If you haven't witnessed the inanity and rudeness that the question can lead to, you might not understand why so many people were looking desperately forward to tonight's Mythbusters, which tested the plane on a conveyor belt question.

In fact, people were so looking forward to it, that a few weeks ago, when Discovery mistakenly listed it as the subject of a new episode, people started crying conspiracy when a different episode aired.

Anyway, the question is whether a plane, on a conveyor belt matching its speed and going the opposite direction, would take off.

In miniature, and in full size, the answer was clear:

THE PLANE TAKES OFF!

I have never seen this question raised online and had it not totally devolve into accusations of total moronitude, from both sides.

Hopefully, this episode will quell some of that. (Although Cecil at Straight Dope dealt with it, uh, straight-forwardly a while ago, and that didn't seem to help much. Only time will tell.)

(Photos of Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman courtesy of Discovery)

Update: Looks like the episode has only generated more discussion, not answered the question, judging by the 43 pages of comments (so far) on the Discovery message boards. Even though the plane took off. Sigh.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Tonight, American Idol auditions are in Miami, and since this show is all about reducing its audition cities (and its contestants) to the lowest common demoninator, it starts with the Miami Vice theme.

Shannon McGough is the first contestant of the evening. For her day job, she works in her parents' meat market. "I would definitely not be devastated by not working with bloody meat anymore," she says. Also, she is quite a belcher. (If you missed it, you will just have to trust me on this one.) She sings "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin, with a whole lot of shrieking and not a lot of melody. She begs to sing something else. Simon says it sounds like she's eating while she's singing. Randy says it sounds like she is trying to sound like everyone. Paula says she has melody problems. "Wow, I've never had anyone tell me that I sing bad," she says. Randy says she might be tone deaf. It's three nos. After she leaves, Paula says, rather insightfully, "She's never heard no before."

Robbie Carrico is next. Ryan says he's a former boy-bander who is into rock now. He launches into his song with little intro. Simon says he was "quite good." Randy says it was "kinda cool." Simon says yes. Paula says yes, and so does Randy, so he's through. A huge group of friends and family silly string him. Wait, can someone explain the backstory a little more? Especially since he actually got through? But no, we had to spend five minutes on the first girl. Argh.

Montage of guys doing a really bad job.

Ghaleb Emachah is from Venezuela and he says he will get through because he has so much passion. Simon says, "I would like you if I was drunk. ... Sober, I don't think it works." Paula says he has a good voice, but he still has a really strong accent. She gets up and starts walking around in circles going "lalalala." Simon says no, Randy says yes, Pauls gives him a hug and says he is through. Simon says that someone needs to check Paula's cup.

Brittany and Corliss are best friends and say they are like sisters. They talk about their man problems with Paula. Corliss Smith sings directly to Randy (after a little flirting), and it's great. A little old-fashioned of a song, but who cares. Brittany Wescott then sings "My Guy,: and the judges start clapping -- and she closes with a line sung to Simon. They both get a unanimous vote to go to Hollywood. Then there are lots of hugs and screaming.

Suzanne Toon went to performing arts school and has been taking a break to take care of her daughter. She sings "I Can't Make You Love Me." Paula says she has a sexy voice. The judges love her, and she gets through. Randy tells her to watch her pitch. After she leaves, they agree that she is "interesting."

Ramiele Malubay wants to be the first Asian American Idol. She is fairly tiny and sings a big song, "Natural Woman." Simon says she is a good singer, but isn't contemporary: "I think you're more like a hotel singer." Randy says he was impressed. Simon says no, but the other two vote yes, so she is through. Her dad is possibly more excited than she is, which is adorable.

Syisha Mercado says she has been through a lot, but lately, a lot of good things have been happening for her, and she hopes it continues. She says her dad has been struggling with drugs and alcohol but has recently graduated from a rehab program. She sings "Freedom," and Randy and Paula and Simon all say yes, so she is headed to Hollywood. Randy even says she is one of the best they have seen in Miami.

Montage of women singing well.

Montage of badness.

Julie Dubela, who made it to the finals on American Juniors, which I don't even remember, is next. She thinks she is awesome and that everyone should remember her. She says she is going to sing "Me and My Bobby McGee," and Simon makes an amazingly awesome face. Simon: "Julie, have you ever been called precocious?" Julie: "Precocious, what does that mean?" They tell her to sing it without all the extraneous acting and stuff. Simon and Randy say no and that she is not ready. She starts singing again. Simon says she should go to L.A. and become an actress. She asks and asks what happened. "Overindulged," Simon says after she leaves. She cries and says that they said she was acting and that she's not acting, and then she starts playing to the camera immediately about how she had the chance to sing at a Red Sox game and she passed it up for this.

Next up is "comedian" Brandon Black. The judges hate his intro. He says his first song is "I'll Make Love to You," and Paula says, "WHAT?" like he has said something insane. That is coming later. He doesn't really sing much, and then he starts his second song about how he is the next American Idol. Simon finally puts a stop to it. He says he is confident, but the audition was verging on desperation, the wig, the bad dialogue, etc. He throws a hat around for what seems like 45 minutes, and my DVR cuts off. So I assume he doesn't get through, and I don't know how many got through.

Next week is Atlanta.

I feel like this season got off to a really good start with Philly, but it's been kind of boring since then. I hope Hollywood Week is better.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: American Idol
        

Tonight's American Idol gives us the highlights (and lowlights, I am sure) of the auditions in Omaha, Neb., which means there will be a lot of corn jokes.

Judges Randy and Simon had to start without Paula because of her delayed plane.

Christopher Bernheisel, 25, sings a little "Cold-Hearted Snake" to the camera and talks about how this is the most life-altering thing in his life. Based on his speaking voice, I do not predict good things from his audition. Also, he brings gifts for the judges. (Or "bribes," as Simon says. Though I don't think it's going to work.) He starts crying in front of the judges about trying to achieve his dreams, and it's kind of sad. He sings "Since U Been Gone" with spins and acrobatics, and I just hope this is all a joke. Immediately, Randy says, "Is this real, dude?" They just full-out laugh at him. Simon says they like him as a person, but the singing was not good. He asks if he can audition for the red carpet, and clearly he's been practicing this forever, because he has a whole monologue prepared. Simon says he needs to tell his local Fox affiliate that they want to see him reporting on the finale. Well, OK, then. I guess they decided he was for real. He jumps up and down in the confessional about how awesome it was and how he gave them gifts, and he just seems a LOT younger than 25. Maybe there really isn't that much to do in Omaha.

Jason Rich is from Stout, Iowa. He is keeping is cool, especially in comparison to the first dude. From his speaking voice, I think he might be OK. He sings a line of Keith Whitley and then freaks out and can't remember the words. On the third try, he gets through a couple of lines and loses it again. Fourth try, he gets it, but will the judges forgive him the first three tries? Randy says he has a nice voice, but he doesn't have star quality. But he says yes anyway, and Simon says he gets through, too. But he warns him that that was his last chance and if he did that on live TV, he'd be off the air.

Then Paula shows up (and she seems awfully jet-lagged for the rest of the episode), followed by a montage of people forgetting lyrics.

