blake Lewis, meanwhile, who debuted last week in the Top 10, plummeted 44% to just 54K. That leaves him at #33 for the week.
Josh Groban, yet again, grabbed the chart's top spot, selling a whopping 666K copies of Noel. Alicia Keys (299K), The Eagles (239K), Mannheim Steamroller (193K) and NOW 26 (192K) round out the Top 5.
Source: Hits Daily Double
Read Nine Idols Finish in the Top 200 Album Chart
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Appreciating Christian Bale's Body...Of Work
He may be the big star of Batman now, but he'll always be the kid from Newsies to me!
As we head into Christmas, I thought it might be nice to appreciate Christian Bale's body...of work. Enjoy!
Click for more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
SPOILER: All-Stars For Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites Revealed!
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!
Always take spoiler info with a grain of salt, but the internet is buzzing with rumors of the ten returning all-stars for Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites this February. Here's who I'm hearing it will be:
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!
James (Survivor: China)
Amanda (Survivor: China)
Yau-Man (Survivor: Fiji)
Jonathan (Survivor: Cook Islands)
Ozzy (Survivor: Cook Islands)
Parvati (Survivor: Cook Islands)
Cerie (Survivor: Panama)
Ami (Survivor: Vanuatu)
Eliza (Survivor: Vanuatu)
and...believe it or not...
Jonny Fairplay (Survivor: Pearl Islands)
Fairplay? Really? Ugh.
As for the rest of the list, there were a few names I had to wrack my head to remember (Eliza?), but all in all, they are not bad choices. They clearly decided not to go with previous winners, and they've only brought back all-stars who have been on the show since the last all-star edition.
What do you think? Do you believe these? Is there someone's name you wish was here but isn't?
Source: Cold Leftovers
Click for more SURVIVOR
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Year End: Ten Best Plays & Musicals of 2007
All this week I'll be listing my favorites in the different areas of pop culture that Idol Thoughts covers. Now up: plays and musical!
1. The Coast of Utopia
2. Spring Awakening
3. In The Heights
4. Frost/Nixon
5. Scarcity
6. Speech and Debate
7. Legally Blonde: The Musical
8. Gypsy
9. Journey's End
10. The Farnsworth Invention
Click for the Ten Best Reality Shows of 2007
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Did Survivor's Lunch Lady Lie?
The internet is buzzing today with the possibility that Survivor: China fourth place finisher Denise lied about losing her job as a lunch lady.
Oh, Denise.
Click here for Entertainment Weekly's take on the drama.
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Monday, December 17, 2007
rssHugger: A Review
I have asked for inclusion in a new site called rssHugger, which helps bring visitors to your blogs and surfers find blogs on subjects that they are interested in. If this works out, it could benefit both you (the reader) and me (the blogger)!
rssHugger says they use the power of the environmentally friendly Internet and viral marketing to bring blog authors and blog readers together, which sounds like an exciting idea. I'm always looking for new feedburning opportunities, so keep your fingers crossed this works out!
Poll: Which Gossip Girls Guy is the Hottest?
The men of Gossip Girl hit up TRL yesterday, and JustJared has the pic to prove it!
Here's the question...of Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford and Ed Westwick, which Gossip guy is the hottest? (You don't have to choose based on this picture alone -- admittedly, Chace Crawford looks a bit sleepy!) Vote below!
Click for more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Reality Debut Tonight: NBC's Clash of the Choirs
The timing couldn't be worse for me to watch a new reality show -- I've got last-minute shopping to do, friends in town, and holiday parties to attend. Then why can't I stop thinking NBC's Clash of the Choirs?
Debuting tonight, the four-night series will feature Blake Shelton, Patti Labelle, Nick Lachey, Kelly Rowland and Michael Bolton auditioning, recruiting and rehearsing full choirs in their hometowns. Some will sing traditional choral music, while others will sing rock, rap or pop.
Could the concept be any cheesier?
I don't care -- my Tivo is set, and in between sips of egg-nog I'll be tuning in. Will you?
Here's the preview:
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Watch the Trailer for Leatherheads, Starring Clooney, Krasinski and Zellweger
I'm not a huge football fan, but somehow I love movies and TV about football. Go figure.
Here's a trailer for the new film Leatherheads, directed by and starring George Clooney. The movie also features The Office star John Krasinski and Oscar winner Renee Zellweger.
