This week on So You Think You Can Dance, the couples take on two dances per week for the first time. Well, two competition dances, since they always have to learn a group dance and they prep a solo, too.

The big question around here, though, is whether Annapolis dancer and Baltimore School for the Arts grad Caitlin Kinney will make the Top 10. Here's hoping!

The first couple is Melissa and Ade, doing disco with Doriana Sanchez. OK, first of all, those are some crazy sparkle-pants Ade's got on. Second, this is fast, and has so many spins that it's a wonder they stay on their feet. Um, well, they do until the very end, when their final move gives way somehow and Melissa stumbles. (Does Ade drop? Is her footing off? It's hard to tell.) But it's fun and energetic, for sure. Nigel Lythgoe says it was exciting and had some "tremendous stuff" in it. In the replay, it looks like both of their feet slipped, causing the fall, by the way. Mary Murphy, reference Doriana's line about praying to the disco gods: "Can I get an amen?" She adds that it was well-executed and that they were both "letting it go." Tyce DiOrio: "That was friggin' great! I mean, I want to say, I adore you, and no one would think that a ballet dancer could do that, so that's growth." He says that Ade embodied it well.

Kayla and Kupono take on a Mia Michaels contemporary routine that is about addiction. In a more revealing and emotional introductory segment than usual, Kupono discusses that he had a close friend who was almost destroyed by a drug addiction that had repercussions in his family, too, and that he almost doesn't want to portray the character of the addiction. "I just sucks having to be in it for that minute-thirty or just those two counts." Then he cries. It's pretty powerful, though there is a part toward the end where he is supposed to be guiding the addicted Kayla through some moves, and it seems like he just isn't exactly where he is supposed to be, which makes it look a little funky. Still, though, a nice piece. Nigel says it's a powerful piece for anyone who has dealt with addiction. He said that Kayla was superb as the addict and that Kupono was powerful in his role as well. Mary says Kupono stayed in character with intensity through the whole performance and that Kayla was flawless. "You guys are staying on the train; don't worry about it." Tyce says with Mia, you add a level to yourself and become an actor. He adds that Kupono could use a little more power in his body, but his acting was great. Kayla he just calls "a beast."

As a side note, can I just say, as someone with hardly any pigment, how refreshing it is to see that the stylists or whoever on this show let the pale girls be pale without feeling the need to fake-tan (or worse, real tan) them into orange oblivion? (*cough* Dancing With the Stars *cough)

Continue reading "'So You Think Can Dance': Top 12 perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Bravo just announced the cast of the next season of Top Chef, and how about that -- it includes several Marylanders.

One is Jesse Sandlin, the chef at Abacrombie, who Elizabeth Large had already speculated might be in the cast.

There's also brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, both from Frederick. Bryan is the chef and owner of Volt on Market Street in Frederick. Michael lives in L.A. now and is the Chef de Cuisine at Bazaar by Jose Andres.

I'll get some more details as soon as I can, but in the meantime, here's the full cast list for Top Chef: Las Vegas, which premieres on Aug. 26:

Continue reading "New 'Top Chef' cast includes several Marylanders" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Mary Carole McCauley got a chance to catch up with Annapolis dancer Caitlin Kinney yesterday. The 21-year-old is in the Top 12 on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, which airs on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Here's Mary:

After portraying an alien attempting to impregnate her human prey, Caitlin Kinney fully expected to be in danger of elimination last week on Fox’s hit reality show So You Think You Can Dance.

Before Thursday night’s results show was broadcast, the lithe, 21-year-old from Annapolis rehearsed the "dance for your life" solo required of competitors who receive the fewest viewer votes.

"Honestly, I didn’t think there was any way Jason and I weren’t going to be in the bottom three," she says, referring to her partner, Jason Glover. "We’ve been hanging on by our teeth. When I found out we were safe, I was just flabbergasted."

Kinney, who studied at Baltimore School for the Arts and trained as a classical ballerina, wrapped up an intense day of practicing by chatting about the ups and downs of the competition thus far, and her future plans.

Q: None of the dance styles you’ve assigned so far play to your strengths. Has that been hard?

A: It has been frustrating. I’d love to have a chance to dance something more lyrical. Of course, we don’t choose what dance styles we’ve been given, or what we wear. I’ll be honest, I was a little jealous when Melissa [Sandvig] got to dance a pas de deux in toe shoes last week. At the same time, the harder you work, the greater your rewards. I’d rather get a style that plays to our strengths later in the competition.

Continue reading "'SYTYCD': Talking with Annapolis dancer Caitlin Kinney" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

My favorite part of the So You Think You Can Dance results show is almost always the group dance.

Tonight's number -- a Broadway routine to "Brand New Day" from The Wiz choreographed by Tyce DiOrio -- is no exception. So good, so fun, and amazing costumes. (I am, however, as usual, distracted by some of the manic camerawork that makes it tough to actually see the dancers' movements.)

Host Cat Deeley gets right to the results: Karla and Vitolio and Evan and Randi are called to the stage. The quick step still might be the kiss-of-death dance, as it turns out the Karla and Vitolio are in the bottom three couples.

After the break, three more judges are on the stage. Janette and Brandon find out they are safe. Kayla and Kupono are in the bottom three couples, and Melissa and Ade are safe. Mia Michaels says she is shocked about Kayla and Kupono because she thinks they were the best performance of the night. Kayla actually cries because she's so overcome.

That leaves two couples: Caitlin and Jason and Jeanine and Phillip. (Members of Caitlin's family, including her mom and her aunt, are there dressed similarly to her crazy costume from last night, with a sign that says "Aliens for Caitlin.") Caitlin and Jason are safe (and shocked), and Phillip and Jeanine are in the bottom three.

The evening's professional dance performance is an amazing ballet by dancers Desmond Richardson and Patricia Hachey from Complexions Contemporary Ballet. 

Then, solos: Karla looks remarkably comfortable and strong on stage tonight. Vitolio dances to "Here Comes Goodbye," which seems like a bad choice of song. His solo is a little disjointed and off the cuff. Kayla gives an energetic and emotional but more controlled performance than her last time in the bottom three, when she was accused (unfairly, I think) of cramming too much into the solo. Kupono exudes a lot of emotion in his solo, joy and hope and just wanting to be there, I think. Jeanine finally gets to dance her style on this stage, and she is so good. Last is Phillip, who gets to show off what he does best, his crazily unique popping and locking and limb-wrenching.

Kelly Clarkson comes out to sing "I Do Not Hook Up" while the judges deliberate. She sounds great, and she looks better than when she was on Idol last season, but she still needs her stylist to work a little bit harder on her behalf. 

The judges are back with the results, women first. Nigel tells Jeanine that she had the strongest solo of the evening and is safe. He tells Kayla that she is a favorite of the judges and the choreographers, but they found her solo to be very "static" and not dancing from the heart. They say that Karla is a very good dancer, but she hasn't quite shown the star quality they saw in her at first, so she is out. So Oxon Hill, Md., dancer Karla Garcia is going home. She says she will remember all her friends and dancing her contemporary routine.

They are unanimous with the guys, too. They tell Phillip he is unique and superb, but they thought he overworked his solo. Still, they are keeping him. Nigel says Vitolio has great presence and presents himself well, but he doesn't deliver. Kupono is told that his solo was weak and didn't show much passion, but they hope to see more from him in the future. So Vitolio is out as well.

Guess the quick step really is the kiss of death! Yikes.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

On tonight's So You Think You Can Dance, Mia Michaels is one of the guest judges. As you might recall, she was really hard on dancer Brandon, and host Cat Deeley refers to this when she asks whether her opinion on anyone had changed.

Mia says, that, without naming names, it has changed for the better. So she regrets being so horrible to Brandon? Nigel asks if she is talking about a "small, male dancer," and she says yes.

Speaking of Brandon, Janette and Brandon are first, and they relive their highs and lows, which means that they recap the past three weeks in their own words. They are doing the cha-cha with Jean-Marc Genereax. The dance is very fast and sexy and fun, and they kill it. Janette is obviously in her element, but Brandon stays right with her. Nigel Lythgoe calls it "the best damn cha-cha I have ever seen on this show ever!" He praises Brandon's articulation of his feet in particular. "I can't even begin to describe how good this was," he goes on. Mary Murphy calls Janette amazing, pointing out that salsa technique and cha-cha technique are very different, and she did a great job. And, of course, "two first-class tickets on the hot tamale train [SCREEEEEEEEEEEECH]!" Mia acknowledges that she has probably scared Brandon, but says that she is the hardest on her best students and that that's where it's coming from. She makes Brandon cry. "You are going to love me and hate me on this journey. ... You are ... you're amazing. Janette, you've been on fire since day one, and today is no exception."

Continue reading "'So You Think You Can Dance': Top 14 perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Remember back a few months, when the Style Network's Clean House came to Baltimore and picked things up for James Buechler and Jennifer "Jiffy" Boehles? (See more pictures of the taping here.)

And then James and Jiffy weren't totally thrilled about how their house looked afterward in the places not covered by the cameras?

And then the show was scheduled to air May 27, but was pulled?

Just heard that the episode is now supposed to air at 8 tonight. And that Clean House: Messiest Home in the Country special airs at 9.

(Baltimore Sun photo by Chiaki Kawajiri/Feb. 7, 2009)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Tonight's So You Think You Can Dance results show opens with a verrrry sexy group number -- there's lots of writhing and undulating and even dancing on water-covered tables. It was choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin and Tabitha and Napoleon.

After the group dance, head judge Nigel Lythgoe acknowledges the tragic losses of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and, of course, Michael Jackson. He says that he himself went into dancing because of Michael Jackson, and they even air a bit of the "Thriller" video.

After the break, they get right started with results, bringing five couples to the floor. Asuka and Vitolio are first; they are in the bottom three. Brandon and Janette learn that they're safe. Randy and Evan are, too, thanks to their "cheeky" performance, as Cat puts it. Jeanine and Phillip? Also safe. In this group of five couples, that leaves Ade and Melissa, who eventually learn that they are also in the clear.

Continue reading "'So You Think You Can Dance': Down to 14" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:59 PM in Maryland reality contestants, So You Think You Can Dance | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

It's results time on So You Think You Can Dance, and we'll see, among other things, whether Annapolis dancer Caitlin Kinney and Oxon Hill dancer Karla Garcia make it to the next round.

Right off the bat, Caitlin learns that she is safe, but Karla is in the bottom three couples, along with her partner Jonathan, Asuka, Vitolio, Tony and Paris. I had predicted that Asuka and Vitolio and Tony and Paris would probably be in trouble, but I'd forgotten there would be three couples in the bottom.

After a professional tango performance, it's solo (aka "dance for your life") time.

Paris is up first, and her dance is lovely and nice, but not super energetic. She does do this impressive move where she goes from being up on one toe with her other leg extended behind her to suddenly being on the floor -- I totally gasped.

Tony is next, and he does a lot of goofy moves, but nothing really that enthralling. His strong suit is supposed to be comic hip-hop, but this was pretty boring. I predict he's out without even seeing any of the other guys.

Asuka has the disadvantage of typically being a partner dancer, which always makes for slightly odd solos, but she makes the best of it and works the whole stage with a lot of fancy -- and speedy -- footwork.

Vitolio does a solo that showcases his strength and power -- and I'll assume technique, but my forte is TV not dance. He looks pretty good to me, though.

Karla makes the bold move of dancing to Aretha, and her solo is OK, though it seems to involve a fair amount of running around the stage.

Jonathan shows off his turning action, his tumbling and his hip action in his solo. Cat seems impressed.

Cat dismisses the judges so they can decide who is out. In the meantime, Sean Kingston performs, and I get to use my fast-forward button.

Nigel Lythgoe says they were unanimous in their decision for the women. He tells Karla that her solo was strong, but she needs to make sure she doesn't do just a series of steps and to bring more personality. But she is safe. Nigel says it wasn't just based on this week, but everything they've seen from them up to this point, but also this tidbit: "... and also who else is in the competition. We always try and cast it so we have all the genres of dance in the competition being represented when we can." Ummm, interesting. He tells Asuka that she is a little star of personality, but tells Paris that she didn't bring everything she could have, and that they have enough other contemporary dancers. So wow, Nigel just laid bare a little more of the behind-the-scenes action than I would have expected.

For the guys, Nigel says that he didn't think anyone did a very good solo. He tells Vitolio that they didn't see his personality in his routines, but they are giving him another chance. He tells Jonathan that he performed a little better last night and Tony that his solo was all locking and "not particularly good" locking at that. He drags it out a little, but Tony is going home. I'm OK with that!

