Okay, so I just spent the past two hours watching Twilight sweep, like, every damn category at the MTV Movie Awards.
I'm not even ashamed to say I haven't seen the movie. For those who dig it, cool. This is one pop culture phenomenon that has passed me by at my ripe old age of 24 years and 10 months.
Shout outs to Amy Poehler though for winning the Best WTF? Moment Award. I actually saw Baby Mama!
2009 MTV Movie Award winners:
Best Movie Twilight
Best Male Performance Zac Efron, High School Musical 3
Best Female Performance Kristen Stewart, Twilight
Breakthrough Female Performance Ashley Tisdale, High School Musical 3
Breakthrough Male Performance Robert Pattinson, Twilight
Best Kiss Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, Twilight
Best Villain Heath Ledger, the Dark Knight
Best Fight Robert Pattinson and Cam Gigandet, Twilight
Best Comedic Performance Jim Carrey, Yes Man
Best WTF? Moment Amy Poehler, Baby Mama
Best Song from a Movie Miley Cyrus, The Climb, Hannah Montana: the Movie
MTV Generation Award Ben Stiller
I just realized I still haven't seen High School Musical 3: Senior Year. And I call myself a Zac Efron fan!
If you missed my live Tweets during the show, fear not. You can still check 'em out here. The sarcasm may be lost on you without the context of the actual show, but hey, just follow me anyway and make me look popular.
Last week Jbirdasked me to investigate whether Lady Gaga has ever worn pants.
The short answer, is no. She came out of the womb without 'em, and hasn't looked back.
If you're wondering why, however, Gags has offered two explanations in the past. Number one:
My grandmother is basically blind, but she can make out the lighter parts, like my skin and hair. She says, ‘I can see you, because you have no pants on.’ So I’ll continue to wear no pants so that my grandma can see me.
I just don't feel that it's all that sexy. It's weird. And uncomfortable. I look at photos of myself, and I look like such a tranny! It's amazing! I look like Grace Jones, androgynous, robo, future fashion queen. It's not what is sexy. It's graphic, and it's art. But that's what's funny: Well, yeah, I take my pants off, but does it matter if your pants are off if you've got eight-inch shoulder pads on, and a hood, and black lipstick and glasses with rocks on them? I don't know. That's sexy to me. But I don't really think anybody's d--- is hard, looking at that. I think they're just confused, and maybe a little scared. It's more Manson to me than it is sexy.
Did you get all that? Me neither. Here's the Cliffs Notes version:
It's not that I don't like pants, I just choose not to wear them some days. I think no pants is sexy. I love the naked human body. I was working in strip clubs when I was 18.
So, to summarize: your grandparents will be able to see you better if you take off your unsexy pants.
Fair warning, though: testing this theory resulted in my grandpa telling me to put my "God damn pants back on, you fucking fool!"
Okay, am I the only one who thinks Chace Crawford may have a little trouble as the lead in the Footloose remake, being produced next year?
Dude is pretty, but I'm not sure one vacant facial expression can carry a whole movie.
Chace spoke to Entertainment Weekly last week about the gruelling audition process that eventually scored him the role.
“It was, like, five hours of the most rigorous tests ever,” he says. “I walked out very confident."
But that doesn't mean Chace has got the moves down yet -- and he's the first to admit it.
“I don’t know if the gymnastics [high bar] scene is going to make it,” he says. “I’ve got some movement in me, but I’m not a dancer. I need to start stretching now.”
Alright, I'll admit it. The thought of Chace Crawford stretching is already enough for me to buy a ticket to opening night. What can I say, I'm weak.
1. Whyyawannabringmedown, Kelly Clarkson 2. Long Shot, Kelly Clarkson 3. Knock You Down, Keri Hilson f/ Kanye West and NeYo 4. Failure's Not Flattering, New Found Glory 5. This Is Your Life, the Killers 6. Stronger, Britney Spears 7. Until You Loved Me, the Moffats 8. Damn Girl, the All-American Rejects 9. Book Of Love, Peter Gabriel 10. 4,3,2,1, K-OS 11. No You Girls, Franz Ferdinand 12. A Bad Dream, Keane 13. Good Girls Go Bad, Cobra Starship f/ Leighton Meester 14. Don't Trust Me, 3Oh!3 15. Bang Bang, K'Naan f/ Adam Levine 16. Tired, Adele 17. Come On Get Higher, Matt Nathanson 18. Don't Stop Believing, the cast of Glee 19. Blood (In the Tracks), Attack In Black 20. Sunglasses, Divine Brown 21. Know Your Enemy, Green Day 22. Toxic, Britney Spears 23. Mad, NeYo 24. Africa, Karl Wolf f/ Culture 25. Lazy Lovers, Theo Tams
Now y'all know that scribbled on my imaginary list of things that make life worth living are weak attempts at journalism and Dan Levy .
