Although he's perhaps most well-known for his heart-moving sets at music festivals (Bonnaroo, Sasquatch, now Coachella), Brett Dennen's been playing to a different kind of crowd lately. Fresh from a performance on the 'Jimmy Kimmel Show,' Dennen rolled into Park City, UT this past weekend for a showcase at the Sundance Film Festival. He wasn't there to plug a film, and although it was his second Sundance, he still has yet to see a film at the festival.
"It's not as if you can just stumble into a movie with a beer," Dennen tells Spinner. "It's a little more highly respected and guarded. A little more formal."
As for his set, which he performed at the ASCAP Music Café, the crowd was also a little more formal than normal. "Here at Sundance, a lot of the music is under consideration for film, or any networking possibilities, so I think people take it a little more seriously in terms of listening and analyzing and comparing," Dennen says. "Whereas at an outdoor music festival, it's more about getting drunk, dancing and having a good time."
Brett Dennen Finds a New Crowd at Sundance
Polka Singers Poised to Brawl at Grammys
A civil war of sorts may be brewing for the peaceful nation of Canada. Two of the country's citizens are preparing for an ugly, no-holds-barred grudge match at, of all places, the upcoming Grammy Awards. "We keep telling folks it's a friendly competition," warns one of the combatants, 72-year-old Walter Ostanek (pictured), "but two minutes before the winner is announced, the friendship is over."
Such animosity stems from the fact that the category in which Ostanek opposes his archrival, young buck John Gora, who's 49, may soon be abolished. Brace yourselves, people: the Grammys may be on the verge of eliminating the annual award for best polka album.
If this is the bandleaders' last shot at Grammy glory – Ostanek has been nominated a whopping 20 times and won three; it's Gora's fourth nomination, so far with a goose egg in the win column – they're not going out without putting the squeeze on. Ostanek, who plays the so-called Cleveland style of traditional polka, titled his latest album 'Dueling Polkas.' Not to be outdone by the crusty old-timer, Gora, who grew up on rock 'n roll and is partial to the horn-inflected Chicago style, called his '07 release 'Bulletproof Polkas.'
Who knew the music of Lawrence Welk could be so violent? Ambrose Bierce once defined the much-maligned accordion as "an instrument in harmony with the sentiments of an assassin." But despite all the battle-hardened imagery, polka is an industry in retreat, Ostanek admits. "It's for weekend warriors now," he tells the Toronto Star. If the Grammys fold the style into the broader roots or world music categories, he frets, "you'll never hear of guys like us again." Say one thing for him -- the guy really knows how to push those buttons.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo 'Team' With a South African Hero
Ever since being brought to global renown thanks to Paul Simon featuring their distinctive vocals and exhilarating dance moves on the landmark 'Graceland' album and tour, South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo have routinely made recordings and concert appearances with some pretty notable figures, from George Clinton to Stevie Wonder to Michael Jackson to Dolly Parton. They even "collaborated" with Bach and Mozart on 2006's 'No Boundaries.' It's something of a signature -- and one that has kept the group's international profile relatively high and helped win two Grammy Awards and several other nominations.
No surprise, then, that another prominent name dominates Ladysmith's new album. But it's not a pop star. It's Shaka Zulu, a near-mythical hero of South Africa, the warrior who in the late 1700s united the Zulus with other tribes into a cohesive nation. The album, 'Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu,' bristles with the sense of history and cultural pride associated with the name, though with songs that touch on the current political divisiveness ('Let's Do It'), the perils of personal weaknesses ('Umon Usuk Esweni,' which means "jealous eyes") and spiritual touchstones ('Prince of Peace,' somehow managing to weave Jesus' message of peace with Shaka Zulu's warrior spirit).
Beyonce To Play Legendary Singer in Film + More
* Beyonce will play legendary jazz singer Etta James in the film 'Cadillac Records,' which chronicles the life of Leonard Chess, the legendary founder of the South Side Chicago blues label Chess Records.
* R.E.M. have announced the dates for their forthcoming North American tour in support of their new album, titled 'Accelerate,' due April 1. The jaunt kicks off on May 23 in Vancouver and wraps in Atlanta on June 21.
* Mary J. Blige recently taped two performances for the daytime soap opera 'One Life to Life.' The show will feature Blige singing two tracks off her latest album, 'Growing Pains,' during a surprise birthday party for Starr Manning.
* The Arctic Monkeys earned seven NME Award nominations, including Best Band and Best Album for their latest, 'Favourite Worst Nightmare.' Other nominees include Amy Winehouse (Villain of the Year, Best Solo Artist) and Radiohead (Best Album). Winners are decided by NME readers and will be announced February 28 in London.
Kim Kardashian & Reggie Bush are Poseurs
a) Two wax statues
b) A dude who hates the paparazzi
c) A football star and his Heisman trophy
Give up? Amazingly the answer is b) A dude who hates the paparazzi. You can’t tell that from the way Reggie Bush is posing for the camera with his lady-friend Kim Kardashian, but he recently whined to Sports Illustrated about how much he just loathes those pesky photographers. “I hate the paparazzi,” he said. “I honestly do. She knows I don’t like it, but it comes with the territory. I deal with it. It doesn’t make me view her any different, it’s part of her life and so you just deal with it, but I hate it.”
It’s a good thing he’s with such a caring lady! Kim has tried to help her man adapt to the flashing bulbs, saying, “I’m giving him a few tips here and there. We try not to take it too seriously. The paparazzi are really an invasion of privacy that you’re never really used to…”
Right. Enjoy more pics below of Kim and Reggie not taking the paparazzi - or themselves - “too seriously” at a party hosted by Ms. Dash in Vegas on Sunday night.
Miley Officially Loses Her Stripper Name
What, you didn’t know that Miley Cyrus’ (aka Hannah Montana) real name was Destiny Hope Cyrus? Yeah, we didn’t either, but it’s definitely the greatest name we’ve heard this side of Scores. It’s one thing to change your name to a sexy monniker later in life, but to be born with such a trashy name is a true gift. We’re sad to see Miley let Destiny go, especially with all those bikini pics that have leaked on to the internet in recent weeks. She is now legally Miley Ray Cyrus - Miley stems from her childhood nickname of Smiley, and she added the Ray as a tribute to her mullet-loving dad.
Seeing as Destiny Hope Cyrus is now dead (er, as a name), we invite you to discover your own awesome stripper name. Here’s a handy name generator to use at your leisure. Give it your best shot and let us know what you come up with!
Signed,
Raquelle Razorthighs
Sundance Stories: Jack Black Shills For Swag
An oddly blonde Jack Black informed VH1 News that the celebrity swag at Sundance wasn’t exactly free — it comes at a price. The price? Taking a picture with the stuff, which means being prepped to be the next face of a random cosmetics brand in their Asian marketing campaign. (Just kidding. Sort of.) We caught all of the action at Sundance, the annual Park City, Utah, meet-and-greet, where celebrities came to check out new films, promote their own, and, in general, raise the level of conversation. Whether or not that actually worked in practice is something else entirely. When asked, for instance, about his horrendous new glasses, Bono claimed that they’re 3-D. That goes along with U2’s new film, U2 3D, but it doesn’t change the fact that the world’s most socially conscious star of the stage needs a new stylist.
