Lackluster

Again, they're touted as the best vocalists ever on IDOL? If you're telling me that those girls did any performance better than Jen Hud, LaToya, Fantasia, Kelly, Tamyra, Carrie, Locke, Vonzelle, McPhee, Jordin? Hell, even Trynece and DeDe DeGarmo turned in better, consistent vocals than those chicks have in 2 weeks!? I think that Alexandrea and Ramiele still have potential and will be around, as will Carly. Asia's and her "All By Myself" was indeed too large of a song for a singer who also has potential. Syesha? Bye'isha! (Thanks Eric.) Singing "Me & Mrs. Jones?" Of all the 70's songs? It was so unmemorable I can only pick one sure thing, rocker Amanda and her Sweeny Todd 'do is NOT connecting w/ audiences and will be booted soon. And I like Heart but the 70's Heart?! I hate those songs! I like my 80's Heart. Don't hate! I mean, what did you expect!?

I hope that Penelope, opening Friday, is good. ReeCee Witherspoon and CiCi Ricci!? I have high hopes.

ABC is picking up According To Jim for an 8th season. No, you didn't read that wrong. On a similar note, those big-brained execs at NBC gave us Quarterlife the other night. Yawn. And they'll likely keep American Gladiators, Deal or No Deal, LipStick Jungle, Bionic Woman, America's Got Talent and My Dad is Better than Your Dad, while canceling the amazingly superior Friday Night Lights. I can't say enough about how wonderful this show is. If it goes, NBC got it wrong - and so did America for not tuning in. (I still think the show wasn't marketed to teens enough.)  While eye-candy like Taylor Kitsch (pictured) is worth it, the writing and acting is stellar.

David, David. Yo, yo, David!

70's: This will be the shortest blog on IDOL ever (simply because there's nothing else to talk about regarding last nights Boy's Night). David Archuletta. That's all I got. Whether he wins or not doesn't matter. In 2 short weeks, he's proven that he's the one to beat and if by some strange twist of the competition he's booted, Clive Davis will announced he's signed the next day. My 2nd fave guy is Jason Castro. Still. He's got "it" about him. Best singer? No. An "artist?" Yes. Hell, John Mayer wouldn't last in this competition. But who wouldn't want his career? On a future note, I venture to predict that the guys will drop, drop, drop once 6 of them join the 6 girls. We could see David A vs 4 girls in the Top 5. 70's night and not one Manilow tune?! Do these kids not read Simon's press or Bio? He loves Manilow. Mistake. They need to look at the large list of cover-tunes his group Westlife have cut.

Did I jump in the Delorean back to 1984? Valerie Berinelli and Tracey Gold are the guests on THE VIEW?

I went to sleep with a migrane (pictured) and it's still dullishly here.

Janet's album dropped yesterday. After sampling, I. Have. No. Interest.

After Monday's episode, I could be losing interest in Terminator: Sarah Connor. Don't confuse me!?

Mariah's "Touch My Body" has officially grown on me. It's a slow burner but will be my Spring jam.

FALL

Here's the good news of the week! Read the Billboard review then buy the single at iTunes.

KIMBERLEY LOCKE "FALL" / With seven top 10 AC hits since September 2004, Kimberley Locke has become the format's consummate modern-day heroine. Current CD "Based on a True Story" has already locked in two chart champs on the AC and club charts, "Band of Gold" and "Change" (in addition to No. 1 AC Christmas release "Frosty the Snowman" in December). "Fall," a 2007 top five country hit for labelmate Clay Walker, is a stunning showcase for the versatile vocalist, as she delivers a powerhouse ballad—perhaps alongside "8th World Wonder," her most satisfying single yet—complete with production and melody bells and whistles that will leave listeners swaying as Locke serenades, "Go and fall apart, fall into these arms of mine, I'll catch you everytime." The track builds to a diva-worthy climax—making upcoming dance remixes all the more propitious. Locke has proved her charms over and again. How could we not "Fall" with her? —Chuck Taylor

I caught up with the last few Nip/Tuck episodes. I love that show. It is so over-the-top unbelievable that it's near-fantasy. The minds of those writers are warped! It is very deliciously damn good and oh-so entertaining. Coming up on FX: Dirt and The Riches. And I can't wait!

