Dancing With The Stars - Elimination Night 4/29/08

Shannon Elizabeth and Her Partner Derek Eliminated From Dancing With The Stars 4/29/08
ABC Tuesday 9/8c

While it should have been Christian de la Fuentes eliminated from Dancing With the Stars this week, it was Shannon Elizabeth. This shows again the power of a loyal fan base.

This reality show is slightly different in that it is solely based on fans. None of the contestants have experience in dance, though this year Kristi Yamaguchi has a clear advantage from ice skating.
It is more about getting a career boost for slipping or lesser known celebrities. Hopefully this will work out well for Shannon Elizabeth.

Hell Kitchen - Gourmet Pizza 4/29/08

Chef Gordon Ramsay Finally Gets A Full Dinner Service
FOX Tuesday 9/8c 4/29/08

Chef Gordon Ramsay made it quite clear that after 4 weeks, these Chef-wanna-be's should be able to finish a full dinner service. I have to admit, this seems to be the lamest group of recruits to enter Hell's Kitchen. No one seems to stand out with a marvelous palette or culinary skills.

The contestants on Hell's Kitchen this season are rightfully earning the name "donkey", spat at them by Chef Ramsay daily.

Vanessa, who burned her hand with hot grease last week, opted to quit Hell's Kitchen this week. Chef Ramsay was disappointed and told Vanessa as much, though he is always nicer to the women contestants. Chef knew that Vanessa is now facing plastic surgery for her wounds.

The reward challenge was for each team to present a gourmet pizza to Chef Ramsay for tasting. The goal was to be the most flavorful no matter the cost. Gordon Ramsay showed the contestants his signature pizza, which customers gladly pay $200 for each pie.

The teams were given every ingredient imaginable to produce a pizza including Kobe beef.

While the red team (ladies) went with Jen's more traditional Italian pizza, the blue team (men) served a flavorful pie from Bobby's plate.

Chef said it was a tough choice, but the ladies won out. Gordon then took the red team out for a day of fun, while the men cleaned up.

At dinner service, Chef Ramsay made it clear that he expected a full service. Both teams came through, finally. Though there were still several problems, others finally stepped up to help when needed.

Roseann on the red team had issues with appetizers, LouRoss on the blue team fell apart on the meat station.

Chef Ramsay told the teams there was no clear team winner, so each team would suggest one of their own for elimination. Hell's Kitchen varies slightly in that Gordan Ramsay may, at his convenience, choose anyone he dislikes to eliminate.

The ladies team nominated Christina based on personality. LouRoss stepped up on the men's team and said he would leave it up to Chef Ramsay. LouRoss did show that he is a man.

In the end, Chef Ramsay told both teams that the person leaving Hell's Kitchen this week would be Vanessa. They should consider it a gift. This was not done to stretch the series to fit the time, Gordan Ramsay does whatever he wants, he may fire 2 next week.

So You Think You Can Dance Season Premier

So You Think You Can Dance Returns!
Fox Thursday

So you think you can dance will return on FOX on Thursday May 22, 2008.

I can't wait! This is the best reality/talent show on TV. While produced by Nigel Lithgow, also the producer of American Idol, everyone of these dancers are insanely talented.

The music and choreography alone will entertain you even if you don't care for talent shows in general. I can guarantee there are no bad dancers, though they do show really bad auditions in the first week or two (they are much funnier than Idol, as you won't get a headache from listening).

The set up of the contest is basically the same as American Idol, the American public gets to phone in votes for their favorite dancer (paired up at the beginning). The difference is that the judges then take over and decide who will leave the show. This insures that there will be no 'Sanjaya factor', no one goes on with just popularity.

This is the way that American Idol should be set up, I have said it from the beginning. The problems American Idol are having are due in large part by haters of the show trying to get less talented contestants further. Howard Stern is one of the leaders of this movement, but there are now many websites known as "vote for the worst".

Anyway, tune in to FOX Thursday, May 22, 2008 to see the talent for yourself.

Dancing With The Stars fans be warned, you may not enjoy the dancing celebrities as much, or may find yourself critiquing them much more severely.

