Howard Bragman — an architect of modern public relations and queer rights advocate who died last month — was celebrated by friends, family, and former clients in an emotional memorial on Sunday in Los Angeles.
A packed private park in North Hollywood adorned with string lights and a humble stage welcomed guests including Stevie Wonder, Lizzy Caplan, Melissa Rivers, Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft, and Bragman’s musician husband Michael Maimone. Industry types in attendance included Oscar winner and “The Woman King” producer Cathy Shulman, former Entertainment Weekly editor Jess Cagle, and former “Good Morning America” hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes. Bragman’s brother Adam and his client Don Lemon sent video tributes honoring the late executive.
“Honestly, I’m kind of shocked that Howard has allowed me to speak without going over talking points and vetting the audience,” joked Rivers, a long-time Bragman charge who said she “lost a true friend and trusted advisor.
A packed private park in North Hollywood adorned with string lights and a humble stage welcomed guests including Stevie Wonder, Lizzy Caplan, Melissa Rivers, Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft, and Bragman’s musician husband Michael Maimone. Industry types in attendance included Oscar winner and “The Woman King” producer Cathy Shulman, former Entertainment Weekly editor Jess Cagle, and former “Good Morning America” hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes. Bragman’s brother Adam and his client Don Lemon sent video tributes honoring the late executive.
“Honestly, I’m kind of shocked that Howard has allowed me to speak without going over talking points and vetting the audience,” joked Rivers, a long-time Bragman charge who said she “lost a true friend and trusted advisor.
- 3/6/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
After a highly successful run on Broadway that resulted in four extensions, Audra McDonald's acclaimed portrayal of jazz singer-songwriter Billie Holiday in "Lady Day at Emerson Bar & Grill" will debut as a special presentation on HBO on Saturday, March 12. Read More: 'The Leftovers' Season 3 Picked Up by HBO, But It Will Be the Last Season Written originally for off-broadway in 1987 by Lanie Robertson, "Lady Day at Emerson Bar & Grill" tells the story of Billie Holiday's life through the songs that made her famous. HBO's newly released teaser features McDonald, in the performance that earned her her sixth Tony Award, singing "God Bless The Child," one of Billie Holiday's most famous songs. The special was filmed in front of a live audience at Cafe Brazil in New Orleans. The special was directed by Lonny Price, who also directed the Broadway production, and was produced by Allen Newman and Two Hands Entertainment.
- 1/19/2016
- by Lauren Townsend
- Indiewire
Audra McDonald brings her acclaimed portrayal of Billie Holiday in the Broadway smash "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" to HBO, with the exclusive presentation scheduled to debut Saturday, March 12, 2016. Filmed before a live audience at Cafe Brasil in New Orleans, the special features McDonald in her history-making, tour de force performance as the jazz icon. Originally written for off-Broadway by Lanie Roberston in 1987, the production tells Holiday's life story through the songs that made her famous, including "God Bless the Child," "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," "Strange Fruit" and "Taint Nobody's Biz-ness." McDonald...
- 1/16/2016
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
How would you program this year's newest, most interesting films into double features with movies of the past you saw in 2015?Looking back over the year at what films moved and impressed us, it is clear that watching old films is a crucial part of making new films meaningful. Thus, the annual tradition of our end of year poll, which calls upon our writers to pick both a new and an old film: they were challenged to choose a new film they saw in 2015—in theatres or at a festival—and creatively pair it with an old film they also saw in 2015 to create a unique double feature.All the contributors were given the option to write some text explaining their 2015 fantasy double feature. What's more, each writer was given the option to list more pairings, with or without explanation, as further imaginative film programming we'd be lucky to catch...
- 1/4/2016
- by Notebook
- MUBI
The fifth edition of the Us in Progress co-production forum will be held on October 22-23rd, 2015, as a part of the 6th American Film Festival in Wrocław (October 20-25th).
Us in Progress aims to facilitate professional networking among European film professionals and emerging independent filmmakers from the United States. A biannual event, Us in Progress is also held in June during the Champs-Elysees Film Festival in Paris.
Invite-only screenings will feature six projects selected from fifty American independent feature-length submissions, all in final editing stages. Congratulations to the 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław participants:
"Actor Martinez" by Mike Ott & Nathan Silver "Alaska is a Drag" by Shaz Bennett "Americana" by Zachary Shedd "It Had to Be You" by Sasha Gordon "The Alchemist Cookbook" by Joel Potrykus "The Loner" by Daniel Grove Invited to Wroclaw, the filmmakers and/or their producers will present the projects to top European buyers and festival programmers (Locarno, Edinburgh, Versatile, Memento and Trust Nordisk among others) and attend one-to-one meetings and network.
The 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław partners provide in-kind awards of post-production service packages of combined value amounting to $40,000. Partners from the leading Polish sound and image studios include:
-Soundflower Studio and Maciej Zieliński
-Chimney Poland
-Fixafilms
-Toya Studios .
Prizes are also being offered by Producers' Network at Cannes and Ale kino+ (TV rights acquisition offer).
In 2014, the top prize was awarded to the producers/directors of "Homefront" (by Tyler Walker and Fidel Ruiz-Healy). They recently color-graded in Warsaw's Chimney.
Selections from last year's slate "God Bless the Child" and "Take Me to the River" had World Premieres at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival and the 2015 Sundance Film festivals, respectively. Both films will screen this year in the Spectrum competition at the American Film Festival.
To learn more or contact Us in Progress please email: aff[At]snh.org.pl...
Us in Progress aims to facilitate professional networking among European film professionals and emerging independent filmmakers from the United States. A biannual event, Us in Progress is also held in June during the Champs-Elysees Film Festival in Paris.
Invite-only screenings will feature six projects selected from fifty American independent feature-length submissions, all in final editing stages. Congratulations to the 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław participants:
"Actor Martinez" by Mike Ott & Nathan Silver "Alaska is a Drag" by Shaz Bennett "Americana" by Zachary Shedd "It Had to Be You" by Sasha Gordon "The Alchemist Cookbook" by Joel Potrykus "The Loner" by Daniel Grove Invited to Wroclaw, the filmmakers and/or their producers will present the projects to top European buyers and festival programmers (Locarno, Edinburgh, Versatile, Memento and Trust Nordisk among others) and attend one-to-one meetings and network.
The 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław partners provide in-kind awards of post-production service packages of combined value amounting to $40,000. Partners from the leading Polish sound and image studios include:
-Soundflower Studio and Maciej Zieliński
-Chimney Poland
-Fixafilms
-Toya Studios .
