41st NAACP Image Awards Will Air on Fox

The 41ST NAACP IMAGE AWARDS will broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium Friday, Feb. 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The star-studded broadcast will serve as the momentous conclusion to the NAACP’s year-long centennial celebration.

Nominations for the annual award show that recognizes the artistic achievements of people of color while honoring projects and individuals that promote diversity in the arts will be announced in Los Angeles on January 6, 2010. Hosts, performers and presenters for the 41ST NAACP IMAGE AWARDS will be announced soon.

“We are thrilled to partner with FOX once again on the live broadcast of the IMAGE AWARDS,” said Vicangelo Bulluck, Executive Producer, 41ST NAACP IMAGE AWARDS. “The NAACP is looking forward to celebrating this time of change with viewers by showcasing some of the greatest talents of our time.”

“At the conclusion of our centennial celebration and after a year of firsts for our nation, we are proud to honor once again the achievements of people of color in music, film, television and literature with the IMAGE AWARDS,” said Clayola Brown, Chair of the 41ST NAACP IMAGE AWARDS.

Now Casting for Viewers to Cookalong Live with Chef Ramsay

Live One-Hour Special Airs Tuesday, December 15, on FOX

GORDON RAMSAY: COOKALONG LIVE is now casting for people who have a passion for cooking and are ready to prepare a three-course meal. For your chance to be one of the few selected to appear LIVE on the special and cook along with Gordon from your home, visit fox.com/casting.htm.

Chef Gordon Ramsay is also inviting viewers to stay home for the night, don their aprons, fire up their stovetops and join him for GORDON RAMSAY: COOKALONG LIVE, which airs Tuesday, Dec. 15 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. During the live one-hour special, Chef Ramsay will guide America through step-by-step instructions on how to cook three mouth-watering courses for family and friends. Whether you love cooking, or never go near the kitchen, Chef Ramsay guarantees that you’ll be able to cook three delicious dishes in one hour if you just do what he says. The evening’s menu will feature an Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Chili Peppers and Tomatoes appetizer; Steak Diane with Sauted Potatoes and Peas as the main course; and Quick Tiramisu for dessert.

Below, Chef Ramsay has provided the evening’s menu and a shopping list to assist in the preparation of this delicious meal:

MENU

* APPETIZER – Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Chili Peppers and Tomatoes (Serves 4)

* MAIN COURSE – Steak Diane with Sauted Potatoes and Peas (Serves 4)

* DESSERT – Quick Tiramisu (Serves 4)

SHOPPING LIST

PRODUCE

* 1 red chili pepper

* 5 large garlic cloves, peeled

* 1 large tomato (heirloom or beefsteak)

* 1 lemon

* Small handful of fresh basil leaves

* 3 scallions

* 4 ounces crimini mushrooms, cleaned (can also use button mushrooms instead)

* 3 shallots, peeled

* Small handful of flat-leaf parsley

* 3 small sprigs of rosemary

* 1 pound small waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold, cut in half)

* 2 cups peas, defrosted if using frozen

MEAT/FISH

* 1/2 pound medium-size raw, peeled shrimps

* 4 small sirloin steaks (approx. 7 ounces each)

DAIRY

* 1 3/4 cups heavy cream

* 1 cup mascarpone

* 2 1/2 tablespoons salted butter

PASTA/BREAD

* 7 ounces angel hair pasta

* 4 Italian Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi

BAKING

* 1/4 cup powdered sugar

* 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Piece of chocolate (to grate as garnish)

LIQUOR/COFFEE

* 4 tablespoons Marsala, or sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo

* 1/4 cup brandy or cognac

* 1/4 cup white wine

* 1 cup cold strong coffee

CONDIMENTS

* Salt and freshly ground black pepper

* Olive oil

* Extra virgin olive oil

* 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste

* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Wilmer Valderrama to Star in a Sitcom Based On “Dog Whisperer”"

Fox is developing a sitcom that will be loosely based on the reality show, Dog Whisperer. Actor Wilmer Valderrama has signed on in the title role. Valderrama, who is best known as Fez on That ’70’s Show, will also be working behind the scenes on the show, as will the real Dog Whisperer Cesar Millian.

Details of the show are still being worked on. No word yet on if Triumph the Insult Dog has been contacted to costar.

Click here to read more.

Ellen DeGeneres Will Fill Paula’s Shoes on American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres Joins American Idol This Season as the Fourth Judge

Just in from FOX:

Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL,” said DeGeneres. “I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”

“I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the AMERICAN IDOL family,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”

“We’re all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America’s foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team.”

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, “We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the AMERICAN IDOL judges’ table this season. She is truly one of America’s funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it’s like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day. We feel that her vast entertainment experience combined with her quick wit and passion for music will add a fresh new energy to the show.”

Full-Figured Supermodel Emme to Host More to Love Next Month

Iconic full-figured supermodel Emme will host MORE TO LOVE, the groundbreaking new dating competition series from executive producer Mike Fleiss (“The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette”). The series will premiere Tuesday, July 28 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

MORE TO LOVE sets out to prove that love comes in all shapes and sizes. The unscripted and inspirational series follows a single and eligible man with a big waist and an even bigger heart as he romances several confident and secure plus-size women. As the competition narrows from 20 women to the final two, he will have to decide if one of these voluptuous ladies has what it takes to become his true love.

A pioneer for plus-size women in the modeling industry, Emme became the first full-figured model to land a contract as a cosmetics company spokesperson when she signed with Revlon. Her career as a model, television personality, author, inspirational speaker and clothing designer promotes and exemplifies positive body image, self-esteem and self-acceptance. A critically acclaimed author, Emme has written four books, including “True Beauty,” which chronicles her life and rise to success as a supermodel and a vocal advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Emmes empowering online community for women can be found at emmestyle.com.

Fox Reveals American Idol Schedule

From the Futon Critic:

 FOX will debut the eighth season of “American Idol” on January 13, network sources confirmed to the site exclusively today.

The new season will open with two-hour installments on Tuesday, January 13 and Wednesday, January 14 before settling into its regular one-hour time periods – Tuesdays at 8:00/7:00c and Wednesdays at 8:00/7:00c – the following week.

The news marks the latest piece in the puzzle that is FOX’s midseason schedule. On Monday, the network confirmed “24″ will roll out with a special two-night, four-hour event on Sunday, January 11 and Monday, January 12.

The Final 4 Are Picked On So You Think You Can Dance

(Press Release)

THE FINAL 4 DANCERS ARE REVEALED AND TWO CONTESTANTS ARE ELIMINATED LIVE ON “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” THURSDAY, JULY 31, ON FOX

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE continues its search for America’s favorite dancer tonight when two finalists are voted off. Watch some of the country’s best dancers, skilled in everything from jive and hip-hop to contemporary and jazz, test their luck with the judges and find out who will keep dancing and who will go home in the “2 of 6 Voted Off” episode of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE airing Thursday, July 31 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Snuggle Sponsoring So You Think You Can Dance Promotion

As if we didn’t get to see enough bad dancing on Thursday, Snuggle fabric softener and Wrigley’s Extra gum will be sponsoring this season of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance with a “Happy Dances” promotion. During certain segments of the show, contestants that do well will do Happy Dances and viewers also have a chance to have their Happy Dances shown as well.

If you have a Happy Dance you’d like to show the world, upload it at their website. Wearing clothes is advisable.