A Yawn-Night at Idol

While not as loopy as seasons past, I think our Miss Paula was the loopiest last night than she's been all season. I'm sure it's because she added a combo of decongestants to her pills of-the-norm, as she sounded a bit under the weather. But her more-than-usually run-on comments combined with her ode-to-the-80's ripped Leather & Lace dress brought to mind the "Hey Paula" we love! Anyway, yes Seyesha's vocals were amazing, but I just feel as soon as she goes back to an uptempo, she'll falter, Most vulnerable: Chickeze, Ramielle, Brooke and Carly. I really feel audiences are not connecting with Carly. With her tattooed arm (yet to be EVER covered up), her frumpy clothes (what is she really hiding under there?), and her Our Miss Brooks hair and face, she just seems like my nephew's 2nd grade teacher, not a star and certainly not the rock star she's sees herself as. It's like she wants to be Pink with Felicity Huffman's style. Choosing a somewhat obvious Total Eclipse was both brave and dumb. Taking a large, bombastic song known for its climatic build and trying to sandwich it into 2 minutes never works. And that ending note!? She's just letting me down and is clearly in need of a strong arm of A&R'ing. My goal tonight backstage, other than my pic with Baby D, is to give my number to his father to call me every week for song guidance. "You're the Voice"? Enough with your message songs Archuleta! Are you in a pop star competition or the presidential campaign? Brooke was ok, but it's again too obvious that she jumped back to the piano with a ballad just as she did for her best night with Let it Be. David Cook? Amazing. The hair still bugs but if he shaved that near-comb-over, the Daughtry comparisons would be louder than they are. But he is now on a consistent roll. Jason Castro: step up your game or you'll be gone by #5! As noted by some friends, all Kristy Lee Cook needed to pull out was either a fire-baton or sign language. Did Jon-Benet Ramsey do this tune at age 5? So pageant. Very shameful I feel and yes, as Simon said, the most "clever" song choice ever. KL Cook is unfortunately and wrongfully safe.


So, I'll be there today, all day. I'll try to dig as best as I can. Be sure to tune in tonight! And if you haven't bought Kimberley Locke's "Fall" at iTunes, do so or send it to a friend. This is the time we need to see sales jump.

Quick Bits

A busy week this week so here are some things to note:

I watched Dan In Real Life (Steve Carell) and The Brave One (Jody Foster) on DVD this weekend. There were just ok. Enjoyable enough for DVD.

George Michael is going on a US Tour! He plays LA Forum on 6/25!

Idol's Josh Gracin and Phil Stacey drop their country albums in April. And Clay Aiken's new album of originals is out in May, which I find shocking. I didn't think they'd keep him.

The rooftop at Fiesta Cantina is superfun! They DO need to invest in some new furniture & decor there though.

I just uploaded Paula Abdul's Greatest Hits into my iTunes. Truly enjoyable, mindless pop. She was the original J-Lo -- the first of the non-singers really. She's got that Crazy Cool Vibeology.

Dolly Parton's off bed rest from back surgery so expect a big media push for her Backwoods Barbie CD which dropped about 2 months ago.

CD Sales, Mask, & More

Rick Ross sold 188,000 albums to enter at #1 this week. Who's Rick Ross, Jerry? I have no f**king clue. Additionally, Danity Kane, late of Making the Band three years ago, will enter at #1 next week with around 270-290,000 sold. (100,000 more than Janet.) Which brings me to this: music and music tastes are in the toilet and clearly, I'm old.

Ahhhh. Cher as tough biker chick raising a facially deformed son. Yes, I'm having MASK memories. Cher was wonderful in the film, which at the time was quite a tear-jerker. Now, you can see it in all it's musical glory! Yes, Mask: The Musical has set-up shop in Pasadena. I love legendary song writers Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil so there just may be some good music there. Reviews should hit shortly, but for now, check out the pix: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/116102.html

Meet The Browns, Shutter, and Drillbit Taylor open today in theatres. So, unless you're under 18 with these on your must-see list, I suggest, once again, that you go see THE BANK JOB.

It's gonna be GORGEOUS in LA this weekend but if you need a DVD viewing, check out I Am Legend, Why Did I Get Married?, Gone Baby Gone.

