Posts from — February 2010

Dicko Interviews SYTYCD Au Choreographer Jason Gilkison

Former Australian Idol judge Dicko interviews sometime So You Think You Can Dance Australia judge Jason Gilkison about his Burn The Floor stage show on Vega FM.

Farmer Wants A Wife Host Natalie Gruzlewski Is Dating Again

Natalie Gruzlewski, who separated from her husband last year is now dating again. She is dating a younger guy who is a millionaire called Jack Ray. You go girl. (Source: Courier Mail.)

Project Runway To Premiere On 22 March

Finally we will get to see some Project Runway from the USA. On Arena starting from 22 March a new season will commence. However it is not the latest one now being shown in the US, but the season prior to that. It will kick off with an Allstar Challenge so some old favourites will be seen battling it out for the title. Then the following weeks will see the first ever Project Runway filmed in Los Angeles.

Masterchef Australia’s Chris Badenoch’s Beerimisu Recipe

For those who like the sound of Chris’s Beerimisu well A Table For Two has cooked it and says it is delicious. He also has the recipe on his site.

Popular Amercian Idol Contestant Arrested

Chickizie who was pretty popular in last year’s Idol series has been arrested for Identity Theft. He was using a credit card which did not have his name on it. (Source Bump Shack)

American Idol Rigged By Judges And Producers

USA Today has an interesting article on what tricks the producers and judges pull to manipulate the voters. I always knew performing last was the ‘pimp’ spot ie more likely you will avoid elimination. But I did not know the tricks with the lighting.

Simon Cowell Does Have A Heart

In an interview with Piers Morgan, Simon Cowell, chokes up as he discusses his father’s death says the Daily Mail. Also it appears the rumours are true and Simon is engaged to Mezghan Hussainy. Teri Seymour would be pissed off.

Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres Are Not Getting On

So this is the reason they are at opposite ends of the judging table. According to the Vancouver Sun who took the story from TMZ Ellen and Simon do not like each other.

Interviews With The First Four Eliminated From American Idol

hPeople has a short interview with each of the four singers eliminated from American Idol this week.

Bachelor Couple Get Married

It’s official you can find true love on reality TV shows, with news Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney from The Bachelor have wed. (Source People)

Matt Corby Will Be Playing At The Toff in The Town in Vic

For more details go here.

It would appear Australian TV channels will be putting more money into Simon Cowell’s pocket with Channel Nine and Seven both vying for the rights of The X Factor.

Executives from both channels met with Simon Cowell to discuss the show an article in the Daily Telegraph reveals.

The article said:

“Seven made a very aggressive play for it and Channel 9 was very interested but were more conscious of the cheque they would have to write – but one way or another, expect it to be on air around February next year.”

X Factor aired here on Channel 10 in 2005, but was a ratings dog.

Don’t expect Kate Cebrano or Mark Holden to make a reappearance on the show. I suspect either Channel will make a play for Danni Minogue to be a judge/mentor.

Ok I have been known to beat stories up but nothing to compare with this My Kitchen Rules yarn. Apparently there is controversy over the chocolate mousse recipe the Victorian boys Clint and Noah cooked. Apparently the recipe on the official My Kitchen Rules was wrong and people who are cooking it are miffed they spent a lot of money on ingredients when it was a flop.

The Daily Telegraph says people are wanting compensation from the website. They cannot be serious. Plenty of times I have cooked recipes from cookbooks and the internet they have been duds, I have never thought about asking for my money back.

Apparently there is also some controversy about the marinated prawn recipe that Manu Feidel gave 10/10. I had a look but could not work out what it was.

Apparently Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have been talking that a girl will win this year’s American Idol, and on tonight’s boy’s night I think they might be right. There were a few good performances, but a lot that were completely forgettable.

