TV Newsy Bits - Wednesday, June 13, 2007

It's June 13... do you know where your children are?

Tonight's a night which will be mostly filled with So You Think You Can Dance for me. Right now I'm not sure if I'll be writing an entry about the show or not. But keep in mind that there's a blog discussion post for the show right here. The season premiere of Last Comic Standing goes for two hours starting at 9 PM tonight, but I'm going to pass on that this year. I haven't enjoyed it so much since my local dude Rich Vos got booted. Um, yeah. We're talking the first season, I think.

In today's TV Newsy Bits:

• Oh, I know we have some Blake Lewis (American Idol) fans in attendance here. People.com has a nice video highlighting his "sensitive side."
• According to this AOL Television News article, Sopranos series creator David Chase says that a movie isn't a sure thing. Well, he didn't say "fuggedaboudit."
• The Futon Critic is posting that America's Got Talent won its Tuesday night slot. I recorded the first hour as I watched On the Lot, but watched the second. It is indeed entertaining!
• The Celebrity Spider has an article about the return of Jericho on CBS -- these are rebroadcasts of the first season and are scheduled to start the day after Big Brother 8 begins. (Does everyone know that date?)
• Speaking of BB8... if memory serves, the initial cast announcements are usually made around the 20th of June. Hey, we're talking next Wednesday!

Yipes... Hok is going to dance! I must watch!

'American Idol' Finalists Invade New York City

They're everywhere! They're everywhere!

Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, and Melinda Doolittle have hit Manhattan big time this week. They've been on every morning show, performed in the plaza for the Today show, and more.

Today seemed to be Blake-centric. I think his performance on the FOX morning show wasn't as live as it was set up to be, though. The singing continued after he stopped. He sang the same Maroon 5 song in each appearance I saw. No, I didn't go into the city to see them live -- I've been playing delivery tag with the FedEx guy and had to wait for a package.

Earlier this evening, Melinda Doolittle was on the local FOX 5 news. She seems a lot less nervous and was very upbeat. She'll be performing on tomorrow morning's early FOX show, but I'm unsure if she'll make the same all-network circuit Blake and Jordin did. Alas, even if she does sing live at the plaza tomorrow, I'll be at work.

'American Idol 6' Season Finale - Live-Blogged From the East Coast

Welcome, American Idol fans! The show is starting here on the East Coast. This post will be updated as events occur on the show (or reactions to events occur in my mind). I'll constantly update it, so keep refreshing.

Right now Blake and Jordin are singing "I Saw Her Standing There."

Well, that was quick. Now it's to Gwen Stefani singing her newest song. Um, what is it? I don't know. Ryan blurted it too quickly for me to catch. Anyone out there hear the song title?

Into commercial break now. Ryan promises some surprises from the Top 12 when the show returns. Oh, gee, did Phil grow hair? Did Chris Sligh shave his head? Did Antonella Barba put on a turtleneck? I guess we'll see soon.

No surprises, just Kelly Clarkson singing her new single "Never Again." Jerry Springer is in the audience, ew.

The Golden Idols:
Truly Performed - Best Presentation: The Panther Guy Eccentric, Isadora Furman (orgasm woman), Margaret Fowler (older duck-costumed woman). Winner is Margaret Fowler. So, we get to see her once again. Joy, joy.

The Top Six guys, all suited-up in white, are singing, then comes the real deal... Smokey Robinson. Ah, now "Tears of a Clown" from the Six and Smokey. Very Pipsesque. Sanjaya and Chris R. seemed a bit off-key to me, but it could just be me.

More commercials, more hype for The Band Show.

Blake Lewis and Doug E Fresh are beat-boxing.

More Golden Idols
Most Original Vocal - Nicholas Ziztman (sp) (the geek - I'll have to link my old photos later), Sandy Chavez (the vocal coach one), Cholandric (sp) Stallworth? Winner is Cholandric Stallworth... which I'm surely spelling wrong.

The Top Six Girls are singing "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" - some voices are so perfect for that one. And, speaking of Pips earlier, here's Gladys Knight! Yay, they're doing "Midnight Train to Georgia" with the girls being the Pipettes! Great performance, so much better than the guys! Gladys is one of the few who really seem to hold up to the test of time. (Unlike :::coughDiana Rosscough:::)

Tony Bennett is now on stage singing "For Once in My Life." They focused on Simon in the beginning. Perhaps because Tony was quoted as saying Simon was too mean and the show was too rough on the contestants? I'd rather Gladys come back.

Golden Idol Awards
Best Buddies - Jonathan and Kevin (Bushbaby comment), Amanda and Antonella (Jersey Girls), Simon and Ryan. Winner is Jonathan and Kevin. The show has sponsored a bushbaby in a Milwaukee Zoo for Kevin and named it Simon.

Melinda Doolittle is singing now with a couple I missed because I was typing about bushbabies. "Hold on the Line" I think is the name of the song. I wish she was singing alone, though.

Ford Music video - "Time After Time." Both Blake and Jordin just got keys to new Ford Mustangs.

Carrie Underwood is performing now... much better than the Kelly Clarkson performance. The song is "I'll Stand By You." Very nicely done.

Clive Davis is up now. No, he's not singing. This year's report card - Chris Daughtry's success -- he's the biggest selling artist of the year. Sales are over 2 and a half million albums. KInd words for Simon, Paula, Randy, songwriters... Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, producers, arrangers... 6 million albums sold, Carrie Underwood gets another award.

The group they invited back representing Idol Gives Back is fitting - The African Childrens Choir. These kids are great! And, I bet it's a thrill for them to be on the show.

Aha, a Sanjaya segment... great moments in history! He's performing live with Joe Perry from... er, Aerosmith? Isn't that supposed to be Journey? Earlier it was released that he'd be on, but it's definitely Aerosmith. He's singing "You Really Got Me" in true Sanjaya fashion.

Green Day is up now singing John Lennon's "Working Class Hero." This is for the Darfur cause from the Instant Karma album.

Taylor Hicks is performing. "Heaven Knows" may be the name of the song, I'm not sure. It has a guitar riff used in some song from the sixties. Break out the harmonica.

Jordin Sparks is singing with Reuben Studdard - "You're All I Need To Get By." It started a bit off with muffled background singers here or something. Reuben has definitely taken off a lot of weight although he's still big. And, next to him, Jordin doesn't look so tall.

Bette Midler is on now. I'm wondering if the younger crowd who watches the show even know half of the guests? Well, Green Day, they should know.

Juliet just kissed Jack! Oh, wait... that's on the set in the other room where I'm recording the Lost finale (blog review/recap will be posted on that tomorrow evening).