Prizes are also being offered by Producers' Network at Cannes and Ale kino+ (TV rights acquisition offer).
In 2014, the top prize was awarded to the producers/directors of "Homefront" (by Tyler Walker and Fidel Ruiz-Healy). They recently color-graded in Warsaw's Chimney.
Selections from last year's slate "God Bless the Child" and "Take Me to the River" had World Premieres at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival and the 2015 Sundance Film festivals, respectively. Both films will screen this year in the Spectrum competition at the American Film Festival.
To learn more or contact Us in Progress please email: aff[At]snh.org.pl...
- 10/1/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
It’s almost September and that means Netflix is about to refresh their content, for better or worse. Some of the notable titles leaving include: High Fidelity, Anchorman 2, and The Skeleton Twins. So if you haven’t seen some of these titles, plan your nights accordingly. We of course can look forward more than a few new titles including The Monster Squad, Moonrise Kingdom (pictured above), and The Walking Dead: Season 5.
Available 9/1
72 Dangerous Animals: Australia: Season 1
Arthur: Season 17
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)
Battle Creek: Season 1
Blackbird (2014)
Capital C (2014)
Combustion (2013)
Da Jammies: Season 1
Divorce Corp. (2014)
Giggle and Hoot’s Best Ever! (2014)
Hamlet (1990)
Hardball (2001)
Heather McDonald: I Don’t Mean To Brag (2014)
Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version (1962)
Los hombres también lloran: Season 1
Masters of the Universe (1987)
Mississippi Damned (2009)
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Volume 1
Mouk: Season 1
Our Man in Tehran (2013)
Pandas: The Journey Home (2014)
Person of Interest:...
Available 9/1
72 Dangerous Animals: Australia: Season 1
Arthur: Season 17
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)
Battle Creek: Season 1
Blackbird (2014)
Capital C (2014)
Combustion (2013)
Da Jammies: Season 1
Divorce Corp. (2014)
Giggle and Hoot’s Best Ever! (2014)
Hamlet (1990)
Hardball (2001)
Heather McDonald: I Don’t Mean To Brag (2014)
Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version (1962)
Los hombres también lloran: Season 1
Masters of the Universe (1987)
Mississippi Damned (2009)
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Volume 1
Mouk: Season 1
Our Man in Tehran (2013)
Pandas: The Journey Home (2014)
Person of Interest:...
- 9/2/2015
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
The “More Than I Knew” chanteuse, 41 — who will star in the musicals Josephine and The Bodyguard in 2016! — rattles off her list to Us. 1. I love Twizzlers and have them on my performance rider. 2. I got paid $10 to get off the stage while singing when I was 12 because I sang "God Bless The Child" by Billie Holiday. 3. One of my jobs was being a perfumer who sprayed samples at a department store in Toronto. Photos: Bet Awards 2015 Red Carpet: What The [...]...
- 8/31/2015
- Us Weekly
New to Netflix in September are two kinds of undead: Season 5 of "The Walking Dead" and the revived-from-cancellation A&E series, "Longmire," which was saved by Netflix.
As far as movies, there's the restored version of the Oscar-winning 1962 epic "Lawrence of Arabia," Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom," the first three "Rambo" films, the terrific "The Bank Job" with Jason Statham and "Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom" with Idris Elba.
There are also period dramas you might have missed from last year with Jessica Chastain ("Miss Julie") and Mia Wasikowska ("Madame Bovary") and hey, "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl!"
Available September 1
"72 Dangerous Animals Australia": Season 1 (2014)
"Combustión" (2013)
"Da Jammies": Season 1
"Giggle and Hoot's Best Ever!" (2014)
"Hamlet" (1990)
"Hardball" (2001)
"Heather McDonald: I Don't Mean To Brag" (2014)
"Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version" (1962)
"Los Hombres también lloran": Season 1
"Masters of the Universe" (1987)
"Mississippi Damned" (2009)
"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood": Volume 1
"Mouk...
As far as movies, there's the restored version of the Oscar-winning 1962 epic "Lawrence of Arabia," Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom," the first three "Rambo" films, the terrific "The Bank Job" with Jason Statham and "Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom" with Idris Elba.
There are also period dramas you might have missed from last year with Jessica Chastain ("Miss Julie") and Mia Wasikowska ("Madame Bovary") and hey, "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl!"
Available September 1
"72 Dangerous Animals Australia": Season 1 (2014)
"Combustión" (2013)
"Da Jammies": Season 1
"Giggle and Hoot's Best Ever!" (2014)
"Hamlet" (1990)
"Hardball" (2001)
"Heather McDonald: I Don't Mean To Brag" (2014)
"Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version" (1962)
"Los Hombres también lloran": Season 1
"Masters of the Universe" (1987)
"Mississippi Damned" (2009)
"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood": Volume 1
"Mouk...
- 8/31/2015
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
It is always sad when production ends on a film and it is time to leave the set: tight bonds have been made with cast and crew because you've struggled through something together and surprisingly, came out on the other side still alive—sort of. There are very few environments other than a film set where I've connected with people on such a strong personal level. Many of these people I still keep in touch with even as the years stretch out and our lives move on. Some I haven't physically seen since, but still a text here and there will come or get sent just to say "Hope all is well!" I personally am never really good with goodbyes; they are awkwardly emotional for me and I normally prefer to disappear from the crowd and head home. This time that wasn't possible, because this time the set was my home,...
- 8/25/2015
- by Robert Machoian
- Indiewire
Zoe Saldana knows how to multitask! The actress shared a new photo of one of her twin boys via Instagram on Wednesday. In the cute snapshot, the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star smiles for her adorable tot as the photo showcases her little man's full head of hair. "God bless the child that's got his own, That's got his own ~ Billie Holiday #motherhood #lovethesekids," she captioned the cute candid. Saldana and hubby Marco Perego welcomed their baby boys, Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio Perego-Saldana, back in December, and it already looks like the cute couple has found the key to parenting: Improvising! The brunette beauty likewise shared some parenting tips in a video via Facebook on Wednesday, which highlighted how she maintains her hot bod all while taking care her 5-month-old adorable twins. Improvising is key. The boys are 5 months and they are teething. We are getting creative every day on finding ways to.