Someone Get Britney Some Help - FAST
The Queen of the Night had another meltdown outside her house yesterday that began in the early evening and lasted until one or two in the morning. Apparently Brit got in a big fight with her master/enabler Sam Lutfi, so she hopped out of his car with her bag and dog and tried to run away (you’re not in Kansas anymore, Brit!). Where she was headed we’re not sure, and neither was she, as she eventually plopped down on the curb to cry. Then Adnan Ghalib, photog boyfriend extraordinaire, tried to come to her rescue, but he was banned (by Sam) from entering her gated community. Eventually both her parents showed up around 9PM, but then Brit bolted to drive around with city with Adnan till 11PM. Eventually she headed back home, only to hit up a drugstore at 1:2o AM with her Mom and Sam in tow.
TMZ is claiming that the gang is in the process of attempting an intervention on the pop queen to try to get her to deal with her mental health issues. What we want to know is, who is thinking about Britney’s poor, suffering millionaire neighbors!? They’ve paid big bucks for their McMansions, only to live in the middle of a freak-show. Check out some video of the scene at her house and you’ll be offering to go evacuate people tomorrow. Seriously, the girl needs her own country to contain all the insanity she attracts.
Lost Countdown: Last Season’s WTFs!
Lost returns this Thursday night after a torturous nine-month hiatus. I don’t know about you, but I’m twitching with anticipation - this show has proven to be full of classic cliffhangers. We’re recapping this season’s episodes each Friday morning, but let’s take one last look at season three. Here’sa countdown of the top moments that made us gasp, fall off our seats, or just yell WTF? at the screen! Are these the moments that rocked you, too? Tell us in “Comments.” See you Friday.
12. ‘Guyliner’ Keeps You Young. In a flashback to his youth on the island, little Ben is walking through the jungle and meets Richard Alpert – a man who appears to wear eyeliner and not to have aged in about 30 years. (Nerd note: Alpert’s also the Mittelos Bioscience guy Juliette interviewed with for the job that got her to the island.) He tells Ben he’s not ready yet to join them. Given the pirate duds Alpert has on, he may be part of the Black Rock slave ship that arrived on the island more than a century ago. Who is this dude, how old is he, and does Dharma stock the island with men’s cosmetics? Given that the actor who plays him, Nestor Carbonell, is now on CBS’ Cane, we may never know…
Jimmy Page Talks Led Zeppelin Tour + More
* Jimmy Page announced in Japan today that Led Zeppelin wouldn't hit the road for a full-fledged tour until at least after September. "The amount of work that we put into the 02, both for ourselves rehearsing and also for the staging of it, was probably what you'd put into a world tour anyway," he said. The legendary guitarist was speaking during promotion for the band's just-released retrospective, 'Mothership.'
* Modest Mouse and the National will serve as openers for R.E.M.'s forthcoming tour in support of their new album, 'Accelerate,' due April 1.
* Moby will be busking outside of London's Sloane Square tonight. The techno star releases his new album, titled 'Last Night,' on April 1.
* My Morning Jacket have titled their forthcoming album 'Evil Urges.' The effort, due June 10, is the follow-up to 2005's 'Z.'
Full CDs: Jack Johnson, Carl Craig + More
Jack Johnson, 'Sleep Through the Static'
Completely recorded by solar-powered analog tape machines, Johnson's latest album features the avid surfer taking on the electric guitar
Download Album Here
New Kids on the Block Coming Back + More
* The New Kids on the Block are reportedly staging a comeback. The former teen idols' long-dormant official site has been resurrected in anticipation of the official announcement, which a source tells PEOPLE magazine is to come in the next few weeks.
* Dixie Chicks violinist Martie Maguire announced on Sunday that she and her husband are expecting their third child at the Nobility Artists and Filmmakers Dinner in Austin. The couple already have three-year-old twins Eva Ruth and Kathleen Emilie. (Courtesy of WENN)
* Ringo Starr has apologized to Regis Philbin after walking off the set of 'Live With Regis and Kelly' last week, when the former Beatle was told to cut his performance of his latest single, 'Liverpool 8,' to below three minutes. (Courtesy of WENN)
* Miley Cyrus left the stage midway through her Saturday concert in New Orleans, telling the audience that she felt unwell. The 15-year-old teen phenom stayed backstage for a few minutes before coming back to finish her set. "Thanks, you guys," she told the audience. "I feel a lot better, but I'm going to sit this one down."
Jack Johnson, 'If I Had Eyes' - Video Premiere
In preparation for the release of 'Sleep Through the Static,' Jack Johnson prepared a back to basics video for the album's first single 'If I Had Eyes.' Keeping it in the Brushfire family, Johnson turned the directorial duties to the Malloys, who shot the video inside Brushfire's solar-powered studio. The video contains animated layered images of the album's artwork. Have an exclusive look at the video and learn more about learn more about Green Because You Can.
Thompson, Kucinich Drop Out + More
# The Republican party saw one of it's most colorful candidates drop out. 'Law & Order' actor Fred Thompson called it quits this week, much to the disappointment of his fans. Wildly popular in the country music world, John Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans and Trace Adkins were pulling for the former Tennessee Senator.
# Democratic presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich (otherwise known as "the one with the hot wife") also formally withdrew from the big race. After NBC banned him from participating in last week's Nevada debate, it was probably a good idea. (Condolences to Torquil Campbell of Stars and Ani DiFranco, who were both supporting the quirky, uber liberal Ohio Representative).
# Barack Obama went on 'The Late Show With David Letterman' Thursday night to deliver his dead-pan Top 10 list of campaign promises. Coming in at No. 5, his promise to "rename the tenth month of the year "Barack-tober" may have cemented his already flourishing indie-rock cred.
The Mountain Goats, 'Sax Rohmer #1' - Video Premiere
John Darnielle and the Mountain Goats teamed with directors Ace Norton for their 'Sax Rohmer #1' video. The lead single from their forthcoming 'Heretic Pride' is a creative lyric driven look at the tune is a modern day on Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues.'
"John's a fantastic lyricist. He's one of those few artists where you really pay attention to what he's saying when listening to his music," Norton tells Spinner. The video features hand painted sets all captured in one shot. Get your Mountain Goats karaoke on 'Sax Rohmer #1,'
Brit Readies for Super Bowl with Boob Flash
So what if Britney’s not actually performing at the Super Bowl next weekend? She still made sure she gave us a show that topped Janet Jackson’s whole wardrobe malfunction debacle when she flashed her boob to the paparazzi during a dance rehearsal this weekend. Check out the video above for a couple choreography moves, one of the twins, and a whole lot of crazy (skip to the 3:20 mark to get right to the goods).