Didja know Edie Brickell released a new album last month? Under the "group" name of the Heavy Circles, I've always loved her voice so I'll check it out soon. Also, good news to look forward to; the amazing Wynonna is set to issue a covers album later this year. She's cut Maria Muldaur's playful "I'm A Woman" already. I hope this pushes Wy to the forefront she deserves.

Adele, Overmeyer, Mamma

Lotsa buzz over new singer Duffy.  She seems a bit TOO Amy Winehouse'esqe so I don't hold high hopes for her to take over radio and have massive sales.  But expect critics to line-up.  Adele, another UK newcomer will be release here this summer.  Already a London hit, her "Chasing Pavement" single is really remarkable.  A great old school sound in a new way.  The horns on the chorus remind me of the wonderful, under-appreciated James Morrison song, "You Give Me Something."  That song not being a US hit made me officially declare that radio is deaf.

I like Ruben Studdard's "Celebrate Me Home" single.  Cheesily used on Idol, the Kenny Loggins classic has always been a favorite.  Get it at iTunes.

Over the Overmeyer:  I think her demeanor killed her.  She seemed so unlikable and it seems this show was getting in the way of her rockdom. Ya know?  Did you see how the bottom 3 girls were embraced but Mandy O was stiff and not touching the Carly or KL Cook.  Cold.  We all know the Cook shoulda gone and while Mandy was good TV, she wouldn't have lasted another week or two.  As for that PAINFUL Beatles medley?!  It was, well, painful.  A big wish: don't do Beatles at all next season.  That's wishful thinking though.  I guarantee it'll happen again.

MAMMA MIA!  Check out the new movie trailer.  It looks pretty cheesy, more so than  the stage play.  See, on the stage you can play big with extra cheese.  On the screen however?  I'm sure I'll personally love it, but I'm concerned.  And I still feel the fab Meryl is a bit to mature by 10 years for the role. (Pictured)

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/justthefacts_mammamia.html

Dancing: Brava to Pricilla Presley! She was wonderful, as was Marlee Matlin. Still this show, at 2 hours, is a bit too much for me in the beginning but entertaining nonetheless.

Pop-Boys Grown; Idol's Beatles Bore

Remember Ryan Cabrera?  His first album was really damn good pop rock, which included basically his only real hits "On The Way Down" and "True." Well, he's now long-free of Ashlee Simpson, has grown out his 'do and 'stache and has released a new tune "Say," on Papa Joe Records (at iTunes now). Yup, he's still repped by Ashlee's dad. Anyway, this song is an infectious, perfect, spring ditty. Better than Gavin Degraw's new stuff. I hope this takes off 'cause it's just truly enjoyable. Check it out: www.myspace.com/ryancabrera

Jesse McCartney, another former teen (via Disney) who had a few pop hits a while back, has returned with a more mature face (acne's gone, new teeth fit his handsome face better).  Well, his new song from his upcoming "Departure" cd is indeed a departre.  I liked his last single "Right Where You Want Me," which flopped.  The new once sounds just as good as an Usher/Chris Brown tune.  But I don't know if whitey-boy will fly.  Check it out "Leavin'": www.jessemac.com

Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love" is the top single at iTunes following her US introduction on Oprah Monday.  Great song.  Big star in the making.  Huge.  Clive says so.  Cowell says so.

IDOL TIME - Ok.  First, I think we all agree that the producers made a HUGE mistake I hope they're regretting: two weeks in a row of Beatles.  It made it all-so lackluster.  That said, who didn't do well: KL Cook, Raimelle, J Castro, and Brooke.  I'm hoping KL Cook hits the road tonight, but in my gut, something could go awry.  I love RamRam's voice but it hasn't lived up to her potential.  Brooke bombed with her take on "Here Comes the Sun," but she's my current front-runner female so I have faith.  JJ Castro sang an otherwise unmoving "Michelle." But he's so f**king cute - and still has the IT factor (with tight, hot jeans).  I had an odd premonition it'll be Archuletta vs Castro in the end.  I don't know why, but it's my gut --- this week.  Carly was great but she just doesn't fit her body.  The hair, the wardrobe, the personality vs the average face, the tats, the Tracy Turnbladt hair, the big, edgy voice.  It just doesn't come together.   David Cook's "Daughtry" schtick is already boring me.  And while Saiesha was lovely with "Yesterday," she's proven she can't do an up-tempo or a power ballad that becomes too big for her.  But her intimate take of that tune was certainly one of the most memorable we've seen this year.  Interesting that we're down to one African American guy and girl only, isn't it?