But thisCanwest News Service story about the After Show host's eye wear selection shocked even me at its ability to be both frivolous and mundane.
How many questions do you think you could ask someone about their glasses?
I think I'd max out at three before bowing to awkward silence: When did you first get glasses? Have you tried contacts? What's up with these glasses you're wearing?
Well this Canwest Q&A manages to squeeze out eight -- yes, eight! -- questions about Mr. Levy's specs.
Dare I say that this is a little bit of overkill? I mean, I'm certain Dan has more interesting things to talk about. Can we expect a 12-question Q&A about Jessi Cruickshank's hair colour next week?
To the journalist's credit, I'm clearly not above blogging about this story, and am quite glad to contribute to its very worthy lifespan of interest.
(And I won't even lie. I'd totally read a story with the headline "Jessi Cruickshank has red hair." Maybe I'll try to scoop Canwest on this one!)
Citytv's fall schedule will see triple the amount of non-Canadian content, including 16 hours of simulcasted U.S. programming, reports the Canadian Press.
"We're trying to build City and be competitive with both CTV and Global," said Malcolm Dunlop, executive vice president of programming at Rogers Media.
The network is hoping the Jay Leno Show will strengthen its ratings in the 10 p.m. hour, scooping the former Tonight Show host's new, earlier, talkfest.
New shows on City's schedule include a slew of sitcoms: Courteney Cox's Cougar Town, Ed O'Neil's Modern Family, and Jenna Elfman's Accidentally On Purpose. Other entries include the paramedics-centered drama Trauma, and Parenthood, based on the 1989 film.
Canadian series include the reality series Conviction Kitchen, featuring Toronto chef Marc Thuet, and season two of Less Than Kind.
Earlier this week, the Canadian Association of Film Distributors and ExportersblastedCitytv for failing to schedule Canadian-made movies, a condition of Rogers Communications' purchase of the network.
"Citytv has, for many years, been the only over-the-air broadcaster that consistently supported Canadian feature films," CAFDE President Ted East told the CRTC earlier at a hearing on Friday. "Since the approval of the acquisition by Rogers, City has all but ceased to purchase new Canadian films."
Rogers asked its condition to broadcast 100 hours of Canadian film annually be relaxed.
Come on City, stick with Canadian film! I'd rather watch anything than Jay Leno's sad "comedy" every night.
Sarah McLachlan will headline both an afternoon and evening show during this year's Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill.
Also set to take the stage to celebrate Canada are So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Nico Archambault, K'Naan, and Vancouver indie rockers Said the Whale, among other performers from across the country.
I'll be in Toronto for Canada Day this year, but have to admit Ottawa knows how to do it right. I had the pleasure of celebrating Canada Day in the capital in 1992 with Roch Voisine (still don't know who he is), in 2001 with Alanis Morissette, and in 2007 with Feist.
So if you've got the chance, put on something red and head to the Hill on July 1!
I think we can all agree it’s hard to find an instance when Avril Lavigne isn’t looking a hot mess.
Listen, I miss my youth too. But at a certain point I realized it just wasn’t appropriate to wear my Ninja Turtles sweatpants in public.
Point being, I wish someone would tell Ms. Lavigne it’s time to grow up and dress her age. Every time I see her I cringe. I’m in the market for a new camera, and I just won’t even consider that one she promotes because she looks so stupid in the commercial.
Anyway, Avril was photographed in Malibu this week wearing a trucker hat and clown pants. Probably from her vomit-inducing Hot Topic line. Not cute.
If you’re just dying to get close to the Jonas Brothers when they cohost the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards, you’ll want to head to MuchMusic Headquarters on June 13. That’s when they’re handing out wristbands. Fair warning, though: you pretty much have to have no life to get a wristband. The station recommends camping out the night before.
Freddie Prinze Jr. has been cast in the next season of 24. Unfortunately no one’s informed Freddie that 24 isn’t a bad romantic comedy. Dude’s bound to be dumbfounded when he discovers he’s not playing the romantic lead opposite Kate Hudson or Sandra Bullock.