A few thoughts on the show:

• Todrik’s version of Kelly Clarkson’s version of Since You’ve Been Gone  was a bit strange, but it was kind of likeable. Randy cracked me up and he had a point when he said the song was a hit and you obliterated it and it was unrecognisable. The reason it was a hit was because people liked it.
• How Aaron Kelly got through to the top 24 after completely blowing is final top 100 performance is beyond me, and tonight’s country ballad song did nothing to make me change my mind – clearly I was alone in my opinion as the judges gushed, even Simon Cowell was positive.
• Jermaine Sellers voice was a bit cracky and pitchy, but his voice has some interesting tones, I would like to hear him sing again before I press the delete button on him.
• Tim Urban who got a last minute call up for the top 24, has a cute pop look, his vocals were weak, and he over annunciated his words. I might be twisting the knife, but Simon plunged it in.
• Joe Munoz did nothing for me in his preview interviews, but on stage he turns into a little cutie and a lot of appeal. Lucky for him there is a high hispanic population in the US so should be safe. Simon was not feeling the love for him.
• Tyler Grady was the first contestant who screamed star. However Simon thinks he is a rock star cliche, and the rest of the judges agreed. Ellen thought he lacked charisma. Maybe I am a sucker for the Jim Morrison/Michael Hutchene.
• Lee Dewze was smart and picked the popular song from Snow Patrol, I liked it. But he got a 50/50 split from the judges.
• John Park song was extremely dull, I will be surprised if he is NOT eliminated.
• Michael Lynche Maroon 5 was a good song choice but I thought the guitar playing was superfluous.
• Alex Lambert grew on me once I got over his dreadful mullet, I am not sure if he will make top 12 but he has an unusual voice.
• Casey James who I have been a bit ho hum about, changed my mind a bit with his performance, not sure why Kara is so hot to trot about him.
• Andrew Garcia’s performance was entertaining, and I think he got hit with the “we have high expectations of you” stick by the judges.

HELLLOOOOO the gorgeous Pascha from the US So You Think You Can Dance is in Sydney dancing with Jason Gilkison’s Burn The Floor. Where is he staying, as I need to stalk him.

Speaking of the Gilkison, he is offering one of the new choice of contracts to join Burn The Floor for the 35 week tour of the United States.  I bet the winner takes that prize. Far more exciting then hanging out in Adelaide. No offence to my Adelaide readers.

Yet again there was a shock in the bottom three of Heath and Jessica who had done a nice contemporary routine. Maybe Jessica’s self doubt affected the voters and they were ambivalent about voting for her. Or maybe people didn’t care for the Anthony Ikin routine.

Matt must of been happy that he was safe as he would have been unable to do a solo and would have been turfed. I am very suprised Issi and Don were not in the bottom three, as that Foxtrot was very ordinary.

The Nacho Plop curse struck again with Mikhaela and Robbie in the bottom three with their lacklustre boogaloo routine. I see they are sending him on a roadtrip again, the dancers will be happy about that.

And Gaz and Ivy also hit the bottom three for their superhero hip-hop routine. Maybe the it was the hex of the new choreographers hitting as Alvin DeCastro was also a first timer.

All the men’s solo were amazing, I actually pity the judges.

I thought Jessica’s solo really cute, and she did a great job considering it is hard to shine in solo’s as a ballroom dancer.

Mikhaela’s solo was really ordinary and confirmed for me that she should not have made the top 20. But I think Ivy was lucky that Mikhaela’s was bottom three otherwise it would have been her walking the plank as her solo was not fabulous. It was no surprise Mikhaela was eliminated.

I was not surprised Gaz was eliminated. He was devastated, it was like in his mind this was last chance saloon for him. But he should not panic, as Matt’s foot may not come good and he may have to come back into the competition. Also the men are so strong this year.

Just realised Robbie’s new partner is Ivy – Oh Vey!  Also Mary Murphy is going to be a special guest judge next – she always brings some life to the judging panel.

This time Channel 9 is not fucking around with Survivor, and hopefully will reap the ratings rewards it deserves.

Survivor Heroes Vs Villains Will Premier on March 9 at 8.40pm following on from the highly popular Top Gear.