- 4/30/2015
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Zoe Saldana's babies are getting so big! Sure, they may only be five months old. But in a new Instagram post, the A-list actress is giving fans an adorable look into how much they have already grown. "God bless the child that's got his own, That's got his own–Billie Holiday," she captioned on Instagram while her son showed off a healthy head of hair. "#Motherhood #LoveTheseKids" Along with getting bigger and cuter, Saldana's twins are keeping mommy busy with their latest milestone. In a Facebook post from Wednesday afternoon, the Guardians of the Galaxy star also revealed her children's latest habit. "The boys are 5 months and they are teething,"...
- 4/30/2015
- E! Online
On ‘Cinderella’ and feminism; How Branagh and Weitz altered the glass slipper
We find ourselves in a time and place where the voice of feminism has never been louder. Issues like Gamer Gate, sexism in Cosplay, a woman’s right to an opinion on fantasy, comics, or horror, as well as a myriad of issues outside the realm of pop culture like slut shaming, and blame for being raped flood news outlets on a daily basis. As a result, there’s been a constant cry for change from men and women alike, internationally. We’re seeing stronger representations of women in cinema, and on television. 2013’s Frozen offered a very necessary shift to the Disney Princess dynamic, suggesting that one saves oneself, that love is genderless, and that the kind of love that saves need not strictly be romantic… read the full article.
SXSW 2015: ‘The Overnight’ is an insightful,...
We find ourselves in a time and place where the voice of feminism has never been louder. Issues like Gamer Gate, sexism in Cosplay, a woman’s right to an opinion on fantasy, comics, or horror, as well as a myriad of issues outside the realm of pop culture like slut shaming, and blame for being raped flood news outlets on a daily basis. As a result, there’s been a constant cry for change from men and women alike, internationally. We’re seeing stronger representations of women in cinema, and on television. 2013’s Frozen offered a very necessary shift to the Disney Princess dynamic, suggesting that one saves oneself, that love is genderless, and that the kind of love that saves need not strictly be romantic… read the full article.
SXSW 2015: ‘The Overnight’ is an insightful,...
- 3/21/2015
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
We've already got Team Rita and Team Will all ready for the live shows on The Voice UK, but of course that's only half the story! Yep, Ricky Wilson and Sir Tom Jones also had to cut down their teams from eight acts to just three, and what better way to do it than with some more knockouts?
The hopefuls each had to pick a song to convince their coaches to keep them in the competition, and given the strength of the field, it all got pretty intense. Having just about recovered, we've managed to bring you all the gossip, so read on for everything you need to know about tonight's show...
Team Ricky
We're not sure how anyone managed to concentrate on their knockout rehearsals after Ricky's frankly bizarre dancing, which is apparently intended to relieve nerves. It's certainly... distracting. But somehow they did, so after Ricky had told...
The hopefuls each had to pick a song to convince their coaches to keep them in the competition, and given the strength of the field, it all got pretty intense. Having just about recovered, we've managed to bring you all the gossip, so read on for everything you need to know about tonight's show...
Team Ricky
We're not sure how anyone managed to concentrate on their knockout rehearsals after Ricky's frankly bizarre dancing, which is apparently intended to relieve nerves. It's certainly... distracting. But somehow they did, so after Ricky had told...
- 3/15/2015
- Digital Spy
The Voice UK coaches Ricky Wilson and Sir Tom Jones have picked their teams for the upcoming live shows.
The duo each had to cut back their teams from eight acts to three in tonight's Knockouts episode, as the hopefuls all performed a song of their choice to convince their coaches to keep them in the competition.
Emmanuel Nwamadi, Stevie McCrorie and Autumn Sharif won places in the live shows on Team Ricky, while Sir Tom chose to carry on with Sasha Simone, Lara Lee and Howard Rose.
Nwamadi was speechless when Wilson chose him after his performance of Otis Redding's 'I've Been Loving You Too Long', while a shocked McCrorie - who impressed with his take on 'Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' - dropped to his knees with joy, but was later picked up by his friend in celebration.
When it came to his third choice,...
The duo each had to cut back their teams from eight acts to three in tonight's Knockouts episode, as the hopefuls all performed a song of their choice to convince their coaches to keep them in the competition.
Emmanuel Nwamadi, Stevie McCrorie and Autumn Sharif won places in the live shows on Team Ricky, while Sir Tom chose to carry on with Sasha Simone, Lara Lee and Howard Rose.
Nwamadi was speechless when Wilson chose him after his performance of Otis Redding's 'I've Been Loving You Too Long', while a shocked McCrorie - who impressed with his take on 'Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' - dropped to his knees with joy, but was later picked up by his friend in celebration.
When it came to his third choice,...
- 3/15/2015
- Digital Spy
The winning filmmaker will receive a digital distribution consultation from SnagFilms and will become a candidate for the March Project of the Month. That winner will be awarded with a creative consultation from the fine folks at the Tribeca Film Institute and will be in the running for Project of the Year. The four projects up for this week's Project of the Week are listed below (with descriptions courtesy of the filmmakers). You can vote at the bottom of the page. Man in Ceiling: Working late one night, an anxious young temp discovers an ex-employee hiding in the ceiling of his office. God Bless The Child: Five siblings, left on their own, spend a summer's day full of fantasy and chaos. Only the eldest knows their mother may never return. Here We Are: An unambitious young writer attempts to escape his slacker surroundings for the great American unknown in this Austin independent film.
- 3/13/2015
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
We've had the blinds. We've had the battles. And now the contestants who are still standing on The Voice UK face the knockouts! Yes, over a double bill this weekend - there's an episode on Saturday and on Sunday - they'll each choose a "killer song" to try to make it into the live shows.
Exciting, right? And to make things even more exciting, we've got the full list of songs the acts have chosen. Rita Ora and will.i.am will pit their teams against each other on Saturday, while Ricky Wilson and Sir Tom Jones will put their acts to the test on Sunday. So without further ado, read on to find out what songs you can expect...
Team Rita
DTwinz - 23, London
'I'm Every Woman' - Whitney Houston
Joe Woolford - 20, North Wales
'Hey Ya' - Outkast
Mitch Miller - 26, London
'You Spin Me Round (Like A...
Exciting, right? And to make things even more exciting, we've got the full list of songs the acts have chosen. Rita Ora and will.i.am will pit their teams against each other on Saturday, while Ricky Wilson and Sir Tom Jones will put their acts to the test on Sunday. So without further ado, read on to find out what songs you can expect...
Team Rita
DTwinz - 23, London
'I'm Every Woman' - Whitney Houston
Joe Woolford - 20, North Wales
'Hey Ya' - Outkast
Mitch Miller - 26, London
'You Spin Me Round (Like A...
