paula will be on mad tv``xRobin``xThe episode of Mad tv starring Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Brian Dunkleman, and Kelly Clarkson will be re-airing on July 10th at 3:00 AM eastern. Check your local listings.``xEplllyFkuVNmDFPgGV``x1088863245``x(default)
paula to appear on "on air with ryan seacrest"``xRobin``xPaula will be appearing on "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" on July 6th at 3:00 PM eastern time. Check your local listings.``xEplllyFEkFEkKIoVWN``x1088863123``x(default)
American Idol Judge Paula Abdul Sets Hot Jewelry Trend``xdzemil``xMillions aspiring to chase their dreams - and also snag the hottest jewelry trends - can now be inspired by the encouraging words and trendy style of American Idol's Paula Abdul without facing the curt criticisms of Simon Cowell. SAM'S CLUB announced it has teamed up with Paula Abdul to sell to consumers nationwide her 'Innergy' jewelry line, which Abdul has given as gifts this season to American Idol semi-finalists and winner Fantasia Barrino.
Abdul says she first created the collection to provide a reminder to American Idol contestants that finding and maintaining energy and peace within oneself provides the strongest foundation for success in life.
"I wanted to give these brave kids - and now everybody -something that reminds them that regardless of the harsh criticism they face, they must constantly tap into their own power and talents," Abdul said. "All of us have the ability to follow our hearts and achieve our goals, and I want my jewelry to give people inspirational messages that they can touch, see and feel."
SAM'S CLUB's initial offerings of "Innergy Paula Abdul" will include several diamond charm pendants accompanied by inspirational messages engraved on small tags that reflect the spirit of the collection, such as the pendant given to Idol Fantasia Barrino following her win this season. Abdul presented Barrino with a flawless diamond stone with the word "Flawless" etched into an accompanying tag, along with a gold nugget and diamond charm with the engraving, "No stone unturned to find the diamond in the rough."
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touched by evil to re-air``xRobin``xThe Lifetime Movie Network film "Touched By Evil" will re-air on June 10th at 11:30 PM Et. Check your local listings.``xEplVAVVyZpakkwbFqJ``x1085955670``x(default)
Coca-Cola unveils launch plans for C2``xdzemil``xMore than 12 million samples of the soft drink expected to be handed out during the launch.
Coca-Cola C2, with half the carbohydrates, calories and sugar of regular cola, and "all the great taste" of Coca-Cola, today was introduced to the United States at festivities in Los Angeles, featuring appearances by Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest. The Coca-Cola Company unveiled marketing plans for the new soft drink, that include the debut of a television commercial during the finals of American Idol on FOX this Tuesday and Wednesday. The ad uses the rock `n` roll classic by The Rolling Stones- "You Can`t Always Get What You Want."
A second ad featuring "I Want to Break Free" by Queen will hit the air in July. Both ads show people enjoying spontaneous, liberating moments in life, representing the freedom to enjoy a cola with fewer carbs and calories without compromising on taste.
Experiential sampling teams will hit the streets this week to offer people their first taste of Coca-Cola C2, with first stops in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami. Employees of the Coca-Cola system across the U.S. also will be given a case of Coca-Cola C2 to share with family and friends.
In total, more than 12 million samples of the soft drink are expected to be handed out during the launch. The new brand will begin showing up on store shelves across the U.S. in early June. Coca-Cola C2 was first unveiled to consumers in Japan on May 18, and will be available there on June 7.
An integrated marketing campaign will support the U.S. roll-out, including television, radio, outdoor, cinema and Internet advertising. Advertising will carry the tagline "Half the carbs. Half the cals. All the great taste."
The packaging graphics feature the familiar Coca-Cola trademark in black on a "Coca-Cola red" background, to provide a distinctive visual difference between Coca-Cola C2 and the flagship brand, Coca-Cola classic. Some packages will carry a special silver foil label, to enhance the design and distinction.
Original point-of-sale merchandising featuring additional graphics also has been developed for in-store activation.
Coca-Cola C2 will be available immediately in 20-ounce PET bottles and 12-ounce cans, including special 8 and 18-can multi-packs. Coca-Cola C2 also will be offered at fountain soon after the launch of the bottle/can packaging.
In the past two years, The Coca-Cola Company has introduced four new products in the cola category -- Vanilla Coke (2002), Diet Vanilla Coke (2002), Diet Coke with Lemon (2001), and, most recently, Diet Coke with Lime (2004).
Coca-Cola is the best-known and best-selling soft drink in the world. Diet Coke -- known in some countries as Coca-Cola Light -- is number one in the diet category, and the third best-selling soft drink overall worldwide.
The Coca-Cola Company is the world`s largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, the Company markets four of the world`s top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world`s largest distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company`s beverages at a rate exceeding one billion servings each day.``xEplVVVAFuZUXVCBxSG``x1085559347``x(default)
PAULA ABDUL PREPARES TO SUE! ``xdzemil``xPaula Abdul better not get a proposal anytime soon because she will have to show her hand to the potential fiance and it's none to pretty right now.
The American Idol judge shared with "Celebrity Justice" that she is ready to sue over a botched manicure. She is prepared to retain a personal injury attorney to sue Chinoiserie, an upscale nail salon in the LA suburb of Studio City, that she blames for the manicure that caused a severe nail infection.
The infection became so serious, she says, she almost lost her thumb. She was able to walk away with her thumb, but doctors were forced to surgically remove her entire thumbnail.
She says she cried out in pain when a manicurist poked her in the thumb. She says when she left the salon she sucked on her thumb and tasted blood. Paula also told "CJ" that the salon called a friend of hers four times that night to see how she was doing.
When the manager of Chinoiserie spoke with CJ, he suggested that Paula's injury did not occur at his salon.
"We called [Paula] initially out of concern," he says, because "we like her, not because we had anything to do with it." He added, "Her claims are inconsistent with the dates and times she was here."
An attorney representing Chinoiserie sent a letter to Paula's lawyer suggesting the 'Idol' judge got the manicure in question elsewhere. Paula will sue for the substantial medical bills, lost profits, and extreme, ongoing pain and suffering she says she endured because of the salon's negligence.
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ABDUL LOOKS INTO LAUNCHING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST SALON``xdzemil``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has announced plans to launch legal action against the nail salon that she claims caused her to almost lose her thumb.
The singer was left wearing a sling, which she claims was the result of a manicure gone bad at Studio City, Calif.'s Chinoiserie.
Abdul alleges she was left with an infection so severe that she almost lost her thumb. Doctors at Los Angeles' Cedar's Sinai Hospital reportedly had to surgically remove the entire nail.
She tells American TV show "Celebrity Justice," "I've had manicures forever, and I've never run into any problem like this, so it's kind of frustrating."
Abdul is now set to retain a major personal injury law firm to aid her in her battle against the nail salon. Sources say a lawsuit is likely as early as this week.
But a manager at the salon suggests Abdul's injury didn't happen there, telling the show, "We called her initially out of concern (because) we like her, not because we had anything to do with it. Her claims are inconsistent with the dates and times she was here."
But Abdul says that while doing her nails, the manicurist poked her in the thumb and she screamed. When she left, Abdul says she sucked her thumb and tasted blood. She also says the salon called her friend four times that night to see how she was doing.
The former pop star's representatives say they will be able to prove the timing is consistent
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Paula Abdul Miffed Over Manicure``xdzemil``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul is reportedly planning to sue the nail salon that botched her manicure recently, reports TV Guide Online.
Abdul tells "Celebrity Justice" the manicure left her with a severe nail infection that became so serious she had to have her thumbnail surgically removed. She says she almost lost her entire thumb.
Abdul says Chinoiserie, an upscale nail salon in the L.A. suburb of Studio City, is responsible for the injury.
She says she cried out in pain when a manicurist poked her thumb, and that when she left the salon she sucked on her thumb and tasted blood.
Abdul also tells "CJ" that the salon called a friend of hers four times that night to ask how she was doing.
While Abdul has been joking about the incident on "Idol" broadcasts, she says she is extremely concerned over the matter and will sue for the medical bills, lost profits and ongoing pain and suffering she says she endured because of the salon's negligence.``xEplVVVApVFAKTVAEdQ``x1085559053``x(default)
2004 Miss Universe``xdzemil``xPaula Abdul and Kwame Jackson, runner-up on The Apprentice, will be among the judges at the 2004 Miss Universe pageant, which airs June 1 on NBC.
