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April 27, 2004 keeping the harmony To "American Idol" contestants, Michael Orland is equal parts father, shrink, pal and judge. As musical director and pianist on the popular talent show, he's all these things - but millions of viewers across the country know little about him. While Orland, a songwriter and longtime accompanist, is seen on camera leading the band, the real work takes place during the days leading up to the Tuesday telecast. Working with each performer individually to choose the right song, arrange and rehearse it, Orland is one of the show's primary behind-the-scenes forces. "It's a lot of work, but I love it," he says. "It's incredible to be part of a phenomenon that keeps getting bigger. And I really get to like these kids a lot." Now in his third season on the Fox TV show, Orland, who lives in Sherman Oaks, deals with fragile egos, tempered by sometimes outsize hopes and fears, with a welcome sense of humor. "Michael was probably the person who kept us all from going insane," says hit crooner Clay Aiken, last year's runner-up. "Besides his obvious musical skill, he has a talent for injecting his own brand of humor into any situation and putting you at ease. Sometimes that's his most valuable gift." Orland, for his part, marvels at the maturity and ambition of the budding talent he works with. "Some of them will be around for a long, long time - you can count on Clay and Ruben (Studdard, last year's "Idol") and more." Meanwhile, "Idol" marches on, racking up huge ratings as the nation votes for the remaining six contestants. Last week, controversy erupted when fan favorite Jennifer Hudson - one of this season's so-called "three divas" - unexpectedly got the boot after singing Barry Manilow's "Weekend in New England." Even "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest was crestfallen, chiding the TV audience: "America, don't forget you have to vote for the talent. You have to keep your favorites in the competition." Later in the week, Orland said hewas devastated by the decision. "It was an absolute mess. I'm a huge fan of hers and felt something so strong with her. It's hard to see what everyone goes through as a group when one of their peers get voted off. I've never received so many phone calls and e-mails from people." Tonight's hurdle for the remaining half-dozen, who are competing for a record contract, are the songs of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. For Orland and the performers, the work began late last week. As the pianist explains the process, contestants (ages 16 to 24) get a CD anthology on Thursday of the work of that week's tribute artist. Over the past weeks the contestant have done songs of Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Diane Warren and Manilow. They then meet with Orland and vocal coach Debra Byrd to find the number that suits them best. "When that's decided, I arrange it and record the backing tracks with a band," Orland said. "That afternoon, the contestants record practice vocals. Monday, we work some more and Tuesday, they get some run-throughs before the show goes live. There's so much drama and pressure - and the kids are getting a crash course in music history." Wednesday, the day after the performance, brings the ultimate challenge. "It's a very emotional day," Orland says of the weekly vote. "It has a different energy than any other day, not only for the contestants, but their friends and family. It's a big mind game, and I try to help them stay really strong. What makes it even worse is those that remain have to get over it immediately and get back to work. This is something people don't go through till they're much older." Orland, 42, offers an analysis of Aiken and Studdard's abilities in relation to some of this year's crop. "I'm so in love with these kids," he said. "I'm having a ball with them. They really are a special bunch of kids to get emotionally invested in. Last year, Clay was a natural, just like Ruben and Kimberley (Locke). They have such natural gifts. "There are those who come to 'Idol' with something - and those that learn it. But those three last year came with so much. It was like having PlayDoh - it was so much fun to mold them." Paula Abdul, one of the series' judges, believes emotion is one of "Idol's" most crucial ingredients, and Orland knows how to cultivate it. "This is not an easy show to produce," Abdul said. "Emotions