Rachael Wicker says she loves arm wrestling and that she wants to take Simon down because of the things he says to people. He declines an arm-wrestling match. She sings with a nice tone and a quite a bit of a twang. Simon says she is performing as if she has been doing this for 50 years and is at the end of her career. Randy says he doesn't understand the half-yodel in country songs and that she should knock it off. Paula, who hasn't yet said a thing, asks Randy, "Yes or no." He says yes, and so does Randy. Ryan makes the required "strong-armed her way to Hollywood" joke.

Sarah Whitaker says she used to be a professional wrestler, "Lady Morgue." She demonstrates her trademark laugh and she hits Ryan. Ow. Then she sings some musical theater song in her audition, but I have no idea what is going on. Simon says, "You're just really strange, Sarah." Randy and Simon say no and Paula says yes? Ryan comes in and asks why she didn't get through, and they all start sparring (verbally -- no more hitting). He and Paula trade places, and now Paula has no idea what is going on.

Samantha Sidley says she doesn't know whether she can win the competition, but they tell her that is the wrong answer, so she says she can because is a good singer and loves music. She sings quietly but with OK tone. Ryan says he likes her voice, but she needs to work on her self-confidence. Ryan says he would have said yes. Paula says she can sing and her showmanship needs some work. Isn't that what Ryan said? Anyway, she gets through.

Montage of good people. I like these. One girl (Elizabeth Erkert, I think) gets a golden ticket and comes down the escalator with her parents and says, "I can't wait to get to Hollywood and prove Simon wrong and show him that I am America's Next Top Model." Half a beat before she realizes what she says and she and her mom crack up. Whoops!

Angelica Puente is 17 and says she lives with her grandma because her dad is really strict and she really wants to show him how much she loves him and make to proud. With lots of crying. In the audition, she sings Celine Dion's "The Power of Love," which is a HUGE song, but she seems pretty equal to it, all things considered. Randy says it was a little too much mimicry. Paula says she has a "lack of performance." Randy says yes and so does Paula. Simon says that with some effort she could be really good and that like Randy said, she needs to stop sounding like other artists and to work on her performance. Ryan calls her dad, and he says she's always been his American Idol. Awww.

David Cook is inspired by Chris Daughtry. He tells the judges that he is a versatile vocalist and a personable guy. He sings "Living' on a Prayer," which is a little slow to start, but he still does a nice job. Simon says it was "a little bit wordy, but good." Randy says he needs to work on his persona and performance. Three yes votes, and he is going through. That was fast.

Johnny Escamilla and his bowl cut say he is the weirdest guy you'll ever meet and that he can't compare himself to anyone but James Brown. He starts his audition and Paula has ridiculous hiccups. He "sings" "Shout." Simon: "In every single way, that was everything I hate." It's a no.

Montage of badness to "Stuck in the Middle With You." You know, because Omaha is in the middle of the country?

Leo Marlowe is the last audition of the day. (See video clip at top.) He says, "My mother always says she raised a perfect Homecoming queen; too bad it wasn't one of her daughters." Heh. He sings "A Song for You," and it's lovely. Simon says he likes him because he has a good voice and because he's not defensive or anything. Paula says, "Touchdown!" He cries and turns red and is so excited. It's very sweet.

Nineteen people made it through, and tomorrow: Miami.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: American Idol
        

One of the side effects of the popularity of American Gladiator? The kids version from the mid-'90s, Gladiators 2000, is getting a second airing.

Bonus for American Idol fans? It, too, was hosted by Ryan Seacrest, as you can see in the clip above.

(Thanks to tvtattle.com for the links.)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Several people told me I should check out VH1's Celebrity Rehab because it was so much more real than so much of the made-up and mostly scripted dreck out there.

I was putting it off, but I finally did, and it is tough, tough to watch, but it really does give a visceral look at what it's like to wrestle with addiction.

I think it's probably a lot harder to watch if you know someone who has been through rehab and it hasn't worked for him or her, but at the same time, it seems to be a window into what rehab is really like. The patients sleep on twin beds, often sharing rooms; their stuff is searched; they are required to follow the rules; they are not being coddled.

Of the people featured on the show (I won't go into whether they should be classified as celebrities), the person in the most dire of straits is former Taxi star Jeff Conaway. If you saw him on Celebrity Fit Club, you already knew he had some issues, but he's gotten much worse. He came into the program in the midst of a severe detox. He gets wheeled around in a wheelchair, he moans and groans and screams in agony regularly, and he's an emotional disaster. He's talked about not wanting to quit using and not wanting to live and wanting to get out of rehab, and it's really painful to watch. (Speaking of which, you can watch Daniel Baldwin confront Jeff in a therapy session in the video clip above.)

Others are in better places physically, but emotionally, they are tenuous, too. Witness onetime American Idol contestant Jessica Sierra, who has major mother issues but is trying to work them out in the therapy sessions. This is also tough to watch since we know from news coverage that she has relapsed since filming ended.

Mostly, what I have gotten out of it is that Dr. Drew needs to be cloned. He handles everyone's issues with sensitivity and insight. (Think about how, say, a Dr. Phil would be in this situation. Not pretty.) Thanks to Drew, each week, I keep coming back to the show, hoping for the best for everyone, even when I know that some of them are not doing too well.

Have you been watching? What do think about Celebrity Rehab?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebreality
        

The Food Network's Dinner Impossible stopped by Crownsville a while back and filmed an episode at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. It airs Wednesday night at 10.

Read more about it here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

At the end of any given day on Rock of Love 2, how many different kinds of lipgloss do you think Bret Michaels has smeared on his face?

Yuck. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebreality, Rock of Love
        

For some reason, I tuned into Fox's Moment of Truth premiere last night. I guess because I had been brainwashed into thinking that it was what everyone would be talking about today.

But truly, it was horrible. The premise is, contestants are asked a battery of personal questions while taking a polygraph test before the show. Then the most potentially humiliating ones are asked during the show. They answer, and a disembodied voice reveals whether the answer is true or false. Contestants who answer all the questions truthfully can earn as much as $500,000.

The setup itself has flaws. First, the contestants look shocked at every question, despite the fact that 1) they've already been asked these questions, back when they took the polygraph, and 2) host Mark Walberg has just asked a question leading directly to this.

Also, the timing is ridiculous. A question is asked. The contestant looks stricken (which usually also gives away what the answer is). The family and/or friends of the contestant look disturbed. The contestant finally answers (and is usually humiliated). So by then, most of the time, the audience knows what the deal is. But then there is a good 10-second wait until the disembodied voice reveals whether the answer is true or false. So each question is dragged out beyond belief.

And the true or false part seems really pointless. Although it's worth noting that the first contestant answered all sorts of humiliating questions (yes, he had sneaked looks at fellow football players' packages in the shower; yes, he thought he was the most attractive of his friends; yes, he had put off having kids with his wife because he wasn't sure she was going to be his lifelong partner) only to get tripped up when he said that no, as a personal trainer, he had not inappropriately touched his female clients. Disembodied voice said it was false. But he thought he was being truthful, so ... I don't know. It was annoying.

The second guy, who only got through a few questions before his time ran out (he'll be back later), admitted to all sorts of horrible things (including a gambling problem that might get him fired since he works at a track). But I'd already seen him on the ads facing questions about whether he was a member of the Hair Club for Men (yes), whether he'd padded his pants to look more well endowed (yes) and so on. So ... boring.

And because of the incessant ads, we've already seen some of the craziest, most show-stopping questions for many, many future episodes.

I don't think I want to wait around to see the answers.

The answer is ... true.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 5:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It was all about denim on last night's Project Runway. Well, denim and redemption.

