American Idol: Same As It Ever Was

On last week's sixth season debut of American Idol, Simon Cowell dished out barbed insults, Paula Abdul appeared dazed and confused, and Randy Jackson said "dawg" a lot. In other words, business as usual.
Yet viewers, media critics and Rosie O'Donnell alike have since charged the judges with upping the meanness factor this season and making unnecessarily cruel remarks to the hapless hopefuls who come before them.
O'Donnell railed against the threesome on The View last week, after screening a clip in which Cowell compared a contestant to a "bush baby."

"Isn't that what America thinks is entertainment?" O'Donnell asked. "To make fun of someone's physical appearance and then when they leave the room laugh hysterically
at them—three millionaires, one probably intoxicated."
However, in an appearance at the Television Critics Association conference Saturday, Cowell, Jackson and Abdul denied that they have altered the formula that they have been using for the past five seasons.
"It's no different than it ever was," Jackson said. "It's what we do."
Cowell concurred, pointing out that anyone who auditions for the talent competition should be prepared for potential humiliation.
"If you don't want to hear that, don't show up," he said.
As for Abdul, for whom O'Donnell's dig about intoxication was clearly intended, she denied that her sometimes bizarre behavior on the show and in interviews was a result of drug or alcohol use.
"I've never been drunk. I'm not under the influence of anything," Abdul told the New York Times. "The first five years [on Idol] no one said anything about how I behaved or how I talked."
Of course, Abdul conveniently seemed to be forgetting that she previously defended herself against rumors of drug and alcohol use during season four, when she revealed that she suffered from a rare neurological disorder that causes chronic pain and apparently some unpredictable antics.
"It was time to set the record straight. I want America to know that I have never been addicted to anything, no chemical dependency, nothing for recreational purposes," Abdul said in a 2005 interview with Entertainment Tonight, responding to rampant speculation about her behavior on the American Idol message boards.

With American Idol airing only once each year, it's possible that the months in between seasons give viewers (and Abdul) sufficient time to forget just how intense the show's criticism can be.
But according to Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori, Idol's success is driven by its adherence to a proven formula.
"Let's face it, the show has been on the air six years, the judges have been critical for six years," he said Saturday.
And viewers keep tuning in for more. Last Tuesday's episode of American Idol drew a record audience of 37.3 million, while Wednesday's episode attracted 36.9 million.

The show returns Tuesday and Wednesday with segments from the auditions in Memphis and New York.

Armed, Famous & Canceled

Armed, Famous & Canceled

Not that we needed a reality series to prove it, but apparently Erik Estrada, La Toya Jackson and Jack Osbourne are no match for Simon, Paula and Randy.

CBS has canceled the celebs-as-law-enforcement experiment Armed & Famous after only four episodes, blaming the series' downfall on lackluster ratings.

"Going up against American Idol was a tall task for the show," network spokesman Chris Ender said.
Enough said, really, although we could add that it wasn't exactly a critical darling, either. ("This is the perfect score: a show so bad even Fox wouldn't touch it," Newsday critic Verne Gay wrote. Smell the unintentional irony.)
Armed & Famous' ratings road took a downhill turn after a respectable 45th-place premiere (8.1 million viewers) on Jan. 10 and a Jan. 11 follow-up episode that attracted 7.7 million.

The following week, airing opposite Idol's Wednesday installment, the show pulled in only 5.8 million.
The Muncie, Indiana-set series followed CHiPs alum and former Surreal Life roommate Erik Estrada; singer, famous sibling and Psychic Friend La Toya Jackson; Jackass' Jason "Wee Man" Acuña; MTV reality vet Jack Osbourne; and former WWE star Trish Harder, as they trained to become reserve police officers and then headed out on patrol with some of Muncie's finest.

"I don't understand that part of the business," Muncie mayor Dan Canan told the local Star Press, referring to the question of ratings and network performance. "I'm just pleased with how the city was portrayed and how the department was portrayed. It's showing the general public what they're doing in the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep."
While the finished series featured numerous reality-show-friendly scenarios, such as the celebrities absorbing 50,000-volt shots from a stun gun, an emotional graduation ceremony during which they're awarded their hard-earned badges and an elderly drug trafficker who can't believe she's being arrested by Ponch from CHiPs, the production was not without its complications.