American Idol tribute to Sgt. Pepper, now much more than 20 years ago...! Joe Perry is playing guitar as Kat McPhee sings, now Taylor Hicks is singing "I Read the News Today." It's nothing like the Beatles, for sure. Carrie Underwood singing "She's Leaving Home" backed up by the Top Twelve. Reuben Studdard is singing "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds." I wonder if anyone will sing my favorite from that album... "Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite." Instead they're all singing "With a Little Help From My Friends." Rats, it ended with no nod to Mr. Kite. What kind of tribute is that, I ask?

Yes, the show must be going over. No winning announcement yet and it's 10 PM here on the East Coast.

Finally... the winner of American Idol 6 is...after the break.

609 million votes over the season, 74 million last night...

The winner is... JORDIN SPARKS.

TV Newsy Bits - Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Yes, it's season finale night for both American Idol and Lost. Of course, that means I have a conflict. Ah, not so much of one, though. I'll be live-blogging the events on tonight's American Idol show so that West Coast fans who just have to know... will know. So, please stop back later tonight and check out the blog entry I'll be posting for the show!

Due to its late ending time, I usually post on Lost Thursday evening. That will remain the same for the finale. After all, that's a show I need to watch intently unlike American Idol.

In other TV Newsy Bits:

• There's another kind of audition going on for American Idol. For the first time, you can vote for the Entertainment Weekly American Idol special cover -- which Jordin or Blake shot do you like best? The issue is due to be out on May 28, so get your vote in!
• I noticed commercials for the return of Hell's Kitchen (June 4, FOX). I don't know if I'll faithfully blog the show as my summer gets hectic with the Big Brother live feeds reports (and my day job), but I'm sure I'll check it out to see the latest victims of Gordon Ramsay. In sad news related to the show, I saw that Rachel Brown, a rather colorful contestant on last season, recently passed away.
• Back to American Idol -- Simon Cowell has announced he plans to quit the show in three years time according to this Celebrity Spider blurb. He suggests that Donald Trump could replace him. Ewww! No! Never!
• Although CBS cancelled Jericho, according to the Chicago Tribune, there might be a wrap-up movie coming. That's something show fans would greatly welcome. Do it, I say!
• Who will Sanjaya Malakar sing with in tonight's American Idol season finale? Well, I can see Randy fainting now.
• Oh, there were fireworks on The View today between Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck! If you missed it, read all about it in this AOL article. There's also a video clip of the brouhaha at that link. An interesting, but surely unrelated note - today is the last day of the May Sweeps rating period. Surely unrelated, right?

In non-TV news, I saw a local cop on a Police Segway today. Is that thing really allowed on the sidewalks? This wasn't in the city (NY) I saw him, but in NJ. Very odd.

Remember to stop back tonight for live updates on the American Idol finale as it airs here on the East Coast!

'American Idol 6' - The Final Two - Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis Song Battle

So this is it. We're down to the wire on yet another year of American Idol, the show that has made FOX and Simon Cowell household words. Not always good household words, mind you.

Tonight was the singing competition of the two-night season finale... the showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, the duel between singer and entertainer. Who will win? Hmmm...

The talented two performed live at the huge and probably daunting Kodak Theater. Now, if it were me, I think I'd hide in some back room. It had to be a bit nerve-wracking for both of them.

Paula was there despite breaking her nose. She said she tripped over her dog, Tulip. When Ryan mentioned the dog, he thought it necessary to say, "the bitch is okay." Bad move, Seacrest. Not that I personally care, but lots of young children and their parents watch the show. What's going on in your head, Ryan? Wrong place and time for that comment!

Blake and Jordin each had to sing three songs tonight. One would be a personal favorite that they've done on the show before, the next was a song they're singing for the first time on the show, and the third was a song they'd both sing -- the winner of the American Idol songwriting competition.

In an odd quirk of fate or, maybe Seattle has talent to spare, both Jordin and Blake initially auditioned in Seattle. And, not only that, the songwriting duo who won that competition also come out of Seattle. And, gee... isn't Sanjaya Malakar listed as coming from that area as of late? Heh.

Blake Lewis won the coin toss last week and politely offered Jordin the chance to sing first. She declined, so he was up to bat first with his favorite. His favorite was his most creative and popular song he did during the season -- "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi. I still think what he did to the song is amazing and I've always been partial to the original. But if he just copied the original, it wouldn't be anything special. If anything, he did his Blake-ized version even better this time around.

Randy thought the beat-boxing in it was "hott" and the singing just alright. Paula thought Blake outdid himself. Simon said it was his best performance, but not necessarily the best singing. The crowd went wild.

Jordin Sparks was up next with a song she hadn't sung on the show before -- "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera. I thought it a good song choice, very fitting for the show at hand. Her vocals sounded fine to me, she looked very pretty and she played well to the cameras and the crowd.

Randy thought her voice was stellar and that "this is an interesting night, show." Paula repeated "stellar" and said it was shaping up to be one of the best finales ever on the show. Simon liked that she chose a "younger song," but said she was a bit "shrieky" in the middle. He said that the first round belonged to Blake. I agree, but mainly because Blake's performance is so, so different and creative.

Blake's next song was his never-performed on the show before one. He chose "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5. Eh, it was okay from them and it's okay from Blake, I guess. That particular song is one I can see as elevator music or on an easy listening station. For me, it's just not exciting no matter who sings it. I thought he did well enough with it, but it was no "Shot Through the Heart" and it didn't show his creative performance skills.

Randy thought it was a nice vocal, very nice. Paula thought he eased into the song well and sounded great. Simon said it was good, safe, but not as good as his first song - no impact.

Then it was Jordin's turn to sing her favorite song that she's already performed on the show. She chose "On Broken Wing" by Martina McBride, a solid choice. She sang it very well and really shines with a ballad like this.

Randy yo-yo'd and thinks she's the most talented 17-year-old he's ever seen. He said her performance was flawless, better than the original. Paula said she was soaring with a great vocal, a great voice. Simon said, "Now, that was good."

The last song each sang was the songwriting contest winner, "This Is My Now" by Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody out of Seattle. Well, I think the song is commercial enough and very American Idol-ish. So, they did their part well. But, had I heard the song before it was sung by Blake and Jordin, I could have guessed which contestant could shine with it. It, to me, was a clear-cut Jordin Sparks kind of song.

Blake was first up with it. He did okay, but he looked a bit jumpy in the middle of it like he wanted to bust out and beatbox, but was muzzled. He basically sang it well enough, but not what I'd call a stellar performance. I love the way Blake dresses, though. Argyle is the new black, it seems.

Randy said it wasn't great, but it was alright. Paula mentioned it was out of his genre, but nice. Simon thought it was a bit off, not a bad song but not Blake's type of song. He said he hoped the audience would vote on the first two songs he performed.

