Serving up dirt and taking out the garbage

Jersey Shore season two is in the works

The network announced plans to air 12 new episodes beginning this summer. 

At the risk of tainting my reputation, I’ll admit I’m an avid fan of this show.  When I first heard about it, I had no plans to watch it because it looked like a sleazier version of “The Real World.”

But I was flipping through the channels one day, and I watched two episodes back-to-back. I immediately became hooked. 

If you’re unfamiliar with this show, cameras followed housemates around while they live and party at the New Jersey Shore. 

It could be compared to “The Real World,” but it’s five times crazier than that show.  Also, unlike the “Real World,” all cast members are Italian-American.   

Members of some organizations boycotted the show because they said it enforced negative stereotypes about Italians.  As a result, some company’s pulled their advertisements.

But the controversy and attention fueled a ratings spike.

The show debuted on the MTV network Dec. 3 with 1.3 million viewers.  When the season finale aired Jan. 21, viewership climbed to 4.8 million.

“Jersey Shore” was the top rated primetime show in the 12 to 34 age group when it aired Thursdays.

If you haven’t seen it yet, watch one episode, and you’ll be hooked too. Yes, it’s ridiculous. Yes, it’s sleazy. Yes, it’s dramatic. Yes, it’s crazy.  Yes, it’s violent.  But it’s so addictive, and I love every second of it.

Cast members are “Mike “The Situation” Sorrrentino, Angelina “Jolie” Pivarnick, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Paul “Pauly D” DelVecchio, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola and Vinny Guadagnino.

My favorite castmate is Snooki.  If you’ve ever watched the show, you know exactly why.

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Miss Virginia wins 2010 Miss America Pageant

Miss Virginia contestant Caressa Cameron was crowned winner of the 2010 Miss America Pageant on Saturday in Las Vegas.  The Associated Press story is posted below via NewsOK.

A video clip of Cameron performing Beyonce’s song “Listen” during the talent segment is posted at the bottom.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron won the 2010 Miss America title Saturday night after strutting in a yellow dress, belting Beyonce’s “Listen” from “Dreamgirls” and telling kids they should get outside more often.

 Cameron, a 22-year-old from Fredericksburg, Va., won a $50,000 scholarship and the crown in Las Vegas after a pageant that started with 53 contestants. She outlasted her opponents in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and interview competitions.

Cameron is a broadcast journalism student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and wants to become an anchor. Miss California Kristy Cavinder was the first runner-up, winning $25,000.

The young women who came out on stage at the beginning of the pageant and danced to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas are from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

After a week of preliminary competition, they each introduced themselves to the crowd Saturday at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The judges, the public and contestants themselves then trimmed the field.

Actor and “Extra” host Mario Lopez hosted the 89-year-old pageant with help from Clinton Kelly of TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” The pageant was broadcast live on TLC.

The panel of judges included radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, actress Vivica Fox, musician Dave Koz, Miss America 2002 Katie Harman, gymnast Shawn Johnson and former “American Idol” finalist Brooke White. Comedian Paul Rodriguez was set to be a judge, but organizers said he pulled out because of a family emergency.

The winner, crowned by reigning Miss America Katie Stam, embarks on a yearlong run with the title to represent the organization and raise awareness for her chosen platform.

Cameron, Cavinder and Miss Michigan Nicole Blaszczyk each won $2,000 earlier in the week for winning talent competitions among three split fields of contestants. Miss Oregon CC Barber, Miss New York Alyse Zwick and Miss Puerto Rico Mimi Pabon each won $1,000 in nightly swimsuit competitions.

Miss Oklahoma Taylor Treat won the $6,000 Quality of Life award, given to the contestant judged to excel most in volunteerism and community service.

Scores based on a week of preliminary competitions were added to Saturday’s swimsuit, talent, evening gown and interview competitions to determine the winner. Each judge ranked their five favorites in order, and their ballots will be used to pick the winner.

