American Idol Songwriter Competition
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Music, FOX, American Idol, Talent,
I’m sure I can speak for many when I say that I get totally sucked into and hooked on American Idol. I try to resist, but I just can’t stay away—season after season, I can’t wait to see who will be crowned our next American Idol. When the two finalists remain to duke it out, however, things take a turn for the worse. The moment I’m speaking about is the time each sings the cringe-worthy “original” song. Each year, the song fails to deliver—mediocre at best, completely uninspired. Perhaps this has been a common gripe from Idol fans, because a spokesman for series creator Simon Fuller said that there will be an additional competition on the next season, allowing songwriters to compete. Both professional and amateur songwriters will be considered, and the winner will write a song for the finalists. The crappy songs of previous seasons have actually been written by industry songwriters or producers—and have typically become best-selling records. Go figure. Fuller told the Los Angeles Times that the songwriting contest will attempt to better match songs with the contestants. The next season of American Idol begins in January.
Read More 
| Yahoo! News
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Blue’s Clues Turns 10, Intro’s New Pup
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Animation, Kids, Specials,
I can’t believe Blue’s Clues is celebrating 10 years on the air… my kids grew up on Blue, so I’ve been a faithful watcher for the past five years. Even though my son has outgrown Blue, I can still get my three-year-old to watch with me occasionally. We’ve seen other product extensions on this show in the past, and changes such as the switch from Steve to Joe, as well as the show where Blue comes to life as a puppet (that never caught on in our household). So now, with the show approaching its tenth year, they will be introducing a new baby brother for Blue. Nickelodeon will kick things off with a primetime special called “Meet Blue’s Baby Brother.” The special will air on Sunday at 8:00 p.m., featuring gold clues in place of the typical blue paw prints… I suppose to make it more special? Blue’s Clues co-creator Angela C. Santomero says the idea for the new character came from preschoolers. “One of the things that is a huge milestone in their lives is when they get a baby sister or baby brother.” There are certainly some values and learning opportunities to be discussed with the new sibling, but I also see many marketing opportunities as a result.
My only question—why the hour-long special on Sunday at 8:00? What preschoolers are up until 9:00 to watch this?
Read More | Los Angeles Times
Jason Alexander Joins Everybody Hates Chris
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Comedy, Everybody Hates Chris, Talent, The CW,
Let’s hope that “Seinfeld Curse” doesn’t follow Jason Alexander when he joins the cast of Everybody Hates Chris. Alexander will play the principal of Corleone Junior High on two episodes of the show and will direct a third episode of the series. Everybody Hates Chris continues to be a critical darling, telling the story of comedian Chris Rock’s childhood in Brooklyn. The show will premiere on October 1st on the CW network. As for the plotlines of the episodes that Alexander will be in—one ep will feature his character, Principal Edwards, making Chris confront a bully; the other episode has Chris and the principal bonding during a snowstorm.
Read More | MSNBC
Recent American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, will soon be writing his life story. Hicks just signed a deal with Random House’s Crown publishers for the upcoming book, titled Heart Full of Soul. The 29-year-old will tell his life story, with the book expected to be released in spring 2007. The book is expected to tell the inspiring story of his climb to success—from modest bar singer to winner of America’s biggest talent show. The New York Post is reporting that Hicks has already earned a $750,000 advance from Crown. Music journalist David Wild is set to write the book. No telling if Taylor’s bio will do as well as American Idol‘s season three winner, Fantasia—whose “Life is Not a Fairy Tale” is now coming to Lifetime. Hicks is currently on tour with the other Idol finalists, with the last show on September 24th.
Read More | E! Online
Contest: We Are Giving Away An iRiver clix!
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Announcements,
So, check it. Gear Live reader and forum contributer Admiral_Kirk made it clear to us that our recent contests have been a bit too hard, not allowing the Average Joe to win because of the expertise required. Fine, we can understand that. So, we decided that to make up for that, we will make it insanely easy to win an iRiver clix from us. I mean, seriously, the person who wins is the person who wants it the most.