- 3/10/2015
- Digital Spy
The Langham Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, Calif., won’t be able to host the Television Critics Association Press Tour — or anything else, for that matter — because Annie Lennox obliterated the place. The legendary singer and musician of The Eurythmics fame performed for TV critics and PBS guests a scorching four-song set of classic jazz and blues standards — “Summertime,” “I Put a Spell on You,” “God Bless the Child” and “Georgia on My Mind” — from her album Nostalgia. Lennox then took questions from reporters gathered, discussing her approach to covering these longtime favorites, her love of Motown … Continue reading →
The post TCA: Annie Lennox brings the house down! appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post TCA: Annie Lennox brings the house down! appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 1/20/2015
- by Ryan Berenz
- ChannelGuideMag
I had the great pleasure to see six-time Tony winner (six, people, six!) Audra McDonald play the legend that is Billie Holliday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill back in June. I do not like hyperbole, sensationalism, or anything like that, but there is a strong possibility she delivered the most impressive performance I have ever seen. From the moment she walked on stage to when the lights blacked out at the end, I never once saw Audra McDonald. I saw Billie Holliday in front of me. It was jarring when the curtain call was happening because Audra showed up for the first time. Because the stage brings in a limited audience, HBO has decided to showcase Lady Day with Audra McDonald reprising the role that earned her the sixth Tony. Lonny Price, who directed the stage version, will return to direct this version. The film will shoot...
- 12/18/2014
- by Mike Shutt
- Rope of Silicon
Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald will bring her acclaimed portrayal of Billie Holiday in the Broadway smash "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" to HBO, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. Filming before a live audience at Cafe Brasil in New Orleans this month, the special will feature McDonald in her history-making, tour de force performance as the jazz icon. Originally written for off-Broadway by Lanie Roberston in 1987, "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" tells Holiday's life story through the songs that made her famous, including "God Bless the Child," "What a Little Moonlight Can...
- 12/17/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
When Audra McDonald arrives at the Disney Concert Hall on Dec. 2, don't expect her to be singing from her latest Broadway show, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. She won a record sixth Tony Award for her take on Billie Holiday in the play with music that includes such classics as "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless the Child," none of which will be included on her current 28-city tour. "I only sing her as Billie, and I'm not quite ready to sing her as Audra yet," McDonald explains to The Hollywood Reporter. "It would feel
read more...
read more...
- 12/1/2014
- by Jordan Riefe
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sunday marks the return of HBO's The Newsroom, a series that isn't exactly known for being subtle—especially in its first season, which featured a memorable scene set to Coldplay's "Fix You." Anvilicious? Oh yeah. Emotionally manipulative? You betcha. Surprisingly effective all the same? Unfortunately, yes, according to EW.com's Lanford Beard. Which is how we came upon this week's PopWatch Confessional question: What's the song that's had a surprising, embarrassing emotional effect on you? Lanford Beard, staff editor: Between all its walk-and-talks, Network rip-offs, and "women be klutzy" gags, The Newsroom's first season actually took on a few actual news events,...
- 11/7/2014
- by EW staff
- EW.com - PopWatch
Dame Shirley Bassey and Richard Ayoade have been confirmed as guests on The Graham Norton Show next month.
Bassey will promote her forthcoming album Hello Like Before - the star's first record in five years - on the Friday, November 7 instalment.
Elsewhere on the show, Ayoade will chat about his new book Ayoade on Ayoade, while Big School's David Walliams and Catherine Tate will also appear.
Finally, Annie Lennox will perform 'God Bless The Child' from her new album Nostalgia.
Bassey recently premiered an in-depth video exclusively on Digital Spy, featuring Paloma Faith and Stuart Barr discussing their work with the music icon on her upcoming album.
Watch a clip from last week's Graham Norton Show below:...
Bassey will promote her forthcoming album Hello Like Before - the star's first record in five years - on the Friday, November 7 instalment.
Elsewhere on the show, Ayoade will chat about his new book Ayoade on Ayoade, while Big School's David Walliams and Catherine Tate will also appear.
Finally, Annie Lennox will perform 'God Bless The Child' from her new album Nostalgia.
Bassey recently premiered an in-depth video exclusively on Digital Spy, featuring Paloma Faith and Stuart Barr discussing their work with the music icon on her upcoming album.
Watch a clip from last week's Graham Norton Show below:...
- 10/28/2014
- Digital Spy
Apparently, the redoubtable Audra McDonald needs to break that Tony-winning record. With five wins under her belt (the last was for her shattering take on the drug-snorting, tortured female lead of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess), she could net a sixth for the Broadway premiere of longtime regional staple Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, in which she will embody none other than “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child” songstress Billie Holiday, in what would become a Tony milestone as she currently ties Angela Lansbury and the late Julie Harris for the most competitive wins by an actress.
- 3/25/2014
- by Jason Clark
- EW.com - PopWatch
You’d be hard pressed to find someone in the TV-loving world who couldn’t find something to like about this week’s Sleepy Hollow. The very strong episode has baseball, Fringe‘s John Noble and the Hug Heard ‘Round the World – aside from a new pair of pants for ol’ Ichabod, what more could you want?
During the hour, we also witness Mr. and Mrs. Crane’s first meeting, and we are enlightened on the circumstances that made Ichabod decide to fight against the British. But seriously, all I can think about are those last few minutes. Because they’re Awesome.
During the hour, we also witness Mr. and Mrs. Crane’s first meeting, and we are enlightened on the circumstances that made Ichabod decide to fight against the British. But seriously, all I can think about are those last few minutes. Because they’re Awesome.
- 11/5/2013
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
More shows a-comin’ in what looks to be a busy fall, but it’s a summer Tony winner that’s still packing ‘em in. Kinky Boots, which scored Best Musical, Best Score (for Cyndi Lauper), and Best Actor in a Musical (Billy Porter), among other trophies, recouped its running costs in what’s been a staggering seven months for Broadway (even The Book of Mormon took longer, though Kinky has a few hundred more seats per show to sell, in all fairness). The Glass Menagerie, boasting ecstatic reviews (including ours) has extended seven extra weeks to play through February 2014, Taxi...
- 10/5/2013
- by Jason Clark
- EW.com - PopWatch
There are 40 contestants hoping to make it through the Las Vegas rounds and head back to Hollywood as part of the top 20 on this season of American Idol, for the chance to sing their way into America's heart. In yet another effort to shake things up, Idol is trying out a brave new format: Sudden death. Each night, over the course of four shows, 10 contestants will sing, the judges will deliberate and five singers will go home, winnowing the herd of Idol wannabes to 20.
The first sudden-death round featured 10 women...
