TV Squad

'American Idol' Season Finale Recap: The Winner Is...

Hilary Rothing — 2011-05-25T22:02:00+00:00

After a record-breaking 122 million votes, we have a winner in what has been one of the most hotly debated seasons in 'American Idol''s 10-year history.

With the addition of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez to the judges panel, and record industry mogul Jimmy Iovine mentoring the Top 13 every step of the way, some fans agreed with executive producer, Nigel Lythogoe, who labeled this season's contestants the most talented ever.

Still others have bemoaned the light-handed judging of Lopez, Tyler and last-standing original judge Randy Jackson. No matter how you see it, it's hard to deny 750 million votes, the total cast during this 10th outing and the most of any season of 'American Idol' ever.

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Brad Paisley Teams With Alabama to Help Tornado Victims on 'The View' (VIDEO)

Nick Zaino — 2011-05-25T21:00:00+00:00

Filed under: TV Replay

Tornadoes are ripping through the Midwest, flattening cities small and large, including Joplin, Mo. The affected cities will need help, and Brad Paisley and Alabama went on 'The View' (weekdays, syndicated on ABC) to do their part.

Paisley talked about his new album, 'This Is Country Music,' and then talked about relief efforts. He's donating royalties from his song 'Old Alabama' to the cause.

Paisley also explained Alabama's efforts. "They're spearheading a concert, it's called Bama Rising, for the tornado relief down there," he said.

Guests for the show, which will take place June 14 at the BJCC Arena in Birmingham, Ala., will include Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Darius Rucker, Kellie Pickler, Paisley and others.

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Brooke Burke Talks About Winning 'Dancing With the Stars' In 2008 (VIDEO)

Nick Zaino — 2011-05-25T20:30:00+00:00

Filed under: TV Replay

In 2008, Brooke Burke beat out former NFL star Warren Sapp to win the Mirrorball Trophy on 'Dancing With the Stars.' With the most recent season of 'Stars' ending Tuesday night, Burke went on 'Access Hollywood Live' (weekdays, syndicated on NBC) to talk about what she said was "one of the most exciting moments" of her life.

"Nobody realizes what goes into it and the energy and the excitement," she said. "There's nothing casual about it." The show required a lot of work -- eight to 10 hours a day, according to Burke, depending on how quickly one picks up the steps.

Burke said the work helped her to slim down just four months after having had her fourth child. Outside of 'The Biggest Loser' contestants and perhaps someone trapped in a bear cage with a running track, few people get to do the eight hours a day of cardio Burke said she got out of the show.

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Late Night Lineup: Chelsea Gets 'Glee'-ful, Kara DioGuardi on Lopez & More

Maggie Furlong — 2011-05-25T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, TV Previews, The Show Girl

Late Night Lineup is our daily roundup of all the late night show guests, from 'Conan' to 'Chelsea Lately' and 'The Daily Show,' and everything in between.

If you like this feature and want to see it become a regular daily thing, please let us know in the comments.

If you generally hate TV and everything on late night, you're probably on the wrong site.

Tonight we've got 'Glee' star Matthew Morrison on Chelsea, 'Modern Family''s Jesse Tyler Ferguson on Kimmel, Kara DioGuardi on Lopez and more.

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'X Factor' Shake-Up: Is Nicole Scherzinger Replacing Cheryl Cole as Judge?

Maggie Furlong — 2011-05-25T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News, The Show Girl

Simon Cowell's new show 'X Factor' doesn't premiere for another four months, but there's already trouble in his post-'Idol' ploy for TV domination.

TMZ is reporting that one of the previously announced judges, British pop singer Cheryl Cole, is out. Replacing her? Former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who was set to co-host the show with Brit Steve Jones.

Why the switch? No one knows for sure -- could it be the rash of "Who is Cheryl Cole?" searches lately? -- but it doesn't bode well for the show, which has already been taping audition rounds in L.A.

Fellow judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul are staying put, as far as we know. Also Jones will now reportedly be the only host; Scherzinger's former co-host slot will not be filled.

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'Oprah' Won't Say Goodbye, But 'Until We Meet Again' (VIDEO)

Nick Zaino — 2011-05-25T18:20:00+00:00

Filed under: TV Replay

After two days of the arena-rock version of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' (weekdays, syndicated) and a parade of guest stars, Winfrey took the stage alone back at her studio today to say thank you to the fans and wrap things up. She said there were "no words to match this moment," contemplating 25 years and 4,561 days of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show.' And she refused to say goodbye.