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paula to appear on sabrina the teenage witch``xRobin``xThe episode of Sabrina The Teenage Witch called "Aging Not So Gracefully" had a guest appearance by our very own Paula Abdul. It will be re-airing on
Wed May 19 09:30pm ET on Noggin
Thu May 20 12:30am ET on Noggin``xEpluFplyAZFbIQvvJt``x1084308697``x(default)
paula's appearance on cybill to re-air``xRobin``xPaula appeared on an episode of Cybill called "Lowensteins Lament." It will re air on
Sat May 15 11:00am ET on Oxygen
Sun May 16 10:00am ET on Oxygen
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paula to appear on the ellen degeneres show``xRobin``xPaula will be making an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 14th at 4:00 PM ET. It will re-air on the oxygen network on May 21st at 11:00 PM ET``xEpluFpluFpVKnkViMj``x1084308430``x(default)
N.C. Film, TV Facts Featured In Book``xdzemil``xWILMINGTON, N.C. - A new trivia book about N.C. television and film productions records which Wilmington feature had Paula Abdul as choreographer and which waterfront eatery counted the stars of the show "Dawson's Creek" as regular customers.
The "Film Junkie's Guide to North Carolina" is just out in paperback.
Long chapters cover projects in and around Wilmington, where there's been a film production studio for about 20 years.
There's also many mentions of the Biltmore Estate outside Asheville, which was the shooting site for the feature movies "Hannibal," "Being There," "Patch Adams," "Forrest Gump" and "The Last of the Mohicans."
Compiled by two veterans of Reel Carolina magazine, Connie Nelson and Floyd Harris, the book's scope is statewide.
Television is included, and fans of "Dawson's Creek" and "One Tree Hill" will find directions to major locations.
There also are guides to where actors do - or did - hang out. For example, the "Dawson's Creek" cast often dropped in at The Dockside on Wrightsville Beach, which was a location during the show's first two seasons.
Other sites noted are the Carolina Apartments, which figured in the film "Blue Velvet," and Dee's Drugs in Burgaw, where Ashley Judd picked up prescriptions in "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood."
The wedding scene featuring Mandy Moore and Shane West in the weepy "Walk to Remember" was shot in the chapel at Orton Plantation near Southport.
Nelson, the communications manager for the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, was inspired to try the book after compiling a list of frequently asked questions and their answers for "Dawson's Creek" fans. She recruited her friend Floyd Harris, a librarian, playwright and sometime movie extra.
The research took them more than three years of nights, weekends and vacations, they said.
By the way, Abdul worked on the Martin Lawrence movie "Black Knight."
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Paris Las Vegas Hosts ``The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'' May 10-14 ``xdzemil``xLAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2004--Tonight, Paris Las Vegas welcomes the number one late-night talk show as "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" kicks off a five-night engagement with a celestial celebrity line-up that includes Caesars Entertainment headliners Celine Dion and Jerry Seinfeld. This is the first time in seven years "The Tonight Show" is visiting Las Vegas as the hit NBC late-night talk show broadcasts five shows from Le Theatre des Arts at Paris, taped before a live studio audience.
The scheduled guests are:
Monday, May 10 -- "American Idol" judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and
Randy Jackson, comedian Wanda Sykes and singer Usher
Tuesday, May 11 -- Actress Pamela Anderson, magician Lance Burton and
singer Clay Aiken
Wednesday, May 12 -- Comedian Jerry Seinfeld and singer Celine Dion
Thursday, May 13 -- Actor/comedian Billy Crystal, boxer Roy Jones Jr.
and a performance by Cirque du Soleil
Friday, May 14 -- Actor/comedian Dana Carvey and singer Lenny Kravitz
"Paris Las Vegas is honored to host the number one late-night talk show," said Paris President Bobby Yee. "Bringing a production of this caliber to our resort has created a tremendous buzz for us and Las Vegas as a whole, and we look forward to an exciting week with Jay and his guests."
"The Tonight Show" will tape one show each day May 10-14 at 5 p.m. The shows will air that same night in their 11:35 p.m. Eastern/Pacific time slot.
Stand-by vouchers for each program will be available at the Paris Box Office from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. on the morning of the show, on a first come-first served basis. Please note that stand-by vouchers do not guarantee admission to the theatre. The stand-by line for those with vouchers will begin forming at 3:30 p.m. and the vouchers received that morning are only good for that evening's show.
About Paris Las Vegas
The enchanting beauty of Paris graces the entertainment capital of the world. From its dramatic 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower to carefully crafted authentic reproductions, elegant decor and superb convention facilities to its fine cuisine, European boutiques and world-class entertainment -- Paris Las Vegas celebrates the romance, excitement and savoire-faire of the European City of Light. In the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the passion, excitement and sophistication of Paris Las Vegas transports you to Europe's most romantic city. Paris Las Vegas is a Caesars Entertainment, Inc. property.
About Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:CZR) is one of the world's leading gaming companies. With $4.5 billion in annual net revenue, 29 properties on four continents, 29,000 hotel rooms, two million square feet of casino space and 55,000 employees, the Caesars portfolio is among the strongest in the industry. Caesars casino resorts operate under the Bally's, Caesars, Flamingo, Grand Casinos, Hilton and Paris brand names. The company has its corporate headquarters in Las Vegas.``xEplukpyZpEGvdsGvoT``x1084206701``x(default)
simon says``xRobin``xSimon Says Next National Inquisition story
30 Apr 2004
(Anorak--A KISS may be just a kiss, in the words of the song, and a smile may be just a smile, but put the two together and the result is dynamite.
"You flirt, you!"
The pictures in this week's Enquirer of TV's Mr Nasty Simon Cowell kissing his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul may have been part of a skit.
But put them side by side with another picture of the couple smiling for the cameras, get one of Beverly Hills' leading psychologists...and you've got a full-blown love affair.
"Is it love?" asks the magazine, noting that Cowell has changed his tune after pelting Paula with withering put-downs for the first two series of the hit show.
And on hand to answer that is Dr Lillian Glass, the Enquirer's resident quack, who said Cowell's earlier behaviour was just a way of hiding his true feelings.
"He was like an adolescent young man," she says, "who, when attracted to a young lady, dips her pigtails in an inkwell.
"However, this season he's slowly becoming enamoured with Paula's gentle and kind nature. You can see this when he looks at her and smiles, obviously charmed by her goodness.
"He may be genuinely in love with her."
Indeed. He might also have a tattoo of Randy Jackson on his backside - we just don't know...
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keeping the harmony``xIgor``xTo "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.' "``xEplFpAlZplMlqeasyH``x1083098708``x(default)
new paula pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from "Tease" Opening Night, Los Angeles, California USA - 4/22/2004
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judges shocked as hudson eliminated from idol ``xIgor``xThe 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. ``xEplkyyuAlkkKskUvuv``x1082664982``x(default)
paula abdul knows how to play through the pain``xIgor``x(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.``xEplkyVEppuKyBfuNoh``x1082651004``x(default)
paula underwent surgery``xIgor``x"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." ``xEplkVyuVpylYQLtYLa``x1082564506``x(default)
the bernie mac show``xIgor``xPaula 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.``xEplkuAEkpurqdGIeHk``x1082491204``x(default)
paula's 'naughty face' speaks to simon``xIgor``x"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." ``xEplkuApAFurGGwBJZl``x1082490934``x(default)
paula abdul gets angry on the phone``xIgor``xPaula 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.