But just because Brit was busy letting it all hang out doesn’t mean she’s out of control. It was probably just part of her new “treatment for mental issues!” Yes, Brit’s BEF (Best Enabler Forever) Sam Lutfi called Babs over at The View today (er, why?) and told her that the singer is seeing a psychiatrist and is seeking help for “mental issues,” including mood swings and sleeping problems. More good news: Brit’s in touch with her mother! Now if only someone would step in and help with her unfortunate lipstick choices, she’d be well on her way to almost normal. [Us]
Pepsi Smash: Maroon 5 Can Hardly Wait To See Mary
The Pepsi Smash show is a mere four days away, and Maroon 5 are pretty psyched to play it. With a line-up that includes Mary J. Blige and Ne-Yo, Adam Levine and James Valentine stopped by our Top 20 studios to chat about what they’re looking forward to. After some joking about their Grammy nominations (apparently the boys are nominated for Best Band Ever in the Entire Universe category — new this year) the Maroon Men gushed about Mary. Find out what they had to say.
Celeb Scientologists Want YOU!
First, we’d like to thank whichever Scientology traitor is releasing all the wonderful Tom Cruise videos, as well as this email, allegedly from King of Queens actress Leah Remini. Yes, the rambling, confusing email could simply be a hoax. But what’s fun about approaching this crap with reason?
Below are a couple of excerpts from the supposed email, in which Remini (allegedly) guilt-trips lazy Scientologists into getting back involved with the church, beginning with some brunch she’s holding. The rest is the usual Scientology lingo you’ve come to know and love: SPs, OTs, ORGs, CS, LRH, FARTS, etc etc. It should only take you a few days to figure out what it all means!
Leah starts:
Hi! This is Leah Remini Writing you again. Some of you may know me from
the TV show “King of Queens”, but what is more important is that I am now OT V and at one point I was a very stalled Clear. A lot of people helped me to get OT, and I decided I was going to turn around and help every Clear make it to OT.
Daniel Day-Lewis Honors Heath Ledger
Last night’s Screen Actors’ Guild Awards were a sad, somber affair, colored by the shocking death of Heath Ledger and the ongoing writers’ strike. Daniel Day-Lewis, the brilliant Irishman who’s once again at the fore for his role in There Will Be Blood, picked up the show’s best actor award, and dedicated it to Ledger. (Check the clip above for one of the most moving and graceful acceptance speeches, perhaps ever.) Elsewhere, the odds-on Oscars favorites were given their due, including No Country for Old Men for best picture, Julie Christie for best actress, Javier Bardem for best supporting actor, and Ruby Dee for best supporting actress. As for television, Tina Fey won for best female in a comedy series. 30 Rock really is the best thing that isn’t currently on television, isn’t it?
We Buy the Brangelina Pregnancy Rumors
Check out Brad and Angie giggling it up at the Sag Awards last night. They’re not just laughing at Top Model Jay’s fugly outfit. They’ve got a secret under that tent dress, one that can only be discovered via ultrasound. And Brangie can barely conceal their excitement that they’ve got two more unnaturally beautiful humans cooking in that belly, who are just waiting to bust forth and rule the world with their plump lips and angel eyes.
Enjoy the above photo for pregnancy proof, or peruse more pics below of the pair loving life together. They seem happier than they’ve been in months; maybe it’s because they were able to leave their kid army at home with a sitter, but we think it’s really because they’re adding to the troops.
How Hollywood Stays Connected
There’s lots of drama in the office of David Newman, cool-ass film agent and dude who lunches simply to be seen. His assistant is quitting to work for his competitor, his clients are falling for the wrong partners, and his pals break up via text-message. Worst of all? He’s got the big-time hots for the agent who prowls the penthouse office.
Want to find out what we’re talking about? For the next six days we’re recapping our “Connected” series, one Webisode at a time. Here’s where you can find out more about the series, here are 10 Things You Should Know going in, and here’s episode 4: “The Big Centerfold.”
Trey Anastasio Goes to Jail
Following a career in which, publicly, he was the kind of guy you'd introduce to your parents, ex-Phish frontman Trey Anastasio can't seem to stay out of trouble. The guitar hero of patchwork nation is currently enrolled in a mandatory drug court program in Washington County, New York, where he was apprehended last year for a DUI and for possession of drugs and prescription medication (minus the prescription). Last week, according to a report from Albany, NY television station WNTV, Anastasio spent two days in the slammer for failure to show up at a court-ordered appointment. Guess the judge didn't get the memo that Phil Lesh already pardoned Anastasio last year when Lesh was awarded honorary mayor of Glens Falls, NY.
Ryan Adams Heckles Heckling Fan
Songwriting superhero Ryan Adams is fond of telling the music press lately that he plans on making the Cardinals' current line-up his permanent band and he's even uncomfortable still being called a solo artist. But last night at the Marin Center in San Rafael, Calif., all eyes were clearly on him as he "led" the Cardinals through two sets of original material, before kicking off the encore with a solo piano version of 'Sylvia Plath.'
Still, Adams refused to be seen in the spotlight -- quite literally. The musicians were all backlit and shrouded in an ever-changing mosaic of mood lighting. When a heckling fan complained that she couldn't see Adams' face, he held up a lighter and suggested she "go see Coldplay" instead. She stayed. It was the right decision. The Cardinals "featuring Ryan Adams" jammed out, slaying song after song like one unified beast of rock 'n' roll. Yeah, keep them, Ryan.
Britney Spears Shows Up, Leaves Court + More
* Britney Spears appeared at court for a custody hearing on Wednesday, only to leave at the last minute. A court spokesperson said that the singer made it through security before she announced, "I want to leave," and got back in her car. Spears was not ordered to attend the hearing.
* Patti Smith will exhibit a collection of her drawings and photography, titled 'Land 250,' at Paris' Foundation Cartier, along with audio of Smith talking about each piece. The exhibition runs from March through June 22. (Courtesy of WENN)
* Portishead, who were recently announced among this year's Coachella headliners, will release their long-awaited new album, titled 'Third,' on April 14. The band have been relatively cryptic about the effort, only previously mentioning that it's 11 tracks long, running 49 minutes and 13 seconds.
* Jackson Browne will launch a solo acoustic tour in support of his upcoming live album, on March 7 in Louisville, Kentucky. The jaunt wraps on April 7 in Reading, Pennsylvania. The veteran singer-songwriter's album, titled 'Solo Acoustic Vol. 2,' hits shelves on March 4.
Winehouse Rehabs for Real
Go Amy go Amy go! The crack-pipe toting singer has checked herself into rehab again, and hopefully this time things will click. Her record label released the following statement today: “Amy decided to enter the facility today after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors. She has come to understand that she requires specialist treatment to continue her ongoing recovery from drug addiction.”