What's better than Sally Field in Brothers & Sisters?

I'm not fully recovered from allergy/drunken induced froggy, smokey Brenda Vocarro voice brought on by drinking and yelling over a dozen queens at my Oscar viewing. It was a fun night. A somewhat boring show, made exciting by my dear friends and my homemade Turkey Chili and Corn Muffins.

Your Best Celebrity Friend

Mike (aka Deb G) is visiting from SF this weekend.  While I wanted to hit my fave Happy Hour at Eleven Bar last night, it was closed for a party so we had to take in libations at Fiesta.  Over our Chicken Nachos, as he always does, he created a game: Your Best Friend Celebrity List. Who would you want to be your celebrity best friend - not for the perks but just because you want them to be in your life because they NEED you and you NEED them....  Pick 3 ladies and one straight guy who is really cool with you but one day you get that fantasy-come-to-life make-out session.  His choices: Alicia Keys (shocker), Parker Posey, Jean Smart (because you should chose 1 'senior' for life advice) - and his guy: Eric Bana.  WOW!  Mine: Jennifer Gardner-Affleck, Natalie Maines-Pasdar (pictured), Streisand (shocker, I know - but I didn't say Cher!?) -- and James Marsden.

SNL is back!  And Amy Pohler is everything.  I can't wait for her feature film with Tina Fey, "Baby Mama." I mean, c'mon!?  And I'm a #1 Carrie Underwood fan, but she needs a stage-coach fast!  Not the horse & wagon, but someone to teach her how to work it better.  She was holding onto that mic stand for dear life on both of her tunes.  Kick it up, Carrie!

Proving I'll basically see any film, we're off to "Definitely Maybe."  

In Comes "Company"

LA TIMES goes on record stating that IDOL will likely be a 2-Guy-Race between Michael Johns and David Archuletta, giving the likely crown to Davey.  Interesting.  And it could come true. Will this be the first 2-male finale since Ruben vs Clay in season 2?  If you count Clay as a dude, then yes!

COMPANY, my favorite Sondheim musical will air on PBS tonight (2/24) as part of Great Performances.  Filmed in HD from it's Broadway stint last year, the simplest of Sondheim's musicals contains his best songs, Being Alive, The Ladies Who Lunch, Side By Side, Another Hundred People.  It's never been caught on tape.  A docu of the original 1970 cast album recording sessions is available on DVD, featuring a breakdown by a then-boozing Elaine Stritch (now sober).  You must see it. 

MARY J BLIGE has her own Storytellers on VH1 Monday February 25.  Dramatic, high energy and inspirational are a few words that come to mind when seeing Miss Mary live.  Tune in.

Friday TidBits:

Movies: "Vantage Point" is getting not-so-good reviews, which upsets me.  "Charlie Bartlet" is getting good reviews, so I'll be seeing that.  If you've seen all the Oscar films you need, (and want to avoid our LA rain), stay home and rent "Gone Baby Gone."

Idol Results: I'm fine with the 4 that got the boot.  We gotta get rid of the lower tier to get to our top 12 somehow.  I think Colton is a better vocalist than a couple who remain, but he wouldn't have lasted much longer.

Interestingly enough, Paula Abdul chimed in on her choices.  Her 3 guys are my choices. "You can't deny David Archuletta, Jason Castro and Michael Johns and Alaina and Sayesha and Ramiele and Carly... I could go on and on."

Best Picture:  The race is between No Country and There Will Be Blood.  I loved them both equally but I feel Country will take it (as will the Cohens for Directing).  My problem lies i the remaining noms: Atonement, Michael Clayton and Juno.  I would have like to have seen any of these there instead:  Sweeny Todd, Gone Baby Gone, American Gangster and Superbad.  Yes, Superbad.  I don't think Clayton and Atonement deserved the nod.  I think the Seniors liked Clayton and the period-piece-pushers checked Atonement.  While I loved Juno, it lucked out with the Miss Sunshine factor.  Juno is totally enjoyable but it's no Sunshine.  And I feel if they wanted a feel-good, true-life comedy, Superbad (now on DVD) is the better choice.  But some of its raunch-factor turned off voters.  At it's core, it's a wonderful coming-of-age love story between two guy friends.