run high ... and Michael really does keep it together. He has to get these kids to a comfortable place when often there's nothing comfortable about the show. And he's got to get them to feel good about their choice of songs and their performance. His job isn't easy, and the kids, hands down, adore him. He's pretty special. I couldn't imagine the show without him." Prior to "Idol," Orland, a native of Worcester, Mass., played and conducted for numerous singers, including Jennifer Holliday, Sally Kellerman, Chita Rivera, Manilow and Deborah Gibson. He made his Hollywood Bowl debut accompanying the MGM singer-dancer Ann Miller. He got the call to join "Idol" three years ago while playing Leisure World with Kaye Ballard. Asked why "Idol" is such an enduring success, Orland doesn't hesitate. "The public has a say in the outcome," he said. "It's like a new sitcom each season with a different cast of characters. There's someone to root for. It's got things people can relate to - the stress, the humiliation. And it's something families can watch together. It's not 'The Sopranos.' " » Posted by Igor at 1:45 PM | Discuss April 23, 2004 new paula pictures Paula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from "Tease" Opening Night, Los Angeles, California USA - 4/22/2004 >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 >>>Picture 9 >>>Picture 10 >>>Picture 11 >>>Picture 12 >>>Picture 13 >>>Picture 14 >>>Picture 15 >>>Picture 16 >>>Picture 17 >>>Picture 18 >>>Picture 19 >>>Picture 20 » Posted by Igor at 9:49 AM | Discuss April 22, 2004 judges shocked as hudson eliminated from idol The powerful singer was sent packing, as John Stevens and the other five contestants are left to battle it out for the American Idol crown. A shocked American Idol audience watched as vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson was eliminated from the competition on Wednesday’s results show. The Chicago native, who at one point had the highest number of votes, shared the bottom three with LaToya London and Fantasia Barrino. While London was sent back to safety immediately, Barrino and Hudson were left to sweat it out in the bottom two. According to host Ryan Seacrest, Hudson lost by the smallest margin of votes ever recorded in the show's history. Much to the surprise of viewers and judges, it was Diana DeGarmo and John Stevens, who were both thought to be on the chopping block this week, who took the top spots along with Jasmine Trias, and the ever-popular George Huff. “I don’t know how to sum this up,” said a shocked Paula Abdul. Fellow judge Randy Jackson shared her dismay at the talent selected for the bottom three. “ I look at them and I can’t believe it,” he said. The remaining six contestants will battle it out once again on Tuesday at 8:00p.m. on Fox. » Posted by Igor at 1:16 PM | Discuss paula abdul knows how to play through the pain (Zap2It)--On Tuesday (April 20) night's "American Idol," Paula Abdul had her arm in a sling. Clearly the normally peppy and positive "Idol" judge wasn't at her best, distributing her positive comments without her typical enthusiasm, but the cause of her anguish was never discussed on the show. Apparently the "Straight Up" popster had to undergo surgery at Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai Hospital on Monday after a botched manicure left her with an infection. The nail on her right thumb was accidentally punctured and had to be removed entirely. "I almost lost my thumb," Abdul told "Entertainment Tonight." "I didn't think it would hurt this bad and I didn't realize how many limitations I would have -- I can't button my pants and it'll be hard to turn and bark back at Simon [Cowell]. I guess I'll just talk to Randy [Jackson] all night." Viewers can tune in tonight to see if Abdul's energy has returned, or if her sling is still in place. » Posted by Igor at 9:23 AM | Discuss April 21, 2004 paula underwent surgery "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul is nursing a sore paw after having the nail on her right thumb removed because of an infection. Abdul underwent surgery at Cedars Sinai Hospital Monday after a manicure went awry. "I just got a manicure and they punctured me. I'm in a bit of pain," Abdul told "Entertainment Tonight." "It's throbbing. I had surgery to remove the entire nail - the infection was too close to the bone. "I almost lost my thumb," she says. "I didn't think it would hurt this bad and I didn't realize how many