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no paula on divas show``xIgor``xPaula did not attend VH1 Divas Live 2004 yesterday for unknown reasons.``xEplkFAkAkVLAocYjLP``x1082392925``x(default)
vh1 divas live reminder``xIgor``xDon'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.``xEplkFpZVFlkakMBrXi``x1082307538``x(default)
he's 16, he's terrible and he's ours``xIgor``x(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. ``xEplkFpZukVhJrMzmMK``x1082307425``x(default)
paula to be a guest star on vh1 divas live 2004``xRobin``xPaula 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.``xEplkpyVyFZLlckRNRB``x1082065637``x(default)
miss usa``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from The 53rd Annual MISS USA Competition, Hollywood, CA USA - 4/12/2004
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'idol' speculation: finalists' high, low notes may hint at next winner``xRobin``x(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.``xEplElyuVlFgOYGJLzA``x1081864583``x(default)
janet jackson on saturday night live``xRobin``x(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.``xEplEZZkpyZEXPnTecM``x1081772067``x(default)
"on air with ryan seacrest" interview``xIgor``xClick >>>here to listen online interview from "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" Show, April 9, 2004, with Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.``xEplEyAEEZEOgmfBUOE``x1081691171``x(default)
touched by evil to re-air this week``xRobin``xOne 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.``xEplEylZFlkUWATHzXe``x1081687382``x(default)
good day live``xIgor``xPaula will be filling in as co-host for Good Day Live on Monday, April 12th.``xEplEVuEFpuqFNOdVbS``x1081541304``x(default)
paula mention in britney spears article``xIgor``xAn 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."``xEplEVuEEVAczKrZXYl``x1081541159``x(default)
did simon flip the bird at paula? ``xIgor``xFrom 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." ``xEplEuuAZulgEwWftDg``x1081449748``x(default)
isle idols get wings trimmed``xRobin``x(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.
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best celebrity facts``xIgor``x(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."``xEplEFVZpAEOVcLFfCZ``x1081357091``x(default)
paula on sabrina the teenage witch``xRobin``xPaula 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.``xEplEklkAyARNqzGnYt``x1081282969``x(default)
nickelodeon's 17th annual kids' choice awards``xIgor``xAmerican 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.
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elton as guest judge``xRobin``x(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``xEplEklupuVbaHFvsse``x1081062000``x(default)
101 most starlicious makeovers ``xIgor``xOn April 12th Paula is going to be on 101 Most Starlicious Makeovers on E! at 10pm. Check local listings.``xEplEpkVklAlGssMEQS``x1081025289``x(default)
paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents more new Paula pictures from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - 2 Apr 2004.
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paula fan central``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents the one and only official Paula Abdul fanlisting - Paula Fan Central. Paula Fan Central - a interactive site dedicated to all biggest Paula's fans around the world. You can add your name, e-mail, or website to our list, join our friends at the forum to discuss Paula, choose your favourite icon for the forum, add buttons to your site! Click >>>here to launch Paula Fan Central.
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paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - 29 Mar 2004.
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international vision expo east``xIgor``xPaula Abdul endorsed eyewear at the International Vision Expo East - Jacob Javits Center, New York City - 3/26/2004
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paula on tv``xIgor``xToday: Paula Abdul is on David Letterman while another "AI" vet, Clay Aiken, does Jay Leno. ``xEplpkuFAFZcZIUNWlf``x1080243937``x(default)
simon cowell denies obscene sign``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Simon Cowell has denied making an obscene hand gesture during filming of the US show.
Reports suggested he raised his middle finger to fellow judge Paula Abdul during a heated debate.
But he issued a statement saying he simply raised his hand to his face, as he often did, and that the incident had been blown out of proportion.
TV networks have been under increased scrutiny in the wake of Janet Jackson exposing her breast on live TV.
American Idol, based on the hit British show Pop Idol, has become a huge success in the US with its latest series attracting 28.2 million viewers.
Cowell was arguing with Abdul about the performance of one of the contestants on Tuesday's show when he raised his hand to his head and made the alleged gesture.
His publicist Max Clifford said: "He told me, 'I do that kind of thing quite a lot, but there was no gesture'."
Fox, which airs American Idol, declined to comment on the incident. ``xEplpkukAlZoipxkton``x1080242987``x(default)
"idol" outlasts "survivor"``xIgor``xLooks like the pen salesman is the real survivor.
In a rare Wednesday night match-up, reputed Bic boy Jon Peter Lewis and his fellow American Idol finalists helped starve out Survivor: All-Stars.
Airing in the 8:30-9:30 p.m. time slot on Fox, the singing competition's results episode, in which Paula Abdul pick Leah LaBelle turned out to be the first Idol toppled, was watched by 22.9 million (second place), Nielsen Media Research said. Tuesday's two-hour Idol was even bigger--first place, 26.7 million.
In the 8-9 p.m. Wednesday hour, CBS' Survivor All-Stars, in which Survivor: Africa champ Ethan Zohn turned chump, averaged 19 million (third place)--off more than 15 percent from its usual performance.
Survivor: All-Stars was forced to fend for itself against Idol because of the men's NCAA basketball tournament, which CBS began airing last Thursday. The reality series will face the same challenge this Wednesday, as well.
At least Survivor hung in against William Hung's crowd better than The Apprentice. Early in its run, NBC tried shifting the Donald Trump ego hour to Wednesdays, opposite Idol, only to reshift it back to Thursdays after one, inglorious outing.
NBC still airs Apprentice repeats on Wednesday, albeit with little success. Last week's ran fourth in its time slot--80th place, 5.6 million viewers.
The week's all-new Apprentice, actually a compilation of Trump's greatest firings, fared much better on Thursday--fourth place, 17.5 million mogul admirers.
Elsewhere in the TV week ended Sunday:
NBC's latest Average Joe incarnation, Average Joe: Adam Returns, gave the nerds a measure of revenge. The reality series, starring inaugural Average Joe castoff Adam Mesh, outdrew January's Average Joe: Hawaii debut, 10.7 million to 9.6 million, running 26th.
A reality show in which nobody dated, nobody sang and nobody subsisted on rice was a surprise hit, with CBS' 60 Minutes rising to the Top 10 (fifth place, 16.2 million) on the strength of a regular ol' talking-head interview with a former Bush Administration official critical of the President's invasion of Iraq.
Fox's corpse-friendly Tru Calling showed signs of life with 5.5 million viewers (81st place), an improvement of more than 1 million on its season-to-date average.
Given the current rate of channel proliferation, by the year 2030 the ratings for CBS' futuristic new lawyer series, Century City (set in the year 2030), may well look fabulous. In the year 2004, they merely look okay--46th place, 8.9 million.
In any decade, CBS' new Wednesday comedy The Stones would sink like a bag-full of 'em--62nd place, 7.1 million.
ABC's Hope & Faith (68th place, 6.9 million) gave the network little hope or faith in its T.G.I.F. lineup, now hosting Steven Weber's latest cursed series, The D.A. (67th place, 6.9 million).
While it was no Survivor, the NCAA men's hoops tourney was a gamer for CBS. Ratings for the first four days and nights of "March Madness" coverage (Thursday-Sunday) were up 53 percent from last year's Iraq War-interrupted rounds.
HBO's latest new drama series, the Western Deadwood, got off to a dry start Sunday night, averaging 5.8 million, a fall off of about 40 percent from its Sopranos lead-in (10.1 million).
Overall, CBS was the most watched network among all viewers (averaging 11 million viewers); Fox was the most watched network among all cool viewers (aged 18-49).
Thanks to Idol, Fox made a run at NBC in total viewers, averaging 10.3 million to the Peacock's 10.6 million. ABC held down fourth in both demos and viewers (8.4 million).
Among the netlets, UPN distanced itself from the WB, 3.4 million to 3.1 million.
Here's a rundown of the 10 most watched shows for the week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen Media Research:
1. American Idol (Tuesday), Fox, 26.7 million
2. American Idol (Wednesday), Fox, 22.9 million
3. Survivor: All-Stars, CBS, 19 million
4. The Apprentice, NBC, 17.5 million
5. 60 Minutes, CBS, 16.2 million
6. Friends, NBC, 15.3 million
7. Will & Grace, NBC, 15 million
8. Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS, 14.95 million
9. Fear Factor, NBC, 14.5 million
10. Cold Case, CBS, 14.4 million ``xEplpkuuEkVWuPffBdK``x1080025200``x(default)
paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from Shane's Inspiration's 3rd Annual Gala.
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star sightings: making the scene``xIgor``xStunning in white, Halle Berry joined Michael Chiklis, Laura San Giacomo and Paula Abdul at the star-studded fundraiser, Shane's Inspiration's 3rd Annual Gala, on Sunday night. The charity aims to improve the quality of life for disabled kids.