In all, the Miss America Organization plans to award $340,000 in scholarships at the national level. The organization says its national, state and local chapters gave more than $45 million last year in cash and scholarships.

The pageant was preceded by a one-hour television special on TLC, “Miss America: Behind the Curtain.”

The contestants picked 12 women from their own ranks who faced a public vote for a spot among the 15 finalists. Stam, a Seymour, Ind., native, was one of four finalists chosen by viewers last year.

The crowning of a Miss America began in 1921 as a publicity stunt to persuade tourists on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk to stick around after Labor Day.

The bathing revue blossomed in the age of television into an American pop icon before fading in later years and losing it place on network TV in 2004. It moved to the Las Vegas Strip in 2006 in an attempt to reinvent itself and has found a home on cable television.

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Carrie Underwood, Queen Latifah to perform at Super Bowl

Country singer Carrie Underwood will get a chance to belt out “The Star Spangled Banner” in front of about 150 million  viewers. 

Underwood has been selected to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl on Feb. 7, the NFL announced. 

Queen Latifah will perform “America the Beautiful,” and The Who will perform during the halftime show. 

“The Star Spangled Banner” is one of the toughest songs to sing. There’s no doubt Underwood has the pipes to pull it off.

Several musicians have performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl, but none of their performances can compare to Whitney Houston’s rendition. 

Houston’s performance of the national anthem from the 1991 Super Bowl is posted in the clip below. 

No one can sing it like her.

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Jennifer Lopez to appear on two sitcoms

Jennifer Lopez’s movie career has been struggling during the past few years, so it’s no surprise that she’s trying to dabble in television for a little bit.

Lopez will appear this season on “Glee” and “How I Met Your Mother.” 

Lopez will play an author named Anita who tries to train men in relationships through the power of denial, according to USA Today. 

That episode will air in March.  No word yet on when the “Glee” episode will air.

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Ugly Betty has been canceled

The actors who have roles on the popular television show “Ugly Betty” are officially unemployed. 

The show that made actress America Ferrera has been canceled, according to MSNBC.  ”Ugly Betty” debuted in 2006 and produced 79 episodes, according to Internet Movie Database. 

Ratings for the television show started off strong, but then, they started to dip. 

Joining Ferrera on the unemployment line are her costars Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams, Michael Urie, Ana Ortiz, Becki Newton and Tony Plana.

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City High singer on Intervention

Remember the R&B group City High from the early 2000s? The group consisted of Robby Pardlo, Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby. 

They released an album in 2001 with two hit songs titled “What Would You Do” and “Caramel.”  The self-titled album went on to sell two million copies. 

After the group broke up in 2003, Toby later released a solo album, and Ortiz guest starred on an episode of “My Wife and Kids” on the ABC network.

Meanwhile, Pardlo became an alcoholic, and he tried to kick his habit by appearing on the show “Intervention” on the A&E network.  If you’re unfamiliar with the show, here’s the premise.  Cameras follow drug or alcohol abusers while their family members try to stage an on-camera intervention. 

The show aired this month the A&E network.  Click here to watch the full episode that features Pardlo.

A music video for City High’s biggest hits “What Would You Do” is posted in the video clip below.

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Omarion named to judge’s panel

R&B singer Omarion will be a regular judge on the MTV show “America’s Best Dance Crew” when the fifth season begins Jan. 28, according to MTV.

Omarion will take the place of former judge Shane Sparks.

Sparks was arrested last month, and he was charged with eight felony counts of child molestation. Click here for the details.

Sparks will no longer appear on the show.

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Michael Jackson tribute at the Grammy’s

Grammy organizers are taking a Michael Jackson tribute to another level.  They are planning the king of all tributes at this year’s ceremony.

According to the Grammy Web site, a 3-D video of Jackson’s “Earth Song” will be played at the Grammy awards.

Viewers can obtain free 3-D glasses Jan. 24-31 at Target stores.

Several musicians, including Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion and Smokey Robinson will perform during a tribute to Jackson.

