The boys break curfew on tonight’s Momma’s Boys

The whole premise of the reality show Momma’s Boys is ridiculous and degrading, but some would say that is those are the key ingredients of most reality television. But for those who will be watching tonight, here’s the rundown:

The moms, sons and remaining women arrive in the U.S. Virgin Islands and engage in a variety of activities amongst a backdrop of sharks, manta rays and epic sunsets. The single women continue to compete and impress the mothers while trying to win the hearts of the mommas boys but the real controversy explodes when the moms do not see eye-to-eye with their sons romantic choices. The one-on-one dates run far too late into the evening for some moms tastes and by the episodes end the moms have insisted upon the removal of some of the women in a very intense elimination.

Kloe Kardashian Reveals That She is A Wuss

Maybe it wasn’t Kloe Kardashian’s intention to come off as a punk, but after telling Ryan Seacrest that her 173 minutes in jail were “terrifying,” I realized that she could probably get mugged for her shoes in broad daylight by any big-boned woman in a pair of khakis.

Kloe, who stars with her sister Kim and family in the E! reality show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, spent 173 minutes in jail for violating a DUI charge. On Seacrest’s radio show, she said that she was made to watch a film on how to be a good inmate. She actually didn’t spend time with the prison population, so three hours of incarceration was spent in solitary. It was kind of like a grown woman being given a “time out”. Or being sent to her room without dinner, except that it’s worse than being sent to her room. There were no ammenties!

You know, the world would be a better place if everyone who committed a crime could be scared straight by watching a film, and sitting alone for a few hours.

For more celebrity DUI news, click here.

Ryan Seacrest Bitten by A Shark that Isn’t Simon Cowell

What a strange coincidence that reality show host and producer Ryan Seacrest was bitten by a shark during Shark Week! Sounds like some kind of promotional deal was worked out with the sharks and this century’s cross between Dick Clark and Casey Kasem.

Seacrest’s life was hardly at risk…unless the shark’s mother was waiting in the wings to maul him. It seems that the American Idol host was offshore in waters that were 4 feet deep when a shark the size of a cat bit him on the toe, leaving three holes in his toe.

Okay, it’s not that bad, but if you have been watching Shark Week on Discovery, you’d realize that had it been a bigger shark, Seacrest might have certainly been out. Permanently.

American Idol Finale Recap

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s season finale is chock full of live performances by the likes of such superstars as, Donna Summer, George Michael, Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Jordin Sparks, and much, much more!

We begin with a performance by the final 12 paired with the dancers from Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” They sing “Get Ready”, by The Temptations. Then the two Davids sing a duet of some song that I don’t know but it’ so obvious that Cook is definitely a cut above Archuleta. His voice is gritty and soulful and he reminds me of Daughtry; another one I thought should have won Idol.

There are a myriad of shameless plugs in this finale, from the preview of Michael Myers’ new movie, “The Love Guru”, to a performance by Gladys Knight and the “Pips”. The latter of which was phenomenal and somehow Gladys Knight was superimposed with the “Original Pips” – Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey, Jr. Their performance was excellent; hysterical. Syesha Mercado“I Have Been Waiting for You performed ” with Seal, and she truly held her own with that major talent.

Jason Castro came back to perform “Hallelujah” again, the one song that he performed on Idol that tricked us into believing that he was a major talent. Then the top 12 girls and guys performed a medley of some Donna Summer songs, from “She Works Hard for the Money” to “Hot Stuff” and Ms. Summer even performed a couple of less well-known songs. I usually hate these medleys that the Idol contestants are forced to performed every week. This time, it seemed that the only contestant who just couldn’t seem to get it together was my favorite rocker chick, Amanda Overmyer. I don’t know if she just coordinate the moves the singing, which I seem to recall she had revealed in an interview she had difficulty with. Or maybe she was a little on the high side.

One of the funniest performances was Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue – he made fun of Ryan Seacrest, Paula, and the best was the song full of insults that was “performed” by Simon Cowell.

It was nice to see the top 12 finalists again, giving us a glimpse of what the AI tour might be like: Chikezie, Carly Smithson, Brooke White, Ramiel Malubay – it was nice to see how they may fare during the tour.

By far, David Cook’s favorite performance HAS to have been the “Sharp Dressed Man” with the inimitable ZZ Top. He was in his element for this performance; he seemed perfect up there with these rockers and he definitely held his own. This kid’s destined to be playing with the likes of these legends anyway and it makes me feel good to know that he was living his dream up there. He deserves it.

Speaking of living your dream, Brooke White was lucky enough to sing a song, barefoot, with Graham Nash of Graham, Stills and Nash. She played guitar and sang along with him, a little folksy but perfect for her.

The Jonas Brothers also performed; a boy band that the ‘tween crowd loves right now. And we were treated to a performance by One Republic who sang “Apologize” with David Archuleta, and he held his own, too. Jordin Sparks came back and performed for us, too. I was hoping she’d come with Chris Brown and sing the duet they are burning up the charts with right now, but no such luck.