Golden, Games

I took in "Funny Games" last night.  The indie flick with Naomi Watts is so disturbing, I can't write much about it without going back to that odd, scary, empty feeling I had during and after viewing.  It's one of those I can't quite recommend either.  It was just frighteningly based in reality... an ugly, this-can-happen reality.

Dancing With The Stars: As I mentioned, I usually don't stick with this show, but I'll say Jason Taylor, Mario and Christian were the stand-outs and should last a while.  Are you as nervous for Pricilla as I am?

They're bringing back new versions of 90210 and the short-lived Cupid.  With these revivals, dontcha think a modern version of The Golden Girls should come around?  Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore, Valerie Harper... any of those 70's broads are primed to tackle a newer Golden age with the internet, cell phones, dating at age 60+ in the 2000's!?  C'mon!

New music this week: WHO CARES!?  It's all been crap.  And we're in mid-March.

Are you watching DIRT on FX?  A great guilty pleasure, as is the Riches which starts tonight. Also tonight, "What Perez Says..." on VH1 with a Kimberley Locke interview.

Locke on Idol, MC's Hot Bod & More

Kimberley Locke returns to IDOL to sing "Fall" on March 26 wearing a fierce Christian Siriano (Project Runway) original.

Mariah Carey looked amazing in her new trim bod on SNL, right!?  The best she's looked in YEARS!  You'll see the Hot MC on "Idol" this week.  I predict a HUGE first week of sales when her new album drops in April.  Her 2nd single is already going to radio.  Yes, much like she did with her "Mimi" CD, she'll have two singles out there before street-date.  If you recall, "We Belong Together" was the 2nd single released a few weeks before the full album.  It'll be the summer of MC, causing possible tears to Janet & Maddy.

I saw "Miss Pettigrew" this weekend.  It was completely enjoyable but perhaps it's one of those you'll love on an airplane or cable.  Frannie McDormand is wonderful and I love Amy Adams, but it's time to change it up from the doe-eyed dingy she's played in Junebug, Enchanted and now this.  I think this would have been a wonderful cable movie actually.  (If you need to see a film, I beg you and demand you to see The Bank Job!)

The Gay CVS was full of hotties this past Sunday.  I finally felt what my friend Paul feels constantly: embarrassed to buy toilet paper.  But instead of driving to El Monte to do so as he does, I braved it.

Dancing with the Stars begins tonight.  I always try to stick with this show, but it just becomes too-gay-much.  It feels like it's on 5 days a week for 3 hours a night.  But as long as Christian de la Fuente's (pic) on network tv (sadly missed on "The Class"), I'll be there!

A Fierce Tranny Hot Mess!

I went to dinner last night (the legendary hole-in-the-wall Chez Jay in Santa Monica), so I've yet to watch my shows from last night.  What am I gonna do once Ugly Betty, the Office and 30 Rock return to Thursdays!?  That's a cramped viewing night.

Rumors: Sheryl Crow is actually on record stating that she's likely to join Fleetwood Mac. This is the most joyous news I've heard in a long time!  Crow would step in for a retired Christine McVee for an album and tour.  This could be as big as the recent comeback of the Eagles.  In otherwords, money galore.

Raves for "Horton" are in which will mean a large box office this weekend.  And sadly, not so kind reviews for "Funny Games," the home-hostage, dark thriller with Naomi Watts.  I loved the trailer so I might just ignore the critics and take it in.

Amy Poehler (pic) as Christian of Project Runway is my current obsession.  Please watch this fierce clip! http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/#mea=227155

Stripped of the Title!