We want you, our readers, to help support the site in any way you can think of. No, we are not taking cash donations, we want to see your creativity. How can you support us you ask? Easy:
- Start posting on our forums, and contribute to discussions taking place there. We will be monitoring them - if you become a regular, you are entered to win.
- Add us to your Digg and/or Netscape friends lists - username andru - and vote for the stuff we submit. If you help promote any of our stories, from any of our sites (Gear Live, Playfeed, The Bleeding Edge, TV Envy, Unboxing, End Score, etc.), you are entered to win. There is no limit to the number of entries.
- Link to us on your site, your MySpace page, your blog, in your signature on forums you visit, wherever. Tell the world about us. Oh, and the more creative, the better. If you do something wildly outlandish (like pulling up the site on every PC in Best Buy), send us proof.
- Subscribe to any (or all) of our free magazine subscriptions. Each time you subscribe to something you haven’t subscribed for in the past, you are entered to win.
- Do things we haven’t even thought of.
Now, we want you to tell us what it is you are doing to enter the contest. That is why we have set up this forum thread - when you do something, let us know. Did you Digg a Gear Live story? Let us know. Subscribe to a few magazines? Tell us. Plaster your cat with the Gear Live logo? Post pics. Let’s have some fun with this one guys. The contest will run through the end of August, and in the spirit of the whole word of mouth thing, we want at least ten people in the running. Of course, we expect a lot more than ten to enter, because - quite frankly - this one really is a giveaway. There is no limit to the number of times a person can enter - you are limited by your own time and imagination. Oh, and location, as you must have a US shipping address to be eligible to win.
Any questions? Ask in the forum. Good luck!
Own the Winning Project Runway Design
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Prime Time, Reality, Bravo,
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For those who were just as shocked as I was to see Angela Keslar eke out a win on this week’s episode of Project Runway, you can now see the winning design up close. The designer, who had narrowly escaped elimination the past few weeks, managed to create a tasteful design sans rosettes for the INC label. The outfit, produced with help from competitors Laura Bennett and Michael Knight, was showcased in a Macy’s store window at the end of the episode. Now, the design is available for purchase.
The three-piece outfit consists of a jacket ($129), long-sleeved tee ($39) and trousers ($89). That’s $257. And as we all know—Angela only paid $100 to make it.
Read More | Macy's
Be A Part Of The Star Trek Experience
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Sci-Fi/Horror, Syndication,
For those who can’t afford to beam their cremated ashes into space like the recently departed James Doohan (Scotty), a Star Trek experience may still await you. Come October, over a thousand authentic pieces from the show will be up for auction in New York. Memorable items include the Enterprise bridge, a pistol collection from Deep Space Nine and costumes worn by several of the characters. If you’d rather sleep with the enemy, you can also purchase goods from the Klingon camp. The auction—taking place Oct. 5-7th—will help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original series.
If meeting the actors from Star Trek is more your cup of tea, schedule a trip to Seattle this fall. The Science Fiction Museum will be hosting a Star Trek Gala Celebration and Conference from Sept. 8-10. Actors confirmed for the appearance include George Takei, Jonathan Frakes and Nichelle Nichols.
Read More | Science Fiction Museum
The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll Begins
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Music, Reality, America’s Next Top Model, Rock Star, Talent, The CW,
I couldn’t stand that Pussycat Dolls song—“Don’t Cha” (...wish your girlfriend was hot like me)—then it showed up on a beer commercial. And now, with the upcoming talent show that’s looking to recruit a new “Doll,” I can only imagine the promos for the show will have me humming the tune again.
The CW network ordered eight episodes of the talent competition The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll. The winner will get to be part of the girl group. Think Rock Star, only sexier. Dawn Ostroff, CW’s president of entertainment says, “At its core, this show goes beyond just finding a new Pussycat Doll; it’s about female empowerment, self-discovery and personal transformation.” Um, right. I’m sure that’s what all of the guys tuning in to watch are thinking about—empowerment and self-discovery. The show comes to you by Charlie’s Angels director McG and America’s Next Top Model producer Ken Mok, as well as Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine. Says McG, “I’m most interested in the personal drama, about the [candidates] leaving their relationships or trust issues with their parents. It’s all about the real-life stuff that lies within.” Am I the only one who finds that laughable?