I'm so there.
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
The New Bond Girl Is...
The new Bond girl is...
Gemma Arterton!
Who??
The 22-year-old British actress will succeed Eva Green in the next Bond flick, opposite Daniel Craig. It has not yet been announced what her role will be.
Anyone know who this girl is?
Source: Empire Online
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Which Favorites Will Return for Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites?
Now that we know the next installment of Survivor will be called Fans vs. Favorites, the question becomes...which favorites will return?
Jeff Probst announced last night that at least one contestant from Survivor: China will be returning, and I'd be shocked (shocked!) if he was not referring to James. The big guy was loved by nearly everyone who watched the show, and due to his Immunity Idol blunder he was prematurely voted off, so it's seems a bit of a no-brainer that he will return.
Who else will be back? Will it be limited to contestants since the last All Star version of the show, or is any contestant fair game?
Here's a few of the folks on my wish-list...who's on yours?
Yau-Man Chan
Earl Cole
Dreamz
Cirie Fields
Yul Kwon
Stephenie LaGrossa
Oscar "Ozzy" Lusth
Rob Mariano
Kathy Varick O'Brien
Tom Westman
Ethan Zohn
Click for more Survivor
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Poll: What Was Your Favorite Reality Show of the Year?
You know I love lists here at Idol Thoughts, and I'm in the process of making my year-end 'Ten Best' lists, so before I gave my two cents, I thought I'd see what you all had to say!
First up -- which reality show did you enjoy the most this year? If I didn't include your favorite as a poll choice, leave a comment and let me know!
Survivor's Todd Gives a Masterful Jury Performance
Perhaps Survivor's Todd should think about leaving his flight attendant days behind and become an attorney, because he rocked the final tribal council in last night's finale. Wow.
Coming into the Final 4, it seemed like Amanda was a shoo-in for victory -- she had played the game well and hadn't ruffled nearly as many feathers as Todd, so I was sure she'd get a Danni or Vecepia-like win. Winning the final two challenges should have secured her the easy $1 million dollar. But, following the tribal council in which Denise was voted out, something happened to Amanda -- she became apologetic, overly-earnest, and weak.
And then Todd stepped in for the kill.
There have been some good arguments made over the years on Survivor, but I'm not sure anyone has every handled the jury's questions with such mastery. His answer to John Robert was pure genius -- he knew what John and his big ego needed to hear, and he gave it to him in such a beautifully articulated response that the big man was actually rendered speechless. Amazing.
I'll also give some credit to Courtney, who presented her "can you believe I'm still her, and I've been totally myself the whole time" argument with such aplomb that I had a moment where I though she might actually win! The fact that she squeezed past Amanda for 2nd place is very impressive.
As for the rest of the episode, there was plenty of drama to go around, with both the final reward and immunity challenges pushing the contestants to their limits. And props to Probst -- year-in, year-out, he manages to ask the questions and make the statements that make the contestants squirm, and I love him for it.
Do you think Todd should have won Survivor: China, or should Amanda, Denise or Courtney been named the winner? Take the Idol Thoughts poll here and let me know! (Results will be revealed tomorrow morning).
Click for more Survivor, including news on Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Poll: Who Should Have Won Survivor: China?
Was Todd the most deserving winner of Survivor: China? The results of this poll will be announced tomorrow morning. Vote in the poll below and make your opinion heard!
Celebrity Crush: Weeds' Justin Kirk
He can do drama...he can do comedy...and he looks mighty fine doing both. Yep, I love Justin Kirk!
Most people know him for his hysterical work on the Showtime comedy Weeds, where he is pitch-perfect as stoner Uncle Andy. But don't forget, he picked up an Emmy nomination for his heartbreaking performance in the HBO mini-series Angels in America, playing AIDS-stricken Prior Walters. He also charmed on the late TV show Jack & Jill, and the film Flannel Pajamas.
Enjoy the pics of the delectable Mr. Kirk!
Click for more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
SPOILER: The Winner of Survivor Is...
SPOILER!!!! SPOILER!!!!
The winner of Survivor: China is...
TODD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Full recap of tonight's finale to come...
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites: I'm Freaking Out!
Survivor just announced that this February, super-fans of the show will go head-to-head with all-stars from the show's past, in an incarnation called Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites. I'm freaking out!