Good for her. [Us]
Shut Up, Perfect Jessica Alba
Move over Britney Spears - Jessica Alba is quickly becoming the most loathsome celeb in Hollywood. It’s not her good looks or charmed life that kill us inside; we can even handle the fact that our cat is a better actress than Alba is. But when she opens her big, beautiful mouth and starts talking, our blood boils and our skin crawls. She’s just so effing clueless about how lucky she is, and it comes across painfully in the stupid things she says. Take for example, her feelings about breastfeeding: “[It] is the only thing I’m paranoid about,” she says. “More than giving birth.”
Really? It’s a boob sagging thing, we’re sure. But Jess should be fine, because she’s not pigging out on ice cream during her pregnancy. Nope, the starlet is watching her waistline, even though it’s supposed to be getting bigger (because, you know, she’s pregnant). “I try to eat as healthy as possible [and] exercise,” Jess continues. “As long as I don’t gain too much, too fast, that’s the key.” Ugh.Excuse us while we go stuff our not-pregnant selves with Doritos and cry. [Us]
How Hollywood Stays Connected
There’s lots of drama in the office of David Newman, cool-ass film agent and dude who lunches simply to be seen. His assistant is quitting to work for his competitor, his clients are falling for the wrong partners, and his pals break up via text-message. Worst of all? He’s got the big-time hots for the agent who prowls the penthouse office.
Want to find out what we’re talking about? For the next six days we’re recapping our “Connected” series, one Webisode at a time. Here’s where you can find out more about the series, here are 10 Things You Should Know going in, and here’s the kick-off: “Holiday Regrets.”
Heath Was Dating Mary-Kate Before Death
Well, it took a death to get this little interesting bit of gossip out: Heath Ledger was reportedly dating Mary-Kate Olsen before he passed away earlier this week. Her name has been in the mix since Heath passed, first in reports that he was staying at her sister’s apartment when he died. Here’s the real scoop: the masseuse, Diane Lee Wolozin, who first discovered Heath unconscious, placed a call to mutual friend MKO to ask for help, who in turn rang her private security peeps in New York. Wolozin later called back to inform the twin that things looked serious and she was calling 911.Mary-Kate was apparently dating the actor, even though he had been recently linked to Aussie model Gemma Ward. Regardless of their relationship’s official status, we’re sure she’s p
On the drug front, Heath’s apartment turned up nothing illegal or suspicious, contrary to earlier reports. The rolled up twenty-dollar bill that was discovered tested negative for drug residue, and all that turned up were pills for insomnia, anxiety and pain. Now that the rumors appear to be busted, perhaps it’s time to end the speculation for a while (at least until his autopsy reports come back in a couple weeks) and give the guy - and his grieving family and friends - a little peace and quiet.
Adam Sandler: Leave Tom Cruise Alone!
Funnyman Adam Sandler wants everyone to back off Tom Cruise. After a couple of videos leaked last week depicting Cruise wild-eyed, hysterical and proselytizing the merits of Scientology, Cruise has come under further attack, with “actor” Jerry O’Connell making videos in his free time (which we’re imagining is plentiful) and Cruise being used as a cultural punchline. But Adam Sandler, who’s not exactly known for his cultural sensitivity, is asking everyone to cut it out. “To see anyone’s private life invaded and mocked like this is sickening,” Adam Sandler told People. “It’s especially gross when it happens to a guy like Cruise, who’s a great dad, a great husband, and a great friend.”
While we applaud Sandler’s altruism, and agree that celebrities are people too, we’d like to point out that Tom Cruise is insane, and Sandler’s been responsible for a few mocking portrayals in his time. Below, we’ve come up with a list of folks who could have used some of Sandler’s compassion before he decided to mock them:
Civil Unions
The Mentally Disabled
Vampires
Kids with Trust Funds
Rob Schneider
Golfers
Wedding Singers
American Idol Day 4: January 23, 2008
Auditions: Charleston, SC
American Idol Day 4 took us to the fabled South, where the talented and talentless were on view in equal measure. Hoping for a chance to head west, 10,000 people flooded Charleston. The contestants there put their faith in gimmicks, perhaps more so than any other city thus far. Some were successful. Some were not.
Wanna Win Idol? Take Our Advice
Fox’s annual circus hit TV town last week, and yep, after a couple of nights, there were plenty of entertaining entries on the screen. To get down the road on American Idol, certain rules must be followed, and certain faux-pases must be avoided. Here’s part of the list. You know who the characters are, right?
Do: Tell the producers a great back story that might land you one of those “down on the farm” segments where we see you frolicking with your son/daughter/pets/tractor. The sadder, the better.
Don’t: Have your back story be tied to a bag of nail clippings, your “Star Wars” fetish, a stalker routine, an ability to make funny noises or a “wacky” original song about abstinence. Speaking of chastity, though never-been-kissed virgin Bruce Dickson and his lock-and-key necklace told a tale so bizarrely endearing the striking Writers Guild of America should investigate whether he had some help with it, we recommend a little less sharing next time.
Do: Try to stand out in front of the judges by wearing something interesting, (slightly) provocative, flattering or, failing that, bland enough that it doesn’t distract them from your singing.
Don’t: Shop at the costume shop, paint your face, wear a Cowell-esque top that exposes so much of your chest that Simon and Randy lose their focus, attach anything resembling tin foil to your body or have your shirt signed by your “supporters.” And, for the love of God, if you can’t see your feet, don’t wear a Princess Leia costume, even if you are manscaped. Nobody needs to see that.
Check tonight’s show and come back tomorrow for our weekly recap.
Katie Holmes: Marathon Sham?
Katie Holmes‘ amazingly resilient boobs WERE too good to be true! We knew even a robot couldn’t withstand running 26.2 miles in that flimsy top. Anonymous internet sleuths have been attempting to unravel an possible NYC marathon conspiracy, which alleges that Katie Holmes did not run the entire race. Their proof?
* Katie’s choice of runner-unfriendly clothing, obvi.
* Her two trainers ran alongside her - one ran unregistered but wore a bib from 2003 and a tracking chip, and the other man, registered, ran the exact same split times as Katie, which many believe is impossible.
* Trainer Wesley Okerson’s mom reports that her son did indeed run the entire race with Katie, but we’re not so sure if that clears things up. Though she allegedly ran with her bodyguards the whole time, pics have surfaced of Wesley running the thing with Katie nowhere in sight. And there are no images of her running the race until the very end. Did she jump in for the last mile?
Not to knock the importance of this case, but aren’t there greater Kate-spiracies to worry about? We’re more desperate to know what’s she always hiding with those giant sunglasses, what baby factory she and Tom bought Suri from, and why they’re always laughing at nothing like a pair of crazies.
Diddy In Name Change Shocker!