Idol? I'dull.

Idols Gurlz Nite: First things, i think the producers, host and judges decided to hype this season as the BEST singers ever simply because they got so much s**t for allowing untalented kids through last year (Sanjaya).  These are truly not the best. At this point, it's too early to really crown someone or throw-in-the-towel.  So, I tend to judge them on my "I really won't mind seeing them on my TV for the next few weeks" theory.  Here's who I liked: Alexandrea (Spinning Wheel) gives me shades of Mary J meets Lauren Hill at 17; Amanda (rocker chick with skunk stripe). While in need of a make-over simply because she's 23 and looks near 40, she rocks (but that might get tired); Ramiele (dubbed the singing Jasmine Trias, sorry) - I love smokey vocals a la Gladys, Anita Baker, Kimmie Locke.  Syesha (Tobacco Road) and Asiah (Piece of my Heart) are both equally good, which could prove to be a problem later; Carly (Shadow of Your Smile) has most potential in (a) her vox getting better once she's not sick and (b) her makeover could be ultimately dramatic.  Get that girl's hair on a defibrillator, STAT!  I think Amy Davis (Where the Boys Are) and plus-sized Joanna could be going home.  I think Brook White is good, but she's could be too Sheryl Crow for this competition.  As for Simon calling her out for being too happy and nice, I say "because Carrie Underwood was such a witch?!"  I think Simon wanted her to have some edge.  I agree.  It's okay for blonde, pretty, country Carrie to be a good girl.  It's not okay for fledging R&B/Pop star Jordin Sparks.  Edge is needed in that world.  If Kelly Clarkson didn't get edgy on her "Breakaway" album, she coulda been gone quickly.  In closing, let me rewind on "Spinning Wheel" by Alexandrea; Paula loved it because she 'made it her own' because its a girl doing a guys song (which 98% of the time works).  Simon didn't like the Blood Sweat & Tears tune because, just like Country night, he's NOT American!  Kids, when you're in these theme nights, try to chose a UK hit.

(Additional note:  My friend Eric is claiming he's got David A signed to his (fictitious) label.  See you in court.  I have the texts sent to Gizicki weeks ago that he is MY discovery first.)

  

One Black Guy: There's only one black guy competing in Idol this year: Chikesie.  Being that Usher, Chris Brown, J Holiday, and Mario are pretty damn popular, you'd think more brothahs would be there.  In contrast there 4 black females.

Best Actress: It's either Frenchie Marion C for La Vie En Rose or Julie Christie for Away From Her.  I've yet to see either but I hear they're both incredible.  I think it'll be Julie though (who won one in 1964.)

Idol, Actor & More

IDOL BOYS:  The top 3 best performances last night: David Archuleta, Jason Castro (pic), & Michael Johns.  David is a very mature, accomplished, controlled vocalist for just 17. (With his age & looks, the core audience of teen & tween girls could take him all the way.)  Jason has the IT FACTOR (much like Daughtry did from day 1). And Michael's vocals are great though I fear his rocker thing will tire me and his age difference compared to other stronger contestants might hurt him. I'm not gay-bashing but these two youngsters can give Aiken a run for his gaiety: Danny Noriega & Colton Berry.  Jason Yeager & Luke Menard could be the ones going home.  Luke picked the most boring song of the 60's: Windmills of My Mind.  Jason sang Moon River which could charm the elders.  But how many elders do you know dialing in?

Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood.  He is astounding in the role.  Just an amazing piece of work.  This is the one that is a lock that night.  This is to take nothing away from Johnny Depp in Sweeny but there's no denying DD Lewis.

SNL is back this Saturday with Miss Carrie Underwood as the musical guest!  Yeah!

Dexter on CBS:  The Eye net is running the Showtime series now.  I've never seen it and I'm now hooked.  

