Reality...Blogged

Simon Cowell Through With American Idol?

2009-12-22T00:04:00.003-05:00

Simon Cowell announced on a podcast that he'll be leaving American Idol after this season. However, it's also true that Cowell threatens to do this at the beginning of each new season. It's just another incentive for you to tune in...if Ellen DeGeneres isn't already doing that for you. Rumor says that Cowell wants to call it quits with Idol in favor of X Factor. Or, it's just a promotional tactic. Either way, only next year will offer the proof.

Adam Lambert…So You Think You Can Sing?

2009-12-17T19:15:00.000-05:00

Wearing some sort of mysterious fur on his shoulder, Adam Lambart crooned for crowds on So You Think You Can Dance. Gee it’s hard to figure out why he didn’t win American Idol.

TLC “Embarrassed” by Jon Gosselin

2009-12-10T17:02:00.003-05:00

Now the network bigwigs know how Kate Gosselin feels. Edward Sabin, TLC representative, ripped into Jon Gosselin during recent court proceedings. The father of eight’s behavior was labeled “embarrassing” by the cable channel.

Sabin pointed to specific acts to back up his claims: Jon Gosselin’s desire to host a pool part at the MGM Grand, Jon talking to paparazzi outside his home, Jon shooting his mouth off about an Ed Hardy clothing line, Jon going on a trip to France with his girlfriend. If TLC took the time to drag out every eyebrow-raising thing Gosselin has done in recent months, no doubt they’ll be in court a long time.

When Sabin started pontificating, Gosselin was scheduled to appear in court later in the day. According to reports, however, Jon G was a no-show. TLC asked for the hearing to get Gosselin to stop making media appearances, as it is a contractual violation.

Carrie Underwood Reveals the Secret to Her Success

2009-12-09T18:01:00.000-05:00

On her primetime holiday special last night, American Idol winner Carrie Underwood offered up this funny look at how she achieved her success.

The Softer Side of Kate Gosselin

2009-12-08T17:54:00.002-05:00

Entertainment Tonight has released a few details about Kate Gosselin’s upcoming interview with Barbara Walters. The reality mom is one of the “10 Most Fascinating People of 2009,” a special that will air Wednesday on ABC.

In the emotional interview, Gosselin talks about breaking the news to her 8 that their show had been canceled. She also talks about her fear of being a single mom. To see it all, tune in tomorrow night at 8pm.

Tiger Woods Hospitalized for OD in November

2009-12-08T17:48:00.002-05:00

TMZ is reporting that Tiger Woods became a patient at Health Central Hospital on November 27, 2009. The admission chart lists “OD” as the cause and cites troubled breathing among the symptoms. He used the alias William Smith upon admission. Wife Elin Nordegren was with him.

His alias was changed at least once to keep the press from getting wise, and the fifth floor of the building was virtually locked down to help the golfer maintain anonymity.

FOX Not Afraid to Book Adam Lambert

2009-12-07T17:15:00.002-05:00

ABC still wants no part of any performances from Adam Lambert, but FOX is sticking behind their star. The American Idol runner-up has been booked to perform “Whataya Want From Me” on the So You Think You Can Dance finale. It will air Wednesday, December 16, and the extra censors are probably already on standby.

American Idol Rocker Goes Incognito…Sort Of

2009-12-04T15:04:00.000-05:00

Adorable Allison Iraheta, American Idol 8 finalist, donned cheesy glasses and a fake nose to purchase her own album at Best Buy. The funny video above is the result of her efforts.

Kate Gosselin: Fascinating?

2009-12-03T17:58:00.002-05:00

Barbara Walters has revealed a few more names on her “Most Fascinating People” list for the year…and one of them is Kate Gosselin.

Brett Favre, Adam Lambert, Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck also made the list. Walters won’t reveal the tenth person until the show airs - but it’s likely it will be whoever has the hottest story at the time. We’re going to have to be real about this. Lady Gaga probably isn’t one of the most fascinating people of 2009, but Walters was able to get her for an interview, so that’s what that’s about.

And Kate Gosselin is willing to do lots and lots of interviews.

I Get a Kick Out of Celebrity Stunts

2009-12-02T17:31:00.002-05:00

CBS’s I Get That A Lot will return for its second season beginning January 6. This time, celebs like Paris Hilton, Rachel Ray, Gene Simmons and Tony Hawk will fool unsuspecting citizens by posing as ordinary, every day workers who have an uncanny resemblance to real celebrities.

Fantasia Back on Reality TV

2009-12-02T17:29:00.003-05:00

VH1 has set a premiere date for Fantasia Barrino’s new reality show. The American Idol diva will return to reality TV on January 11, right around the same time the new season of Idol begins. Is there any chance you’re going to watch it?

