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Fess Parker, TV’s Davy Crockett, dead at 85
The article notes that Parker was plucked by Disney to star in the 1950s series after appearing in the giant-ant horror classic, “Them!” Details of Parker’s career and post-Hollywood life, including efforts in real estate and wine making, can be found by clicking here.
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‘American Idol’ week four: Results
America blew it.
It was bound to happen — and sooner than later — but that doesn’t make it any better. Lacey Brown and her sweet voice were sent packing Wednesday night, the first casualties of the “now they’re all singing together” boys and girls Top 12 mash up.
Let me go on the record: I think the “judges save” option “Idol” tossed in a few years ago is cruel. For starters, there’s no chance the judges are going to use it on the first night, so that means that whoever gets voted off by America is set up to be rejected twice. And then there’s the fact that the judges are not even paying attention to the performance — the “Idol” cameras close in on them smirking and joking while a contestant is on stage singing for his or her life.
I do like that the exiting contestant gets the choice of which of their past performances they’d like to repeat, and I enjoyed hearing Lacey’s rendition of “The Story” again. But the judge’s save option is clearly just a tool for the producers to say, at some point, “Yeah, America, we hear you, but this contestant is ‘too pretty/popular/good for the show’ to let go, so no.”
Anyhow, America, enjoy watching/listening to goofy Tim Urban caterwaul through another embarrassing performance next week. You’ve earned it.
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‘American Idol’ week four: Top 12
“Idol’s” lackluster Top 12 took on The Rolling Stones last night, with predictably average results. Honestly, the entire field is so bland that’s it’s impossible to predict who’ll go home based on talent (or lack thereof) so it becomes a guessing game based on audience response and who is probably doing the majority of voting.
Katie Stevens, for instance, should have been gone weeks ago, but the producers keep putting her center stage and the tweens in the crowd go nuts when she so much as bats a precocious, overly-confident eyelash.Casey James is being positioned as a sex bomb, but Lee Dewyze’s sensitive-guy act is playing gangbusters on the Internet. Lilly Scott’s untimely and probably unjust departure gives Siobhan Magnus more latitude to get weirder and weirder.
So, while this season is not particularly entertaining as a singing competition, it is relatively interesting as a science project.
Clearly, I can’t get no satisfaction. Here’s the roundup:
Michael Lynche, “Miss You.”
Lynche seems more and more like the guy to beat, doesn’t he? His high-register performance was enlightening, and didn’t leave the judges asking, “What’s a matter witchoo, boy?”
“At some point I’m going to be disappointed, but not yet,” Ellen.
Grade: B
Did Benami, “Play with Fire.”
Wow, Didi goes dark. Okay, we won’t play with you this week, and we hope Seacrest keeps his mitts off of you, too.
“That was one of your best performances. You’re on fire,” Randy
Grade: B-
Casey James, “It’s All Over Now.”
Here comes my 19th nervous breakdown. This was tuneless, the guitar playing was unspectacular and Casey’s voice sounded weak and thin.
“For me, that was like an audition performance,” Simon
Grade: C
Lacey Brown, “Ruby Tuesday.”
I’ll hang a name on you, Lacey: Underachiever. This song kind of sounded like it could have been performed in the lounge of a Ruby Tuesday’s and the speeding up of “still I’m gonna’ miss you” smacked of gimmickry. Not my favorite performance from one of my favorite performers.
“It was 50-50 for me,” Kara
Grade: C+
Andrew Garcia, “Gimmee Shelter.”
Nobody’s giving you anything, Andrew. You’ve got to earn it. I’m about ready to admit that i was wrong about Andrew. If he can’t pull it together, and fast, he really will be this season’ Danny Gokey.
“It was just pitchy everywhere, it wasn’t great,” Randy
Grade: C-
Katie Stevens, “Wild Horses.”
Finally a decent performance from the little filly. What else is there to say? She is very … competent.
“You made some nice variations on the melody,” Kara
Grade: B-
Tim Urban, “Under My Thumb.”
You know what’s under my thumb, reggae mon? The fast forward button on my remote. That was a big mistake.
“I felt like I was at a resort, drinking a pina colada,” Ellen
Grade: D
Siobhan Magnus, “Paint it Black.”
The Mad Magazine version of this would be called “Paint it Blechh.” Mine too, kinda. The judges went nuts over this, but I thought it was weird, screechy and not great (and I’m a big fan). And I’m not sure a comparison to Adam Lambert a particularly good thing.
“It was the standout performance of the night,” Kara
Grade: C-
Lee Dewyze, “Beast of Burden.”
Lee is totally playing the sensitive guy card and, according to Twitter trending topics, it’s totally working. Bonus: it sounded like Lee finally hit most of the notes.
“Dude I thought it was dope,” Randy
Grade: B-
Paige Miles, “Honkey Tonk Woman.”
She blew some notes and didn’t blow my mind. Or, probably, her chances. Suffering from laryngitis, Paige found her voice. Kinda’.
“You did alright with it; I liked it,” Randy
Grade: C
Aaron Kelly, “Angie.”