What do you think of the results? It's always tough this early when people we didn't really get to know go home (e.g. Paris), but I don't feel quite the same about Tony because I'm not quite sure how he ended up in the Top 20 in the first place, so I felt like this was coming.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:13 PM in Maryland reality contestants, So You Think You Can Dance | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

No pressure, So You Think You Can Dance, but judge Adam Shankman tweeted today: "No joke: tonight is one of the best sytycd dance eps ever. The 20 brought it!"

I say: Bring it on!

Tonight's panel includes Adam Shankman, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe. 

Before the competition portion gets started, we get a montage of how the Top 20 made it through all the rounds to the finals. They were good, they cried, I get to finish my dinner because it's all rehash.

The first couple is Jeanine and Phillip. Jeanine, who we haven't seen much of before, interviews that she was a hot mess when she started dancing and that she doesn't have great legs or "turnout" but she does have passion. Phillip, on the other hand, we've seen a lot of. He's the pop-and-locker who made it to Vegas last season but had to bow out because of pneumonia. He got to come back this season and showed potential for versatility, making it to the Top 20. They'll be doing a hip-hop routine by Napoleon and Tabitha that's about "a couple who can't go to bed without resolving their issues," danced to "Mad" by Ne-Yo. T&N do take a rather literal approach to the stories of their dances sometimes, huh? This song has the lyrics: "I don't want to go to bed mad." Though Jeanine claimed to be horrible at hip-hop, I think she comported herself well; she didn't seem to be faking it to me. And N&T's style worked to Phillip's strengths, so overall, they did a great job. Adam says it was "un-freaking-real." He adds that Jeanine held her own with Phillip during the performance and that it's a joy to watch him dance and an amazing partner. Mary says she hates to disagree with Adam ... but SHE'S NOT GOING TO (*scream scream scream*). Nigel agrees that Jeanine was fantastic and says that she's made an impression that should help her catch up with Phillip and his following.

Continue reading "'So You Think You Can Dance': Top 20 dance for votes" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

I lost a big hunk of So You Think You Can Dance tonight thanks to the storm, but I did gather this: Annapolis sisters Megan and Caitlin Kinney did not both make it to the Top 32.

During the early rounds in Vegas week, Megan, 18, did well and made the initial cuts. Her sister Caitlin, 21, lost touch with some of the choreography, but based on the strength of her solo was allowed to "dance for her life." That was when the gap in my recording started, but she evidently made it to the next round. However, in that round, Megan was cut.

So Caitlin is part of the Top 32; tomorrow night we will find out whether she makes it to the finals: the Top 20.

A number of seemingly favorite contestants fell short and were sent packing, among them Natalie Reid, the former roommate of last season's runner-up Katee, and Gabi Rojas, the amazing first auditioner we saw this season.

Update: Here's a more detailed recap from Give Me My Remote, who did not have the storm-induced TV troubles that I did. I'm looking forward to seeing who makes the Top 20 tonight. How about you?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:06 PM in Maryland reality contestants, So You Think You Can Dance | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It appears Tyra Banks is pulling out all the stops this year to attract viewers to America's Next Top Model. That means for the first time in 11 cycles of the show, there will be a transgender contestant among the finalists. AND, she's from Maryland!

Her name is Isis, and she hails from Prince George's County. I have often wondered how the show would deal with this if it ever became an issue. Obviously, Tyra and company feel that beauty is beauty, regardless of gender. 

In other Top Model news, I'm sure you've all heard this old piece of gossip: Cycle 9 villain/contestant Bianca Golden was involved in a fight with Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky in Turks and Caicos Islands. Blonsky's father was finally released from jail this week.

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 10:31 AM in America's Next Top Model, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Maryland Institute College of Art student Bryan East is competing on the second season of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew. Bryan (who dances under the name "Boogie Mind") and his D.C.-based crew, Boogie Bots, have been advancing through the rounds. The Randy Jackson-produced show is filming in Los Angeles, but MICA says Bryan will return to school in September. He'll be a senior.

Crew members Migs and Magic Mike are also Marylanders. Mike, according to his MySpace page, goes to UMBC. Migs' MySpace page says he's a UMBC grad who lives in Baltimore.

America's Best Dance Crew airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays. Check the guys out!

Posted by Carla Correa at 9:36 PM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Marylander Caity Lynn Fisher and partner Will Snyder won CMT's Can You Duet competition on Friday night. Congrats! (Part of the deal is a recording contract. It seems like reality-TV country crooners seem to find a bit of success in the "real world" -- I just heard Josh Gracin of American Idol on the radio. I'm rooting for these two.)

Posted by Carla Correa at 11:32 PM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Posted by Carla Correa at 12:51 PM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Just got word that Caitlin Lynn of Glen Burnie (and half of the duo Eighty1 South) is a finalist on CMT's reality competition Can You Duet.

I haven't been watching this one, but you can read Caitlin's blog about the show here.  

Also, check out the video above to see the final 8 duos. Caitlin and her partner Will Snynder perform starting around the 3:50 mark. 

The show airs Friday nights at 8 on CMT. Have you been watching? What do you think of it so far? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:57 AM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

At long, long last, here we are: The final performance show of this season of Dancing With the Stars.

Tonight the final three will do a "cha-cha faceoff" as well as each perform a freestyle dance.

The cha-cha faceoff is first, with all three couples dancing back-to-back during the song "Dancing on the Ceiling."

Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are the first couple on the floor, and they have a lot of hip-shaking and bare-chest action (his). Then, Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska come out, and they've got all sorts of tricksy moves and body rolls. Lastly, Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas hit the floor, and their routine has a boatload of spins and an amazing amount of energy. The routine ends with Jason and Cristian lifting Kristi up over their heads, which is pretty impressive since they are so tall.

Len Goodman says at his age, it takes a lot to get him excited, but this did it. He says Cristian has great hips and rhythm, and that Jason has a grace about him and style, but he doesn't think Latin is his big thing. He says Kristi was the "complete package." Bruno Tonioli says Cristian "banged like the best" and that he's shown so much improvement. He says Jason's timing was a tad off, but he was still great and athletic. But then he adds that Kristi was in a master class all her own. Carrie Ann Inaba says it was really interesting watching them back to back. She says she thought Cristian was fantastic but that his injury seems to be messing up his posture a bit. She agrees that she feels bad that Jason had this dance since it's his weakest dance, but he still did a good job. She closes saying that Kristi won that, "hands down."

Cristian and Cheryl's scores: 8-9-9, for a 26/30.

Jason and Edyta's scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Kristi and Mark's scores: 10-10-10, for a 30/30.

Kristi and Mark prepare for the freestyle. When they come out on stage, Kristi is wearing PJs and Mark has on this bizarre bathrobe and fake-abs T-shirt. They rip off these clothes to reveal pinstriped sequined outfits and Converse sneakers. They are all over the place in terms of styles and choreography and have a ton of energy. They pull off a bunch of lifts, and Kristi even boosts Mark for a backflip. It's a little manic, but a blast to watch. Bruno says it was an inspiring match of mambo and hip-hop and that it was "worthy of the championship." Carrie Ann says she was the big crowd-pleaser. "Loved it!" Len says he isn't a lover of hip-hop when it's in a Latin dance, but this held his attention from start to finish, and that he absolutely loved it. Scores: 10-10-10, for a(nother) 30/30 and a total 60/60.

Jason and Edyta aim to have a ton of tricks in their routine, but during practice, Edyta gets dropped a lot. They perform to "Welcome to Miami" (of course). Edyta starts in a pretty sundress and hat, but Jason rips off her dress to reveal a tiny outfit. Their performance is pretty much straight hip-hop with lots of tricks. It's fun, but doesn't nearly have the finesse or range of Kristi and Mark's. And to keep the percentage of people who have their clothes ripped off during the freestyle round at 100 percent, Edyta removes Jason's tank top as the final flourish of their dance. Carrie Ann tells Edyta she's so glad to see her in the finals. She says, "Who knew, Jason Taylor can get funky!" Len says he loved the humor and the lifts and that he could see them together at the beach, Jason in his Speedo, "me in my thong!" Bruno speaks for all viewers when he says, "I'm not going to have dinner tonight!" Bruno says it was like "watching centerfolds, and the dance wasn't bad, either." Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30 and a total 51/60.

Cristian and Cheryl are last, with a Latin-themed performance featuring a lot of hip-shaking and an amazing number of one-armed lifts and tricks. But no clothes were ripped off in the making of this performance. Len says he loved the Latin flavor and that he has to take into consideration that the other two had amazing lifts and some of theirs weren't up to par (which he of course has to mention, regardless of the injury since everyone is being judged by the same standards). Bruno says he hasn't seen so much shaking in L.A. since the Northridge earthquake. (Incidentally, this seems like a bad time to make earthquake jokes, but maybe that's just me.) He calls Cristian a Latin stallion. Carrie Ann says that this is all about seeing who leaves it all on the floor and that while they might not have compared to Kristi's performance, Crisitian is a winner in so many ways. Scores: 9-8-9, for a 26/30 and 52/60.

So I think it's unanimous that Kristi took that -- finally a 60/60, and both performances were a total blast.

Who do you think deserves to win? And who do you think will win?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:24 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

We've got two hours of Dancing With the Stars tonight so the show can celebrate its 100th episode (and host Tom Bergeron's birthday, as I learned on Entertainment Tonight a little while ago. Please don't judge me).

The first hour features the judges' favorite dances from the first five seasons. No. 10 is Kelly Monaco's freestyle from the season one's week six. No. 9 is Sabrina Bryan's paso doble from season five. No. 8 is Emmitt Smith's cha-cha-cha from season three. No. 7 is Apolo Anton Ohno's seaon four quickstep. No. 6 is Joey Fatone's season four jive. No. 5 is Helio Castroneves' season five quickstep (in the giant yellow suit). No. 4 is Drew Lachey's freestyle from season two's finale. No. 3 is Stacy Keibler's season two samba. No. 2 is Mel B's paso doble from season five. No. 1 is Mario Lopez's tango from season three.

I didn't watch the first season, but I learned from this clip show that the standards are a lot higher now. During that Kelly Monaco dance, there were a bunch of parts where they paused to make sure they started the next part together, and she was looking at her partner's feet a bunch. Interesting.

Let's get on with the results show, shall we?

* They kick things off with a big group dance from the pros to "Hard to Handle."

* Montage from last night.

* Backstage, Samantha Harris talks to the five remaining stars, all of whom feel at risk, glad to be there and hope to still be around next week.

* Rascal Flatts performs, and Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough dance along with them. (They rock, by the way.)

* Tom Bergeron talks to a bunch of past cast members, who are in the audience. Stacy Keibler says she emailed George Hamilton to see if he would be around. Lisa Rinna says she is doing lots of cardio ballroom. Jerry Springer says his hip still hurts. Vivica A. Fox says she's retired her stilettos. Joey Fatone says he's still bitter, and Kenny Mayne says he's tired of being Tom's punchline, and Sabrina just gets to say "thank you" after Tom says Kenny used all her time.

* Mario Lopez and the cast of Broadway's A Chorus Line hit the stage to perform.

* Rascal Flatts returns, and Mel B and Maksim Chmerkovskiy dance.

* Kelly Monaco tells Samantha she's for Kristi. Apolo says he's for the athletes, but probably Kristi because he's partial to skaters. Drew says his money is on Cristian.

* Results, finally: Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are safe, as are Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. After a break, more results: Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are safe, which leaves Mario and Jason Taylor as the last two stars standing. Leaving are Mario and Karina Smirnoff, meaning Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are safe.

* Mario says: "I've had a great time performing on this show, I've had a great partner, we've had some great competition. ... Len, thank you for all your comments. Ultimately, you've helped me become a better ballroom dancer. And the comment about me being brave and being an inspiration for young people. I want to say that the real brave ones are the young men and women fighting for our country."

Well, that's a classy exit for our hometown contestant. How do you feel about the results? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:44 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the contestants will take on two dances -- and they'll be allowed one lift per dance. Plus, we'll see how Cristian de la Fuente handles his injured arm.

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas will be doing quickstep and samba this evening. In the intro footage, Kristi really wants to take advantage of the opportunity to do lifts, but Mark isn't so sure. He finally agrees to add one to their quickstep, which is their first dance. It's fun and fast and seems fairly traditional, though the lift in question ends up being, well, kind of lame after all that buildup. Judge Len Goodman says that dance cheered him up to no end and says it had "great light and shade." Bruno Tonioli says Kristi is a supercandidate with a super ticket for the final. Carrie Ann Inaba liked that they danced toward the judges, but she says that at one point, they got a little hair out of sync. Scores: 9-10-10, for a 29/30.

