Watching Reality TV

Wow, last night was a good night for reality tv. At least from where I’m sitting. And while “House” did win out over the “Dancing with the Stars” results show, I was still very interested in the results. But let’s go in order, shall we?

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“Deadliest Catch” premiered it’s third season last night and I was in crab heaven. And we haven’t even seen any crab yet! It was that good. It was great to see some returning favorites, like the crews of the Cornelia Marie and the Northwestern among others. It felt like being reunited with old friends. Being the premiere episode, we got to see the crews preparing for the king crab season. That included a pretty amusing segment where they shopped for supplies. The “ship mother” with her shopping list and recipes to buy for and the men who simply walked down aisles and knocked food into the cart willy nilly.

The big news of the episode was tragedy. I’m not sure of the details, but there was another fishing vessel that encountered distress and the crew abandoned ship. Which, during the fall in the Baring Sea is no small feat considering the near-Arctic temperatures of the water. We followed the Coast Guard on the rescue and witness the ominous discovery of the empty survival suit and the even more ominous discovery of the completely empty life-raft. The episode closed out with the rescue of one guy, in his survival suit in the ocean. As they cut him out of his suit, he was shaking so hard he was nearly a blur. And that’s where the episode ended. Dude. That’s just intense, right there. If you missed it, you can catch the episode online here: “Deadliest Catch” fansite.

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We were treated to yet another episode of “American Idol” tonight. And I was pleasantly surprised by the pairing of Tony Bennett with the contestants. That man is class. The Way You Look Tonight was the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. And the songs everyone chose were pretty good, for the most part. I am not including, of course, Sanjaya. He aggravates me and makes me want to tear my ears off. I don’t have any idea WHY he’s still on that show. But I do enjoy Simon’s snarky comments to him each week. He’s getting meaner. Meaner to Hayley as well, though she rightly deserves most of it. Despite looking bodacious in a jewel green dress, her singing was subpar at best. Simon’s comment to her? “Your legs look great.” I’m sure he meant another part of her anatomy, but legs works. The best of the bunch were Lakisha (of course) and Melinda (who looked so much better in a more modernly stylish dress and new hairstyle). This comes as no surprise, I’m sure. If I had to bet on who would be going home, I’d say either Hayley or Phil (who was tone-deaf tonight), since we KNOW Sanjaya won’t be going home. Bah!

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And, lastly, “Dancing with the Stars”. Turns out that Shandi the beauty queen went home. I can understand that. Her dancing is okay, but nothing remarkable and she doesn’t have a strong tie to the fans the way some of the other contestants do. And how pleased was I that Leeza ended up in the bottom two. Is that mean spirited of me? Heh. Even though the judges were pleased with her on Monday, it was nice to see the audience speak out. I don’t think she’ll be around for too much longer. Mark my words people. And though the judges weren’t happy with Apolo and Laila this week, the fans were. And that’s what matters. Now, if this were a perfect world, Leeza would be going home next week, followed rather unceremoniously by Heather Mills (before she milks any more publicity, GOD). But we all know this isn’t a perfect world and my dreams are destined to be dashed. Dangit.

I am mad. I’m mad and I think America needs to have it’s ears cleaned. They sell these little kits in the pharmacy section at virtually every grocery store out there that helps with that. You just put a few drops of this stuff in your ear, wait about 10 minutes, then wash it out. It works pretty well. Seriously, America. Consider it.

They voted out Chris Sligh, who has more talent in his curly hair than Sanjaya does in his entire body. But even if all the “Fanjaya” and VFTW voters out there were going to save his tone-deaf ass, at least boot someone like Haley or Phil. PLEASE. Because are you trying to insinuate that Phil and Haley have more talent than Chris? Puh-lease.

So I’m mad. I liked Chris from the beginning. He was starting to flag, yes. But he didn’t deserve to go home. PLEASE, America, get rid of freakin’ Sanjaya. I can’t take much more of this.

So last night the fans let me down and eliminated Paulina Porizkova from “Dancing with the Stars” instead of Leeza has I had commanded. Boo! Leeza wasn’t even in the bottom two with poor Paulina, Shandi was. Which, while her performance on Monday wasn’t that good it wasn’t that bad either. Neither of them were. Bah! Reality tv, once again, leaves me cold and disappointed.