I was really expecting to hate this and ended up liking it quite a lot. I’m not a fan, but the judges were right in praising Aaron’s song choice. But what’s with all the “sittin’ on the staircase singing” performances? I know they’ve got a big, new set and everything, but I can totally see the producers saying, “the staircase is cool! get them to use the staircase more!”
“I beat you up last week, but you showed me this week,” Kara
Grade: B
Crystal Bowersox, “Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
It wasn’t inspired, but I guess I can’t always get what I — oh, never mind. Man, Crystal can sing, but I have to take half a grade off because she gave a shout-out to someone in the crowd with a “Mama Sox” sign. Man, that’s annoying. Please don’t embrace that; it will make me like you less.
“This was the first time when I think you were beaten by someone,” Simon
Grade: B
Should go: Tim Urban Will go: Tim Urban
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KEYE schedules SXSW-related music performances
Here’s who’s playing this week on KEYE (all performances in the 4:00 p.m. hour during “We Are Austin Live”).
Wednesday, March 17
The Law
Melissa McClellan and Luke Doucet
The Makepeace Brothers
Thursday, March 18
Diane Birch
James Burton
Runaways’ Mgr.
Beatles Ukele
Check out the list of bands playing on Fox 7 and KXAN by clicking here.
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SXSW bands on local TV
Lots of bands are appearing on the local network affiliates this week in conjunction with the South by Southwest Music Festival. We put out a call for bookings; here are the responses. We’ll add more listings as the stations make them available.
KTBC, FOX 7
Wednesday, March 17th
Everything, Everything (7am hour)
Will Sexton & Sahara Smith (8am hour)
Thursday, March 18th
Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights (7am hour)
Never Shout Never (8 am hour)
Danny Malone (noon show)
Friday, March 19th
The Watson Twins (7am hour)
Fishtank Ensemble (8 am hour)
Casino (noon show)
KXAN (all performances on the noon show)
Wednesday, March 17
Daphne Willis
Thursday, March 18
Theory of Flight
Friday, March 19
Tara Holloway & Creed Bratton (as in, Creed, from “The Office”)
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This week’s TV picks
The ‘South Park’ gang takes on Tiger Woods in the 14th season opener Wednesday night on Comedy Central.
Monday:
‘HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2010’ 7 p.m., HGTV: Have you seen all the commercials this channel has been running with the blocky, expensive. Pueblo-style New Mexico home? Tonight, a lucky winner gets to move in.
Tuesday:
‘American Idol’ 7 p.m., Fox: The top 12 perform tonight in the real beginning of this year’s competition.
‘Quintuplet Surprise’ 9 p.m. TLC: Helpful hint: If y’all want me to watch a show about babies, don’t give it a title that sounds like a T.G.I.Fridays menu special.
‘Justified’ 9 p.m., FX: Timothy Oliphant plays a big-town lawman exiled to small-town Kentucky as FX takes on Elmore Leonard in this series premiere.
Wednesday:
‘America’s Next Top Model’ 7 p.m., The CW: The first contestant is eliminated following a nude photo shoot. Hmm … I always thought modeling involved clothing.
‘South Park’ 9 p.m., Comedy Central: Stan, Kenny, Kyle and Cartman kick off Season 14.
Thursday:
‘Flash Forward’ 7 p.m., ABC: At least one question will be answered tonight … does anybody remember or care about this show anymore?
‘Roy Orbison: In Dreams’ 7 p.m., PBS: Contemporaries and admirers reflect upon the life and career of the solo singer and Traveling Wilbury.
‘Parks and Recreation’ 7:30 p.m., NBC: For those of you who keep telling me how much better this show is this season, I have four words to shut you up: guest starring Andy Samberg.
Friday:
‘Thin Ice’ 7 p.m., ABC: Let’s just cut to the chase and call this, ‘So You Think You Can Skate?’ Katarina Witt is a celebrity judge.
Saturday:
‘Healing Hands’ 8 p.m., Hallmark: Okay, I don’t usually recommend Hallmark original movies about people whose brushes with death render them able to heal by touch, but I’m pretty sure that this is the only new show on tonight, so have at it.
Sunday:
‘Life’ 7 p.m., Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, Science: The spectacular new wildlife documentary series debuts with extreme stories of survival. Another episode follows at 8 p.m.
‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ 7 p.m., ABC: Christian Slater helps Ty rebuild a house ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers stop by, although I can’t imagine why.
‘The Pacific’ 8 p.m., HBO: Part two covers the 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal through the end of 1942.
‘Breaking Bad’ 9 p.m., AMC: Season 3 premiere.
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Actor Peter Graves dead at 83
Besides special agent Jim Phelps, Graves portrayed a Nazi spy in 1953’s “Stalag 17” and had a career-reviving role as Clarence Oveur in 1980’s disaster spoof, “Airplane!” His first TV role was on the Australian-filmed children’s show, “Fury,” about an orphan and his wild horse.
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Alternate timelines: Our favorite shows get ‘Lost’
My TV column today played off the idea of “Lost’s” alternate timelines. I and my newsroom colleagues came up with too many to fit in print, so here are the remainder. You can read the original story by clicking here.