limitations I would have - I can't button my pants and it'll be hard to turn and bark back at Simon [Cowell]. I guess I'll just talk to Randy [Jackson] all night." » Posted by Igor at 9:21 AM | Discuss April 20, 2004 the bernie mac show Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will review Bernie's confessional on "The Bernie Mac Show." This will give us another chance to see the fabulous Rick Hoffman as Bernie's agent on April 26th at 8:00pm on the FOX Network. » Posted by Igor at 1:00 PM | Discuss paula's 'naughty face' speaks to simon "American Idol" Simon Cowell does not find Madonna or even Beyoncй Knowles the least bit sexy. So who does rattle this Brit's cage? His fellow judge, Paula Abdul. "Normally you can tell what somebody will be like sexually by her facial expressions, you know?" Cowell told Elle magazine. "Paula's actually got a very naughty face. I think she is quite sexy." » Posted by Igor at 12:55 PM | Discuss paula abdul gets angry on the phone Paula Abdul gets angry on the phone while shopping in Beverly Hills, the "American Idol" judge was shouting and swearing without sparing the "F" word. Later on Paula will exit the store Barefoot. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 >>>Picture 9 >>>Picture 10 >>>Picture 11 >>>Picture 12 » Posted by Igor at 11:49 AM | Discuss April 19, 2004 no paula on divas show Paula did not attend VH1 Divas Live 2004 yesterday for unknown reasons. » Posted by Igor at 9:42 AM | Discuss April 18, 2004 vh1 divas live reminder Don't miss the televised VH1 Divas special tonight starring Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper, Ashanti, Eve, Deborah Harry, Glady Knight, Jessica Simpson, and seventeen year-old newcomer, Joss Stone. When you hear Stone's voice you'll know why she deserves to be in Las Vegas singing with legendary stars like Knight, LaBelle and Blondie's Debbie Harry. The event will be recorded in front of a live audience of 17,000 at the MGM Grand with millions of VH1 television viewers watching at home. The show is now an annual effort to raise money for Save The Music Foundation. Save the Music is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs in America's public schools. The charity was formed in 1997 and has so far donated more than $25 million worth of musical equipment to more than 1000 public schools in America. The venue has previously hosted The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Bette Midler, Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. A spokesman for the MGM Grand said: "These women will be delivering a night of soulful, sexy and unstoppable performances. Continuing in the 'divas' tradition, the show will bring together some of the biggest names in music for an exclusive, high-voltage night of unforgettable performances." Lauper thinks it's fine that the "Divas" lineup is "not just a Barbie doll thing," because, "I want to inspire some kid looking at a television set. There's a variety of colors, so every kid can see themselves." A traditional diva, she notes, is an opera singer "so linked to her craft she becomes very temperamental. That could make you more demanding of those around you." But as the hook for a TV special, "You can sell it and it helps the schools," Lauper says. "I think there is so much that can be learned from music," Lauper says, from history to English to "socialization skills: A band is like a tribe." Other artists making appearances through the show will include: Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Gloria Estefan, Tyra Banks, Usher, Daryl Hannah, Carly Simon, Jamie Lynn Discala, Jessica Alba, Marg Helgenberger, Vanessa Williams, Nia Vardalos, Paula Abdul, and from "The Apprentice" Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Amy Henry and Heidi Bressler. » Posted by Igor at 9:58 AM | Discuss he's 16, he's terrible and he's ours (NEWSDAY)--Democracy isn't always pretty. Hang on, Sparky. This isn't The Buzz getting all political and stuff. We're talking about "American Idol" wannabe John Stevens. The 16-year-old redheaded retro wunderkind from upstate really hasn't sung a note on key in weeks. His performances are shaky at best, cringe-inducing at worst. And yet, he rolls along in the competition, even as Randy Jackson tries not to slam his head into the table and Paula Abdul struggles to find nice ways to say, "You stink!" Stevens' success has fans talking of a new method of voting. He has fans praying for a reality-show