Berry told us, "I couldn't think of a better way to spend the night." Abdul added, "All kids deserve to play hard and have fun."
Berry said she's about to have fun working on a new TV movie about a southern black woman in the 30's, produced by the one-and-only Queen of Talk, Oprah Winfrey. Filming starts in about two weeks.
"Extra" also found famous fans of our four-legged friends, including Alicia Silverstone, Shannon Elizabeth, Billy Baldwin and wife Chynna Phillips on Saturday night at the 18th Annual Genesis Awards. Silverstone told us, "There’s just so much animal cruelty in the world."
"Everybody Loves Raymond's" Doris Roberts revealed some news about the show's future: "There’s no question we’ll be back. I don’t know for how many though."
We found Bill Maher, J.C. Chasez, and Owen "Hutch" Wilson among the stars over at the Hollywood hot spot, White Lotus, on Friday night for the club’s one-year anniversary party where Chasez said he was taking a much-needed break from promoting his new solo album.
"This is kind of like the first night I’ve had to myself in a month," Chasez said.
Catch Monday’s edition of "Extra" for more star sightings news. ``xEplpkuVylETrzpjwoR``x1079938800``x(default)
paula abdul expected to draw young women to event ``xIgor``xLuckily for the organizers of this year's Kronheims Women's Expo, Paula Abdul is just as cool as she was in the early 1990s.
The Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer, dancer, choreographer and "American Idol" judge was a default decision after both Clay Aiken and Ryan Seacrest turned down requests to speak at the event, which will be held Sat urday and Sunday at the Cleveland Convention Center. But Shows and Expos, the event's organizer, is banking on Abdul's ability to draw younger women - with cash to burn.
Last year's event was geared toward an older audience in the hopes that more mature, upscale women would have greater disposable income, said Dean Taylor, president of Shows and Expos. However, many of those who attended had no interest in making impulsive purchases at vendors' booths.
"They came, but they didn't buy," Taylor said. "We found that older women were less likely to be interested in new shades of makeup or keeping up with the fashions. And the representatives from insurance com panies certainly couldn't sell them insurance."
As Shows and Expos takes its second crack at organizing the event, the company has focused more fully on the twentysomething female demographic by publicizing in media with generally younger audiences. The expo's 40 seminars and workshops and more than 220 exhibits still will speak to older, married women, but now they also will include presentations for singles, brides-to-be and young professionals.
A 5K run to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foun dation will take place Saturday and is expected to draw young athletes to the event. Meanwhile, the event's career fair will expand this year to include college recruiters who will allow applicants to interview on-site.
An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 attendees are expected - a significant increase over last year's turnout of about 3,000 people. The difference, Taylor said, is that last year's expo lasted only one day, was less diverse and was without a nationally renowned guest speaker. Also, admission will be free, thanks to sponsor Kronheims Furniture.
Despite the program changes in the name of profit, Taylor said the Women's Expo commits to nothing - not even Abdul - without the approval of the "three wise women," the female contingent on the five-person organizational committee.
And when it comes to luring young adults to the expo, Taylor hopes, three wise women can't be wrong. ``xEplpkuFZZuHIzkbQiW``x1079679600``x(default)
hawaii’s idols can breathe easy``xIgor``xLast night, Hawaii breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Aloha State's "American Idol" representatives -- Camile Velasco and Jasmine Trias -- survived the latest cut in the nationally televised singing contest.
Each week, leading up to the show's May 25 finale, the contestant earning the fewest votes from the American viewing public is dropped from the competition. As predicted by judge Simon Cowell during Tuesday evening's broadcast, Leah LaBelle of Seattle, Wash., was ousted following an uneven performance.
For several tense minutes, producers kept Hawaii "AI" fans in suspense by announcing that either Velasco or Jennifer Hudson of Chicago, would join LaBelle and Amy Adams of Bakersfield, Calif., in the bottom three. It was Hudson who received the second least votes.
Accolades were in abundance for Trias, the celebrated Maryknoll songbird, during Tuesday's episode of "American Idol." Her rendition of "Inseparable" again drew praise from all three judges. Even Cowell, the most unforgiving of the evaluators called her act "superb."
"She's very technical, this girl. She's a perfectionist," revealed a contented William Daquioag, Trias' longtime vocal instructor yesterday. "She wants to make everything right, so she works and works and works to get it down to where she wants it to be.
"She started kind of shaky in the beginning, but she pulled it off at the end. I really think she did a good job."
Although the judges may not have been as forthcoming in their praise of Velasco Tuesday evening, their overall tone with the Maui girl was more motivational than dismissive.
Said Randy Jackson of Velasco's version of Dusty Springfield's "Son of A Preacher Man": "I think there's 'wow' in you, but I didn't hear it tonight."
"You're not having enough fun. It's all about having fun now," counseled Paula Abdul. "America already loves you."
Cowell concurred, comparing Velasco with fellow contestant LaToya London. "The difference between you and LaToya is all about self-belief. She has it, you don't," he remarked.
For Velasco's stepfather, James West, the panel's comments were both encouraging and constructive, and last night's results demonstrated that her uniqueness and aptitude are being recognized.
"The producers and judges see Camile's potential and what they're trying to urge her to do is break out and cut loose," noted West, via cell phone from Los Angeles last night. "One of the things that I don't think people are aware of is that (Tuesday) was only the eighth time Camile has ever performed for a live audience and I think she did great."``xEplpkuuFpZBMhBvzvj``x1079593200``x(default)
paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from an auction to benefit the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation-USA program at Beverly Hills Ltd Mercedes-Benz on March 16, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California. The Laureus program which was founded by Mercedes-Benz and Cartier, auctioned off for charity, a limited edition Mercedes-Benz SLR sports car for $1.1 million dollars.
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youth & christian groups``xIgor``xSupported by a network of hundreds of youth groups, Christian organizations, universities, celebrities and musicians, the 2004 One World Beat Global Music Festival (http://www.oneworldbeat.org) kicks off this weekend, March 19-21, with 160 events taking place in more than 40 countries worldwide. One World Beat began in Switzerland as an all-volunteer organization uniting socially-conscious musicians, NGOs, and volunteers, to stage concerts for charities, while providing a platform for musicians to convey a message of hope through their music; Music Making a Difference!
The second annual event will benefit Keep a Child Alive, supported by Alicia Keys, which is a new initiative established to provide life-saving medicine to children living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world who will die without it. http://www.keepachildalive.org.
From the Music Factory Dance & Drama Academy in Spain, to performances by children at the Jeunes Kamenge Youth Centre in Burundi, and the Sacred Heart School in Canada, youth and Christian groups are organizing a variety of concerts and performance-based events as a way to encourage world unity; while helping those in need.
From the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, to the annual American Medical Student Association conference in Kansas City, to the students who are putting theory into practice at Northern Michigan University, many community outreach and in-class study curriculums are being implemented that focus on global communication, world health and development issues.
"We're amazed at the overwhelming response we've received from all sorts of organizations," says Andy Treichler, Director and founder of One World Beat. "Having so many younger people involved this year is one of the most rewarding elements to me with this festival. And in a world with so much uncertainty, there is such a strong need to send out positive messages to children of all ages, in every language and on every continent."
Supported by American Idol's, Paula Abdul, Phil Collins, Bonnie Tyler, Susaye Greene (Supremes), Bill Bourne, Michelle Gayle, Sheena Easton, the Cardigans and Mark King (Level 42), the global festival will feature events in such locations as, Australia, Burundi, the Bahamas, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Germany, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Tanzania, Uganda, The United Kingdom, and the United States.
For complete event information, please visit the events page at http://www.oneworldbeat.org. For sponsorship information, please contact Andy Treichler at andyt@onewolrdbeat.org. Interested (UK/Asia) media please contact Mark Roach, at MarkRoach@oneworldbeat.org, all others please contact, Crys Spelman (United States), via e-mail at CLSPublicity@aol.com. ``xEplpkuuVllAoEloxyE``x1079506800``x(default)
paula talks about whitney``xIgor``xWhitney Houston's publicist released a statement Monday that her client had entered an undisclosed drug rehabilitation center. As Whitney battles her addiction, some Hollywood stars are weighing in on the situation.