To whet the appetite here  is the cast:

HEROES
* Rupert Boneham, “Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “All-Stars”
* James Clement, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”
* Colby Donaldson, “Australian Outback” and “All-Stars”
* Cirie Fields, “Panama” and “Fans vs. Favorites”
* Amanda Kimmel, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”
* Jessica “Sugar” Kiper, “Gabon”
* Stephenie LaGrossa, “Palau” and “Guatemala”
* James “JT” Thomas, “Tocantins”
* Tom Westman, “Palau”
* Candice Woodcock, “Cook Islands”

VILLAINS
* Tyson Apostol, “Tocantins”
* Randy Bailey, “Gabon”
* Sandra Diaz-Twine, “Pearl Islands”
* Danielle DiLorenzo, “Panama”
* Russell Hantz, “Samoa”
* Jerri Manthey, “Australian Outback” and “All-Stars”
* Rob Mariano, “Marqeusas” and “All-Stars”
* Parvati Shallow, “Cook Islands” and “Fans vs. Favorites”
* Ben “Coach” Wade, “Tocantins”
* Courtney Yates, “China”

The greatest thing ever to hit American Idol, Adam Lambert, is coming to Australia. Adam Lambert who was last year’s runner up, but in reality post Idol is the winner will be here to promote his album For Your Entertainment  gets released on March 5.

His first single Whataya Want From Me  was written by Pink.

He will be signing copies of his album at Hum in Oxford St on Saturday March 6 from Noon.

He says he would love to sing at Mardi Gras, and chances are the organisers will be desperate to get him. I would have thought they would have a float in his honour, considering he was the first Idol contestant ever to be officially “out”.

Above is a YouTube clip which is the single, it is not the video however as that is blocked.

Now we know that Natalie Bassingthwaite is pregnant she is back wearing the slinky dresses. She is looking good, and I hope that once the pregnancy is over that she continues to steerclear of the botox.

Jason Gilkison was special guest judge on the panel tonight, and it was revealed he had been on the judging panel of the US version of the show. This must have been the season that Ten did not screen over here.

Gaz and Ivy – Hip Hop – choreographed by Alvin DeCastro – Down  Jay Sean

Both of them are injured so maybe that is why there were not many tricks and lifts. However as hip hop routines go I thought it was OK. Ivy I thought was perfect in her student/cheerleader type part, and Gaz was in his genre so looked comfortable. Not memorable, however I hope they give the choreographer Alvin another go with two dancers that are not injured as it will be interesting to see what he would come up with.

Jason Coleman thought it was cute, and he got into the story line. He told Gaz that when he is in the unison moments to “sit slightly back and feel her more, feel the energy of her dancing.” I have no idea what he meant by that.

Matt Lee thought the unison in the chorus let them down as they were both out. Thought it was a cute performance. He thought the finesse was missing from Ivy in her hip hop style.

Jason Gilkison thought the concept was great. He thought the casting was perfect for the choreography.

Issi and Don – Foxtrot – Carmelo Pizzino – Haven’t Met You Yet - Michael Buble

Issi is about the only dancer ever grateful to pull out ballroom, as she has a rib injury and said she needed something less vigorous otherwise she may have had to pull out of the show. Ilona will be gritting her teeth when she hears that.

It was a good performance by them both, but the dancing was lightweight. That could have been the choreography. Though I don’t think this pair is gelling.

Matt Lee thought unison was an issue, and said Don again sits ahead of the beat. Thought they did a great job at attempting the foxtrot.

Jason Gilkison thought it was pretty good, and he thought Fred Astaire would be pretty proud of it.

Jason Coleman liked Don’s  performance over Issi’s.

Heath and Jessica – Contemporary – Choreographed by Paul White and Anthony Ikin – Last Request -Paolo Nutini

Anthony Ikin who was in season one put in a gymnastic move in the routine which had Jessica in tears in the rehearsal, but I was so busy watching Heath I must have missed her doing it. Nice routine, a bit generic contemporary but I will be interested to see more of their choreography to see if it evolves.