The first sudden-death round featured 10 women...
- 2/21/2013
- Rollingstone.com
God, I love this part of American Idol. I love spending two hours on a weeknight exalting young chanteuses like mall-brand Aphrodites and sentencing losers to an eternity in Jimmy Iovine's jean-jacket dungeon. That's quality time with the TV for me.
We saw ten ladies trill for the attention of the increasingly articulate judges on Wednesday, and five of them were booted before the night was over. So satisfying! Take your Charlotte Russe stylings and head back to Branson, losers. You can pick up that extra shift at Dave & Buster's after all.
Now, some general advice for the competing ten women we saw on Wednesday: Matter more. I'm blown away by anybody who seeks a career in entertainment and expects to be applauded for sheer technical skill. You also need to be special, and being special has to matter to you. Have you heard of Madonna? She mattered (and...
We saw ten ladies trill for the attention of the increasingly articulate judges on Wednesday, and five of them were booted before the night was over. So satisfying! Take your Charlotte Russe stylings and head back to Branson, losers. You can pick up that extra shift at Dave & Buster's after all.
Now, some general advice for the competing ten women we saw on Wednesday: Matter more. I'm blown away by anybody who seeks a career in entertainment and expects to be applauded for sheer technical skill. You also need to be special, and being special has to matter to you. Have you heard of Madonna? She mattered (and...
- 2/21/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
5 girls have been cut as contestants were challenged to a sudden death round where they had to sing for survival in front of the judges and a live studio audience in Las Vegas!
Ryan Seacrest along with American Idol judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson explained the new rules — 10 will sing and 5 will go home in every episode for the next couple of weeks. See who shined and who got cut on the Feb. 20 episode.
Live From Last Vegas
The contestants were allowed to sing a song of their choice.
Jenny Beth Willis went full-on country and received mixed to negative reviews from the judges. Unfortunately, the ending of her performance was the shining moment and it was too little, too late.
Tenna Torres got rave reviews from all the judges and especially Randy and Nicki. Mariah called it a “beautiful, pure” performance.
Adriana Latonio from...
Ryan Seacrest along with American Idol judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson explained the new rules — 10 will sing and 5 will go home in every episode for the next couple of weeks. See who shined and who got cut on the Feb. 20 episode.
Live From Last Vegas
The contestants were allowed to sing a song of their choice.
Jenny Beth Willis went full-on country and received mixed to negative reviews from the judges. Unfortunately, the ending of her performance was the shining moment and it was too little, too late.
Tenna Torres got rave reviews from all the judges and especially Randy and Nicki. Mariah called it a “beautiful, pure” performance.
Adriana Latonio from...
- 2/21/2013
- by Dory Larrabee
- HollywoodLife
So, this is new for "American Idol" -- live audience shows, but America doesn't vote. Ten ladies are performing and five have to go home, then next week 10 more perform and five more go home. It's the same for the guys, leaving us with 10 women and 10 men by the end of next week.
Ryan introduces the 20 women and it's fairly obvious the ones we're supposed to know and like already, because about half of them are complete unknowns. But since we aren't voting yet, we suppose it doesn't matter.
1. Jenny Beth Willis, "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love," Trisha Yearwood
So, Jenny Beth is dressed like a can-can dancer goes Grand Ol' Opry, it's a little terrifying. Vocally, she has a nice tone, but this song is getting away from her a little bit -- she's missing notes and is flat at times, plus she seems a little stiff.
Ryan introduces the 20 women and it's fairly obvious the ones we're supposed to know and like already, because about half of them are complete unknowns. But since we aren't voting yet, we suppose it doesn't matter.
1. Jenny Beth Willis, "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love," Trisha Yearwood
So, Jenny Beth is dressed like a can-can dancer goes Grand Ol' Opry, it's a little terrifying. Vocally, she has a nice tone, but this song is getting away from her a little bit -- she's missing notes and is flat at times, plus she seems a little stiff.
- 2/21/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
A few of the details might’ve varied, but tonight’s installment of American Idol was, at its coal-black, mercenary heart, a less dusty reenactment of Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.
Oh, sure, Ryan Seacrest went with his standard, “This…is American Idol!” intro (as opposed to the more ominous “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dyin’ time’s here“). And no, there weren’t any feral, bloodthirsty ragamuffins in the front row (just some smiling or occasional booing family members of the contestants). But there was indeed a chiseled Australian dude (sporting better highlights, a more exacting ear, and a...
Oh, sure, Ryan Seacrest went with his standard, “This…is American Idol!” intro (as opposed to the more ominous “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dyin’ time’s here“). And no, there weren’t any feral, bloodthirsty ragamuffins in the front row (just some smiling or occasional booing family members of the contestants). But there was indeed a chiseled Australian dude (sporting better highlights, a more exacting ear, and a...
- 2/21/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
In an expected, yet promising end to ABC's first season of "Duets," amateur J Rome was chosen by American audiences as the star of the show, earning him a contract with Hollywood Records and the chance to turn his musical ambitions into a career.
"I didn't have any thoughts [when I won], it was an out of body experience," he tells Zap2It following the Thursday's (July 19) finale. "But it felt good. It felt really good and I'm just happy that I got to be up there with John [Glosson], and I'm grateful to Jennifer [Nettles] for everything."
As far as his creative aims, J Rome hopes to simply "make music," but will likely gear his sound in the direction of R&B and pop. His partner, country star Jennifer Nettles, agrees with the idea.
"I loved those vocal performances that were big, long soaring melodies," the singer remarks on J Rome's best sets of the series.
"I didn't have any thoughts [when I won], it was an out of body experience," he tells Zap2It following the Thursday's (July 19) finale. "But it felt good. It felt really good and I'm just happy that I got to be up there with John [Glosson], and I'm grateful to Jennifer [Nettles] for everything."
As far as his creative aims, J Rome hopes to simply "make music," but will likely gear his sound in the direction of R&B and pop. His partner, country star Jennifer Nettles, agrees with the idea.
"I loved those vocal performances that were big, long soaring melodies," the singer remarks on J Rome's best sets of the series.
- 7/20/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Contestant Olivia Chisolm said her good-byes on Thursday's (July 5) episode of ABC's "Duets," becoming the first audience-voted cast-off following her performance last week of Beyonce's hit "Halo" with partner Robin Thicke.
"I'm just thankful that I got this far in the competition," Chisolm tells Zap2It. "Now that the competition is actually over, I can look back on everything that I need to work on, and everything that I've done, and get better."
