I Don't Get It

VH1 is airing a new show called "Band Of Men" where former (and now washed up) boy band members come together to make one superboyband and get a second chance. The band, named SureShot, features: Chris Kirkpatrick from NSYNC, Jeff Timmons from 98 Degrees, Rich Cronin from LFO and my favorite - Bryan Abrams from Color Me Badd. How OLD is he? And how old am I for being able to sing their songs? Ok ... so I want to say I'm going to reserve judgement until I see the show but as they say in Star Wars - "I've got a bad feeling about this"

A Reality Check From Steve Wilkos

TV veteran, Steve Wilkos (Jerry Springer Show) is the host of his own yet-to-be-titled daytime talk show, debuting in national syndication this Fall. In his new show, Wilkos sticks up for people who need a little extra help, bringing street credibility to families in crisis that are looking for straight talk and understanding from a no-nonsense host.



RC: How did you first become involved with the Jerry Springer show?
SW: I got involved 13 years ago when the show was more of a serious show like Phil Donahue. They were going to do a show with the KKK and they wanted off-duty police in the audience. I had never seen the show and figured I'd only be there for 1 day but as the show became younger & more confrontational ... I found myself shaving my head & signing a tv contract. It's been a wild ride.

RC: You have a new talk show coming out. Tell me a little bit about it.
SW: Well, I was a cop for 12 years and the stories I'll be doing will be what people call the police for. When people have a problem, they don't call Dr. Phil, they don't call Oprah. They call the police. You can't change anybody's life in a short amount of time. You need some sort of resolution and that's what I do. I can get tough and confrontational.

RC: Give me an example of what kinds of topics you'll be covering or what kinds of people you'll be dealing with.
SW: On Springer, they did a series where I would go to people's houses & help them with their problems. They ranged from a woman having problems with her husband to a girl who didn't have a prom date ... from the serious to the silly. I would go out & try to help people.

RC: You're going to be appearing on NBC's "Identitiy" at 8pm. Can you reveal what your identity is?
SW: Yeah, I think I can reveal what it's going to be. Most people know who I am. So my identity was: Bodyguard For Jerry Springer.

RC: You didn't have to stand up there long?
SW: I went out early. I think I'd feel pretty bad about myself if I was still up there at the end!

Thanks to Steve Wilkos for talking to "Reality Check"!

Don't forget to watch NBC's "Identity" tonight 8pm EST

Don't Cry, Little Girl

FINALLY, I've been wondering why the HELL that little girl was hysterically crying & now I have my answers ... sort of. Thanks to the TwoCents for tipping me off to the story on MTV. The basic story is that 13-year-old Ashley Ferl & her mother got tickets to a taping of Fox's "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?". These tickets also included seats to a dress rehearsal of Idol. When producers saw her hysterical (yes, she cried through the dress rehearsal too), they jumped on that & gave her tickets to the live show. For the entire story, click here.

* photo courtesy of MTV.com

Real World: Note To Self - Don't Pee In Public (3/21/07)

Well, you got me, MTV. I really thought the castmates called the police on Tyrie after keeping Jazelle in a room she didn't want to be in. But, no, he took off down the street drunk, peed on the sidewalk, and got arrested. I definitely would not have called that as the reason why. After spending the night in "the drunk tank" (where many a RW cast member has been), he seemed very remorseful & upset by his actions. Noticeably missing from the episode was: Colie, Davis, and Brooke. Not sure why but check back for an interview with Brooke in the next few days to explain!

American Idol: Newsflash - Sanjaya's Still In! (3/21/07)

After 30 million votes, Stephanie gets voted out. I'm not surprised for a few reasons. She didn't have the chops that Lakisha & Melinda have. Also, I find her to be forgettable. She starts to blend in with other contestants from past seasons. I don't even know her last name. Hold on let me look it up ... *cue the musak version of "Girl From Ipanima"* ... annd I'm back. Edwards. Stephanie Edwards. However, despite an improvement from Haley & Sanjaya, they should've gone before Stephanie. What is Sanjaya's secret to staying? Any thoughts? Post a comment cause I'm still tryin to figure that mystery out. Just call me Nancy Drew. I'm on it.