Dancing With The Stars - Marlee Matlin Goes Home 4/22/08

Marlee Matlin Eliminated From Dancing With The Stars
ABC Tuesday 9/8c 4/22/08

The bottom 2 couples tonight on Dancing With The Stars were:

Marlee Matlin and Fabion
Mario and Karina

Just as I suspected Marlee Matlin has danced her final competition on the Dancing With The Stars stage. There was no final dance to end the show, just Marlee and Fabion in the middle of the stage in a hug. Then everyone came out and joined the hug.

This is Marlee's final dance:



Here is the elimination:

Dancing With the Stars - ABC 4/21/08

Kristy and Mark Get the First 30 Of the Season
CBS 8/7c Monday 4/21/08

Kristy Yamaguchi and her Dancing With The Stars partner Mark stole the show Monday night garnishing the first perfect score of the season.

You knew it was inevitable as they have been on the brink with scores of 29 in the past. Tonight, to a Jive, it happened. I have to admit this dance was along the caliber of So You Think You Can Dance.

The judges were obviously impressed, saying:

Sherri-ann - "Hell yeah! That was my favorite this season"

Len - "That was like a bullfight... a dance smorgesboard... a tasty bit of choreography, yum-yum!"

Mario - "Top-notch, high-definition entertainment! I agree, the best of the season!"

There was really no one else in the running tonight, though others did score high. Marissa and Tony got their highest scores of the season with a Viennese Waltz (score: 26). Marissa almost peed her pants!

Sadly, on the other end of the spectrum, Marlee Matlin had more trouble tonight. Last week was very tough on her, I had to respect that she finished the dance after losing the timing of the music. I probably would have ran off stage crying! Marlee stuck it out, and this week called in moral support in the way of Henry Winkler. Winkler stopped by the studio during rehearsal to offer some obviously heart-felt encouragement to an old friend.

It did not work. Marlee's dance again seemed forced and stilted. It started great, and she looked beautiful, but she may have finally reached her limits on Dancing With The Stars.

Final Scores:

Jason Taylor & Edyta: 8+8+8=24
Shannon Elizabeth & Derek: 8+8+8=24
Marlee Matlin & : 7+7+7=21
Christian DeLaFuentes & Cheryl: 9+9+9=27
Marissa & Tony: 9+9+8=26
Kristy Yamaguchi & Mark: 10+10+10=30
Mario & Karina: 9+9+10=28

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Big Brother 9 - Ryan Nominates 2 For Eviction 4/20/08

Ryan Nominates Sheila and Sharon on BB9
04/20/08 CBS Sunday

Ryan has made it men vs. women for the Final 4 on CBS's Big Brother 9. The rest of the house guests have to get Sharon out this week or next, she is sure to win if she gets into the final 2.

The lines have been drawn, nothing to do but wait and see. The small table looks so different.

I hope that Ryan wins, though I also like Sharon.

For Big Brother Spoilers - Warning! These are spoilers!

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Oprah's Big Give - Season Finale Guest Starring Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston On the Season Finale of The Big Give
ABC Sunday 8/7c 4/20/08

Oprah's Big Give is finally almost over, with a visit from Jennifer Aniston, and a 1 million dollar check to award. While the spirit of the show was good, I did not enjoy the contest of charity. The final contestants are Stephen, Brandy, and Cameron; the assignment is to start with nothing and give bigger than you could imagine.

The 3 Big Give finalists had to work together to choose a large project and then add each of their own flair to the 'give'. The final Big Give took place in Chicago, and was termed "The Shirt Off Your Back" since the contestants started with no money.

Stephen had a college buddy who operates the Chicago Hope Academy, a private school for innercity and underprivileged Chicago children. Bob Mizikowski started and heads the Chicago Hope Academy, and explained that the greatest need of the school children is an athletic field. The cost would be at least $100,000. A tall order for 3 people with no money.

Brandi and Cameron felt they were being bossed around by Steven, so the team split up. Cameron continued to contribute to Steven's school idea by calling Phil Stanton of The Blue Man Group for a free show. Phil not only offered a show, but donated $100,000. Incredible! Phil Stanton and The Blue Man Group designated $50,000 to the athletic field development and $50,000 to the Fine Arts program for the school.

Steven managed to secure $60,000 in individual donations from his Rolodex of contacts.