Mario and Karina Smirnoff practice the jive and the Viennese waltz. Their waltz is first, and he's determined to show that he can be an elegant dancer, since Len said last week that was not his strong point. I'm not a ballroom expert, but he looks pretty dapper to me. Bruno calls him "Prince Mario," and says he had "polish and distinction, poise, restraint." Yeah, he liked it. Carrie Ann says his posture was the best thus far and she thought the lift "completely enhanced your routine." Len says, and I quote, "Normally, your ballroom dancing reminds me a bit of Britney Spears getting out of a car: Not very elegant, you sometimes see odd things you'd rather not, but tonight I thought that was the most elegant I've seen you dance. ... Gorgeous, floating movement, good job." Wow, Len, don't mince any words. Backstage, always on point Samantha Harris tells Mario that he got some fantastic comments from the judges. Um. Eventually. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30.

Host Tom Bergeron: "Coming up, more frightening analogies from Len."

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week eight performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Guest blogger John-John Williams reports:

He said “fierce.” He called one character a “hot tranny mess.” And more important he was mentioned by name at least a half dozen times during last night’s episode of ABC’s hit Ugly Betty.

Christian Siriano indeed made his mark on the dramedy, which takes a satirical look at the fashion magazine industry through the lives of employees at Mode, a fictional magazine based in New York City.

Although his appearance was pretty brief, he packed in his usual outdated catch phrases. (Seriously, who in their right mind still says “fierce” and “work it”?)

Siriano – accompanied by three stunning models wearing designs that I’m pretty sure he designed – played himself on the episode. (I’m also pretty sure that one of the show’s stars Rebecca Romijn was wearing one of his designs.)

Anywho, writers were able to work Siriano into the storyline by having the Mode editors attempt to persuade the Project Runway winner to unveil some of his new designs in an upcoming issue. Siriano was accompanied by Project Runway judge Nina Garcia, who appeared to be acting as his agent during the show. She described him as a “diva” before he made his entrance.

Siriano is the latest guest star to arrive on the Betty set this season. Others include: Victoria Beckham, who has worn Siriano’s designs in the past; Dawson’s Creek alum James Van Der Beek; and Celebrity Apprentice alum Gene Simmons, who flashed his freakishly long tongue. Diva supermodel and frequent flyer Naomi Campbell is scheduled to appear at the end of this season.

Siriano is definitely part of an eclectic mix.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Guest blogger Karlayne Parker reports:

In planning her wedding, bride Christine Johnson of Baltimore let her wedding planner know Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

On the Style Network show, which aired earlier this week, this DIY bride relinquished little to Vicky Johnson of area event-planning business holy matrimony on the big day at Tagart Memorial Chapel on the campus of McDonogh School,

Who made the wedding cake? Christine did.

Actually, Christine made just about everything: the cake, the invitations, selected the reception hall (with her fiance), the color scheme for the wedding, and she did her own hair and makeup on her wedding day.

She was very decisive, to say the least.

"I’m trying to take things off her plate but she wants to keep them," Johnson told the reality show cameras. "I’m not going to fight with her."

In the end, Johnson managed to put her organizing skills to work for the bride and groom. There were a few glitches, though.

The episode reairs at 11 a.m. tomorrow on the Style Network. Go to mystyle.com for details on each show.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:08 PM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Guest blogger John-John Williams IV reports:

Christian Siriano, the former Annapolis resident/Project Runway winner/walking stereotype, will be making an appearance tonight on my favorite show, Ugly Betty.

Regardless of your personal feelings about the guy, it is undeniable that he is the most recognizable Project Runway winner ever. I can’t remember the last time a contestant on the show had this much buzz.

Name one who was spoofed on Saturday Night Live (see clip above)? I can’t remember one making national headlines for being a judge for the Miss USA competition. Can you remember the last Runway contestant who hosted awards shows? And now Ugly Betty.

What’s next? Hopefully, we’ll see a successful clothing line. After all, isn’t that why he won the competition? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 3:24 PM in Maryland reality contestants, Project Runway | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Despite what all the gossip blogs were saying, Cristian de la Fuente, who was injured last night on Dancing With the Stars, is here for tonight's live show.

During the recap from last night, Cheryl Burke interviews that she heard a crack and thought her dress had ripped or something, and then realized the noise had been from Cristian's arm.

Reprisal time: Len Goodman says they want to see Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska's quickstep.

Results: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas are safe.

In case you ever wondered if they taped some of this stuff, the supposed backstage promo of Def Leppard and the pros who will be dancing with them includes Cheryl Burke and Karina Smirnoff, but then during the transition to commercial, which returns back to the stage, Cheryl and Karina are on stage with their partners. Whoa.

Then, it's "DanceCenter" with Jerry Rice, Kenny Mayne and Len Goodman.

Then DWtS tries to out-hip Idol and succeeds by about two decades with a "performance" of "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard, though it's some of the saddest lip-syncing I've ever seen, since it sounds like they are just playing the CD.

More "DanceCenter."

Results again: Mario and Karina Smirnoff are safe. (Whew, says Baltimore.)

Def Leppard's back for another performance, this one of a song from the band's new album, which came out today. Woo.

Results: Everyone looks really solemn except for Shannon Elizabeth, who is grinning. After the break, Tom and Samathan talk to Cristian. He says he ruptured the tendon of his bicep. Even so, he found out a few minutes ago that his doctor said he can delay the surgery and stay on the show if the voters have agreed to let him stay. Cristian and Cheryl are indeed safe, Tom reveals. In the bottom two: Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani. Safe: Jason and Edyta. Bottom two: Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough.

Going home: Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough. She says the show has been amazing, and she's made friends for life. Derek says she's been a great partner and she's "a big dork, but I love that."

They dance; she cries.

What do you think about the results?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the contestants have to take on two dances -- one Latin and one ballroom.

Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are doing the tango and the rumba this week. In the intro, Marissa says she is mixing up the two and she's afraid she's going to go out there and "do the rumbango!" The tango is their first performance, and the theatricality of it really suits Marissa. Also, she seems to have grasped the precision of the dance's steps; it's great. Judge Len Goodman says their expectations are still high even though they are doing two dances. He sums up: "Three words: your best dance." Bruno Tonioli says they had "drama, passion and a hint of disdain." Carrie Ann Inaba says something has come out of her and that it was "a wonderful performance" that showed a new side of her. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30.

Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke prepare for the Viennese waltz and the samba. In another weird moment, in the intro, Cheryl says that the Viennese waltz should be like him dancing with his daughter, and then there is footage of him getting a pep talk from his little girl. But for the performance, Cristian and Cheryl dance to "I'll Make Love to You." Um, OK. But back to the dance. It's romantic and flowy (and points to the wardrobe people for Cheryl's dress, which complements their movements). Bruno calls him "South America's Clark Gable" and says they had great movement. Carrie Ann says he's found "new fluidity," but that they lacked just a hair of energy. Len says the dance had a bit of romance, but it lacked content. Scores: 8-8-9, for a 25/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week seven performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:46 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It's time again for eliminations on Dancing With the Stars, and it could be a surprise since so many people stepped up their scores and a couple of others faltered.

Here's the rundown on the evening's activities:

* Reprised dance? The country-and-western group performance, of course.

* Ashlee Simpson sings, and some pros (including Artem from So You Think You Can Dance) accompany her on the dance floor.

* Results: Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough are safe. Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez, however, are in the bottom two.

* Backstage, Shannon and Derek apologize for their heated comments after last night's show about how the critiques were unfair (Shannon) and that the judges were giving 9s and 10s to people doing "heel-leads" and ridiculous arm movements (Derek).

* Then there's a performance by some of the dancers from Riverdance.

* The junior competition continues with the 13 and younger category. Brandon and Brittany dance the cha-cha, and Austin and Liza dance the samba. The judges choose Brandon and Brittany to go forward.

* Montage of what it's like for the judges.

* More results: Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are safe, and so are Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke (so yay, we are saved from Len showing his bum in the supermarket, which he said he would do if Cristian was in the bottom two).

* After a break, more results: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas are safe. Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are also safe, leaving Mario and Karina Smirnoff in the bottom two.

* And ousted from the competition are: Marlee and Fabian.

What do you think of the results? I'm sad for Marlee, though not shocked since she did have a rough couple of weeks. Still, I thought her fan base might pull her through. But I'm glad Mario is still in it -- he's been getting better and better, and of course, he is our hometown contestant.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

It's a night of two dances -- first each couple has to take on a dance they haven't tried before, and then there will be a big group country-and-western number.

Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska take on the cha-cha for the first time this season. In their preparations, they focus a lot on judge Len Goodman's comment last week that Jason didn't dance enough -- that too often he was just kind of there while Edyta danced around him. That is not a problem in this performance, which is fun and kicky and has way more hip action than most cha-chas I remember on this show. Len says this week definitely had enough content and that they captured the flavor of the dance, though his heart went out to Jason a couple of times when he could tell Jason was counting, but still, he calls it a "marvelous job." Bruno Tonioli says Jason always seems heroic, but they showed much more personality this week. He does agree that the missteps were a problem. Carrie Ann Inaba says Jason needs to work harder to keep his arms in check and to dance bigger. Scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough prepare to dance the rumba, and Shannon is concerned since she had a rough time last week. Speaking of last week, several of the contestants had trouble with the rumba last Monday, mostly because its slow speed revealed a lot of flaws. I think it largely worked for Shannon tonight and let her really extend her long limbs more gracefully. But let's see what the pros think. Bruno says they had a lot of romantic interplay, but that they had the cardinal sin of the rumba: no hip action. Carrie Ann says she needs to go beyond her potential and that she has "the ability to make great shapes, you just have to sustain them." Len says he loved the start and that they were "all over each other like a rash." Despite the lack of hip action and moments that lacked fluidity, he says they did a good job. Co-host Samantha Harris asks them just how close they have become (referring to the steamy photos of them on the beach that recently surfaced). Derek says they were on the beach practicing and in character and that was all. Scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week six performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:47 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Lutherville native Greg Plitt made his debut in the third-season premiere of Work Out last night. (Find a video preview and a link to an interview with him here.)

He admitted in the story that the show is all about the drama (real drama? manufactured drama?), but it was still pretty surprising to see him, as the new guy, in the first episode:

* Taking off his shirt during his first training session with a client

* Butting heads with gym owner (and star of the show) Jackie Warner over the new staff uniforms (which she designed herself).

* Showing up late to a party with coworkers -- and bringing a client as a date.

Off to a good start, dude.

And a little note for reality-TV synergy fans: How weird was it to see Sarah Kozer from Joe Millionaire again? (She was training in the gym.) Like it's not already weird enough to see Rebecca from The Amazing Race on this show!

What did you think of the premiere?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:30 AM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Somebody's going home tonight on Dancing With the Stars, and there are a lot of options after all the leader-board shuffling.

Here's how everything went down:

* The reprised dance of the evening is Kristi and Mark's rumba, which I can't really argue with.

* Ozomatli (I forgot how many people are in that band!) performs, and a whole ton of the pros come out to dance.

* Results: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas are safe, and Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are in the bottom two.

* The Dancing With the Stars Junior competition continues with the 10 and younger group.

* Host Tom Bergeron has a TelePrompTer problem and pitches it to results instead of a montage of what show day is like.

* Now it's time for those results: Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are safe.

* James Blunt performs, accompanied by some pros.

* More results: Mario and Karina Smirnoff are safe, as are Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani. Then a break, then, more results. Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough are safe, as are Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez, leaving Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel in the bottom two.

* And the ejected couple is: Priscilla and Louis. Not the biggest surprise after being in the bottom two last week.

What do you think of the results?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:06 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Lutherville native Greg Plitt joins the cast of Work Out as the newest trainer in Jackie Warner's gym in L.A. Greg talked to reporter Meredith Cohn for today's story.

Check out a clip from the show above. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:16 AM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It's Latin night on Dancing With the Stars, which means the couples will be taking on the samba and the rumba. (Also, it's the halfway point, woo.)