Melanie Griffith, who went through rehab to battle her own substance abuse problems, thinks beating an addiction is tough for anyone -- celebrity or not.
"I think it's tough for everybody. It's really tough," Melanie told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson.
When asked what advice she had for Whitney, Melanie said: "Just do what she's doing. It's great that she's doing that. "
Paula Abdul, a friend and someone who battled her own eating disorder demon, hopes Whitney can rebound from rehab.
"I do know Whitney and Bobby both. I wish them the best," said Paula. "I love her. I love her voice and I just want her to be healthy and happy."
Paula's sentiments were reiterated by tennis great John McEnroe, who has publicly admitted to his past drug use.
"I'm glad that she's decided to do that... She's such an incredible talent that it would be great to see her straighten herself out," McEnroe told Shaun.
Former Hollywood madam, Heidi Fleiss, walked the long road to recovery after she was legally forced to enter rehab for an addiction to crystal meth.
"It's all about you. If you want to stay sober, you're going to stay sober," she said.
"Taking Lives" stars Angelina Jolie and Ethan Hawke talked briefly to Access at the premiere for their new film.
"It's difficult for anybody to go through anything like that," said Jolie of Houston. "I'm sure in some ways she gets a lot of love sent her way and in some ways she gets a lot of scrutiny."
"It's hard for everybody. Life is tough. She'll take care of herself. She's a smart lady," added Hawke.
While Whitney is in rehab and her husband is incarcerated, their 11-year-old daughter Bobbi Christina is staying with Grandma Cissy Houston. Assuming Bobby and Whitney stay together, is there a possibility they could lose custody of their daughter? According to matrimonial lawyer Gary Newman, the chances are slim.
"Often welfare can become involved if someone notifies them. They will do a examination of the home and the various individuals to determine the suitability of the temporary placement," Newman told Access. "It would be a rare occurence where neither Bobby or Whitney would be given the right to raise their child." ``xEplpkuFVFlPxQWAMdT``x1079506800``x(default)
no idleness allowed: 'american idol' finals begin ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES – So far, breathtakingly untalented William Hung is the big hit of this season's "American Idol."
The situation should change Tuesday as the 12 freshly minted finalists take the stage for a two-hour show and the chance to really let TV viewers see what they've got.
It's about time, say some discontented observers and tough-love judge Simon Cowell, who's dripping more acid than usual in the third season of the Fox talent extravaganza.
"You'd probably agree that the heats have been fairly lackluster," Cowell told The Associated Press. Even standout finalist La Toya London, 24, of Hawthorne, Calif., earns his gimlet eye.
"She was good, that was a good performance, but there's another part of me that thinks we thought she was great because everyone else is so terrible," he said.
At KZLA, a Los Angeles-area radio station that has avidly followed each season of "American Idol," attitudes toward the show have soured. Last Wednesday, disc jockey Peter Tilden told listeners he was so appalled by the talent this year that he boycotted the wild card special the night before.
But the TV audience is unfazed. Ratings are up 31 percent in total viewers and 26 percent among the advertiser-favored group of adults 18 to 49, happily reports co-executive producer Ken Warwick.
He and the finalists insist viewers know what's good.
"Honestly, I think the competition this year is more tough because everybody is so (musically) diverse in this top 12," said Jasmine Trias, 17, of Mililani on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
"I think everybody is so, so talented," said exuberant Jennifer Hudson, 22, of Chicago, Ill. "I don't think America's seen our best yet. Look out for group three!"
Hudson, making a Betty Boop fashion statement last week with curls and a pink frock, wowed judge Randy Jackson with her performance of "I Believe in You and Me." She became his wild card pick, one of four who got a second chance to keep competing for a record contract.
Jackson believes that Hudson is right and scowling Cowell dead wrong in assessing the field.
"This is the first bunch that we've had that wasn't boring," Jackson said. "With this bunch there definitely will be sparks and wild, crazy antics going on."
They include several poetically named songbirds (Fantasia, Jasmine, Camile), a contingent of teenagers who still have to get in their daily schooling, and a 25-year old mortgage banker (Matthew Rogers made the contest cut-off age, 24, during auditions.)
In this third go-around, what is Jackson looking for in an idol? Rich-voiced Kelly Clarkson and "velvet teddy bear" Ruben Studdard were the first and second season winners.
"I'm looking for uniqueness. Unique voice, unique sense of style and a unique star kind of ability," Jackson said. "I think that, for me, this is the first group that I've actually seen two people that I think are stars."
For the record, he's not naming names.
So why is Jackson playing Simon Says, matching the bluntness of his fellow judge's reviews? (Paula Abdul, America's sweetheart, is as kind and noncommittal as ever in her assessments.)
Because contestants now have examples to follow, Jackson said.
"They saw the first season; Kelly can blow. The second season, Ruben and Clay (Aiken, the runner-up) can blow. You can watch tapes, go back to your TiVo – you have the blueprints, so HOW could you be so messed up now, dude? C'mon, dawg."
Speaking of blueprints, "Idol" is mostly following its own. After the two-hour show Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), the group of 12 finalists will be pared down in weekly sing-offs.
Guest judges will be on hand, with Elton John, filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and Donna Summer among the prospects. The series culminates with a May 25-26 finale.
While the quest to unearth a musical star is the program's goal, Warwick contends that viewers tune in because "American Idol" offers "three in one" entertainment.
"You've got the comedy of the audition process," the producer said. "You've got this central section where America comes in for the first time and picks who the finalists are going to be, and then you've got all the big show-business razzmatazz of the final 12."
The top comic relief this time around was Hung, an earnest, tone-deaf engineering student who gained instant fame and an unlikely record deal by mangling Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" in the open audition.
As America embraces Hung, Cowell grows uneasy.
"When you celebrate awfulness it puts you in a slightly uncomfortable position," said the British record executive.
"I do think it's fun what's happening with William, but at the same time it slightly gets me nervous that we're going to get people coming on the show next year that want to be bad."
Warwick brushes away such concerns: There's too much at stake, a shortcut to fame and fortune, to undermine the series, he says.
(There's also the bounty that comes to series production company 19 Entertainment, which oversees the recording deal for "American Idol" stars as well as merchandising, touring, sponsorship and movie deals.)
This year's contestants are acutely aware of the top 10 releases from Studdard, Clarkson and Aiken, Warwick said.
"They know the prize and how successful they can be. It's something else to spur them on to be as good as they can be." ``xEplpkuuZZuNyqlszyD``x1079334000``x(default)
paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from Fox's celebration of Americn Idols Top 12 finalists at Pearl on March 10, 2004 in West Hollywood, California.
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cow about a kiss then?``xIgor``xMR Nasty Simon Cowell has kissed and made up with his American Idol sparring partner,fellow judge Paula Abdul.
But judging by the shock on singer and dancer Paula's face at the embrace, she'd prefer the British music mogul to stick to trading insults rather than kisses.
Cowell pounced on Paula at a Hollywood party to celebrate the show reaching the final 12 contestants.
Third judge Randy Jackson looked on laughing, before sticking his finger in Cowell's ear.
Earlier, Cowell had seemed more like his normal self,pulling one of his trademark eye-rolling grimaces as he arrived at the party.
The talent show team were joined at the party at Pearl restaurant by all 12 finalists.``xEplpkuulFElyVYLSKp``x1078988400``x(default)
paula makes cameo in Outkast video ``xIgor``xHave you had enough of OutKast yet? Well, the current frenzy following the duo doesn't look like it will be ending any time soon. In fact, OutKast fever may soon be infecting the film world as the musical partners prepare to film their first movie.
Speakerboxxx, which will star both Big Boi and Andre 3000, will begin filming in May. The HBO movie musical was written by Bryan Barber who will also serve as the film's director. Barber told Rolling Stone.com that the film is a 1930s period piece with a vibe that’s a mix between The Color Purple and Amelie.
But Speakerboxxx won't be the first time Barber and OutKast have worked together. The director is responsible for shooting the videos for "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move," and recently finished the soon-to-be-released video for "Roses," which features a cameo from Paula Abdul. All three songs are from the 2003 smash hit album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.