Considering what Thicke says was his best advice to the young ingénue -- "shake your booty" -- the budding songstress takes with her a lot of momentum and feels she now has the world to charm and impress.
And her cohort agrees.
"She has a lot of class, a lot of humility and a lot of ambition which is a good combination," Thicke points out. "It means she can be a good learner, and she's a great tryer.
"I'm just thankful that I got this far in the competition," Chisolm tells Zap2It. "Now that the competition is actually over, I can look back on everything that I need to work on, and everything that I've done, and get better."
Considering what Thicke says was his best advice to the young ingénue -- "shake your booty" -- the budding songstress takes with her a lot of momentum and feels she now has the world to charm and impress.
And her cohort agrees.
"She has a lot of class, a lot of humility and a lot of ambition which is a good combination," Thicke points out. "It means she can be a good learner, and she's a great tryer.
- 7/6/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
I think Catwoman is the most fascinating woman in the DC universe.
I can never have a conversation about the character with men and women of a certain age about her without their mentioning Julie Newmar, who played the lithe kittenish female fatale on the Batman television series of the ‘60s as a woman whom we knew had a thing for her “arch-enemy” but loved her diamonds more. With men a certain look comes into their eyes; I wouldn’t exactly call it “leering,” but it sure comes close. With women, I think they remember Newmar’s Catwoman as an independent woman going after what she wanted – be it the Caped Avenger or the ancient Egyptian cat-stature worth millions. (And what little girl didn’t want to look like Julie Newmar when she grew up?)
Then there is Eartha Kitt, who took over the role from Ms. Newmar. She had...
I can never have a conversation about the character with men and women of a certain age about her without their mentioning Julie Newmar, who played the lithe kittenish female fatale on the Batman television series of the ‘60s as a woman whom we knew had a thing for her “arch-enemy” but loved her diamonds more. With men a certain look comes into their eyes; I wouldn’t exactly call it “leering,” but it sure comes close. With women, I think they remember Newmar’s Catwoman as an independent woman going after what she wanted – be it the Caped Avenger or the ancient Egyptian cat-stature worth millions. (And what little girl didn’t want to look like Julie Newmar when she grew up?)
Then there is Eartha Kitt, who took over the role from Ms. Newmar. She had...
- 4/9/2012
- by Mindy Newell
- Comicmix.com
Jacob Lusk says he’s not a “pompous jerk,” but he can’t help it if that’s how some people view him after his American Idol run. In a freewheeling Idoloonies interview, Season 10′s fifth-place finisher talks about what led to his memorable Hollywood Week cover of “God Bless the Child” (spoiler alert: It involves Haley Reinhart and Milk of Magnesia), how he allowed himself to get “psyched out” by Idol‘s mentoring system, which two performances he’d take back if given the chance, and what exactly he meant with his controversial comment about Idol fans not being...
- 5/21/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Talk about opening a can of worms – and right before the season finale no less. Last night’s "God Bless the Child" was excellent and brought back little Betsey, finally gave Amelia a storyline, and as always, put all of our Oceanside doctors at odds.
I am really glad that Private Practice revisited Betsey.
I always felt like her story was left unfinished. Poor Betsey, though. When she said she didn’t want to be in the hospital because that’s where her parents and everyone died, my heart nearly dropped. Hasn’t this child suffered enough?
As I am not Violet’s biggest fan, I kind of enjoyed Betsey telling Violet that she did not want to see her after asking her why she never visited. Cooper was right in saying that Violet should not blame Pete for not previously adopting Betsey.
As always, Violet has a tendency to be self-absorbed.
I am really glad that Private Practice revisited Betsey.
I always felt like her story was left unfinished. Poor Betsey, though. When she said she didn’t want to be in the hospital because that’s where her parents and everyone died, my heart nearly dropped. Hasn’t this child suffered enough?
As I am not Violet’s biggest fan, I kind of enjoyed Betsey telling Violet that she did not want to see her after asking her why she never visited. Cooper was right in saying that Violet should not blame Pete for not previously adopting Betsey.
As always, Violet has a tendency to be self-absorbed.
- 5/13/2011
- by onlyxtina@gmail.com (Christina Tran)
- TVfanatic
Tomorrow night on Private Practice, a second trip to the ER sparks concern for Betsey's welfare and prompts the doctors to launch an investigation into her foster family.
Meanwhile, Naomi makes a life changing decision for her family, Addison and Sam try to figure out where they stand, and a struggling Amelia slips away from sobriety.
Will she fall off the wagon? Could Betsey's life get any sadder? How will Addison and Sam leave things? Watch three sneak peeks from "God Bless the Child" below ...
God Bless The Child Clip - Poor Betsey
God Bless The Child Clip - Amelia's Struggle
God Bless The Child Clip - We Wanted It Bad...
Meanwhile, Naomi makes a life changing decision for her family, Addison and Sam try to figure out where they stand, and a struggling Amelia slips away from sobriety.
Will she fall off the wagon? Could Betsey's life get any sadder? How will Addison and Sam leave things? Watch three sneak peeks from "God Bless the Child" below ...
God Bless The Child Clip - Poor Betsey
God Bless The Child Clip - Amelia's Struggle
God Bless The Child Clip - We Wanted It Bad...
- 5/11/2011
- by steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi)
- TVfanatic
Jacob Lusk, the gospel voice of this season's American Idol (TV), made his exit last Thursday finishing in fifth place. The son of a music producer, Jacob impressed Idol judges with his performance of "God Bless The Child" during the Hollywood rounds of the competition. The 23 year-old singer from Compton, California was heavily praised by Randy Jackson in particular, who declared Jacob the best ever seen on Idol. Jacob sat down with reporters following his departure to answer questions about his experiences on the show. During this candid interview, Jacob talks about his reaction to Jimmy Iovine's criticism, the buzz surrounding his farewell performance, and what his first album will sound like. Here's what he had to say. Some people have said that your farewell performance was the best of the competition, your best of the competition, and that you seem more relaxed; you had nothing to lose. And...
- 5/9/2011
- by jmaurer@corp.popstar.com (Jennifer Maurer)
- PopStar
On next week's episode of Private Practice, entitled "God Bless the Child," a second trip to the ER sparks concern for Betsey (Dell's daughter). Worried about well-being, the doctors launch an investigation into her new foster family.
In doing so, of course, they risk sending the poor thing back into the system.
Meanwhile, with Audra McDonald poised to exit stage left, Naomi makes a major, life changing decision, and a struggling Amelia slips further away from sobriety.