For instance, shortly after filming began in November, Jackson almost lost her place on the thin blue line after failing to complete the required amount of pushups during her physical assessment. She later redeemed herself, however, by hitting the bull's-eye during target practice at the shooting range. (And yes, that involved a real gun, with real bullets.)
Jackson then lost some of that cred when, dining at a casual local restaurant with her assigned partner, she asked the waiter to spruce up the table with some finger bowls.
In the breaking even department: Jackson, so afraid of cats that the sight of one on a doorstep sends her flailing back to the patrol car when she's supposed to be writing up a burglary report, ends up seeing a cat therapist, who helps the "Heart Don't Lie" singer overcome her childhood fear.
And Estrada, despite his previous experience as an on-camera cop, found himself in hot water with the police chief earlier this month after losing his cool with a man who was stabbed in the leg during a domestic dispute who referred to the actor as "Emilio Estevez."

"American Idol" is no joke!

Would that more people in this world were as honest as Simon Cowell.

Oh, boo-freaking-hoo.

Critics of all shapes and sizes are coming out as season six of "American Idol" enters its second week with commentary about how rough and tumble the "Idol" judges are this year.

But for crying out loud, are the critics watching the program with the sound on? Some of these kids are delusional, and I think it's great that at least one person has the audacity to tell the truth.

Come on, folks!

All of you critics who are sooo offended at Simon's crude honesty are the reason these morons think they can sing in the first place. I sound like a broken record here, but self-esteem cannot be granted.

It has to be earned.

Sadly, these delusional "Idol" wannabes who can't carry a tune in a bucket are the product of "yes" parents, siblings, teachers and friends who coddle their talentless associates and family members to the point where they think they're going to be the next "American Idol."

It's sad.

Look kiddies, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have sold millions of albums and won Grammy and Country Music Association awards. Jennifer Hudson just won a Golden Globe for best supporting actress for "Dreamgirls," and Chris Daughtry is a bona fide rock star who did a stirring rendition of The National Anthem at the NFL-NFC championship game in Chicago over the weekend.

"American Idol" is no joke!

And critics are upset that Cowell is cruel in his critiques of the tone deaf?

Puhleez! Would all of you critics be happy if Simon sent everyone through to the next round, lest these coddled cry-babies get their wittle feelings hurt?

At least this critic would be Grrring Simon for making a mockery out of a pop-culture phenomenon that has produced really, really good talent if he did.

Get over it people. Cowell is mean because he has to be. He's the last guy standing in the culture war that has been festering and bringing this country down.

Tough love is just that: Tough.

But at least these kids who have finally heard the truth might finally be free to move on to some other dream that they might actually make come true

John Mayer + Jessica Simpson

John Mayer + Jessica Simpson = Grammys Hot Couple

John Mayer. Jessica Simpson. Grammys. TOGETHER!
Can you solve my little celebrity puzzle, Blabber-ers? Star magazine is reporting that Jessica Simpson will be John Mayer's date at the Grammy's on February 11.

If this goes down, this will be the first public appearance for the undercover lovers who have been hooking up since the summer. Since New Year's Eve they've been making the scene together here and there. But together at the Grammys in front of tons of flashbulbs? That, friends, will be a first.

Do you think John and Jessica will actually do it? Think this story is phony baloney?

Kate Moss & Pete Doherty Ingest a Double Dose of Rehab

Kate Moss & Pete Doherty Ingest a Double Dose of Rehab

The couple that goes to rehab together stays together?
The Sun is reporting that troubled lovebirds Kate Moss and Pete Doherty checked into a rehab facility together yesterday. As one of the UK’s most popular couples, they were clearly recognized when they arrived at Capio Nightingale Hospital, but they registered for treatment using fake names. Kate – who was in rehab in 2005 after the Kate “Hoover Va” Moss coke scandal – reportedly told friends she’s helping her spiritual husband kick drugs once and for all.

“They arrived together and will be supporting each other,” a source told the paper. “They looked very much a couple as they came in and she is clearly worried about him.”

Let’s hope a miracle takes place and rehab works for them this time.

The six-bedroom mansion is said to be intended as a "starter palace" for William and Kate once they are married

The six-bedroom mansion is said to be intended as a "starter palace" for William and Kate once they are married




CHARLES GETS GO AHEAD FOR MINI MANSIONSEND TO A FRIEND

Since Prince Charles bought the run-down 900-acre Harewood Park estate in Herefordshire seven years ago, speculation has been rife he is planning to build a first home for Prince William and his future wife in its grounds. Now the Prince has been given the go-ahead to start work on a six-bedroom mansion in the spring, which would no doubt suit rural-loving Wills and his girlfriend Kate Middleton down to the ground.