Molly Ringwald turned 40 yesterday.  Rihanna turned 20 today.  Both of which should make you feel old.

Jump Away!

JUMPER: What a piece of crap!  Avery, Steve & I went to the Grove to see this garbage yesterday. Advertising wunderkind, Avery & I lasted an hour before walking out to grab a glass of vino at the Italian place nearby.  Steve braved it till the end.  Jump away from Jumper.  Bad acting, dialogue and directing.

Best Sup Actress: I think Tilda Swinton will get it.  She is amazing.  It'll be the only Michael Clayton award.  Her competition is Kate Blanchette as Dylan and Amy Ryan in Gone Baby Gone.  I think Clayon is the most viewed film in the category other than American Gangster.  But I feel Ruby Dee is just giving a Ruby Dee performance and while she's the sentimental fave, I think Tilly Swin has become an actor's actor over the last 5 years.

I miss Heroes.

After taking in libations at Eleven and Fiesta, I'm hung-over. We should have had the Avery-secret of pizza before heading home!  So that's it for today.

Affleck, Bernie P, Oscar's

Gone Baby Gone: Great Baby Great! Wow!  I just watched this on DVD.  What a wrongfully over-looked, under-appreciated, amazing film.  The twist and turns; the acting; and Ben Affleck-Gardner's directing debut!  This should have been up for Best Picture.  I would have rather seen this in the slot where Michael Clayton or Atonement are.  Anything regarding child abduction is heart-wrenching, but this film is additionally intelligently complex with it's who-done-it search combined with a realistic portrayal of the working-class Boston city it takes place (shades of Mystic River).  Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris and Oscar nom'd Amy Ryan are incredible.  I hope Benji directs more.  I wish Casey were up for Best Actor.  I cannot recommend this enough.  If you don't like Gone Baby Gone, you're Dumb Baby Dumb!

Feedback:  Looks like after 5 weeks, Janet's single is dead at top 40 radio - stalled at #30.  Yikes.

Bernadette Peters: I went to see Bernie P at the Disney Hall last night.  She is a treasure.  And I just love seeing a real Broadway star with about 25 pieces singing amazing songs.  We don't have that Broadway/Cabaret culture here in LA and I hate that!  Anyway, about 8 songs into her show she announced that rest of the night will be all Sondheim.  So, Johanna, Being Alive, Move On, Not A Day Goes By, Children Will Listen, No One Is Alone, & more!  She ended with Rose's Turn from Gypsy and killed.  Needless to say, a damn good night.

Oscar's are 7 days away, so I'll give you a prediction a day.  Best Sup Actor: the sentimental fave Hal Holbrook (Into The Wild) could take it and he was wonderful.  (Yup Mr. Sugarbaker could get Gold!  Can't wait to see Dixie Carter on the Red Carpet!)  But I'm rooting for Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men).  He truly created a character - a frightening, believably odd and sometimes funny, murderous character.

Sing Celine Sing!

Oh Celine!  She had her own CBS special on Friday night.  Did you watch?  I don't think anyone did.  Who knew? I stumbled upon it.  Anyway, I love Celine and her undeniably amazing voice.  But watching her on stage - the dramatics, the heart thumping - is a true joy (in a comical way).  Celine always sounds like her records when performing live.  Watching her on TV Talk Shows when her Taking Chances cd dropped a few month ago, I could tell that she was indeed singing live.  But on this special, while she may have sung live at the taping, her recorded versions were dropped-into the mix on the TV airing.  I'm sure of it.  Especially on "Chances" and "Alone."  It's just odd and upsetting to me that one of the best pure vocalists around would allow that.  And I don't get why it was fitting to have Joe Walsh of the Eagles play guitar on the Beatles "Something," which has always been a bore of a song to me anyway. As for her album?  She deserves better material and better A&R ears.  "The Woman In Me," is a horribly over-wrought, power-blues number of obnoxiosness.  It's the kind of song that is so obviously not cool that Celine would of course think it is.  Apparently she waited 15 years to record it for an appropriate album.  Wish she would have waited 100.  (She did a Q&A thing where the audience asked questions and of course, never to miss a camera moment, producer David Foster was sure to ask her one. Oy.)

