Thursday, July 30, 2009

Giuliana & Bill

I don't know how I didn't hear about this until today, but this show actually looks like something I'd like. Yes, I know ... another newlywed reality show, but this time it's with E!'s Guiliana Rancic and her husband, Bill, who won the first season of The Apprentice. From the promos (and the first full episode online), it looks like these two and the show will split time between Chicago and L.A. I can't wait for it to air!

SYTYCD Top 6 videos

I'm really struggling to find videos for last night's dances (stupid copyright!) I was able to find Jeanine and Ade's samba to Lady GaGa's "LoveGame". The guys dance is first, followed by the ladies; and Kayla and Brandon's contemporary is third.




SYTYCD Top 6


First things first, Melissa and Evan must go tonight, or there will be sour spots in my Top 4. Another week, another lack of grit from Melissa. Why does the girl never get hip-hop?!!! She is an amazing dancer—incredibly talented. But come on?! How many happy, smiley dances can she get. Is it that she would be so out of her element in a hip-hop dance that she hasn't gotten one, while Jeanine has now done three or four?! The "cancer" dance during the Top 8 week was good, but not enough to warrant a spot in the Top 4.

Evan needs to go simply because he reminds me of Season 2 winner Benji with less personality. Until the day the show ends, every time I see Travis Wall, I will say he should have won. Hands down he is the better dancer.

Before I get carried away with past seasons, let's get back to last night. I LOVE Jeanine and Kayla. The two are so incredible and versatile, as is Brandon. Ade is better than Evan, but really wasn't a match to Jeanine in their partnership. Though Lil C said he didn't think any of the girls stepped up last night in their group dance, I have to disagree. I thought Jeanine and Kayla really carried their weight in the superhero dance. They are definitely Superheroes in my book—and if the voting America has any sanity, the Top 2 would be these ladies.

I will post videos of my favorites soon. As usual, read the EW.com recap and the Watch with Kristin recap.

(photo via E!Online)

SYTYCD 100th Ep. Video

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Hillary Clinton on Meet the Press

She is so eloquent throughout her interview, but I really liked this part.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

SYTYCD Top 8 videos

Did you see Travis Wall's opening group number? It was awesome!






SYTYCD Top 8


This is a bit later than I anticipated posting, but here are some general thoughts about last night's 99th episode of So You Think You Can Dance, aka the Top 8. Nigel was 100 percent right when he thanked Jeanine, Brandon and new choreographer Laurieann Gibson for finally making the show exciting after an amazing pop jazz routine. Did you see it? I loved it!

Melissa and Ade's breast cancer-inspired piece by Tyce Diorio was both beautiful and moving, but it is time for Melissa to do a hip-hop if she is to remain in the competition. Before their second dance, which made each judge tear up, I tapped her as the next girl to go home. As I am sure the dance touched a lot of America, I'm not really sure which girl will go home now. (I am actually hoping it will still be her as I think she is the weakest of the remaining females).

I thought Kayla and Jason made a great pair, and I genuinely enjoyed both of their dances—a Diorio-choreographed Broadway and a Shane Sparks "Thriller"-zombie hip hop.

The weakest couple for me was Janette and Evan—something I have never said about Janette. I think she is a fabulous dancer and a great entertainer, but I think she was really lacking last night. I am predicting that both of these dancers will be in the bottom two, with Evan going home tonight.

I'll post some of my favorite dances as I find them, but in the meantime, read the EW.com recap and the Watch with Kristin recap. Watch with Kristin also has a video of the Top 8 contestants talking about making it this far.

(photo via E!Online)

T.R. Knight on EW cover


T.R. Knight, the newly departed cast member of the ABC hit Grey's Anatomy, is on this week's cover of Entertainment Weekly, talking about his decision to leave. As a Grey's fan, I really will miss his character, George (and was secretly hoping it would be Katherine Heigl's Izzie Stevens who would get the boot from the show). Love Heigl, but her character's plot lines made absolutely no sense last year and dragged on far too long. I wonder how the show will move on now that George is dead. In the meantime, I can't wait to read the article.