While it is much smaller than the original plans submitted by Charles in 2004, it still has what it takes to be a "starter palace" for William. Charles has hired Wales-based architect Craig Hamilton to design the 789-square-metres property in the English Palladian style.

"The house originally approved was about 1,380 square metres in size, measured over two floors," explains Mr Hamilton. "The new brief from the Duchy of Cornwall is to design a smaller house." It will feature a double-height entrance hall supported by eight stately ionic columns, a dining room, drawing room, sitting room, kitchen, library, study and orangery.

It comes as no surprise that the Prince of Wales, who was recently awarded an environmental prize in the US, will be making sure the house is eco-friendly. Solar panels are expected to go on the roof while sheep's wool will be used for insulation. Building materials are to include recycled brick, stone quarried nearby and wood from Charles' local estates.

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Elisha Cuthbert

Elisha Cuthbert
Biography - Elisha Cuthbert

Canadian stunner Elisha Cuthbert achieved fame playing Kiefer Sutherland’s daughter on Fox’s smash hit series “24”. Currently on screen playing a disturbed high school cheerleader in the indie chiller “The Quiet”, Cuthbert is one of the most talented of today’s rosters of Hollywood starlets.

>Born in Calgary, Alberta on November 30, 1982, Cuthbert grew up in the large Montreal suburb Longueuil where she began modeling and acting as a child. Some of her impressive Canadian credits include the children’s horror series “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and as a co-host of “Popular Mechanics for Kids”. The latter show allowed Cuthbert to globetrot at a young age, and former First Lady Hillary Clinton invited her to the White House after being impressed with the youngster’s reporting on the show. After graduating high school in 2000, the 17 year-old beauty immediately traveled to Hollywood to begin a screen career, and within six months nabbed the role of Kim Bauer in a pilot called “24”. The uniquely structured action series quickly became the biggest hit on television, and with one role Cuthbert became an overnight star.

Her first major movie appearances came in 2003, with hot-chick supporting turns in “Old School” and the syrupy British sleeper hit “Love Actually”. 2004’s “The Girl Next Door” was Cuthbert’s first starring role – an aspiring porn star that captures the attention of a shy neighbor. The film wasn’t much of a hit, but Cuthbert received more attention the next year for the horror remake “House of Wax”, which was extensively publicized due to Paris Hilton’s performance and the film’s R-rated disavowal of the genre’s recent crop of lightweight PG-13 offerings. A minor horror hit, “House of Wax” upped her profile, and 2006 is proving to be a make-or-break year for the promising actress, with two thrillers on the slate - “The Quiet” and “Captivity”. She was also recently cast in the coveted lead role of 2007’s “My Sassy Girl”, a remake of the one of the most popular Korean films of the decade

Paris and Jenna to Show Virgins the Ropes?

When you think of Paris Hilton and Jenna Jameson, the last thing you probably think is ... virgins.
And yet, sources tell TMZ that famed on-camera sexhibitionists Hilton and Jameson have been contacted about "participating" in a reality show currently in production called "Virgin Territory," in which a group of the uninitiated will find their way to the promised land. Ironically, it's being brought to TV by the purveyor of Paris' sex tape, Kevin Blatt, who predicts that even more people will watch "Territory" than "One Night in Paris," Hilton's infamous night-visioned romp.

To help stock his TV larder, Blatt will be unveiling giant billboards in Times Square and Los Angeles; soliciting actual, live virgins in those cities. "Finding virgins in NYC or Los Angeles is no easy task," says Blatt.

Sophia Bush Picks a New One

Sophia Bush is so cozy with her new beau ... she's already picking her nose in front of him.

The gorgeous star of "One Tree Hill" was spotted with boyfriend Jon Foster having lunch at Doughboys in Los Angeles. Bush, who co-starred with Foster in the 2006 horror flick "Stay Alive," was also seen kissing his hand and laughing throughout their meal.

Seems like she's finally found a replacement for ex-hubby Chad Michael Murray, who allegedly cheated on Sophia with Paris Hilton.

Keeley Hazell sex tape leaked onto the Internet

A sex tape featuring Page 3 model Keeley Hazell has been posted on the Internet. The tape was leaked onto the Internet, and made available for download for free over the weekend.

Keeley was yesterday said to be distraught at the release of the video, which was said to have been filmed in Majorca while she was on holiday last year with boyfriend Lloyd Miller.

She told The Sun: "This was a private video that was taken a long time ago. I never meant for it to be seen in public .... It’s a disgraceful invasion of my privacy."

Keeley has apparently called in police to investigate the leak.

Did Britney cheat before K-Fed became Fed-Ex?