Survivor: Somebody Hit The Reset Button (3/21/07)

Survivor ... you just earned 10 points from me. There aren't many words I enjoy hearing more besides, "Drop your buffs". A merge? Not so fast. A reorganization of tribes to be exact. Probst asked two tribe members to step forward and Edgardo & Earl stepped forward having no idea what was in store for them. A schoolyard pick took place and Lisi was left in the cold, sent to Exile Island. She was NOT happy about that ... basically telling Jeff she wanted to go home. (You should know, Lisi, that if you wanna go home, the tribe has no problem granting your wish. Better you than them.) Just like that, new tribes were formed, and players were back at square one forming alliances & getting to know one another again.

The new Ravu tribe seems like they'll be fine: Alex, Edgardo, Dreamz, Mookie, Rocky, and Anthony. Ravu went back to their old camp after a draw for buffs but did well catching fish & crabs. Rocky had one of the best lines of the night, "I love women. I love 'em. I love to touch 'em & make out & have conversation with 'em ... get along well. But um, ya know, in this time of environment, this time of game, you don't need any stupid like ... girl stories or distractions or any stupid things like that." As a woman, I should be offended. Instead, I laughed.

During the immunity challenge, an intense & close race ended with a a win for Moto. Shocking. I was expecting Ravu to take it easily. Back at camp, a debate ensued among Ravu as to who they would rather see go: Anthony or Rocky. At Tribal Council, tempers flared between the two. Rocky wanted Anthony to speak up & be honest about how he's feeling (odd man out syndrome) and even Jeff jumped on board prying into how Anthony really felt about his fellow tribemates. As amusing as Rocky is, I actually sided with Anthony here. Good for Anthony for finally standing up & fighting to stay in the game. And in the end, Anthony ended up getting voted out. I was sure it would be Rocky for his big mouth.

Good for you, Survivor. Lots of twists in tonight's episode. Keep it up.

* Photo courtesy of cbs.com

Gas Up The Tucson! I'm Goin to Nashville!

I am hoping to be headed south this summer, people ... to the REALITY CONVENTION! Here's info from their website:

The Second Annual Reality TV Convention is going to be held on Saturday, June 30 & Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee at the Radisson Hotel at Opryland (http://www.radisson.com/nashvilletn).

The hotel has agreed to offer a special convention rate of $89 on a limited number of rooms, which will be available starting Wednesday, February 14, 2007. To get the discounted rate, you must give the promotional code "REALTV" when booking your room.

Ticket price is $10 per day and will be sold at the door. A limited number of two day passes will be sold online through March 30 at an early bird special price of $15. Tickets will not be mailed out so there is no postage charge. If you purchase online, your name along with number of tickets purchased will be on a VIP Guest list at the door, allowing you to bypass the ticket line.

Visit the official Reality TV Convention MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/realitytvconvention

SURVIVOR: SPECIAL TIME TONIGHT

Good thing I looked at AOL's TV page or I might've missed this. From their site:


Don't worry, you're looking at the right day. 'Survivor' is on Wednesday this week thanks to March Madness. About halfway through the season, 'Fiji' shakes things up by realigning the two tribes. Moto's been living large in their luxurious camp, but how will some of them fare when forced to live in Ravu's hellhole? And when two strong castaways are paired together, will anyone be able to challenge them?


Here are some other things to look forward to tonight:

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL: "The Girl Who Changes Her Attitude" - STRIKE A POSE - Watch out Madonna! The girls learn the art of posing with "vogueing" superstar Benny Ninja. The competition takes a nearly impossible turn during a high-tech mission where the models are challenged to duck, dive and pose through a laser maze.

TOP DESIGN: Bravo's "Top Design" is a real pressure cooker as the final five designers face their toughest challenge yet in an all-new episode. Even the carpenters feel the heat, as the contestants scramble to design a chef's private dining room, a space best suited for intimate social gatherings.