Then came Jordin with the same song. Oh my... she brought the house down. Perfect vocals, brimming with emotion down to a tear at the end as she became overwhelmed. Excellent! But, as I said before, it's as if the song was made for her. I don't think I expected any less after watching Blake sing it.

Randy said she was clearly the best singer and that she was "on fire." Paula said she was proud of Jordin, Jordin's parents were so proud and happy and that she's an angel. Simon said last week he didn't think Jordin was good enough to be in the finals. "I was wrong and I apologize. You wiped the floor with Blake on that song."

So, who will win? Although I really enjoy Blake's style and his version of "You Give Love a Bad Name," I think it's going to go to Jordin. Me? I want to see what Melinda Doolittle releases.

Then it was a Daughtry (Chris Daughtry from last season and his band) performance of "Home." Okay, Phil Stacey. Look at Chris Daughtry's head. He can do the bald thing. He has a nicely-shaped head with a minimum of lumps and ears which don't stick out. He has a bit of a tan. You cannot carry off that look. Stop it. A very nice performance indeed, Mr. Daughtry.

Tomorrow night is the two-hour finale which conflicts with the two-hour finale of Lost. I'll be live-blogging the events of the live American Idol finale tomorrow night as it airs here on the East Coast, then posting on the Lost finale early Thursday evening.

So, if you wish to talk about the show as it airs, join me in the comments here. Or, if you're West Coast and just can't wait, check for the happenings and the winner right here!

'American Idol' - Simon Cowell Reacts to Melinda Doolittle's Ouster

A blog reader (thanks, Justene!) asked if I had heard anything about Simon Cowell's reaction to Melinda Doolittle being voted off the show this week. Well, I surely found some reaction and I'm here to tell y'all...

In this Orlando Sentinel article, Simon voiced his disappointment with the voting, yet optimism for the upcoming winner. When asked if he thought Melinda lost due to her looks, he said, "I hope not," he says. "I think her age may have played a factor, not her looks. We have a lot of teenage voters." Cowell thinks the teenaged voters voted for Jordin rather than Melinda.

As for his thoughts on Blake, he called him a "brilliant entertainer, but not a fantastic singer." He thinks the opposite is true of Jordin -- "She is a great singer. On a negative, she hasn't done one performance I can remember as a wow."

Both contestants will have to sing a ballad this week, which could very well be a bit rough on Blake. Cowell stated in the article that he hopes that Blake will also do a Bon Jovi song. After all, one of his best performances to date was "You Give Love a Bad Name."

In other Idol News, the New York Daily News has an interview with the finalists, Jordin and Blake. They're both in it to win it. After last week's "old" comment from Simon, Jordin vows that she'll sing something more "youthful" this week.

They'll be singing three songs each this week -- one from the ongoing songwriting competition, one of their own choosing, and one they've sang on the show before. (Heh... can we say "shot through the heart and it's too late...?")

Another article which caught my interest came from PostStar.com - Melinda probably deserved better. Yeah, she probably did, I say. The article's written by a Los Angeles Times columnist and provides some insight into what we didn't see on Wednesday night as we either cussed our TV sets or jumped with joy. Should the voting system for the show be changed? Hmmm...

One quote in particular within the article linked above is perfect to close this entry: "But as we know now, 'Idol' has gotten too big to produce just one superstar a season. Melinda Doolittle belongs to the world now."

And, for me, that makes the world a bit better place.

TV Newsy Bits - Friday, May 18, 2007

It felt odd not writing up the latest Survivor episode last night. Relaxing, yes. But odd indeed.

Despite the fact that many series have wrapped up and others are in the process of doing so, there are always TV-related Newsy Bits to be found on the Internet.

Here are some of the interesting articles I've come across while poking about:

• Thanks to blog reader Sue, here's a great interview with Yau-Man Chan. He's likely to go down in the books as one of the most entertaining, most enjoyable, and smartest contestants ever on Survivor. There are also rumors that he may make a Top Ten appearance on Letterman, but I haven't heard anything concrete about that. Another interview with Yau-Man can be found on IGN.
• Ousted American Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle was interviewed by Fans of Reality TV.
• Despite a commenter making the claim a few days ago that Jericho was picked up for another year, it's cancelled as I posted. More sources here and here. No, I didn't want to see it cancelled, but I researched before I posted the information.
• TVGuide.com has an interesting article -- Backstage at Dancing With the Stars: Len Judges the Remaining Three Couples.
• NBC is taking advantage of the Heroes addiction faced by many show fans. You can read all about spin-offs, schedule additions, you name it.
• Speaking of Heroes, Masi Oka (my favorite Hiro!) was recently interviewed by the Seattle Times.

'American Idol' - Live Results Show - May 16 - Live-Blogged from the East Coast

The show is starting here on the East Coast. I'll be updating this entry as events air here. Refresh or return to this post to catch the latest as I'll almost constantly be updating.

Elliott Yamin and Maroon 5 are on the show tonight. Homer Simpson opened the show, now they're recapping last night.

Talking the tour now.

Ryan is talking to Jordin about between the shows and her trip home. We're getting more video from her trip home. I expect we'll repeat this with Blake and Melinda.

Ryan is going over the judges' reactions with her now, so I think an announcement is coming.

Nope, it was a ploy. Ryan led her up to the moment, then told her she would find out later in the show... as would we.

Returning from commercial... Ryan is introducing the American Idol Challenge winners this week. Of these three finalists, who was not in the final three... Elliot, Kat or Taylor? Silly question as always. The info is on the website.

Ryan is talking to Blake about his trip home now. They're playing Jimi Hendrix "All Along the Watchtower" in the background of the segment. Blake plays to the crowds and camera well. Ryan is going over the judges' reactions with him now, lights dimmed.

Ryan had Blake go sit down and now Elliott Yamin is on stage singing. Wow, what a difference in looks! Randy: Yo, it was hot. Paula: I'm speechless. Simon: It was great. Elliott made a faux-pas and mentioned Porsche. Heh.

Leading into the commercial, Ryan said, "Maroon 5 coming up and Melinda goes home." Don't get in an uproar... I'm sure he means via the video clips like with Blake and Jordin.

No announcement as to who's really going home yet.

The Ford commercial is set to "Everybody Wants You." Why do these always remind me of old Monkees or Beatles bits?

Ryan is talking to Melinda about her trip home now. Simon is bored. Randy has the lights dimmed and is going over the judges' reactions to her songs last night. The results are put off once again as Ryan quick-plugs the new The Band Show and they go to break.

More The Band Show casting info. Maroon 5 is on. I think the song is "Makes Me Wonder." (Correct me if I'm wrong on that title.)

THE RESULTS: Almost 60 million votes. Jordin is safe. It's between Melinda and Blake going home now. Argh. Melinda Doolittle is going home.