Speaking of disappointments, did you catch Sanjaya on “American Idol” last night? Holy train wrecks! First off, we must talk about the hair. What was up with the HAIR? Sanjaya chose a rather punk-ish faux-hawk (as is the style these days, but no one told Sanjaya it is more a style with celebrity babies and not grown men) to wow the audience last night. And his choice of song, “Bathwater” by No Doubt was painful at best. Even poor Gwen Stefani (tutoring the finalists last night) was cringing. It was, in a word, bad. To quote Simon Cowell, Sanjaya is in his own universe. It certainly doesn’t seem to matter what the judges say because I doubt he’ll be going home this week. And that is just really, really pathetic.

She’s the next biggest “American Idol” sensation and she’s not even one of the contestants. Ashely Ferl is just a thirteen year old fan of the show, and Sanjaya. But on Tuesday’s performance episode, she bawled her eyes out over Sanjaya and now her name is on everyone’s lips. The Los Angeles Times sent a reporter to her home town in hopes of talking to someone who knows her. She’s been interviewed by both Access Hollywood and The Today Show. MTV has called her the “next David Hasselhoff”. I kid you not, people.

What has happened to the world? First, Sanjaya is NOT removed from “Idol” as he should, and now the poor, misguided pre-teen who sobbed over him is a celebrity. If that isn’t a sign of a dying civilization, I don’t know what is.

American Idol, Sanjaya Malakar, Ashley Ferl, crying girl

Actually no, apparently the girl was crying because she was so excited and happy. I know, it doesn’t make any sense to me either. Last night’s “American Idol” featured songs from the 60’s “British Invasion” and while I felt that some of the songs were pushing the definition a touch, they all picked some pretty good choices. Sanjaya even picked a good song, he just brutalized it is all. He picked “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks and really tried his best to rock it out, wandering the crowd and doing a lot of yelling. And I wanted to pull my eyeballs out and stick them in my ears so I didn’t have to watch or hear any more of it. Yes, it was THAT BAD. And, apparently, the longstanding “American Idol” fansite “Vote for the Worst” has chosen Sanjaya as the worst and is asking it’s visitors to chose Sanjaya in their voting. And shock-jock Howard Stern is only fueling that fire. Yes, people are voting for Sanjaya because he is the worst. I guess at least that explains why he’s still in the show. Hopefully the rest of America will come to their senses and the pre-teen fangirls out there will be grounded from the phones this week because the dude NEEDS to go.

I know, it’s quite the newsflash, isn’t it? Apparently, the fans of “American Idol”, the ones who vote each week on their favorites, are completely, 100% tone deaf. How do I know this, you ask? Because last night they voted out Brandon Rogers over Sanjaya Malakar. And no one seems more surprised than Sanjaya that he’s still in the game. See, even he knows he’s in way over his head. And across America, the non-voters (like myself, for shame) let out a corrective groan at the realization that we’ll have to watch Sanjaya limp through yet another song next week. It’s getting painful to watch, ya’ll. Yes, yes, Brandon is no Chris Sligh or Blake Lewis and he did forget large portions of the words to his song on Tuesday. But did he really deserve to be sent home before Sanjaya? Methinks not. Since I’m pretty sure Sanjaya is getting the pre-teen vote, I’m calling upon all parents of pre-teen girls to ban their daughters from the telephone next week. Please, for the good of the country and the good of “American Idol”. I beg of you.

American Idol, Sanjaya Malakar, Brandon Rogers, results show

I know this isn’t the “American Idol” blog, but I can’t just ignore the fact that last night a reality tv star won the highest and most prestigious award Hollywood has to offer. Just a few years ago, she was yet another contestant on “American Idol”, and not a very successful one at that. The judges weren’t impressed with her, and neither was America and she was sent packing. But her foot was in the door and that was all she needed to land the part of a lifetime in the film “Dreamgirls”. The rest, as we might say, is history. She’s won award after award and last night she grabbed an Oscar. Good for her. On the red carpet, Ryan Seacrest had a reunion with her. He showed her a taped video of Simon saying that he was rooting for her and was happy for her. Which was nice of him. Must have been hard to eat all that crow though.

I enjoy seeing reality stars make it in the “big” world. Elisabeth Hasslebeck has done pretty well for herself on “The View”. I can’t include Rob and Amber here, as their success hasn’t happened yet outside of the realm of reality tv. Hopefully we’ll see more of these examples in the future. Stay tuned tomorrow for my recap of last night’s “Amazing Race”. (Yes, I forgot to DVR it… again.)