In an outrageous turn of events, Archie, of Archie Comics fame, is proposing to Veronica. This is clearly a poor decision by Archie, which is paying off in hype for the actual comics. Do you think one day we’ll be reading about their inevitable divorce?
Darran told me the other day that I’m Jack from Will & Grace. Am I really that much of a stereotype? I certainly hope not.
Episodes of popular ABC, NBC, FOX and Warner Bros. shows are now available on iTunes Canada, including Lost, 24 and 30 Rock. If only my iPod battery lasted longer than one episode of any of these shows.
Neil Young’s Hopeless has been voted the Luminato Festival’s Great Canadian Tune. The Toronto-based festival will now attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest guitar ensemble, as guitarists are invited to play the song together at Yonge-Dundas Square on June 6th.
Kate Gosselin’s going to be pissed! – President Obama has stolen some of the fame whore’s attention, by taking the cover of Globe with a story about an alleged gay coverup.
Imagine America’s first black president was also gay?! Double minority!
(But if he is gay, shouldn’t he be a better dancer? Whoops, stereotype.)
I can pretty much guarantee Kate has already called up Globe and told them Jon is a closeted homosexual who is acting out to try to prove he’s hetero.
NOBODY TAKES A TABLOID COVER AWAY FROM KATE GOSSELIN! NOBODY!!!
It was a sad day at the CBC yesterday, as the public broadcaster announced 350 job cuts across its English-language service, to make up for an overall $171 million shortfall in advertising revenue. This includes 73 voluntary retirements, 158 layoffs of permanent employees, 19 vacant jobs that will not be filled, and about 100 contracts that will not be renewed.
Senior Correspondent Don Newman, Queen's Park reporter John McGrath and Edmonton political reporter Steve Finkelman are among the on-air personalities who will be leaving the CBC. Meanwhile, its Sunday morning news show will air for the last time this weekend.
"The CBC has lost many award winners, many creators of one-of-a-kind programs and many who've developed Canada's TV craft over the last 30 years,” said Lisa Lareau, Canadian Media Guild president. “The hardest losses are those people who are at the pinnacle of their game."
Celebrities including Drew Barrymore, Kathy Griffin and her mom Maggie, Emmy Rossum, Adam Shankman, Haylie Duff, Sophia Bush, Kelly Osbourne and Shanna Moakler attended rallies in L.A. last night protesting the Supreme Court's decision to uphold proposition 8.
They were among a number of celebrities to speak out about the court's decision to maintain the ban on same sex marriage in California, while continuing to recognize the 18,000 same sex marriages that took place before prop 8 passed.
Pete Wentz "The most important thing to teach your kids is that people are people. It doesn't matter where you're from or who you are, if you're a good human being. I'm going to teach my child not to be a prejudiced kind of person."
Charlize Theron "I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's ruling on Prop 8 today. I don't agree with homophobia or discrimination of any kind. I will continue to fight this fight for equality and speak up for the basic civil rights of all Americans."
George Clooney "This just should invigorate people to get it back on the ballot in 2010 and 2012 and every two years until all people are allowed a basic civil right."
Elton John "California is supposed to be a progressive state [and] it just defies logic to me, and I'm very disappointed with that."
Kim Kardashian "Everyone...gay, straight, bisexual, transgendered -- EVERYONE should have equal rights to marry who they want to."
George Takei "This Supreme Court, which only 12 months ago — last year in May — ruled that it is a fundamental constitutional right that marriage equality extend to gays and lesbians, did a flip-flop. This so-called ruling by the California Supreme Court will ultimately be condemned by history."
Melissa Etheridge "How do I explain this to my children? Well, you know Ellen? She is married but Mommy and I are not. That is liberty and justice for all? I am hopeful as I see more and more states turn to the inevitable future of equality, California will get there. Change takes time."
Ellen DeGeneres "One day when everyone is treated with full equality, we'll look back and realize how wrong this was."
Kathy Griffin “My 89 year old mother has asked me to get her a wheelchair to take her to a protest tonight, even though she isn’t in the greatest of health. She is neither gay, nor the parent of a gay person, but she is as passionate about this decision as I am. I am so proud to march with her. Shame on the CA Supreme Court for this decision that history will not look back on fondly.”
Deborah Gibson “I was raised a good Catholic girl and nowhere in church do I remember it ever being an issue for everybody to be treated equally. I can’t believe it’s 2009 and this is still an issue to be quite honest.”
Shanna Moakler "I’m a mother (and) I want my kids to grow up and have the same rights as me and I want them to be able to choose who they wanna love and be able to get married to whomever they choose to love."