At the beginning, crybaby Ricky lamented that none of the other designers seemed to think that he should be there and that they didn't treat him or his experience with respect. Of course, none of the judges seemed enamored with his work, either, and his experience wasn't really showing. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

For the challenge, the designers were ushered to a warehouse filled with Levi's 501s in various colors and styles and asked to create an iconic look that evoked the 501. They could grab as much as they could fit in a laundry bag in a certain amount of time. 

There was drama in the middle, as both Jillian and Victorya were working on coats, and both had some timing issues.

In the end, the judges had a lot of positive things to say. They liked Rami's dress accented with zipper trim and Christian Siriano's trucker-inspired outfit, which included a pair of jeans whose legs were made of the arms of jackets. Sweet P's slimming dress of several shades of denim also got high marks (good thing Tim Gunn steered her away from her denim wedding dress idea).

But the highest praise of all went to Ricky, who created a corset-inspired dress with impeccable stitching and fitting accented by a button fly down the front. The judges were thrilled that he finally lived up to his potential and his reputation as a lingerie designer, and he ended up the winner.

Victorya and Jillian's coats found them in the bottom (and Chris March's boring dress got him there, too, but not for long), but Jillian was saved for overreaching rather than appearing totally uninspired. So Victorya was auf'd.

It was interesting to note, though, that our Annapolis contestant, Christian, seems to be losing fans among his fellow designer. He got a lot of grief in interviews for being obnoxious and immature and seeming like a cartoon character. Ouch. That won't help much when the next group challenge surfaces.  

(Photo and video courtesy of Bravo)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I wonder whether tonight's hourlong American Idol audition show will go as fast as last night's show from San Diego? We shall see soon enough.

Raysharde Henderson is from Atlanta and says he is called "the black Clay Aiken." He sings "I Can't Make You Love Me" with more histrionics than you can imagine. Randy calls it a little over the top, and Simon says, "I wouldn't have been surprised if you had done a magic trick in the middle of that." It's a no.

DeAnna Prevatte is from Kellie Pickler's hometown of Abermarle, N.C., and her shirt straps won't stay up. She talks to the judges about her waitressing job and how the Sunday crowd is the worst. She sings "Fancy" and drops to her knees and gets a little screamy. Simon says it was a little angry and that he likes the passion and the anger "and the getting down on your knees," but it's a no from everyone.

Crystal Ortiz and Randy Stark met on the americanidol.com message boards and now they are a couple who won't stop making out. They sing together (or rather "sing" "together"). "Well, that was torture," Simon says. They tell them it was horrible. Crystal asks if she should not sing even at family functions. "No, if I was in your family, I'd ask you not to," says Simon. "I just wanted to know if my parents were blind," Crystal says. "Deaf," Simon says. But they also say yay, these two have love, and that's important. Simon tells them to check into a hotel.

Brother and sister Jeffrey and Michelle Lampkin are very gregarious and think they have the wow factor. They dance and sing a little "bow-chicka-wow-wow" song, but seem to not be cognizant of what "bow-chicka-wow-wow" usually implies. It's kind of disturbing, is what I am saying. They sing together on "I'm Your Angel." Simon calls it "slightly inappropriate at the end," probably because of the hand-holding. Simon says Jeffrey was better than his sister, but he likes them both. He adds that they are a breath of fresh air. Randy and Paula like them, too. Randy gives Jeffrey yes and no to Michelle, Paula says yes to both, and so does Simon, so they are through. "I can't split you two up," Simon says.

Montage of people forgetting the words to "Before He Cheats."

Amy Catherine Flynn is a dance-team captain and goes to different schools to preach abstinence. (She also uses the word "whatevs." Apparently, I am 900 years old. OK, carrying on ...) She volunteers to give them a speech. I try not to listen, but she says "like" a lot. Then she sings "Reflections" by Christina Aguilera. Paula likes her and gives her a yes. Simon says the song was too big for her, and that it came across as a little "girl singing in her bedroom." He goes on to say a lot of people will find her annoying because she is confident, and, trend alert, "I don't think you're as good as you think you are." (That would be three consecutive episodes in which he's dropped that line on someone.) Randy says she has "mad potential," so she is through to Hollywood. They tell her to give Ryan a very long speech. "I agree with her speech, though, Simon," Randy says after she leaves. "One week in L.A., and it'll all change," Simon replies. Yikes! (Or should I quote the Lampkins: "bow-chicka-wow-wow"?)

London Weidberg put music on hold when her father was ill. He passed away three years ago, and now she wants to pursue all her dreams. She sings "Good Morning, Heartache." Randy likes her tone, and he "kinda likes" her. Paula says her voice has a bluesy and pop quality. Simon says it was nice, but he didn't hear anything unique. So, she is through.

Day 1, "a handful" -- 15 -- made it through to Hollywood.

It's Day 2, and Paula is wearing arm-warmers. That's proof enough to me that she's crazy.

USAF pilot Lyndsey Goodman flies giant transport planes. She sings "Black Velvet" and she is nervous and a little shaky. Randy says she has "a voice" and that she had some "pitch things." Paula says she is concerned with her nerves. Simon says she is cabaret but not a contemporary pop singer. They like her as a person, but it's a no. Wonder if she got confused with all that extra footage they took of her, thinking she was a shoo-in. Oh, well.

Then there is an inappropriate transition to the audition of Aretha Codner, who was named after the singer. She says she is as good as Fantasia and all the Idols. She takes on Whitney for a while, and about halfway through, she cannot find a key. Simon tells her that the screaming, the "big belt" and the blue dress, it was all a little much. She contends that she has a beautiful voice and did a great job. "No, Aretha, you can't sing," Simon says. It's a no. "I almost don't even believe this because I know I can sing," she says. She goes on and on and on, finally, Simon says, "Goodbye."  

Joshua Boson sings "And I'm Tellin' You I'm Not Going." Well, sings? He does something to it anyway. They tell him he is not good. He says, "This show is fake and rigged." And that if they come to South Carolina, this is what you are going to get. He's mad, and he rants, and he uses the word "artistes" (no, not pronounced the French way).

Montage of no, to They Might be Giants, at least.

Oliver Highman missed the first day of auditions because his daughter was being born. He, and his wife and new baby make it in for the second day. He sings "Get Here." He has so much vibrato, which drives me crazy. Simon stops him and says it's over the top, corny and old-fashioned. Randy says the vibrato was killing him (too). Paula says he has a nice voice, but it didn't work in the audition. It's a no, but they still get to see the baby.

Overall, 23 made it through to Hollywood from Charleston. For all the whininess about Charleston, it had about the same success rate as the other cities.

Next week, Omaha. And humiliation.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: American Idol
        

I finally got to watch the finale of The Amazing Race, and I enjoyed it wholeheartedly. I think that was partly because the top three teams were all ones you could root for.

Forget the idea that evil teams drive up the drama. For me, watching couples' relationships degenerate or seeing people be typical "ugly Americans" and act rude toward people in other countries makes the viewing experience worse.

Watching teams whose relationship actually improved over the course of the race (Christine and Ronald) or who managed to not take things out on one another (TK and Rachel) was a much more fulfilling finale.

(Not that there wasn't a "good triumphing over evil" feeling after the previous episode, when Nate and Jen got the boot. But I was thrilled to not deal with them or their bickering in the finale.)