Mario and Karina Smirnoff are up first, hoping to impress Len Goodman with their samba. In the interview, he says he feels the judges are wanting to see something special from him and he doesn't think he's given it to them yet. In the lead-in footage, Mario visits Stevie Wonder for some inspiration, after which he says, "I've got my swagger back." That's no lie -- there's all kinds of hip action going on, and they seem to be having fun again, which is good. Len Goodman says: "This dance suited you. It's got a freedom about it, it's a party dance. You came out with gay abandon. Great hip action you had throughout the dance. ... Work on your footwork a little more, but ... best dance so far!" Bruno Tonioli tells him: "If your hips could talk, we'd be censored tonight. ... Quite classic. ... I loved it." Carrie Ann Inaba says they got to the point and danced, and it was great. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30, their best score yet.

Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel are next, with the rumba. They start with a slow walk, and then Priscilla, who turns 63 next month, does the splits. I am not kidding. Their performance is very sensual, and Priscilla sells the drama with her acting skills, as usual. Bruno says she plays her part well every week, but, "the problem is, the rumba being so slow, it reveals some faults." He says she pushed a little too far this week, but the performance was good. Carrie Ann agrees that she was going for so much technique that she was dancing in her head instead of flowing naturally. Len says her footwork was disappointing, and the other two get mad that he doesn't give them credit for the difficulty level. Scores: 7-7-7, for a 21/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week five performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Dancing With the Stars jumps right in to the show tonight, introducing Sheryl Crow to performing "All I Wanna Do" within seconds of the show starting.

But we can't avoid filler forever. After that, it's time for a montage from last night. Strangely, the judges' choice for a reprisal this evening is Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough's paso doble, unicycle and all. 

At last, some results: Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are safe, as are Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. 

A new addition to the results show is a kids' ballroom competition. Daniela (age 8) and Aaron (9) dance the samba to "Under the Sea," and seriously, how could that not be entirely adorable? Len Goodman says he was "bitterly disappointed" because the performance was too short and he would have liked to see more dancing. Bruno says the audience wanted to join in. Carrie Ann says Daniela was a firecracker, and it was great when Aaron cracked a smile. Their competition is Rashell (age 8) and a different Aaron (also 8). They dance the paso doble, and it, too, is so cute. Bruno says they are small, but they sold the heck out of the performance. Carrie Ann says it was great, dramatic and dynamic. Len found it sharp, precise and a great job. The judges choose Aaron and Rashell as the couple that will return to perform another week.

The results have to wait a little longer because Sheryl Crow is back to sing another song. I think it must be pretty strange for the guest singers on this show because the audience responds heavily to the dancers who accompany them and not that much to the musical performance, which must be unusual. The next segment, as it turns out, shows what it's like behind the scenes when the pros prepare for the dances with the guest singers, and the guests seem pretty impressed by the pros' moves.

More results: Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez are safe, but that's all we get. After yet another break, they're back. Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are safe, as are Mario and Karina Smirnoff (who look gobsmacked and thrilled).

Another break, then more results: Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel are in the bottom two, Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough are safe. Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough are in the bottom two, leaving Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani as the final safe couple.

Ousted are Adam and Julianne, which, it's about time. He jokes, of course, but he does tell the audience that they should embrace that which frightens them and go get some new, great experiences. Aww, the feel-good quotient of that closing statement was almost Guttenberg-esque. Who would've thought?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:08 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the contestants will take on the Viennese waltz or the paso doble in an attempt to impress the judges and the viewers.

First on the floor are Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas, who have been the top scorers with a 27/30 for three weeks running. They are among the couples doing the paso doble, so she will have the opportunity to bring the emotions that the judges wanted to see from her last week during the tango. They dance to "Blue Monday," and the choreography has, as it should, a very aggressive, sharp feel. Head judge Len Goodman says, "You can't dance bad, as far as I'm concerned. ... My slight criticism would be that every dance has a slight sameness to it." Ah, the hazards of consistency! Judge Bruno Tonioli says she was "Jezebel out there." Judge Carrie Ann Inaba says Kristi and Mark have set the standard this season and are forcing everyone else to work even harder. Scores: 10-9-10, for a 29/30, which includes the first 10s of the season.

Priscilla Presley and  Louis van Amstel work on the delicate movements of the Viennese waltz by going roller skating. Go figure. Their performance is very flowy and romantic, but lots of it seems to depend on Priscillia swishing her skirt around with her hands, and that's kind of distracting to me. Bruno says, "It was like watching a scene from The Merry Widow. ... Great interpretation." He adds that she needs to watch the line of her neck. Carrie Ann says she creates lots of drama with her facial expression, "but I feel that your balance was just a bit off, and unfortunately, I think there was a lift." Len: "It had elegance, it had flow across the floor. ... I've got to drop a point because you did a lift, and lifts are forbidden." Scores: 7-7-8, for a 22/30. 

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Top 9 couples perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:55 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Someone's going home on tonight's Dancing With the Stars. But first, there's 59 minutes of other stuff. So let's get to it.

After a montage from last night, head judge Len Goodman announces the reprise dance of the evening, which is actually kind of amusing: They want to see Steve Guttenberg dance with Jonathan Roberts, who trained Steve for most of the dance since his wife, Anna Trebunskaya, was ill for most of the week. Steve has a little trouble keeping his intense face on because he wants to laugh, but that was different and kind of fun.

(Some) results time: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas are safe. Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough are, too. Everyone else has to wait.

After a break, Kylie Minogue performs her new single while men in glittery suits dance around her.

Results again: Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel and Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are safe.

Then a funnier-than-expected April Fools' bit about the stars' unexpected hobbies. (Jason loves building ships in bottles! Marissa lives to surf! Kristi wins hot-dog-eating competitions!)

Next, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performs a selection from Revelations, which is pretty awesome.

After a break, Kylie returns to sing "Can't Get You Out of My Head," while Julianne Hough and Mark Ballas dance.

More results: Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska and Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez. After a break, more info. Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are safe, and Cheryl is excited. Also safe: Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough.

This leaves Mario and Karina Smirnoff and Steve Guttenberg and Anna Trebunskaya (although they are not necessarily the bottom two, we are told).

The couple that is out is Steve and Anna, and Mario's Baltimore fans breathe a HUGE sigh of relief. (Whew.)

How do you feel about the results? I'm not shocked about Steve, and I'm relieved that Mario and Marissa are safe. Feel-good Steve was starting to drive me crazy.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:08 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

It's double elimination night on Dancing With the Stars -- let's get to the recap and see who's getting cut loose.

Judge Len Goodman says tonight's encore dance is Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska's mambo, which is a nice choice.

Then, it's time to start talking about who is safe: Steve Guttenberg and Anna Trebunskaya are in. ("WOW," Tom says, mocking Steve. Hee hee.) But, of course, we've got to draw this out as much as possible, so that's all we get for now.

The Jonas Brothers come out to sing "Take on Me" while some of the pros come out to dance.

Back to eliminations: Jason and Edyta are safe, and so are Mario and Karina Smirnoff. After a break, it's revealed that Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough are safe, too, leaving Penn Jillette and Kym Johnson and Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke. At long last, Tom announces that Penn and Kym are out. That wasn't a huge surprise.

Now, the women get ready to find out. Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough are safe, but it's time for more filler.

First, Cameron Mathison runs around New York City asking people about the show. More entertainingly, there is an aerial dance performance by Cirque du Soleil dancers, followed by another Jonas Brothers song.

More safe couples: Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez and Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. Then a break, then more results. Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel are safe, leaving Monica Seles and Jonathan Roberts and Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani. Going home are: Monica and Jonathan.

Next week, it's the tango or the jive.

What do you think about the departures? I don't think either one is that shocking. That'll come later in the season.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:43 PM in Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Tonight, all 12 couples on Dancing With the Stars get to hit the dance floor, and then tomorrow night, two celebs will be heading home (in the first! double! elimination!).

The couples that did ballroom last week will do Latin tonight and vice versa. The night's dances are the mambo and the quickstep, and hometown boy Mario will be among those taking on the quickstep.

The first couple of the night is Steve Guttenberg and Anna Trebunskaya, who will be doing the mambo. Anna's mom Irina comes to help train him and reveals her love for Police Academy and yoga and that they also share a fear of Anna. Nice! So they perform, and Steve takes Irina's advice to have fun with it (not that he wasn't already doing that -- he seems to have an almost cultish devotion to having fun on the show), and it seems OK, but soooo cheesy. Judge Len Goodman compares his dancing to Len's cooking -- "I can see you're trying so hard, but it didn't work for me." Bruno Tonioli says all the effort went into the facial expressions and not the dance performance. He calls him out for his footwork and his posture and pretty much everything else. Carrie Ann Inaba says he was off musically, and it never really went anywhere. Scores: 6-5-5, for a 16/30, for a 34/60 with last week's scores. Speaking of cultish devotion, Steve says the show "makes the world a better place." Mmmmkay, Pollyanna.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week two" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

In case you missed it, Sun TV critic David Zurawik just chatted with Baltimore's Mario, the R&B star who made a big splash in his debut week on Dancing With the Stars.

Check it out here.

See more with Mario in Monday's Today section and more about Dancing With the Stars here.

(Photo courtesy of ABC)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

As the premiere of Dancing With the Stars continues, tonight the women get to take the floor.

But first, a manly montage. However, I already covered that ground last night, so let's get on with the show.

Shannon Elizabeth is up first. She says she is best known for her role on American Pie (which came out nine years ago, just for the record), but she's also a poker player. Her partner is Derek Hough. They take on the cha-cha-cha, dancing to Rihanna's "Shut Up and Drive." They've got speed and some technique, but you can definitely tell it's the early rounds -- Shannon looks like she is thinking really hard and seems a little tentative but she's playing to win. Judge Len Goodman says it was a great start to the season and very high energy. He tells Shannon that if she is going to wear outfits that short, her legs need to be very straight, and they weren't quite right. Bruno Tonioli calls her a sexy minx and says she has great natural extension, but she needs to finesse her technique a little. Carrie Ann says Shannon has energy and confidence and great legs. Scores: 7-7-7, for a 21/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': and now, the women" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Well, here we are, back for the premiere of yet another season of Dancing With the Stars.

It's an interesting cast this year, and locally, of course, we're most excited about the presence of R&B star Mario among the contestants.

First up, the pros come out and put on a show to "Let Me Entertain You."

Then we're introduced to the stars, after which we learn that then men perform tonight, the women tomorrow and there's no elimination this week. Well, whew, because I was afraid for a minute that this was going to be on three times this week!

The first out on the floor aremagician Penn Jillette and Kym Johnson. In an interview, Penn says he isn't the youngest or most athletic, but he has the most stage experience, which he hopes will help. They seem to be having fun during preparations, and here's hoping that sense of fun comes with them during their performance. They start the cha-cha-cha with the longest feather boa I have ever seen. And it's true, he is super-comfortable on stage and performing the heck out of the dance, but it kind of feels more like a comedy show than a dance show. Still, it is entertaining. Judge Len Goodman says Penn captured "the flavor" of the cha-cha-cha, but, "the problem is your feet." Still, he closes, "well done." Bruno Tonioli says, "It was like watching a trailer for Shrek Goes Cha-Cha-Cha." Carrie Ann Inaba says he has great attitude but needs to work on the footwork. Scores: 5-6-5, for a 16/30. (Host Samantha Harris makes comments including the words "magical" and "do the trick," and I wonder if she really wants to use all her best lines in the first 25 minutes!)

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' kicks off with Baltimore's Mario" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

In case you missed Saturday Night Live's sendup of Christian Siriano, you can check it out above.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 1:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Newsday was the the finale party for Project Runway last night and got to chat with winner Christian Siriano. Check it out above.

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

So what’s is your next move?

Honestly, I’m really going to be working on my collection for next season. I’m going to show in Fashion Week again for spring. I’m just starting to work really hard on that. And it can be more of a show than you saw tonight. It’s going to be amazing. That’s the goal.

That’s the first purchase, a bed — and fabulous pair of shoes. I definitely need those.



It’s pretty amazing. She’s like a dream client and she’s such a muse. It was perfect. It was everything I wanted. Undeniably perfect.

I was competing against amazing designers. Jillian and Rami are so talented. I wanted them to know that I cared about them and I think the world of them. I was just humbled, really.

I think it was really respectful because we’re real designers, and it didn’t need to be that kind of show. It was a real fashion show during real Fashion Week. It was so much better.

You made a big splash on the show; is there more reality TV in future?

I’m not a big reality TV fan, but you never know. I could see a little sitcom or a little movie for me. We’ll see how it goes.

Posted by Tim Swift at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Finally, finally, tonight we find out who wins Project Runway -- and whether Annapolis native Christian Siriano is going to take home the big prize.

Back to the show. The three finalists show off their designs to Tim Gunn, who gives them a little feedback, although at this point there isn't much they can do.