Kelly Osbourne "It goes without saying that if you love someone, you should be able to marry them no matter ... I can’t even explain to you how frustrating it is that ... I don’t get it. I just don’t understand it.”
Drew Barrymore "Please overturn this. You can not define love and you can not define a family."
Lance Bass “The decision to uphold Prop 8 is deeply disappointing. I can only hope to one day live in a country that grants equal rights, opportunity, and freedom to all citizens.”
Man. Y'know, I really believe Canada has a lot to offer in terms of arts and entertainment, music, television and film.
Which is why it's frustrating to be so underwhelmed by the 2009 MuchMusic Video Award nominees, announced today.
Sure, we can chalk some of this up to the fact that I'm old and don't watch a lot of MuchMusic anymore. (The category I would probably get most excited about nowadays is the MuchMoreMusic Award, but it appears to no longer exist).
But there has to -- has to! -- be worthy artistic work out there, that isn't Nickelback (five nominations), the Midway State (three), Theory Of A Deadman (three) and Marianas Trench (three).
Meanwhile, some of the year's praised hits by Lights, Kreesha Turner and Kardinal Offishall are nominated in but one category apiece. What gives, Much?
I get that the MMVAs cater to a specific audience, who apparently can't get enough mediocre, major label rock. I guess that's why the Indie Video of the Year category exists -- to encourage those acts who just need to try harder to be Nickelback.
It's especially hard to get enthused with the lackluster Canadian honourees, when the station has thus far touted American acts the Jonas Brothers and Lady Gaga as the show's big draw. Meanwhile, the two categories honouring international acts boast ten nominees apiece, with hopes that at least a few of the big names will show up to the June 21 live show.
Bright spots in the nominations: the Stills (two nominations), K-OS (three), Metric (Indie Video of the Year), Sebastian Grainger & the Mountains (Indie) and K'Naan f/ Chubb Rock (International Video by a Canadian Artist).
Oh yeah, and I'll never deny that Kelly Clarkson is award-worthy -- she's up for International Video - Artist.
Because I had a long ass day at work that resulted in fatigue and general crankiness, please enjoy this unsolicited rant about NBC's summer series the Philanthropist, starring James Purefoy and Neve Campbell. An anonymous internet user commented on two posts with it, neither of which are about the Philanthropist.
Let me be clear. I did not write this, and I actually lose interest about halfway through reading it. But I’m tired and lazy, and clearly this person feels very strongly about the Philanthropist, as someone should.
Big surprise. Another TV show has been produced with an agenda. MORE CALCULATED PR CRAP FOR THE RICH. 'The Philanthropist' hasn't even premiered yet. But I know what to expect. More brainwash plots: 'The rich are good'. 'The rich are smart'. 'The rich are sexy'. 'The rich create jobs'. 'The rich pay more taxes'. 'The rich give back'. 'The rich want to make the world a better place'. Of course, they will villianize the occasional rich 'outlaw' or 'scumbag'. But the group as a whole will be shown in a positive light. More caring, more compassionate, more generous, ect. At least those who take up 'philanthropy' or 'good will'. Which in the real world, as they know, as they plan, as they deliberately publicize, includes ALL OF THEM. What a sham. Its already quite evident that the lead character will be another filthy rich 'good guy'. Of course, the same old plugs for medical testing, pharmaceuticals, universities, credit cards, and world travel will be thrown in. EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. Afterall, NBC has greedy coorporate sponsors and a juggernaut parent company to cater to. Go ahead and watch. But don't be their little puppet. DON'T FALL FOR THE CALCULATED PR CRAP. REMEMBER: EVERY SINGLE TOP EXECUTIVE ON THE PLANET HAS TAKEN UP 'PHILANTHROPY' OR 'GOOD WILL'. INCLUDING THOSE WHO WORK IN THE ENERGY, FINANCE, AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES. ITS A SHAM. NOTHING BUT TAX DEDUCTIBLE PR CRAP. THE RICH DO NOT WANT TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. THEY WANT TO APPEAR AS IF THEY DO. OTHERWISE, THEY WOULDN'T CONCENTRATE THE WORLD'S WEALTH AND RESOURCES TO BEGIN WITH. THIS TV SHOW IS JUST ANOTHER CALCULATED TRICK TO SHOW THEM IN A MORE POSITIVE LIGHT. DON'T FALL FOR IT. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE HUMANITARIAN. EXTREME WEALTH MAKES WORLD PROSPERITY ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE. WITHOUT WORLD PROSPERITY, THERE WILL NEVER BE WORLD PEACE OR ANYTHING EVEN CLOSE. GREED KILLS. IT WILL BE OUR DOWNFALL.