Leaving Brandi to fend for herself and find another charity in need. Brandi went straight to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago. She had spent a lot of time as a child in and out of hospitals and seemed to connect with what the kids wanted. Brandi went to the resturants of Chicago and asked for a Chef to donate his time for a cooking lesson for the children. She immediately found Chef Anthony Reyes of Rosebud and he not only donated that evening, but promised to comeback every month to give lessons and feed the kids.

Cameron had $10,000 remaining from his fund-raising efforts, so the 3 finalists bought supplies and creative activities for the Shriner's Children Hospital.

The total monetary fund-raising efforts broke down like this:
Stephen - $60,000
Cameron - $146,000
Brandi - $0

The contestants still did not know that they would receive any monetary prize, though how could you not expect something from Oprah Winfrey. The 7 eliminated contestants were awarded $30,000 each for participating.

The 3 finalists then found out that inside of the envelopes this week would be either $1,000,000 or $100,000. The winner would receive the Grand Prize, to be split 50-50 with the "give" of their choice.

The judges:Malaak Compton-Rock, Jamie Kennedy, and Anthony Gonzalez

The Grand Prize was given to Stephen for his fund-raising efforts throughout the competition.

While the show's heart was in the right place, it just felt a little forced. The 'gives' that did not go so well were really sad. I hope there is not a "Oprah's Big Give 2", but there probably will be.

More about Oprah Winfrey

More about the Chicago Hope Academy

More about the Shriners Hospital for Children

Law & Order - SVU

Another Emmy Worthy Performance From Mariska Hargitay
NBC 10/9c 4/15/08

Mariska Hargitay turned in yet another Emmy worthy performance Tuesday night. Hargitay plays Detective Olivia Benson, on NBC's long running drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

This new episode opened with a child being found after having been raped. This is such a horrible subject that is always handled with empathy by this show. The Detectives know that the rapist works somewhere in the prison system, but they can't pin him down without an undercover operation. Since it is a women's penetientary and Detective Benson is the only woman in the SUV, she finds herself in front of a judge being sentenced.

Once inside the prison, it is pretty obvious who the rapist is and where the rapes are taking place. Detective Munch (Ice-T) was also undercover at the prison, as a guard. There was a point when I thought that it had to be a 2-part show, no way could they fit an ending in.

Since the producers had already solved the crimes, getting the 'bad' guy was all that was left. The prison guard (rapist) had dragged Benson to the basement, where all of the rapes occured, and was beating her.

I have never seen such fear on an actresses face as when the assailant was standing in front of her, telling her if she bit him he would kill her.

Detective Munch got there before a rape could actually occur.

This was unbelievably real feeling, I was balled up on the couch watching with clenched fists.

Great writing, acting and directing by all. The real prize goes to Mariska Hargitay for her incredible performance.

More On Mariska Hargitay

Survivor Micronesia - Fans vs. Faves "Ozzie Gets Voted Off" 4/17/08

The Aftermath Of Ozzie's False Idol - Elimination
CBS 8/7c Thursday

At the last Tribal Council, Eliza was voted off the Survivor Island after playing what Erik thought was the Hidden Immunity Idol. When Erik gave Eliza the Idol she questioned if it was real, but had no choice in playing it.

Now everyone in the Dabu Tribe knows that Ozzie has the Hidden Immunity Idol, making him a greater threat. For some reason the contestants have allowed Ozzie to stay past the merge, now he is the front runner for Individual Immunity every time.

The reward challenge involved swimming out to a puzzle, memorizing it, then putting the pieces in order back at the shore.

The Dabu Tribe was split into 2 teams:

James, Parvatti, Alexis, and Natalie
vs.
Ozzie, Erik, Jason and Amanda

Cirie was sent immediately to exile island for not getting picked for a team. The winners got to fly to an island for a feast and dance and overnight stay.

Ozzie's team won, of course, and headed off to eat. Erik chewed on Beatlenuts with the natives and drank island beer, and got sick that night.

When they returned to the rest of the tribe, Ozzie went into mouth-watering detail about the food. What a nice guy.

The Individual Immunity Challenge was an endurance contest. The Survivor contestants were standing on a post, tethered by the wrist to a bucket of colored slime over their heads.

Jeff Probst soon came out with temptations. Cirie and Erik quit for a bowl of Gummy Worms, Ozzie quit for 3 chocolate donuts, Amanda quit to go pee. Then Jeff Probst came out with a full plate of goodies to share for the whole group to share. It came down to Jason and Parvatti. Jason got a guarantee from the entire group that he would not be voted off.