Christian interviews that he thinks Jillian's collection is very innovative and that Rami's very talented and his work shows it, so it's messing with his head. This is a far cry from the usual, cocky Christian we've come to know.  

Next up, the final three start model casting for the runway show. Christian says he needs "strong, confident and amazing girls." Jillian interviews that she's never done a casting, so everything is a new experience for her.

Rami says some of the girls were great, some were OK and, "some were tragic."

The next morning, it's time to work out the makeup and do fittings. Christian interviews that he is over his nerves and totally excited.

Continue reading "'Project Runway': and the winner is ..." »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

In case you missed it, check out Abigail Tucker's story today on Christian Siriano. The Annapolis native and Baltimore School for the Arts grad is one of the Project Runway finalists who's up for the big prize tonight.

The finale airs tonight at 10 on Bravo. I'll have a recap of the show up as soon as possible after it's over.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Tomorrow, at long last, we'll know whether Annapolis' Christian Siriano is the winner of Project Runway. To gear up for the finale, take another look at a clip from last week, when Tim Gunn visited Christian in his New York apartment to check on how his collection was going.

Who do you think is going to win? Who do you want to see win? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The whole point of tonight's episode of Project Runway was to see who was making the final cut -- would it be Rami or Chris March?

But it was repeated again and again that they would have to make it through the final challenge in order to show at Fashion Week. And yet, since Fashion Week happened a while ago, Chris, Rami, Jillian and Christian -- as well as Sweet P -- all got to show because otherwise it would be obvious who had been cut.

So Rami made the final three and still has a chance to win the whole thing. But don't feel too bad for Chris March -- his collection was shown, too.

Next week, the top three will face off, and we'll learn the winner. Who are you rooting for?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:27 PM in Maryland reality contestants, Project Runway | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I still don't know why Project Runway airs its reunion before the finale, but I guess I'm kind of used to it by now. Here are some highlights:

* Jack, who had to leave because of a health issue, is back and talks about how he made the right decision, but it was still really hard. There is a weird exchange where they ask Victorya, who is seated defensively, arms crossed tight around her, about how she felt about the scenario. She says "upset" is the right word, but it doesn't seem to be upset in the same way as the other designers who were crying upon his departure (and upon viewing the clip thereof). Heidi says to Tim, "Victorya's always a little uptight, no?" So what's the deal here? Was she mad about Chris March being able to return or what? Weird.

* There's a viewer question for Kevin about whether he's really straight. He says yes, but then they show a montage of amusing clips of him talking to his girlfriend about having lots of new girlfriends, but of the same gender, and more. Tim tells him: "If being on Project Runway didn't turn you gay, nothing will."

Continue reading "'Project Runway' reunion, and fan favorite winner" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

What an eventful episode of Project Runway!

We knew the contestants would be trimmed from five to three so that the final three would be judged at Fashion Week.

For the final challenge, they went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and had to pick a piece of artwork to inspire them for their last look.

Rami went straight for a statue of Aphrodite because of the -- you guessed it -- draping. Sweet P chose a painting of peacocks. Annapolis' Christian Siriano found a painting of a Spanish soldier, and Jillian chose a painting of the battle of the Argonauts. Lastly, Chris March found a painting of an 18th-century royal woman in a gown.

The designers all went in different directions with these inspirations:

Rami created yet another gorgeous gown, but the fact that it was draped -- AGAIN -- garnered the most notice. Sweet P made a pretty, but not all that interesting dress. Christian, super-quick at the sewing machine (and pretty jerky about it), made pants, a detailed shirt, a jacket and an over the shoulder piece. Jillian proved to be the queen of jackets again, as she created a gorgeous, detailed, gold-lined jacket that evoked the uniforms in her painting, as well as a great short, gold dress. Chris March's dress was gorgeous, but too evocative of the avant-garde piece he and Christian made a few weeks back.

The judges, including guest judge Roberto Cavalli, loved Christian and Jillian's looks right off the bad. They were kind of bored by Sweet P's dress, though they found it perfectly fine as a commercial look. Nina Garcia was most frustrated by Rami and his incessant draping. And while Cavalli loved Chris March's look, the other judges weren't as enamored, since its thunder was stolen by the previous piece.

In the end, Christian was the winner, Jillian a close second, and Sweet P was out. But then, a twist. Two were supposed to be eliminated, but the judges were deadlocked, so Rami and Chris March were both in and both able to create collections, but one will be eliminated before the finale.

(Of course, this elimination is a little misleading -- since Fashion Week was last week, all five of the remaining designers got to show at Bryant Park. You can see more photos here and a closer look at Christian's collection here.)

(Photo of Christian Siriano at Fashion Week by Associated Press)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

All of the remaining Project Runway contestants got to show collections at Fashion Week -- did you realize that? No, not all of these will make the two-part finale Feb. 27 and March 5, but they all got to show in order to keep the outcome of the show up in the air.

Don't want to be spoiled at all? Don't read the link below! (But don't fret -- it doesn't reveal the actual finalists.)

Continue reading "'Project Runway' at Fashion Week" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

See ya later, Ricky! I'm so not sad to see our (least) favorite cry-boy depart Project Runway. But did it shock anyone else that, after bawling in almost every other interview segment in the whole season, he didn't cry last night? I was shocked.

But anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. The challenge was, the designers had to create in-the-ring outfits for six of World Wrestling Entertainment's divas. And they thought prom dresses were taking them outside their comfort zone!

Instead of shopping at fabric store Mood, they got their supplies at "Spandex House," which was a crack-up in and of itself. And making these choices seemed to throw some of the designers for a loop. Sweet P bought these two horrible holographic silver fabrics that just fought and fought with each other (because her diva likes "sparkly" things). And Rami bought the Barbiest pink in the history of the universe.

Annapolis' Christian Siriano went with a leather and lace look for his diva, Kristal, and she loved it. So did Christian, who thought for sure he was going to win (and also said "fierce" about 700 times).

Chris March and his diva, Maria, discovered a mutual love for leopard print. Chris, who is used to making outlandish costumes, was much less intimidated by this challenge than many of the others, and he created this great leopard hoodie lined with sparkly black material and with flared arms, as well as a leopard top with black straps meant to signify a caged animal.

For Michelle, Jillian created a royal blue top and short-shorts (shortest short-shorts ever) with a sporty twist, thanks to some striping details.

Sweet P's outfit for Candice Michelle was supposed to be a robe and bikini outfit, but the robe offered no drama, and the bikini was ill-fitting (especially for someone getting flung around a wrestling ring). And the silver spandex only made it worse.  

Rami's pink outfit for Torrie was too frilly by half (especially the removable skirt), and the eyeball-searing pink? Also didn't help.

But Ricky made the worst misstep, creating what he saw as a cute "one-piece" outfit, but what looked to everyone else like a boring orange bathing suit. And he added this removable shift made of gold spandex covered with black fishnet that did nothing for his diva, Layla.

And so, a not-tearful Ricky was sent packing (finally!), and the remaining designers get that much closer to Fashion Week.  

(Photo and video courtesy of Bravo TV)

Note: Just for the record, I headlined my entry before I saw Bravo's caption on its Ricky video. But it's too fitting to change!

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

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)
        

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)
        

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 in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

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.

Continue reading "'Project Runway': changing of the avant-garde" »

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

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.

Continue reading "'Project Runway': close call for Christian" »

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

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)
        

Annapolis' Christian Siriano pulled out his first challenge win on last night's Project Runway, even though he thought it was soooo not his style.

The designers were each assigned a model, but rather than their usual rail-thin skinny minnies, the models were everyday women who had recently lost a lot of weight. They showed up in their favorite outfit from their larger days, and the designers had to use this as the raw material for a new, fashionable, well-fitting outfit.  

Early in the episode, Jack revealed that he had a staph infection in his face (his mouth was so swollen; it looked terribly uncomfortable). After consulting with his doctor, he left the show to go get medical treatment. To keep the numbers even, ousted designer Chris March was brought back.

For some people, the challenge was a total disaster. Steve had the unfortunate luck of getting the model whose favorite outfit was her wedding dress. He could not figure out what to do with all that beaded polyester, and he basically punted: With the $10 they had to spend at Mood, he bought a bunch of black fabric and made a shapeless black frock with white trim from the wedding dress (glued on!). The judges said it was a funeral outfit crossed with a French maid's costume. Whoops.

Also in danger was Elisa, whose highly layered outfit did little to flatter the newfound figure of her model.

But Steven's nightmare of a dress got him sent home instead. 

Other standouts were Kevin's sleeveless yellow top and leggings (made from a shapeless blazer) and Jillian's red and black dress (although she kind of flouted the rules and only used black fabric from the pants as piping).  (Also, as much as the judges loved the dress, I thought there was something about it that wasn't totally flattering to the woman. But no doubt it was well made.) 

For Christian's winning outfit, he refitted his model's jeans and created a button-down black shirt with some interesting pleating. OK, I'm no fashionista, so here's a picture.

It didn't hurt that his client LOVED the outfit and worked the runway.

My favorite moment of the show was when Tim Gunn was coaching Chris March. Since Chris got a late start on the challenge, he had until 3 in the morning to finish, and Tim was concerned that he was going to costumey and said something along the lines of, "I can't tell you how many mistakes I've made at 3 in the morning."

The designers all busted up laughing as their minds went to dirty places. ("Give us details, names," someone demanded, jokingly.) Tim went red and totally cracked up, shedding some of his usual facade. It was hilarious.

What did you think about the episode -- and, of course, our local contestant's win? 

(Photo courtesy of Bravo)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:27 AM in Maryland reality contestants, Project Runway | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Is it just me, or are the challenges getting tougher on Project Runway?

Last week's -- to create a three-piece outfit for Tiki Barber that he could wear on TV on the Today Show -- was insane. People fully didn't finish the challenge, Carmen in particular. She was sent home after sending her model down the runway in a weirdly constructed Members Only-esque jacket (in a bad way), a piece of fabric draped around his neck in lieu of a shirt and frightening pants. The scariest piece, though, was from Sweet P, who said she had never made menswear but appeared to have never seen a men's shirt before. The resulting piece of clothing looked like Salvador Dali sent it through a wringer and then Willy Wonka danced all over it. Jack ended up winning, but I still question whether that was fair since he didn't actually end up making three pieces. I thought Kit had it.

Last night, the contestants each had to choose an outdated trend (such as overalls, cutouts, poodle skirts, dancewear, pleather and more). Then they broke into teams of three and had to create a cohesive, modern three-piece collection that used their three trends. 

Christian, Jack and Kit were working with zoot suits, pleather and fringe and felt confident from the start that their collection was going to win the whole thing. One might even say that they were cocky, since they lost to Jillian, Kevin and Rami (overalls, poodle skirts and 70s flare). The editors made it look like these three wouldn't finish, but Kevin finished the last piece at the last minute, and their collection definitely met the judges' expectations.

Ricky, Victorya and Elisa were dealing with neon, underwear as outerwear and cutouts, and their collection was a mess. Plus, Victorya and Ricky were butting heads the whole time, and they were both wrong and right on various fronts, so it was hard to know who to root for. I thought Ricky was done for, especially with last week's outfit, which was unfinished and full of pins on the runway.

But instead, it was poor Chris who was out. He and his team had shoulder pads, dancewear and baggy sweaters. They decided they would use one trend per outfit instead of incorporating all three, and they ended up with a collections whose only common thread (sorry) seemed to be color. Chris' jacket was deemed too costumey, and he was out.

I still think it should have been Ricky. His garments haven't been constructed well yet. Call Chris' stuff costumey, but at least it's well-made. Oh, well.  

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It was a close one for Maryland Project Runway contestant Christian Siriano last week. He found himself in the bottom two after the challenge.

That challenge involved coming up with a two-piece outfit for Sarah Jessica Parker's fashion line Bitten -- everyone pitched, and half of the ideas were chosen. Then the people whose ideas were chosen picked a teammate for the challenge. The catch (of course, there is always a catch) was that they only had $15 for materials since Bitten is not an expensive line.

Christian worked with Carmen on his design -- a stretchy turquoise turtleneck minidress and gray, black and white zippered jacket. The other designs of note were Marion and Steven's dress, made of a woven material that stretched and stretched and stretched, ending up way too big, as well as misshapen. Elisa and Sweet P made Elisa's "polymorphic dress" and cape, which looked like they'd be a disaster. Victorya and Kevin's little black dress (with a giant neck-bow) and tiny racerback plaid vest also got some attention.