What did you think about the finale -- and about the winners?

I was pleased to see them in Anchorage. I went there for the Mayor's Midnight Sun Half-Marathon in 2005 and loved it. I didn't see that much that was specifically familiar, except for the Capt. Cook statue, but I still liked revisiting the place a little.

I also really liked the final road block -- a logic puzzle that required remembering what items went with what challenges in what cities, as well as working out the rest of the clues.

So for me, it was a satisfying end. I just hope that for future seasons, CBS doesn't kill it by putting it after 60 Minutes and football.  

(Photo courtesy of CBS)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: The Amazing Race
        

With electricity restored and all my electronics in working order once again, I can turn my full attention to ... another hour of American Idol auditions. Tonight, the show is in San Diego, where more than 12,000 people were ready to try out.

First up is Tatiana Ostapowych, who launches into "Someone to Watch Over Me," and she has a lovely voice, nice depth. Simon: "I don't think you're as good as you think you are (which is apparently his new line of the season, since he said it to Alaina Whitaker on Wednesday). ... I don't think you're ever going to be great." She says, "Let me prove you wrong, Simon," and he then votes yes, as do Randy and Paula, so she's through to Hollywood.

Perrie Cataldo, a single father from Arizona, is next. He sings Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" with, in my opinion, too much vibrato, at least at first. (Nerves, perhaps?) Simon says he has a "really, really good voice." Unanimous yes, and he is through. His son comes out, and Simon tells him, "He didn't make it."

Michael Johns, originally from Australia, sings a little Otis Redding. Simon thinks it was a good audition and says he's "like a white soul singer." Another unanimous vote. (Amazing how much less filler there is in an hourlong show.)

Montage of badness.

Valerie Reyes listens to Mariah Carey to prepare for her audition and says that sometimes people mistake her singing for someone playing a Mariah CD. As if she's not getting set up enough here, Ryan asks her what she likes about watching AI on television, and she says that the auditions are "hilarious" and that she likes to laugh at the bad tryouts. But that is not going to be her, she says. So she starts singing, and Simon immediately starts groaning. "Oh my God," Simon says. "Yes," she says WITH A FIST-PUMP. "No," Simon says. The only resemblance to Mariah Carey is if someone left a Mariah Carey CD out in the sun for a year, he goes on. Randy tells her that it was terrible, but that she has a nice tone and if she stopped trying to sing like everyone else, she might get somewhere. "It's a one in a billion chance," Simon interjects. Three nos. Confessional: "Oh my God, I'm going to be on the rejects!" Um, yeah. But at least that was a little self-awareness. (Or the whole thing was a set up?)

Clips of gimmicks gone bad (one including a mime!).

Then it's Christopher Baker and Monique Gibson, who are friends and both think they are going to Hollywood.

Monique walks in, and Simon says, "It looks like three different people dressed you today." This right after Christopher said he thinks they have the look. She sings Whitney Houston's "I Believe in Miracles." The judges start laughing immediately. She keeps trying other songs, and she says, "There's got to be something." Simon says there is nothing. She starts crying about how she went through so much to get there. She hopes Christopher makes it.

Christopher will not stop singing "The Greatest Love of All." Finally, he stops. Simon: "Does that sound good to you, Christopher?" Simon says there wasn't a single note in tune, so Christopher starts singing another song, and it's even worse. Then he says, he understands Simon's opnion, so he starts again in a lower tone, for about three notes, and then he pitches up again. He won't stop, so security has to edge him out the door. Then there's cursing from both friends.

Samantha Musa thinks Simon is hot. Her sister throws in a paper airplane asking if she can come in, and he says OK and (creepily) lets her sit on his lap. Samantha sings some Aretha, and thankfully, she is good because this might have gotten really (more) awkward if not. Her sister votes yes, as do Randy, Paula and Simon. Simon gets a group hug from the Musa sisters. "I love this country," Simon says. And that ends Day 1.

Blake Boshnack has auditioned in at least 10 cities before. His mother loves the show and wants her son to be the next winner. He dressed as the Statue of Liberty in Season 5. He pleads his way through two lines of "Stand by Me," Simon tells him to stop, and he keeps on. He gets nos.

Montage of badness, part deux.

Alberto Hurtado is inspired by his imagination, where he says he might spend too much time. Yes. Also, he has a giant fan. He says he is very shy and hopes to feel free like the eagle on his shirt. He sings a song of his own making, called "Live." He whispers a couple of lines. Simon says it was the most depressing song he's ever heard, and Alberto says it has a happy ending. Simon asks for that part, and Alberto sings about tragedy again. Simon asks how he thought it went, and he says not very well because Simon kept interrupting. It's a no. What is up with his fingernails, some of which are INCHES long?

Aaron Garrett snaps and repeats "Leave me alone now" again and again.

David Archuleta experienced some vocal paralysis a few years ago and opted not to have surgery because he loves singing. He sings "Waitin' on the World to Change." Randy chimes in on the chorus and says he was good. Paula liked his tone and thought he was talented. Simon says it was a great choice of song. And he is through!

The last audition is Carly Smithson, who is from Ireland. She auditioned in Vegas in Season 5 and made it to Hollywood, but she had visa issues and was disqualified. She sings "I'm Every Woman," but Simon says it wasn't as good as two years ago. But they all says she was great, and yes, she is through again.

Altogether, 31 from San Diego made it to Hollywood. And tomorrow: Charleston, S.C.

Ahhh, these one-hour shows are refreshing.

Have you heard about this controversy about the onetime pros who are making it through to Hollywood? Carly Smithson might be one of these people, although she was previously mentioned in the stories as Carly Hennesey. What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: American Idol
        

I didn't have a chance to watch all the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition madness Sunday night. I was cleaning up my house a little before hunkering down to watch that and The Amazing Race finale yesterday, when I spectacularly blew out all the power in the basement by turning on the vacuum cleaner. Not just a fuse, but the whole shebang -- no TV, no cable, no Internet, no nothing.

Which did lead to a nice evening of reading, but also means I'm totally behind on a lot of reality. I'll catch up soon, provided the electrician can solve the problems.

Sorry for the delay. We'll be back in business soon!

In the meantime, I'll be the one running around with my fingers in my ears going "LALALALA" trying not to find out who won Amazing Race.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I finally caught a full episode of Celebrity Apprentice last night, and, well. What is there to say except that Gene Simmons has an ego even bigger than that of Trump. And he's been "fired."

It was all pretty strange. The women's team lost the first two challenges, so Trump basically appointed Simmons as the new leader of their team. For the challenge, the teams had to create a traveling booth in a trailer to promote a new Kodak all-in-one printer.

The men's team all attended the meeting with the Kodak executives and got the point: Since film is kind of going away (though this was never stated), the company is all about ink and allowing customers to create their own affordable digital prints.

Gene decided that he was too important to meet with the execs and sent Nely Galan and Carol Alt. Nely talked all over the executives and totally didn't get the gist of the importance of ink. Not that it mattered, since Gene had already decided that "It's a Kodak World ... Welcome" was all anyone needed to know.

The men ran with a concept of "knockout," and why not, when you have Lennox Lewis and Tito Ortiz on your team, but Stephen Baldwin upended their conference table and managed to knock a cup of coffee all over the laptop that had all their artwork and banners, killing it. They rallied and re-created what they could, heading to a print shop in the middle of the night and hoping for the best.