After 61/2 hours, Jason took the deal without knowing that the promises were made with literally fingers crossed. Parvatti won Individual Immunity.

The plan remained to back door Jason at Tribal Council. Then Cirie got enough votes together to back door Ozzie at Tribal Council.

Ozzie felt comfortable enough to not play the Hidden Immunity Idol, and sat smiling as the votes were read off for Jason. Then the votes started pouring in for Ozzie.

Ozzie was voted off of Survivor Micronesia and became the 2nd member of the Jury (along with Eliza).

Great Back Door Move!!

Here is Ozzie's reaction:

Hell’s Kitchen - Season 4 Picking Peppers

Hell's Kitchen FOX 4/15/08

The first task of the night the teams had to properly (up to Chef Ramsay's standards) cut and prepare chicken. The men, Craig in particular, lost miserably and had to pick peppers on a farm all day.

The women got to go with Chef Ramsay to a ranch, where they met Aron from last season, and goofed around. Then they began to plot how to get rid of the men. Gordon enjoyed the conversation. He always seems easier on the women, unless he really thinks that they are useless in the kitchen.

The men know that the biggest liability on their team is Jason in the kitchen.

Bobby and J.P. had to be in the dining room serving tableside. Chef Ramsay sentenced Jason to desserts and told him not to eat any. Then asked Jason what the desserts were, and Jason didn't know.

Craig had trouble on the appetizers right away, but it got a compliment eventually.

Rosann screwed up the first appetizer out of the women's kitchen. The women pulled it together and got food out.

Jason went out on the patio to learn the menu, couldn't repeat it to Chef Ramsay and quit. Right then and there!

I think that there is nothing that Chef Gordan Ramsay hates more than a quitter. If he has pushed you too far, he backs off. He would rather see someone try to the bitter end than quit without reason.

Jason pulled his head out, rambled off the dessert menu and stayed to the end. Chef Ramsay commended him.

Vanessa failed on the meat station, and cried. All of the women had to bail her out.

Ben did no better on the men's team. No communication in the kitchen at all.

Meanwhile the women started a near fire taht Chef Ramsay had to put out, literally.

By the time the men's team started desserts and Gordon had to work with Jason again, he went to an empty counter and banged his head over and over again. He later complained of a headache.

After 3 hours of a terrible dinner service, Ben's raw salmon caused Gordan to call the teams together and shut down the kitchen without letting the dinner guests know. No one won the service, bothe teams had to pick one person to put up for firing.

Petroza from the men's team and Christina from the women's team had to nominate one each.

Pretroza chose Jason for his poor cooking and communication skills.
Christina nominated Vanessa who all but offered herself up.

Chef Ramsay was just not impressed with anyone, but Jason was the worst (and the cause of the headache). Jason was also the one who quit earlier in the night, so he was the obvious choice.

Big Brother 9 - Head of Household CBS Sunday 8/7c

Sheila Finally Wins HOH By Cutting Deals With Ryan & Natalie
Sunday CBS 8/7c 4/13/08

BB9 started tonight where it left off on Wednesday, with the house guests hanging in glass boxes for the HOH Competition.

There was a small part showing Natalie's newest discovery in numerology. Natalie noticed that James got evicted on week 9, it was the 63 day in the BB9 house (6+3=9), and this is BB9 and the it's the end of James' 9 lives! Maybe she is onto something!

After only 8 minutes Sharon, the only BB9 house guest that truly needed Head of Household, had to drop out due to back pain. Left in the boxes were: Sheila, Ryan, and Natalie.

Adam and Sharon decided to go into the BB house at the same time, giving the 3 other house guests time to make a deal to let Sheila win HOH. Natalie suggested that she and Ryan stay up for a little while longer so Adam and Sharon wouldn't think they had a deal.

Ryan dropped after a little over an hour, Natalie then began chatting about what she should do and "what would Jesus do?"

Everyone quietly told Natalie to drop, but still she hung on. Finally, at the 3 hour mark, Natalie dropped after getting a public agreement with Sheila.

Sheila won Head of Household for the first time in Big Brother 9.