Well, he was never gonna win but I thought that Stripper David H. deserved to be in the top 10 - most certainly over Baby Faith Hill, Kristy Lee (her looks, not voice).  Even Paula said that she simply "didn't like it."  I don't think Paula has ever said that!?  So, let me comment on few other things: a 2nd Lennon/McCartney week?  I hope they don't chug this theme out next year because between 3 hours of it this week, complete with a 18 song medley last night and 3 again next week, I think we'll be Beatle'd out.  Paula stupidly said that this bottom 3 is the best she's ever seen.  Really?  Tell that to Jen Hud, 'Tasia, and LaToya! (Remember when those "Dreamgirls" were the low 3?)  Kat McPhee (pic) looked STUNNING.  She is simply one of the most gorgeous ladies around.  And her voice is sweet and strong but I don't feel there's an "all around entertainer x-factor" there.  And there was the ever-present/never-turn-down an invite David Foster.  He said they're recording a album. Since she was dropped from RCA does that mean she's on David's 143/WB label?

I'll be testing the John Adams 8 week series on HBO starting this Sunday because (a) it's from Tom Hanks (b) Laura Linney's in it and (c) the book is highly acclaimed.  But mostly because I hated history in school and always love learning things from bio movies.

Salaries aside, I think the Regis & Kelly talk show has a budget of $10,000 per show.  And they probably go under that number daily.  What a piece of crap.  The sets, effects, triva games -- is it 1975!?  The adorable Kel Rip deserves better.

Mariah's stepping in for a flu-ridden Janet on SNL this weekend.  With Janet's flop and hard-knocks coming her way, I don't anticipate a tour coming to fruition for her unless, like Madonna did when American Life flopped, she simple goes on ReInvention tour of Greatest Hits.  Someone might need to put JJ on depression-watch.  A failed single for JJ (and the new one having no buzz), a lackluster reception for Maddy's song w/ Timberlake, and Mariah's "Touch" single becoming huge, it's safe to say, Mimi will take the diva crown this summer.

Baby D

Dear David Archuletta:  I hope you slept well and I hope you don't awake and read anything damaging regarding your slip-up last night. Forgive yourself.  You forgot the words.  So what?  You still are a great performer with such a rich and powerful voice.  And you're truly just adorable so I'm sure your fans (mostly young girls) dialed in and you'll be fine (though I'm sure Producers will capitalize on this and leave you in the hanging until the final minutes).  Shake it off, pull yourself together and don't give into the pressure.  Thanx, Baby D!  (Sidenote: I hear that the performance order is not planned but done so by Lotto. And yet, front runner, ratings grabber, David A is put at the end of the 2 hours again?)

That said, everyone was really good last night.  Not so fast Kristy Lee Cook!  What a misstep! If all goes well, she'll be gone.  I personally voted for Ramielle 10 times last night.  She's GOT to step up her game.  Too many ballads, RamRam!  Some of these kids need to take a lesson in Manilow modulations.  She needed one on "In My Life." Chickeze was a surprise, right? And David Daughtry Cook hit it outta there too. Aussie Man also turned in his best so far.

It's the Spitz!  Elliot Spitzer.  Wow!  I wish no ill-will on anyone but you can't help but feel a lot of bad karma hanging over this guy.  Spitzie cost record labels and radio companies millions and millions of dollars just a few short years ago and changed the industy for the worst.  While some can point to the internet for damaging the music biz, you have to also point a finger at this guy who made it difficult for radio to play new acts.

Liza with a Z!  It's Miss Minelli's 62nd Birthday.  I order you to rent Cabaret, New York New York, Arthur or her amazing Arrested Development episodes and celebrate her work.  It's terrific!

Have you seen Madonna's recent face?  Here she is at this weeks Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Uhm, did stock in Botox rise?  And that new song?  Did Nelly Furtado turn it down?  It's all Justin with Maddy slotted in there now & then.  This could be a disaster of Janet Jackson sized proportion.

Kathie Lee Gifford is going to host the 4th hour of "Today."  Welcome back.  I'm tiring a bit of The View so this could be, at the least, entertaining.

Great Job, Bank Job!

The Bank Job is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.  Action, suspense, dark humor, violence --- just completely entertaining.  I anticipate it will be on my Top 10 nine months from now at the year's end. Saffron Burrows (pic) is simply the most beautiful and stunning woman I've seen on the big screen in years.  Please go see this film.