Yes, Carrie Underwood will perform during the segment. I’m not sure what Underwood could possibly do during a Jackson tribute, but we shall see.  Maybe she’ll moonwalk or do the “Thriller” dance.

It should be interesting.  The show will air Jan. 31 on the CBS network.

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Jay Leno tells his side of the story

The drama among Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and NBC has dominated entertainment news programs during the past month.  Now, Leno tells his side of the story.  The Associated Press story is posted below via NewsOK.

BY LYNN ELBER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jay Leno turned serious on his show to discuss the late-night chaos at NBC, telling viewers that he’d been doubtful about launching a prime-time show but was prevented by NBC from going to another network instead.

Last week, after NBC announced plans to move “The Jay Leno Show” to 10:35 p.m. and bump “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” to…

Leno, in explaining events from his standpoint, also said Monday that he had told NBC he’d return to the “Tonight” slot only after Conan O’Brien rejected the network’s plan to put both men on in late night.

NBC continued negotiations Monday on an exit deal with O’Brien that would clear the way for Leno to reclaim the 11:35 p.m. EST slot occupied by “Tonight,” which he hosted for 17 years before turning it over to O’Brien last spring.

The network is ending its prime-time experiment, “The Jay Leno Show,” because of low ratings and affiliate station complaints.  When NBC told him they wanted to end his new show, Leno told viewers Monday, he asked to be released from his contract.

“‘No, you’re still a valuable asset to this company,”‘ he said the network told him. His reply: “How valuable can I be? You fired me twice.”

That was a reference to NBC’s decision six years ago to ask him to eventually make way for O’Brien to take over “Tonight,” which Leno kept atop the ratings until he left.

He and O’Brien have traded increasingly edgy monologue jokes as NBC tries to extricate itself from its scheduling mess, but Leno told viewers his attitude toward his colleague is unchanged.

“Through all of this, Conan O’Brien has been a gentleman. He’s a good guy, I have no animosity toward him. This is all business,” Leno said. “You know, folks, if you don’t get the ratings, they take you off the air.”

Neither of them was a ratings winner, he said, either with “The Jay Leno Show” at 10 p.m. EST or O’Brien’s “Tonight.”

O’Brien did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

Leno gave his audience a history lesson, or what alternately might have seemed a skillfully timed effort to repair any damage to Leno’s trademark heart-of-gold image before the deal is made official, as soon as Tuesday.

In his recitation, Leno opened with an NBC executive telling him in 2004 that he would have to surrender “Tonight” to O’Brien to keep the gangly, redheaded host of “Late Night” from going to a competitor.

“I said, `Well, I’ve been No. 1 for 12 years.’ They said, `We know that. We don’t think you can sustain it,”‘ Leno recounted the executive telling him. He joked that he asked if he could at least wait until his show fell to No. 2, but agreed to the hand-over plan.

“Don’t blame Conan O’Brien. Nice guy, good family guy, great guy. He and I have talked, and not a problem since then,” Leno said.

He told NBC he would retire “‘just to avoid what happened the last time,”‘ he recounted with a chuckle.

What’s happening now at NBC turned out to be reminiscent of the contest between Leno and David Letterman to win “Tonight” after Johnny Carson’s retirement and NBC’s similar dithering at the time.

With a plan in place for Leno to leave “Tonight” in May 2009, before his NBC contract ended, he would be prevented from starting at another network for at least a year, Leno said. He asked to be freed but NBC refused, instead suggesting that Leno could do well with a prime-time show that the network acknowledged would get “killed” against first-run episodes of shows like CBS’ “CSI” but could get traction against summer reruns.

Leno said he agreed, in part, because it would allow him to keep his staff of about 175 people working. But the network’s plan for patience was unraveled by affiliates, who said his low ratings were sinking their local late newscasts, which the show precedes.

O’Brien had his own ratings woes, which Leno said — pointedly — started in summer before they could be blamed on Leno’s poor prime-time performance.

“Tonight” with O’Brien is drawing about half of the roughly 5 million viewers Leno attracted as its host, although O’Brien has gotten a significant ratings bump since the network flap started.