“Project Runway”
In the alternate timeline, “Project: Runway” is called “Project: Run, Away,” which combines designing clothing with the action-packed drama of “The Running Man.”
Each week, designers attempt to design outfits that allow them to travel a course around New York the fastest. The twist is that each week, they have to design for another designer, so each designer wants to make something that could potentially slow someone else down, knowing that, in turn, someone is also designing something to slow them down. Their only ally is host Tim “Gun” Gunn, who provides them with design advice and small arms. They are pursued each week by a panel of judges trying to kill them: Michael Kors travels by private car service; his car has a turret shaped like his head from which he lobs Molotov cocktails which he calls “constructive criticism.”
Nina Garcia gives contestants misinformation through the Marie Claire website; contestants never know if she is on their side or not. Heidi Klum tries to kill the designers via helicopter; “The Ride of the Valkyries” plays whenever she is on the screen. Contestants are “safe” for the week if they complete the circuit around the city in one hour without being killed - last designer standing wins. This becomes the most popular show of all time.
— Joe Gross
“The Tonight Show”
In the alternate timeline for this show, frequent “Tonight Show” guest host Jay Leno hid in a closet to eavesdrop on a meeting of NBC bigwigs who were planning to install David Letterman, instead of him, to replace the retiring Johnny Carson. Unfortunately for Leno, failed Fox late night host Chevy Chase was already hiding inside. The pair was discovered when Leno, in the dark, stepped on Chase’s foot, leading him to execute a pratfall and yell, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” Letterman got the “Tonight Show” and Leno started a competing show at CBS. Dave routinely trounced Jay in the ratings until a Hollywood prostitute appeared on Leno’s CBS show in 1995 to beg public forgiveness for her indiscretions with actor Hugh Grant.
Letterman’s “Tonight Show” never recovered in the ratings and a second round of late night wars broke out in 2009 when NBC convinced the still-living Carson to come out of retirement and reclaim the “Tonight Show” desk. Denizens of the Internet quickly pledged their allegiance to either Team Dave or Team Johnny. The disenfranchised Letterman is currently mulling a revolutionary move to a 9 p.m. weekday prime time slot; Conan O’Brien still hosts “Late Night,” Craig Ferguson follows Jay on CBS; and Jimmy Fallon flips burgers at a Carl’s Jr. in Joplin, Missouri, where he regularly cracks himself up.
— Dale Roe
“Damages”
Patty Hewes has decided to forsake her high-powered work as a plaintiffs attorney and goes to work as counsel for a small environmental non-profit in upstate New York. When her two employees call in sick on April Fool’s Day, she is left to manage the office on her own. She realizes she must make her own coffee, but she is helpless in her search for the filters. Cut to two months later: There is a coffee deliveryman exiting from his van on the street below her office window. Patty calls into the lobby to see if anyone can buzz him up. As she makes her way to her office door to see why nobody has responded, two grackles fly at her. Racing from them, she falls from the office window and wakes up to discover she is still in bed. But it’s now seven months earlier and she’s forgotten to ‘fall back’ an hour, so she is late for work. She calls a car service to pick her up and take her to work, but when nobody answers, Uncle Pete’s voice comes on the voicemail. She slams the receiver down as a knock comes at her door. She opens it to find only a newspaper with a picture of Ellen Parsons staring back at her. The caption reads, “Ellen Parsons and Tom Shayes know what you did.” Suddenly, Rip Torn appears and dumps a bucket of confetti on her head. Patty begins to cry. But coffee has replaced her tears.
— Matthew Odam
“30 Rock”
In the alternate timeline for “30 Rock,” Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), never having found success as the head writer for “TGS,” is stuck doing scripts for B-movies. She’s hired by mega-star rapper/actor Tracy Jordan to write a film adaptation of Jordan’s hit song “Werewolf Bah Mitzvah,” where she meets Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski), who is cast as the werewolf’s love interest. Frustrated by Jordan’s insistence of staying in werewolf character throughout the production, Lemon quits to develop her own comedy show. She invites Maroney to join her, and the two approach microwave mogul Jack Donaghy, who Maroney knows through her work on microwave infomercials, to fund the project. The pilot is picked up by NBC, but Donaghy insists that the show can only continue if Jordan, who has signed with Donaghy as a microwave spokesman, joins the cast and the name is changed from “The Girlie Show” to “Werewolf Bah Mitzvah Hour.” Lemon refuses to cooperate and quits, and Donaghy instead hires trucker-hat wearing Frank (Judah Friedlander) as head writer. Lemon signs a contract to air the show on an internet television station run by Kenneth Parcell, who has found a wide-reaching audience with his online show “Gold Case.” The show becomes a runaway hit. Lemon meets world-famous archer Pete Hornberger at the Emmy Awards; the two marry, move to Cleveland and have three children.
— Peter Mongillo
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So what’s the TV guy doing at SXSW Interactive?
I am covering some TV-related panels at SXSW Interactive. We’re trying to keep all of our SXSW Interactive coverage in one place, and that’s over on my colleague Omar Gallaga’s Digital Savant blog.
I will post links here to the panel reviews I publish over there. Got it?