Paula is insisting, yet again, to Us Weekly magazine that she has never done recreational drugs nor has she ever been drunk. According to an AP story reported by realityblurred.com, Paula said, “I’ve never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs. Just look at my 20-year career. Tell me someone who is into partying or doing drugs that could have done that.â€? Which, uh, doesn’t make any sense. Because there’ve been at least several well-documented and successful musicians (better than her, alas) that have been stoned off their asses 90% of the time. So that argument isn’t holding a lot of water with me, I don’t know about you. She also goes on to insist that her “Perfect Attendance” record for “American Idol” is yet another indication that she is, in her own words, “squeaky clean.” “I have never missed a live show. Even when I had surgery on my hand, I left my hospital bed to go to the show.â€?

Okay, Paula. Whatever you say. *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*

So last week it was all in the news that Jennifer Hudson (formerly of “American Idol”, in case you were living under a rock and weren’t aware) was complaining about the abuse that “American Idol” heaped on her and the other contestants. This week? Randy Jackson fires back. Hudson told Essence magazine, “On American Idol, you go through this mental thing; you’ve got to get yourself back together. You’ve been abused, misled and brainwashed to believe whatever they want you to think.” She went on to talk about how she very uncomfortable during the filming of the show and often felt like she had to act like a character for the show and that that character isn’t necessarily who she felt she was in reality. Interesting.

Randy Jackson responded this week by saying that Hudson owes her newfound fame to “American Idol”. He told Meredith Viera of “The Today Show”, “Jennifer Hudson would not be where she is today without ‘American Idol.’â€? He also said he believes she was misquoted in the Essence magazine article.

Whatever the story, I think both “sides” are right. Yes, “American Idol” is mean and degrading (and that’s why its such fun to watch, sadly enough) and I do believe that the show, in essence, broke these people down in order to build them back up again. And I also believe that Jennifer Hudson owes a lot of her fame to her start on “American Idol.” Now, can’t we all just get along??

I felt I should let you all know that I won’t be covering “American Idol” here any longer. Why is that, you ask? Because 451Press has got it’s own “American Idol” blog! And since there’s not much point in two blogs here covering the same news, I’ll concentrate on the other reality tv news that’s floating around out there. Stuff like a new Fox show where women “rule the world”, or the news of “Dancing with the Stars 4’s” premiere date, as well as the horrifying revelation that Donald Trump is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. God, help us. So there’s plenty of reality tv to go around, even without “Idol”. But, if you’re here to read about how AWFUL the contestants were last night, you might want to head over to Watching American Idol and get your juicy news there!

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American Idol, 451press, comment contest, contest, new blog

Oh, Paula. As far as I recall, she doesn’t have any children so maybe she just doesn’t know any better? But how could she not? Paula Abdul, “American Idol” judge, has signed on to work on the new live action “Bratz” movie. She will be on the creative team, helping with choreography, fashion and music.

Lord, help us.

Paula will also work with the films director, Sean McNamara, to find talent to star in the movie. I guess she’s got some experience with that… but “Bratz”? Paula has said:

“I am extremely excited about working on this film, which incorporates and celebrates so many of my passions, from music, dance and choreography to fashion and design,” the former pop singer said in a statement. “As a brand, Bratz encourages young girls to follow their dreams and express themselves. This authentic and organic philosophy has always been an important part of my life and my work and I will always continue to nurture new talent while keeping their dreams alive.”

I used to be a huge Paula Abdul fan back in the day. I can remember having arguments with my friends over who was cooler, Paula or Janet Jackson. I remember listening to the “Forever Your Girl” album on my Aiwa walkman and thinking she was just so, so cool. Times change, years pass and now I must say; “Paula, I’m disappointed.”

The Bratz dolls are dogged by controversy due to their style and the message they send to children. Uh, do ya think??

Paula Abdul, American Idol, Bratz, Bratz movie, Sean McNamera

Let the speculation begin! There are rumors floating around the internet that Paul McCartney and Mariah Carey will be making appearances on American Idol 6, much like Prince did in season 5. While we’re left to wonder about what their possible role in the show would be, I imagine it would be as a source of inspiration and encouragement to the contestants, but that’s only my guess.