twist to shake up the standings. He has spawned theories about how the system is broken. Yeah, for two seasons, people marveled at how well audiences sifted through the RJs, EJays and AJs to get to the actual "Idol" talents. Sure, there were quibbles - yes, Tamyra had talent; no, Josh Gracin didn't. But, more or less, it all worked out fine. The thing is: The "Idol" system isn't broken. This is what happens in the music industry. Sometimes the John Stevenses win - as the multiplatinum careers of Britney Spears and Evanescence show. Get used to it. Or work to fix it. Such is democracy. » Posted by Igor at 9:57 AM | Discuss April 15, 2004 paula to be a guest star on vh1 divas live 2004 Paula will be one of the guest stars appearing on VH1 Divas Live 2004. It premieres on April 18th on Vh1 at 9:00 PM ET. See Rockontv.com for further details and re-run dates. » Posted by Robin at 2:47 PM | Discuss April 13, 2004 miss usa Paula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from The 53rd Annual MISS USA Competition, Hollywood, CA USA - 4/12/2004 >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 » Posted by Igor at 9:53 AM | Discuss 'idol' speculation: finalists' high, low notes may hint at next winner (Boston Herald)--Despite what The Donald might claim, Fox's “American Idol” is the No. 1 reality show in the country. You're watching. You're voting. And you're making some questionable decisions. (Please explain why it took so long to get rid of teary Camile Velasco.) America will soon crown the next “American Idol” (tonight at 8 on WFXT, Ch. 25). A look at the elite eight finalists, in no particular order: John Stevens Memorable moment: Even though he forgot the words, “King of the Road” fit his Sinatra-like style. Biggest knock: You know things are bad when even Paula Abdul offers some criticism. After “Crocodile Rock,” she said, “You hit some bad notes.” What he needs to do to win: Learn how to sing. America has somehow fallen in love with Stevens, who has yet to give an inspired, pitch-perfect performance. But the sympathy vote can take him only so far. Fantasia Barrino Memorable moment: Barrino's unique rendition of “Something to Talk About” made her the first person voted into the final 12. Biggest knock: Simon Cowell said the sparkly evening gown she wore one night made her look as if her mother had dressed her. That prompted the headstrong 19-year-old to say, “Simon, you don't know class!” What she needs to do to win: Lose the sassy attitude and stop fighting with Cowell. America may love to hate the prickly judge, but they like their contestants to remain respectful. Diana DeGarmo Memorable moment: Her cover of Elton John's “I'm Still Standing” let audiences down. Biggest knock: Cowell referred to DeGarmo, 16, as a product of a pop farm. What she needs to do to win: Stay healthy. DeGarmo sang last week while battling laryngitis. La Toya London Memorable moment: Cowell said her rendition of “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” was typical of any wedding band. Biggest knock: Hair extensions in Week 3 did not go over well with the judges. “It looks like you have a cat on your head,” Cowell told her. What she needs to do to win: Warm up that cool personality. Jasmine Trias Memorable moment: Trias turned “Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me” into an overwrought power ballad. Biggest knock: After another one of Abdul's confusing comments, Cowell said, “What she was trying to say is that it wasn't good enough.” What she needs to do to win: Be consistent. When the 17-year-old is good, she's very good, but when she's bad, she is average. Jon Peter Lewis Memorable moment: His “Drift Away” prompted Cowell to say, “You are the dark horse to win this competition.” Biggest knock: Cowell told the 24-year-old, “You need voice lessons.” What he needs to do to win: Find the voice to match the personality that has charmed America. Jennifer Hudson Memorable moment: She blew away the judges and Elton John with “Circle of Life.” Biggest knock: After seeing her in a dreadful pink dress, Cowell said, “You're lucky we're not judging you on your outfit.” What she needs to do to win: Continue to improve. Her wardrobe is better. Her hair is better. And she's singing better every week. George Huff Memorable moment: His “Lean on Me” on the wild-card night convinced Cowell to pick the 23-year-old for the final 12. Biggest knock: None, really. Huff is the only lock to make it to the