My DVR is on overload tonight, here's the lineup:
8PM CBS SURVIVOR (special time)
8PM CW AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
9PM FOX AMERICAN IDOL (results)
10PM ABC LOST (my favorite non-reality show)
10PM MTV THE REAL WORLD
10:30PM MTV ROAD RULES
11PM BRAVO TOP DESIGN (runs new at 10PM & 11PM)

American Idol: What Was The Deal With That Girl? (3/20/07)

Last night was music from the British pop invasion. Apparently, the Beatles don't allow their catalog since nobody sang a song by them. But way to feature them in the opening video. For a minute, I got excited.



Ok well first, let me call that Haley or Phil is going home tonight. Sorry, TwoCents, but I think Sanjaya is here to stay another week. I actually think his rendition of "You Really Got Me" was in fact his best performance to date. Is he good enough for Top 12? No but he DID improve and I didn't think he was the worst. So, I think America is going to be seeing him another week. For me, Blake is still the winner. Give that kid a piano & a backup band and I'd buy his CD tomorrow. And he's the only contestant I can say that about. Is Melinda amazing? YES. But what can record execs do with her? I just don't see how she's marketable though she is, without question, the most talented singer there. But stranger things have happened. I feel that Idol needs a marketable winner after Reuben, Fantasia, and Taylor. 2 for 5 is not a great record. Yet 30 million people watch every week. Go figure. I wouldn't be shocked if Stephanie left either.

Now on to the little girl. I didn't get why she was crying so hard or why nobody around her was trying to console her. That had to be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever witnessed in my life. And the cameramen were on her the ENTIRE time. That girl is gonna have to live with that for the rest of her life. You cried over SANJAYA. What the hell is going on? You can see the clip here.

In Case You Care...

Krishtine won the coveted position of contributing editor for Rolling Stone on MTV's "I'm With Rolling Stone". To tell the truth, I watched the first two episodes and then could never figure out when the hell it was on. It aired late at night or random times during the day & my DVR couldn't seem to figure out when the first-run episodes would air. So I missed the whole season. But kudos to MTV for once again offering an awesome opportunity to a bunch of people who can't get it together. I guess of all those people, Krishtine got it together the most ... I GUESS. You can read their articles here.

Dancing With The People I Used To Watch & Listen To 10 Years Ago

So ... I may have made an error in calling the winners (Ian/Cheryl). Because I totally forgot about The Fat One aka Joey Fatone. Just like with Mario Lopez & Joe Lawrence ... a LITTLE unfair that a guy with extensive dance training (do you hear me, Drew Lachey?) gets to compete against Cliff from Cheers (did he get work done?). I get that the dance training was hip hop but he's very accustomed to picking up things quickly & executing it well. He WAS great and I actually like The Fat One so I'm gonna pull for him to go far. I'd think the former model will do well(Paulina?) but she's not as well known as the rest. Billy Ray Cyrus said he never danced before ... uhhh, how about the Achey Breaky Heart, Billy? That was dancing! :) When he almost ripped Karina's wig off her head, I couldn't help but laugh. It's really interesting to me that pseudo-celebrities would subject themselves to harsh judging on national television. I guess EVERYONE loves reality television. I know I do. Final thought - I hope Shandi & her partner Brian do well in this competition. I think they'll be good tv. The couples are back dancing next Monday at 8 (another 2 hours - damn you DVR!) and then the results will be on Tuesday at 9 on ABC.

P.S. If you don't understand what all the dances are (cause I don't), ABC breaks it down for you HERE.

A Reality Check From Andrea Lowell

Yes, kiddies. I have secured my first interview - none of than the beautiful Andrea Lowell from Playboy & VH1's "The Surreal Life: Fame Games". Here, she sounds off on coming back for another season, Vanilla Ice's temper, and her future plans!

What was it like being back to "The Surreal Life"? Are you glad you did it a 2nd time? I am glad I did the Fame Games because I really learned a lot from the other cast members. It was very stressful at times and you learn to cope with the pressures of being a celebrity. I knew going in that I was the least famous of the bunch. Each cast member left me with useful tools about being famous that I will hopefully get to use in the near future!