"I thank you for being as much of a sweet inspiration for me as I've tried to be for you," she said. "I won't say goodbye. I'll just say, until we meet again."

Few would expect Winfrey to retire from television, especially now that she has OWN, her Oprah Winfrey Network. But there are no immediate plans for a new show. That might change by the time her reruns finish airing in syndication.

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'The Secret Circle' Trailer: Witches & the Unmistakable Kevin Williamson Touch

Jean Bentley — 2011-05-25T17:00:00+00:00

The hand of Kevin Williamson is all over 'The Secret Circle,' the new teen drama scheduled to debut on The CW after 'The Vampire Diaries' this fall.

That's a good thing -- the man responsible for 'Dawson's Creek' is quite possibly the greatest working teen soap producer these days. So the fact that the extended six-minute trailer for 'Secret Circle' is so recognizably Williamson-esque -- that is to say, smartly scripted, well-paced with a touch or two of the paranormal -- should only draw viewers to the show. The fact that it's based on the books by 'The Vampire Diaries' author L.J. Smith shouldn't hurt either.

'The Secret Circle' stars Britt Robertson as an orphan who moves to her mother's hometown and discovers she's a witch, and promises to be one of the fall's most addicting new shows. Watch the promo after the jump.

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TV 101: Curing the Summertime TV Blues

Dr. Ryan Vaughan, PhD (no, seriously) — 2011-05-25T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Features

Television is a funny thing. When you've been watching it all your life, it not only takes on a habitual role, it can also become extremely personal. Everyone has "their shows" -- the shows they watch religiously, the shows for which DVR isn't an option, the shows they try to talk their significant others into liking, the shows that force them to ream out a blogger for merely suggesting that "maybe the show is slipping," ignoring the fact that the blogger really likes the show too, and if they could just meet face to face they would see that there's no need to call him that.

Taking that into account, it can be depressing, quite frankly, when the summer months arrive and all those shows we've been manipulating our schedules around are gone. But it doesn't necessarily have to be. The summer is an opportunity to leave that televisual comfort zone that we've spent so many years cultivating and seek new shows to add to our socially acceptable obsession. Here's a shortlist of shows premiering this summer that should be a cure for the "where's my show" blues.

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'American Idol' Season 10 Finale: Winner Predictions From The Experts

Hilary Rothing — 2011-05-25T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: American Idol

With just a few hours to go before the 'American Idol' season 10 winner is announced, we asked a number of 'Idol' experts and die-hard fans who they think will take the crown in this season's all-teen, all-country showdown.

While Scotty has been consistent throughout the race, never hitting the bottom three, Lauren has faltered at times under the intense pressure 'American Idol' is known for placing on its contestants. However, after last night's strong finish, Lauren may have pulled a coup. Or is it simply a case of too little, too late?

Find out who the experts think will come out on top in tonight's two-hour finale extravaganza.

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Kevin Costner Books TV Gig, Nancy Grace Quits and More Casting News

Chris Harnick — 2011-05-25T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

Kevin Costner is heading to the History Channel. Costner will produce and star in a new miniseries, 'The Hatfields and McCoys.'

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Costner will play Anse Hatfield. The series will retell the tale of the bloody feud between the two families. It's set to air next year, the 150th anniversary of the infamous clash.

"'The Hatfields & McCoys' is a classic tale of American history," Nancy Dubuc, president and general manager of History, said in a statement. "These are names that are widely recognized, yet few people know the real story that made them famous."

Leslie Greif's Thinkfactory Media is behind the project.

"As an avid history fan, I am thrilled to join with Leslie Greif and History in this dramatic re-telling of a classic and timeless tale that is forever immersed in the folklore of our country," Costner said in a statement.

History recently announced 'The Bible,' a new miniseries from Mark Burnett.

In other casting news ...

o. Anna Kournikova will officially train contestants on next season of 'The Biggest Loser.' Trainers Brett Hoebel and Cara Castronuova will not be returning. [Vulture]

o. 'Lights Out' star Billy Brown has joined the cast of 'Dexter.' Brown will play Mike Cutler, Chicago transplant who steps on some toes at Miami Metro. [THR]

o. Nancy Grace has quit 'Swift Justice.' Grace attributed her decision to leave the series to the shift in production from Atlanta to Los Angeles. "I am so proud of the work we have done on 'Swift Justice.' Leaving such a successful show was a tough decision, but, with the increased requirements of the production's relocation to Los Angeles, it became challenging to balance my most important job -- mother to John David and Lucy -- back home." She'll be replaced by Jackie Glass. [Entertainment Weekly]

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'Ringer' Trailer: Three Minutes of Sarah Michelle Gellar Goodness (VIDEO)

Chris Harnick — 2011-05-25T13:40:00+00:00

Filed under: TV Previews

Three simple words attracted us to the pilot for The CW's 'Ringer': Sarah. Michelle. Gellar. But now that we've seen the new three-minute trailer, we're even more excited.