This is part of a much larger and vital issue. Search the following line: "The campaign to divert our attention
Have you ever been so heated about a TV show you haven't even watched? At what point in all the YELLING did you just stop reading?
FYI, I'm very open to publishing your guest blogs. Sometimes I get tired and could use them. I prefer them to be articulate and not all in caps, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.
I don't even have to agree with your point. Need I remind you of the last guest blog: Amy Winehouse is hot.
Elton John was on hand today at Toronto's Starz Animation offices, as Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty announced the provincial government is giving $23 million to the studio to create new jobs.
Starz is producing a new animated movie called Gnomeo and Juliet for John's film company, Rocket Pictures. It's a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, with the voice talent of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt.
"Ontario is a hotbed of talent," John said at the announcement.
I'm often baffled at the photos chosen for a celebrity’s book cover, or musician’s album art. So often they come off looking foolish!
I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw the cover of Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s new book The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide.
I can only imagine the variety of thoughts going through her mind in this photo:
1. “Hold your bum to show a gluten-free diet keeps you regular.” 2. “Pucker your lips, like when you’re kissing Barbara Walters’ ass.” 3. “Imagine that loaf of bread is Rosie O’Donnell, and tell it to ‘talk to the hand.’”
I guess celebrities, like the rest of us, have warped senses of their appearance. I mean, how often have you looked at someone’s Facebook profile picture and thought “um, do they think they actually look good like that?”
This is why everyone needs a good friend who can tell you you’re not looking cute.
Lady Gaga is bringing her po-po-po-poker face to Toronto for the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards, the music station announced this morning.
She'll be on hand Sunday June 21 to perform at the annual awards show, along with previously announced performers the Jonas Brothers, who will also cohost.
"Canada feels like a second home to me now, and I'm ready to throw it down for my fans on the MuchMusic stage," Gaga said in a press release.
Additional performers and guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Hey, maybe even some Canadian acts?
If you've got yourself a pass to this year's Hillside Music Festival, congratulations. It looks like you're in for one hell of a great lineup of Canadian music.
Artists playing Guelph Lake Island July 24 - 26 include the Arkells, Attack in Black, David Martel, Final Fantasy, Gentleman Reg, Hey Rosetta, Holy Fuck, Kid Coma, Patrick Watson, Timbre Timbre, Tokyo Police Club, The Waking Eyes and Xavier Rudd.
Weekend passes are completely sold out, but there are still some passes available for Friday and Sunday shows here.
To weep at the full list of performers you and I won't be seeing, click here.
So last week it was rumoured Degrassi’s Jimmy Brooks was seen canoodling with Rihanna.
A day later Jimmy Brooks clarified that like Kelly Clarkson, he does not hook up – at least with the Umbrella singer. “[She’s] just a friend that's all” he said.
Then this weekend in Toronto, Jimmy Brooks was being his rapper self at the Kool Haus, and told the audience "Shout out to Rihanna, I love you baby." (as heard in the above video).
Good call Jimmy Brooks. Just keep mentioning Rihanna’s name, and you’ll certainly keep the media’s attention.
But can we take a moment and focus on what’s going on in the rest of the above video? Is there really a whole crowd of people joining Jimmy Brooks as he raps “I want to fuck every girl in the world" and "pussy, pussy, pussy!"?!
I keep hearing about how Jimmy Brooks is the next huge thing in hip hop. He’s collab’ing with like Lil Wayne and shit.
If that’s the case, I certainly hope this isn’t his best material. Would anyone else feel ridiculous singing along to such lyrics?
Granted, in my case it would be a lie. I don't want to fuck every girl in the world. And I’d be nervous that someone would call me out on it.
But also, I’d be afraid my grandma would come around the corner and give me a lecture about the words coming out of my mouth. I'm pretty sure she actually washed my mouth out with soap once when I was a child, for saying something like "stupid."
(Her lecture would actually be hilarious, no doubt. Perhaps I’ll learn the lyrics and surprise her with a performance of this song on her birthday at the end of June. Her reaction would go viral on YouTube, for sure).
I guess I just don’t get the new badass Jimmy Brooks, and maybe I’m not supposed to.