Nicole Richie Moves to Primetime

2009-12-01T18:59:00.002-05:00

Former reality TV sidekick Nicole Richie is making a serious move. Her skills will again be part of primetime thanks to a new deal with ABC.

Richie will star in and produce a new series for the network, a scripted sitcom focusing on a woman managing career and family. I know - sounds stale, and Richie may not have the star power to pull it off. It will, however, be interesting to see how this thing plays out.

Pawn Stars Return Monday Night

2009-11-29T22:00:00.002-05:00

The new season of Pawn Stars will begin on the History channel Monday at 10 pm EST, and if you’ve never watched the show now is the perfect time to start. This Las Vegas-based, family-owned shop deals in high-end merchandise like Picasso paintings, 16-century swords, Civil War-era items, and almost anything else you might imagine.

The patriarch of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Richard (who’s more commonly known as “Old Man”) puts his oar in only when needed - and sometimes, when it’s not. Mostly the show is run and shots called by son Rick, who in turn delegates responsibility to his son Corey (who in turn has a sidekick in Chum Lee). It’s a motley crew that makes for great reality TV, hence the show’s success on History.

Providing laughs, entertainment and even pop quizzes, this original series is one of the network’s best. Start watching, and remember: every item has a story - every person has a price.

Kat McPhee’s Thanksgiving Performance

2009-11-27T17:32:00.000-05:00

Rocking her new ‘do and possibly lip-synched vocals, American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee performed atop a float during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. See if you can sit through the whole thing.

American Idol 9: Let the Promotions Begin

2009-11-25T19:27:00.001-05:00

We’re something like eight weeks away from the premiere of American Idol 9 (January 12), so it’s time to start cranking up the old FOX PR machine. With Paula Abdul gone and the fate of the entire series seemingly up in the air, Idol’s got more work to do than ever.

But will they be attempting a different marketing formula? In the past, it’s been as predictable as a clock. Simon Cowell always begins by completely dismissing last season’s talent, saying that the singers he’s found this year are all much better. Everyone then begins to say that it’s the best season ever, though it may be the last. Cowell often says he might be leaving American Idol at the end of the year, though he invariably returns with an all new collection of careless V-neck shirts every season.

This year, there’s no Paula Abdul. The best-season-ever hype might, therefore, actually be true.

Oprah to Celebrate Christmas with Obamas

2009-11-25T19:24:00.002-05:00

Oprah Winfrey, the First Family and tons and tons of recording equipment will all share Christmas together at the White House this year.

Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special is scheduled to air on ABC December 13th, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of how the Presidential mansion makes ready for the holiday. Actually, it’s not a very politically-correct title. Holiday at the White House might’ve been better, but when you get Oprah and the Obamas together on prime time it’s really not worth arguing about.

Anything for those ratings. The special also features a one-on-one interview with the man himself, President of the United States Barack Obama.

No Good Morning for Adam Lambert

2009-11-24T16:15:00.002-05:00

Following his somewhat scandalous performance at the AMAs, Adam Lambert has been booted from Good Morning America. ABC viewers don’t want too much sexual suggestion with their morning coffee. Apparently, there were upwards of 1,500 complaints lodged regarding Lambert’s award show performance.

CBS, however, isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers. The American Idol runner-up has now been scheduled to appear on the network’s Early Show Wednesday morning, mostly to talk about the AMA performance that’s still a huge video highlight all over the Internet. CBS has also scheduled the singer for an appearance on David Letterman's show later the same day. Kiss a guy, get lots of PR. Pay attention, pop stars.

The Bitter End: Show’s Over for Jon and Kate

2009-11-24T16:02:00.004-05:00

Monday night saw the last episode ever of Jon and Kate Plus Eight, a series which will be born again as simply Kate Plus Eight in future seasons.

The episode opened with Jon Gosselin’s now famous sign, warning TLC film crews to stay away from the property, backlash from the fit he threw after being fired by the cable network.

“Our show has provided opportunities that we wouldn’t have otherwise had. I feel like it’s been taken from us. From me and the kids. I don’t like ends. I don’t like goodbyes. It’s needless; it’s useless. It was totally avoidable,” said Kate Gosselin, her voice more than a little bitter.

Estranged husband Jon (the divorce proceedings are moving forward, but the couple has not yet officially completed their break) took a decidedly different attitude. “Our marriage fell apart, and I felt like I was free,” he admitted. “I got married at 22, so maybe I reverted to 23.” To hear him tell it, Kate practically drug him down the aisle.

“I do worry about his intentions and his motives for things,” said wife Kate. “Is this a publicity stunt?” I say yes. “I never had a clear picture of how it would end, but I think it’s too soon,” she observed. “It’s been a great run.” I’ll say. The Gosselins quickly became the darlings of TLC, propelling the network to new heights of success.

In the end, it was a pretty low point for the Gosselins and for TLC. Now that the novelty and scandal of divorce has worn thin, the whole thing is just really quite sad…and that’s not the type of TV cable viewers want to watch.