The next morning, the teams' trailers told two very different stories -- Gene's team's looked gorgeous with its professionally lettered signs, and Tito's team's looked pretty sloppy, with banners hastily packing-taped to the outside. In fact, it looked like the women (and Gene) might finally pull out a win.

But it turns out the execs were willing to overlook sloppiness in favor of the team that actually listened and got the concept, so the men's team won yet again.

In the boardroom, Gene basically refused to acknowledge that his team lost, saying again and again that he was right and Kodak got it wrong. Then, it was obvious that Trump was gunning for Nely, who had been project manager of the previous lost task and who biffed the meeting with the execs by talking over them. But Gene refused to bring her back to the boardroom, instead bringing Omarosa, who had done a boatload of work on the task. Trump pushed him to bring back another person, and Gene went with Jennie Finch.

The winning team was watching this part of the boardroom proceedings and realized 1) Trump wants Nely gone and 2) Gene was toast for not bringing her. And that's exactly what happened.

I have a feeling it's going to be a little less interesting with Mr. Simmons around.  

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: The Apprentice
        

This Sunday, ABC will air the episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that focused on the Luther family of Port Deposit, Md. It runs 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday night on WMAR, Channel 2. Before that, at 7 p.m., WMAR presents the special Behind the Build, which will share more of the backstory.

And next Sunday, Jan. 27, check out The Sun's Real Estate section for an in-depth look at the Luthers' experience.

For a preview, click on the video above.

(Clark Turner, of Clark Turner Signature Homes, talks about building a Cecil County house from the ground up in less than a week for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Video courtesy of Reflexion Videography)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Maryland reality contestants
        

I missed the premiere of Rock of Love 2 (and really, that's OK with me), but I just saw part of a rerun of the premiere and noticed a familiar face.

Megan Hauserman, who was the winner of Beauty and the Geek 3 with her partner Scooter, is now one of the Rock of Love girls. Well, OK then. I guess somebody's making a living as a reality TV star (among other jobs as I learned during an innocent Google search).

I missed the first half of the episode, but Megan was the first person to make the cut at the end of the first episode, so she must have made quite an impression on Bret Michaels.

Speaking of which, I guess things didn't work out with last season's winner, Jes.

Shocking!

(Photo of Megan and Scooter Courtesy of the CW)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Rock of Love
        

OK, raise your hand if you thought Christian Siriano and Chris March would be a disaster as teammates on last night's Project Runway?

I did, until I remembered the avant-garde theme, which I think played to the strengths of the costume-maker, as well as our edgy Annapolis boy.

This week, the designers were randomly assigned into teams of two and had to create an avant-garde look inspired by the crazy hairstyles given to their models. (Well, except the one girl who just looked like she had dirty roots -- and then no one picked her, so she was out of the models' part of the competition.)

The teams got to work on their creations, and most were struggling with the time frame on the second day when mentor Tim Gunn dropped another bomb: They'd also have to create a ready-to-wear garment that complemented the original piece. EVERYBODY PANIC!

Chris and Christian used 40 yards of organza cut into circles to create this amazing piece that included basically a wire sculpture on the shoulder. It was impressive. Their second look was an organza, sleeveless ruffled top and a pencil skirt. Interesting top, rather boring skirt, but still, they worked together.

Victorya and Jillian seemed to have such different styles of communicating that it seemed they would never get anything done. They were way behind schedule on their original look -- an intricate, punk-inspired trenchcoat with a lovely blouse and jodhpurs. In fact, it appeared at first that they might not even complete the second look, but Jillian created a cute, if somewhat basic, black dress with some plaid edging similar to that on their trenchcoat.

Kit and Ricky teamed up to create Kit's vision -- a hoop skirt with all sorts of different fabric. Early on, she seemed to be questioning herself, asking at one point if it was too much costume and not truly avant-garde, and at another point saying they needed to make sure it didn't end up looking like Little House on the Prairie. Both of these ended up being valid points, so I wish she'd pursued the thoughts a little more. The ready-to-wear dress was a boring little sundress.

Rami and Sweet P were a disaster of a team. He wanted to implement his vision, but he didn't really listen to her input. But she acts so insecure and weird about sharing her opinions that it's not that surprising to see her get ignored. They created a not at all over-the-top dress that looked like a slightly amped-up version of Rami's usual draping. Sweet P, meanwhile, created the ready-to-wear look, an adorable short dress in silvers and grays.

In judging, it was pretty easy to see who would be at the top and who would be at the bottom, once it was clear that Jillian and Victorya hadn't totally punted on the ready-to-wear look. They and Chris and Christian got good marks, and the other two teams, not so much.

In the end, Chris and Christian won the challenge, and since Christian was the team leader, he has immunity next week. Also, their looks were shot for a Tre Semme ad that will be in Elle magazine.

Rami was criticized for trying to blame the whole mess on Sweet P, when the dress was clearly 100 percent his style, but they were safe. There wasn't much time given to Kit and Ricky's discussion of the outfits, but since Kit was group leader, Ricky was safe. Gah! So sadly, Kit went home.

I understand why the judges had to go that way, but I am so over crybaby Ricky and his bad sewing skills. Sigh. Maybe next week.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It's time for two more hours of American Idol auditions. I thought that, overall, they weren't too awfully mean or humiliating last night, but surely once the judges get more tired, they will get meaner, too. That's what happens to me, at least.

First audition of the day is Jessica Brown, a stay-at-home mom who is a recovered meth addict. She sings "I'll Stand By You" for her audition, and she is good, if a little nervous. Simon says she made the song interesting, Randy says she was a little pitchy, but overall "not bad." She's through to Hollywood. It seems like we are getting more sad backstories this season, which could make it weird if a lot of the people we've heard so much about make it to the finals.

Paul Stafford busts some "moves" in the waiting room. Simon asks him something interesting about himself. He says he is a member of the American Rollercoaster Enthusiasts, and he geeks out a little. He sings Elliott Yamin's "Wait for You." Or rather, he shouts it. Why do they not stop him? They let him go on forever. Paula says it was a very joyful audition. Simon asks if he has ever sung in public. Randy says he enjoyed him, but he's not right for the competition. Paula says "joyful" again. Simon chooses "enthusiastic," but it's a no. "What a nice guy," Simon says. Who is this?

Beth Maddocks loooooves Kelly Clarkson and sings "Beautiful Disaster." It's pitch-tastic and Simon gets kind of mean finally, asking the singing waitress what her tips were like.

Montage of badness.

Alaina Whitaker says she has been compared to Carrie Underwood, but that she can sing all kinds of different styles. She then does not prove this when she sings "Stronger" by Faith Hill, but she's pretty good. Simon says it was a good audition, "but I don't think you are as good as you think you are." Alaina: "Really? Oh, shoot." Which is pretty hilarious, because doesn't that mean that she thinks she is awesome? Paula says she has a good voice, but needs to work on her breathiness. They vote, and she is through to the next round.

Gregory and Mia Thomas sing a weird duet that leaves the judges speechless, so the singers walk out without a word.

Bruce Dickson's backstory is that he has never kissed a girl, nor has he ever "had an intimate relationship with a woman." His father gave him a key, and his father has the heart that will go to his future wife. Which is a little odd. In front of the judges, Bruce holds onto the key and tells the story of his lack of romantic history. He sings "Ain't No Sunshine," and he has a decent voice. Randy says he has a good voice. Simon says his voice is good in the room, but that he doesn't think it would transfer on TV or radio. He gets a no. He asks them if they have any advice, and Randy tells him to kiss some girls -- and to avoid Ryan on the way out.