(photo via EW.com)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

RIP Walter Cronkite

Following the death Friday of Walter Cronkite, perhaps the most famous anchorman of the 20th century, the Daily Beast posted seven of his most memorable broadcasts. Included were the announcements of JFK's and Martin Luther King Jr.'s deaths, the 1969 moon landing and this somewhat haunting clip immediately after 9/11:
 

It's amazing to watch now, as Cronkite said there may be other alternatives to military action in getting retribution for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  

Cronkite revolutionized television news and at one time was considered the most trusted man in America for his news delivery. RIP Mr. Cronkite. You were one of journalism's greats.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

SYTYCD Top 10

I'm trying with all my might to find a video of Jeanine and Jason's contemporary dance from this week's SYTYCD choreographed by Season 2 runner-up Travis Wall. In the meantime, watch it over and over here. The dance was by far the best of the night. Of the seventeen dances that were performed last night, it is really the only one I want to post on here, other than the Bollywood dance by the girls.



This season's girls are phenomenal, with Jeanine, Janette and Kayla leading the entire Top 10. If I had to pick the Top 4 right now it would be Jeanine, Janette, Brandon and Jason (the boys only kicking Kayla out by default). 

Each dancer danced a solo, in a group and with a partner.

I was not a huge fan of Janette and Ade's hip-hop dance last night, but both had incredible solos. I loved that Janette's song was about Miami, and her costume was amazing. 

I cringed a little bit when Kayla pulled Evan's name out of the hat and then were assigned a waltz. They danced it better than I expected, but it wasn't anything that blew me away. Evan's solo was kind of boring and I'm predicting either he or Kupono will be America's least favorite after last night.

Kupono and Randi danced a paso doble, which wasn't really that great. Why did they find it necessary to put Randi in a wig?! I think these two are in danger of going home tonight for sure, even though I really do like Randi.

Melissa and Brandon danced their broadway routine well, though I think it's time for Melissa to do a hip-hop or a fast ballroom to prove whether she can really do anything that isn't so smiley. I would love it if she got krumping next week! Ha! Don't think she could get down and dirty like that!

I was not surprised at all that Jeanine was paired with another contemporary dancer, like Nigel said, someone who could finally keep up with her skill level. And of all the boys, I'm really glad she danced with Jason. I think he had fallen off the radar from having Caitlin, who was voted off last week, as a partner. My liking of her fell pretty quickly after week No. 1, so my liking of him also dwindled. After last night, however, he is now one of my favorites. Beautiful to look at, yes, but really amazing dance technique. I hope he will stay around.  

To read more about last night's show, read the EW.com and the Watch with Kristin recaps.

Friday, July 10, 2009

'Harry Potter' EW cover

The sixth "Harry Potter" film hits theaters (finally!) on Wednesday! I am so excited!

The stars of the film, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are on this week's cover of Entertainment Weekly—can't wait to read it. The trio have also been making talk show appearances this week. By Monday, all three will have visited "Live with Regis and Kelly," with both Watson and Radcliffe visiting the "Late Show with David Letterman" earlier this week.

Watson revealed she will be attending college in the states in the fall. I wonder which university she will be going to?! UPDATE: It appears Watson will be attending Brown University in the fall. Her co-star, Radcliffe, said so.

----------------
Now playing: Blue Foundation - Eyes On Fire
via FoxyTunes

SYTYCD Top 10


With the elimination of Phillip and Caitlin, we now know this season's Top 10:

The Top 10 girls:
Randi, Janette, Jeanine, Kayla and Melissa

The Top 10 guys:
KÅ«pono, Brandon, Jason, Evan and Ade

Who is your favorite to take it all? My favorite technical dancer is Kayla by far, but I think Janette has a good chance of winning. It's too bad two guys have to make it to the Top 4 because the talent of the girls this season is unbelievable! I can't wait until next weeks dances!!!

Can't get enough SYTYCD? Read more recaps at EW.com and Watch with Kristin.