Was Britney Spears fooling around on Kevin Federline before the two split? And did Spears’s friendship with Paris Hilton cool because of the man in question?

Spears is dating J.R. Rotem, a friend of K-Fed’s who produced several songs on his debut CD and who is working with Spears on her comeback album, according to several reports. But sources tell Star magazine that some of Spears’s friends were convinced that hanky panky was going on between the two before Spears filed for divorce from her husband. Another source, however, says while there was “definite chemistry” Spears and Rotem waited until she filed papers

But there’s also buzz that Britney’s former best friend Paris Hilton also dated Rotem — and when Spears found out, her friendship with Hilton soured. Rotem also worked with Hilton on her debut CD, and the two dated briefly. “It was nothing serious, just a few hookups,” a source told Star. “I bet a million dollars that J.R. tired to keep that a secret from Britney,” adds the source. “Britney would probably flip out if she knew that he’d romanced Paris first.”


Meanwhile, the situation between Spears and Federline continues to deteriorate.

A recent phone call between the two turned ugly, reports In Touch Weekly, when Spears asked her soon-to-be-ex-hubby if he’d seen pics of her smooching Rotem.

“It was really bad,” an “eyewitness source” told the mag, adding that Spears also started bragging to her ex about some sex she’d had. Federline was furious, although he reportedly isn’t quite sure whether he believes that she’s been dating. “[Spears] just started pushing his buttons. ... He started screaming at her.”

Spears is reportedly also taunting Federline about no longer living the lavish life they shared, but sources say that he continues to gather info on her hard partying to use in the custody battle against her.

Bob Barker Retiring After 50 Years on TV

Bob Barker Retiring After 50 Years on TV


LOS ANGELES Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final "Come on down." The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press Tuesday.

"I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."

He'll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of "The Price Is Right" and 50 years overall in television.

Though he has been considering retirement for "at least 10 years," Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn't been able to leave.


Television game show host Bob Barker appears backstage prior to stepping out on stage for a live...


"I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it."

Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on television and 35 with "Price," made this an "appropriate" time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program - in which contestants chosen from the crowd "come on down" to compete for "showcases" that include trips, appliances and new cars - is "demanding physically and mentally," he said.

"I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late."

Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty "immeasurable."

"We knew this day would come, but that doesn't make it any easier," Moonves said in a statement. "Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time."



Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of "Truth or Consequences." He first appeared on "Price" on Sept. 4, 1972 and has been the face of the show ever since.

A CBS prime-time special celebrating the show's longevity and Barker's five decades on TV was already under way, a network spokesman said.

To kick off his retirement, Barker said he will "sit down for maybe a couple of weeks and find out what it feels like to be bored." Then he plans to spend time working with animal-rights causes, including his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda.

He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body."

Freemantle Media, which owns "Price," has been looking for Barker's replacement for "two or three years," Barker said. And he has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games backwards and forward.

"The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. "Then he will be relaxed enough to have fun with the audience, to get the laughs with his contestants and make the show more than just straight games, to make it a lot of fun."

As for his fans, Barker said he "doesn't have the words" to express his gratitude.

"From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century."

But when it comes to saying his final TV goodbye, Barker said he'll do it the same way he does each day on "Price": "Help control the pet population.


Have your pets spayed or neutered."

Paris Hilton's Private Stuff Goes Public

Paris Hilton's Private Stuff Goes Public
Party girl Paris Hilton may be headed to court to stop a website from posting her private stuff for the public to see. Back in April of 2006, Paris' things were improperly obtained at auction by Bardia Persa after the socialite allegedly failed to make a $208 payment at her storage facility. Couldn't she just have asked Daddy for the extra money?
The loot includes everything from personal photos, sex tapes, and diaries to a complete list of A-list phone numbers. Paris and her legal team are now trying to stop the website from posting her items online. The owner of the site is offering access to the items at Parisexposed.com for a monthly fee of $40. Come on, why would people pay good money to see stuff that floats all over the internet for free?

Paris Hilton Gets Probation for Recent DUI

Paris Hilton Gets Probation for Recent DUI
Fox News is reporting that Paris Hilton will only get a 36 month probation for her recent DUI fiasco. Paris pleaded no contest to "alcohol related reckless driving" and will not serve any time in jail. She was too much of a diva to even show up in court, instead sending her legal team to do the dirty work.
She is also ordered to participate in an alcohol rehabilitation program and I'm sure she'll send her assistant in her place. The judge also offered to reduce the 36 month probation to 24 months if the heiress agrees to community service. The likelihood of that ever happening? Zilch.