Pia "Zpia" Easley is a model and backup singer. She sings some Gladys Knight. Simon says he thought it was a good audition, he likes her and she's interesting. He says most backup singers come in like whipped donkeys, but she didn't. Paula says she likes her, and so does Randy. Hence, golden ticket.

Brandon Green says he has a collection of his bitten-off fingernails. Why would he share this information? He gets in front of the judges, and this fingernail collection IS IN HIS BIO. He sings "Rich Girl" by Hall and Oates. Simon calls him forgettable. Paula says she kinda likes him. Randy says he likes his tone and that he needs to keep it out of his nasal zone. He makes the mistake of saying that he likes Simon because he's straight-up, and Randy gets all weird and ego-y, but the long and the short -- Randy and Paula give him yes votes, and he's through. Ryan: "Lucky for Brandon, he NAILED his audition." Oy.

Kayla Hatfield was in a horrible car accident that left her with some eye problems on one side, but she is well recovered and very positive. In front of the judges, she is nervous and breathy. She sings a little Janis Joplin with some extra growls and less melody. Simon says he wants to be her for one hour a day because she is so happy. He says yes. Paula says she has a great personality and that she has a decent voice, but she adds too much "grovel." She says no. Randy says there were pitch problems, but he likes her, and he votes yes. She was interesting, but I don't think she's going to make it past that.

Another montage of badness.

Last audition of the day is Kady Malloy, who does vocal impressions and shows off her Britney (OK, that sounds really bad in the current day and age). She starts singing a Carrie Underwood tune, and Simon stops her and says they really want to hear her. So she tries "Unchained Melody," and it is in her voice. The judges are thrilled. Simon: "I think, of all the people we've seen so far this year, you're the best." Paula and Randy tell her to come to Hollywood prepared with songs she can shine as herself on.

Day one, there were 12 finalists from Dallas. But there's still another day.

Douglas Davidson, a 28-year-old student, says he has been trying "to restart my singing hobby since I was 16." He says his father would catch him singing sometimes and tell him he hated him. Ooooo-kay. He walks around "warming up" for a couple of minutes. He shout-talks his way through "Livin' on a Prayer." It's awful. He says he was rough on a couple of notes, and walks around "warming up" again. He starts another song, and it's terrible, too. Simon tells him to stop and that it's just not working. He ignores them all and keeps trying to sing. Simon: "No one in a million years is ever going to pay to hear you sing." He starts walking and singing again. Security removes him. Simon: "Douglas, they're going to take you someplace safe." And this is one of the unfortunate auditions that really isn't funny or entertaining, just awkward and awful.

Angela Reilly just got married and says her husband helped her pick out her songs and he is a model. She calls him in, and the judges ask him what she should sing first. He says "Baby Love." She sings it with a lot of dancing and strange facial expressions. They stop her and her husband cheers for her. Simon: "The good news is, Angela, your husband really loves you. ... And they say love is deaf. Come on, Chad." Chad: "What?" He says she should try "Hit Me With Your Best Shot." She does. Simon: "Chad, do you own a record player? Do you own music? Would you buy your wife?" They ask him if he likes her vocals. He says yes. They say not so much, it's too karaoke. She asks Paula specifically, and she says, "Reality check: no." She leaves and cries, but gets hugs from model Chad, so it's OK.

Kyle Ensley wants to be the governor of Oklahoma. He sings "Somebody to Love" by Queen with a weird walk. It's in tune, but very high-school musical theater (and he's in college). Simon says he isn't as bad as he thought he would be. And he votes yes. Randy says it was like "glee club at a fraternity club." He says no. Paula gets talked into a yes. So he is through. For now.

Tammy Tuzinski has no energy whatsoever and compares herself to Celine Dion. She sings "The Power of Love." Or rather, she says she is going to sing "The Power of Love" but then she starts "If You Ask Me To" instead. She sings it like she's half-singing under her breath with no one listening. Randy: "You're a nice girl, but it was awful."

Colton Swon plays guitar, drums and bass, but not all at the same time, and not during the audition. He sings "Boondocks" by Little Big Town. Paula thinks he did a good job, but that he needs to open his eyes more and perform for the audience, not so much inside his head. Simon says it was OK. Randy says there's something he likes about him. They all three say yes, so he is through. He asks the judges to help fake out his parents, and they yell things at him on his way out the door.

Montage of ... gender confusion?

Drew Poppelreiter is a farmer. He sings George Strait's "Check Yes or No" with a whole lotta twang. Simon says automatic no. Randy says yes. Paula says she didn't feel any kind of wow factor. Simon interrupts and says, "What, are you not going to agree with Randy?" She does agree with Randy, natch, and he's going to Hollywood.

Kyle Renick believes he is a "hard-core rocker." He has a fake tan, bad eyeliner ("guyliner") and says his look stands on its own -- he is wearing a hand-lettered T-shirt over a red polo and shorts. He calls himself edgy and intense on stage. Then in the confessional he dances techno. He sings Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again." SO INTENSE AND HARD CORE! And he pretends like he is holding a microphone. Oh dear. Simon says he looks really menacing in the eyes and it's unsettling. Kyle asks if he can sing some (HARD CORE) Better Than Ezra instead. They say no and start trying to vote, and he starts singing something else. They vote no.

Montage of "Since U Been Gone." It's as good as you expect.

Nina Shaw, who is from Kelly Clarkson's hometown of Burleson, Texas, is next. She sings Whitney Houston's "Run to You." Simon says she's old-fashioned, overdone and cabaret. Paula calls it "pageant-like." Nina sings a couple of lines of another song. Randy likes her and says the throwback stuff is coming back. He says yes, Simon says no, Paula says yes.  

Tonight's designated joke audition is Renaldo Lapuz, who is dressed in a white and silver suit with fake fur and a cape. And feathers. And Simon's name on his hat. He is going to sing his "own original composition," which is never a good sign. Also, he's 44, so he can't go through anyway, so clearly this is all for naught. He's not even that funny, but the judges are so fried after 12 hours that they start singing along with him, and they are funny. Randy dances with him, pulls Ryan in the room and makes him watch, too, and Paula runs away screaming. Finally, she comes back and pretends to be a sign-language interpreter. Then she dances. Simon says he has a horrible prediction that "We're Brothers Forever" is going to be a hit record. It's a no. In the confessional, Renaldo cries and says Simon is one of heaven's chosen. Okie dokie.

From Dallas, 24 total make it to Hollywood. Renaldo is not one of them.

Next week: San Diego.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: American Idol
        

All right, it's season 7 of American Idol. There's a lot of talk about changes, but let's just watch and see, shall we?

We're in for hours and hours of auditions, not my favorite part, but such is life. Tonight's it's two hours of coverage from the Philadelphia auditions.

First up is Joey Catalano, whose story is that he's lost more than 200 pounds. But can he sing? He takes on Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning," and it's not bad. He's in, though Simon has reservations about his charisma. (And also yells at him to "put some weight on" as he goes out the door. And so it begins.)

Yuka from Egypt loves America and American music and the Bee-Gees. I think he is doing his best Borat impression (as in when he says that he loves women "from the hair to the nipple"). He attempts "How Deep Is Your Love," and the best Paula can say is that she is impressed "with how you phonetically learned the song." Simon tries to make her say that he isn't good, but she won't. He gets nos.