Here’s a review of a panel I just attended called “How Sci-Fi Shapes the Internet.” It was presented by Adria Richards of butyoureagirl.com and attended by about 200 festival-goers.
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Those guys on bikes? They’re from Fox
Fox has a street campaign going on around the fringes of the South by Southwest Interactive festival. If you see several guys wearing business suits and riding bikes, chances are good they’re promoting the new Fox comedy “Sons of Tucson.”
Of course, you probably got that from the helmets and large bike flag’s emblazoned with the show’s title. It’s a funny gimmick, but it’s not usually a good sign when your promotion is funnier than your show.
“Sons of Tucson” hits Fox on Sunday night.
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‘American Idol’ week three: Results
Well, that was a shock.
Are you happy now, “Idol” judges? Remember how I chastised you after Tuesday’s show — how I told you that you weren’t doing Lilly Scott any favors by continuing to indulge her “quirkiness?”
Thanks a lot. Now I’ve got at least one-more week of listening to 60-year-old lounge singer trapped in a 16-year-old-body Katie Stevens.
Sigh.
Maybe I’m just cranky because I fared so poorly in the guessing game this week. Here’s what I predicted:
Girls
Should go: Katie Stevens, Paige Miles
Will go: Paige Miles, Lacey Brown
Guys
Should go: Todrick Hall, Andrew Garcia
Will go: Todrick Hall, Aaron Kelly
This week’s eliminated contestants are Katelyn Epperly, Lilly Scott, Todrick Hall and Alex Lambert, making me 1 for 4. Ouch. (It’s all about me, you know).
Scott’s elimination was certainly the surprise of the night. Week after week, the judges have built her up as a front-runner and the one to beat. They went so far as to call her a game-changer, saying that from this point out, future contestants would feel free to embrace their quirk and be themselves.
Not if they want to win, apparently.
I liked Scott okay, but I was never on her bandwagon the way the “Idol” judges were. I think Simon finally realized just how badly he and his fellow judges were setting Scott up when he finally questioned her horrible Tuesday song choice (“I Fall to Pieces”).
Scott appeared completely shocked and then really angry when Ryan Seacrest announced her departure. Asked to explain America’s vote, she all but said that she had done exactly what the judges asked and received zero constructive criticism.
Her ouster finally managed to wring some emotion out of stoic front-runner Crystal Bowersox, whose face was scrunched up in an unsuccessful “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry” grimace. I’m not sure if Bowersox was genuinely sad to see her only real competition go — realizing that she now had to spend weeks with all these other tools — or if she suddenly realized that if Scott could be sent packing, she could very possibly be next. Whatever. There was something especially sad about seeing her break down like that.
I wasn’t too surprised by the other eliminations. I suspected Hall would be ousted, but I think his departure, along with Scott’s, is setting up a mighty bland rest-of-the-season. I’m okay with Epperly and Lambert leaving (and I’m actually glad that Miles and, especially, Brown survived) but Katie Stevens … you’re on notice.
Here’s what I wrote about this week’s exiting competitors:
“I Feel the Earth Move”
Remember Beatlemania — not the phenomenon, but the tribute band/Broadway show that toured the nation years ago? “It’s not the Beatles, but an incredible simulation!” the ads blared from my television. That was Katelyn tonight, except it was more like “Kingmania!” Katelyn sounded and looked like Carole King, which would have been great had this been a celebrity impersonating contest. I thought she did great last week, but this was definitely a step backwards.
What the judges said:
“It all kind of felt very put on for me,” Randy
“It just wasn’t enough,” Ellen
“I didn’t feel like you were competing tonight on that stage,” Kara
“It was kind of like request night on a Friday night in a restaurant,” Simon
My grade: C-
“I Fall To Pieces”
I didn’t get that at all. Here’s what bothers me about the “Idol” judges … if anybody else had given that performance, they would have torn the contestant apart — complaining about how she should have been more current and relevant, blah blah blah. But the judges love Lilly because she’s “quirky.” Meh. The vocals were okay, but the quirk is starting to annoy me; I can’t see anybody buying that song. Plus, she is like a giant, so I initially thought that the mandolin she was playing was a full-size guitar her Amazonian body was just dwarfing, which distracted me.
What the judges said:
“I think you’re in the zone right now,” Randy
“Loved it, love you,” Ellen
“You kind of made Patsy Cline seem current,” Kara
“That didn’t have the wow factor,” Simon
My grade: C+
“Somebody To Love”
Okay, Todrick’s got a big, theatrical voice, so this should have been a great song choice for him. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite have the chops to back it up. Todrick’s in a tough position, because the judges keep telling the contestants to be themselves, but they don’t like the kind of showtuney singers Todrick represents. I think that’s why he held back so much. It was good, but not great. I think these guys need to remember that America is making the call now, not a quarter of contradictory and confused judges. Forget about them, Todrick … just entertain us. You can do it.