OutKast are now busy working on songs for the upcoming movie's soundtrack (and next album), which will include brand new material as well as outtakes from the pair's successful double album.
In the meantime, Big Boi and Andre 3000 remain a hot topic and the centre of some recent controversy. Just a week ago, the duo won three trophies (Album Of The Year, Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Hey Ya!" and Best Rap Album) at the 2004 Grammy awards. But it was the performance at the ceremony that has created some negative attention for the pair. OutKast's Native American-themed outfit caused uproar among the native community, prompting the Native American Cultural Center to boycott CBS due to the "racial stereotypes" demonstrated in the show. CBS has issued an apology to native Americans who were offended by the February 8 performance. ``xEplpkuFyVAroYPXhXe``x1077087600``x(default)
paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from "The Rewarding Life of Earvin (Magic) Johnson" tribute presented by American Express on February 12, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The event kicked off the NBA All-Star 2004 Entertainment weekend.
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grammy pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from the 46th Annual Grammy Awards hold at the Staples Center on February 8, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.
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fetish pre grammy gift room pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents more Paula pictures from FETISH Pre Grammy Gift Room, hosted By Eve - 2/6/2004
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grammy style studio day 2 pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents Paula pictures from Grammy Style Studio Day 2 - 2/3/2004
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paula abdul says she knows her own limits``xIgor``xThey did the Nasty video together in 1986, as well as What Have You Done for Me Lately. So Paula Abdul knows Janet Jackson -- she also knows controversy.
But Abdul missed the most revealing moment of Jackson's Super Bowl performance Sunday.
"I went to get something to eat and drink right at that moment. I heard everyone screaming and I went, `What?!' " Abdul said Monday in a brief interview.
Of course, she got a full description from the party crowd she was with and, as she sees it, if it works for Jackson, fine. But it wouldn't work for Abdul.
"I've been real interesting that way," said the American Idol judge. "I've always pushed the limit a little bit, but I've always done it tongue-in-cheek and I've always felt, honestly, that I've done it with integrity.
"I think you've got to stretch your creativity. To me, it's a fine line. I don't know, I guess I would not have done that (reveal a breast as Jackson did, with an assist from Justin Timberlake). But that's the kind of artist I am. I love Janet. So it's personal preference."
She wouldn't speak specifically to the dirty dancing and the breast reveal, saying only this: "Janet's an amazing performer. From what others were saying, it was pretty unanimous: Guys didn't mind it, girls didn't like it."
Abdul laughed at a suggestion that the contestants on American Idol would ever go so far.
"I don't think there would be an accident where someone's clothing fell off," she said. "Then again, they might have an American Idol streaker, so who knows?"
Sunday's football game was interrupted briefly by a man streaking across the field wearing only a jock strap.
While we had her on the phone, we also asked about her disappearance, both here and in Los Angeles, during last summer's Idol auditions. Is it fair to the auditioners that some were judged by three people and others by two?
"I had a 102-degree fever," said Abdul, who came down with the flu while visiting Houston. "I did everything I possibly could to be at the audition but I couldn't and I feel bad. The thing is, I looked at some of the tapes, and I've got to tell you, I agree with Randy (Jackson) and Simon (Cowell). There wasn't much of a debate. The talent that came through was just a little off, shall we say."
Would she have made it on American Idol?
"I think every artist who has made it in this business -- Justin Timberlake, Steve Perry, Lionel Richie -- has come up to me," she said, "and we've all agreed that if reality television and judges like us were the basis of getting into the record business, we wouldn't even try." ``xEplpkuFEkZlgEqthty``x1075791600``x(default)
'idol' again celebrates good, bad singers ``xIgor``xNEW YORK - Simon Cowell couldn't believe his ears.
You'd think he'd be used to it by now. But the acerbic "American Idol" judge was railing again about the tone-deaf auditioners he, along with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, is forced to endure.
"People turn up who can't sing a note in tune," Cowell huffed on an episode last week, "and yet they believe they are the Second Coming."
The Third Coming is more like it. Each contender on this third edition of Fox's talent tourney comes believing he or she is the next American Idol.
Let others waste their breath campaigning to be the next American President (an unrelated contest that began in earnest with the Iowa caucuses the same day "American Idol" returned). Thousands bucking for pop stardom sing a different tune — though, much too often, it's just another melismatic knockoff of "A Whole New World."
More audition clips from around the country will air on "American Idol" this Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST, leading up to the Going-to-Hollywood eliminations Feb. 3 and 4 which, in turn, will trim the field to 32 performers.
Way down the road: an instant pop star jointly canonized by the three judges and the voting public; a new American Idol joining incumbents Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard, plus his just-as-famous runner-up Clay Aiken; someone unavoidably in your face and ringing in your ear who, today, you have never seen or heard and don't even know exists.
All that is the majesty of "American Idol," whose third-season kickoff drew 29 million viewers — thus far the best start for any 2003-04 series.
No wonder. Unlike nearly anything else on the air, "American Idol" gets to have it both ways. "American Idol" glories in both success and failure, in both the best and the worst available — which means the viewer gets to, also. To paraphrase Mae West, when "American Idol" is good, it's entertaining, but when it's bad, it's better.
Just ask Cowell, who seems to enjoy nothing — and that includes admiring his biceps — more than dashing a bad singer's dreams.
Here's a sample Cowellism, inflicted on Roland Maxharj, a Kosovo-born resident of Hartford, Conn., after he had finished wailing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me":
"Thank God you don't have to sing to get immigration status here."
Or consider Jacqueline Roman of Brooklyn, who, in a masquerade of scat-singing, screeched through "Route 66."
While Abdul and Jackson snickered like schoolchildren, Cowell flashed his wicked, lipless grin. "And THAT," he sneered, "is what YOU think we are looking for?"
"I tried my best," she replied.
Which, in her mind, should have been enough: earnest effort plus blind (or was it deaf?) faith. Shouldn't that qualify her for the next round?
And what about Andrew Chester of Hudson, Fla.? Stumbling through "Sweet Home, Alabama," he couldn't even remember the lyrics.
"You have wasted my time," Cowell informed him. "You have wasted your own time. You have wasted everybody's time."
Outside the audition room, Chester was heartbroken.
"This is everybody's dream — `American Idol' — to sing in front of America," he told the camera as he choked up. "I'm a good person, I know I'm talented. They just don't see it."
Every good soul deserves a place in TV heaven, so why not Andrew Chester, who pledged, "Definitely be back next year."
Among this season's 80,000 entrants, a precious few already have displayed real ability. John Stevens IV of East Amherst, N.Y., crooned a plush "Just the Way You Look Tonight." Lauren Enswiler of Moss Point, Miss., sizzled with "Summertime."
But for the most part, they have been about as appealing as Howard Dean 's battle cry.
Meanwhile, prospects are dim that a truly fresh, surprising performer will rise to the top, especially if past "American Idol" winners are any sign. (Though brand-new to show biz, Clay Aiken already seems primed to take up permanent residence in Branson, Mo., performing nightly at the Clay Aiken Theater.)
The ideal of "American Idol" reminds me of something an art teacher used to tell her students to keep us honest: "You don't know what you like; you like what you know."
I'm also reminded of a phrase used to describe the style of Celine Dion: "not to defy expectations, but exceed them."
On "American Idol," where the customer is always right and singers scramble to fill the bill, the music you hear is the music you expect. The main surprises: When a performance of that music defies your expectations with addled, inspired awfulness.
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rock & republic takes fashion, music on tour``xIgor``xNEW YORK (Billboard) - After 18 months in business, Los Angeles-based clothing company Rock & Republic is ready to break ranks with traditional fashion and launch its own tour.
Sheryl Crow, Cameron Diaz, Jewel, Liz Phair, Sarah Jessica Parker and Hilary Duff are among the entertainers in the music and film worlds who have embraced the brand's sexy, progressive, rock'n'roll-inspired denim designs.
While not official endorsers, such celebrities champion Rock & Republic out of sheer fondness for the brand, Rock & Republic chief designer/CEO Michael Ball says.
Ball says the company posted gross sales of $6 million for 2003 and made money during its first 18 months in business. The clothes, he adds, are sold in more than 500 stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman and Atrium in New York, Fred Segal and H. Lorenzo in Los Angeles, Holt Renfrew in Toronto, Harrods in London and Freeze in Tokyo.