This is so much better than an all all-star version, as the former castaways will have to band together to fight off the superfans. It's gonna be awesome.
Stay tuned for a full recap of tonight's finale...
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Youtube Video: Kelly Clarkson Kissed By Overzealous Fan at Concert
I can understand the impulse, but I've always managed to restrain myself from jumping on stage to kiss Kelly Clarkson while she is performing. Not so much a fan in Belgium, who did just that this weekend. Watch the video...
Luckily the situation was taken care of pretty quickly. People, I know Kelly is amazing, but control yourselves!
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
ABC Unveils Midseason Schedule; Lost Moves to Thursdays
ABC has released their midseason, strike-affected scheduled...and it's a doozy! The schedule is so complicated, in fact, that it changes by the month!
New drama Cashmere Mafia will debut on Thursday January 3 at 10PM before settling into it's regular Wednesday 10PM slot, while Lost will appear on Thursday evenings for the first time, at 9PM. It will be followed by the new drama from Brothers & Sisters creator Greg Berlanti Eli Stone at 10PM. Desperate Housewives will also see a new timeslot -- Sundays at 10PM.
The Dancing with the Stars spin-off Dance War: Carrie Ann vs. Bruno will take over the DWTS spot on Mondays from 8-9:30PM in January and February, with a results show on Tuesdays from 9-10PM. DWTS will return to it's usual slot in March.
Here is ABC's new schedule:
MONDAY (JAN)
8:00 p.m. "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann"
9:30 p.m. "Notes from the Underbelly"
10:00 p.m. "October Road"
MONDAY (FEB)
8:00 p.m. "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann"
9:00 p.m. "Samantha Who?"
9:30 p.m. "Notes from the Underbelly"
10:00 p.m. "October Road"
MONDAY (MAR)
8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars"
9:30 p.m. "Samantha Who?"
10:00 p.m. "The Bachelor"
TUESDAY
8:00 p.m. "Just for Laughs"
8:30 p.m. "Just for Laughs"
9:00 p.m. "According to Jim"
9:30 p.m. "Carpoolers"
10:00 p.m. "Boston Legal"
TUESDAY (MAR)
8:00 p.m. "Just for Laughs"
8:30 p.m. "Just for Laughs"
9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show"
10:00 p.m. "Boston Legal"
WEDNESDAY
8:00 p.m. "Wife Swap"
9:00 p.m. "Supernanny"
10:00 p.m. "Cashmere Mafia" ("Men in Trees" beginning Feb. 27)
THURSDAY (JAN)
8:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10:00 p.m. "Big Shots" (after special premiere of "Cashmere Mafia" on Jan 3)
THURSDAY (FEB)
8:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
9:00 p.m. "Lost"
10:00 p.m. "Eli Stone"
FRIDAY
8:00 p.m. Drama encores
9:00 p.m. Drama encores
10:00 p.m. "20/20"
SUNDAY (MAR)
7:00 p.m "America's Funniest Home Videos
8:00 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
9:00 p.m. "Oprah's Big Give"
10:00 p.m."Desperate Housewives"
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Who Should and Will Win Survivor: China?
It all comes down to this: Courtney, Denise, Todd and Amanda will duke it out on tomorrow night's finale of Survivor: China? Who will be named the Sole Survivor?
Todd and Amanda have dominated the game strategically. They were responsible for the handling of the immunity idols, the elimination of John Robert, and the blindsiding of James. If there's any Survivor justice in the world, they should be standing in the final 2.
Notice I say "final 2." Despite the fact that the last two seasons have seen a final 3 go in front of the jury, I'm guessing this season will revert to a duo, as opposed to a trio, going to the finals. I have no proof (except scheduling) to back that up -- it's just a hunch.
As for Denise and Courtney, while both should be commended for making it this far in the game, neither, in my opinion, is worthy of the million dollars. Courtney's strategy may have been to be a whiny bitch with no discernable skill set, and, to her credit, it worked, but that doesn't mean she should get the money. Similarly, Denise laid low and didn't ruffle feathers, and she seems like a truly lovely, salt-of-the-earth human being, but aside from winning two reward challenges (one thanks to Courtney) she made absolutely zero impact on the game. In fact, she had the chance to turn the tides by voting off Todd, and didn't take it, so I just can't see the jury naming her the champ.