The final two are Jordin and Blake. The best singer didn't make it, but will probably have a long and prosperous career.

'American Idol 6' - The Final Three Sing to Win

It's hard to believe the season is almost over, isn't it?

It's down to three contestants -- Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, and Melinda Doolittle. Weeks ago it seemed like the finals would be all-female, but Blake's been hanging in. Will it be his last week?

Tonight the contestants took rounds, each singing a song. The songs were a judge's choice, the producers' choice, and the singer's own personal choice. They also visited their hometowns but, if memory serves, we saw a bit less of that this year than in previous ones. So, it was three contestants, three songs, even three phone numbers. However, there will only be one American Idol in the end. Who will it be?

Although they took turns singing their songs, I'm grouping them by singer here. Why? Um... well, because I can. Yeah, that's it! (Actually, it's easier for me, plus I think it focuses on each singer a bit better.)

Jordin Sparks started each round. Her first song was the judge's choice and the judge who chose was Simon Cowell. He selected a song with which I'm not too familiar -- "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Royce. I thought she was in good voice and it was a fine performance, but the song itself didn't thrill me too much. It did show off the quality of her voice.

Randy was wowed. He said it's time to be in it to win it and that it was a very good vocal. Paula thought Simon chose a good song. Simon said she sang brilliantly although he didn't care for the arrangement. It wasn't the version he wanted.

For the producers' choice, Jordin sang "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer. Again, good. She rocked it, but I don't know... something seemed a bit off with her tonight. Her voice was in good form, but perhaps it was the song choice.

Randy thought it was nicely done. Paula said it was fantastic. Simon said it was a very good performance, then commented on the arrangement again.

For her own choice round, Jordin did something I thought was a bit odd. She chose a song she has already performed in the competition -- "I Who Have Nothing." I think, in comparison, she's upped her game. But I don't think repeating songs is a great idea in the final three. She sang it beautifully, mind you. I'm just wondering about the second time bit.

Randy thought it was her best performance of the night (it was). Paula thought it sat well with her voice. Simon said there was no disputing that she sang it very well, but it was old-fashioned for her age. It seems to me that he said the same thing the first time she sang it.

Blake Lewis had the second slot in the rounds of three. In the judge's choice, Paula Abdul chose "Roxanne" by The Police. That, to me, is a good choice in one way - Blake can be a bit Sting-ish vocally. But, I also thought it was almost too safe, something I didn't hear from the judges. He did it very well, I thought. With Blake, I think a lot of what has got him to where he is, is that he's an entertainer and performer more than a vocalist. A Sting vocal, he can do just fine.

Randy thought it was a great performance, hot. Maybe that's hott with two t's. Paula said he did her proud. Simon said it was good, not great.

For the producers' choice, Blake sang "This Love" by Maroon 5. Now, in my opinion, this is the kind of song Blake can shine while performing. I thought it much better than "Roxanne" not only in fitting his talents, but in the performance itself. And, to me, Blake is about performance.

Randy thought it was cool, the kind of song he should have on an album, nicely done. Paula said he was in his element. Simon preferred it over the first song, said it was good and "not copycat."

For his own song choice, Blake chose Robin Thicke's "When Will I Get You Alone?" I probably like Blake's performance better than Thicke's because I at least enjoy Blake while Thicke just does nothing for me.

Randy said it was alright. Paula thought it was a great performance and a great song. Simon really liked it. Simon also likes that Blake takes risks and is having fun.

Melinda Doolittle was the last to sing in each round. Randy Jackson chose her first song -- Whitney Houston's "I Believe In You and Me." Okay, I think I've mentioned before that I'm not into Whitney Houston, not at all. But Melinda carried this song off so that even I liked a Whitney song. Yikes! The judges always frown upon contestants trying Whitney Houston songs, but this seems to be a test of some sort.

Randy said it had a high level of difficulty, but she blew it out of the box. Paula thought it was amazing, fantastic, and the her best performance all season. Simon said it was her best performance and difficult. He declared her the winner of Round One - the judges' choice round.

Again, I think the producers made a perfect song choice -- "Nutbush City Limits" by Ike and Tina Turner. Wow! She rocked! I hope Tina was watching. (Now, there's a star they should have on the show. She can still kick it unlike many of the older-generation singers they use as mentors.) Not a note missed, perfect vocals.

Randy called it a great, stellar performance. Paula just sat there repeatedly babbling "we love you." Simon said he loves that side of her and another brilliant performance. But when asked who won the second round, he declared it a tie.

For her own song choice, Melinda chose "I'm a Woman." Again, perfect vocals and great stage presence. She also sang the song earlier in the season. What's up with that, girls? She was my favorite from the beginning and she remains my personal favorite. And, it's also most likely that she would be the only one whose music I would buy. Jordin maybe someday, but Melinda a definite.

Randy loved her range and said she could sing the phone book well. Paula said something off-kilter about how she's celebrating her dream. Simon said that if he could give an award into the finals for consistency each week, it would be hers.

At the end of the show Ryan did something I thought a bit unfair. He asked the judges who should be in the finals. Randy said it would be the two girls (which could backfire on him if Blake voters work extra hard to save him), Paula refused to say, and Simon wants "my girl Melinder."

Me? I want Melinda, too. And I don't put an "r" on the end of her name! But, in looking at this group, they each bring something a bit different to the table. I think all three will make it in the business no matter who is chosen to be the first place winner.

Your thoughts?

Whatever Will I Watch Tonight? - Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Oh, such a dilemma! Well, tonight's not the big dilemma it has been on previous weeks, I'll admit.

At 8 PM ET/PT, there's this week's American Idol 6 with the top three contestants (Melinda, Blake, Jordin) singing three songs each. I'll be watching that, taking notes and photos, then getting an entry posted later on this evening.

Not into American Idol? There's more!

At 8 PM ET/PT, American Idol not withstanding, there is a repeat of Dancing With the Stars on ABC. The CW has a new Gilmore Girls. NBC has a new Dateline airing. The entire CBS prime-time block is taken by The 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

9 PM ET/PT brings us a repeat Law and Order: Criminal Intent on CBS, a new House episode on FOX, the (new) Dancing With the Stars results show on ABC, a new Veronica Mars episode on CW, and a new Deadliest Catch on Discovery.

Then, at 10 PM ET/PT, there's a new episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC, a new Boston Legal on ABC, two new back-to-back Real World episodes on MTV, and The Shield on FX is new, too.

My personal line-up is American Idol, still undecided for the next hour, L&O: SVU at ten o'clock. I haven't been watching Dancing With the Stars, but many of the blog readers do. If you want to join in on the show discussion and (probably) get East Coast Spoiler information on tonight's boot, head to the comments area of the blog discussion post for the show during or after the show airs on the East Coast.