final four. What he needs to do to win: Keep it up. He's the only man worthy of the competition, so “American Idol” is his to lose. » Posted by Robin at 6:56 AM | Discuss April 12, 2004 janet jackson on saturday night live (Chicago Sun Times)-- Aguilera's Kim Cattrall and Timberlake's Ashton Kutcher were, in fact, as good as anything "SNL's" actual cast offered all season, and this, in fact, has been a generally good season by "SNL" standards. By comparison, Jackson cracked herself up with her impersonation of Paula Abdul as vacuous and relentlessly upbeat but came off as mechanical and stale. It could have been salvaged if it had been paired with Cowell's cameo rather than dropped into a reprise of a Prince-hosted talk show sketch from February, but it wasn't. So the funniest thing in Jackson's entire show was an Italian vineyard sketch in which the whole point was to see how often a certain phrase could be repeated through a cartoonish accent while trying not to trip over the line and arouse Congress and the FCC. Their response over Jackson's top has been over the top. Now we should all be over it. » Posted by Robin at 5:14 AM | Discuss April 11, 2004 "on air with ryan seacrest" interview Click >>>here to listen online interview from "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" Show, April 9, 2004, with Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. » Posted by Igor at 6:46 AM | Discuss touched by evil to re-air this week One of the "made for tv" movies that Paula starred in, in 1996 or 1997 will re-air this week on Lifetime Movie Network. It will re-air on Saturday April 17th at 6:10 PM ET on Lifetime Movie Network. It will also air the morning after on Sunday April 18th at 7:30 AM ET. » Posted by Robin at 5:43 AM | Discuss April 9, 2004 good day live Paula will be filling in as co-host for Good Day Live on Monday, April 12th. » Posted by Igor at 1:08 PM | Discuss paula mention in britney spears article An excerpt from a Boston Hearald about Britney's Onyx Hotel Tour: "This night was above all else a million-dollar dance recital, the entire show being reminiscent of Paula Abdul's "Cold Hearted" video - all squirming bodies and grinding hips. Costume changes and set arrangements were what set the songs apart. Half-naked male dancers dressed as bellhops twirled around luggage racks for the synthesizer dance pop of ``Boys,'' while the bubblegum pop of ``Overprotected'' was given a seedy, much raunchier arrangement, with Britney and Co. providing just a hint of the sexual maelstrom to come." » Posted by Igor at 1:05 PM | Discuss April 8, 2004 did simon flip the bird at paula? From Is It True? section of the April 12, 2004 issue of In Touch magazine: Did Simon flip the bird at Paula? The answer is NO. "I certainly would never make a gesture like that toward Paula or on national television!" huffs Simon Cowell, who insists he didn't flash his middle finger at fellow judge Paula Abdul when a fight broke out on American Idol last week. He says his actions were misunderstood. "Sometimes I lean on my index finger," he explains. "Sometimes a different finger. Sometimes two at the same time or, God help me, even the whole hand. I never even thought about it until now." » Posted by Igor at 11:42 AM | Discuss April 7, 2004 isle idols get wings trimmed (STAR BULLETIN)--Plucking pop tunes from the songbook of Elton John, Hawaii's "American Idol" finalists Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco jostled with seven others for a spot in the TV show's elite eight last night. A video clip in the opening minutes of the show revealed John met with "American Idol's" star-struck cast, including a tearful Velasco, in the week leading up to last night's competition. "Elton John really inspired me to go out there Tuesday night and to just sing at my best for him and for everybody else," she said in a pre-recorded interview shown before her performance. Trias, in her video short, remarked, "I'm just going to go out there, do my thing and make Elton John proud." Both Hawaii contestants, though, received their share of criticism from the show's three judges. As the third finalist to take the stage, Trias, in a shimmering top, sung a purposeful rendition of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." It was an ambitious attempt, filled with many high notes. "I know it's a pretty range-y song, right?" judge Randy Jackson said at the conclusion of her song. "You were a little pitchy and