Matt Lee thought the lifting was much better this week. Matt thought Heath needs to stretch his feet a bit, and suggested picking up a flannel with his feet in the shower. I wonder how many wannabe dancers will be doing that in the shower tomorrow.

I have to be honest I was so busy looking at Heath’s amazing muscle definition (not in a pervy way) that I did not notice the feet.

Jason Gilkison thought Jessica’s weekly meltdown was part of her process. He thought they did a great job.

Jason Coleman turned into  a life coach and told Jessica you need to feel worthy as she was not doing her or her partner any good. He loved Heath.

Matt and Jessie – Jazz – Choreographed by Project Moda – Starstrukk 3OH!3 feat. Katy Perry

Jessie’s confidence has been rocked by being in the bottom three with tears. This girl is the best dancer in the competition and I have no idea why they were bottom three last week. I really liked this routine. I thought she totally rocked it. Matt was overshadowed by her but he did not do anything wrong. It was high energy. Maybe this pair is getting an anti-Shire backlash.

Jason G said Matt was the entertainer in the competition but he needs more finesse. He thought Jessie was amazing.

Jason Coleman thought the unison was fantastic.

Matt Lee liked the high intensity of the routine. He also thought it could have been to Jessie’s advantage that she was in the bottom three last week, as Australia got to see her amazing solo. I tend to agree. People who are her fans will be voting for them this week.

Robbie and Mikheala – Hip Hop choreographed by Nacho Pop – Push It - Leon Haywood

I thought Nacho Pop was being sent on another MacDonald’s road trip, if not can he be. I thought this was one of his better routines, helped by a cracker of a song, but sometimes his routines are a bit too cool for school. Mikheala who was in her genre could have done more, and Robbie was fine but maybe overdanced.

Jason Coleman explained to the layperson at home that the bugaloo is under and does not pop like a Shane Sparks routine. He thought there was not enough pop from Mikhaela, and not enough unison.

Matt Lee thinks it is hard for people that don’t specialise in boogaloo to wow are crowd. He thought it had no pop. He also said that it looked like Mikheala was not into this.

Jasons Gilkison thinks the pairing has no chemistry.

Maybe Robbie needs to land in the bottom three so Mikhael gets eliminated and he gets a new partner.

Grace and Nick- Contemporary choreographed by Juliette Verne Pretty Wings Maxwell

 A lovely routine , which  did evoke the emotions that Juliette Verne was wanting of loss, resilience, acceptance and hope.

Matt Lee thought it was a heavy burden the story they had to portray and he thought they did a good job.

Jason Gilkison thought the pairing of Nick and Grace had the potential to be a power couple.

Kieran and Carly – Broadway Jazz choreographed by Cameron Mitchell The Tennis Song City Angels

I totally bought into this routine. It was like watching a old movie. Kieran was perfect as the geeky tennis player. This guy is the dark horse to win the competition.

Jason G thought it was fabulously choreographed. He loved it and he thought Keiran was fantastic.

Jason Coleman thought Carly overdanced.

Renee and Phillippe – Pasa Doble by Leanne Bampton – Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

Another Pasa Doble for Phillipe next week please, he was steamy all they way through it. I am a bit over Renee’s lack of self-esteem about her looks. For God sake you are not ugly. Loved the choice of music, loved the dancing and loved the choreography.

Jason G  said he was drawn to Phillipe and told him it was a fantastic effort. He thought Renee did a great job but could do a little bit more.

Jason C thought the intensity died after the first 20 seconds, but came back towards the end.

Matt Lee thought the performance was a bit under.

Doug and Jess – Lyrical Contemporary by Amy Delves – Fireflies  Owlcity

The routine was well choreographed, but there were just to many little mistakes in it to think it was fantastic.And considering they are both professional dancers I expected more. I think most of the mistakes were Dougs as they were around the lifts. I am still trying to work out how good a dancer Jess is, I keep on waiting for that one performance that turns me into a fan.