The 'Buffy' veteran stars as estranged twin sisters, Bridget and Siobhan, who both just so happen to be in hot water with some pretty powerful people. Bridget has led a troubled life, but she's picking up the pieces. On the other hand, Siobhan has a seemingly perfect life -- seemingly being the key word.

After a series of events -- including Siobhan's "death" at sea -- Bridget takes on Siobhan's identity and that's when things start to go really sour. The trailer introduces viewers to the lives of both sisters, including Siobhan's affairs, strained marriage and deep ties to crime. Plus, there's quite a bit of SMG wielding a gun.

Watch a three-minute preview of the new series below.

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VH1 Bringing Back 'Pop Up Video'

Jean Bentley — 2011-05-25T13:25:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

Trivia buffs, get ready for some excellent news: VH1 announced today that it is resurrecting 'Pop Up Video.'

We'll now have 60 more half-hour episodes from which to glean funny tidbits of information about music videos. This time, though, the show will also skewer hip hop and rap, which the original version steered clear from so as not to step on sister network MTV's toes. The new series will debut in the fall, nearly a decade after the original version went off the air.

The show's co-creator Woody Thompson said "I have sat on the sidelines for the last decade and watched as everyone and the brother has ripped off 'Pop Up' in some way or another with the internet coming out of nowhere and Twitter being hauntingly familiar and all of these devices that are using snarky, pithy text."

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Blake Lewis: 'Lauren Has My Vote But Scotty Will Take It Home'

Blake Lewis — 2011-05-25T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: American Idol

The Nokia Theater was crazy yesterday. As an 'Idol' returning to the finale show, it is always so much fun to see past contestants, friends, and producers we have all had the pleasure to know and work with. I love the AI family vibe when there's a finale.

My day started at 9am doing the radio remotes with all the major pop radio stations in the nation. Good times!!! When I arrived at the Nokia Theater, I got in the elevator with Gordon Ramsay. He is exactly the same as he is a on TV - haha. Very into what he is doing.

After the radio remotes, I had a performance with a couple other past Idols for an AT&T pre-show event outside, followed by a television interview and finally to the finale performance show.

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'The Vampire Diaries' Cast Talks Season 3 & Strip Clubs

Jean Bentley — 2011-05-25T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Reality-Free, Features, Celebrity Interviews

Since filming on season 3 of 'The Vampire Diaries' is still months away, when AOL TV caught up with the cast at The CW upfront red carpet yesterday none of the stars had any real clue about what their characters will be up to come fall.

They did, however, have a few suggestions for when Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec and the rest of the writers finally sit down to brainstorm the season.

"I'd like to see Elena stand on her own two feet and fly solo for a second," Nina Dobrev suggested.

Ian Somerhalder's hopes for Damon were a little less lofty. "I just hope that Damon and Stefan and Klaus can go on a bender or two," he said.

Paul Wesley was into the partying idea: "Get hammered, go to Tijuana, strip clubs, tequila."

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Exclusive First Look: Captain Jack's 'Torchwood: Miracle Day' Makeover

Maureen Ryan — 2011-05-25T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Reality-Free, Stay Tuned

When the new season of 'Torchwood' arrives on Starz July 8, Captain Jack Harkness will be sporting a new look.

Not only was most of the sci-fi show's new season filmed in the United States rather than the U.K., other aspects of the drama got a makeover as well.

Creator Russell T Davies commissioned the show's costume designer, Shawna Trpcic (a veteran of 'Dollhouse,' 'Firefly' and 'Angel') to make a new version of Jack's iconic coat. We've exclusively got the first photo of Jack in the new season of 'Torchwood,' wearing his new and improved greatcoat.

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Live Blogging Oprah's Final Show

Maureen Ryan — 2011-05-25T10:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, TV News, Finales, Stay Tuned

Well, Oprah's final show is here. Depending on your level of Oprah love, it's time to either get out your tissue box or your vomit bucket.