What the judges said:
“Todrick is back!” Randy
“You are a brave, brave young man,” Ellen
“There were moments where I didn’t know to laugh at it or to love it,” Kara
“You’re a Broadway singer,” Simon
My grade: C+
“Trouble”
Oh, “Idol” judges, you’re doing it again — building up false hopes. You know there’s no way this kid is going to win, but there you are, Kara, telling him the only thing standing between him and winning is himself. He’s certainly gotten better, but there’s no way he’s going to beat these guys, not to mention the superior (but still mostly lackluster) girls. I understand that this year’s field is so weak that y’all tend to go overboard with enthusiasm whenever you catch a tiny glimpse of originality or talent but, really … think before you gush.
What the judges said:
“I felt like you could have done a little more with it,” Randy
“You’re becoming a mushy banana; you’re ripening so fast,” Ellen
“You’re not in it; you’re not letting go up there,” Kara
“We’ve never ever seen you relaxed or having a good time,” Simon
My grade: C+
Next week your Top 12 take on The Rolling Stones. Yikes.
Did America make the right call? Did your favorite get dismissed? Who should go next? Sound off!
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Conan tour coming to Austin
UPDATE: The sole Austin date is already sold out. Additional performances are being added in other cities; we’ll let you know if that happens here. Stay tuned.
The Wrap is reporting that Conan O’Brien’s “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour” will hit Austin on May 14.
The tour, kicking off April 12 in Eugene, Oregon, is expected to last two months and land the ousted “Tonight Show” host in up to 30 cities. The performances will consist of “a night of music, comedy, hugging, and the occasional awkward silence,” the article says, and will feature sidekick Andy Richter and members of O’Brien’s “Tonight Show” band.
O’Brien will perform at the Austin Music Hall. Ticket packages range from $39.50 to a whopping $695 for a meet-and-greet package which includes: Front row center orchestra ticket; meet & greet; photo opportunity; autographed item; access to sound check; pre-show cocktail reception; parking (where available); exclusive merchandise item; collectible laminate; onsite event management staff.
Tickets can be purchased here.
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‘American Idol’ week three: Top 8 guys
Wow. Now that was amazing. I never thought I’d see anything that entertaining this season. It literally made me get up off the couch and jump up and down. It was pretty freaking great.
Unfortunately, it was the extended “Iron Man 2” trailer that ran in the middle of — and served as a welcome respite from — the main event; The “Idol” guys were pretty much as lame as you’d expect. I mean, okay … there was a lot of improvement, but still: Does anybody really stand out in this crowd? Do you honestly think that any of these lunks has a chance to beat any of the slightly more talented female contestants? Would any of them still be here at this point in any other season you can remember?
Okay, maybe Michael Lynche, who seems to be the real deal. Lynche aside, I don’t understand all of the accolades for these performances from judges, viewers and the press. I seem to be the odd man out.
Let’s get to it:
“Fireflies”
Lee really changed this song up in an interesting way. Unfortunately, he’s still having trouble hitting the right notes. That appealing, raspy quality in his voice is only going to carry him so far when all you can concentrate on is the way he misses every third note.
What the judges said:
“You made it work, man,” Randy
“I like that you made it a little rock,” Ellen
“You actually made the song a better song,” Kara
“There’s nothing to rave about after that,” Simon
My grade: C
“Trouble”
Oh, “Idol” judges, you’re doing it again — building up false hopes. You know there’s no way this kid is going to win, but there you are, Kara, telling him the only thing standing between him and winning is himself. He’s certainly gotten better, but there’s no way he’s going to beat these guys, not to mention the superior (but still mostly lackluster) girls. I understand that this year’s field is so weak that y’all tend to go overboard with enthusiasm whenever you catch a tiny glimpse of originality or talent but, really … think before you gush.
What the judges said:
“I felt like you could have done a little more with it,” Randy
“You’re becoming a mushy banana; you’re ripening so fast,” Ellen
“You’re not in it; you’re not letting go up there,” Kara
“We’ve never ever seen you relaxed or having a good time,” Simon
My grade: C+
“Hallelujah”
Ellen: please read my Alex Lambert critique, above. Jumping over the judges’ table and running up onto the stage to give Greg Brady a hug? Sigh. “Hallelujah” is a song title, Ellen, not a stage direction. It was certainly Tim’s best performance, but that’s not saying much. And, seriously, if I never hear that song again, I will be a happy man.
What the judges said:
“I think you did a pretty good job, Tim,” Randy
“That was fantastic; you sounded so good,” Ellen
“I actually think you’re kind of in it,” Kara
“Very, very smart with that song,” Simon
My grade: B-
“Genie In A Bottle”
Ew. Who pulled the cork? Was it Kara? It was, wasn’t it? Her constant reminiscing about that Paula Abdul song you did in Hollywood week pushed you over the edge and forced you to try and make lightning strike twice. I guess it doesn’t matter whose fault it is as long as you get back in that bottle. That was just desperate and weird. Seriously — you’re now giving Siobhan Magnus a run for the weird money, and that’s really saying something.
What the judges said:
“You made it feel like the whole song was three notes,” Randy
“The genie came out of the bottle too late,” Ellen
“You’re in a hard position because you peaked so early,” Kara
“It was a little bit desperate, I thought,” Simon
My grade: C-
“You’ll Think Of Me”
There was nothing really wrong with this, but it was boring and forgettable. I’m already having trouble remembering it. At least we were spared the lusty theatrics between Casey and Kara. I don’t think I heard the word “cougar” once.