A scathing piece in the recent Entertainment Weekly offered career advice to Janet Jackson. Ultimately they said what I (and I think all of us) believe should be done: it's time for reinvention and it's time to drop the overly, ultimately tired and wrong sexual overtones of her lyrics and "singing."  Where's Escapade, Alright, Together Forever, All For You, Love Will Never Do...?  I think we'd all welcome our "happy" Janet back.  Miss U Much, Miss Jackson.

Beatles night on Idol: I'm hoping Archuletta gives a more upbeat turn this week (think: "I Saw Her Standing There").  Whoever takes on "Here There Everywhere," has a chance to score big on what I feel is their most beautiful (and sometimes overlooked) song.

Carrie Underwood & Keith Urban play Anaheim on 3/13 and Matchbox 20 w/ Alanis Morrisette take over Staples on 3/16.  And if I could justify spending hundreds of dollars to attend either or both, I would!

TGIF

Quick Bits for a Friday: I'm fine with who got the boot on Idol.  Ramielle: STOP CRYING! Amanda: pump up a personality!  It's as if she's friends with no one and is uncomfortable in her own skin.  Maybe Danny Noriega and "Runway" winner Christian should have a reality show: "SuperGay!"  I'm serious.  Calling Logo now.  :)

Good reviews are out on Mrs. Pettigrew (with the amazing Francie McDormand) and The Bank Job with Jason Statham (pictured).  I'll be it seeing later today.  Un-hot reviews came in for "10,000 BC" which I never had interest in seeing.

The Jeff Buckley's "Halleluja" single is in the top 5 on iTunes after Jason Castro sang it on Idol.

LOST?  Yes, I am.  So many stories, so many characters, and yet, still damn good and exciting.

I think it's Daylight Savings this weekend.  I think.  Which means I timed my mani/pedi yesterday perfectly for flip flops, right?!

80's Ladies

Gurlz Gurlz: Well, if the Boyz triumphed with their comeback on Tuesday, the Girlz proved to be overwhelmed and turned in a weak night of singing and song choices.  I liked Carly (tho' her rocker tats, Glamor Shots Photo Hair 'do, combined with her big vocals on a rocker, Pop song just didn't jell).  Granted, Kelly Clarkson didn't become a rocker-girl over night, but I feel Carly wants to be Pink without an ounce of P's edge.  I thought Brooke's "Battlefield" choice was great, as was the arrangement.  It's the best she's sounded, tho' I do feel, that her male counterpart is Jason Castro.  She is the Sheryl Crow to his John Mayer - not the best singers but more-so singer/songwriter artists.  And while I hated her song choice of "Against All Odd," I still love Ramiele's smokey voice, which would have soared on a Lisa Stansfield or Taylor Dayne hit.  And while I'm at it, why not make a great performance out of previously-thought-cheese?  Tiffany's "Coulda Been," or Deb Gibson's "Lost In Your Eyes" are primed for a cool update, whether it be a modern power ballad or emo-rock update.

E! Online is reporting that the stellar "Friday Night Lights" will return to NBC in the Fall and will also air on a special FNL Channel on DirectTV.  I can't urge you enough to make this the Summer of FNL!  Get the DVD's (Netflix) or iTunes 'em.  But watch this wonderful, dramatic, inspiring show about family life in a small town - not necessarily a Football team. And, once again, there's great eye candy: Taylor Kitsch (pictured).  This pick-up is great news, especially after NBC announced SIX one-hour reality shows coming up!?  They've almost redeemed themselves.

My friend Laine (aka Elle) retuned from about 6 weeks in Australia.  (Must be nice.)  So, his TV catch-up last night of course included Idol, where he said he passed gas that sounded better than the first 2 girl singers.  I also received texts regarding his other TV viewing:  "Moment of Truth," which I quickly made him change.  Next:  a comment on Mark McGrath being a sell-out, viewing Bob Mackie Wearable Art on QVC (which he watched for a while, 'natch), then "Wow! Nina Garcia?  Gr8 facelift!," followed by proclaiming his love for Loni Love on "Chelsea Handler."  Nice to have you back on the show, Laine.

Tonight: Lost and a Blake Lewis return to Idol (what!?)  And I'm preparing for hurricanes Erotica and TeenBeat blowin' through Weho from SF this weekend!

Hello. Is It Me You're Looking For?