Nigel Lythgoe has issued the following apology after giving a cringe-worthy, homophobic critique on last week's season premiere of So You Think You Can Dance, which he followed up with a homophobic Tweet or two:
I sincerely regret the fact that I have upset people with the poor word choices and comments I made both during the taping of the "So You Think You Can Dance" audition and on my personal status update. I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting for me to be classed as such.
I have been forthright and consistent with my opinion, as a judge, that professional male dancers should move with strength and agility -- like Gene Kelly and Rudolph Nureyev. I now realize how this could be misconstrued.
I have been a dancer, and involved in the dance world, for nearly 50 years. Professionally and personally, I believe the sexual orientation of an auditioner or contestant is irrelevant. All that said, the fact that I have unintentionally upset people is distressing to me and it is obvious I have made mistakes that I must learn from. I trust that my humor will be more sensitive and mindful moving forward.
As far as official apologies go, I say this one's pretty good. He admits to poor word choices, and doesn't solely blame the audience for being overly sensitive and getting offended.
You know I'll be watching closely to see how his humour will be more "sensitive and mindful" the rest of the season.
Life must be pretty hard for Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen.
At 15 years old, she stars on a highly-buzzed TV show, has recently signed a record deal with her band, and has, like, crazy bangs to deal with.
Shockingly, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, Momsen still managed to look so god damn happy at the CW's Upfront After Party in New York this week.
Let's take a look at what was going through the actress' mind . . .
"Quick, take my picture while I look so god damn happy."
"Fuck it, you took too long."
"My butt's itchy. And I kind of like it."
"What the fuck is this specimen attached to my arm?"
"Christ, doesn't she know those pearly whites could blind a person?!"
"Sorry cougar, I don't swing that way."
"Um, someone tell Vanessa she was only invited to serve coffee."
"We're only best friends on TV, and I'd like to keep it that way."
"Your outrageous tan has shocked me, causing my mouth to open, and lips to curve upward in a fashion I really don't care for."
"This chick makes me look fat. I want to cut her."
"This guy looks like he could have drugs to sell me, right?"
As season two auditions for So You Think You Can Dance Canada wrap up in Montreal this week, the show's first season winner Nico Archambault has just started production on his first film.
Archambault plays the title role in Nureyev, a Bravo docu-drama that explores the life of dance great Rudolph Nureyev. Per Bravo:
Nureyev entered into popular consciousness when he defected from Russia in a Paris airport in 1961. Leaving a political firestorm in his wake, he went on to change the face of ballet in the West, presenting a masculine and sexually charged persona never before seen. Enigmatic, controversial and extraordinarily gifted, he has left a legacy seldom surpassed. He died in 1993 of an AIDS related illness in Paris at the age of 54.
The film promises to tell Nureyev's story through prominent use of dance and choreography.
Paris Hilton and boring Doug Reinhardt made complete asses of themselves at a club in Cannes this week, after deciding it was appropriate to pretty much have sex in front of everyone.
Why is Paris giving this shit away for free? Doesn't she remember she can make mad cash by videotaping and selling it?
These two are making Speidi out to be the picture of class and elegance in comparison.
Despite Nigel Lythgoe's douchebaggery, this week's fifth season premiere of So You Think You Can Dance was full of seriously incredible dance auditions.
My personal favourite was Tiffany Geigel, a 23-year-old who was born with a severe spine disorder called spinal thoracic dysplasia.
Though she only has three vertebrae (most people have seven), she wasn't deterred from trying out for the show.
Her audition may have even made me cry. It's just hard for me to confirm, because human emotion is so foreign to me.
Have I mentioned lately how much I love Bill Lawrence? He gives such good interview.
The creator of Scrubs spoke to Entertainment Weekly this week about the show's ninth season renewal, how cast changes will impact it creatively, and whether it may just suck.
ON JUSTIFYING THE SHOW'S RENEWAL: There are 107 people that work on that show. I've worked with them for eight years now. If there's a chance for everybody to work another year, my attitude, business-wise, is 'legacy-schmegacy.' I couldn't give a fuck, to tell you the truth. I thought the first eight years of Scrubs was great. I'm super proud of it. There's absolutely nothing that could possibly happen that could change that.
ON THE SHOW'S CREATIVE DIRECTION: On the creative side, some people are like, 'It should end on a high note creatively. It shouldn't be something that taints our memory.' And I get that. [But the other] 50 percent of the people are like, 'Oh my god, I'm so glad to have a show back that I care about.' The way to bridge that gap is I've got to consider Scrubs over. The way that I'm viewing it is the way Frasier was to Cheers: It'll be essentially a new show with some characters that people liked.