Everyone in the BB house understood that the Nomination for eviction this week would be Sharon and Adam. The real plan became back dooring Natalie at the POV Competition.

The plan is: Ryan wins POV and uses it to take Adam off the eviction block. Sheila has no choice but to put up Natalie as the only remaining house guest eligible for eviction. Then let Natalie think that she is the pawn to get Sharon out. Vote 2-0 to evict Natalie from the BB9 house.

Will it work?

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Big Brother 9 - Veto Competition

BB9 House Turned Upside Down By Adam's Nominations

Adam's nominations of Sharon and Sheila sent a ripple effect through the Big Brother house this week.

James went to Adam prior to nominations and cried, telling him that he [James] had never done anything personally to Adam. So there was really no reason for Adam to nominate James other that the fact that the entire house (made up of Adam's alliance) wants James gone.

Adam felt bad for James and took the game to a personal level, putting Sheila on the eviction block instead of James.

Sheila, the once paired 'soul-mate' of Adam, was mortified. She through what appeared to be a short temper tantrum, telling Adam that she would have Never done that to him!

After calming down, Sheila talked to Adam like a real person. Adam then understood the possible implications of his nominations and apologized to Natalie, Ryan, and Sheila. The foursome then proceeded to plot a Veto Competition rout. It would be 5 against James.

The Veto Competition was a memory game of numbers. Perfect for Natalie, right? Wrong, Natalie was the first house guest eliminated. Followed by Sheila, James, Sharon, and finally Adam. Leaving Ryan to win the Power of Veto.

Ryan chose to use the Power of Veto and remove Sheila from eviction. Adam then chose James to take Sheila's place on the eviction block.

It appears that the Big Brother 9 house guests will finally get James out of the house for good! Happy Birthday, Mattie!

American Idol: David Cook Performs "Innocent"

Will David Cook Still Be the Top Idol Contestant

By Christine Cameron, published Apr 08, 2008

Tonight David Cook performed the song "Innocent" by Our Lady Peace.

From the first note, I had a problem with David C.'s performance. He was pitch-y every time that he used his lower vocal registers. He got it together for the rock chorus, and sounded good against the background vocals. David C. took his performance into the fans tonight, walking off the stage out to the judges platform. He finished with his palm out to the camera, written on it "Give Back".

Finish Article Now

Big Brother 9 - Adam Nominates 2 House Guests for Eviction

Adam's Second HOH and Nominations
CBS Sunday 8/7c

Tonight's Big Brother was about James' breakdown. Isolated in the BB9 House with no alliance, James finds himself an emotional mess.

The Food Competition tonight was very easy with the BB9 house guests building pathways with mash potatoes. Then pouring gravy down the pathways to fill a tube. In addition to food, the house guests won some outside toys(?) and a grill.

As the show went on, we got to see a softer side of Adam. He reminds me of a friend of mine. You don't think that he is understanding half of what you are telling you, but he really is listening. When James later broke down again to Adam in the HOH bedroom and Natalie got involved, Adam started crying too. He tried to explain to James that it was nothing personal, the entire house just wants James evicted. So Adam made a deal (that may have sealed his own fate).

At the Eviction Ceremony, Adam explained that he based his decision on who appeared to want to stay in the house more. Adam nominated Sharon and Sheila.

Sheila immediately congratulated Adam for being the "biggest jerk in the house". (Way to get people on your side!)

Adam explained that he knew the entire house wanted James evicted, and every Head of Household (the last 3 in a row) has put James on the block. James has won the Power of Veto 3 times in a row thwarting the house plans.

Adam said he was fast forwarding in time to assume that James has already won the POV. If anyone else wins the POV Competition, then it is understood that James goes on the block and gets evicted on Wednesday night.

I thought this was a smart play by Adam. If James wins the POV Competition, Sharon will go home. But Adam's alliance of Ryan, Natalie, and Sheila are furious with Adam.

We shall see how it all plays out on Tuesday night!

American Idol - Ramiele Malubay Goes Home

Ryan Seacrest started American Idol by calling out Michael Johns, who had his best performance yet with "It's All Wrong, But It's Alright". Michael Johns is safely on to the American Idol Top 8.

David Archuleta was next on the Idol stage. David A. also had one of his best performances last night with "Smokey Mountain Memories", he too is safely to the American Idol Top 8.