Another day, another name for Diddy. The artist formerly known as P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, and J. Lo’s boyfriend has decided to go by Sean John, his birth name, for the foreseeable future. “I have always evolved and taken a different name each time. Right now I want to be Sean John because that’s where I am right now,” said the remix inventor, according to the Daily Star. So what could this mean for the many-monikered rapper? A new album? Another cologne? Sean John might be preparing his new image for his brand new reality television show.
Tom Brady: Deep in the End Zone
In the grand tradition of impromptu balladry (Jonathan Richman, Adam Sandler), a dude has concocted a folkie ode to his hero. Because his hero is the best QB around, and because the best QB’s team is heading for the Superbowl, the ode is now news (if you define news as wonderful nonsense that eats up the minutes of your day). Please learn the words to the ode, develop your own man-crush on the best QB, and bet lots of loot on the triumph of New England. Oh, and send to a friend as well.
If you’re looking for a similar feel, don’t forget the passion between Andy Samburg and Dr. Evil.
Amy Winehouse Loves Her Crack Pipe
Here’s a new Amy Winehouse home video to brighten your day. In it, the singer continues her Self Destruction 2008 Tour by smoking from a crack pipe and talking about how she just took six Valium. The whole thing is recorded by a friend who then sold the video to the British tabloid The Sun, which should be a lesson to all you famous crackheads out there. If a pal is taping you inhaling/snorting/injecting/smoking/eating drugs, tell them to shut that sh*t off! Learn something from Amy Winehouse - something other than just drugs being bad, obvs. [The Sun]
Oscar Race Begins! Here Are the Noms.
It’s tough for celebs and arts journalists to rise and shine so early, but once a year duty calls and newfound fame awaits. The Oscar nominations took place in L.A. this morning, and the usual suspects made it to the “Best Picture” category. Atonement, Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country For Old Men, and There Will Be Blood are all vying for the top prize.
Our Critics Choice Awards, which prides itself on “predicting” the Oscar noms, came damn close to clocking 100% with their Best Actress list last month. Cate Blanchett, Julie Christie, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, and Laura Linney are all part of the Big O list.
The swagger of the actors’ list is staggering. George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Johnny Depp, Vigo Mortensen, and Tommy Lee Jones are up for the parts.
You’ll be needing to devour the entire list. Go ahead and dig in, and check our CCA site for great red carpet pics, film clips, and fun features.
Brains Beware of Dancehall
They're calling it musicogenic epilepsy -- seizures triggered, in the case of Canadian bank employee Stacey Gayle, by Sean Paul's dancehall hip hop.
On the CBS 'Early Show,' Gayle and her doctor explained that the patient recently underwent two surgeries after suffering as many as ten inexplicable grand mal seizures a day. Once they began to believe her seizures were being caused by pop music -- in particular, the pulsing music of the Jamaican pop star -- doctors implanted about 100 electrodes into her brain to find the trouble spot. In the second procedure, they removed the electrodes – and the offending part of her brain.
Ms. Gayle, who is now epilepsy-free, was said to be one of an estimated five people worldwide beset by this extremely rare condition. We're no doctors, but we have ideas. Let's see: there's Joe Cocker ... the guy who danced with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones ... David Byrne in the 'Once in a Lifetime' video... and Amy Winehouse?
Vampire Weekend, 'A-Punk'
Artist: Vampire Weekend
Video: 'A-Punk'
Highlight: New York's latest buzz kings play in a faux blizzard.
Download Here
The DL: Prog in One Minute
For all of you who think Genesis broke on the music scene with 'I Can't Dance,' consider this your wake-up call. Welcome to the world of Prog(ressive) Rock, where dragons, wizards and whales are channeled through 90-minute mellotron solos and egos are the size of a Pink Floyd inflatable pig. Put on your space suit and shine up your broadsword because its time to get acquainted with the rock subgenre with more chops then a Benny Hanna chef on speed.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Team for Tour + More
* Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and Alison Krauss will kick off a brief U.S. and European tour -- with a band led by T Bone Burnett -- in support of their collaborative album, 'Rising Sand,' on April 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. More North American dates are expected to be announced for June and July.
* Mariah Carey will release her new album, titled 'That Chick,' on April 1. The follow-up to 2005's massive 'The Emancipation of Mimi' features guests including T-Pain and Damien Marley, with production from Rodney Jerkins, Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am and Jermaine Durpi.
* Amy Winehouse's husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, will spend another month in jail after his case for allegedly perverting the course of justice was adjourned until February 29. Winehouse blew him kisses and whispered "I love you" as Fielder-Civil was led away.
* Garth Brooks will play five sold-out concerts at Los Angeles' Staples Center between two days to benefit victims of last year's Southern California wildfires. On January 25, Brooks will perform two-hour shows at 6PM and 10PM, with three shows at 1, 5 and 9PM on January 26.
* Singer-songwriter Rachael Sage will release her new album, 'Chandelier,' on May 6.
Party On, Corey
On Tuesday we sang the praises of the beer-loving Aussie dude who dismayed his ‘hood with a wild-ass college-age throw-down, and earned himself some Net notoriety when he stood tall against a haughty news anchor who tried to discipline him on camera. A lesson was learned by stoner rebels everywhere: if your glasses are “famous,” keep ‘em right on your nose.
So did our man Corey Worthington shrink away and mumble apologies to family and friends once the dust settled? Hell, no. He dodged his parents, accepted more interviews and set up his next bash. Currenly he is mulling over sizable hosting fees, a la Linds and Brit.
What kind of music you think Corey Worthington listens to?
CSI: La Lohan Morgue Edition
Lindsay Lohan will never drive drunk get caught drunk driving again. She’s about to be scared straight thanks to her court-ordered punishment for all that drunk driving and coke rage last summer. Lindsay will be spending two days working at a morgue, followed by two days working in a hospital emergency room. Sounds like she might want to leave her leggings at home and rock some scrubs for a week! We did a little research and Google image searched ‘morgue,’ and holy sh*t was that a bad idea. If we can freak out just from a couple of thumbnail-sized pics, we have a feeling Lindsay is gonna be quakin’ in her Louboutins. At least she gets to be scared in fancy shoes.
Each of Brit’s Personalities Deserves an Obit
You may have heard that Britney Spears is allegedly suffering from–among other numerous things–multiple personality disorder. She’s got a few Britneys that can pop out at any time, including the British Girl, the Weepy Girl, the Diva and the Incoherent Girl. They sound like the scariest girl clique ever. Seeing as the Associated Press has already written Brit’s obituary in case she kicks the bucket (how classy of them), we’ve penned obits for each of the Britneys that exist, in hopes that maybe a new, singular personality can emerge: Normal Girl.
Diva, Who Looked F*cking Hot in a No Underwear, Passes Away at 26
Diva was hot and sexy and didn’t give a crap what you thought. She doesn’t care if you’re reading this obituary or not. She leaves behind numerous people who can f*ck off and go to hell: her ex-husband Kevin Federline, his lawyers, her lawyers, her parents, her knocked up sister, all her ex-assistants who sold their stories to Us Weekly, President George W. Bush, Kermit the Frog, Candace Cameron and the entire cast of Full House, and her dog, London.