The Soup on E!: I love Joel McHale.  He should replace Conan when Conan moves to the Leno spot.

Eastern Promises: Just watched it on DVD because Viggo Mortensen is up for Best Actor.  He won't win, but he was wonderful, as was this thrilling crime movie based on the power of the Russian mafia in London.  And Viggo has a nude fighting scene.  Yes, in the nude, fighting.  Just sayin'!

The Orphanage & Other Weekend TidBits

The Orphanage: I finally saw it today! Oh, scary! From the makers of the amazing "Pan's Labyrinth," the thriller had chills & suspense.  It was totally enjoyable - a 'thinkers' scary movie.  Of course, carpooling my neighbors (JP & Matt), who are 12 & 15 years younger than me, became "Daddy Day Care."  Their phrase, not mine.  I give the movie an A-.

Up-Coming Albums: Yawn.  Big, fat yawn.  Janet drops on 2/26.  After her "40 y.o." sold just 650,000 and was released just 17 short months ago, all eyes are on JJ to deliver on "Discipline." On 3/4 Alan Jackson and Michael McDonald release their cds.  I'm not interested but only mention because they do tend to sell well.  Michael's doing Motown - again.  And Randy Jackson's CD is released 3/11.  Featuring guests like Mariah, as well as Paula Abdul.  I think I'll be interested in some tracks, not the full CD.  Of note:  The Paula/Randy single, "Dance," is just not taking off.  I'm actually shocked.  I thought it'd do pretty good.  It might re-surge yet though.

Early Grammy Shout-Outs: I have a feeling Alicia Keys & the Eagles (love 'em) will be seen in the Best Album category.  And based on early buzz-reviews, Mariah's new one (4/15) could be there too.

DVD TIP: "Damages"  the F/X Glenn Close series is stellar.  Get it and catch-up for season 2, which will air this summer, I believe.

The Taxman Cometh:  In about 8 weeks, your taxes are due.  File.  Pay 'em.  By all means, let's give our money to the government so they can spend them on things like war, congressional hearings on 1 baseball guy who probably did use steroids, ignoring global warming, continue to do nothing to change gun laws, never offer us an honest health care program, and hire more outside council to drum-up trash on Democrats.  Tough to smile when you write that check, huh?

Another shooting:  This just makes me sad and angry.  Very angry.

Cashmere/Lipstick, Idol & 3 Things

Lipstick Jungle vs Cashmere Mafia:  I heard that Darren Starr and Candi Bushnell (who collaborated on "Sex in the City") were going to do Candi's "Lipstick" together, but someone started a fight with someone so Darren quickly went to ABC and pitched "Mafia," which ended up airing about 6 weeks prior to "Lipstick."  Here's the thing: they're both not too good.  "Mafia," could be salvaged and could improve, but Lipstick Jungle?  Lipstick JUNKle.  It seems to be trying so hard.  But NBC, please keep the legendary Brooke Sheilds under contract.  She deserves to be on TV weekly.  As for "Mafia," I think I love the actresses more than the writing: Lucy Lui, Frances O'Connor, and drop-dead flawless red-head Miranda Otto are TV gems.  I usually like Bonnie Somerville, but her I'm Bi, I'm a lez, I'm straight storyline is too unreal and annoying. Cute-hottie Julian Ovenden (pictured) as O'Connor's hubby is my new TV crush.  In the end, they're both no "SITC."  Nothing ever will be.  I'll stick with "Mafia" as long as ABC does.  But the best show with 4 women working while surviving marriage, dating, single-dom, family, and a career: "Women's Murder Club."   Yup. 