Carly Smithson sang "Here You Come Again". Ryan scared her, but Carly was allowed into the Top 8 as well.

After some phone-in questions (David Cook announced he is a slob), the Clark Brothers, winners of America's Greatest Band. I cannot wait until they release their first CD! The Clark Brothers will give you chills, guaranteed.

David Cook was the next American Idol contestant to come out on stage. Ryan Seacrest asked David C. about his trip to the hospital after last night's show. David C. explained that he has high blood pressure that spiked, but he is fine now. David Cook is in to the American Idol Top 8.

Ramiele Malubay was the first American Idol contestant in the bottom 3, as was expected.

Kristy Lee Cook came on stage and expected to go to the bottom 3, after her bad rendition of "Coat Of Many Colors". Even Dolly Parton did not appear to like Kristy's version of her song. I don't think that is a song that should be changed (or at least sped up, as Kristy did), it is a true story about growing up Dolly.

Syesha Mercado gave her version of "I Will Always Love You", which I enjoyed. She tried to stay away from Whitney's version, and did a good job. Syesha is in the American Idol Top 8.

Brooke White sang "Jolene", Jason Castro "Sang Traveling On".

Jason Castro is safely in the American Idol Top 8, leaving Brooke White in the bottom 3.

So the bottom 3 American Idol contestants are: Ramiele Malubay, Kristy Lee Cook, and Brooke White. Exactly right as far as I'm concerned (though it could have easily been Jason Castro).

Before sending a contestant home, Dolly Parton put on a show with her new song "Jesus and Gravity". Dolly Parton is Dolly Parton. She is an amazing performer with perfect pitch and can sing any song. Dolly Parton is a gift to all of us.

Dolly did make the point that Simon Cowell just tells the truth, and someone has to.

Leaving American Idol tonight is: Ramiele Malubay (I'm just glad I don't have to spell her name anymore!) Ramiele M. made it much farther than I thought she would, but she is now outclassed.

Your American Idol Top 8 are: Michael Johns, David Cook, David Archuleta, Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado, Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, and Jason Castro.

American Idol - Top 9 Perform Dolly Parton Songs

FOX 8/7c Tuesday 4/01/08

Dolly Parton has never been a guest on American Idol. While she was not at the show tonight, she met with the Idol contestants to critique the songs that they chose from Ms. Parton’s repetoise.

Dolly said that she could not be a judge, because she just could not tell someone that they were not good. It was pretty evident with her comments who she was impressed with and who she was worried about.

Here is how the show played out:

Brooke White - “Jolene”
This was probably my favorite performance from Brooke. I also love the song and she did it well.

Randy Jackson- “It was alright ”

Paula Abdul- “… you’re consistent”

Simon Cowell- “… I disagree with Paula… you bustled your way through the song… wasn’t one of your best”

David Cook - “Little Sparrow”
Ryan Seacrest let David acknowledge the artist that he was covering on the Internet (before a controversy can start over arrangement stealing), and David got a haircut.
This was another good performance from David Cook, he got a little pitch-y at the end, but it was good. Did I mention that he got a hair cut?!

Randy Jackson - “I like your range… I liked it”

Paula Abdul - “I liked the falsetto”

Simon Cowell - “If you can make a song about sparrows good, which you did, congratulations!”

Ramiele Malubay- “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
This should be the last week for Ramiele, she is definitely over her head in the competition now. I thought it was like watching a school musical.

Randy Jackson- “… 6 ½ out of 10”

Paula Abdul- “… you were having fun”

Simon Cowell - “… something you would hear on a cruise ship”

Jason Castro - “Travelin’ Through”
It is such a good thing that he is so cute (and kind of goofy and shy). I just don’t see him carrying the load of a concert.
This performance was more energetic, but very pitch-y. You can let it slide for a while, but he has to discipline his voice more.

Randy Jackson - “… you worked it out”

Paula Abdul - “… one of your best performances”

Simon Cowell - “… this is the point when I lose my season pass to Dollywood… if this had been the first time I’d seen you or heard you, I wouldn’t get it”

Carly Smithson - “Here You Come Again”
Carly needs to make an appointment with Carson Kressler of “Queer Eye” fame for an extreme wardrobe makeover.
Great song, kind of boring.