Idol Boyz:  I liked David A., David C. (with his Daughtry-like take on "Hello,"), and Jason ("Halleluja").  Who do I think should Go-Go: Luke!  So handsome, but his song choices and high-timber, combined with no charisma leave me yawning. Also, while the Singing-Sanjaya, Danny Noriega, is entertaining TV, he simply bugs.  (I'll be buying "Hello" at iTunes.)

Project Runway ends tonight.  I've fallen behind and haven's seen the last three, but I feel Christian will win.  Which makes me think, if I dropped this show because I knew Christian will win, will America do the same for Archuletta on Idol or will they stop calling in for him feeling he's safe.  (Either way, he'll be signed.  He's undeniable.)  Also, Christian very-much implied he won on "Regis" last week.

Hillary: Well, she's still behind in delegates but won 3 states last night.  I saw many reports of people simply saying, "Well, whoever wins the nomination is who I'm voting for, but I hope it's Hillary."  Here's the thing, you're hiring a person for a very important job.  Don't you want the person with the most experience?  I do.  But, whoever wins the nomination is who I'm voting for.  :)  (Visit hillaryclinton.com for her store - a fun way to give to the campaign.)

Janet Jackson enters at #1 with her new album.  She sold 178,000 this week.  Remember when NSync sold 2.1 million in their first week?  That was just about 7 years ago.  Times have changed but I still don't think 178,000 is cause for celebration, especially when she could drop to about 60,000 in her second week, uhm, weak.

Striptease!

By now, you should have heard that Idol singer, David Hernandez (pictured), is a former male stripper for mostly male clients at Dick's Cabaret in Phoenix, AZ.  Who cares?  Makes the otherwise latino milk-toasty singer more edgy.  He did give a damn good Papa Was A Rolling Stone last week. He's got potential.  An "it" factor?  Nope, but let him be in the top 10.  I believe they're doing 80's tonight which means the boys could be giving us George Michael and unfortunately, brave yourself for some Whitney covers from the chicks.

Damn!  The return of the real TV shows can't come fast enough!  The "Terminator" finale last night was a great cliffhanger. And in seeing an interview of the actor who plays young John Connor made me vibe he's playing on my team?  Hmmmm?

  

If there's such a thing as Remedial Viewing, I need it for "Lost."  WTF?!  I'm watching them twice and reading the EW blog but, Holy Time Machine, what is going on?  A jacked-up space continuum is the cause of the crash and the survivors being believed to be dead?  An interesting theory of Avery's is that Penny's dad is the dough behind Dharma, that Ben was hired to work for him and then went AWAL - and the helicopter/boat crew was hired by Pops to get Ben.

Beauty tip: For those of you applying your once-a-week clay facial mask (and I hope that's ALL of you), I recommend using a small, soft paint brush to apply the mask.  It's more sanitary than your hands and goes on evenly, smoothly.  (Thanks Brett!)  Also, I highly suggest getting the blue clay mask by H2o.  Find it!

Yawn

I've been rather unmoved by all things lately.  Hence, no posts since Thursday.  I will say that knowing when to end the night after a bender is one of my strong-points.  After Avery and I hit the Fiesta 2-for-1 and had 2 doubles each of our specialty drink*, we headed to the Mother Load and Here Bar.  Avery drove so I had to know when to cab-it.  For me, that was around 9:30 after 2 short hours of large consumptions. I bring up this little nugget because my friend (we'll call him "Steve,") got back to his home at 2:30pm the following day.  And that's all I'm saying because I don't like to gossip. 

*Specialty Drink: I was turned on to a Vodka/Soda/Splash-O-Cran by Avery three years ago. He made me opt-out of Tonic for Soda due to sugar in the Tonic.  Well, I always refered to this drink as the Avery Special.  But you coulda have knocked us over last summer in Palm Springs when the bartender said, "Two Rose Kennedy's comin' up!"  Yes, that's what it's called (though no one, certainly in WeHo, knows this).  Seems that the Camelot Matriarch was watching her sugar intake too.

As I mentioned I'm very unmoved by entertainment of late.  So I'll tell you I'm loving "Dexter" (CBS Sundays) and I welcome the return of the trashy "Dirt" on FX.