When NBC suggested a half-hour show, Leno told the network he wasn’t crazy about doing it but said OK. He asked if O’Brien would agree to be moved to midnight and was told yes — it was almost guaranteed.

Leno may have been restrained with his comments, but he couldn’t resist a hard-edged joke at NBC’s expense.

“CBS is now developing a new sitcom about the troubles here at NBC,” he said. “It’s called `Two Men and a Half-Assed Network.”‘

O’Brien let loose on his show Monday, too.

“Last night at the Golden Globes, Julia Roberts said that NBC was in the toilet. NBC was upset and toilets were furious,” he said.

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Anderson Cooper helps boy who was beaten in Haiti

CNN newsman Anderson Cooper took off his journalism hat for a moment to help a little boy who was bleeding heavily after he was beaten by a group of looters in Haiti. 

Cooper proved even though journalists are supposed to prevent themselves from being part of the story, sometimes you have to throw that philosophy out the window and act on your human being instincts instead. 

The video clip is posted below. WARNING. It contains bloody and graphic content.

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Mo’Nique wins Golden Globe

The Golden Globes aired Sunday night, and the big names in Hollywood were in attendance, including Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Taylor Lautner and hundreds more.

My favorite moment of the night was when Mo’Nique won the award for best supporting actress in a movie for her role in the film “Precious.” 

Mo’Nique is an established comedian and talk show host who is known for being funny. 

She took a big risk taking on such a dramatic character in the film.  She portrayed a woman who abuses her daughter. 

Her performance in the film was powerful. She did so well portraying that character, it  makes you forget that Mo’Nique is an accomplished comedian. 

Mo’Nique beat out actresses Penelope Cruz and Julianne Moore for the trophy. Her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes is posted in the clip below. Click here for a full recap of the Golden Globes.

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Missing Paula Abdul on American Idol

I’ve been watching the new season of “American Idol” on the Fox network, and it occurred to me there is an element missing from the show.  Something just doesn’t seem right to me.

Oh wait. Paula Abdul isn’t there anymore.  That’s what is missing.  I’ve been a fan of the show for several years, and Paula made the show more interesting.

I’ve enjoyed watching Paula get into heated arguments with Simon Cowell.

I got used to seeing Paula  on the judge’s panel appearing to be high on prescription medication.

Seriously, there were days when Paula appeared so high on the show that she made Courtney Love look like a sober woman.  That’s no easy feat.

Also, we all remember that scandal that occurred when season two contestant Corey Clark accused Paula of having a sexual relationship with him while he was competing on the show.  (Paula denied all accusations, of course).

Those factors contributed to the show’s success, in my opinion.

Now that Paula resigned from “American Idol,” talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has been named as a replacement.

Ellen will begin appearing on the show sometime next month.  She is a funny comedian. But unless Ellen brings her hot wife Portia de Rossi on the show too, I have no interest in watching her.

Maybe the changes in the judge’s panel will grow on me as the season progresses, and I’m sure the ratings won’t suffer in Paula’s absence.  But I just wish Paula was still there.

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Simon Cowell says he’s leaving American Idol

Last month, Simon Cowell’s brother let the cat out of the bag when he said Cowell will leave “American Idol” after the 2010 season. 

Now, Cowell has confirmed the news.  This season will be his last on “American Idol” because he’s going to focus on “The X Factor”–a talent show that will begin airing in the United States next year, according to the Associated Press.

Cowell said he’s leaving “Idol” because it would be too difficult for him to be on both shows. 

Paula Abdul is being replaced by Ellen DeGeneres this season, and that’s going to some getting used to by us “American Idol” fans. 

But when C0well leaves, it might hinder the show’s success.  Many viewers tune in to see and hear Cowell’s straight forward (yet rude) comments.  It will be hard for the network to find a suitable replacement for him.

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Hanna Montana scheduled to end this year

Miley Cyrus’ reign as Hannah Montana might be coming to an end.  The hit Disney channel television show will likely end after the 2010 season, network executives announced.