Rock & Republic is hoping to hike its hip quotient even higher once its tour, called Rock Fashion, commences next month during New York Fashion Week.
Although no acts have yet been confirmed for the tour, each stop will include a fashion show and performances by rock bands and DJs, Ball says. "In this way, we are pushing the envelope of what constitutes a fashion show," he adds.
After the initial tour, Rock Fashion will take in London Fashion Week (also in February), the 29th Toronto International Film Festival (in September) and other events.
The estimated cost is $600,000, and the tour is not expected to make money. The events will be invitation-only.
"These events provide amazing opportunities for press coverage. Previously, we teamed up with Coors Light and Cadillac for our Spring 2004 show," Ball says. "People like Trudie Styler and Paula Abdul make Rock & Republic tickets some of the most coveted during fashion week. And, of course, we are looking for sponsorship partners for the Rock Fashion Tour.
"For me, this is all very instinctual," explains Ball, who sees a direct correlation between music and fashion. "In both industries, you have people who push the edge, who have new things to say and who have the freedom to do what they want.
"Tight, baggy, sleeved, narrow; rock, rap, hip-hop, pop," he continues. "The same thread is running through worlds. There really is no deviation."
Duff couldn't agree more. "I absolutely love the fit of their clothes," she says. "The jeans are cutting-edge, low-rise and tight -- just how I like them."
But Ball, who sees the company name as a combination of music and freedom, acknowledges that he was skeptical when Duff's team first approached Rock & Republic for an informal alliance. "I associated her with 'Lizzie McGuire,' and I wasn't convinced that that was our audience."
"But then I heard her album," Ball adds, referring to "Metamorphosis," Duff's Buena Vista/Hollywood album, which topped the Billboard 200 for a week last September.
From that point, Ball was a changed man. "She can rock. She is precisely the kind of presence that expresses what we do," he says. "She has an edge; she is not 'Lizzie McGuire."'
While Duff is receiving free goods -- she wears them during live performances and special events -- Rock & Republic is receiving valuable exposure.
"Every bit of support is great," Ball notes. "At the end of the day, we're just trying to push the envelope -- and not sell out. Just like the artists we work with and the tour we are about to begin." ``xEpZuAuFAZZWCVrZHxh``x1074943977``x(default)
sales soft, but gains continue ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES (Billboard) - In a truly odd sales week, it's hard to say which news is more shocking: That not even a single album sells 100,000, or that in a week when the top 10 rings 10.2% less than the one from the comparative 2003 stanza, album volume still manages to be ahead of that from the same week of last year.
Talk about momentum. Even in a week when the top of the Billboard 200 looks puny, the music business ends up in the win column, the fourth week in a row that album sales beat those from the same stanza of the previous year.
Taking advantage of the soft top 10 is OutKast, which bounces back to No. 1 for a sixth chart-leading week despite a 4% decline (3-1, 97,500 copies).
How long has it been since a No. 1 sold less than 100,000? Well, to set the stage: Nancy Kerrigan was skating against arch rival Tonya Harding at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway; Los Angeles was digging out from the Northridge earthquake; Derek Jeter had not yet played his first game for the Yankees; and Mariah Carey was still married to then-Sony Music chairman Tommy Mottola. For the week of March, 12, 1994, Carey's "Music Box" notched its eighth and final week at No. 1 with a sum shy of 92,000 copies.
Since 1992, there has been only one other week when a No. 1 fell shy of 100,000: In 1993, the soundtrack to Whitney Houston's "The Bodyguard" logged its 20th and final week at No. 1, with just 91,000 sold. In June 1991 -- during the second, third and fourth weeks that the Billboard 200 used Nielsen SoundScan data and the tracking service was still ramping up its store sample -- the No. 1 title sold less than 90,000 (one week by R.E.M.'s "Out of Time" and two by Paula Abdul's "Spellbound").
To borrow a pet phrase from ESPN Radio's Tony Kornheiser, "That's it. That's the list," meaning OutKast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" finds itself in very rare company.
WEIRD MATH
With the top of the Billboard 200 looking so anemic, one might speculate that catalog titles were the factor that led to this unusual same-week victory. That would be wrong, which leads us to two more statistical aberrations.
Although total sales of the Billboard 200's top 50 titles are down 7.2% from those for the week of Feb. 1, 2003, the volume rung by overall current albums this time is 5.9% ahead of what current albums sold a year ago.
Conversely, while each of the 50 titles on this week's Top Pop Catalog list sells more than the same-ranked album did during the comparative 2003 week, overall catalog sales are up by only 1.6%. ``xEpZuAukykyHmCILzrT``x1074942626``x(default)
'american idol' has best debut of season ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES - Fox's "American Idol" hit impressively high ratings notes in its third season premiere.
The talent show drew 29 million viewers Monday, the best start for any series in the 2003-04 season, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research figures released Tuesday by Fox.
Fox also enjoyed a solid debut for "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance," a reality series that debuted after "American Idol." The new series was watched by 19.6 million viewers.
Final figures for both series, which helped Fox win the night among total viewers as well as advertiser-coveted younger ones, will be available Wednesday.
"American Idol," which has produced three instant music stars in Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, was expected to provide a boost for the struggling network.
Gail Berman, Fox's entertainment president, recently called the show Fox's "engine" and said it's as important to the network as "Friends" is to NBC or "Survivor" is to CBS.
Last May's finale, in which Studdard narrowly beat out Aiken in nationwide voting, drew more than 38 million viewers.
This year, an estimated 80,000 aspiring stars applied to be on the show. Contestants are again being judged by Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, with Ryan Seacrest back as host.
"My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance" features a woman out to convince her family she's serious about a questionable mate to win a prize. She's unaware that her "fiance" is, in fact, an actor making the task as difficult as possible. ``xEpZulpkEAlQlzETmZg``x1074802198``x(default)
david letterman show arriving pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents exclusive new pictures of how Paula arrived at David Letterman Show - New York City 1/20/2004
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more paula appearances``xIgor``xPaula Abdul will be Live this Thursday January 22nd on Living It Up with Ali & Jack. Paula will be on the show from 10:00am - 11:00am with an arrival time at 8:30am. Living It Up with Ali & Jack is located at 524 West 57th Street Between 10th & 11th Ave. For free tickets call 866-454-8687.``xEpZuykEplZfYyfeFgZ``x1074621087``x(default)
paula on tv``xIgor``xPaula is going to be on "The View" Friday, January 23 and David Letterman on Tuesday, January 20. Tune in and set those VCR's!``xEpZuVFlkpFGSerAqVz``x1074538203``x(default)
'idol' guys ghastly``xIgor``xBy Gary Levin, USA TODAY
Short takes from the TV Critics press tour in Los Angeles:
Girls are better than boys. At least that's the feeling from this year's crop of 80,000 would-be American Idols, who begin vying for the title tonight on Fox (8 ET/PT). Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul said female auditioners were much better overall this year, but Cowell noted "the horrible statistic" that "a million people could apply for this show and you're still only going to find two good people."
The rise of last season's runner-up, Clay Aiken, has "changed this competition forever," Cowell says, by proving that personality counts at least as much as talent.
The fun, of course, is in the hunt. The audition segments have been stretched to five hours - three this week (tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday) and two more next week. "I wouldn't watch the show unless there were loads of bad people, because that's what I like watching," Cowell says.``xEpZuyFEuApwIzWbORL``x1074495600``x(default)
fox's 'american idol' returns monday ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES - In two years, Fox's "American Idol" has minted three new music stars in Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.
Now the televised talent hunt is trying for more.
"American Idol" returns for its third season Monday — and not a moment too soon for the struggling Fox network. More than 38 million people watched Studdard beat Aiken in last May's finale, a bigger audience than the Academy Awards.
"It's as important to our network as `Survivor' is to CBS," said Gail Berman, Fox's entertainment president. "It's as important to our network as `Friends' is to NBC. We need an engine."
Fox isn't messing with the elements that made the show a success. Ryan Seacrest is back as host. Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and the caustic Simon Cowell return as the judges. An estimated 80,000 wanna-be stars applied to test their talents.