What the judges said:
“I think it was a little bit of a safe choice,” Randy
“I thought it was great; I really liked it,” Ellen
“This was better than last week; it was honest,” Kara
“I think it made you sincere,” Simon
My grade: C+
“I’m Already There”
I know Simon looks younger, but he’s pushing 60, right? I’m just wondering if he’s starting to show symptoms of dementia, because after weeks of scolding the younger contestants for singing songs that are way too old for them, he totally attacked Kara for telling Aaron that this song was way too old for him. Isn’t anybody ever going to call Simon out on this crap? Anybody except Seacrest, I mean — he tries but, honestly, that’s about as effective as Colmes tackling Hannity. Huh? Aaron? Oh, right … Kara called it. this was a ridiculous song choice.
What the judges said:
“Job well done,” Randy
“I really thought that was a tough song for you,” Ellen
“That song — you’re 16 years old. How can you feel a connection to it?” Kara
“It wasn’t a great vocal, but it had emotion,” Simon
My grade: D
“Somebody To Love”
Okay, Todrick’s got a big, theatrical voice, so this should have been a great song choice for him. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite have the chops to back it up. Todrick’s in a tough position, because the judges keep telling the contestants to be themselves, but they don’t like the kind of showtuney singers Todrick represents. I think that’s why he held back so much. It was good, but not great. I think these guys need to remember that America is making the call now, not a quarter of contradictory and confused judges. Forget about them, Todrick … just entertain us. You can do it.
What the judges said:
“Todrick is back!” Randy
“You are a brave, brave young man,” Ellen
“There were moments where I didn’t know to laugh at it or to love it,” Kara
“You’re a Broadway singer,” Simon
My grade: C+
“This Woman’s Work”
I totally understand Kara bursting into tears at the end of this number; I was crying, too. They might have been tears of joy that Ellen stayed in her chair and didn’t jump on Lynch’s back, challenging Simon and Kara (who were all over each other all night anyway) to a chicken fight. Perhaps they were tears of relief that the night was finally over. Whatever. That was clearly the best performance of the night, but there’s no way it should have brought anybody to tears. Anyway, Kara, Didi Benami’s already got dibs on the crying thing this season.
What the judges said:
“It was dope; it was unbelievable,” Randy
“Oh my God, that was so beautiful. You are the one to beat now,” Ellen
“As a woman who doesn’t have a child I can relate to it so much. It brought me to tears,” Kara
“You 100 percent nailed it. It was the best performance we’ve had of all these live shows so far,” Simon
My grade: A
Should go: Todrick Hall, Andrew Garcia
Will go: Todrick Hall, Aaron Kelly
Agree? Disagree? Sound off!
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Ticking gets louder on ‘24’ cancellation rumors
It’s no secret that “24” has seen better days, but has the Fox drama seen its final day?
Variety reports that an impending announcement will mark the end of the show’s eight-season run on Fox. Critical drubbing, along with rising production costs and “diminishing returns” are cited in the article as probable factors for the cancellation.
But just as Jack Bauer has often risen from the grave, there are possible avenues for an extension of the franchise, including feature films or a move to another network (NBC has expressed interest).
What do you think? Is it time for jack to pack? How would the concept translate to a 90-minute film?
Sound off!
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Wes Hayden slams Jake and Vienna
Austin’s Wes Hayden is talking to the tabloids about his old “Bachelorette” nemesis, Jake Pavelka.
Pavelka, who went on to be chosen for “The Bachelor,” sent fans of that show into a tizzy by choosing Vienna Girardi over Tenley Molzahn on the show’s March 1 finale.
Hayden, a country musician who clashed with Pavelka on their season of “The Bachelorette,” told Life & Style magazine that he doesn’t think Pavelka and Girardi’s relationship is geuine.
“Do I think there’s going to be a marriage? I highly doubt it,” Hayden says in the magazine. “He said to me, ‘The reason I’m on the show is I want America to fall in love with me so I can be the next Bachelor.’”
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‘American Idol’ week three: Top 8 girls
Well, no medical dramas this week and the ladies went on as scheduled. Overall, the result was about what you’d expect. Some of the contestants slipped a little bit and there were some odd song choices, but it’s really becoming apparent how the final field is shaping up on the girls’ side. It’s getting to the point where we can tell who’s going to go and who’s going to stay based on the reaction of the studio audience. Katie Stevens and Paige Miles gave equally poor performances, but the audience loudly booed the judges’ critique of Katie, while Paige’s trouncing was greeted with an eerie silence.
One other note: it was really annoying how Kara kept throwing it back to the contestants … it seems kind of cruel to trash someone’s performance and then turn around and ask them how they feel about it. That’s Seacrest’s job (well, that and manhandling Didi Benami).
Okay, here’s this week’s roundup:
“Breakaway”
Okay, I know Katie’s not going anywhere, but she really needs to be sent packing. C’mon, America, I know she’s cute, in a precocious, “Legally Blonde” Reese Witherspoonish kind of way, but she is also completely evil, in a precocious, “Election” Reese Witherspoonish kind of way. And she has no idea what songs to choose. She was way off key tonight and her voice sounded uncharacteristically thin and weak. Send her home, please. Matthew Broderick will thank you. The producers put her in the lead off spot, so maybe she had a better rehearsal. As Katie’s peers would say, whatEVER.