Incoherent Girl, Who Like Y’all What! Hey?, Gone at 26
Oh my word–this butter dip is amazing. Incoherent Girl got some new shoes and they look like tree trunks floating on marshmallows down a river of bread crumbs! There is a cat on your head. Let’s remember that time she accidentally peed her pants on a cruise ship–whoops! It sure is cold in here, y’all.
Pussy(cats) Galore: Brit, Kim, Eva
Liz Smith says that Quentin Tarantino wants to remake Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! Of course he does. What maestro of pop cheese wouldn’t? A trio of busty hotties spewing anger around the Cali desert, busting jujitsu moves on the hapless males that cross their path? It’s a must for anyone into frenzied aggression and woeful scripts. Russ Meyer knew what time it was when he sent those hot-headed strippers out on a Mojave rampage.
But Tarantino’s got a twist, natch. There no room for his girl Uma in this baby. Q sees three fine actresses positioned as the cleavage queens. Say hello to Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, and Eva Mendes. Brit and Eva can duke it out over who they’ll play, but we know Kardasshian is a shoo-in for the Turo Satana role (even though our graphic is lobbying for Mendes). Once an alpha brunette, always an alpha brunette. Here are a couple of clips to remind you just how wondrous the original film actually is. And one to remind you of Eva’s lusty ways.
Yes, this is all pie-in-the-sky cocktail party talk, but we wish it was opening this weekend. Sounds like it would be a lot more fun than Mad Money. Go, baby, go!
Hey Lindsay - Your Old Hair Called, It Wants You Back
We get it Lindsay, you’re a movie star. You’re Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot’s love child. But something ain’t right. Yellow plastic isn’t a good look for you, and frankly, we liked the luxurious red locks better. You remember - your natural hair color, but dyed to make it look even better. So here’s some photographic evidence for you to take a look at. Go ahead, decide for yourself. But let us ask just one thing - would you rather look like a Housewife of Orange County OR would you rather have orangey-red hair? The choice is yours (and is obvious).
PS - You might want to try out another pose other than ‘bitch face’. Kisses!
PPS - We’ll talk about the fake tan next week.
Mariah And Her Hat
Listen up, lambs! Mariah’s back with a new album, wearing nothing but a hat. Mariah’s follow-up to The Emancipation of Mimi is slated to drop in April, and the album cover and title have allegedly leaked. Called That Chick, Mariah stated in early January that she hadn’t yet arrived at an album title and hinted that it might be “the exact opposite” of Mimi. British site Discopop alleges they got a listen, and revealed track titles like “Migrate,” “Lovin’ You Long Time,” “Touch My Body” and “Bye Bye.”
Eddie Murphy and Not-Wife Split
Only two weeks after their wedding, Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds are separating. You know its bad when you can’t even make a marriage last longer than Pam Anderson. In a statement released on the heels of their “spiritual ceremony” in Bora Bora, the couple have decided to forego getting legally married and “remain friends.” Sources who attended the wedding say that Murphy “started yelling at Tracey in front of people. He did it on a few occasions and it was very embarassing.” But was that the final straw that sent Edmonds packing? We speculated as to what the real reasons were:
* Eddie’s insistence on wearing The Nutty Professor fat suit to bed
* His habit of ending fights with “I was in Beverly Hills Cop III!”
* Martin Lawrence sleeping on the couch
* The post-op tranny room
* Repeated threats of recording a follow-up to “Party All the Time”
* His Shrek shrine
* Norbit 2
Cloverfield Monster Revealed, Bad Breath Implied
The fine minds over at New York magazine’s Vulture blog have pointed to a clip of the monster from Cloverfield, J.J. Abrams’ super-secret disaster film opening tomorrow. The movie’s shot from the point of view of a group of people who are on the streets of Manhattan when the thing attacks — and not, say, filmed from the lofty vantage of the president, newspaper editor-in-chief and five-star army general. It’s filled with shaky, hand-held footage and apparently offers a disturbingly real vision of New York City post tragic disaster. While that might be fun for the movie people in L.A. (and, indeed, everywhere else on Earth), us New York people are a little skittish about, you know, the End Of The World. Maybe that’s because we’ve become friendly with the guy who wears the placard that reads “The End Is Nigh!” all the time, seeing as how we hang out with him sometimes on our lunchbreak and discuss politics, Revelation, print-making, etc. Regardless, if you want to poison your mind with visions of the beast, click here. If not, steer clear of this post — and theaters this weekend.
American Idol Day 2: January 16, 2008
Auditions: Dallas
We rejoin American Idol at the scene of its prior triumph, the Lone Star State. Six seasons ago, Idol’s one bona fide success, Kelly Clarkson, rose from the anonymous ranks through the Dallas auditions to a win spot in America’s heart and on her radio. With 13,000 people gathered to test their merit, Dallas was rife with lessons for the aspiring Idol-ologist.
Class is in session!
Tom’s Latest Creepy Scientology Moment
Just when we were getting sick of Tom Cruise’s intense gaze and sci-fi slang, comes a new video of the actor winning the IAS Freedom Medal of Valor in some Scientology auditorium or temple surrounded by fellow worshippers worshipping him. What an honor! If you enjoy strange salutes, inside jokes, and eerie calls to arms made by movie stars with massive egos, then this is totally your thing. So my fellow SPs, enjoy this clip quickly before it’s snatched off the web by Xenu. LRH would want you to!
Updated: All six of the juicy Tom Cruise Scientology Videos can be found here in order. Did you know Tom Cruise is singlehandedly responsibly for saving and curing the firemen who fell ill after rescuing people at the World Trade Center on 9-11? Watch and learn!
Britney Spears’ Worst Idea Yet
Britney’s Daily List of Dumb Things to Do Today
1. Sleep with the married photographer that used to stalk me after only knowing him for 26 days.
2. Get knocked up with his baby because I miss my kids so much after screwing up that whole custody thing. Yeah, that was pretty dumb of me.
3. Eat a delicious, nutritious dinner of chocolates and tiny bottles of Zinfandel.
4. Oh, I almost forgot — get engaged to my creepy boyfriend so I can look at his sexy goatee forever!
5. Go out to buy a pregnancy test in public; let his photo agency take pics of the shopping trip and sell them.
6. Drive by Kevin’s house at 3 a.m. high on Taco Bell.
7. Light a cigarette in the car with a giant kitchen lighter.
8. Not shower, again.
Potent Quotables: Posh on Big Becks
"I'm proud to see his penis about 25 ft. tall ... It's huge."
--Victoria Beckham
Posh opened up about her husband's Armani underwear billboard campaign during an interview with the International Herald Tribune.