In a news release issued to media organizations, programming executive Adam Bonnett said “You never know in this business, but right now, we’re scheduled to wrap after shooting this new batch of episodes.

The popular television show made Cyrus a household name, and it’s been a big moneymaker for Cyrus and the Disney network since it debuted in 2006. 

Two films based on the television show were released in movie theaters, and they earned a combined $226 million worldwide at the box office. 

Cyrus raked in $25 million from June 2008 to June 2009, according to Forbes. By the way, I think it should be illegal for teenagers to be millionaires while hardworking adults like myself are living paycheck to paycheck. But that’s another story.

It’s unknown what the star will do when the show ends, but she will probably venture out into more movie roles and continue her music career. 

The “Hannah Montana” series has a cult-like following.  It seems like young girls from everywhere flock to anything related to “Hannah Montana,” including movies, merchandise, clothes, CD’s, concerts, etc.

Cyrus will turn 18 in November.  Although it’s a risky move to leave the popular series, it’s a good way to expand her career beyond the “Hannah Montana” franchise and to make sure she doesn’t become typecast.  

After all, she can’t play the same adolescent character forever.

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Adam Lambert to appear on Oprah

“American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert announced on his Twitter page that he will appear on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” for an interview. 

I assume Winfrey will ask him questions about his sexually explicit stage performance that caused controversy at the American Music Awards. 

Some people say Lambert wanted to shock the audience as a publicity stunt to draw attention to his new album. 

Whatever the reason, it obviously worked out in Lambert’s favor.  Lambert gets to sit down with Oprah, but Kris Allen (who beat Lambert on American Idol) doesn’t get a big exclusive sit-down interview with the talk show queen.

An air date for Lambert’s appearance hasn’t been determined.

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NAACP Image Awards nominations

The NAACP Image Awards nominations were announced Wednesday.  A list of the nominees are posted below.  The show will air Feb. 26 on the Fox network.

The nominees include Taraji P. Henson, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington, Sandra Bullock, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas. 

Outstanding Motion Picture

• “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• “Invictus” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• “Michael Jackson’s: This Is It” (Columbia Pictures)
• “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
• “The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

• Denzel Washington – “The Taking of Pelham 123″ (Columbia Pictures)
• Idris Elba – “Obsessed” (Screen Gems)
• Jamie Foxx – “Law Abiding Citizen” (Overture Films)
• Morgan Freeman – “Invictus” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Quinton Aaron – “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

• Anika Noni Rose – “The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
• Gabourey Sidibe – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
• Sandra Bullock – “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Sophie Okonedo – “Skin” (Jour De Fete Films)
• Taraji P. Henson – “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

• Adam Rodriguez – “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (Lionsgate)
• Anthony Mackie – “The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment)
• Chiwetel Ejiofor – “2012″ (Columbia Pictures)
• Danny Glover – “2012″ (Columbia Pictures)
• Lenny Kravitz – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

• Alfre Woodard – “American Violet” (Universal Pictures)
• Mariah Carey – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
• Mo’Nique – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
• Paula Patton – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
• Zoe Saldana – “Avatar” (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

• “American Violet” (Samuel Goldwyn Company)
• “Amreeka” (National Geographic Entertainment)
• “Endgame” (Montery Entertainment)
• “Medicine for Melancholy” (IFC Films)
• “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture

• “The Maid” (Elephant Eye Films)
• “Rudo y Cursi” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• “Sin Nombre” (Focus Features)
• “Skin” (Jour De Fete Films)
• “The Stoning of Soraya M.” (Mpower Pictures)

Outstanding Documentary (Theatrical or Television)

• “Capitalism: A Love Story” (Overture Films)
• “Crips and Bloods: Made in America” (Gravitas Ventures)
• “Crude” (First Run Features)
• “Good Hair” (Roadside Attractions)
• “More than a Game” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Comedy Series