But I'm here not to pass judgement on Oprah's 25-year daytime career, offer an assessment of her influence or offer you another list of memorable Oprah moments. The goal here is to share a comprehensive live-blog of the final episode of her daytime show.

Yep, after 283 Favorite Things, 1.3 million audience members and several dozen free cars, the Queen of Daytime is signing off. And since the show airs at 9 a.m. in Chicago, which is where your fearless correspondent lives, you can read about the whole going-away shebang here before you even have lunch! You're welcome.

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Mark-Paul Gosselaar & Breckin Meyer Talk 'Franklin & Bash'

Joel Keller — 2011-05-25T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Reality-Free, Celebrity Interviews, Summer TV

It feels like both Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer have been on a whole lot of TV shows, doesn't it?

But when the stars of TNT's new lawyer dramedy 'Franklin & Bash' (premieres Wed., June 1 at 9PM ET) sat down with AOL TV to talk about the show, Gosselaar took pains to mention that, despite the presence of such flame-outs as 'Inside Schwartz' on Meyer's IMDb profile, his co-star has been in less TV shows than people think.

"I'm gonna put him in his place," joked Gosselaar, who's starred in everything from 'Saved By The Bell' to 'NYPD Blue.' "He hasn't had a long TV career. I think he's more known for his films, because what, B, you only had two shows?"

Meyer's semi-self-deprecating reply shows that the two have an easy chemistry, even off-screen: "Yeah, two shows. Except for some reason, I think people think I've done a lot, which is flattering and offensive."

The stars play unconventional lawyers Peter Bash (Gosselaar) and Jared Franklin (Meyer), guys' guys who take any and every case they can get and run their firm out of the man cave they live in. That is, until Stanton Infeld (Malcolm McDowell) asks them to join his huge firm to shake up its stodginess.

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Last Night's 'American Idol' Performance Left Lauren Alaina Unable to Speak

Catherine Lawson — 2011-05-25T07:50:00+00:00

Filed under: American Idol, TV News

Lauren Alaina gave it all she had in her 'American Idol' finale performance last night, but it left her unable to speak afterward.

Alaina is reportedly suffering from laryngitis, and producers were so concerned about the state of her voice yesterday that recently booted contestant Haley Reinhart was brought in as a last-minute substitute in case she couldn't perform.

Luckily, she didn't have to withdraw, but the show's on-site physician reported that she "blew out one of her vocal chords" during rehearsal, and that he "gave her a lot of medicine" to help her perform.

According to Access Hollywood, the strain placed on her voice meant that Alaina had to resort to communicating via pen and paper at the post-show press conference last night. Her rival, Scotty McCreery, gallantly lent a hand, reading her notes aloud to the assembled reporters.

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'Teen Mom' Trouble: Amber Portwood's Boyfriend Arrested

PopEater Staff — 2011-05-25T07:30:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

Gary Shirley, 'Teen Mom' star Amber Portwood's on/off boyfriend, is in trouble with the law. According to RadarOnline.com, he was arrested in Alexandria, Indiana on Tuesday morning for driving with a suspended license.

Police officers intervened after Shirley and Portwood were found arguing in a car on the side of the road at 1:34AM ET. He was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

RadarOnline.com obtained the official police report. "I observed a Silver Dodge stopped on the south side of Berry Street. I could hear a female arguing with a male inside the vehicle ... " the report said.

"I asked the male sitting in the driver seat if everything was ok and he advised yes. The female advised that everything was fine. I advised them that I had heard them arguing and wanted to make sure. I asked the both for identification ... The male introduced himself and the female as Gary Shirley and Amber Portwood from 'Teen Mom'."

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'Jersey Shore' Stars Injured: Was it Accidental, or Were They Brawling?

PopEater Staff — 2011-05-25T07:15:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

It's been reported that 'Jersey Shore' stars Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino injured each other in a fist fight Monday night. And, that MTV is trying to cover up both the alleged fight and the extent of their injuries.

According to E! Online, Ortiz-Magro and Sorrentino got into a brawl and 'The Situation' ended up getting the worst of it.

Reports state that Ortiz-Magro hit Sorrentino on the head several times, and photos of Sorrentino on TMZ show the reality star sporting a wicked black eye and had red marks covering his face around his left eye.

The Daily Mail is reporting that when Ronnie removed the heavy bandage from his right hand, cuts and bruises were visible on his fingers.

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