I also received some screeners from TBS (Tyler Perry's House of Payne) and TNT (The Closer)... so I have to watch them and report back to you in addition to my regular television addiction. Both shows will air this summer, but I'm anxious to check out the screener from The Closer! (Yay.)

What will you be watching tonight?

TV Newsy Bits - Saturday, May 12, 2007

It's Saturday, the day before the Survivor 14: Fiji finale and reunion show! That will start at 8 PM EDT with the reunion show starting at 10 PM EDT.

Due to the length of the finale and the hour that everything wraps up (plus the fact I have to get up early for work on Monday morning), I'm thinking of doing a live-blogging report as the show airs here. Chances are I won't have time to snag, crop, and get images in the entry, but it would be up at a reasonable hour. Heck, live on East Coast time.

I still have a day to decide, eh?

In other TV Newsy Bits:

• The most recent episode of Lost has fans buzzing about Jacob. In the scene at Jacob's abode, things went so quickly that it was hard to see if Jacob exists or not. But, the Lost Easter Eggs blog has some of the frames of Jacob.
• Reality News Online has both a transcript of Stacy (recent Survivor boot) on The Early Show and an interview of their very own with her. In the interview, she gives us a different look at Alex, but really seems to admire Yau-Man. She said she doesn't think she deliberately tipped him off to use the Idol.
• Reality TV World has an interview with LaKisha Jones, ousted this week on American Idol. She claims she knew on Tuesday that she would be voted off because she lost her voice. Now, I was a supporter of hers early on, but I think it was her time lost voice or not. I don't think she'll ever have to be a bank teller again and has a lot of doors open now.
• Whoa! Spoilers are out and about regarding The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman. Check them out here and here, but only if you really want the spoilers. Eep. Someone has a big mouth!
• In more Lost news, there will be a special next Thursday, May 17. "Lost: The Answers" will be hosted by the executive directors of the series and will explain some of the... well, the answers! Celebrity Spider has the skinny on it.

'American Idol 6' - Final Four Results Show - May 9 - East Coast Update

The show is starting here on the East Coast. Barry Gibb and Pink will perform. Ryan is unshaven.

As the show airs, I'll be updating this post with the happenings. So, please return here throughout the hour to talk about what's going on or to sneak a peek from the other time zones. You can get here easily by using the American Idol 6 category on the blog sidebar or just refreshing this entry.

The judges have been introduced, now they're recapping last night's performances.

The Farmers Market segment has a lot of LaKisha supporters. Ryan mentioned an hour to fill... they really should cut down the results show to a half-hour in my opinion.

They did a promo for the Idols tour this summer. Now Pink is singing "Who Knew?" Eh. I'm not a big Pink fan. I want to know who's going home, don't you?

The Ford video was to "You Really Got Me." It wasn't the most flattering look for LaKisha or Jordin. The Idol Challenge - Who went to Africa to support the Idol Gives Back cause -- Reuben, Carrie or Bo. Give me a break!

Ack. The audio screwed up as they started the four singing the BeeGee tribute medley. Not so hot so far.

Ryan is talking to the four finalists on the couch now. No announcements yet.

The top three will be returning to their hometowns for a publicity bit this week. The four saw a sneak peek of The Fantastic Four: The Silver Surfer. As a result, we're getting a sneak peek of the movie, too.

The four are talking about their families and childhood. It's odd... three of them are only children. Jordin is the only one with a sibling. The results (supposedly) will be...

... after the break.

RESULTS UPDATE: They refuse to line up. Ryan recapped the judges' comments on all of them. Jordin is safe.

Now they're looking for the "best undiscovered group" in America... The Band Show hopes to do for musician and groups what American Idol has done for individuals. Do you have the chops? (No, but if they're looking for an undiscovered blogger, I'm their woman.) It reeks a bit of Rock Star to me.

Barry Gibb is singing "To Love Somebody." Oh, he's so not the Barry Gibb I adored so many years back. But I like him better than Pink!

RESULTS UPDATE: Melinda Doolittle is safe. It's down to Blake or LaKisha going home. Simon thinks it will be LaKisha. And it is... Blake Lewis is safe.

LaKisha Jones is going home. (And I called that one last night!)

TV Newsy Bits - Wednesday, May 9, 2007

I'll be live-blogging the American Idol results show as it airs tonight on the East Coast. So, if you want to dish on the happenings or you're in another time zone and just can't wait... stop on by anytime after 9 PM EDT. The blog entry I'll be creating at that time will be updated continuously throughout the show up to and including who leaves tonight.

After that, you know I have to watch Lost although my recap/review on that show won't be posted until tomorrow evening.

Here are today's TV Newsy Bits:

• I guess I'm not the only live-blogger out there. Even though I'll be tied up with Survivor tomorrow evening, if you're a My Name Is Earl fan, there's a blog event for you! Tomorrow night is the show's finale and NBC is hosting a live-blogging event which you can peek in on today. If you have questions about the show or want to take part in the goings-on, the blog is here. You can also check out a video preview for the show.
• AOL Television's American Idol poll has Jordin leading, Melinda second place, then Blake, and LaKisha coming in last. I think they have that right.
• Billy Ray Cyrus got the boot from Dancing With the Stars. Should he have been on the show?
• I peeked in on the official CBS Big Brother 8 website. The deadline for applications was a few weeks ago, so they're hopefully working hard to get us some summer eye-candy guys... er, entertaining and intelligent houseguests. Of course, that's what I meant to say.
• What? Say it ain't so! Sanjaya Malakar in I Love New York 2? Eep. TMZ has the skinny on that. That will surely bring down the property values.

'American Idol 6' - The Final Four Sing to the Brothers Gibb

Don't get me wrong. I like the BeeGees. While I only have their pre-disco "Best of the BeeGees" ballad days vinyl in my music collection, their disco stuff was good. I was just a bit anti-disco at the time. The BeeGees knew what to do when and how to change their style to fit the current music scene. I admire them.

But I felt tonight's show was um... not good. The songs all seemed a bit off even though songs like "Stayin' Alive" can stand the test of time. They just couldn't stand the test of the American Idol final four contestants, I guess. I wasn't really moved by any of the performances tonight. However, if I had to name the winner of the night, I'd go for Jordin followed by Melinda.

Each contestant sang one song in rotation, then sang a second one in the same order. While I'm going to write about both songs for each contestant, keep in mind these weren't sang consecutively. The order was: Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, LaKisha Jones, and Jordin Sparks. (Second verse, same as the first!)

Barry Gibb surely isn't the same guy I had a crush on decades ago. He talks like his jaws are wired shut, but can still hit that falsetto. He seemed to really work with the contestants, though. Not that all listened to his advice, of course.