• “30 Rock” (NBC)
• “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)
• “Glee” (FOX)
• “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
• “Ugly Betty” (ABC)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

• Daryl “Chill” Mitchell – “Brothers” (FOX)
• Donald Faison – “Scrubs” (NBC)
• Dulé Hill – “Psych” (USA Network)
• LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
• Tyler James Williams – “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

• America Ferrera – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
• Cassi Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
• CCH Pounder – “Brothers” (FOX)
• Sherri Shepherd – “Sherri” (Lifetime)
• Tichina Arnold – “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

• Lamman Rucker – “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” (TBS)
• Lance Gross – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
• Larenz Tate – “Rescue Me” (FX)
• Malcolm-Jamal Warner – “Sherri” (Lifetime)
• Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

• Ana Ortiz – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
• Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
• Tisha Campbell-Martin – “Rita Rocks” (Lifetime)
• Vanessa Williams – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
• Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game” (CW)

Outstanding Drama Series

• “Cold Case” (CBS)
• “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
• “HawthoRNe” (TNT)
• “Lincoln Heights” (ABC Family)
• “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (HBO)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

• Anthony Anderson – “Law & Order” (NBC)
• Hill Harper – “CSI: NY” (CBS)
• LL Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS)
• Laurence Fishburne – “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS)
• Taye Diggs – “Private Practice” (ABC)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

• Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
• Jada Pinkett Smith – “HawthoRNe” (TNT)
• Jill Scott – “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (HBO)
• Regina King – “Southland” (NBC)
• Sandra Oh – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

• Corey Reynolds – “The Closer” (TNT)
• Delroy Lindo – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
• James Pickens, Jr. – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
• Mekhi Phifer – “Lie To Me” (FOX)
• Rocky Carroll – “NCIS” (CBS)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

• Anika Noni Rose – “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (HBO)
• Audra McDonald – “Private Practice” (ABC)
• Gabrielle Union – “Flash Forward” (ABC)
• Jurnee Smollett – “Friday Night Lights” (NBC)
• S. Epatha Merkerson – “Law & Order” (NBC)

Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

• “America” (Lifetime)
• “Brick City” (Sundance)
• “Georgia O’Keefe” (Lifetime)
• “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
• “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie,
Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

• Cuba Gooding Jr. – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
• Eriq La Salle – “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
• Gus Hoffman – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
• Jaishon Fisher – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
• Philip Johnson – “America” (Lifetime)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie,
Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

• Aunjanue Ellis – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
• Cicely Tyson – “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
• Kimberly Elise – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
• Rosie O’Donnell – “America” (Lifetime)
• Ruby Dee – “America” (Lifetime)

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

• Bryton James – “The Young and The Restless” (CBS)
• Cassius Willis – “The Young and The Restless” (CBS)
• Cornelius Smith, Jr. – “All My Children” (ABC)
• Terrell Tilford – “One Life To Live” (ABC)
• Texas Battle – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

• Daphne Duplaix – “One Life to Live” (ABC)
• Debbi Morgan – “All My Children” (ABC)
• Eva Marcelle – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
• Tatyana Ali – “The Young and The Restless” (CBS)
• Tonya Lee Williams – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)

Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)

• “Anderson Cooper 360: President Obama’s African Journey” (CNN)
• “CNN Presents: Reclaiming the Dream 2″ (CNN)
• “The Inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States” (BET)
• “Judge Mathis” (Syndicated)
• “Leading Women: India.Arie, Dr. Maya Angelou” (Centric)

Outstanding Talk Series

• “Lopez Tonight” (TBS)
• “The Mo’Nique Show” (BET)
• “The Tyra Banks Show” (CW)
• “The View” (ABC)
• “The Wanda Sykes Show” (FOX)

Outstanding Reality Series

• “American Idol 8″ (FOX)
• “America’s Next Top Model” (CW)
• “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC)
• “Extreme Makeover” (ABC)
• “Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo)

Outstanding Variety – (Series or Special)