In the end Victorya's design won the challenge, and Elisa's was a very close second. The bottom two came down to Christian and Marion -- their partners were declared safe. The judges thought Christian's look was totally retro, looking entirely 1980s instead of like a modern spin on the era. But Marion's misshapen, Pocahontas-evoking garment made him the recipient of Heidi's "auf."

Overall, I think Sweet P kept Elisa from getting totally out of control, and the end result was quite nice. And Christian needs to listen to Tim Gunn, who had warned him that his outfit was looking a little too retro.

Lastly, I can't believe how many tears were shed -- Chris cried at the mere sight of Sarah Jessica, and Ricky bawled like five different times in interviews.

What did you think of the episode?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:08 PM in Maryland reality contestants, Project Runway | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

So what did you think of last night's Project Runway?

I like our snarky local guy, Christian, who impressed the judges with his bold and trendy outfit. And I wasn't surprised at all that Simone ended up being auf-ed -- bad construction, boring design and two pieces that the judges thought made it look like the model "got dressed in the dark"? Yes, even over Elisa, who, while clearly nutty and living in her own world, at least sewed like crazy.

Meanwhile, fashion reporter Tanika White reports:

Many of Christian's former instructors at Baltimore School for the Arts gathered at the Pikesville home of his former drawing teacher last night to cheer on their local star. There were snacks and champagne, wine and other goodies, as Christian moved confidently through the first episode.
According to Stephen Kent, head of the visual arts department at the school, Christian's confidence is not a put-on for the cameras. That's how he always is.

"Oh absolutely," Kent says. "He's always been just very quick and very confident."

What he hasn't always been is so technically sound, Kent says.

"The show that he did here as a senior was very good, but the one thing that concerned me was the construction," says Kent. "I don't know anything about fashion, but I know when something is well made. And so I was real curious to see what he's learned where that's concerned, as fas as sewing and construction goes. And I was really impressed with how that came together. And they (the judges) even commented on that on the show. They said it was well-constructed. So I said, 'Thank God!'"

His instructors were sure Christian would win the challenge -- even taking friendly bets that he would beat out the other contestants. Even though he didn't win, the teachers screamed and whooped and hollered when he wasn't voted off. "We carried on," Kent says.

The show's judges did seem very impressed with Christian's Euro-style plaid jacket with puffed sleeves and collar.

Michael Kors called the jacket-and-skirt combo, "quirky, tailored. It's not just another dress." Guest judge Monique Lhullier was pleased with Christian's "pleating, tucking and twisting." And Nina Garcia, of Elle magazine, said the whole look was very polished.

Christian himself seemed surprised that the jacket turned out as well as it did.

"The jacket fit her (the runway model) so well; I don't know how that happened," he said on the show. But he admitted, "I felt really accomplished."

And well he should. We can't wait to see what he does next episode!

Classic Christian quote of the episode: "I think there's some hand-sewn crap up in here."
 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The newest season of Project Runway debuts tonight at 10 on Bravo, and this season features a local contestant, Baltimore School for the Arts grad Christian Siriano. You can read more about him in this story by Sun fashion writer Tanika White.

I can't wait. I love this show because it puts these wildly creative people under pressure, and you never know what they will come up with.  

(Photo courtesy of Bravo)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 2:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

This is our final three in Big Brother 8? The Donatos and Zach?

Blech.

In last night's Tuesday eviction episode, the only hope of either Dick or Daniele going home was Jameka (of Waldorf, Md.) or Zach winning the power of veto. They studied, going over every detail they could think of from the past 74 days of the game.

But when it was game time, it was no contest. The producers were smart and clearly asked each of the contestants in the diary room what their strategy had been. Daniele's was to arrange all the faces among all the clues and then spin the wheel to find out the number that would go under the face. (Together, the set of numbers would give the number of seconds they'd been in the house.) Dick's strategy was to place a face on the board and immediately spin the wheel to find the number. Jameka and Zach's strategies were more like, "I just kept looking at it, trying to figure it out." (Personally, I would have done the math and figured out at least the first digit and used the wheel backward to find the face.)

Anyway, Daniele won, and once that happened, it was a no-brainer. No matter who she removed from the block (herself or her father), Jameka would go on the block and the other Donato was going to vote to evict her.

Continue reading "'Big Brother 8': Farewell, Jameka" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

On last night's Big Brother 8, Jameka finally made a move in this game. Dick and Daniele kept her instead of Jessica last Thursday and forced her to ally with them. Zach, who won head of household, was also allied with them.

But Zach and Jameka realized that they don't have a chance if the Donatos get into the final three together. So they bonded together and are going to try to take out Dick and Daniele, both of whom Zach put on the block.

Neither Zach nor Jameka has had a particularly good showing in veto competitions, but hey, anything can happen. I'm so over Dick and Daniele. But it's tough because I'm a fan of the game, and Zach and Jameka haven't really been playing much.

We'll see what happens on Tuesday, but at this point, every move can make a difference.

(Photo courtesy of CBS)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Tonight on Big Brother 8, two people are going home, but they don't know that yet. Ooh, the power we hold!

Jessica and Waldorf, Md.'s Jameka are on the block, and one of them is definitely going home. But before the end of the hour, someone else will be, too.

America's Player Eric learns that his next task is to campaign to send Jameka home.

Host Julie Chen springs the whole double-eviction news on the houseguests. Jameka says she has enjoyed her time in the house, and that she has given her word and it's something they can believe in. "I hope that I'm still here," she closes. Jessica says this has been the hardest week for her so far, being on the block with her friend.

Continue reading "'Big Brother 8': double eviction night" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I'm watching Last Comic Standing tonight to see if finalist Amy Schumer, a graduate of Towson University and thus our de facto local contestant (pictured), makes it to the final three.

I don't watch this show often -- I like the comedy segments with the finalists, but shouty host Bill Bellamy exhausts me, and the first featured comedian of this evening was awful. Airport security jokes, talking-in-sleep jokes, wookiee-noise punch lines. Nothing much new or entertaining there.

The next featured comic, though, is Josh Blue, who won last season. In an interview, he says he's been performing about five shows a week and that it's been intense. I bet. He has been in our area at least two times that I can think of off the top of my head. A lot of his act plays off his cerebral palsy, and it's definitely full of lines you haven't heard before. And that's a good thing.

First to find out he's safe is Gerry Dee. He performs, riffing on drunk friends and strip clubs.

Then, Lavell Crawford is told he's safe. Lavell is a big dude, and he jokes about diabetes and the doctor's office.

It's down to Amy and Jon Reep. Bill calls them both super-duper competitors and then reveals that Jon is in the final three, so Amy is out.

She tells the fans thank you and, "Support live comedy, and if a girl takes the stage, give her a chance -- she may surprise you."

Last performer of the evening, then is Jon Reep. He talks about living in L.A. with his huge Southern accent and how people are just waiting for him to say something dumb. (Side note: I was so terrified of that happening to me that I lost my accent within months of moving to Oregon from Texas when I was 14. But he's funnier than me, so it works for him.)

So, someone who did not graduate from Towson will be winning this show. But good show, Amy, and nice exit line, too.

(Photo courtesy of NBC)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I have been meaning to post about Big Brother 8 for several days, but it hasn't been that interesting, and it's been busy. Then last night, which I was looking forward to thanks to the return of all-star Janelle, we had cable issues at home, and I haven't seen it yet. But here is the lowdown:

Last Thursday, delusional Wahhhmber was sent packing, and I, for one, was glad. She was sent home over Zach in part because America had voted for Eric to persuade everyone to kick her out. Part of Eric's logic was that Zach never won challenges, and so Jessica need not be worried about keeping him around. Then Zach won the head of household challenge. Whoops!

The challenge involved the players having to slide on bowling-type lanes covered with oil, filling a big bowl at one end from a container at the other end using only a teacup. I think at one point, they said it would be a total of like seven miles to go back and forth enough times to fill the bowl. 

So Zach nominated Jessica and Jameka, and I don't know who won POV since I missed the episode, but it wasn't used.

It seems like the Dick-Daniele-Eric-Jessica alliance is probably going to fall apart since there aren't that many people left in the house, and none in this group of four is in charge.

I don't have much more to say since I haven't seen yesterday's yet. How was it? Anyone still watching this supposed social experiment?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Bel Air's Julienne Irwin will perform at Monday's 2:05 p.m. Bowie Baysox game against the Connecticut Defenders. Irwin, a country singer who came in fourth on the second season of NBC's America's Got Talent, will sing the national anthem to start the game.

For tickets, call the Baysox box office at 301-464-4880.

Read more Sun coverage of Julienne here and here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It's patently obvious that the editors on Big Brother 8 are sick of Amber, and I can't say I blame them. The sniveling, the questions about what simple words mean, the delusion that the audience just loves her. (If only she knew the audience kept telling America's Player to get her out of the house!)

On Sunday, they showed a clip of her talking to Jameka about how she was thinking of going on Top Model because she really has the face and body and the personality for it. The editors followed up with a mean (but admittedly funny) montage of her making horrible faces and stuffing her mouth with food and bawling.

But nothing annoys me as much as dragging God into the game. And I think it's getting to the editors, too, because they showed clips of Amber on Sunday and last night fervently praying out loud and crying. Both of these prayers included the line, "God bless you, God," and both times, I laughed and laughed and laughed some more.

Bless yourself before you wreck yourself!

Again, I'm not mocking religion, just Amber, who has become this strange, self-deluded caricature. I'm tearing up just thinking about her! (Kidding.)

And a game update: Zach and Amber are on the block, and Eric won the POV and left nominations the same. So the town crier or ... the nondescript brunette dude will be out tomorrow.  

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Today, I interviewed Louie Frase, whom you might remember from CBS's Pirate Master. The network pulled the show off the air in July and has been burning the remaining episodes off every Tuesday on CBS.com.

On this past Tuesday's show, Frase was "cut adrift" after his challenge partner, Ben, threw the competition so his allies Christa and Jay would win.

Check out the audio interview here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 6:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Upon becoming the replacement nominee on Tuesday's Big Brother 8, Jen realized she was HOH Daniele's true target, and she felt betrayed. Her response to this betrayal? She cooked and ate dinner, despite being only 360 hours into her 720-hour "slop" restriction that she volunteered for during a previous power of veto competition.

She got fed up with Dick's smoking, particularly his habit of blowing smoke in her face to try to make her go away, hid her own clothes and then dug up his stash of cigs (four cartons' worth), dumped them out, stomped on them and poured bleach on them.

Because she violated the food restriction (which hasn't ever happened before), she was given a penalty vote. But that didn't matter much because everyone else in the house voted for her to go, too. She knew it was coming and gave a pretty bratty speech about how she was a nice, positive, honest person and that's why she didn't fit in with anyone.

But because Jen was out, Waldorf, Md's Jameka was safe and remains in the game.

As part of the veto competition, Amber and Daniele won the chance to leave the house, go to New York and compete on Power of 10 (that will air Tuesday before Big Brother). The biggest moment of self-delusion I have ever witnessed came when Amber interviewed that since she is such a positive person, she knew that the crowd would just love her and adore her and cheer for her. She clearly doesn't know how viewers are actually reacting to her. Besides Sunday's montage of asking for definitions of truly easy words all the time, there are also some choice clips from the live feeds on YouTube of her saying some pretty horrendous things about entire groups of people. These aren't edited and the language is harsh, so sadly, I'm not linking, but you can find them yourself if you want to. When she got in front of the audience, she was waving her arms around to everyone in this sad, "oh-you're-so-glad-to-see-me" kind of way. Yecch.

In the end, Jessica won HOH again, so the Eric/America-Jessica-Dick-Daniele alliance is sure to take out somebody else, unless things get all mixed up again. Which could totally happen. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Host Jerry Springer tells Terry Fator, Cas Haley and Butterscotch they are safe, which means Bel Air's Julienne's Irwin is out.

She says she isn't disappointed at all and that she's just getting started. "I'd like to invest in your future," Springer says.

They look back at her journey on the show. During the montage, she starts crying when her father starts talking about how proud he is. "Julienne, we have loved having you on the show," Springer says as he hands her a ton of flowers. "Don't worry; you'll be hearing a lot about her," he tells the audience.

Next, Springer introduces a performance by Stomp Out Loud. He says it started as a street act, and now they're performing in Vegas. A big group of people make music with boxes, garbage can lids, their feet and more. It's very hard to describe, so check out its Web site here.