What the judges said:
“It was almost like karaoke to me” Randy
“You were singing, but you weren’t feeling,” Ellen
“I don’t think you know who you are yet as an artist,” Kara
“You kind of sucked the energy out of it,” Simon
My grade: D
“House of the Rising Sun”
Siobhan brings it again; I’m calling her now as a dark horse. I was kind of sorry that they skipped the little introduction videos tonight, because each week I look forward to learning something new and totally weird about Siobhan. When they announced her song choice, I was like, “Hmm … really?” But it only took a split second for my fear to switch to extreme interest in what she would do with it and confidence that it would be something cool. It wasn’t as out there as I’d hoped it would be, but it was still really good, starting with a near a capella vibe, building into some nice power belting and then coming back down to a soulful, smokey croon. Well played, Ms. Magnus.
What the judges said:
“You take every risk, every chance” Randy
“You are why I love music; I was captivated,” Ellen
“Week to week I’m surprised by you,” Kara
“It was all a bit weird,” Simon
My grade: B
“The Story”
Well, that was Lacey’s best performance since Hollywood week, and I liked her last week, too. Lacey picked the perfect song for her voice and she really had fun with it. She seemed completely comfortable and totally in control. She was sweet and seductive and didn’t miss a single note. But I’m afraid that “Idol” voters might see it as too little, too late; I’m not sure she’s connected with America, but I hope so. So far, I think I would be more inclined to actually purchase music Lacey had recorded than that of any other contestant.
What the judges said:
“It’s your best performance for me in a long time,” Randy
“That song sounded like something that was written for you,” Ellen
“Effortless singing; I thought it was a brilliant choice,” Kara
“You sang it really, really well,” Simon
My grade: A-
“I Feel the Earth Move”
Remember Beatlemania — not the phenomenon, but the tribute band/Broadway show that toured the nation years ago? “It’s not the Beatles, but an incredible simulation!” the ads blared from my television. That was Katelyn tonight, except it was more like “Kingmania!” Katelyn sounded and looked like Carole King, which would have been great had this been a celebrity impersonating contest. I thought she did great last week, but this was definitely a step backwards.
What the judges said:
“It all kind of felt very put on for me,” Randy
“It just wasn’t enough,” Ellen
“I didn’t feel like you were competing tonight on that stage,” Kara
“It was kind of like request night on a Friday night in a restaurant,” Simon
My grade: C-
“Rhiannon”
I cringed upon learning that Didi was going to be covering Stevie Nicks (that hasn’t proved to be a particularly wise choice this season). But damn if she didn’t bring it. When Didi is on, she’s on, and she’s really got one of the most unique voices in the competition. She probably upped her game just so that Seacrest couldn’t lay his skeevy mitts all over her in the guise of consolation. I think Didi just saved herself from Ryan and America.
What the judges said:
“That’s the person we fell in love with in the first place,” Randy
“I thought that was a lovely performance,” Ellen
“One of my favorite moments of the show so far this season,” Kara
“Head and shoulders above anything else we’ve heard tonight,” Simon
“Don’t worry, I got the court order and will stay two feet away from you,” Seacrest (okay, I made that one up)
My grade: B
“Smile”
Ouch. Paige, oh, Paige … why would you choose that song at this point in the competition? It was just bad. It didn’t sound current at all, your vocals were all over the place. I think the judges’ common criticism this season that the contestants don’t know what kind of singer they want to be particularly applies to Paige. unfortunately, I don’t think she’ll get another chance to make an inexplicable, bad song choice.
What the judges said:
“It just didn’t work, man,” Randy
“That song is supposed to be inspiring; it was just sad and heavy,” Ellen
“It was all wrong, it really was,” Kara
“I think this could be the end of the road,” Simon
My grade: D
“Give Me One Reason”
I thought this was one of Crystal’s weaker performances, which still puts her far ahead of the rest of this pack. It was a little hokey for me; she seemed like a poseur with that electric guitar she barely played. The vocals were spot on, and she changed it up a little, giving it a really bluesy edge that was absent in Tracy Chapman’s oddly mechanical original.
What the judges said:
“Love that, love you, love the song” Randy
“I need new adjectives for you; best performance of the night,” Ellen
“That’s a great song choice,” Kara
“You are the one everyone has to beat; it’s yours to lose,” Simon
My grade: B+
“I Fall To Pieces”
I didn’t get that at all. Here’s what bothers me about the “Idol” judges … if anybody else had given that performance, they would have torn the contestant apart — complaining about how she should have been more current and relevant, blah blah blah. But the judges love Lilly because she’s “quirky.” Meh. The vocals were okay, but the quirk is starting to annoy me; I can’t see anybody buying that song. Plus, she is like a giant, so I initially thought that the mandolin she was playing was a full-size guitar her Amazonian body was just dwarfing, which distracted me.