Idol in Hollywood:  It's too early to make choices as I'm sure you noticed more than a few contestants becoming Top 24 whom we'd never seen previously.  I will say that 16 y.o. David Archuletta is going to be great TV.  16.  Strong, confident stage presence of a pro. And from what I've heard so far, a pretty good voice.  And as you know, I like my plus-sized pretty black girls, so I'm glad the beautiful Joanne Borgella will fit the Kimberley Locke/Mandisa slot this season.  I also have high-hopes for the piano-blonde-chick who sang Carole King's "Beautiful,"and the Aussie guy.  Everything changes once they're on live TV with a band though, which makes it all appointment television.  (Hear that, Avery!)  For those of you who don't think that this show isn't edited (READ: manipulated) to favor Producers choices, I offer this quote from an EW blog by writer Michael Slezak, "it's worth noting that out of last year's top 12, 11th place finisher Stephanie Edwards was the only one who hadn't scored significant screen time prior to the semifinals.  In other words, while we've now reached the 'power of the people!' portion of the competition, Nigel Lythgow and his minions have already stuffed the ballot box."  Visit Michael's blog often please (ew.com).  It'd dead-on in my opinion.

Going into the weekend, 3 things I'm excited for: The Writers Strike being over which means (1) more "30 Rock" and "The Office." (2) Jordin Sparks duet with Chris Brown, "No Air," is the mid-tempo R&B/Pop jam of the moment. And (3) seeing Bernadette Peters at the Disney Hall on Sunday!

Singles & Other Muzik Newz

Janet Jackson has gone on record not blaming wardrobe malfunction for the failed albums, "Damita Jo," and "40 Y.O."  She said, "they just weren't right."  I wish she would have gone further and said that they didn't have one hit-worthy tune on them but at least she's leaning toward that.  Preview reviews of her "Discipline," are strong actually. I'm not raving over the "Feedback" single so I hope the CD has hits.  (I've said "FB" is the best song Ciara never recorded.  And JJ deserves better than Ciara comparisons.) She deserves to be back on top!

Singles I'm liking this month: Paula Abdul's "Dance Like There's..." -- It a good track.  She still can't sing.  But she's the original non-singing singer paving the way for J-Lo, Ciara et al.  Michael Buble's "Lost" will be as big as "Home."  Taylor Dayne's "Beautiful" is pure pop pleasure for Spring.  And if you haven't yet, get into Robyn's "Every Heartbeat," which is finally starting to surface here.  And where's a Kylie single for US radio already? Daughtry released "Feels Like Tonight," which I love.  I hope the next one (the 5th!) will be "Used To."  And I hope Fergie's 6th (!) single is "All That I Got."  Those 2 are proof that if you make a good album, you can work about 2 years-worth of singles.

Mariah's "Touch My Body" hit radio airwaves this week.  It'll go #1.  I like it.  But I just like it.  I'm sure it'll grow, but I expected to be blown away.  Now, MC, where are the remixes?

Obsession of late:  Most of you know that if I'm in my car, my Sirius Radio is tuned to the Broadway or Standards channel.  But lately, I've been obsessed with Michaelangelo Signorelli on OutQ Talk Radio.  He's on 2-6p EST.  He just tells it like it is and is so DEAD-ON right about the Republicans and everything going on and going wrong in the US.  So tune in if you have Sirius.

Hey lovers!  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! - Xoxoxo

The Grammy Awards

For you newbies to Jerry's World, let me start by saying, I am a fan of Pop.  I like songs with structure, hooks and melodies.  Got it?  Don't look for Tom Waits praise here.  I get it.  I recognize it as art.  But it ain't my thang.  Cool?

Alright.  Here we go.  As a television show, let me tell you what I liked seeing and who I thought pulled it off: Alicia Keys (with and without Sinatra).  Keys is a true musician - a breath of fresh air.  She's turned into a much better vocalist than she was when she started and while some of her song writing seems simplistic and formulaic (Fallin', No One), it's damn catchy.  I prefer her tunes like If I Ain't Got You, You Don't Know My Name, and Like You'll Never See Me.  They are genius and worthy of praise.  I've seen a full concert at the Bowl and was bowled away.  (See that cute play on words?)  So, I know she's the real deal.