ON SARAH CHALKE'S POSSIBLE RETURN: I would've had Sarah in a heartbeat. I think she's got enough going on in her career [right now]. I'd say it's 50-50 she's in some episodes. I know she'll at least be in one or two.
ON THE CHANCES OF NEW SCRUBS SUCKING: The one promise I would make to people is that if this does suck, it won't suck in a lame fizzle-out kind of way. It will suck in a huge way. It will really, really suck.
LFO is reuniting to clear a room, er, I mean, perform at a one-off show in New York this summer. Even more outrageous, they're expecting people to pay to see them. $35 in fact. Who do they think they are, B4-4?
FOX's Glee preview was watched by 10.7 million viewers Tuesday night, dropping half of its American Idol lead-in audience. No need to worry about the show's fate yet, as its true test will come when it returns this fall. In the meantime, let's all just sing a happy song.
The final MMVA UR Fave (aka viewer's choice) nominees have been determined. In other news, I'm now officially old, seeing as I have no desire to vote for any of 'em.
Lifetime has picked up 12 episodes of Sherri, a sitcom loosely based on the experiences of View cohost Sherri Shepherd, and her unfaithful husband. It will star -- get this! -- Sherri Shepherd.
Alexis Bledel may be modeling some more traveling pants in no time. The former Gilmour Girl has been signed by IMG Models.
Last night's fifth season premiere of So You Think You Can Dance was a largely invigorating experience, though the judges' reaction to one audition did have me yelling at the TV screen.
Throughout the show's history, executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe has been annoyingly adamant that male dancers are supposed to dance like "guys," criticizing any man he finds too effeminate.
So I knew when same-sex dancing pair Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kibel took the stage to audition on last night's episode, Lythgoe's reaction would be less than favourable.
"I think you'd probably alienate a lot of our audience," he said. "I'm certainly one of those people that really like to see guys be guys and girls be girls on the stage. I don't think I liked it."
"I'd like to see you both dancing with a girl," he went on. "You might enjoy that too."
After taking his share of (warranted) criticism today from GLAAD, the media, and offended fans, Lythgoe took to his Twitter to try to explain himself.
"I thought I was the most accepting of it on the panel?" he wrote. "[They] did remind me of 'Blades of Glory.' However, I'm not a fan of 'Brokeback' Ballroom."
Apparently still feeling the heat, he later elaborated.
"I am very sad the word 'homophobe' is being used," he said. "That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen!"
I get what he's trying to say (though someone justify that 'Brokeback' Ballroom comment, please). If he personally doesn't care for effeminate male dancers, that's his personal preference.
But the fact is these are two men who were auditioning in sincerity, and for Lythgoe to balk at the first sight of them dancing together is frustrating.
Lythgoe's personal preference also doesn't excuse the fact that the pair's segment was cut as a joke to begin with. Did they really have to slow down their opening shots, and lay It's Raining Men down in the background? Let's grow up here.
The judges always make it a point throughout the season to emphasize the transformations a dancer makes. A contemporary dancer can become expert at krumping. A hip hop dancer can deliver an exuberant Broadway routine.
So, why is it so outrageous to expand our conceptions of "dance" to include same-sex partnerships? Why does a guy have to dance like a guy? What does that even mean?
As for Lythgoe's argument that the show's audience would feel alienated by a same-sex pairing, allow me to remind you that the SYTYCD audience, the dance world, and the world in general is full of gay and gay-friendly people.
Personally, I'd love to see some same-sex couples dancing. Because one day I plan on marrying a man, and I sure as hell could use some tips on how we're supposed to coordinate that first dance of ours. (I'm currently auditioning former contestants Neil Haskell and Mark Kanemura for the role of my future husband).
Please, Mr. Lythgoe, let's forget about our preoccupations with what defines "masculine" and "feminine," and just critique the actual dancing.
Mike's Bloggity Blog scored an interview with Dallas Green before the City & Colour show in Calgary earlier this week, where the singer revealed he doesn't believe in musical guilty pleasures.
"You shouldn’t feel guilty about something you like," he said. "If you have your iPod and your earphones, then it’s just you and your music. I have a Fabulous Female playlist with Beyonce, JoJo and Mary J. Blige, if I like the song,I like the song."
Yes, I no longer have to be ashamed of my love of a good JoJo song!