But I bet you were waiting to find out who this season’s “mascot” is right now. Remember William Hung from a couple of seasons ago? The horrible singer who even parlayed his horrible performance into a singing contract and little bitty tour for a minute? Well, this season’s mascot is Reynaldo Lapuz, a ittle man dressed like a white peacock who sang a song backed up with cheerleaders and a brass band from the University of Southern California. Horrible performance.

My absolute favorite was the rendition “Midnight Train to Georgia” with Gladys Knight and the original (white) Pips, Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey, Jr. What a hysterical performance! Gladys’ image from the ‘60’s was superimposed with the likes of these white Pips and the results were excellent! These guys (especially Jack Black) would be funny reading a page from the phone book, but they were absolutely hysterical performing this song. Remembered all the steps except for a moment or two that Robert Downey disappeared backstage then reappeared with Jack Black whose pants were coming off for some reason. I think this was my favorite performance of the night.

Carrie Underwood even sang a song from her latest album. She’s another major talent who hit the big-time when she left Idol. She gives an awesome live performance, too. The final 12 do a medley of George Michael’s best-known songs, “Faith”, “Father Figure”, “Freedom”. Amanda Overmyer, out of everyone, seemed really uncomfortable performing (she was either nervous or high, I can’t decide which). George Michael comes out to perform and we see that nothing’s changed with this guy. Michael hawks his upcoming tour which begins in San Diego, and performs a song from his latest album “Pray for Time”. Before tonight, I never actually paid close attention to the lyrics but this is a beautiful song. A little depressing (“so much to hate”, “no hope to speak of”) but it definitely gives us something to think about. His performance was the best, in my opinion, of all the superstars tonight.

Now, on to the reason why we’re tonight – decision time. Simon actually apologized to David Cook because he “was verging on disrespectful last night” in his comments to Cook. He’s right, though, when he says he really doesn’t care who wins tonight. Both of these Davids truly belonged in the finale, of everyone in the competition this season. But there can only be one winner and it’s David Cook! Finally, one of my picks wins for a change! David Cook is our American Idol 2008. Congratulations, David, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer, more well-deserving guy.

American Idol Recap for April 19, 2008

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s show features the song stylings of the musical singer-songwriting legend, Neil Diamond. He’s also written such iconic hits as “I’m a Believer” sung by the Monkees, “Solitary Man” and Sweet Caroline”. Diamond is probably most well known for penning the music performed in the film in which he also starred, “The Jazz Singer”. This man is truly a legend and our young contestants are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be in the presence of and learn from this superstar.

Our contestants are to sing two of Neil Diamond’s songs and then face a bit of nerve-wracking critique from the judges.

Jason Castro is up first and he performs “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “September Morn”. In the former, he plays guitar and sings rather well. Jason’s a really laid-back fellow so obviously you believe that he’d rather be “Forever in Blue Jeans”. That’s a no-brainer and he did a great job. I give him a B.

David Cook is up next. He sings, “I’m Alive” and “All I Really Need is You”. Neil says he got goose bumps listening to David sing; he’s got the right material, the right attitude, the right voice and he’ll do great, no doubt. He first sings “I’m Alive” and, of course, he does a great job. This song is not as well-known as some of Neil’s other music so there’s probably not much comparing to factor into his performance. Regardless, he does a great job, as David is expected to do. I give him an A+.

Brooke White sings “I’m a Believer” and chooses to sing while accompanying himself on the guitar. This song was originally sung by The Monkees, the group who had a sitcom playing boy-band members in a group similar to the Beatles. Brooke did a really good job on this song, although I can always detect a bit of trembling and decided nervousness whenever she performs. Simon appeared rather bored while she performed. In my opinion, she didn’t really seem to get into the song until the end. But definitely a B+ performance.

David Archuleta decides to do “Sweet Caroline” and “America”. Neil feels like he’s “kind of a prodigy”, which is a heck of a compliment coming from the great Neil Diamond. David’s performance of “Sweet Caroline” is okay, but I have to admit, nothing earth-shattering there. I give him a B.

Syesha Mercado sings “Hello, Again” and “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime”. He seems to be really impressed with her renditions of these great songs. The first songs she performs is “Hello, Again” and she did a pretty good job with this song. Again, nothing earth-shattering but she did a good job. I give her a B.

Ryan Seacrest decides to weigh in on the judge’s perceptions of the contestants’ first songs. Paula’s confused and thinks they’ve sung two songs so she’s giving her impression of Jason’s two songs when in actuality he’s only sung one. We finally realize she’s confused Jason’s second song, that he hasn’t sung yet, with David Cook’s first song, which was the bomb, and that’s who her praises need to go to. Whew!