(photo via fox.com/dance)

Group dance:



----------------
Now playing: Terry Poison - 24 Hours (The Aston Shuffle A-Bomb Remix)
via FoxyTunes

Thursday, July 9, 2009

SYTYCD Top 12 videos

In no particular order, some of my favorite dances from the Top 12:






SYTYCD Top 12


One more week until the Top 10 is revealed, a.k.a. the SYTYCD tour group. Who's it going to be? I always think the final cut right before the Top 10 must be the hardest. Some say it's the first week: Wouldn't it be horrible to work so hard in Las Vegas and get cut the first week?! Well, yes of course. But the Top 10 get to dance with other people, and really for the first time, get to dance for themselves. It's no longer the judges saving who they think America might vote for. If America doesn't vote for you—regardless of talent—you're going home. I think the dancers really prove themselves once it hits this next round, and I am so excited to see who outshines the others.

Let's get to this week's dances. Each couple performed two dances, which is always great. Last night I think each couple (except for maybe Caitlin and Jason, or Phillip and Jeanine) really nailed at least one of their dances.

Caitlin and Jason: The pair performed a foxtrot and lyrical jazz. Though I am impressed with Caitlin's technique (she is an amazing soloist), I have never really liked a dance the pair has done together. The judges said last night the two lacked chemistry, and I think that is true.
Having already been in the bottom twice, I think it's a safe bet to say she and Jason will both be going home if they are in the bottom on tonight's elimination show.

Kayla and Kupono: I really love Kayla. She is the best technical dancer on the show this season and is one of the favorites of the judges and choreographers. After performing a brilliant Mia Michaels routine with Kupono and a Broadway routine (which I enjoyed very much) that the judges were critical of, I am crossing my fingers that she will make it through. Also having been in the bottom twice and having a lackluster solo last week, she may be going home tonight. Of the solos I've seen, Caitlin and Jeanine have both performed better than Kayla. I'm hoping that she will perform something similar to what got her on the show and remind all of us why she deserves to be there. By this point, I'm guessing all the contestants are exhausted, but I want Kayla to pull through. I think Kupono is in serious danger. He is not one of my favorites, and since everyone will be paired with someone new next week, I wouldn't care if he went home and Kayla stayed.

The rest of the contestants (aside from Phillip and Jeanine) have never been in the bottom, so I think they will be safe.

Randi and Evan: These two used to be my favorite couple, but that has now shifted. The two shined in their Tabitha and Napoleon hip-hop routine, but weren't as impressive in their samba. I really think
Evan may be in danger because he hasn't really lived up to his potential in the past couple of weeks. He represents a different kind of style with Broadway, so he might squeeze through but his height could come into play as the judges are thinking about possible pairings for the coming weeks. Sounds mean, but Randi and Evan were paired for a reason—they're both short. So what happens when Evan is paired with Kayla? Does that kind of thing go through the judges minds? I think it does.

Janette and Brandon: HOT! That is what I have to say of the pair's Argentine tango and their Wade Robson jazz routine. They were fantastic and I believe, as Nigel said, the best pair of the night.

Phillip and Jeanine: It's horrible that after you perform a Russian folk dance, Nigel tells you he wishes they hadn't thrown that routine at you. I agree with him. I think there comes a time when exploring completely different styles becomes unfair. It was an awful routine, and I wish they had gotten contemporary instead. It's time to see Jeanine do her style with her partner, and I'm starting to think the reason she hasn't is because Phillip is her partner.
I'm not sure I liked their jive as much as the judges did. It felt flat to me and a bit uncoordinated. She is a fabulous dancer, so I believe there is no danger for her even if she is in the bottom three. He, too, will likely be safe given his status as the only remaining hip-hop dancer.

Melissa and Ade: The two have yet to be in the bottom, and after their disco and waltz, I think they will remain out of the bottom. There is no question they would both be saved anyway, if only to perform their classical ballet routine on tour.

Read EW.com's and Watch with Kristin's recaps as I find videos of my favorites to post.

(photo via E!Online)

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Remembering The King of Pop

Nearly all major cable networks and broadcast channels are broadcasting Michael Jackson's memorial service today at the Staples Center. I am watching it right now, actually surprised by the emotions I am feeling. It's amazing to listen to so many music greats sing and speak in his honor. And all the pallbearers are wearing a single white glove.