Jason Coleman gave away a producer’s trick and said they always finish with the best routine of the night. He did not think this was the case. He saw every grip, and every grip change. He thought it was laboured and not lyrical. He thought it was underrehearsed. Jason thought the it was a big ask to do all those lifts for such a new couple.

Bonnie Lythgoe thought the routine was great.

Matt Lee thought the lifts were difficult.

Jason G thinks Doug is one of the better dancers in the competition, but we have not seen it on the stage.

My bottom three predictions – Robbie and Mikhaela, Issi and Don, and Ivy and Gaz.

Now this is the part of American Idol I love. The auditions are over, Hollywood Week is done and dusted, and we get to hear them really sing.

And this must be the year of the quirky girl instead of the usual divas belting it out and it was great to see some interesting girls singing. However the problem will be that in previous years a lot of them would have been unique however they were more the norm so a few will be early casualties.

Can the judges of American Idol please give the Australian Idol judges (if it ever comes back on) a masterclass. Each one added something different. Randy Jackson, must have his contract up for renewal as I thought he was great tonight, really getting into the nuances of the singers voices. Kara DiGuardio who I found extremely annoying in the auditions and Hollywood Week is in her element once the performance shows start. She really does have an indepth knowledge of music.

Simon is Simon droll and says the things people are thinking. Ellen was probably the weakest, but she knows to keep it succinct and she has such a nice vibe about her.

I don’t want to criticise Australian Idol, because I love it, but the talent on American Idol is amazing. But then they have a population of 300 million.

Paige Miles – 24 -  Alright Now – Supergrass

Well she was confident, and she has some amazing pipes. If big notes brings votes she will be safe for tonight. But she did not rock my world. But I think I could grow to like her. Normally each year there is a heap of black girl singers with big voices, but not so this year which will make her stand out.

Simon thought out of all the girls she has the best voice, but he did not like the song.

The consensus from the rest of judging panel was that she was good. 

Ashley Rodriguez – 22 - Happy – Leona Lewis

I love how reality TV contestants  are now doing covers of other reality contestants. The problem is Leona Lewis has an amazingly strong voice, and Ashley did not pull it off. Her low register was dodgy, and the chorus sounded weak.

Kara DiGuardio – said there were some ordinary moments but thought she would get through.

Randy hit the nail on the head when he said people would just compare her to Leona so said it was not good for her.

Simon thought she was going backwards. He does not see her as a contemporary recording artist just someone who does not sing other peoples songs particularly well.

Oh yes there were going to be tears backstage.

Janell Wheeler 24 – What About Love – Heart

America is obsessed about Heart, every year it is sung a number of times. I loved her song in Hollywood Week and was surprised she picked it I was expecting something quirkier. Not very memorable, but I hope she gets through.

Randy did not like the song choice but likes her.

Simon said she gave 100% effort but delivered about 65%. It’s about song choice and about trying to do something original.

Kara said the song was too big for her.

Lilly Scott – 20 -  The Beatles

This girl has been living out of her car and busking to survive. She is definitely very interesting and quirky. I loved her rendition of the song. Brave choice to play the guitar on the first live show. Hopefully America will vote for her. A kind of a blond version of Chanel Cole.

Ellen gushed.

Simon thought it was the best we have had so far. He was not feeling much star power at the moment.

Kara said everyone is going to remember you tonight.

Katelyn Epperly – 19  – Oh Darling

I thought she looked like an over done up cocktail waitress that would appeal to Tiger Woods BBC (Before Being Caught). And I thought the song choice was just bizzare. I did like her voice though and I hope she gets through.

Simon thought she was quirky interesting, and also said a good choice of song. He likes her.

Kara – said she preferred her a bit more natural (I agree).

Randy said the real art of singing is tone and melody. He thought she can go places.

Haeley Vaughan – 16 – I Want To Hold Your Hand – The Beatles

I loved her. She was so different to what I expected,  so cute and age appropriate.

Kara thought there were some technical issues with the performance. But she said she brings fun to the stage.

Randy said maybe drop the note a bit lower or singing the note differently.

Ellen said she shined.