According to RealityBlurred.com:

FremantleMedia’s Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, “The fact we can get Prince is a real tribute to the show. … (now) who knows who we can get?� Specifically, she says they’ve approached McCartney in the past. “Nothing’s locked. We’ve had discussions with him over the years. It’s always a matter of making it work.�

As to Mariah Carey, the AP notes that Randy Jackson “and the singer are friends and have a long professional association.� Randy says he and Carey “tossed [the idea] around a bit.�

Confirmed for the show is Leona Lewis, the winner of the UK show “The X Factor”, coincidentally enough a show that Simon Cowell created.

Leona has already had success in the UK. Her single was “the fastest-selling download of 2006,� according to ITV. That song is A Moment Like This, the same single recorded by American Idol season one winner Kelly Clarkson.

Meanwhile, over on MSNBC.com, speculation abounds about what the “big twist” on “American Idol” will be. Some of the suggested twists are letting the singers write their own songs and letting the viewers fire the judges for a week. There are some great ideas over there, head over to see the rest and let me know, what twist would you like to see on “AI6″?

American Idol, Simon Cowell, Leona Lewis, Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, twists

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Fox has announced the entire early season schedule for “American Idol”, right down to the day. That means we know when each episode will air, from the always-entertaining auditions to the first of the 12 finalists being voted off on a live-show. For those “Idol” die-hards out there, this is a good thing to know. We can all set our TIVO’s, DVR’s, and VCR’s and be ready for the onslaught of bad auditions, outrageous contestants and that special brand of humiliation that only Simon Cowell can deliver. We will be treated to a full four weeks of auditions and two episodes of “Hollywood Round” callbacks, after which we will be introduced to the 24 semifinalists on February 14. The auditions and “Hollywood Round” episodes will be aired twice weekly, and the elimination of the semifinalists will be aired three times a week for three weeks. WOW, that’s a lot of “Idol”! More to love, I’m sure. If you’d like to see the entire early season schedule as reported by RealityTVWorld for yourself, click the link below.

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This actually doesn’t surprise me one little bit. “American Idol’s” infamous judge Simon Cowell recently admitted in an interview with ExtraTV that he was a bit of a rebel growing up. He didn’t like anyone telling him what to do (what teen does?) and was even expelled from high school at one point. He said, “I think one or two schools I was expelled from, yeah. Whatever I was told not to do, I would do: drinking, smoking or any of that kind of stuff.” Even with all that misbehaving, however, he knew he wanted to go into show business. I can see that about him, he’s got a very arrogant way about him that would have been absolutely insufferable as a teenager.

I’m less concerned with his former rebellious ways than I am with the notion that some teenage girls had to think he was hott for being a bad boy. That thought might just keep me up at night.

Simon Cowell, American Idol

I’ve been out of the loop for a while now and I apologize to all you reality tv fans out there. I had a very, very sick baby on my hands and (perhaps foolishly) we went out of town for the holidays as well. But I’m back home and the baby is on the mend, so it’s time to get back to the news!

• I’m sure you’ve all heard (if you’re not currently residing under a rock) about the mega-feud between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump (creator and head honcho type over at “The Apprentice”). The battle, which originated when Donald granted a pardon to disgraced the Miss USA, has heated back up again after a cool holiday truce between the two personalities. I rather liken it to watching six-year olds fight on the playground. Regardless, it brings good press to “The Apprentice 6″ and the new season airing in January.
• Jenna Fisher of NBC’s “The Office” reportedly wanted to be on the first season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” but was turned down by the show’s producers! At the time, she wasn’t sure that “The Office” gig would last and wanted perhaps another shot at fame. Maybe she’ll get another shot at it in the future? That is, if she’s interested since “The Office” has gained such popularity and probably keeps the young actress pretty busy these days. At any rate, it’s yet another celeb who has wanted to be on that show.
• “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood is dating Dallas Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo. This quashes the rumors that Romo was seeing “Newlyweds” star Jessica Simpson. The two were spotted together on the field at Texas Stadium before the game on Christmas Day. The sports commentators even speculated that perhaps she was too big a distraction for Romo and what is why the Cowboys lost the game to the Philadelphia Eagles.

That should cover the highlights and hopefully sate your reality tv news-lust for the time being. I’m sorry for being gone and a Merry Belated Christmas to you all. Have a great New Years weekend!