Melanie Nyema, who sang backup for Taylor Hicks, is next. She sings "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. Paula loves her, Simon is indifferent, and Randy says yes, but that she needs to learn to emote a little more if she wants to do better than the other backup singers from last season (which seems like an unnecessary dig at Miss Melinda Doolittle).

Tour guide James Lewis claims to have a unique voice, compares himself to Paul Robeson or Eddie Vedder and says he's good at anything low. He sounds like a slowed-down record as he sings "Go Down Moses." Paula and Randy lose it completely. It's a no, but James says he is going to try out next year with contemporary songs.

Montage of shattering notes (that broke the Liberty Bell, har har har) and other badness.

Junot Joyner of Bowie busts out with "The Blues" by Elton John, and the first thing anyone says is Simon: "You have a very good voice!" He's through, as are a couple of other people.

Temptress Browne, a 16-year-old middle linebacker, says she is doing this for her mother who is ill. She sings "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going," and it's not excellent. Simon says she is a sweetheart, and he likes her, but that she is not a great singer and she took on one of the "biggest songs in the world." She cries, and they tell her not to be hard on herself. They give her a hug, and Paula tells her to be proud of herself. They all walk her out and tell her friends and family they are proud.

Mark Hayes is really proud of his cricket noise. He should have worked harder on his singing as he gives a really yawn-inducing version of "White Christmas" that of course gets the sound editors bringing back that cricket sound.

Finance worker Udi says he has incorporated music into his workplace. I bet that went over well. He says he's been compared to Manilow and Sinatra. He sings "My Way." Simon asks if he honestly thought he had a chance to get through. He says yes. Simon: "Well then, you're nuts." He says he sang one note and it was really disturbing. Udi says, "Can you explain?" Simon: "I just did!"

And tonight's bad montage is "I Love Rock N Roll." 

And tonight's designated crazy is Alexis Cohen. She says she likes things that shine, and it shows, since she is covered in glitter. She says she is from Allentown, Pa., which has a song about it, which she says is by, she thinks, Bon Jovi. Wonder what Billy Joel thinks about that. She tells the judges her voice has been compared to Janis Joplin, Grace Slick and Pat Benetar. She actually isn't as bad as I was thinking, but it was a little copycat. They tell her this is not the route for her, that they think she will a good vet or in a 60s cover band. She says thanks and leaves. She starts her meltdown in the hall. Meanwhile, back in the audition room, Simon calls to unseen people and asks them who played the Green Goblin in the Spider-Man movies. "That's it, Willem Dafoe!" And then I lose it. "Thank you, I will leave with my dignity," she says. Then in the little confessional room, she goes crazier and also adds that she is going to try "actressing." Can I just say, they weren't even mean to her? (Well, at least not while she was in the room.)

Montage of family support.

Angela Martin's daughter has Rett's Syndrome. She says she is doing this for her daughter and with the support of her whole family. She tells Simon she supports herself as a singer in a band that plays events. She sings "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." He says she has a good voice, but that she needs to unlearn some bad habits she gained as a wedding singer. It's three yeses, and her family goes crazy on her behalf.

Alyse Wojicechowski screams her audition. Then there are more loud but bad attempts by others.

Now we have the annual person who is clearly outside the age group. This year it is Milo Turk, who wants to sing his message to young people, called "No Sex Allowed." Also, he is wearing a leopard print fleece vest. He tells Simon he is 39. Then he sings his song. Simon: "In Britain, we call it creepy." They say they can't even vote since he's too old. COP OUT!

Kristy Lee Cook from Selma, Ore., is an outdoorswoman and a cage fighter. She sings "Amazing Grace" with a little twang. Simon says she has a country vibe but also evokes the 1960s. She gets three absolutelys. Simon tells her to come back with more confidence next time.

Benjamin is wearing a giant cloak and looks embarassed about it. Simon looks annoyed. He removes his cloak and is wearing a disturbing costume. Paula obsesses over his chest hair, so he offers to wax himself. She says OK and he leaves. Yeah, that'll end well.

Bad auditions and cursing.

Paul Marturano of New Hope, Pa., sings a love song he wrote for Paula Abdul -- it's a song about breaking into her house and trying on her underwear. "I'm not much of a talker, so I guess I'll stalk her. If she was a doggie, I would walk her. If she was a blackboard, I would chalk her. ... If she was a bathtub, I would caulk her." He gets kicked out of the room. Simon says it was really creepy, and he really wants him to leave. But that was the most hilarious moment of the whole night. Edit: Rumor is, that was all an act. Which isn't surprising, but it's still funny. (See the video above if you care to.)

Speaking of stalkers, Beth Stalker is next. She is a stay-at-home mom who sings in clubs at night to make her living. Simon says she isn't a bad singer, but he doesn't think she would stand out at all. But Paula and Randy say yes, so she is through.

Benjamin Haar is back and waxed. He says he's going to sing "Don'tcha." He gets two words out, and they stop him and kick him out.

Chris Watson says he wants to be a legend. He sings "Follow Me" by Uncle Kracker. Simon says he looks like a star and he sounded good, too. Randy says his voice is good and interesting. And Paula likes him, too. He's in.

Christina Tolisano, a 24-year-old Star Wars junkie, is next. How do I know that? Her belt. Her hair. And she tells everyone. Also, she says she has a good voice and she believes in herself and her abilities. She sings "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." She actually starts out OK, but then it gets a little odd. Randy says it's a no, Paula says she's a great girl and that she enjoyed the audition, but no. She leaves and cries and curses in front of her grandparents. In the confessional, she rants about how they are looking for the same old, same old.

Nanny Brooke White says she's never seen an R-rated movie. She sings Corinne Bailey Rae's "Like a Star." Randy says she has a pure sound. Simon says she's very sincere and good. So she is a yes, and she is through.

Ryan Seacrest says they took 29 from Philly.

Outside, Christina says they want people who are all exactly the same, and that they need something different, and they are not allowing it. This over a montage of all the people who have made it through, who seem to show a lot of diversity and variety.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go learn all the words to Paul's stalker song.

(Photo courtesy of Fox)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: American Idol
        

This tvtattle.com headline literally stopped me in my tracks (or it would have, had I been walking):

"Super Sweet 16" divas will be forced to live with indigenous tribes

Say what? Here's a quote from the story that clears it up a little:

MTV plans Exiled!, an eight-episode documentary series that will ship the mini-divas from its Super Sweet 16 series to indigenous tribes in far-off lands like Africa and Antarctica for the chance -- their parents hope -- of gaining an altered world view.

Interesting. An altered world view would be nice. But the part of the story about the parents wanting them to get a new outlook on life? Who was throwing their kids the outlandish parties in the first place? Who gave them the entitlement complexes?

Hopefully everyone will learn something. And take some responsibility.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I realized earlier today that I started this blog just before the fifth season of American Idol and so Reality Check was probably approaching its birthday since another season is almost upon us.

Well, how about that? It looks like Reality Check turned 2 last Wednesday -- and me forgetting the cupcakes. Tsk, tsk. Here, let me remedy that:

It got a little quiet over the holidays, between the TV season slowing down and my regular job(s) getting super-busy, but it's going to be really nutty around here. That writers' strike you've heard so much about is going to make the reality lineups totally out of control. I'll probably be calling in some reinforcements to help me cover as much as we can, so if you see unfamiliar names, fret not. If you have a show you are obsessing over and don't see it here, drop me and email or a comment and I'll see what we can do.