That's a lot of excruciating music to sit through.
"There's only two people every year, or in some cases only one person, who makes a difference, and that's the terrible thing about the show," Cowell said. "Of course, every one of the 80,000 think they're fantastic."
Word to the wise: If you want to impress the judges, leave the Mariah Carey -like vocal histrionics at home.
Abdul said it's like "a breath of fresh air" when a singer simply sticks to the melody.
"It's about the sound of the voice," Jackson said. "The kids just don't know that. They're more impressed and trying to impress people with the vocal gymnastics."
"A Whole New World" from the Disney movie "Aladdin" wins the judges' cringe award for the most-butchered song in auditions.
Talent shows on TV have become commonplace in the wake of "American Idol." CBS has revived "Star Search," for instance, and NBC's "Today" show launched its own search for a star. None have approached the ratings impact of "Idol."
"While others may try to copy us, they will never have the caliber of talent on or off the stage that `American Idol' has," Berman said.
In this season's "American Idol" tryouts, the judges said girls held an advantage over guys. The show's producers say they're tinkering with the series to make its middle period better. Fans love the train-wreck auditions and the excitement of the finals, but interest lags in the stretch when 32 contestants are whittled down to 12.
They also hope to make better use of guest stars, many of whom don't find it as easy as Cowell to crush singers' dreams and are boring as a result.
"The good thing about `American Idol' — watching it and being involved in it — is that it has a sense of humor," Cowell said. "One of the things that's missing in the music industry at the moment is that people are taking themselves so seriously, it's not fun anymore."
The judges believe Aiken changed the competition forever because of the way he played to the audience's emotions.
Beneath his innocent looks was a fierce competitor, evident perhaps in how Aiken has overshadowed Studdard since the show ended.
"He played to win, but you didn't think that," Jackson said.
Even the ultra-confident Cowell thinks the show is better because it's the public, and not the judges, who make the final choice of American idol.
"There's never a shortage of talent," Abdul said. "You find some of the best talent in the most remote parts of the country and, you know, there's always someone who drives to make it. And we'd love to see that happen." ``xEpZuyFEkVlxqamglIY``x1074409200``x(default)
paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents exclusive new Paula pictures from Fox Broadcasting Company Winter Press Tour - 1/16/2004
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"paula abdul: the complete history" and "driven"``xIgor``xWith the American Idol premiere looming, VH1 is rolling out the Paula... They have an hourlong special titled "Paula Abdul: The Complete History" airing soon and an entire "Driven" dedicated to Paula.
Monday Jan. 19 11/10c PM VH1
Driven Presents: Paula Abdul chronicles this multi-talented star’s rise to fame from her early years to pop superstardom and beyond. The one-hour portrait reveals a woman with an indomitable spirit, a woman who persevered seemingly insurmountable odds to overcome her physical limitations as a dancer, her struggle with bulimia, failed marriages, and the stereotypes that abound within the entertainment industry to become one of the most beloved entertainers of our time.
Paula Abdul’s career continues to transcend all boundaries from her current role as a judge on the television phenomenon American Idol to her days as a head cheerleader for the Los Angeles Laker Girls. As recording artist, she has sold over 25 million albums worldwide and racked up numerous awards. Her innovative videos sparked an MTV revolution, opening the door for today’s generation of singer/performers such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Mon 1/19 11:00 AM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Mon 1/19 10:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Tue 1/20 12:00 AM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Tue 1/20 7:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Wed 1/21 12:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Thu 1/22 4:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Fri 1/23 6:00 PM 58 VH1 ``xEpZuEAukZlJBXfsBnu``x1074194278``x(default)
cowell gets a soaking``xIgor``xSimon Cowell has been drenched with water by a disgruntled contestant on American Idol.
The soaking happened in the new series of the show - and Cowell had not even uttered a word.
The unnamed contestant had just finished belting out a tune when Cowell, apparently lost for words, stood up and put his head in his hands, reports the London Evening Standard.
The contestant walked towards the desk, where Cowell was sitting with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, and appeared to be reaching to shake his hand.
But Cowell realised he was trying to grab a cup of water and desperately tried to grab it back.
After grappling for a few seconds, the young man pulled the cup away and threw the water all over him.
The scene will be shown in the third series of American Idol which begins next week.
Cowell, 43, has become the main attraction on American Idol and recently signed a multi-million deal for another three years of the show.
Ten MPs recently signed a Commons motion branding him 'irresponsible' for judging some contestants on weight and looks as well as their singing.``xEpZuEAuZZFXcZIQqVV``x1074063600``x(default)
chris rocks!: edgy comic shows no sign of mellowing ``xIgor``xChris Rock is so boyish and charming, and so smart and aware, that he can say anything — no matter how outrageous — and not offend. He's got a winsome smile that makes even his most barbed comments — about "crackers" and crackheads, for example — seem not just harmless but almost compassionate.
But, as he pointed out Friday night, in the first of three "Black Ambition Tour" sold-out shows at the Paramount (the other two were on Saturday), he's 38 now, married and the father of a young daughter. Much of his 90-minute routine had to do with those changes in his life, but he also got in some political zingers and pointed observations about pop culture.
"I love Seattle," he said at the start, after a welcoming standing ovation. "Lotta cool dead people here — Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Lee."
Recurring themes included the observation that clear heels, the favored footwear of strippers, is a sure sign of sluttiness, and that black people are mesmerized by tire rims — especially the spinning kind. His only ongoing physical bit had him rolling his eyes and head as if he were watching spinning rims, and it got big laughs every time.
In his first appearance here in five years, he was right on top of current issues.
"The '80s are back," he said. "Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Saddam Hussein — even Paula Abdul!" He added Sir Mix-a-Lot to the list, with withering jokes about the Seattle rapper's silly sex songs.
Politics and President Bush were regular targets.
On "lies" about weapons of mass destruction: "They can't even find a whiffle bat!"
On presidential news conferences: "Gay marriage is the only thing Bush will answer a question about. 'Not on my watch!' "
On the new governor of California: "Arnold Schwarzenegger can't even play a smart guy in a movie!"
Rock's bit on Michael Jackson got not only laughs but gasps. He said M.J.'s latest sex scandal has made black people ditch him. "We love Michael Jackson so much, we let the first kid slide. This new kid — that's like finding another dead white chick at O.J.'s house."
He pointed out the difference between being rich and being wealthy, saying a few "brown people" may be rich but only white people are wealthy:
"Shaq is rich. The guy who signs his check is wealthy."
"Oprah is rich. If Bill Gates' wealth dropped to her level, he'd jump off a building and slit his throat on the way down."
Mario Joyner opened with a short set of generic comedy about sex, cellphones, prostate exams and an offensive bit about the necessity of "whuppin' children."
Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312, pmacdonald@seattletimes.com ``xEpZuEAuZpkXrNgdaMr``x1073977200``x(default)
the hardest working guy on the air``xIgor``xBY HOWARD COHEN
hcohen@herald.com
Time to welcome a new king. Ryan Seacrest, the new King of Media. Fellow radio jock Howard Stern gave himself that high-falutin' title, but he has nothing on this guy.
This afternoon, the 29-year-old Seacrest debuts his live daily infotainment series on UPN, On-Air With Ryan Seacrest. Sunday, he replaced radio legend Casey Kasem as host of the radio countdown institution, American Top 40. And on Jan. 19 he starts his third season as the host of American Idol, the show that made him a household name and gave Simon Cowell an on-air sparring partner besides perky Paula Abdul.
One gig Seacrest has ''put on pause'' for the time being: his DJ job on a Los Angeles radio station. Even he can't do everything.
''It's a good time now,'' Seacrest says, mastering the understatement. ''I have to prove I can do it. I've always been motivated, I've always had this internal drive,'' he says from New York where he's doing publicity. ``The most difficult thing was the How to Do It. If we knew the answer to that we'd all be superstars in the entertainment business.''
A solid work ethic helps.
``Every thing that I did [like] driving a radio station van at 16 was a stepping stone to get closer to what I wanted.''
BEING CASEY KASEM
Replacing AT40's Kasem, who, after 34 years, will go on to host an adult contemporary version of the countdown show, is a particular thrill for the Atlanta-born Seacrest.
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