what happens is that sometimes when you go for those high notes, you hit just underneath it. I think it was an OK performance by you, but a little pitchy overall." Paula Abdul concurred: "You really do well, Jasmine, when you really color it up with your vocals, when you have the vulnerability, softness and then you change the tone. When you're going for power the whole time, you fall a little bit off. I love when you color it up more." "What she's trying to say is it wasn't good enough," summarized judge Simon Cowell. "It's just average once again. You're not doing enough to win." In the fifth slot, Camile Velasco, of Haiku, Maui, performed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," another challenging tune. "Camile, not your best performance," remarked Jackson. "A little shaky, a little pitchy. These Elton songs can be very tough to sing. It's just very all right to me." Again, Abdul's comments mirrored Jackson's. "I don't think it was the right song to pick," she said. "Camile, somewhere in Las Vegas, a television will be thrown out of a hotel window and that's where Elton John is watching this show," quipped Cowell. "Sorry, that was honestly the end of the road for you, I think." On Maui, shoppers at Ooka Super Market Ltd. in Wailuku were well aware of the show and most were cheering for the Hawaii girls. Danae Olaso, a fourth-grader at Lihikai Elementary School, said she watched the program because she liked Jasmine Trias' singing and she wanted to know which winners would advance. Walter Mulak, 50, a Wailuku resident, said he thinks "American Idol" is a great concept, giving opportunities to people with talent. "It's a lucky break for anyone who has a voice," he said. "I wish they had it here. I'd go." One competitor will be eliminated on tonight's show, which airs at 7 p.m. on Fox station KHON. » Posted by Robin at 12:56 PM | Discuss best celebrity facts (STAR-TELEGRAM)--James Brown's eyebrows are tattoos. John Travolta wears his underwear inside out so the label doesn't scratch his butt. Dr. Ruth is a trained sniper who can assemble a Sten gun while blindfolded. When Paula Abdul was a kid, her baby sitter was Michael Bolton. And Angelina Jolie once studied mortuary science. Ah, the facts you can learn reading People mag's 282-page 30th-anniversary double issue -- amazing facts, important facts, the kind of unforgettable facts that stick to your brain permanently until you forget them five minutes later. It all comes from digging through 30 years of back issues. Best quote: "I've been fortunate -- I haven't had too many auditions," Pamela Anderson said in 2003. "I slept with the right people." » Posted by Igor at 9:58 AM | Discuss April 6, 2004 paula on sabrina the teenage witch Paula will be on Sabrina the Teenage Witch on the episode "Aging not so gracefully." as the guest star on Monday April 12 at 8:30 pm ET on Nickelodeon. » Posted by Robin at 1:22 PM | Discuss April 4, 2004 nickelodeon's 17th annual kids' choice awards American Idol's Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and president, Nickelodeon Networks Herb Scannell attended Nickelodeon's 17th Annual Kids' Choice Awards at Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA, April 3, 2004 in Westwood, California. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 >>>Picture 9 >>>Picture 10 >>>Picture 11 >>>Picture 12 >>>Picture 13 >>>Picture 14 >>>Picture 15 >>>Picture 16 >>>Picture 17 >>>Picture 18 >>>Picture 19 >>>Picture 20 >>>Picture 21 >>>Picture 22 >>>Picture 23 >>>Picture 24 >>>Picture 25 >>>Picture 26 » Posted by Igor at 4:06 AM | Discuss elton as guest judge (USA TODAY)--American Idol judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul should be seeing their Idol stage more clearly after accepting offers for free Lasik eye surgery courtesy of Santa Monica eye-surgeon-to-the-stars Kerry Assil. Jackson said that Tuesday's show will be an evening of Elton John songs, with a likely visit from Elton as guest judge » Posted by Robin at 12:00 AM | Discuss April 3, 2004 101 most starlicious makeovers On April 12th Paula is going to be on 101 Most Starlicious Makeovers on E! at 10pm. Check local listings. » Posted by Igor at 1:48 PM | Discuss paula new pictures Paula-Online.com presents more new Paula pictures from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - 2 Apr 2004. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 >>>Picture 9 >>>Picture 10 » Posted by Igor at 12:22 PM | Discuss