Regis Philbin Leaving Live

2009-11-24T15:55:00.002-05:00

Don’t worry, the break is only temporary. Regis Philbin, morning TV mainstay, will be taking a brief hiatus from Live with Regis and Kelly beginning December 1. The host, 78, is scheduled to have a hip replacement surgery. He’ll be back on the air after a four to six week period of rest and recovery. There’s no word yet on how ABC plans to handle the absence, but it’s likely they’ll get a stand-in so Kelly still has someone to banter with on air.

Jose Garces Becomes Next Iron Chef

2009-11-23T13:49:00.002-05:00

Season 2 of the Next Iron Chef ended last night with a final battle in Kitchen Stadium, which saw the final two contenders facing off over pork ribs. It was an ingredient that previous Iron Chef winner Michael Symon might have loved. For these two very different contenders, however, it was a very intense task.

Throw in the klieg lights of the battle arena and a judging panel rounded out with Iron Chefs Symon, Bobby Flay and Masaharu Morimoto and you’ve got a pretty good cooking battle. In true Iron Chef style, both contenders were charged with creating a five-course meal in sixty minutes. But this time, much more than bragging rights was on the line - victory would determine which man would become the new Iron Chef to join Food Network’s ranks. A high honor indeed, and the judging panel debated hotly on whom should win the title.

In the end, Chef Garces won for his steady, successful execution - something that’s much more hit-or-miss with ice cream machine fanatic Jehangir Mehta. As Chef Symon demanded, “If you’re creative and you fail, are you creative or are you a failure?” Mehta never fell short in the creativity department, though he had to change his plans more than once when ice cream didn’t gel or ingredients didn’t quite behave. Garces, on the other hand, always delivered delicious food - if it was, at times, a little safe.

Spencer Pratt Lashes Out at Al Roker

2009-11-17T16:18:00.002-05:00

The Hills star Spencer Pratt just doesn’t take change well. He and wife Heidi had a complete meltdown on the NBC summer reality series I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. Now, NBC’s The Today Show has further aggravated the reality star.

Pratt and wife Heidi Montag were scheduled to appear on the Monday episode of the show, but the event was canceled due to “scheduling changes” (or perhaps complete lack of public interest?). Spencer has decided to personally attack interviewer Al Roker as a result.

Among other comments, Pratt Twittered, “Do you always look like your about to die? How old are you 97? You should retire asap- No one would even know?”

“I bet your kids HATE you!!” He continued his rant. “Is it true you have been married 6 times? I’m sure all your wives left you when they realized you were abusive to women! Sicko!” Okay, so that last bit might have been hitting below the belt a little.

According to Popeater, a far more reliable source than Spencer Pratt, Roker has been married three times and fathered three children.

Carrie Prejean Freaks Out on Larry King

2009-11-13T02:16:00.003-05:00

Warning - you may not want to expose your kids to this much blatant agenda-pushing. Beauty queen Carrie Prejean had a meltdown during her recent Larry King Live appearance, repeatedly calling the talk show King "inappropriate." The nerve of that suspender-wearing so-and-so for actually asking questions instead of devoting every second of his time to pushing Prejean's book! Watch her childish reactions in the video above - if her outrageous claim that the liberal media practically lives just to "tear down" conservative women doesn't give you an apoplectic fit first.

Adam Lambert Lashes Out at Gene Simmons

2009-11-11T19:43:00.001-05:00

According to a purported leak from an upcoming Rolling Stone article, Adam Lambert (American Idol 8 runner-up) called Gene Simmons (Kiss front man) a “dick.”

The quote reads as follows: “Gene Simmons spouted something, that he thought I’d ruined my career by coming out. He’s obnoxious, and what a hypocrite. All he talks about is his sex life. He was being a dick, and he’s not the greatest singer.”

Kirstie Alley Returns to the Small Screen

2009-11-03T16:13:00.002-05:00

This already sounds like a bad idea. A&E will soon put the spotlight on a Kirstie Alley-based reality series (actually they’re billing it as a “docu-series,” but we’re not fooled) which will detail her life. Kirstie’s role as a single mom and her efforts to lose weight will be the focus. Sure, that’s entertaining.

Ten half-hour episodes of the series have been ordered, and the show will air sometime next year. Will you be watching it?

David Hasselhoff’s Reality

2009-11-02T18:34:00.003-05:00

The rumors could be true. One of David Hasselhoff’s daughters Twittered about an upcoming reality show featuring her dad - a post which was later repealed. However, according to A&E reps, “discussions” for just such a show are taking place. “Nothing official at this time,” is the parroted party line.

Hayley and Taylor, Hasselhoff’s kids, will also be a part of the series. Ex-wife Pamela Bach will not be appearing on the show.