Which leaves Todd and Amanda. While I admire the fact that Todd was devious pretty much from the get-go, didn't hide it, and still managed to avoid elimination, I'm more impressed with Amanda's quiet, subtle gameplaying methods. She, too, lied and deceived, but did it in a much more gentle way, as to avoid upsetting too many of her tribemates. She did it well, it worked, and I think it qualifies her for the victory.
And, if she does make it to the final 2, I think the jury will agree, awarding her the win over either Todd, Denise or Courtney. If it's Todd versus Denise or Courtney, it may be hard for the jury to avoid the temptation to give Denise the money, but I think Todd will still pull out a win.
If, somehow, Courtney and Denise are the final pair (not a totally ridiculous notion, considering how well Courtney performed in the last endurance immunity challenge), I believe the jury won't be able to overlook Courtney's bad attitude, and will make Denise $1 million richer.
But, for the record, my prediction of who will and should win Survivor: China is Amanda.
Who do you think should and will win? Leave a comment and let me know.
Click for more Survivor
Dancing with the Stars' Maks Broods for the Camera
He made no effort to hide his vanity, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that Dancing with the Stars' Maksim Chmerkovskiy seems to love the camera so much.
Maks, of course, announced last week that he was speaking from a place of passion when he said he wouldn't return to the hit ABC show. He will, indeed, be back this spring.
What do you think -- Maks, hot or not?
Pictures courtesy of www.hunksdujour.com
Click for more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Friday, December 14, 2007
Jordin Sparks Will Sing National Anthem at the Super Bowl
Considering the game is on Fox, it's not a huge surprise that an American Idol champ will perform, but it's still big news that Jordin Sparks will sing the National Anthem at this year's Super Bowl. According to the Arizona Republic, the teenager will perform before the big game, which is being held this year on February 3.
Hopefully this will boost her album sales!
Source: Arizona Republic
Click for Idol Thoughts' American Idol Central
Yet Another David Beckham Underwear Picture (The Third!)
The web has gone Beckham-underwear craaaazy!
This one's not an actual ad, but seemingly a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot.
For the other Beckham underwear ads, click here
Daughtry, Underwood, Clarkson, Hicks, Pickler, Fantasia, Yamin, McPhee and Covington All Finish in the Top 200 Year-End Album Chart
While Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis haven't seen much traction with their newly released albums, former Idol contestants Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood are doing just fine, thank you very much. Daughtry's album Daughtry was the number one selling album of the year according to Billboard, moving 3.2 million albums, while Underwood's Some Hearts (released in 2005!) was the year's #5 album.
Outside of the top 20, Underwood's sophomore album, Carnival Ride, finished at #56; Kelly Clarkson's My December took the #66 spot; Taylor Hicks' debut grabbed #74; Kellie Pickler's Small Town Girl was #95; Fantasia's self-titled second disc was #105; Elliott Yamin finished at #114; Katharine McPhee grabbed #159; and Bucky Covington took #187.
Here are the year's Top 20:
1. DAUGHTRY Daughtry
2. KONVICTED Akon
3. THE DUTCHESS Fergie
4. HANNAH MONTANA Soundtrack
5. SOME HEARTS Carrie Underwood
6. ALL THE RIGHT REASONS Nickelback
7. FUTURESEX/LOVESOUNDS Justin Timberlake
8. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 Soundtrack
9. NOW 23 Various Artists
10. MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT Linkin Park
11. B'DAY Beyonce
12. GRADUATION Kanye West
13. ME AND MY GANG Rascal Flatts
14. LOVE The Beatles
15. THE SWEET ESCAPE Gwen Stefani
16. HANNAH MONTANA 2 (SOUNDTRACK)/MEET MILEY CYRUS Miley Cyrus
17. AWAKE Josh Groban
18. NOT TOO LATE Norah Jones
19. TAYLOR SWIFT Taylor Swift
20. KINGDOM COME Jay-Z
Click to visit Idol Thoughts' American Idol Central
New, Different David Beckham Armani Underwear Ad!
And the goodness keeps coming...
(Sorry for the low-quality picture...it's the best I could do!)
Click for the first Beckahm underwear ad and more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
You Wanna Be On Top? Ranking the Winners of America's Next Top Model
Now that we've come to end of another cycle of America's Next Top Model, I thought it might be interesting to take a look back at all of the show's winners to determine, after all, who has come out on top.