Randy Jackson - “… better performances of the night”

Paula Abdul - “… that voice of yours!”

Simon Cowell - “… I didn’t think it was great… you need to talk to whoever is dressing you… you need to start looking like a star”

David Archuleta - “Smokey Mountain Memories”
He almost made Dolly Parton cry, “ … he has the voice to become a great, great singer” said Ms. Parton after hearing David perform.
This was David’s best performance in a couple of weeks, he needed it. He has excellent pitch, and sang the song well without over-singing.

Randy Jackson - “… I stand corrected, that was the best performance”

Paula Abdul - “… you have an amazing aura”

Simon Cowell - “… this week On The Money!”

Kristy Lee Cook - “Coat of Many Colors”
Dolly Parton was not a fan of Kristy’s rendition of her song. Neither was I, she sped it up. It just was not good. Her dress was really awful as well (not to nitpick, but come on).

Randy Jackson - “… definitely your wheelhouse”

Paula Abdul - “… your best performance”

Simon Cowell - “… pleasant but forgettable”

Syesha Mercado - “I Will Always Love You”
I was afraid that Syesha would sing this song… and Simon would compare her to Whitney Houston. I thought she did a good job of keeping it simple and not using Whitney’s runs, you could tell it was difficult for her. She was more comfortable in the second half of the song with the big notes.

Randy Jackson - “… it was alright”

Paula Abdul - “… you look beautiful… you’re growing”

Simon Cowell - “… the first part was good… the second part paled to the Whitney version”

Michael Johns - “It’s All Wrong, But It’s Alright”
Dolly said that she could write some good songs for him, she liked his voice so much.
This was definitely the best that Michael Johns has performed. He needs to stay in that bluesy sound. I think he must not be able to arrange as well as some of the other contestants, or he would blues it up more often.

Randy Jackson - “… blazing hot”

Paula Abdul - “… you’re a rock star”

Simon Cowell - “ … this is the best I’ve heard you sing”

My pick for the bottom three on Wednesday night - Ramiele Malubay, Kristy Lee Cook, and Syesha Mercado (though it might be Jason Castro again!). We shall see tomorrow night.


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Big Brother 9 - Veto Competition

CBS Tuesday 9/8c 4/01/08

Tuesday night is Veto Competition night for the house guests of Big Brother.

Tonight was time for James to have his meltdown and a good cry. I'm telling you, they go a little crazy in the BB House.

For the Veto Competition, the house guests had to guess amounts of different things (how much lard in a bathtub). Natalie (as Head of Household), Ryan, James, Joshuah, and Sheila got to play while Adam hosted.

James was the only house guest that had to have the Power of Veto to survive in Big Brother. Ryan could have put James out of the competition twice, but did not have confidence in his answers.

James, of course, won the Power of Veto Competition - again (3rd week in a row).

Then Joshuah cried. Until he came up with a plan to get Sharon up as a pawn, then backdoor her!

You just can't trust the kid with the pink hair!

Natalie put Sharon on the Eviction Block (as a pawn Sharon thinks). We shall see if the house guest stay true to Joshuah.

Eviction Night - Wednesday 8/7c CBS


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Big Brother 9 - Natalie Nominates 2 House Guests for Eviction

Natalie is on a hot streak, winning Head of Household this week in the Big Brother house. Her HOH bedroom and letter from home show that Natalie is not necessarily as privileged as many of the other players appear to be (or have been).

Natalie's mind works in mysterious ways, or maybe this is part of the game (watching the players slowly lose their minds from boredom). Last week she said everything pointed to a conspiracy surrounding the number 8. She happened to guess that maybe it had to do with Evel Dick from BB8, and she was right.

This week Natalie decided that Big Brother had conspired with fate to bring about a twist with the number 7 (since she now thought that it was week 7 in the house?) I'm pretty sure the house is getting to her!

The food competition was very easy this week, each houseguest had to vote for either food or slop. The majority would automatically get slop, so everyone but Adam voted for slop. Adam and Natalie both get real food while the rest of the houseguests are on slop for the week.

James had a slight depression breakdown after his partner Chelsia left the house last week. I still think he was embarassed by her tirade on Natalie, she showed her "true colors". I'd be surprised if James and Chelsia could persue much of a relationship outside of the Big Brother House.