• “BET Awards 2009″ (BET)
• “Bill Cosby: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor” (PBS)
• “Michael Jackson Memorial Service” (ABC, BET, CNN, MTV, NBC)
• “Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me” (HBO)
• “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” (HBO)

Outstanding Children’s Program

• “The Backyardigans – The Action Elves Save Christmas” (Nickelodeon)
• “Dora The Explorer: Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” (Nickelodeon)
• “Go, Diego, Go: Diego Reunites Hippopotamus and Oxpecker” (Nickelodeon)
• “True Jackson, VP” (Nickelodeon)
• “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s
Program – (Series or Special)

• Caitlin Sanchez – “Dora the Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
• Keke Palmer – “True Jackson, VP” (Nickelodeon)
• LaShawn Jeffries – “The Backyardigans” (Nickelodeon)
• Nick Cannon – “TeenNick HALO Awards” (TeenNick)
• Selena Gomez – “Wizards of Waverly Place” (Disney Channel)

Recording Categories

Outstanding New Artist

Outstanding Male Artist

• Anthony Hamilton (SoSo Def/Jive Records)
• Charlie Wilson (Jive Label Group)
• Jay-Z (Atlantic Records)
• Maxwell (Columbia Records)
• Ne-Yo (Def Jam)

Outstanding Female Artist

• Alicia Keys (Columbia Records)
• India.Arie (Universal Republic Records)
• Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen)
• Rihanna (Def Jam)
• Whitney Houston (Artista Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

• 3 Mo’ Divas (MariMo’ Music Inc.)
• The Black Eyed Peas (Interscope Records)
• Day26 (Bad Boy Records)
• Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys (Atlantic Records)
• Jay-Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Jazz Album

• “Detroit” – Gerald Wilson Orchestra (Mack Avenue Records)
• “He and She” – Wynton Marsalis (Blue Note Records)
• “Kind of Brown” – Christian McBride & Inside Straight (Mack Avenue Records)
• “Poetically Justified” – Marcus Johnson (Three Keys Music)
• “The Real Thing” – Vanessa Williams (Concord Records)

Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)

• “A City Called Heaven” – Shirley Caesar (Light Records)
• “How I Got Over” – Vickie Winans (Destiny Joy)
• “Love Unstoppable” – Fred Hammond (Verity Records)
• “Still” – BeBe & CeCe Winans (B & C Records)
• “We Are All One: Live In Detroit” – Donnie McClurkin (Verity Records)

Outstanding World Music Album

• “11:11″ – Rodrigo y Gabriela (ATO Records/Red)
• “Black President” – Sila and the Afrofunk Experience (Visila Records)
• “Morabeza” – Maria de Barros (Sheer Legacy [Sheer Group South African Label])
• “ReCreation” – Zap Mama (Heads Up International/Concord Music Group)
• “Seya” – Oumou Sangare (Nonesuch/World Circuit)

Outstanding Music Video

• “Blame It” – Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain (J Records/MBK Entertainment)
• “Boom Boom Pow” – The Black Eyed Peas (Interscope Records)
• “I Look To You” – Whitney Houston (Arista)
• “Pretty Wings” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
• “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” – Alicia Keys (J Records/MBK Entertainment)

Outstanding Song

• “Bad Habits” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
• “Blame It” – Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain (J Records/MBK Entertainment)
• “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys (Atlantic Records)
• “God In Me” – Mary Mary (Columbia Records)
• “Pretty Wings” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Album

• “The Blueprint 3″ – Jay-Z (Atlantic Records)
• “BLACKsummers’night” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
• “The Element of Freedom” – Alicia Keys (J Records/MBK Entertainment)
• “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” – Mariah Carey (Def Jam)
• “Stronger With Each Tear” – Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen)

Click here to view the remaining categories

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David Hasselhoff is leaving “America’s Got Talent”

Not only will we have to get used to watching “American Idol” without seeing Paula Abdul at the judge’s table, now we will have to get used to “America’s Got Talent” without David Hasselhoff. 

Hasselhoff announced he is leaving the show after four seasons. 