Of course, any best-of list is subjective, so please feel free to disagree with me and let me know which winners you loved and hated. I'm basing my rankings for this list on how each girl performed on the show (photo shoots, runway, attitude, personality, growth), not on what they have done since winning.
Here goes...
1. Danielle Evans (Season 6)
She's gorgeous, her photos were fierce, her runway walk was awesome -- the only this girl couldn't do is talk! What sealed the deal for me in giving Dani the top spot, however, is overcoming a sickness that required a hospital visit to triumph in a jungle-themed photo shoot. Now that is a Top Model!
2. Eva Pigford (Season 3)
Eva's pictures were always fantastic, but the real appeal of watching her on Top Model was seeing her overcome her personal demons to become the true model we (and the judges) knew she was capable of being. Love her.
3. Adrianne Curry (Season 1)
Adrianne's personality was so endearing to me that I put her at #9 on my list of Ten Favorite Reality Show Contestants! Foul mouthed, hysterical, and game for anything, she helped make Top Model into the must-see hit that it is today.
4. Saleisha Stowers (Season 9)
The most recent winner is poised, professional, and takes great photos (though, arguably not as good as her competitor Jenah). Cover Girl must be happy to have her.
5. CariDee English (Season 7)
Goofy and a spitfire, CariDee injected tons of personality into Season 7's competition. Melrose may have had stronger chops as a model, but there was no denying CariDee's charm and appeal.
6. Nicole Linkletter (Season 5)
Probably the least endearing winner the show has ever had, Nicole's porcelain skin and ridiculously beautiful face helped her coast to victory. I think she probably grew the least of any winner, but when you come into the competition looking like she did, who cares?
7. Naima Mora (Season 4)
I wanted to love Naima, but I never found her as edgy as she seemed to find herself. In fact, I found her quite boring! Still, she was the most deserving contestant on what I consider to be Top Model's weakest season.
8. Yoanna House (Season 2)
The only girl without a perfect body to win the show, Yoanna should have been the underdog I rooted for. Instead, I found her whiny and kind of annoying.
9. Jaslene Gonzalez (Season 8)
I mean!!
So, does my list match up with yours? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Click for more Top Model
The Snake is Spared As Peih-Gee Eliminated on Survivor
Props to Survivor 's Peih=Gee -- she was a good competitor. But she had to go.
As I said in my post this morning (Who Will Come in Fifth Place on Survivor?), if Amanda knew what was best for her, she'd stick with Todd. For now. Peih-Gee would have won a jury vote -- she played hard, she was the underdog, and her former tribemates make up the majority of the jury. And giving Todd the chance to sway the jury was a risk Amanda just couldn't take.
But now that Peih-Gee is gone, anything is fair game. Neither Denise or Courtney will be able to make much of a case for themselves, which means Todd and Amanda are now each other's biggest threat. Both played strategically -- Amanda more subtly than Todd, but she stabbed some back as well. If either has the chance to eliminate the other in the Final Four, they should take it.
The rest of the show was pretty run-of-the-mill: Denise couldn't eat the gross food item; Courtney once again proved she has absolutely no skills whatsoever; and Todd and Amanda both continued to actively, and wisely, strategize. Still, I can't wait for Sunday's finale.
Click for more Survivor
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Ten Favorite Reality Show Contestants: SYTYCD's Travis Wall at #7
I am in the process of listing my Ten Favorite Reality Show Contestants of All Time. Some of these folks I fell in love with for the talent; others simply had personalities that won me over. Any way you look at them, though, these are my faves from shows such as American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Amazing Race, Survivor, and many more.
Please note: I did not include any person who was a "celebrity" before they appeared on a reality show, so all contestants from Dancing with the Stars and other shows like it were ineligible for this list.
#8 - Travis Wall, So You Think You Can Dance
Here's an embarrassing Idol Thoughts secret for ya -- I have never screamed as loudly as I did for Travis Wall at the So You Think You Can Dance concert in 2006.
What is it about the dancing wonder that inspired so much passion that my vocal chords were hurting for days? Aw, let me count the ways:
(A) He's adorable. I mean, look at that picture!