I liked seeing Beyonce - (probably because I feel like its been actually 3 months since we've heard from her remarkably).  I loved the names of the Divas she dropped in her intro - especially Nancy Wilson.  (Nice to give Miss Nancy some props!)  Anyway, let's rewind to CHER doing the introduction!?  She never lets us down, does she?  The crazy dress, the Apricot-Stripped hair (her description on "ET"), and just the way she carries herself.  It's as if she has this "I'm Cher Damnit!" thing to her but all-the-while laughing at herself.  Okay, flash-forward: Tina Turner.  Gone too long and sorely missed.  Yes, along with Barbra, Bette, & Cher, she has become a 'charactiture' of herself but if you loved her in 1988, she sure as hell hasn't changed - at 68!  And I'd pay top dollar to see her in concert over almost anyone on the Hot 100 today.

I was a bit taken aback by Beyonce's intro of Tina as "The Queen."  We all know Aretha's the Queen of Soul, Mary J is the Queen of Hip Hop, Rufus Wainwright is the Queen of ruining Judy Garland's legend, Elton's the Queen, well, A Queen.  Anyway, I'm not surprised a bitter-sounding Aretha issued this: "I am not sure whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce, however I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy."  Ouch.  I look to Beyonce.  You know better than that B, so please explain.

I loved seeing Bebe Winans on national television.  Following he and Cece's IDOL finale appearance, I'm glad to see them get their due.  (Sidebar: Aretha, yellow is so slimming on you!?)

Seeing The Time was fun (tho' they were kind of a 1-hit-wonder) - but the topper was Miss Rihanna coming out for a medley.  I am a reluctant fan of Rihanna.  She's yet to show REAL personality but is one of the best non-singers making records.  She stole that title from the disappeared, Ashanti.  If RiRi ups the personality, I'll proudly name her the next Janet Jackson.  Because, like the Janet of pre-2003, she puts on a damn good show and knows how to pick a memorable piece of ear-candy.

Feist = Paula Cole.  'Nuff said.

Amy Winehouse = Macy Gray.  But let me continue.  Remember Macy being praised for writing great songs - a new sound - with a undeniable recognizable voice?  Sound familiar?  I just feel, Amy made a good album, worthy of it's accolades but let's not crown her the second coming of Alanis Morrisette.  Yup, there's another one.  

Now, let me expand on her winning.  Natalie Cole has stated "I think it sends the wrong message that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all of these awards.  It's a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn't have a grasp of what she has."

On one had, I fully agree. On the other, would I say that about Janis Joplin in-the-day?  Probably not.

Okay, lemme wrap this up: I love Josh Groban. So I loved seeing him. Same for Carrie!  I love Fergie (and I'm very proud of her).  I would have chosen a better cut from the record to sing.  And she not only should have won Pop Female but she should have had more than her 1 nomination.  Maroon 5 won.  I love them.  But would have rather seen Daughtry get it.  (Partly because I met him the night before and he was so very nice & personable.) Rihanna should have won Dance over Justin.  And I was happy Michael Buble finally won.  BTW, looking at the nominations again, I noticed Fantasia (who everyone thinks isn't a successful Idol) was up for Album, Song, and Vocal in the R&B category.  She didn't win.  But she's delivering in the R&B world -- and rumors are popping that Oprah will do a feature version of Color Purple with 'Tasia in the lead.  So back off of TayTay!

The Herbie Hancock win = the Steely Dan win.

And I would have hated to have been fielding (or dodging) the calls in Neil Portnow's office the next day.

Alright - off to watch IDOL.  Hollywood week is finally here.  The only time I start watching.  Think I'll blog about it?  Who, me?

What I'll Be Doing...

I started this because quite frankly, I have many friends - in and out of the business of show - who are always asking me my opinion on what film to see, what CD to buy, what new TV series to watch, what did I think of a certain awards show.  I end up sending mass e-mails and decided that this just might be the way to go.  So I'm not sure how often I'll be here, but I know I'll be here when something makes me irate or something brings me sheer joy - especially by surprise.  But mostly, look for me to bitching about something going wrong in this business.

I work in this business - I have since I was 8 as an actor and as a recording artist (with failed label deals) until I was 30.  And since I was 21 I have worked as a publicist and a music manager.  I still work in this business.  But I just feel that this will either let the people in power have a CLUE or at least, make people afraid of me.  Nothing wrong in that, right? 

Stay tuned...

-Jer