Berry Gordy gave a very nice tribute, saying being called the King of Pop isn't enough: "I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived."

For live-blogging, you can check out NYTimes, Vanity Fair and EW.com (video included in NYT and EW), or follow @LizLidgett who is a Palestra reporter Tweeting the event from inside.

(photo via VF.com)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Michael Jackson on EW


Entertainment Weekly honors Michael Jackson this week with a special tribute issue. Are you going to go pick up a copy?

Wishing U a :) J.4.


Here's wishing you a very HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! I hope everyone was able to enjoy family, friends and fireworks today, as this day is meant to be celebrated.

A bit of news digest:
  • The Statue of Liberty crown opened for the first time since 9/11 today, and I think tickets are sold out through the end of the month.
  • Steve McNair was found shot to death in Nashville, Tenn. this afternoon. Such a tragedy. My thoughts go out to his friends and family.
  • Approximately 1.6 million people registered for a chance at winning one of 9,000 tickets to Michael Jackson's memorial service next week. The tribute to the star will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
(photo via NYTimes.com)

Lady GaGa's Maxim shoot

So, I'm a huge Lady GaGa fan. I became a fan of "Just Dance" last summer, long before it got any radio play. I screamed when she performed on SYTYCD. And I went out and bought her CD the first day it was on sale. I even dressed up as her for Halloween, which was right about the time people started realizing who she was. Well, GaGa is in this month's issue of Maxim magazine and looks amazing! Check out a behind-the-scenes video:

Friday, July 3, 2009

One of my all time favorite SYTYCD dances

Thank you Mia Michaels! Katee and Joshua performing to Adele's "Hometown Glory". Enjoy!



I also found these videos with Joshua Allen, the winner of SYTYCD Season 4, and the other contestants. I miss last season's Top 6!

Lil C's dance dictionary

So funny!

SYTYCD Top 14 videos

Hopefully, they'll keep working:





SYTYCD Top 14


After watching both the Top 14 performance show and the elimination show on the same day, I will say that I thought the Top 14 dances were much better than the week before. The Top 16 were a little rough, and after this week's dances I'm feeling much better about our Top 12 for next week.

Karla and Vitolio were sent home (no surprise there, really). I was surprised Caitlin and Jason made it into the Top 12 without going to the bottom three. I was not a fan of the "alien" dance over Kayla and Kupono's contemporary. It was actually great to see Phillip and Jeanine in the bottom, only for the sake of finally seeing Jeanine in her element. Her solo was flawless—absolutely beautiful. And it made the usually put-together, legs for days Kayla look sloppy. I now have a new appreciation for Jeanine. I'm worried for Kayla, who has now been in the bottom twice and will probably not escape getting cut next time.

I thought it was incredibly convenient that the only ballet dancer in the show's history "picked" pas de deux, a classical ballet routine. That HAD to have been a set up—but if they are going to have a ballet routine on SYTYCD, I wouldn't want to watch anyone other then Melissa doing it. I was a slightly taken aback by the fact that hip-hopper Phillip and Jeanine got another hip-hop routine, their second of the short season choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. When I saw that, I definitely thought this week was rigged.

So I started thinking ... Janette (ballroom) and Brandon got the Cha Cha (HOTTT by the way), Randi and Evan (broadway) got musical theater, Caitlin and Jason (both contemporary) got pop jazz (close enough to contemporary), Kayla and Kupono (both contemporary) got contemporary. The only one out of sync with their style was the couple that got sent home: Karla and Vitolio who did a quickstep. It was their week to go, but it just doesn't seem fair. Maybe it's in the name of entertainment, but I'm not buying the "drawing out of a hat" concept this week.

As I look for videos of Desmond Richardson (yes, he was one of the guests last night—unbelievable!), my fav. partner dances, solos and the group dance, read more recaps. Visit EW.com: here and here, or E!Online's Watch with Kristin: here and here.

Did you see the Dizzy Feet Foundation announcement? Really cool!



(photo via E!Online)

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Jermaine Jackson's Today Show interview

The Today Show aired an exclusive interview with Jermaine Jackson this morning. In it, he said his brother, Michael, went too soon, and that he wished it had been him who died last week.