(B) His dancing is transcendant. Along with Nick Lazarrini, Danny Tidwell and Sabra Johnson, he is one of the best and most versatile dancers the show has ever seen. The contemporary "park bench" dance, choreographed by Mia Michaels, that he did with Heidi? Sheer genius. And those spins? Next to his step-brother Danny, no one has spun with the power and authority that Travis did.
(C) His charming personality. Try, just try, not to fall a little bit in love with him when smiles. I dare ya.
Yeah, I love Travis. Don't you?
Click for more Ten Favorite Reality Show Contestants
Click for more So You Think You Can Dance
Check Out Meryl Streep in the Trailer for Mamma Mia!
Meryl Streep singing "Dancing Queen"? I am sooooo there.
Here's the trailer for the film version of the Broadway musical Mamma Mia, which will be in theaters next summer, starring La Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried (Big Love, Veronica Mars, Mean Girls), Christine Baranski, Colin Firth, Dominic Cooper (The History Boys) and more . Can't wait!
Click for more Videos
Back to the Island: Watch the Season 4 Trailer of Lost
After last May's ridiculously entertaining season finale, I can't wait until February when the new (truncated) season of Lost debuts.
To help tide me (and other Lost fans) over, here's the trailer for Season 4 that is now airing in movie theaters.
To paraphrase Jack in the Season 3 finale -- I wanna go back to the island!
Project Runway Gets Serious, As Stephen is Eliminated
It was a "Very Special" episode of Project Runway this week that saw the departure of a fan favorite, the return of another fan favorite, and the elimination of a hysterically snarky, yet pretty god awful, designer. It doesn't get much better than this!
I was convinced that the "Jack drama" that had been promised in the promos for this week's episode were a red herring, but I was unfortunately proved wrong, as a medical condition forced him to leave the competition. It's a real shame -- Jack had the chance to prove that being infected with HIV was not going to hold him back, and he had done good work so far in the competition. We'll miss you, Jack.
And then Chris returned! While the logic given was "the interest of fair competition," is it really fair to bring back someone who had produced a garment ugly enough to get them eliminated? Don't get me wrong -- I love Chris, and I'm glad to see him back. I just wonder how Stephen feels, now that he's watching from the sidelines and Chris is still in the competition.
Speaking of Stephen -- what were you thinking? If he was going to completely disregard the fabric he had to work with (that hideous wedding dress), the least he could have done was make sure he produced a flat-out gorgeous outfit (a la Jillian). His creation was an abomination -- ill-fitting, in bad taste, and just plain ugly. Nina was spot-on calling it a French Maid's outfit. After two clunkers in the last two weeks, I'm not sorry to see Stephen go.
Elisa and Ricky, meanwhile, continue to hang in by a very loose thread. Ricky's outfit was, for the first time, not terrible this week -- but he still cried! Get this weepy beeyatch outta here!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Christian, who is quickly becoming my favorite contestant, as much for his witty one-liners as for his designs. But his work this week was fierce -- almost as fierce as his statement "Don't these bitches know I'm better than them all?" Gotta love self-confidence like that!
What do you think? Was the right contestant eliminated? And who is in more danger next week -- Ricky or Elisa?
The Golden Globes Actually Got it Kinda Right!
Every year when the nominations are announced for the various award ceremonies, I get excited, and then disappointed. Year in, year out, it seems my faves are passed over in favor of shows that I couldn't care less about.
But...this year the Golden Globes actually got it kinda right!
I had said in a post last week that I was hoping for nods for Damages and Mad Men, and whaddaya know -- Damages grabbed nominations for Best Drama, Best Actress (Glenn Close), Best Supporting Actress (Rose Byrne) and Best Supporting Actor (Ted Danson). Yay! Similarly, Mad Men picked up nominations for Best Drama and Best Actor (Jon Hamm). Double yay!
Of course, Friday Night Lights was egregiously left off the list. No yay for that. Also no yay for the exclusions of Keri Russell (Waitress), Into the Wild or it's star Emile Hirsch.
I was glad to see Emmy winner Sally Field get a nomination for Brothers & Sisters, however; ditto for her B&S co-star Rachel Griffith. While I'm not a huge Pushing Daisies fan, it was nice to see that show and it's stars, Lee Pace and Anna Friel, get recognized. And I'm thrilled Christina Applegate was nominated for Samantha Who? Could she be any cuter on that show?