The first song Melinda Doolittle chose was "Love You Inside and Out." Barry noted it was a group song with falsetto, but thought she worked it out well. That she did. Technically, her vocals flawless. But for me, even though Melinda ranks best in my personal opinion, I wasn't excited.

Randy thought it was solid, good. Paula said her vocals were spot on, always are spot on. Simon wasn't all that impressed. He said it was "not incredible" and more of a backing singer's performance. Oy!

Her second song was "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart." I got a kick out of how she didn't want to sing the line "Can a loser ever win?" Barry Gibb thought it probably best to leave that line out, too. Again, I thought she did perfect on a technical level. I enjoyed it more than the first song, but it definitely wasn't my favorite Melinda Doolittle performance.

Randy called her the "resident pro" again and said it was much better than the first song. Paula said it was a beautiful vocal, but she needed to "surprise us." Simon said the second half of the song would get her in the semi-finals.

For his first song, Blake Lewis chose "You Should Be Dancing." And, yes, he danced. Barry thought beat-boxing fit the song. But when he was on stage performing, I thought his beat-boxing detracted from it. Usually, with more contemporary songs, it adds. Not so much for this song. This may have been my least favorite Blake Lewis performance ever.

Randy said it was like going to a weird disco in a foreign country. Paula said it wasn't his best performance, but he's unique. Simon said it was terrible. I have to agree with Simon on this one.

His next song choice was a song with which I'm not familiar - "This Is Where I Came In." While, again, I didn't think the beat-boxing worked well with the song, I thought the performance and his actual singing of the song a world better than his first round.

Randy said it was better and there's no need to beat-box every song. Paula called him a "contemporary rebel." She also said it was on key and she enjoyed it. Simon called it a bizarre song choice and tuneless. I disagree with Simon. I heard a tune and thought the lyrics actually suited Blake well. I just don't think he delivered.

LaKisha Jones chose "Stayin' Alive" as her first song choice. Um, okay. Barry thought it would be a challenge for her, especially with the falsetto. I didn't think she did horribly, but it wasn't her proudest moment on the show. It's a fast song, and she just didn't keep up... or something.

Randy said the performance was weird, not working, and that she tried to change the song too much. Paula said she took the tempo down. Simon said, "No kiss tonight, baby." He said she was shouting and verging on "scary."

Her second song was more suited to her, I think. "Run to Me" is a ballad, not disco. Barry thought she'd have a challenge with changing the key of the song and that she would rise to the challenge. I thought she did well enough, but nothing earthshaking.

Randy thought it was better than her first song. Paula said she's still a champ. Simon said, "You and Blake are both vulnerable." I agree with Simon. I think we'll say goodbye to LaKisha this week.

Jordin Sparks blew Barry Gibb away as she was working on what would be her first song - "To Love Somebody." He said many have recorded the song, but her version is the best so far. Wow, powerful praise there, eh? I think she lived up to it while she sang. It was definitely the best performance of the night even though Melinda sang perfectly.

Randy deemed it "the best vocal of the night so far." Paula said she was beautiful and agreed with Randy. Simon said it was the best song choice and the best performance of the night. (Remember, she was the last one to sing the first round.)

The second song Jordin chose was "Woman in Love" popularized by Barbra Streisand. Barry Gibb was agog over Jordin. He thinks that she's "going there" and will one day be one of the great recording artists. I thought she did well, but I preferred her first song. Even so, this would be my second favorite performance of the night... both coming from Jordin. I have to admit that's not saying all that much as I think tonight's show was a bit of a dud.

Randy gave the performance two "check it outs" and said it wasn't her best, a bit pitchy. Paula seemed to agree, called her beautiful again and said she loves her anyway. Simon called the performance old-fashioned and "pageanty."

All in all, while I like the BeeGees singing their songs, American Idol shouldn't go there again. What did you think?

"It's only words
and words are all I have..." - "Words" by the BeeGees

TV Newsy Bits - Saturday, May 5, 2007

It's Cinco de Mayo! A time for festivities, tacos, and even parades. I know there are lots of activities going on in this area and it's likely there's something happening in your neck of the woods, as well. Here in the Northeast, the weather is perfect for outdoor doings, whether it's checking out cultural celebration or just enjoying the day itself. Sieze the day, I say.

I want to express my gratitude for the readers and the commenting community here on the blog. I know many of you started reading the Big Brother live feeds either on this blog or the one before it, then you stayed. Big Brother 8 is in casting mode at this time. They historically wrap things up only a few weeks before we see the first show. The cast is put in sequester about ten days before they go into the house. The season usually starts for us during the first week of July, and that seems to be the schedule this year, too. I'm watching for news and will let you know when I hear something concrete. And, yes... I'll be covering the feeds once again this season.

In other TV Newsy Bits:

• Paris Hilton's Simple Life is going to get a lot more simpler -- she's heading to jail for 45 days for violating her probation.
• In Survivor news, Jeff Probst is very impressed with Yau-Man Chan according to this Reality TV World article. Reality News Online (RNO) has an interview with Alex, the most recent castaway, as well as a transcription of his The Early Show appearance. "You can be a Ninja by yourself. You can't be a Ninja with Mookie."
• Kristine Lefebvre, a candidate on the recent The Apprentice: L.A. bares it all for Playboy according to E! Online and TMZ.
• Reality TV World says that Stephanie Wilhite, recently ousted on The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman, saw it coming. Another contestant on the show, Amber Alchalabi, saw her boss resign over her leave of absence to appear. Yikes! Sheesh, it's one thing for reality show contestants to lose their own jobs in pursuit of a dream, but for a boss to be in hot water and blow her career?
• Billy Ray Cyrus' wife claims that he's happy to remain on Dancing With the Stars in this Reality TV Magazine interview.
• Can't get enough of Sanjaya Malakar? Celebrity Spider has the list of concert tour dates for the American Idol Top Ten contestants. Um... no. I won't be going.
• This week we'll see BeeGee Bro Barry Gibb coaching the American Idol contestants. I think that's fitting, don't you? At this time, the four all want to be "Stayin' Alive."
• In other American Idol news, Reality TV World says that Chris Richardson "knew" he was heading home this week. "I seen the band setting up, and the guitar player grabbing a 12 string guitar, and I'm the only person with a 12 string guitar, so you put it together," said Chris. Why am I not surprised that he said "I seen." Saw, Chris... you saw! AOL Television has an interview with both Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson, as well as other exit interviews with previously dismissed contestants.
• We can expect Lost to last for two more seasons according to E! Online and discussed in this TVSquad article. The good news is that this will give the show's creators a timeline in which to address issues raised. The bad news is that once this season ends, we won't see the show again until January. I personally think long hiatus periods hurt shows. I know that I lost interest in Jericho when it went away for so long and haven't watched it since its return. I know they can't run new shows for forty episodes a year, but I think they have to come up with a better plan. The show should move back to the 9 PM slot once it reappears.
• AOL Television has a feature page for May Sweeps and May finales. Check it out and mark your calendars!