Natalie and James have appeared to make a "secret" alliance to go to the Final 2 together. Natalie will now have to somehow not try to get the one person she has sworn revenge on evicted this week. I think she will put Joshuah and Sharon up to make things easier on herself.

Then I think she will try very hard to win the Veto Competition herself, and convince the others that Sharon and Joshuah are the only "couple" left in the BB9 House.

Adam - Safe
Sheila - Safe
Ryan - Safe
Sharon - Safe

Natalie nominated Joshuah and James! Joshuah has never been nominated, James lied once (big time!).

Wow, Natalie is smarter than I thought (again)!

Veto Competition Tuesday 9/8c CBS

New TV Review Coming This Week

Well, now that The Celebrity Apprentice is over, American Idol is down to the Top 9, Big Brother has only 7 houseguests left, and the NCAA Basketball Tournament is down to the Final Four, there is only one thing left to do: review the "new" programs.

The TV programs set for review this week are:
(CBS)Big Brother 9 - Recap/Review
(ABC)Oprah's Big Give
(CBS)Cold Case - New episodes start
(CBS)Dexter
(ABC)Dancing With The Stars
(FOX)New Amsterdam
(NBC)Medium
(ABC)The Bachelor
(NBC)The Biggest Loser
(FOX)American Idol
(PBS)Frontline
(CBS)Criminal Minds
(CBS)Survivor
(CBS)Without A Trace
(NBC)My Name Is Earl
(ABC)Duel - Premiere

The coming weeks should bring all new shows to the major Networks. With the end of the writer's strike, all now have plenty of new material... so bring it on!

Piers Morgan Wins the Celebrity Apprentice

Trump Fires Nice Guy Trace Adkins
CBS Thursday 9/8c 3/28/08

The Celebrity Apprentice Finale lived up to the hype. Finally an Apprentice season worth watching, with men who know how to defend themselves in the Boardroom. Two completely different styles clashed as Donald Trump pitted Piers Morgan against Trace Adkins.

Piers Morgan, the Brit most known for in the U.S. for co-hosting the show America's Got Talent, is quite well known in Europe. Portrayed as the ruthless, money-grubbing foreigner, Piers raised nearly $400,000 for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund in the final task alone. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund supports soldiers returning from the war with disabling injuries. There could be no argument that Piers Morgan knows what real money is, who has it, and what it will take to get it from them. Then Piers does what it takes. No more, no less.

Trace Adkins, the All-American cowboy (with a undeniably incredible voice, both speaking and singing), was playing for his daughter with severe food allergies. Trace's charity, The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network(FAAN) , supports research for the over 12 million Americans afflicted with severe food allergies.

For the task, Piers was in charge of Auction part, and Trace was in charge of the Backstreet Boys. Both had their hands full.

Piers picked Stephen Baldwin (I think just to keep Stephen from actually working for Trace), and Carol Alt (who he ignored). Piers filled the auction with incredible packages, and Stephen failed again to get anyone to answer his calls. Piers called in his friends, enemies, and people he had never met but knew they had money. Even a phone-in bid from Simon Cowell for $100,000 (for a shopping trip with Ivanca Trump).

Trace Adkins picked Lennox Lewis (so that he would not work for Piers) and Marilu Henner. He then had to contend with the Backstreet Boys (to which he asked, "Aren't they the Backstreet Men by now?"). The Backstreet Boys now need to come out with a press conference explaining that they were required to be extremely whiny and childish so that it appeared to be a hard task. The Backstreet Boys appeared to need black fingernail polish and wheat grass juice(?), or they may not be able to perform.

In the end, the auction and Backstreet Boys concert were a huge success.

Back in the Boardroom, Donald Trump had a hard decision to make.

Piers Morgan raised more money, on the last task alone, than all of the other contestants combined for the entire show. His team won 9 out 11 tasks. He always raised the most money, even the 2 times his team lost.

Trace Adkins is loved by all, and has something that make you want him on your side. Trace makes people want to put out their very best effort for him, they want him to succeed and will do anything they can to support him. He is not good at asking for money. While a proud characteristic in a man, a horrible one for a fund raiser.

At the end of the day, there was no real decision to be made. Nice guys finish last in business. I'm sorry Trace.

Piers, you're hired!

CBS.com