As for the movie nominations, there were no huge surprises, but I was happy to see Nikki Blonsky get nominated for Hairspray (I thought she was fantastic in the film). The Globes always go with the big stars, and this year is no exception -- Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Jodie Foster, George Clooney, John Travolta and Denzel Washington were all recognized.
Should be a starry night!
Youtube Video: Zac Efron Gets Down to Soulja Boy
You gotta love youtube.
Here's a video of Zac Efron dancing in the High School Musical fims to the sounds of the hit song "Soulja Boy." The video is not great quality, but I dare you not to laugh. Go on -- try it.
Thanks to justjared for bringing the video to my attention.
Click for more Videos
Click for more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
Four Women and a Gay Mormon: Which Survivor Contestant Will Have to Settle For Fifth Place?
Isn't the last Survivor week of each season so fun?? We get an episode on Thursday, and then a three-hour finale extravaganza just three days later. Good times!
Before we get to tonight's episode, however, it's time to predict which Survivor contestant is going to have to settle for fifth place. Remember, there's four women and a Gay mormon left: Todd, Amanda, Peih-Gee, Denise and Courtney. Who will be the next to go?
If we are to believe the commercials for tonight's episode, Todd and Amanda, alliances throughout the competition, have decided to turn on each other. If this is, in fact, the case, and Amanda decides to team up with Denise and Peih-Gee, it would seem Todd would be the next one eliminated, and the four women would go to the finals. This scenario is possible -- Amanda and Todd are definitively the strongest players, and it is possible that both would want to eliminated their toughest competition before getting to the final 2. But I just don't see it happening.
It's time for Peih-Gee to go. I always root for the underdog, and Peih-Gee has been the underdog for several weeks now, but because most of her former tribemates are now on the jury, Todd and Amanda have to know that she poses a huge threat to them in the finals. This is not the case for Denise or Courtney -- both have been getting through by not ruffling feathers, and neither has a real shot at taking home the $1 million prize. If they know what is good for them, Todd and Amanda will realize that for now they are stronger together than they are apart, and they'll send Peih-Gee packing.
Here's hoping.
Who do you think will be eliminated on tonight's Survivor?
Click for more Survivor
Golden Globe Awards -- Television Nominations
Here is a list of the Golden Globe Award nominations in the television categories. Thoughts to come...
Click here for Golden Globe Awards -- Movie Nominations
DRAMATIC TV SERIES
"Big Love"
"Damages"
"Grey's Anatomy"
"House"
"Mad Men"
"The Tudors"
BEST ACTOR, TV DRAMA
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
John Hamm, "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie, "House"
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, "The Tudors"
Bill Paxton, "Big Love"
BEST ACTRESS, TV DRAMA
Patricia Arquette, "Medium"
Glenn Close, "Damages"
Minnie Driver, "The Riches"
Edie Falco, "The Sopranos"
Sally Field, "Brothers & Sisters"
Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"
TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
"Californication"
"Entourage"
"Extras"
"30 Rock"
"Pushing Daisies"
BEST ACTOR, TV MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Steve Carell, "The Office"
David Duchovny, "Californication"
Ricky Gervais, "Extras"
Lee Pace, "Pushing Daisies"
BEST ACTRESS, TV MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Christina Applegate, "Samantha Who?"
America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Anna Friel, "Pushing Daisies"
Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds"
BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"
"The Company"
"5 Days"
"The State Within"
"Longford"
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Bryce Dallas Howard, "As You Like It"
Debra Messing, "The Starter Wife"
Queen Latifah, "Life Support"
Sissy Spacek, "Pictures of Hollis Woods"
Ruth Wilson, "Jane Eyre"
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Rose Byrne, "Damages"
Rachel Griffith, "Brothers & Sisters"
Katherine Heigl, "Grey's Anatomy"
Samantha Morton, "Longford"
Anna Paquin, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee "
Jamie Pressly, "My Name is Earl"
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Ted Danson
Kevin Dillon
Jeremy Piven
Andy Serkis
William Shatner
Donald Sutherland
Golden Globe Awards -- Movie Nominations
Here's the movie nominations for this year's Golden Globe Awards, with Atonement leading the field with seven nods. More to come...