'American Idol 6' - May 2 Results Show - East Coast Update

The show is starting here, Ryan is clean-shaven. I'll be updating this blog entry with events as the show airs East Coast time. Please use the American Idol label/category on this entry or the sidebar to return here.

Ryan's talking to the judges now about last night. Robin Thicke and Bon Jovi will both be on the show. Ryan and Simon have already quibbled.

Reuben Studdard is promoting the Idol Aid cause, but not singing. He's shed some weight from what little we could see.

Now they're recapping last week's Idol Gives Back special. No results yet, no Bon Jovi performance yet. Ryan was right when he said they're "stretching" this show to an hour.

Robin Thicke is performing now. I guess he's popular, but I'm just not feelin' it, dawg. Falsetto and a wannabe mustache.

A very toned-down Fantasia just plugged Idol Aid much the way Reuben did. We're into commercial now and supposedly the first goodbye will happen... when?

After the break.

The Idol Ford video commercial was sung to "Paint it Black." Thankfully better than Gina sang it.

RESULTS UPDATE - Melinda, Phil and LaKisha to join Ryan. Two week total over 135 million votes. Melinda is safe. LaKisha is safe. PHIL STACEY is leaving tonight. He's going "Down in a Blaze of Glory."

RESULTS UPDATE - Jordin is safe. Joining Phil in leaving will be either Blake or Chris. I hope it's Chris, but it hasn't been announced yet and we're in break. Ryan sat Jordin down quickly because he "messed with her enough last week."

Bon Jovi, the "guys from New Jersey," are performing now. They did "(You Want to) Make a Memory" and Jon's pleased with the contestants.

Taylor Hicks is pushing Idol Aid now. We're in break and, guess when the final result will be announced?

RESULTS UPDATE -- Chris Richardson is going home.

So, it's goodbye to both Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson tonight. Gee, I called that one. I had predicted Chris and either Phil or LaKisha.

Whatever Will I Watch Tonight? - Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Yikes, can you tell it's May Sweeps? So many new episodes are on that it's going to keep me recording and watching all evening!

The two shows I must watch live are the American Idol 6 Results Show (which I'll live-blog major events including who's going home in an East Coast Update entry) and Lost (which I'll take photos and notes during, but won't post a full review/recap until early tomorrow evening - dang having to work for a living).

If you're West Coast or just want to talk about the events of tonight's American Idol on the East Coast, drop back tonight after 9 PM EDT. The show will feature a live Bon Jovi performance and two contestants are going home. We can have a little wingding right here on the blog to either celebrate or commiserate over the events!

Also on the TV schedule for the evening:

• 8 PM ET/PT -- A new Jericho episode on CBS, new Thank God You're Here on NBC, new Bones on FOX, new episodes of According to Jim and Notes From the Underbelly on ABC, new America's Next Top Model on CW. I'd like to check out Notes as I get a kick out of Barry Sonnenfeld, but I don't care for According to Jim at all. I've lost touch with Jericho since its hiatus, so I'll probably watch Bones -- a show you don't have to watch weekly to understand the story. Maybe I'll tape Notes to check it out.
• 9 PM ET/PT -- A new Criminal Minds episode on CBS, new Crossing Jordan on NBC, American Idol 6 hour-long results show on FOX, last week's Lost episode ("D.O.C.") on ABC, a new One Tree Hill on CW. You know what I'll be watching (AI), but what will I record for later viewing? Criminal Minds.
• 10 PM ET/PT -- A new C.S.I.: NY episode on CBS, new Medium on NBC, and a new Lost on ABC. It's Lost for me hands-down for the live watch, C.S.I.: NY for the recording. If this is the Medium they were promoting, it boasts Jason Priestly this week.

What will you be watching and recording tonight?

'American Idol 6' - The Final Six Rock to Bon Jovi

Shot through heart and it's too late, Chris is gonna go away (go away)...

Yes, rockers and rockettes, it was Bon Jovi night on American Idol! I'm ready to put on my Slippery When Wet CD to annoy my neighbors. But, instead, I guess I'll write this entry as the thunder rumbles outside.

Jon Bon Jovi was his usually cool self. I think I'd like that guy no matter what he says or does. He also ages so well and remains eye candy despite the fact that he's no spring chicken anymore. He gave the contestants the main advice of "make the song your own." Well, one contestant went above and beyond in making it his own and I think that performance was the shining star of the whole night.

Phil Stacey was up first this week singing "Blaze of Glory." While it's not my favorite Bon Jovi song at all, it is one that's special to him. He's been singing it for fifteen years. He nailed it and got the show off to a good start. But I have to admit I wasn't all that enamored with it, possibly because of the song itself, possibly because watching Phil sing doesn't thrill me. Maybe I should have just listened.

Randy called it Phil's best performance ever except for country week. Paula thought it was the best opening all season for the show, although Simon balked at that. Simon said the performance was "okay" but had no authenticity. He said it was like a bad actor playing the role of a rock star. Simon also doesn't think it's enough for him to last next week. I agree a bit with Simon's call on this one.

Jordin Sparks said her mother grew up on Bon Jovi... which makes me feel so old. Ack. I was already a full-fledged adult when they hit big. She chose a very tough song for a seventeen-year-old girl. She sang "Livin' on a Prayer" with really big hair this week. Hmmm... she didn't do horribly, I didn't think. But I think the performance was a bit of a letdown. She was so out of her genre and element. I think her past will keep her in the competition, though.

Randy did four "yo's" and three "check it outs." Sometimes that's a good thing, this time not so much. He called the performance "interesting" and said the verses were rough -- "not your best." Paula told her she went for it and she's hot. Simon started with "cue the boos." He said she looked like something out of the Addams Family, that she was shrieking and out of control, and terrible. Eep.

LaKisha Jones sang "This Ain't a Love Song." Jon was excited about how she would do and thought it was her opportunity to shine. And, it was definitely the return of her powerhouse performance ways. That said, I think LaKisha is losing her magic for me. She runs hot and cold. While she did very well tonight, I wasn't all that moved.

Randy shouted that LaKisha's back and that she blew it out of the box. Paula gushed. Simon said he could actually kiss her for that. She rose to the challenge and nailed it. She did kiss Simon. @@ I certainly wasn't as excited as the judges were about the performance and I think her chances of remaining in the competition are iffy.