The craziness begins (or rather, continues) tomorrow and Wednesday with four hours of American Idol auditions. I'll be blogging after the show, but check out tomorrow's Sun for a look at how the past Idol winners and standouts are doing and reflections from Kevin Cowherd on what it really means if you just love the horrifying auditions that make up the first several weeks of Idol.

I'm just hoping this won't be the start of the terrible twos! 

(Cupcake photo by me)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 5:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I fully admit that, thanks to football, I missed a swath of episodes this season of The Amazing Race.

But I feel like I have seen enough to be fully thrilled that Jen and Nate did not make it into the final three for next week's finale. They were unkind to each other; she was shrieky. It wasn't pleasant.

So those final three teams are:

Ronald and Christina: The dad and daughter got off to a rocky start, with him often berating her when things got complicated. The past two legs, though, she's carried them to first-place finishes. She credited her dad for changing, but it's probably easier to be nicer when you're in the lead.

TK and Rachel: The (mostly) laid-back hippie couple have made it through the race (at least the parts that I have seen) staying kind -- and lucking out with a non-elimination leg when they totally messed up their flights last week.

Nicolas and Don: The grandfather-and-grandson team has made some smart moves (especially regarding rest) and with Nicolas really helping his grandfather keep it together. They aren't the nicest of the remaining teams, but they have worked hard. (Though I was struck last night when they ditched whiny Jen and Nate to talk to TK and Rachel instead on the train.)

So farewell, Jen and Nate. Sorry you got kicked off on your birthday, Jen, and sorry you and Nate didn't turn off your mikes before lamenting that the race had killed your relationship. But I'm glad to not have to listen to you two in the finale.

Are you excited about the finalists? The finale? Who do you want to see take home the $1 million? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: The Amazing Race
        

I thought the challenge on Wednesday night's Project Runway was genius -- the contestants were expecting to have to make eveningwear at some point, but for for 16- and 17-year-old girls going to the prom!

Unfortunately, the results were not so genius. I think a number of the designers were thrown off by having to create something that fit someone else's expectations. Plus, the age thing didn't help much.

Christian Siriano (of Annapolis) had a lot of trouble. Maddie, the student who chose him, is also interested in design and wanted some very specific things in her dress. When he started putting it together, it turned into this bronzey, lacy, beaded confection (and not in the good way). It was interested seeing how he dealt with the complications -- there was much less "Hell yes, I'm the best" and waaaaaay more "I'm getting eliminated tomorrow. Yep, eliminated. I'm totally going home." It was a close call (especially when at judging he cast some of the blame on his teen client), but that did not come to pass. Whew.

I would have liked to have seen more of the dresses that made the cut but weren't deemed best or worst (Chris March's, Jillian's and Kit's), but it never works out that way.

At the top were, surprisingly, Sweet P and Victorya. I had seriously started to doubt how Sweet P made it on the show at all since she's had so many problems, but her dress -- a long, Grecian, champagne-colored creation -- was amazing in design and construction. But the winner was Victorya, which I think shocked even her. Seriously, next time this is on a rerun, check out her face when she isn't named one of the safe people in the middle. Even she thought she was at the bottom. The judges liked her royal blue, short, flowy, and I swear Beadazzled dress, but I wasn't a fan. She won the challenge anyway.

Everyone else was at the bottom along with Christian. Rami's dress was thought to be too sophisticated, and Ricky's had hem problems and a pale pink color that washed out his client. But it was Kevin who was eliminated for his ill-fitting, too-red, unhemmed halter dress.

I'm sad to see Kevin go because he's been fun and he seems really talented. I was hoping Ricky was out -- I'm over all the tears and the badly constructed garments. Do you think the editors are laughing every time they cut in another clip of him crying in an interview? I would.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I'm a sucker for dance shows. Well, not so much Dancing With the Stars, although I do am usually entertained by judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. So I was at least slightly intrigued by their new show Dance Wars.

However, I just watched the premiere, and it was pretty blah. The audition footage felt like everything we've seen a thousand times before on everything from American Idol to So You Think You Can Dance to Grease: You're the One That I Want to all those other singing and dancing shows.

That went on forever, and then the live part of the show came back, and it felt like Star Search more than anything else. Not exactly what they were going for, I would guess.

Maybe it will get more interesting once they split into teams and the Bruno vs. Carrie Ann part actually starts. Then again, it might just keep feeling derivative.

Did you see? What did you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

I missed the premiere of Celebrity Apprentice last night. Perhaps it was an act of subconscious self-preservation? It doesn't look that good, although the claim that it will be somewhat less commercial did intrigue me.

But since I didn't end up catching it, it matters not now.

If you saw it, what did you think? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: The Apprentice
        

Entertainment Weekly reveals the cast of the next Survivor, and in case you already forgot, it's superfans vs. fan favorites (though I feel like I should put that last part in quote marks, FAIRPLAY).

Here's the story. 

By the way, it starts Feb. 7. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Survivor
        

OK, sorry, that was a goofy headline. But what do you want me to do when the challenge on Project Runway involved using materials from the Hershey's store in Times Square? I just couldn't help it.

Anyway!  I'm glad to have this show back after the holiday hiatus, and it was a fun return.

The designers had five minutes to gather as much as they could from the shelves of the store -- including pillows, teddy bears and other products, so not just candy. It was a total free-for-all.

Back at Parsons, they each parsed what they'd gathered and tried to come up with a plan.

Right off the bat, Rami's outfit, created with Twizzler packaging and York peppermint patty wrapping paper, looked great. It was whimsical in shape and color and extremely well made.

Jillian was the only one who decided to use actual candy and made a bustier out of Twizzlers and created fringe on a skirt with more of them. She was having a tough time, but in the end, despite all the dramatic tension ramped up by the editors, she prevailed.

Annapolis' Christian Siriano made a brown dress and covered it with the inside wrapper from Reese's peanut butter cups. He finished really early and then proceeded to annoy everyone -- not typically the best strategy.

As per usual, Sweet P and Elisa had some trouble. Sweet P had a fairly interesting-looking dress, then questioned herself and started from scratch, creating a boring dress whose skirt mentor Tim Gunn likened to a "coffee filter or a maxi-pad." (Ouch.) Elisa said she was going for a fairy-tale Gretel look, but that didn't quite happen.

At judging, the highest marks went to Rami, Jillian and Chris March (whose slightly subdued but totally well-shaped dress caught the judges off-guard), with Remy winning the challenge. Bottom two were Sweet P and Elisa. The judges though Sweet P's dress looked rushed and that Elisa's was a boring brown dress. Finally, Elisa was out. (Earlier in the episode, Elisa had shared that she was hit by a car a couple of years ago, breaking her neck and sustaining a major head injury. I won't speculate whether that's a cause of her strange attitude, but fellow PR watcher Tim Swift notes, "Oh, they trotted out the sob story B-roll, you're out; you're no longer useful.")

She's been interesting to have around, but I think many of the other have a higher skill level, so I'm not distraught that Elisa is leaving. Also, Sweet P is not long for the show, I don't think. She's just produced too many disasters, and the second-guessing herself is not helping her.

What'd you think of the show? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)