Dap-Kings Flying to L.A. for Winehouse Grammy Performance
Despite Amy Winehouse's personal turmoil, the Grammy-nominated soulstress might actually make an appearance in Los Angeles for music's biggest night on February 10. While word on the street earlier this week was that Winehouse would be a no-show, members her Dap-Kings band are have heard otherwise and are planning to make their way West for the performance.
"Where it stands now is we [the Dap-Kings] are booked to play with her," Dap-King Tommy Brenneck tells Spinner. "She's bailed on us before so it wouldn't be a surprise, but I'm hoping for the best. Also, because Ronson is trying to put that after party together with everyone: the Dap-kings -- with both Amy and Sharon Jones -- the Budos Band with Wale and the Menahan Street Band with Jay-Z. Let's just hope the Grammys don't get canceled because of the writers strike."
Soulive Guitarist Leads Fans to Mayan Ruins
As the guitarist in Soulive, Eric Krasno has opened for the Rolling Stones, recorded with Dave Matthews and helped inspire the revival of Stax Records. But he's never been to the Mayan ruins. That is, until last week when he led a group of fans -- camp counselor style -- in Cozumel, Mexico, to the ancient grounds, followed by an afternoon of snorkeling. The expedition was part of Jam Cruise, a five day "floating music festival" which also had a port stop in Honduras before the ship disembarked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
"I've always wanted to see the Mayan ruins and I love snorkeling," Krasno tells Spinner. "It's a cool opportunity to see some cool stuff."
Each Jam Cruise features a different itinerary to mostly Caribbean locations, and Krasno is a veteran of the festival. In addition to Soulive's two performances on this year's venture, Krasno became a usual suspect in the informal all-night jams that took place in one of the vessel's lounges. "It's a dream to be on the ship," he says. "My girlfriend loves to do the excursions and I dig it too. It's like a cool vacation."
Ike Turner's Death Ruled an Overdose + More
* Rock icon Ike Turner died of a cocaine overdose, it was announced on Wednesday. The San Diego County medical examiner said an autopsy revealed a history of cardiovascular disease and emphysema, contributing to Turner's December 12th death.
* Travis Barker has sued the Rockstar energy drink company, claiming it used his picture to sell their product without his consent. The former Blink-182 and current +44 drummer is seeking unspecified punitive and statutory damages.
* Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O has been asked by director and ex-boyfriend Spike Jonze to write "songs and other pieces of music" for his big-screen adaptaion of 'Where the Wild Things Are.' The film is expected to be released later this year.
* Faith Hill is recovering from knee surgery, which she underwent last week. According to her publicist, the operation was "the result of an old knee injury suffered while playing softball in high school and normal wear and tear over the years." The injured knee in question was not named.
* Pete Doherty will release his much-hyped solo album later this year. The Babyshambles frontman began recording the effort in early 2007 with producer Jake Fior.
The Blakes, 'Don't Bother Me' -
Artist: The Blakes
Video: 'Don't Bother Me'
Highlight: The Brit-rock influenced trio riding Vespas.
Download Here
Jay-Z Riffs Off Brooklyn's Mehanan Street Band
Tommy "TNT" Brenneck has been trotting the globe with the likes of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Amy Winehouse and the Budos Band, and as if that weren't enough, Brenneck and some fellow soul purists took their lo-fi aesthetics to another level with a new venture: the Mehanan Street Band. Brenneck's production deep soul debut is merely a 7" -- titled 'Make the Road By Walking' -- recorded modestly in his bedroom on Mehanan Street in Bushwick -- which is what the band is all about. And then Jay-Z came knocking.
"It was a fluke," Brenneck explains to Spinner Jigga's use of 'Making' for the rapper's 2007 smash, 'Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)' from the 'American Gangster' album. "Diddy's production team the Hitmen picked up the 45 at Big City Records and Diddy and pitched it to Jay-Z."
Alicia Keys Knocks Off Radiohead + More
* Alicia Keys knocked Radiohead out of the top spot on the charts this week, with her latest album, 'As I Am,' selling 70,000 copies. The British rockers dropped only one spot to No. 2, selling 69,000 copies of their 'In Rainbows.' The 'Juno' soundtrack made an impressive jump from No. 8 to No. 3, with 68,000 copies sold.
* Kaki King will release her new album, 'Dreaming of Revenge,' on March 11. The virtuoso guitarist will preview material from the Malcolm Burn-produced effort at NYC's Soho Apple store on January 20, with a full U.S. tour to follow.
* Martin Scorsese's documentary about the Rolling Stones, titled 'Shine a Light,' will make its debut at the Berlin Film Festival, which kicks off on February 7.
* George Michael will pen an autobiography, due in Autumn 2009, in one of HarperCollins' "biggest book deals ever concluded in UK publishing." The value of the deal was not disclosed.
* Rapper Foxy Brown asked a New York judge for early release from jail in order to tend to an ear problem that she worries could threaten her hearing. Brown, born Inga Marchand, is currently serving a one-year prison sentence stemming from an assault charge.
IFLTS: 'You Can't Touch the Untouchable,' The Big Sleep
You Can't Touch the Untouchable,' The Big Sleep
From 2006's 'Son of the Tiger'
Simply put, no band has ever made me want to be in a band more than Brooklyn's the Big Sleep. Much like the White Stripes or Viva Voce, the Sleep, while admittedly a man up, manage to create an absurd amount of noise with only three (might I add rather diminutive) individuals -- all of whom are sharply skilled and bring a mildly ironic joy to performing their dark, psych rock.
This particular (strictly instrumental) song off their debut album, 'Son of the Tiger,' made me finally realize two things for which I'm a total sucker (besides lanky, cynical dudes, of course): 1) slow, ultra-groovin' basslines and 2) dramatic pauses. Oh, and lipstick-red bass guitars. Who am I kidding? It's all deadly.
Download Album Here
Scissor Sisters Hit the Studio to Work on New Album
It's only early days, but the Scissor Sisters are back in their studio, working on the follow up to 2006's 'Ta-Dah!' "Just started," frontman Jake Shears tells Spinner. "We took a month or two [off] -- kind of getting back into the city, moved into a new place. And now, we're kind of going on this Scissor stuff."
The flashy New York City five-piece are currently forcing themselves to hit the studio on a daily basis, to pen a host of new tunes. So far, Shears said they've come up with a handful of new "really dancy" pop numbers and at least one sparkling rendition of someone else's song.
"We've started out with a really cool cover, which I'm not even gonna say what it is," Shears says coyly. "I mean, no one would know anyway. It's a pretty obscure song."
One song Shears was willing to hint at was a track he and guitarist Baby Daddy wrote with Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue. Originally written for Minogue's album, Shears said the Sisters might take it back for their own effort. "There's a great song that we wrote together that is definitely in the experimental vein," he says. "It's a song that I love and I think Scissors might record it."