What the judges said:
“I think you’re in the zone right now,” Randy
“Loved it, love you,” Ellen
“You kind of made Patsy Cline seem current,” Kara
“That didn’t have the wow factor,” Simon
My grade: C+
Should go: Katie Stevens, Paige Miles
Will go: Paige Miles, Lacey Brown
Agree? Disagree? Sound off!
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‘Fringe’ gets a third season
Fox’s trippy, sci-fi tale ‘Fringe’ has been renewed for a third season. Not exactly a ratings blockbuster, the show has been on the bubble for months and honestly could have gone either way. But its decent showing after a move to Thursday nights and the network’s love of the show seem to have granted it a stay of execution (and thank goodness — I’d hate to imagine the sorts of objects with which participants in a “save our show” campaign for ‘Fringe’ would be flooding the Fox offices).
The plot line of the show, created by “Lost’s” J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and University of Texas alumnus Roberto Orci, finally caught fire this season after a fairly mind-blowing and risky revelation that the entire first season was basically a set-up. A cliffhanger of sorts in the last regular episode to air has set up an interesting dynamic between Dr. Walter Bishop and his son, Peter, which will play out when the series returns for the remainder of its second season episodes on (no fooling!) April 1.
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Dale on the radio
TV writer Dale Roe is scheduled to be on 98.9 FM today at noon to talk about the Oscar broadcast with Fred Cantu.
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This week’s TV picks
Relax, Chuck, you’re in first class.
Monday:
‘The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding’ 7 p.m., ABC: 2009 Bachelor Jason Mesnick and his lady, Molly Malaney, tie the knot in Palos Verdes, California. I was afraid this might not quite be cheesy enough, but then I saw that Gavin DeGraw and ‘American Idol’ reject Jason Castro were performing at the ceremony. Well played, wedding planner slash TV execs.
‘Chuck’ 7 p.m., NBC: Chuck loses his ability to ‘flash,’ which is just as well because this is the family hour and nobody needs to see that.
Tuesday:
‘Miss Turkey Trot and Miss Drumsticks Pageants’ 9 p.m., TLC: The only way the coverage of these pageants from Yellville, Arkansas could be any better is if Gavin DeGraw and Jason Castro sang the “There She Is” song.
Wednesday:
‘America’s Next Top Model’ 7 p.m., The CW: From Los Angeles to New York City, the field is cut from 23 to 13 as Perez Hilton appears on the 14th season opener.
‘The Middle’ 7:30 p.m., ABC: ‘Spy Kid’ Alexa Vega is Axl’s new girlfriend … at least for 22 minutes.
‘Modern Family’ 8 p.m., ABC: Judy Greer as Phil’s old girlfriend? This show’s amazing casting streak continues. Bonus points for having the couple reconnect on Facebook.
Thursday:
‘The Office’ 8 p.m., NBC: Honestly, I can take or leave this show anymore, but this episode might be good because it features the ‘Nard Dog’s first date with receptionist Erin.
‘30 Rock’ 8:30 p.m., NBC: Art imitates life as a cable company plans to purchase NBC.
‘The Marriage Ref’ 9 p.m., NBC: Larry David, Madonna and Ricky Gervais on one stage? I’m not big on this show, but I am so there.
Friday:
‘Numb3rs’ 9 p.m., CBS: Charlie and Amita get hitched in the 6th season closer. Sorry, no Gavin DeGraw or Jason Castro.
Saturday:
‘Texas Music Extravaganza: TexMex Generation’ 7 p.m., PBS: Sir Douglas Quintet and Texas Tornados music is performed by former band members and others.
Sunday:
‘Minute to Win It’ 7 p.m., NBC: The Food Network’s Guy Fieri hosts this new game show. Tonight, a father who wants to move hi family to Texas competes for $1 million.
‘Celebrity Apprentice’ 8 p.m., NBC: Season 9 opens with Sharon Osborne, Darryl Strawberry and Rod Blagojevich, a disgraced politico from my old stomping grounds.
‘Sons of Tucson’ 8:30 p.m., Fox: The lead guy in this is sort of a low-rent Jack Black and the kids are straight out of ‘Malcolm in the Middle,’ so if that’s your thing you’ll probably like this new sitcom.
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No more Landry on ‘Friday Night Lights’
“Friday Night Lights” — which will be back on NBC and in Austin for production next month — opted not to renew the contract of Jesse Plemons, who plays fan favorite Landry Clarke, Entertainment Weekly reports.
Executive producer Jason Katims said in the EW story that there was not enough story material to keep Landry around, but added that he hoped Plemons would return for some guest spots in the soon-to-film fifth season.
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Sonic commercial features Austin carhops
Two skating Sonic carhops from Austin are featured in a new series of commercials for the fast-food chain.
According to their bios on Sonic’s Facebook page for the commercials, Brandon Ime Nsekpong, 20, is a computer science student at Concordia University. Laurie Garrett, 20, is a music fan who loves rapping.
You can see the commercials on YouTube.
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Dale, the website votefortheworst.com told its followers to vote for Urban. I guess it worked.
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i have enjoyed 24 the past severral years. Just started to listen and so far sounds excellent. Hope the series continues. thank you...
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