The girls will live together (naturally, for the personal drama) and perform weekly challenges—whittling down the talent until one kitty cat remains.
Read More | E! Online
Rob Lowe to Star in TNT Movie
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Drama, Cable, TNT-HD, West Wing, The,
Good news for Rob Lowe fans—he’s returning to the small screen, starring in the TNT movie A Perfect Day. The movie is an adaptation of Richard Paul Evans’ best-selling novel, and will be part of TNT’s “Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation.” Former Johnson & Johnson features include The Wool Cap and Door to Door.
Michael Wright, head of original programming at TNT said of Lowe, “After having worked with Rob Lowe on previous TNT productions, we are thrilled to have him in the lead role for A Perfect Day. We couldn’t hope for a better actor to bring to the screen this heartwarming drama about one man’s journey through self-discovery.” Lowe’s character is Richard Harlan, who gets fired from his job, writes a novel and becomes an overnight success. His journey allows him to refocus on his life priorities.
Lowe was on the first four seasons of The West Wing, which he earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for. Call me crazy, but I never tire of seeing his ageless beauty. Look for A Perfect Day, airing on TNT in December.
Read More | Zap2it
Chance of Survival for New Fall Shows
Posted by Wendy Michaels Categories: Comedy, Drama, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC,
If you’re like me, you can’t wait for the fall TV season to begin. The summer programming has grown tiresome—our favorite shows will soon return, as well as some freshman offerings. The Programming Insider has released their odds for survival for the new series, with 1-1 being a sure thing and 10-1 considered a long shot. The odds are calculated by looking at the time slot competition, lead-in show, the “current viewing climate” and the quality of the show.
- Shark (CBS) – Thurs. 10 p.m.: 1-1
- The Class (CBS) – Mon. 8 p.m.: 2-1
- ‘Til Death (Fox) – Thurs. 8 p.m.: 3-1
- Brothers & Sisters (ABC) – Sun. 10 p.m.: 4-1
- The Nine (ABC) – Wed. 10 p.m.: 4-1
- Vanished (Fox) – Mon. 9 p.m.: 4-1
- Day Break (ABC) – Wed. 10 p.m. (filling in for Lost beginning on Nov. 15): 5-1
- Six Degrees (ABC) – Thurs. 10 p.m.: 5-1
- Smith (CBS) – Wed. 10 p.m.: 5-1
- Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC) – Mon. 10 p.m.: 5-1
- Heroes (NBC) – Mon. 9 p.m.: 6-1
- The Game (CW) – Sun. 8:30 p.m.: 7-1
- The Knights of Prosperity (ABC) – Tues. 9 p.m.: 7-1
- 30 Rock (NBC) – Wed. 8:30 p.m.: 7-1
- Stand-off (Fox) – Tues. 8 p.m.: 7-1
- Twenty Good Years (NBC) – Wed. 8 p.m.: 7-1
- Friday Night Lights (NBC) – Tues. 8 p.m.: 8-1
- Happy Hour (Fox) – Thurs. 8:30 p.m.: 8-1
- Help Me Help You (ABC) – Tues. 9:30 p.m.: 8-1
- Justice (Fox) – Wed. 9 p.m.: 8-1
- Kidnapped (NBC) – Wed. 10 p.m.: 8-1
- Runaway (CW) – Mon. 9 p.m.: 8-1
- Men In Trees (ABC) – Fri. 9 p.m.: 9-1
- Ugly Betty (ABC) – Fri. 8 p.m.: 9-1
- Big Day (ABC) – Thurs. 8 p.m.: 10-1
- Jericho (CBS) – Wed. 8 p.m.: 10-1
- Notes From the Underbelly (ABC) – Thurs. 8 p.m.: 10-1
Read More | Yahoo! TV
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