Oh, but then there was Blake Lewis. Jon worried that he was taking too big of a risk with a very popular song that folks don't like to see messed with... "You Give Love a Bad Name." Yes, he Blake-ized it, he beat-boxed it, he sported dark hair. And, he brought the house down with his version. I think it's the most original version of any song any season on the show. Yet he was true enough to the song enough to carry it off. This was my favorite performance of the season and makes me wish I had recorded the show so I could re-watch it. Amazing! What I also found interesting is how much more confidence he seems to emit when he's in his element doing his thing.

Randy gave two "check it outs" and gave it the award for the most original song version ever on the show (it was). Paula said it was amazing (it was). Simon said half will love it and half will hate it, but it was the right thing to do and will keep him in the competition.

Chris Richardson was up next singing "Wanted Dead or Alive." He mentioned Chris Daughtry doing the song last year. Heck, give me him again. Chris wasn't quite as nasally as he often is, but he still did those Timberlake-type dance moves like he's in a boy band or something. He didn't listen to Jon's advice to pick up on the blues note for the song and smiled a lot through the performance, hamming for the cameras. I think he bought his ticket home, six-string on his back.

Randy said he liked it, but didn't seem overly enthusiastic. Paula sidestepped saying it was such a great night. (Say what?) Simon said he did as much as he could with it and was iffy about his possibilities of staying on the show.

Melinda Doolittle, way out of her element, closed the show with "Have a Nice Day." That one was a bit of a surprise for me, but I can't connect Melinda with too many Bon Jovi songs. She nailed it. I'd still prefer to see Jon Bon Jovi performing the song, but she got into the spirit and she rocked the house. When she was working with Jon, he told her she just joined the band -- he's thrilled with her. He told her to treat the song like she was taking it to church, but I have to admit I didn't see that much of that. What I saw was a great performance and perfect vocals. I also got a kick out of her trying to give the index/pinkie fingers rock salute.

Randy thought it was a great performance. Paula called her a rock star and said the game was on. Simon likened her to a young Tina Turner and said she was vocally in a different league from the other contestants. Woo!

So, who will be going home? We lose two this week and the votes from last week and this week are added together. I think Chris is a definite goodbye. The other two I think are on thin ice are LaKisha and Phil. What do you think?

TV Newsy Bits - Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Phew, rainy April is behind us and hopefully May will indeed bring flowers instead of showers!

But, no matter the weather, there's always something to watch on television. I think back to the days when I had four networks to choose from and wonder what I did with my time. Oh, I read a lot and there was no such thing as time spent online. The times have changed, though. I still read a lot... I think I exchanged sleep time. Uh-oh!

Here are the TV Newsy Bits I found while perusing that Big Bad Internet, as well as some personal TV Newsy Bits observations and thoughts:

• Tonight is Bon Jovi night on American Idol. I'm psyched! Hey, I live in Jersey, what can I say? I'll be posting about tonight's show late this evening and would love to read your thoughts about how the contestants perform.
• I'm still hooked on BET's showing of The Wire, now into season two. But, and it's a big BUT... they cut it down to an hour an episode. Now, when they aired the episodes at 90 minutes, they got in the content of the hour-long HBO shows which air without commercials. Yeah, there was a commercial overload with the BET first season, but now we're missing content. I've been going to the HBO The Wire website reading up on each episode in their recaps to see what I've missed. Grr. What's worse is that I've been reading ahead, too. Shame on me!
• BuddyTV has an exclusive interview with Danny and Oswald, the most recently Philiminated team from The Amazing Race 11: All Stars. Oh, my... could Eric be gay? They seem to think so! Yikes! Not only is there a transcript, but there's also an MP3 file of the interview.
• In ex-American Idol news, Constantine Maroulis has joined the cast of the soap The Bold and the Beautiful. (Which is he? Bold or beautiful?) And, as you may have heard already, Jessica Sierra has been arrested for assault and drug charges. Hmmm... isn't it about time for Corey Clarke to be in another publicity brouhaha?
• Newsday (out of New York) has a thought-provoking article on race and the possible finalist scenario for American Idol 6. Will talent win out no matter the race of the contestant? After all, it is a singing contest. Right?
• Inside Pulse has an interview with castoff Edgardo Rivera from Survivor 14: Fiji. Ah, Edgardo... we hardly got a chance to know you. Edgardo thought if he could get in the final three with Alex and either Mookie or Dreamz, he'd win hands-down. He also wants to apologize for some of the things he said about Cassandra. It's too bad that Edgardo didn't align with that group instead of the Four Horsemen. He would have made it a lot further in the game.

'American Idol 6' - Idol Gives Back Results Show - East Coast Updates

Tune back to this entry throughout the evening for updates as the show airs here in the NYC area. Over 70 million votes last night.

Simon is in a suit with a 70s look open white shirt. Ryan shaved.

Earth, Wind, and Fire did a medley of their hits. Ben Stiller keeps singing badly. The final six sang "Time to Care" all dressed in white and looking great. Lots of bits about Africa, New Orleans, California for the cause. Il Divo is performing now.

Only one contestant has been told she's safe so far... Melinda Doolittle is safe. Supposedly we're in for the biggest voting shock in the show's history.

Jack Black did a bit. Paula told him the School of Rock Called and wants their diploma back. Simon declared it better than Sanjaya... cut to Sanjaya cracking up in the audience.

VOTING UPDATE: Now Blake is safe. So, Blake and Melinda can breathe easy for the rest of the show.

A Carrie Underwood taped video is playing now - "I'll Stand By You" - obviously created solely for the show and the cause.

Rascal Flats is singing "My Wish."

An unusual version of "Staying Alive" will air soon... 36 superstars if I heard right. Now another telethon kind of moment from the Appalachia area.

Ford video, now "Staying Alive" - celebrities lip-synch and dance. It can be downloaded on Itunes later. David Schwimmer, House, Blue Man Group, Shaq, more and more. Oh, and Miss Piggy, too.

VOTING UPDATE: Now Phil Stacey is safe. On the chopping block, LaKisha, Chris, and Jordin remain.

Ellen DeGeneres is personally donating $100,000. Josh Grobin is now performing backed by an African Childrens Choir.

Ohhh... Kelly Clarkson accompanied by JEFF BECK! (I'm an old-time Jeff Beck guitar freak.)

VOTING UPDATE: LaKisha is safe! So, only Jordin and Chris remain on the block. These aren't in a top to bottom order this week.

Who wants to bet Chris is going home? (Out of those two, it better be him!)

Celine Dion is singing a duet with Elvis Presley. Yes, you heard me. I thought it was an Internet joke, but there they are. Shades of Forrest Gump.

Now an Annie Lenox performance. (Oh, give me the days of "Sweet Dreams are Made of This" but she's singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water.")

VOTING UPDATE: Chris is SAFE. Jordin is also SAFE.

NO ONE is voted off this week. This week's votes will be added to next week's votes and next week TWO will go home.