DRAMATIC PICTURE
"American Gangster"
"Atonement"
"Eastern Promises"
"The Great Debaters"
"Michael Clayton"
"No Country For Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"
MUSICAL OR COMEDY PICTURE
"Across the Universe"
"Charlie Wilson's War"
"Hairspray"
"Juno"
"Sweeney Todd"
FOREIGN LANGUAGE PICTURE
"4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (Romania)
"The Diving Bell & the Butterfly" (France/USA)
"The Kite Runner" (USA)
"Lust, "Caution" (Taiwan)
"Persepolis" (France)
BEST DIRECTOR
Tim Burton, "Sweeney Todd"
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
Julian Schnabel, "Diving Bell & the Butterfly"
Ridley Scott, "American Gangster"
Joe Wright, "Atonement"
BEST DRAMATIC ACTOR
George Clooney, "Michael Clayton"
Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
James McAvoy, "Atonement"
Viggo Mortensen, "Eastern Promises"
Denzel Washington, "The Great Debaters"
BEST DRAMATIC ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
Jodie Foster, "The Brave One"
Angelina Jolie, "A Mighty Heart"
Keira Knightley, "Atonement"
BEST ACTOR, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Johnny Depp, "Sweeney Todd"
Tom Hanks, "Charlie Wilson's War"
Ryan Gosling, "Lars and the Real Girl"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Savages"
John C. Reilly, "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story"
BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Adams, "Enchanted"
Nikki Blonsky, "Hairspray"
Helena Bonham Carter, "Sweeney Todd"
Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"
Ellen Page, "Juno"
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Casey Affleck, "Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Charlie Wilson's War"
John Travolta, "Hairspray"
Tom Wilkinson, "Michael Clayton"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There"
Saoirse Ronan, "Atonement"
Julia Roberts, "Charlie Wilson's War"
Amy Ryan, "Gone Baby Gone"
Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton"
ANIMATED FILM
"Bee Movie"
"Ratatouille"
"The Simpsons Movie"
SCREENPLAY
Diablo Cody, "Juno"
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
Christopher Hampton, "Atonement"
Ronald Harwood, "The Diving Bell & the Butterfly"
Aaron Sorkin, "Charlie Wilson's War"
ORIGINAL SCORE
Dario Marianelli, "Atonement"
Howard Shore, "Eastern Promises"
Clint Eastwood, "Grace is Gone"
Michael Brook, "Into the Wild"
Alberto Iglesias, "The Kite Runner"
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Girl You Better Work! Saleisha Wins America's Next Top Model
It all seems so obvious now, doesn't it? Saleisha walked into America's Next Top Model as arguably the competition's most naturally beautiful contestants, and she walked out of it the winner. Yes, Heather was a more compelling "character" and Jenah took better photos, but Saleisha had the whole package, and I can't say I'm sorry to see her win.
The episode was magnificently watchable, from the predictable commercial flubs to the catastrophe on the catwalk. I wasn't at all surprised to see Jenah go, despite taking what Tyra called "some of the best pictures [she'd] ever seen." It always makes me a little uncomfortable to watch Tyra perform psychotherapy on these poor girls, and then eliminate them five minutes later. But hey, that's reality TV kids -- you get what you signed up for.
I've gotta give it up to Chantal for putting up a good fight throughout the competition. Like Tyra, I had originally written her off as a dumb beach blonde, but her very obvious passion for modeling shone through, and she did take some pretty fierce pictures. It is a shame, though, that her final runway experience was marred by the great-stilts-incident-of-'07.
Ah well, it wasn't like she was gonna win yesterday. Saleisha had this one in the bag (I even called it in my post Battle to the Finish: Who Will Win Top Model?), but she proved she's worthy of the title with a professional-esque runway performance. Work it out, girl!
PS. Ms. J, Twiggy, Nigel and the one-and-only Tyra walking down the catwalk? Classic.
PPS. Jaslene? No comment.
Click for more Top Model/Project Runway
Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford Takes it Off
I've resisted jumping on the Chace Crawford bandwagon, preferring to save my lust for his Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley. But in the past few weeks, as pictures of the young actor have circulated around the web (often in relation to his rumored paramour Carrie Underwood), I haven't been able to help falling for him a bit.
And then I saw these pictures. Wow. Wow, wow, wow.
Yeah, I'm officially in love.
Click for more Cute Boys of Pop Culture
Posts