Coachella Coming East
Rock 'n' roll has always been about excess -- where too much of everything is just enough. Let's just hope that's the case with music festivals too, as more are added to the map each year. Lollapalooza is back. Coachella never left. Austin City Limits is in full swing. Virgin landed in Maryland. Both Langerado and Vegoose become more ambitious every time. Bonnaroo, meanwhile, has become nothing less than an American icon. Last year alone, major-league festivals debuted in Denver (Monolith), Atlanta (Echo Project) and San Francisco (Treasure Island), just to name a few.
And now we have two new major festivals slated to storm the Northeast this summer, both of which will be produced by veterans of the festival scene. Earlier this week, it was rumored that the team behind Coachella -- AEG Live/Goldenvoice -- was looking to launch a renamed East Coast version of the hipster-fest at a park in the New York City area. While details remain sketchy, the intent has been confirmed by various sources.
A Pop Music Tax? Discuss.
Should Jay-Z be responsible for the financial well-being of the Roches? Could Rihanna keep the Fresno Philharmonic in cheap tuxedos? A recent column in the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper weighed the merits of a pop music tax that would subsidize more modest-selling forms of music, such as folk and classical.
Inspired by an NPR interview in which the author of 'Music and Revolution: Cultural Change in Socialist Cuba' explained that Cubans are, in fact, subject to such a tax, the Guardian contributor applauded the prospect. "What a great idea!" she wrote. "A minute or two of serious music education in a state school could come from every hour your child spends plugged into his or her iPod." She took pains to point out that "elite" culture isn't necessarily "better" than pop, just that it requires "more education or cultivation."
Nevertheless, the article evoked a shrill cacophony of voices in response, from lovers of music of all kinds. Some pointed out that Mozart and Strauss were simply the pop artists of their day. Others noted that the major labels have been subsidizing their classical departments with pop profits for decades, and one suggested that a classical concert featuring the music of "long dead composers" is probably much cheaper these days than concerts "by the nearly dead Led Zeppelin, Police, Rolling Stones et. al."
One classical fan professed to love pop as much as the next username, but then concluded that "it's a musical snack, not an emotional adventure." Whoa! Fifty million Celine Dion fans can't be wrong ... can they?
Stipe Released as Potential Juror + More
* Michael Stipe was released as a potential juror at the beginning of a trial for a man accused of trying to sexually assault a girl after sneaking into her middle school. The R.E.M. frontman told Judge Lawton Stephens that he could not be fair and impartial due to his own experience with stalkers and death threats.
* Lionel Richie is adjusting to his new title of Grandfather, after his daughter, Nicole, and her rocker boyfriend, Joel Madden, gave birth to a little girl last Friday. "While it may take me a moment to adjust to being called grand dad, I am extremely happy and proud of Nicole and Joel," he said in a statement. "Harlow Winter Kate Madden, the newest and most beautiful addition to the Richie clan, is a lucky little girl."
* EMI confirmed on Tuesday that it will cut 2,000 jobs worldwide as part of the company's restructuring. The changes highlight a newfound focus on A&R, as well as garnering revenue from digital services and corporate sponsorship.
* Aussie singer-songwriter Ben Lee is engaged to girlfriend, actress Ione Skye. "I am getting married," Lee wrote on his web site. "Its very exciting. My gorgeous fiancee, Ione, and I have known each other for 11 years and have been dating for just over a year, and I am psyched about making this commitment with such a wonderful partner."
White Rabbits, 'The Plot' - Video of the Day
Artist: White Rabbits
Video: 'The Plot'
Highlight: Life on the road with one of the hardest working bands in indie rock.
American Idol Day 1: January 15, 2008
Auditions: Philadelphia
Modestly assured of its star-making power — even as Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks are dropped from their labels — American Idol returns for a triumphant seventh season, ready to mint a label-ready American pop star. Again.
With Idol, the beginning is the worst. Thousands flock to audition, each bringing with them a pittance of talent and, more often than not, an excess of volume. As we opened in the City of Brotherly Love, we watched Randy, Paula and Simon enduring the following Philadelphians:
Big Boi’s A Ballerina
Tutus, slippers and tights — they’re not the first things that come to mind when you think of Antwan “Big Boi” Patton of Outkast. But the Boi’s changing that with the ballet he’ll be performing in on April 10th through the 13th in his hometown with the Atlanta Ballet Company. The ballet, big, will feature selections from the Outkast catalog (including “Bombs Over Baghdad” and “The Way You Move”) as well as music from his forthcoming album, with plans to take the show overseas in the Spring.
In an interview with Spin magazine about the project, Big Boi said, “I’ve dated a couple of ballerinas. But I was like, ‘That sounds kind of dope – let’s crank it up.’”
Matthew’s Gonna Be a Cool Dad
Hey future little duder or dudette, or whatever kind of creature you may be,
This is your dad Matthew McConaughey writing to you. Actor Matthew McConaughey. That’s right, I’m your pops. Don’t freak. I know Sahara will probably be like, your fave flick, but seriously, it’s not that big of a deal. What is a big deal is that you’re my kid and I love you. You were made out of love. Hot, sweaty, sandy love, with a little bit of ocean water and seaweed mixed in. Or you were created on the pull-out bed in my totally rad trailer. We can’t really remember, cuz it was one of those nights were I was hosting the full moon drum circle and stuff got a little nuts. But what matters is that we love you, dude, and I want to make sure you know one very important thing: your mom is smokin’ hot. So hot it hurts. I just wanted to bring that up. Anyway, I can’t wait to get to know you and stuff. I can’t believe I’ve actually made something good!
Peace out little guy,
Dad
PS - Please don’t go see Fool’s Gold.
John Mayer to Texas: Don’t Mess with Jess
Is it possible that John Mayer is actually not just a cool guy, but an even cooler ex-boyfriend? The cocky rocker posted a Jessica Simpson-defending manifesto on his blog, after the entire state of Texas and every member of Cowboy-nation blamed her for their team’s recent football failures (funny how no one actually blames the stupid dude who lost the game). The only problem with John’s sweet words is that they’re probably gonna back Jess (and her dad) fall back in love with John all over again. Now that would really punish Tony Romo for ruining the lives of millions of Texans. John blogged:
Dear Dallas and Surrounding Areas,
This isn’t a sports blog, and it isn’t a publicity stunt. (but have at me if it feels right.) This is about doing what I think is right as a person, in this case speaking my mind. I have never known anyone to have more pride in their home state and their upbringing in it than Jessica Simpson has in Texas. I don’t really follow sports, but I have played some of my biggest and best concerts in your state, and having witnessed how dynamic the spirit there is, I’m betting emotions are running high right about now. All witty barbs, blogs, and fashion policing aside, that girl loves Texas more than you know. It’s one of her most defining traits as a person. So please don’t try and take that away from her. (You probably wouldn’t be able to, but it’s less work for all involved.)
I just thought it would mean something coming from the guy who has the absolute least to gain from this. And if I’m out of line in having written it, too bad. I can spare a Wednesday’s worth of bad press if it means sticking up for a good soul.