Simon thought it was verging on terrible, like  a doll that never stopped smiling and that is why the vocals were such a mess.

OK maybe my head was turned by the red guitar.

Lacey Brown – 24 – Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

I thought her voice was interesting, however I think she did make a few noticeable mistakes. However the end was stronger then the start. Loved her look. I doubt she will be around next week.

Randy thought it was not the right song for you, he thought it was terrible and pitchy and did not suit her voice.

Ellen said I think you are better then that.

Simon thought it was quite depressing and indulgent.

Kara hopes that America gives her one more shot.

Michelle Delamour – 22 – Falling – Alicia Keys

I love the way she described her self as a sales associate at a clothing store. I thought from the preview I was not going to like her. But I thought her performance was fantastic, and I don’t normally like the song.

Ellen thought it was amazing.

Simon a very professional singer, there was not one moment in the song that made him go wow. He said she needs to do something to make her different.

Kara said if she is going for the diva spot, she needs to be technically perfect when she came out on stage. Also she would like her to be more unique.

Didi Benami - 23 – The Way I am – Ingrid Michaelson

I seriously need the waistcoat she was wearing though I would probably make it look a bit frumpy. There is a lot of quirky girls this year. I wonder if they are going to cancel each other out. I liked her but I am not sure she is as memorable as the others. I don’t think she will make it through.

Simon said she was a good singer. Simon thinks there are to many people tonight trying to sound like Adele and Duffy. He thought it was a bit indulgent and a bit dreary. He thought it was dull.

Kara thought it was a bit pitchy but liked her.

Randy wondered where the star factor was.

Ellen thought the song for the first night was a little low key.

Siobhan Magnus 19 – Wicked Game – Chris Isaak

She is a glass blowing apprentice, so she must have a trust fund. I found her quite mesmerising. I still can’t believe they have not had Chris  Isaak as a guest on the American Idol, as he always rocks it when he is on Australian Idol.

Kara said she is really in the moment.

Ellen really liked it a lot.

Simon said we just don’t know what you are going to do each time. He liked it but did not think it was a good as the Stevie Wonder song she did on Hollywood Week.

Crystal Bowersox – 24 – Hand In My Pocket – Alanis Morriset

She has the cutest baby. She probably did not help herself by saying the only reason she is hear because mummy needs a bigger paycheck. I really don’t like the people that come on Idol think they are too independent or too much of a muso to be on the show. Come on it has discovered some amazing talent.

And Crystal has talent. Though I thought the harmonica was unnecessary, and just a bit cocky. I think she has to lose the attitude a bit or America will turn on her at some stage. I hope she stays in awhile.

Randy said he was one of her favourites.

Ellen said she adds something fresh to the show.She also said she would vote for her.

Simon said there are thousands of you outside subway stations. Told her she sounded like Alanis. However he really likes her and finds her refreshing.

Katie Stevens 17- Feeling Good – Michael Buble

She was lucky to get the prime last position on the show, because this was dull. In past year’s she would have been cancelled out by all the other diva type singers, but they are in short supply this year so she should be safe. She had zero appeal to me.

Ellen thought it was very conservative and wants her to be 17 and to be fresh and modern. She said it was great.

Simon thought it started to become annoying.

Kara thought she was pitchy which she said was unlike her.

Randy said you were pushing so hard the notes were too sharp.

Look any of these girls would easily make top 12 in Australia, but two have to be eliminated tomorrow night. I think it will be Didi Benami, and Lacey Brown.

Masterchef Australia was filming in Melbourne yesterday on top of the Langham Hotel. For those interested there were 17 contestants involved in the shoot, and 40 crew. This episode will feature celebrity chef Stephanie Alexander.

The article in News.com.au states the show has now been moved to a 7.30pm timeslot, because the 7pm Project is in Masterchef Australia’s previous timeslot.

Matt Preston also states the contestants are three times better. I am presuming he means they are better cooks rather than better personalities.

Also the second series will be sponsored by Tourism Victoria. Very smart Victoria, very smart.

The second series will premiere late April.