It's time for another cut. Cas Haley is safe, as is Terry Fator, which means that Butterscotch is out. Jerry tells her she has grown very much over the course of the show and, in fact, "introduced America to a new kind of music." I can only hope he is talking about her personal blend of music, because if he's talking about beatboxing, he's way behind the times (and I'm not even talking about Blake Lewis). She says she's seen her dreams come true, and then Jerry introduces a montage.

Next, is a performance by the "audition all-stars," doing Queen's "We Are the Champions." Shouldn't they be singing "We Aren't the Champions"? This is just tragic and embarrassing. Jerry comes out and calls them "The Jerry Springer Show Dancers." Sharon Osbourne says, "These amazing people are what makes this show No. 1!" Was she watching the same horrifying mess that I was? That was not something to brag about.

Speaking of which, next, David Hasselhoff comes out to sing "This is the Moment." Yes, the moment when you wonder why he became a famous singer overseas. And the moment when you are wonder when this song is ever going to end. After a strange finish, they cut to Hasselhoff's parents in the audience. Next, Jerry asks the other judges what they thought. Piers says he loves The Hoff. Sharon says, "That was absolutely fabulous." OK, whatever, can we just have the winner, please?

Bianca Ryan, last year's winner, gives the final two a personal message about how much the show has made her dreams come true. (A familiar refrain this evening.)

Next, montages about Cas and Terry while we draw closer to the 10 p.m. mark.

And the winner is ... Terry Fator. The last surprise is that he is going play the Jubilee Theater at Bally's Resort in Vegas, since playing Vegas is his dream.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Tonight, we'll see if Maryland Big Brother 8 contestant Jameka can win the power of veto and remove herself from the block. She and Amber are nominated, but head of household Daniele says her target is Jen.

I don't think anyone would be too sad to see Jen go. Or Amber, for that matter. We already know that she bawls her head off all the time, but on Sunday night, a montage revealed that she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer. She's constantly asking the meaning of words -- not hard words, but words like "defy" and "backdoor" and "superficial" and "integrity." That's just embarrassing.

Everyone seems to like Jameka pretty well, though, so I hope she will be safe. With the Eric-Jessica-Dick-Daniele alliance in place, though, I don't think she has too long left in the game. Maybe if Amber gets kicked out, Jameka can wrangle her way back into the game. We shall see.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

On Sept. 20, Charla Foddoul and Mirna Hindoyan Buchinski will discuss their appearances on The Amazing Race 5 and The Amazing Race All-Stars at their alma mater, Towson University. The 6 p.m. event takes place in the University Union's Chesapeake Room. It's free, but registration is required. Call 410-704-2234 or email alumni@towson.edu.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I'm about three episodes behind on recapping BB8 -- and this after my last post on the show said I'd been dragged back in, too. I think I spoke too soon.

So what has happened? HOH Jessica nominated Dick and Daniele, Dick won POV and took Daniele off the block, and Jessica put up Dustin (who had volunteered).

In the meantime, Dick fought with just about everyone, especially Maryland player Jameka. He tries to get underneath everyone's skin about whatever means the most to him. I assume he'll be out tonight, but who knows.

Oh, and the America's Player twist continued to wreak havoc with Eric's game, when he had to try to give Jessica the silent treatment. Now she thinks he is in on some plot with Dustin and Dick and doesn't trust him. Can't he just say no to some tasks? He's never going to make it out of there unscathed if this keeps happening.

Everyone screams, everyone cries, Dick yells at everyone ... it hasn't been a fun show of late.  

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:36 AM in Big Brother, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Bel Air, Md., singer Julienne Irwin was the last finalist to learn she had made it into the final four on this season of America's Got Talent.

The 14-year-old country singer beat out the Glamazons (four zaftig singers), Sideswipe (a martial arts dance troupe), country singer Jason Pritchett and soulful singer Robert Hatcher for the last spot.

I'll be back with a full episode recap, but I wanted to get our local news out there ASAP since I'm behind on the episode.

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Continue reading "Julienne Irwin makes 'America's Got Talent' finals" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Before the performances, two acts have to go home on tonight's America's Got Talent.

The acts going home are the Duttons and the Calypso Tumblers.

Robert Hatcher finds out he is safe and then sings "Let's Stay Together." He seems like a nice guy, and he has a great story, but I don't think he's that great of a singer. He does pretty well with the big notes, but the rest are so-so to me. The Hoff says it's terrific, Sharon says he was better than last week, Piers says it was a very, very good performance.

Bel Air's Julienne Irwin finds out second, and she performs "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. She says last week was not her best performance and that it was a tough song. She says it is tough being the only kid in the competition, but she wants to be taken seriously as a performer. She says this is like school and that if you make a bad grade, you don't complain and you buckle down and work harder. She dedicates the song to her friends, who help keep things in perspective. She handles the lower register of the song pretty well, which is difficult. Speaking of difficult, this is not an easy song. One of the lines toward the end is a little rugged, but she closes strongly. The Hoff says she did really well tonight. Sharon says the song is too old for her and asks her to sing something upbeat next week: "Be 14." Piers says, "I don't think you will be here next week. ... Your voice is not yet mature enough to win this competition. I think it may grow into one, but right now I've got to be honest. I think you're going home." She tells Jerry Springer that the reason she tried out for the show is because she is a huge baseball fan and loves the Orioles and that she wants to sing the national anthem. (Which we already knew, because she told David Zurawik that last week!) "They better give me a call," she says. Yeah, get on that, Orioles! That would draw some people in.

Ventriloquist Terry Fator learns he is safe. He does a Dean Martin/Tony Bennett performance with his puppet. OK, this guy's impressions are pretty amazing, and since he can't move his own mouth, it's pretty impressive. I might have some words to eat from last week. Hoff is feeling him. Sharon is glad they haven't seen everything yet. Piers says his puppet sings better than most of the singers in the competition and that he even sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" better than Tony Bennett. He says he would love to headline in Vegas.

Cas Haley says picking the right song is crucial and he's going with "Easy" by Lionel Richie. He does it with a reggae beat, and it's great. Nice twist on the song without rendering it unrecognizable, and he's got a great voice. The Hoff says it was great. He's so the Paula of this competition. Sharon says she hates to use a cliche, but that he made it his own. Piers says he listened last week and that he can win.

Cruise singer Jason Pritchett learns that he is safe. He sings "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks. Piers Xs him when he does that yodely thing with his voice on a note. The Hoff says he came back from the Xing very well. He also uses the non-word "disconcerning." It's "disconcerting." Sharon says he was rude. Piers says, "The challenge was, are you more than a cruise ship singer? You're not."

The Glamazons are next with "It's Raining Men." This week, they have backup dancers, Chippendales-esque dudes. It's cute and fun, the usual. The Hoff loved it. Sharon says it was problematic at the beginning, and it was fabulous in the end. Piers says based just on their singing, they'd be going home because they aren't great singers. But on entertainment value, sex appeal, etc., they should be going to the final.

Butterscotch is told she's safe. She performs "My Funny Valentine." She's back at the piano, which I think is good for her, despite what Piers might have said in the past. I don't understand how on earth she manages to play, sing and beatbox at the same time. I think it's more impressive when she's at the piano, too, even though she's much quieter in this kind of performance. Before the judges, Butterscotch is crying (probably over the dedication to her grandparents). The Hoff calls her a jazz star. Sharon says the performance was breathtaking. Piers says it was a beautiful performance -- "it was a perfect performance."

Sideswipe is the last group to learn that they are safe. They bump up the theatrics this week, doing basically a pirate-themed story and adding some weapons to their repertoire. The Hoff likes it and says they showed what they were made of. Sharon says they listened and came back with something at a new level. Piers says they turned it from a sport into entertainment and that "it was electrifying."

The previews indicate that it's the final four next week, so four people would be going home. If that's the case, I fear a bit for our Ms. Irwin. But I hope if winning this competition doesn't come to pass for her that the O's listen to her story about singing the national anthem for them being her dream.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:34 PM in America's Got Talent, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Amber falls first, then motion-sickness prone Eric, then Maryland player Jameka.

While the ousted houseguests are watching the rest of the challenge, a plane with a banner flies by. The banner reads: "We [heart] Nick. Amber & Eric are liars! LNC is the Nerd Herd." In interviews, Amber and Eric are furious. Then Daniele says that the banner made a few things fall into place for her -- regarding who actually voted for Kail perhaps? Augh, this "America's Player" thing is driving me crazy.

Then Zach is out, then Dick, then Jessica (who I keep forgetting is in the house). Dick starts taunting Kail and Jen. Then Jen starts talking trash about Daniele being a cheater. Eric gets pissed and starts screaming at Jen to leave Daniele's relationship out of this. A bit later, Jen is out. Daniele promises Kail that they will backdoor Jen and she will be out, and Kail gets down, so Daniele wins HOH.

Then Daniele freaks out because she realizes that if she and Dick had persuaded only one more person, they could have kept Nick. She questions Amber, who freaks out. Jameka doesn't think it could have been Eric. Daniele feels like this vote is her getting "set up."

Everyone is a little weirded out about seeing all the photos of Daniele's boyfriend once she gets the HOH room. Then she tells her father she thinks Eric is the one casting the mystery votes. Uh-oh, America's Player might be in trouble. Eric later goes up to Dick and starts asking who Daniele thought cast the vote and goes person by person over who it could have been, closing with how it couldn't have been him since he wanted Nick out initially. But Dick didn't buy any of it.

The sad thing is that everyone thinks these votes are set-ups -- to make Nick look bad last week and to make Daniele look bad this week. But it's all stupid America telling Eric to vote for Kail and ignoring what his alliance is doing. Argh! He's so trapped. Daniele thinks that Eric is in an alliance with Kail and Jen since the beginning and tells Jessica that. Jessica is friends with Eric and is really troubled. Troubled enough that she tells Eric that she has a lot she could tell him. Then she does tell him the set-up theory and that if they win POV, he is going up.

He's furious.

Jen goes in to apologize to Daniele and to try to work out their issues. Daniele's response when Jen leaves the room is, "Oh, good Lord."

Eric then gets his next task, to get Jen nominated. He says he is thrilled. Cut to him talking to Dick in the back yard, saying, "Paranoia just breeds so much in this house." But the caption says, "Paranoia just breads so much in this house." Augh! Eric needs to stop talking to Dick because he doesn't believe anything he says anymore. They scream and fight. Yawn.

Nomination time. Jen and Kail are nominated -- again. But her plan is, most likely, to get Eric out.

Now it's just frustrating because it's not like they uncovered someone's insiduous plan. It's just Eric getting screwed over by this twist. I would have rather watched him play the game on his own. Oh well.  

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:56 PM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I'm really trying to stick it out with Big Brother this season, but they aren't making it easy.

I'm tired of watching estranged father and daughter Dick and Daniele (the only sworn enemies left in the house from the first twist) fight. I'm tired of watching Amber bawl about everything. I'm tired of watching great player Eric have all of his strategy undone by the "America's Player" twist. (Seriously, how is he ever going to make an alliance? He can't promise anything since he isn't choosing who he votes for or even campaigns for.)

Above all, I'm tired of the players talking about God's will in the Big Brother house. Amber and Kail have both talked about how God put them on the block to see how they handled the test. (I thought that was the HOH.) And I missed Tuesday's episode, but I hear that Maryland player Jameka decided that being chosen for the POV competition was a sign from God and that the whole game is pre-ordained.

Now, I mean no disrepect toward anyone's faith. I just have a really hard time with the idea that God cares about Big Brother (or sports or who wins Grammys or whatever).

Plus, I just don't see how he could find a way to care about this boring season.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:07 AM in Big Brother, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

I was talking to one of my coworkers about this week's America's Got Talent yesterday, and we agreed that the judges were way harder on local girl Julienne Irwin than most of the other singers. Robert Hatcher was kind of mediocre, and the judges heaped him with praise. Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff had nothing but kind words for Jason Pritchett, and I thought he was flat his whole performance.

And they all went nuts for ventriloquist Terry Fator. It's ventriloquism. Even the word itself is creepy! (Cue up angry emails from the massive ventriloquism-fan community.)

Maybe the judges were trying to stir more people to vote by being more critical with Julienne. (I've certainly suspected that on American Idol.) Maybe they were really tired by the end of the show -- they were brutal to Sideswipe, the only act to perform after Julienne.

So am I overreacting on behalf of our local contestant, or did the judging seem a little unfair?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

First up on America's Got Talent, the 10 semifinalists who performed last week will find out which of them made the Top 10. Then the Top 10, including Bel Air's Julienne Irwin, will perform for viewer votes.

The ventriloquist Terry, the tumblers, Cas the singer (they aren't showing names yet, so I am guessing), the Duttons and singer Jason are the five who make it through.