And of course Simon is his usual vitriolic self and runs through a quick assessment of his perceptions. Jason and David Archuleta are described as “amateurish”, Syesha is “old fashioned”, David Cook is “above average” and Brooke White’s performance is described as “a nightmare”. I could tell he was definitely not enjoying her performance, but that’s just downright mean. The girl’s already a trembling, nervous wreck whenever she comes onstage. She’s probably popping Valium and vomiting before the show starts every night. Anyway, this makes for a nerve-wracking first half. Simon tells them all to step it up a bit; it’s a competition!

The next half begins with Jason Castro singing “September Morn”. Jason seems so incredibly bored with this song, almost as bored as I was watching him perform it. Randy agreed that this was “another okay performance”. Paula thinks he needs to step it up a bit and of course Simon’s just not impressed. I give him a C (just for remembering the words).

David Cook plays guitar and sings “All I Really Need Is You”. I’ve never heard this song before but David Cook did a great job, put the rocker spin on this song and totally
rocked it. All the judges loved the second song better than the first. Simon loved that he changed the arrangement (who would know, I don’t think anyone knows this song) and he made it his own. Paula thought she is “already looking at the American Idol”. Randy is really impressed with what he’s done with this second song. I give him a well-deserved A+.

Brooke White sings “I Am, I Said” and plays piano. She actually does a great job with this song. She seems much more comfortable when she plays piano and sings. The performance was very heartfelt and real; definitely NOT a nightmare. I give her an A+. Randy thought it was a difficult song but it showed her vulnerability behind the piano and all, excellent song choice. Paula agreed but Simon thought “this is the Brooke we like”, wasn’t incredible but a million times better than the first song. I have to agree. Something about that piano.

Next up is David Archuleta singing “America”. He actually does a great job with this song. The judges loved it, too. Great song choice, great performance, they all agree. I don’t know, I just don’t think I’m as “in love” with Archuleta as everyone else. I mean, he’s good, but he’s not fabulous, in my opinion, regardless of his age. I give him a B.

Syesha Mercado finally sings “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime” and she does a phenomenal job with this song. If she ends up in the Bottom Two after this, go figure. The judges all agree as well, although Simon doesn’t think she had as memorable a second song as the others, which may be a problem for Syesha. I swear, this girl consistently ends up in the Bottom Two despite excellent performances. I give her a well-deserved A+.

AMERICAN IDOL ELIMINATION SHOW 4-10-08

Tonight’s show includes more footage from various stars’ visits to Africa last year.  We begin with Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, best known for his phenomenal portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.  Whitaker is joined by his wife, Keisha, in Rwanda where they visited the family of a man who was blinded by a land mine.  This man lives as a beggar on the streets of Rwanda, and is assisted by his 6-year-old son as they walk through the streets begging for coins on a daily basis to pay for food to feed the family.  Whitaker and his wife were invited into the home of this man and his family, three children in all, who sleep in a hut on a dirty mattress.  Whitaker and his wife also visited an orphanage where not enough children are taken in, children who have been orphaned by the ravages of HIV/AIDS.  The people who run the orphanage are angels who have made it their life’s work to make a difference in the lives of children who would have ended up lost.  Idol fans were again encouraged to donate in an effort to also make a difference in the lives of people who are in such great need.

Idol fans were also treated to a special treat tonight.  Chart-topping R&B youngster Chris Brown performed a duet with last season’s American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. They performed a song currently running up the charts, “No Air”, and I must say, if I didn’t know better, I’d think there was a more than just a little chemistry there!  Of course, I don’t know better, so, was there something there?  Either Jordin is a pretty good actress, or I’d say she was a little smitten with Chris – but who could blame her?  He’s cute as a button, ultra-talented and, I believe, not dating anyone right now…  Go, Jordin!

On to the eliminations:  Unfortunately, our bottom three this week makes no sense.  The three performers with the least amount of votes include Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado and Michael Johns.  Yes folks, a travesty has occurred.  Now, mind you, I don’t believe that all of these three singers could have gone on to win the whole thing.  But I also certainly don’t believe that they belonged in the bottom three this week: not with Kristie Lee Cook, Jason Castro and Brooke White safe.  That makes no sense.  Syesha’s performance of “I Believe”, a Fantasia song, was really good. It wasn’t the quality that Fantasia would have turned out, but it was still really good.  Michael Johns’ performance of “Dream On” by Aerosmith was “blazing hot!” to borrow a phrase from Randy Jackson.  So that makes no sense.  But Carly Smithson’s performance of “The Show Must Go On” left a little to be desired.  I think she’s good, but not phenomenal. 

It turned out that Michael Johns was sent home tonight.  Ryan Seacrest teased us (and Michael) with the reminder that last year’s elimination was cancelled because everyone was in such a charitable mood with “Idol Gives Back”.  But that same consideration was not extended to Michael Johns this year, and he was let go.  I think with the exception of David Cook and David Archuleta, he was the most consistent of all the performers left.  But I have to believe that some influential record promoter (Clive Davis, pay attention) will get a clue and give Michael Johns a call.  Michael’s an awesome talent and I think this elimination is just a blip in the lifetime of his singing career.