To see what Dallas had to say about songwriting, career road blocks and being lucky, check out Mike's Bloggity Blog.
Mike also reviewed City & Colour's Calgary show here.
Earlier this week ABCannounced the addition of Eastwick to its new fall schedule.
The show stars Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price and Sara Rue as three women who live in the New England town of Eastwick, where they begin to encounter supernatural happenings.
For the most part, not my kind of show, except that it also stars one of my fave Canadian actors Paul Gross.
Not only that, in the well-chosen preview clip released to press this week, Gross appears naked alongside Romijn's character.
Now that's something I can most definitely support. Looking good, Mr. Gross.
After getting dramatic at the Met Costume Gala a couple weeks ago, Gossip Girl star Blake Lively looked smokin' fine at the CW's upfront presentations in New York yesterday.
Blake's got legs for days in that hot, vibrant blue mini jumpsuit paired with a sexy pair of heels.
It sure was enough for her to stand out from her Gossip Girl costars. (Leighton looked hot, but come on Taylor, let's do better)
The CW announced its 2009/2010 schedule this morning, including a handful of new shows that will see Ashlee Simpson and Mischa Barton’s unwelcome returns to television.
Simpson costars in Melrose Place, the 2009 version of the 1990s hit Melrose Place (cast photo above). It will be appropriately paired with season two of 90210 on Tuesdays.
Barton, meanwhile, will put her stiff, non-emotive acting to the test in the Beautiful Life, a show about the modeling world. It will be appropriately paired America’s Next Top Model on Wednesdays.
Degrassi star Nina Dobrev will make her jump to American TV in Vampire Diaries, a show about – duh! -- vampires, that also stars the hot Ian Somerhalder. It will be appropriately paired with Supernatural on Thursdays. (The CW sure is into theme nights).
Smallville has been renewed for season nine and will make a move to Fridays at 8. Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill will remain on Mondays.
Expect Parental Discretion Advised to premiere midseason, a show about a teenager who meets her biological parents, that marks the TV return of Dawson’s Creek’s Kerr Smith.
In the cancellation department, it’s time to say goodbye to Reaper, Priveleged, the Game and Everybody Hates Chris.
Meanwhile, it’s time for Brittany Snow to find her next acting gig. The proposed Gossip Girl spinoff following Lily circa 1983 didn’t make the CW’s schedule.
To check out the CW's full 2009/2010 schedule, click here.
Over The Top Fest and the Theatre Centre also present several performances of The Book of Judith throughout the weekend. Shorts by local playwrights will be showcased May 23 at the Whippersnapper Gallery.
Individual tickets, as well as passes, are on sale at Rotate This, Soundscapes and Ticketweb.
Just as the weather is finally getting nice in Toronto, FOX is premiering my forever TV addiction So You Think You Can Dance, requiring me to stay inside away from the sun’s glorious rays.
But that’s okay, because I’m willing to remain pasty white if it means having Cat Deeley back in my life!
Lucky for us, the hostess with the mostess is promising big things for season five.
“Do you know what? I think just in general every year it seems to get bigger and better,” she says. “Everybody always says to me, “What’s different about the show this year? What’s different?” And I’m always kind of like it’s the same show you know and love, but back bigger and better. The stunts are bigger. The choreography is more impressive. . . Therefore, because the show comes back bigger every single year, the dancers are elevated to an even higher position once the show finishes.”
The the two-hour fifth season of So You Think You can Dance debuts tonight at 8 p.m. on FOX and CTV.
Or do Better Midler and 50 Cent make the hottest couple, like, ever?
The unlikely duo were spotted together at the 8th annual picnic of the New York Restoration Project, which Midler founded in 1995.
"It'll be the little Jewish lady and the great big rapper," Midler said of a potential musical collaboration. "He's such a doll. I love him. He's gorgeous."
Next week Lil Wayne's expected to attend a garden party with Martha Stewart.
Two gorgeous actresses were snapped this week wearing turquoise numbers on the red carpet, and it pains me to say I don't think either of them pulled it off.
Maybe it's the angle, but Evangeline Lily's Valentino design is just plain unflattering. Made her look much bigger than she is, as she walked the Cannes red carpet for the premiere of Looking For Eric.
Mariska Hargitay, meanwhile, donned Carolina Herrera for the Annual American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala in New York City. The dress isn't awful, but it looks like it's fitting a bit tight, and she doesn't look comfortable like she normally does on the red carpet. The hair is flat and lifeless too.
What do you think? Are either of these looks winners?
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