Do you think you've gotten a whole new fan base from appearing on VH1? I have met a lot of fans who liked me on TSL. I get a lot of girls who write to me and tell me they are proud of me for not augmenting my chest and being who I am and not looking back, but keep looking forward. I have a lot of young, aspiring models ask me for advice, which I think is verrry cool! I also get a lot of guys who are stoked to meet me, as well!

Your bio says you studied acting. Are you hoping to become a serious actress? No, acting is not my ultimate goal. I definitely can act, but I prefer being a host and interviewing people on red-carpets. I am not too much into scripted roles, but I have worked on numerous plays, TV shows, and a few movies. I have gotten offers since the show and have taken all of them! haha! I currently host The Playboy Morning Show on SIRIUS 198 and am LOVING it! I get paid to talk, what could be better!

What is the deal with Vanilla Ice's meltdown on the season finale? Is it as scary as it looks on tv? Rob's temper is actually MUCH scarier in person. You can see the veins bulging, the steam coming out of his ears, etc. But the great thing about Rob is he always apologizes. He struggles with his temper and I think when he sees it on TV, he will try to work on it even more. I mean, look how much he has improved since his first season of TSL!

What's next for Andrea? Just to continue to be happy and maintain a regular work schedule. I am fortunate to have been afforded the opportunities I experienced the past 2 years and I am so thankful to everyone who supports me. I am also going to be working on my website, www.BeautifulAndrea.com (18 and over, though, kiddies!!). Thanks so much!

ROMBER! COME BACK!

Do you miss Rob & Amber as much as I do? Last night's, Amazing Race: All Stars just didn't do it for me without the Marianos there to stir things up. You can read their exit interview with TVGuide here.

Here's an excerpt:
TV Guide: Did you shed a tear during the letter-sorting? It looked like your eyes were red.
Amber: [Laughs] They were probably just red from not sleeping for the past week.
Rob: Yeah, I wasn't crying. Believe me.

Preview: Dancing With The Stars (3/19/07)

Damn you, Dancing With The Stars. You premiered Season 1 during the summer ... which is where you should stay. My DVR is already set to "Prison Break" for me and "Everybody Hates Chris" for my son in tonight's 8pm time slot but you had to roll in and throw off my plans. Despite the fact that "Dancing With The STARS" has an ironic title ... it should be called, "Dancing With People You Used To Listen To Or Watch 10 Years Ago" ... I always end up getting roped in. Although, I much prefer "So You Think You Can Dance" because those people actually CAN. My money is going on Ian Ziering & Cheryl Burke. She's won twice previously with Drew Lachey & Emmit Smith. And who doesn't love Steve Sanders? Dancing With The Stars kicks off with a 2 hour premiere tonight at 8pm EST on ABC.

Who's ready for the Pasa Doble?

Grease: You're NOT The One That I Want (3/18/07)

Ok so I watch it anyway. But that's because I really thought Chad & Laura were going to win. Yet, Chad was booted weeks ago leaving me with Austin (an already professional actor ... ummm why is he on this show?), Max ("Slacker Danny" - I hate the nicknames), Ashley (there were two Ashleys - she's one of them), and Laura (a little too put together & rehearsed but I could see her in the part). The show is completely cheesy & I wonder why Tony-award winner Kathleen Marshall wanted to be part of it. Oh yeah ... $$$ Next week is the finals & we'll find out who is going to play Danny & Sandy on Broadway. If I was a Broadway actor, I'd be pissed. It's hard enough to get a job without reality tv stepping in. Yes, I'm going against reality tv for a minute. But sometimes, you just have to shake your head at it. By the way, did anybody catch Austin's face after Max's interview tape where he talked about bell pallsy? He looked at him like, "Dude!" because Max just solidified himself with that story. Big Boo Austin. And yes, I cried during Max's tape.

P.S. I'm calling it now that some of these kids make it into the cast of Grease anyway as chorus members.