Only eight will make the cut after tonight's performances.

First are the Duttons. They perform "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," which is cheesy, but works with the violin-playing and the other strings. Piers Xs them before they're done. The Hoff says it seems like half the audience is their family, but the other half loves them to and that they nailed it. Sharon Osbourne says they remind her of The Waltons and that this was a better song than last week. Piers said the violins sounded like the sound a lot of shrimp make when they are being boiled alive.

Singer Robert Hatcher, the guy who works in a sewer, is next. He sings "Because You Love Me." It's a little affected for my tastes, but he made the Top 10, so I guess he resonated with people. The Hoff says he did his grandpa proud, Sharon says it was good, Piers says he has to be tough and that he didn't think it was his best performance vocally, but the emotion makes up for any deficiencies.

The Calypso Tumblers say they are going to take it higher this week. They roll and flip all over the stage and do some crazy strength stunts, too. The Hoff, Sharon and Piers love it.

Country singer Jason Pritchett decides to go back to ballads this week, and her performs "You Say It Best When You Say Nothing at All." I think it's a little flat. The Hoff says his career is cruisin' now. Sharon says he's found his comfort zone, singing country. Piers says it was a better choice of song, but that he hasn't yet seen a performance that shows he's more than just a really good cruise ship singer. But he adds that he thinks he has the potential.

Singer and beatboxer Butterscotch is next with her twist on "It's Your Thing." The Hoff says she leads the pack. Sharon says she took it to a whole different level and that she is very special. Piers says there is a part of her that still doesn't believe she is a star, but she should get over it because she is good.

The Glamazons come out to perform "Fever." It starts out a little weird in the low register, but they really shine in the harmonies. The Hoff says they step it up every week. Sharon says they don't have the best voices in the competition, but they have chutzpah and that she loves their confidence and "what you do for women." Piers says he's interested in "what you do for men." He says they are fun and entertaining and everyone loves them.

Singer Cas Haley is next with a bluesy performance and a few weird faces. But he's got a great voice. The Hoff says he blew him away again. Sharon says his performances seem effortless and that she adores him. Piers says he "didn't not enjoy it" but he thought he was straining and shouting too much doing the blues song. He adds that the slightly reggae sound he had in the auditions is probably his strong suit.

Ventriloquist Terry Fator says he wants to bring validity to his art form. He wants to bring ventriloquism back (which is a little different from bringing sexy back). He sings "Unforgettable" with a puppet. The Hoff says he started tentative, but once the puppet started, it was great. Sharon says she doesn't think people realize how difficult this is. Piers says he is the best ventriloquist he's ever seen.

Bel Air, Md.'s Julienne Irwin is next. Her dad says she started singing when she was 3 and that no father could be prouder than he is of his daughter. Awww, sweet. She starts out sitting on the stage and sings "Till I Can Make It on My Own." It's a tough song, and it sounds like she might have a bit of a cold, but she still does a good job with it, especially considering her age. The Hoff says it was not her best performance, that she was pushing it a little too much. Sharon says she had some pitch problems but that she is like a little angel and that next week ("because I'm sure you're coming back") she can do better. Piers says she struggled in places and that she should pick a song that suits a slightly slower tempo next time. Host Jerry Springer asks how she's doing. She says she's excited to be there and hopes to come back next week and "do even better."

Sideswipe, the martial arts dancers who are prone to tearing off their shirts, come out to perform. Halfway through, some kids with black belts come out to perofrm with them, and Piers Xs them. The Hoff says it was a little bit confusing tonight, not as precise as usual, but that it got progressively better. Sharon says she's glad they mixed things up but they have to beware of the competition. Piers says there is always a point in the competition when one of the acts thinks it's a good idea to bring out cute kids, and it makes him want to vomit. One of the guy says they are teachers, so part of their talent is that their students are good. He says that in his opinion, what they have done tonight has cost them a million bucks.

Then it's time to vote. Results will be announced next week.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:17 PM in America's Got Talent, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

In case you missed it, Sun TV critic David Zurawik interviewed Bel Air's Julienne Irwin, one of the Top 10 on America's Got Talent. Here is a preview of the interview. A full version will run in Tuesday's paper.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I guess Pirate Master was doing pretty darned badly in the ratings -- I was getting ready to watch it at 10, saw it wasn't scheduled, and when I checked CBS.com, it appears the show will be airing only online from here on out. Ouch.

They're posting the new episodes each Tuesday.

I just watched the newest one. The big twist was that there were no longer officers, so that disbanded "the Triad" alliance. Then during the challenge, the red crew won and chose Christa as the new captain. Then yet another twist showed up -- the captain got 100 percent of the treasure. (She ended up dividing it up equally, though.)

Now only two pirates are "marked" with the black spot for possible elimination, and Christa chose Kendra and Azmyth. Everyone must have felt it was the last chance to get rid of their strongest competition because it was unanimous, and Azmyth was out.

Local competitor Louie Frase is still hanging in there. With Azmyth out, maybe he will make some more waves.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:17 PM in Maryland reality contestants, Pirate Master | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I had a Tivo mishap this evening, but the reports I'm reading on the Internet are that Bel Air contestant Julienne Irwin made it through on tonight's America's Got Talent.

I'm not that surprised based on her performance and the others last week. What did you think about the other performances this evening?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:45 PM in America's Got Talent, Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

In case anyone is still wondering, Fishing Creek, Md.'s Louie Frase is still safe on Pirate Master. I only saw a bit of it, but he wasn't even nominated (or "marked with the black spot" or whatever the lingo is). Since Azmyth is still captain, I guess Louie's team lost the expedition again. But he is still in it!

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:59 PM in Maryland reality contestants, Pirate Master | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

On tonight's America's Got Talent, 10 of the Top 20 chosen by the judges will perform. We're of course keeping a close eye on Bel Air, Md.'s Julienne Irwin, a 14-year-old singer who wowed the judges in the initial rounds.

She seems to have caught the producers' eyes, too, since she is the first person introduced for tonight's performances. This makes me think she will perform first, but it is not to be.

Instead, it's Johnny Lonestar, the cowboy with the ropes. He performs to "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy," and in his big finish, he ropes the judges. It's fun, but I just can't see wanting to see this again and again.

Next is Julienne, who is the youngest contestant this year. In her intro, she calls herself "a small-town girl who lives in a farmhouse." She goes on, "A few weeks ago, I was in my room singing to myself and now singing for millions of people. ... Judges told me to find my own voice. I've been practicing every day." She's going to sing "Bless the Broken Road." She sounds like she's been working hard, with just a couple of raw patches (and hey, she's untrained, so not too shabby), and she looks totally self-assured on stage despite her age. (Shades of American Idol's Jordin Sparks?) Judge Piers Morgan says she put on "an amazing performance." Judge Sharon Obsborne calls her a great role model, that she is beautiful, dresses appropriately and has talent. Judge David Hasselhoff says, "I have absolutely no doubt you are going to the next round; I wish I was voting." Host Jerry Springer adds his two cents about her talent, too. Yeah, I think they like her. As well they should.

Magician Kevin James (not actor/comedian Kevin James who will probably soon be very embarrassed about I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry) is next. He guarantees people will be talking about his gory act tomorrow. He does a thing with a disembodied hand that later grabs a towel, and then he drinks a beer? I don't know; I kept waiting for something to happen. Piers gives him the "X." Hasselhoff says he was still waiting for the payoff.

Robert Hatcher, a 26-year-old singer for Cincinnati, says this show is his ticket "out of the sewer" (where he currently works). He sings Whitney Houston's "Run to You." This is my first time hearing him since I don't watch this all that often. He does great in the big notes, but seems to have some issues with some of the more subtle notes. Piers says he didn't think he stood a chance with this lineup tonight, but he changed his mind. Sharon says he sang like a star, but that he had too many hand movements and theatrics, but overall, "You're a star." David Hasselhoff says he "gets right to our heart."

Jonny Come Lately, a "teenage rockabilly band," is next. One of the kids (they're all 15) says their goal is to become a band like, "the Stray Cats, Sublime, the Beatles." That is pretty eclectic. They perform "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." It's very, very fast, except for one slow part. The girls (at least the tweens) go crazy. Piers says he wants to hear them do something more contemporary so they sound less like they are mimicking other acts. Sharon notes that the bass broke or something (the cord fell out? Is that what he is saying?), and she says they were still really good. David says they had raw energy the first time, and tentative and rehearsed the second time. He says if they get voted through, they need to "go crazy out there."

"Bollywood dancer" Kashif performs next. Piers gives him the "X." OK, so he is, what? Lip-syncing and dancing a routine from a Bollywood movie? It seems more like a high-school talent show skit, not a "No. 1 show in the country" routine. It's fun, but, like the cowboy guy, not for repeated consumption. Piers says he has no talent and the personality of a "flat pancake," and "you dance worse than I do." Sharon says Piers is small-minded and that before the end of the year, everyone is going to be doing the Kashif dances in all the clubs. Hasselhoff: "Kashif, I can think of a dream, a bad dream, that my career is over and I'm now in Bollywatch, and when I looked up there, it looked like Baywatch ... I don't know, on acid. And, you know what you, are a charming guy, you mesmerized me last time ... May the Bollywood be with you." 

Butterscotch is classically trained as a piano player, and she's a beatboxer. She performs her take on "Summertime." She somehow manages to sing and beatbox at the same time -- it's perplexing, but cool. Piers says he hates her outfit, but the good news, "You are, without, one of the most gifted acts." Sharon says she just wished she hadn't started with the trumpet noise, "because it sounded like a fly." Hasselhoff says, "If I was a betting man, and I am, I think you're going to win this competition."

Sideswipe combines martial arts and acrobatics and dance in its performance. I don't really have much else to say about it because that's exactly what they do. (Also, I'm a little bitter because I pulled a muscle in tae kwon do a couple of hours ago and can't even think about doing any of what they are doing right now.) It's a fun combination of things, but it gets a little too Chippendales cheesy for me when they rip off their shirts. Piers says if they add more dance, it will move from sports to entertainment. Sharon only discusses their oily bodies. The Hoff says he thinks every girl in America will vote them through because of their abs.

Manuel Romero is 18 and has sung for "a pope and a president," according to Springer. He sings "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." To my ear, he sounds a little nasally. Piers says he has everything going for him, but that he needs to really "go for it," because it felt like he was holding out. Sharon says he is confident and owns the stage. Hasselhoff: "Man, you've got it. ... Bring us to you!"

Last are the Glamazons, who will be singing "Hot Stuff." They look cute and deliver an engaging performance. Piers says if they are looking for hot stuff later, "I am available." He goes on, "I am so sick and tired of the only role models for young girls being stick-insect models and celebrities. You girls are single-handedly proving big is beautiful, big is sexy and big is talented." Sharon says they are comfortable with themselves and if she had had their confidence she wouldn't have had all of her fat "sucked out." Hasselhoff thanks them.

I think Julienne is definitely safe, even though half of tonight's acts will be cut. Kevin James wasn't that great, Johnny Lonestar is a little too warm-up act, Kashif isn't really performing anything original, and Julienne was better than most of the other singers. What did you think, and who are you voting for?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:30 PM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Sadly, the Baltimore team, Fragilay, is out in the quarterfinals of VH1's World Series of Pop Culture. It was a very close round, and I really wanted them to beat the uber-cocky team Twisted Misters. Oh, well. They gave it a good try and were fun to watch.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:58 PM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Last week, in the first round of the second season of VH1's World Series of Pop Culture, the Baltimore team Fragilay (read all about them here) took out the defending champions El Chupacabra. Tonight, Shalonda Harper, Tomi Hiers-Johnson and Sherita Harrison will compete in the second round.

Check them out in the quarterfinal round tonight at 9. And you can see a clip from their first-round appearance at the link above. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:48 AM in Maryland reality contestants | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It was a close call for Maryland contestant Louie Frase on last night's Pirate Master. As the black crew, led by weirdo captain Azmyth and his two alliance members, continued to dominate, when it came time for pirate's court, the remaining men were in danger.

Louie and Joe Don, the only guys left outside the "triad" (why do people feel the need to name their alliance?) both found themselves on the block. Nessa was there, too, but everyone knew she was going to win the power of veto/writ of appeal/whatever the heck the overwrought name is they came up with for the "free pass."

At first, it seemed that Louie, who is well liked, but not super fast in competitions was going to be sacrificed so that Joe Don could stick around. But in the end, Joe Don was out, and Louie was safe to play pirate another week.

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