NBC executives released a public saying Hasselhoff has “been an integral part of the success of America’s Got Talent, and we are sad to see him go. We wish him all the best with his new show.”

No word yet on who his replacement will be when the fifth season airs this summer.  His fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan will remain on the show.

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Photo gallery of the People’s Choice Awards

A photo gallery from the People’s Choice Awards is posted below.  Click on the images to enlarge them.  All photos are from the Associated Press.

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Tyra Banks is ending her talk show

Tyra Banks is once again following in Oprah’s footsteps.  Banks announced she plans on leaving her syndicated talk show “The Tyra Banks Show.”  In an interview with People magazine, Banks said her final show will air in the spring. 

Her talk show began in 2005, and it earned two Emmy awards.  Banks said when the show ends, she will focus on producing films. 

She started her career as a supermodel, but Banks has proven she’s more than just a pretty face.  She has branched out into various entertainment arenas, including movies, sitcoms, music videos and reality shows.

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SYTYCD choreographer Shane Sparks accused of child molestation

MTV and Fox network executives should probably start looking for another judge and choreographer.  

Choreographer Shane Sparks was arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of child molestation.  Sparks was arrested and released on $590,000 bail.

Sparks is a judge alongside  rapper Lil Mama and N’Sync singer J.C. Chasez on the MTV dance competition show “America’s Best Dance Crew.”  He is also a choreographer on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

According to a court affidavit obtained by TMZ, a girl is accusing Sparks of molesting her in 1994 and 1995 when she was under the age of 14.  Sparks was in his mid-20s when the alleged incidents occurred. 

Sparks’ attorney told reporters his client is innocent of all charges.  He said the accusations are false, and they are part of an extortion attempt.

I’m not sure whether he’s guilty or innocent. Regardless, his career is pretty much over.  Any child molestation allegation is crippling to anyone’s livelihood regardless of the outcome in court. 

Sparks has choreographed dance routines for Lindsay Lohan, Aaliyah and Monica, among others.  He also choreographed the dances for the film “You Got Served.”

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Oklahoma man wins on “The Biggest Loser”

 

Oklahoma native Danny Cahill dropped 239 pounds of fat, and he was named the champion of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” 

The 40-year-old was announced as the winner of the show during Tuesday’s episode. 

As you can tell from the Before and After photo above, the change is noticeable.

For more details, click here to read The Oklahoman’s Penny Soldan’s story via NewsOK.

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ABC lifts ban on Adam Lambert

The ABC network has lifted its ban on rock singer Adam Lambert.  The 2009 “American Idol” runner-up will perform on “The View” Dec. 10 and the Barbara Walters’ special “The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009″ on Dec. 9.

After Lambert’s controversial performance at the American Music Awards, the ABC network canceled his appearances on “Good Morning America,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and a New Year’s Eve special. 

Lambert created controversy at the “American Music Awards” when he kissed a male band member during his performance and shoved a man and a woman’s face into his private region.

No word yet on whether the network will reconsider their decision to pull Lambert from the New Year’s Eve special.

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Details on Carrie Underwood’s holiday special

 

Country music singer Carrie Underwood’s holiday special will air from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday on the Fox network. 

“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” will be in the format of a variety show.  The show will mix music and comedy. 

For more details about the show, click here to read Brandy McDonnell’s story via NewsOK.

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ABC cancels more Adam Lambert appearances

The ABC network is still punishing “American Idol” singer Adam Lambert for his performance at the “American Music Awards.”

Lambert announced on his Twitter page that ABC canceled his upcoming appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and a performance on a New Year’s Eve special.  Lambert was previously canceled from “Good Morning America” on the network. 

Lambert created controversy at the “American Music Awards” when he kissed a male band member during his performance and shoved a man and a woman’s face into his private region. 

Since then, the ABC network doesn’t want anything to do with Lambert.  His new album titled “For Your Enterainment” debuted at number three on the Billboard charts.  It sold 198,000 copies in its first week.

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Fantasia’s new reality show

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