Check out our Private Practice review from earlier, then watch the promo here:
God Bless the Child Promo...
In doing so, of course, they risk sending the poor thing back into the system.
Meanwhile, with Audra McDonald poised to exit stage left, Naomi makes a major, life changing decision, and a struggling Amelia slips further away from sobriety.
Check out our Private Practice review from earlier, then watch the promo here:
God Bless the Child Promo...
- 5/6/2011
- by steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi)
- TVfanatic
Thursday night’s installment of American Idol wasn’t so much a results show as it was a series of distinct promotional opportunities. Jennifer Lopez took a break from her grueling work behind the Idol judges’ table to hawk her two latest singles and herald the return of the saggy genie pant. Steven Tyler woke up from his long season’s nap to move a couple copies of his memoir. That horrible British guy who insulted Stefano Langone’s mother’s cooking tried to whip up some buzz for another one of his TV shows that I have no interest in watching.
- 5/6/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Jacob Lusk , the gospel-singing giant from Compton, CA, was cut from "American Idol" Thursday night. The 23-year-old struggled for weeks to match his audition-round rendition of "God Bless the Child," which judge Randy Jackson declared "the best performance on 'American Idol' ever." On Wednesday, Lusk's pitchy, awkward rendition "No Air" was panned by the judges. And while he redeemed himself with a strong performance of "Love Hurts," Lusk failed to garner enough votes to stay in the competition. Lusk was overcome with emotion when the results were read and struggled to get through his encore. Joining Lusk in the bottom two was Lauren Alaina. It marked Alaina's first appearance in that group all season long. James Durbin and Scotty McCreery remain the only contestants who have never been in the bottom group. Haley Reinhart was also deemed safe. Read more...
- 5/5/2011
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Get ready, Idoloonies! Tonight will be your first chance to vote for the American Idol season 10 finalists, and the good news (or bad, depending on your viewpoint) is that the field remains pretty closely matched among its 13 combatants. Below, I’ve taken the liberty of ranking these would-be successors to Lee DeWyze, so check out my rankings, then head to our Leaderboard Poll to vote for your favorite and hit the comments to justify your pick. And for all my Idol news and views, follow me on Twitter @MichaelSlezakTV.
13. Haley Reinhart (new this week) | Curvaceous blonde has a big, brassy...
13. Haley Reinhart (new this week) | Curvaceous blonde has a big, brassy...
- 3/9/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Twelve shipwrecked guys are treading water amid a swarm of ravenous sharks, when suddenly, a luxury yacht pulls up alongside them. “Darling, your bathing suits are divine!” exclaims a glamorous actress, peering down from the deck. “Dude, your backstroke is bitchin’!” says the rock star alongside her. “Way to throw caution to the wind and do your thing, dawgs!” says their pal the music producer, sipping from a tall Coca-Cola glass. Welcome to the American Idol season 10 men’s semifinal — life boats not included!
Okay, okay, I’m probably sounding harsher than I’d intended. After all, of the dozen...
Okay, okay, I’m probably sounding harsher than I’d intended. After all, of the dozen...
- 3/2/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
"Will Jennifer find the strength to go on?" Ryan Seacrest asked at the start of Thursday's two-hour American Idol. Wednesday night, you'll recall, ended with a sobbing Jennifer Lopez listing to the side, like a leaking ship sinking into a sea of tears, giving bad news to Chris Medina. Within two minutes, Ryan answered as we expected he would: "Jennifer knows the show must go on." Related: Jennifer Lopez Explains Crying Over Idol Contestant's DepartureNot only that, she looked fabulous. The hair! The luster! And off we went as the judges rounded out the top 24 roster, 12 guys and 12 girls, teasing...
- 2/25/2011
- by Tom Gliatto
- PEOPLE.com
What Thursday night’s American Idol telecast lacked in suspense, it more than made up for in terms of surprise.
Ryan Seacrest pulled a Gwyneth Paltrow and went all Country Strong on us, but not before getting lifted like a set of Jersey Shore dumbbells by male and female contestants alike. Rachel Zevita opened up a commanding lead in the Season 10 Millinery Race. A pissed-off rocker chick took home the prize for Most Endearing Contestant (I kid you not!) by candidly flipping off the Idol cameras. And Sam Cooke’s classic civil-rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” underwent radical...
Ryan Seacrest pulled a Gwyneth Paltrow and went all Country Strong on us, but not before getting lifted like a set of Jersey Shore dumbbells by male and female contestants alike. Rachel Zevita opened up a commanding lead in the Season 10 Millinery Race. A pissed-off rocker chick took home the prize for Most Endearing Contestant (I kid you not!) by candidly flipping off the Idol cameras. And Sam Cooke’s classic civil-rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” underwent radical...
- 2/25/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Fox The “American Idol” gatekeepers
The dreams of 24 young singers lived on tonight, while those of 14 others were crushed.
This is it – we’re down to the list of semi-finalists on “American Idol.” The show was not without some drama, fewer tears than last night, and one flying chair. And wow – the judges really leave people hanging before they give them their final judgement.
Here’s how it played out:
Karen Rodriguez’s last effort was a Selena song that moved JLo,...
The dreams of 24 young singers lived on tonight, while those of 14 others were crushed.
This is it – we’re down to the list of semi-finalists on “American Idol.” The show was not without some drama, fewer tears than last night, and one flying chair. And wow – the judges really leave people hanging before they give them their final judgement.
Here’s how it played out:
Karen Rodriguez’s last effort was a Selena song that moved JLo,...
- 2/25/2011
- by Stephanie Krikorian
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
After revealing the first five of the Top 24 on "American Idol" Wednesday night, we get the rest on Thursday night (Feb. 24):
Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart, Clint Jun Gamboa, Paul McDonald, Ashthon Jones, Karen Rodriguez, Robbie Rosen, Julie Zorrilla, Tim Halperin, Scotty McCreery, Tatynisa Wilson, Jovany Barreto, Lauren Turner, Rachel Zevita, Kendra Chantelle, Jordan Dorsey, Lauren Alaina, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Pia Toscano, James Durbin, Casey Abrams, Thia Megia and Brett Loewenstern.
But how did we get there?
Like a true professional, J.Lo pulls it together from last night's meltdown to tell MySpace Karen Rodriguez her fate. Karen isn't from any place in the world, just Fyi. She's a computer being from the land of MySpace. At her last performance, Karen does a Selena song in her beautiful alto voice and J.Lo mouths the words, it's a Very Special Moment and Karen gets through.
Now up is Robbie Rosen,...
Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart, Clint Jun Gamboa, Paul McDonald, Ashthon Jones, Karen Rodriguez, Robbie Rosen, Julie Zorrilla, Tim Halperin, Scotty McCreery, Tatynisa Wilson, Jovany Barreto, Lauren Turner, Rachel Zevita, Kendra Chantelle, Jordan Dorsey, Lauren Alaina, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Pia Toscano, James Durbin, Casey Abrams, Thia Megia and Brett Loewenstern.
But how did we get there?
Like a true professional, J.Lo pulls it together from last night's meltdown to tell MySpace Karen Rodriguez her fate. Karen isn't from any place in the world, just Fyi. She's a computer being from the land of MySpace. At her last performance, Karen does a Selena song in her beautiful alto voice and J.Lo mouths the words, it's a Very Special Moment and Karen gets through.
Now up is Robbie Rosen,...
- 2/25/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The show moves on, sending some early favorites packing.
By James Montgomery
Steven Tyler, Jenniger Lopez and Randy Jackson on "American Idol"
Photo: Michael Becker / Fox
After Wednesday night's drama-filled cliffhanger -- in which we saw three cities, a whole lot of shocking eliminations, the partial reveal of this season's top 24 and one truly epic meltdown by judge Jennifer Lopez -- "American Idol" cut down on the theatrics Thursday night (February 24) and got down to the business of unveiling the remaining finalists.
That's not to say there still weren't tears (there were, mostly from Lopez), but most of the names the "Idol" judges chose for the top 24 were drama-free: front-runners like Julie Zorilla, Lauren Alaina, Jordan Dorsey, Pia Toscano and Jacob Lusk all breezed through, though Lusk earned the highest praise, as Randy Jackson told him his performance of "God Bless the Child" was "the single best performance on 'Idol,...
By James Montgomery
Steven Tyler, Jenniger Lopez and Randy Jackson on "American Idol"
Photo: Michael Becker / Fox
After Wednesday night's drama-filled cliffhanger -- in which we saw three cities, a whole lot of shocking eliminations, the partial reveal of this season's top 24 and one truly epic meltdown by judge Jennifer Lopez -- "American Idol" cut down on the theatrics Thursday night (February 24) and got down to the business of unveiling the remaining finalists.
That's not to say there still weren't tears (there were, mostly from Lopez), but most of the names the "Idol" judges chose for the top 24 were drama-free: front-runners like Julie Zorilla, Lauren Alaina, Jordan Dorsey, Pia Toscano and Jacob Lusk all breezed through, though Lusk earned the highest praise, as Randy Jackson told him his performance of "God Bless the Child" was "the single best performance on 'Idol,...
- 2/24/2011
- MTV Music News
The show moves on, sending some early favorites packing.
By James Montgomery
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on "American Idol" on Feb. 24
Photo: Fox
After Wednesday night's drama-filled cliffhanger -- in which we saw three cities, a whole lot of shocking eliminations, the partial reveal of this season's top 24 and one truly epic meltdown by judge Jennifer Lopez -- "American Idol" cut down on the theatrics Thursday night (February 24) and got down to the business of unveiling the remaining finalists.
That's not to say there still weren't tears (there were, mostly from Lopez), but most of the names the "Idol" judges chose for the top 24 were drama-free: front-runners like Julie Zorilla, Lauren Alaina, Jordan Dorsey, Pia Toscano and Jacob Lusk all breezed through, though Lusk earned the highest praise, as Randy Jackson told him his performance of "God Bless the Child" was "the single best performance on 'Idol,' ever.
By James Montgomery
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on "American Idol" on Feb. 24
Photo: Fox
After Wednesday night's drama-filled cliffhanger -- in which we saw three cities, a whole lot of shocking eliminations, the partial reveal of this season's top 24 and one truly epic meltdown by judge Jennifer Lopez -- "American Idol" cut down on the theatrics Thursday night (February 24) and got down to the business of unveiling the remaining finalists.
That's not to say there still weren't tears (there were, mostly from Lopez), but most of the names the "Idol" judges chose for the top 24 were drama-free: front-runners like Julie Zorilla, Lauren Alaina, Jordan Dorsey, Pia Toscano and Jacob Lusk all breezed through, though Lusk earned the highest praise, as Randy Jackson told him his performance of "God Bless the Child" was "the single best performance on 'Idol,' ever.
- 2/24/2011
- MTV Music News
American Idol will name its season 10 semifinalists this week, which means it could be our last opportunity to wave a fan flag for under-the-radar contestants like the White House Intern or the hot, bearded guy who sang “Maggie May” in Nashville. Yeah, I know, a number of dark-sided sites have posted spoilers about the top 24, but I like to approach Idol with eyes as innocent as little Jacee Badeaux (who, incidentally, doesn’t make the Idol Leaderboard cut today). Falling off the countdown from last week are Adrienne Beasley, Paris Tassin, Rob Bolin, Sarah Ames, and Janelle Arthur (all booted...
- 2/23/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Hollywood Week continued on "American Idol" Thursday night, as the remaining 100 contestants performed solo numbers in hopes of becoming America's "next top adult contemporary star."
Historically, this is the week where the front-runners solidify their lead going into the semi-finals. Think David Archuleta's "Heaven." Think Andrew Garcia's "Straight Up." Think Matt Giraud's "Georgia on My Mind." It's also when early faves flame out spectacularly. See: Josiah Leming.
Seacrest promised "some of the most outstanding performances in our 10-year history," and for once, his overhype was nearly justified. I can't remember the last time I watched an "Idol" episode so full of singers leaving every last bit of showbiz pizazz on the stage.
Blond lip-gloss addict Haley Reinhart kicked off the show with a "God Bless the Child" that was equal parts Screaming Jay Hawkins and Betty Boop. She may have survived the group round "through the skin of [her] teeth,...
Historically, this is the week where the front-runners solidify their lead going into the semi-finals. Think David Archuleta's "Heaven." Think Andrew Garcia's "Straight Up." Think Matt Giraud's "Georgia on My Mind." It's also when early faves flame out spectacularly. See: Josiah Leming.
Seacrest promised "some of the most outstanding performances in our 10-year history," and for once, his overhype was nearly justified. I can't remember the last time I watched an "Idol" episode so full of singers leaving every last bit of showbiz pizazz on the stage.
Blond lip-gloss addict Haley Reinhart kicked off the show with a "God Bless the Child" that was equal parts Screaming Jay Hawkins and Betty Boop. She may have survived the group round "through the skin of [her] teeth,...
- 2/18/2011
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
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