February 2008 News Archive (Page 7)

Everyone who has watched American Idol so far this season knows about Carly Smithson, Michael Johns and Asiah Epperson. They'll all been featured a lot before being chosen as three of the final 24 contestants on the show.

But what about those that are still relatively unknown, yet remain in the hunt for the Idol crown? Singers such as Garrett Haley (pictured( and Jason Yeager that have barely received any air time?

Don't worry, guys, says executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has two words for you: Kelly Clarkson.

"She wasn't shown at all [during the audition process]," Lythgoe told reporters in a conference call Friday. "There certainly is an edge in having [a lot of airtime]. But at the end of the day, it's how you come out [tomorrow] and Wednesday and sing your song."

Yesterday, we reported that Adam Carolla would be teaming up with Julianne Hough on season six of Dancing with the Stars. Here's the rest of this season's cast, announced last night by ABC:

• Marlee Matlin: Has appeared on The West Wing; won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Children of a Lesser God. She's deaf.

• Penn Jillette (pictured): One half of magical duo Penn and Teller. Talks, has long hair.

• Marissa Jaret Winokur: Tony Award-winner for Hairspray. She played the classic lead role of Tracy Turnblad.

• Adam Corolla: Radio host of syndicated morning show, The Adam Corolla Show. Former host of The Man Show.

• Kristi Yamaguchi: Olympic Gold Medalist. Figure Skater.

• Monica Seles: Former tennis player. Was actually stabbed in the back years ago during a match.

• Mario: R&B singer. Rumored to have appeared in a sex tape.

• Cristián de la Fuente (pictured): Has appeared in Ugly Betty and Psych on American TV. International star and Spanish actor.

• Steve Guttenberg: Actor, starred in Police Academy movies, Three Men and a Baby, Short Circuit.

• Jason Taylor: All-Pro defensive end for the Miami Dolphins. I'm beside myself â€" I hope he can dance.

• Priscilla Presley: Former wife of Elvis Presley, current mother of Lisa Marie Presley.

• Shannon Elizabeth (pictured): Pretty actress best known for her role in American Pie.

Evan Dollard and Monica Carlson conquered the last night. They were crowned male and female champions of the show, respectively.

Evan, a 25-year-old retail manager from Chicago completed the Eliminator - a timed obstacle course that contenders competed in at the end of each episode - at 1:19, topping the previous record of 1:23 he had set during the semifinal round.

"This is so awesome! I didn't think I could beat that 1:23," said Evan following his victory. "I was just trying to go steady and strong, but the adrenaline got a hold of me... It just took over me. I just exploded out of every single one of these obstacles."

Monica, a 32-year-old mother of twin girls completed the Eliminator in 1:53. She and Evan earned $100,00 for their efforts.

The full cast of Dancing With the Stars season six will be announced following Dance War tonight.

We've uncovered an early spoiler for the show, however: comedian Adam Carolla has been cast on the series. And the lucky funny man will be teamed with gorgeous professional Julianne Hough.

Visit our website tomorrow for the full rundown on who you can cheer on during this season's Dancing with the Stars.

While cast members on Big Brother spend most of their time annoying viewers, one idiot in particular has irked more people than usual by referring to people with autism as "retards."

Celebrity gossipsite TMZ has obtained a letter from John Gilmore, Executive Director of Autism United, to Viacom bigwig Sumner Redstone and CBS, demanding that they take action after a segment aired on Wednesday's show featuring Adam Jasinski making the stupid remark.

Check it out now:

According to the letter, Gilmore claims CBS made a "conscious choice" in running the quote - and used it for "their own personal goals." It would be hard to argue with that.

The organization calls for "[Big Brother 9] to be canceled, and expects an apology to people with autism. Gilmore also tells TMZ they've contacted the show's advertisers.

As the top 24 contestants on American Idol begin singing for their reality show lives tomorrow night (voting is now on you, viewers), USA Today is running a feature that outlines the professional backgrounds of a few finalists.

Perhaps in response to the timid album sales of Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, American Idol has passed a quintet of supposed ringers on to the finals, those that have actually had a recording deal with a label in the past. But that's a negative in the eyes of many.

"The reason I watch is to see someone journey from nowhere to stardom," Kevin Kotke, a fan from Milwaukee, told the newspaper. "The only kind of record a contestant should be able to claim is the $5 self-published kind from the mall."

But Season 7 contestants can claim quite a bit more than that:

• Carly Smithson recorded for MCA, which lavished more than $2 million on her debut album, then dumped her when it sold poorly.
• Kristy Lee Cook signed with Britney Spears' production company in 2001.
• Michael Johns' band, The Rising, was dropped by Madonna's Maverick label.
• Robbie Carrico sang with Boyz-N-Girlz United, an Orlando boy/girl band.
• David Archuleta won $100,000 on Star Search in 2003.

While some fans are bothered by this sort of experience, American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says the flap "is a storm in a teacup… Let's just let the stories unfold."

He adds that show rules require only that contestants not be currently under contract: "We're looking for 'great,' and, yes, those people in all likelihood have had dealings with the industry before."

What do you think? Should American Idol contestant be wholly undiscovered?

The two main reality shows that aired last night were based around sex: which skanky single would have it with Bret Michaels on Rock of Love; and which teammates would hook up on Big Brother. Let's find out!

Rock of Love: The "divine nine" wake up and Big John hands them their next clue: it's time for the second annual Bret Michaels Mud Bowl! Catherine the cougar is excited, because she's a dirty Montana girl. Daisy is terrified of getting hurt, probably because she's really tiny. -- Buddy TV

Big Brother: Allison threw out an ultimatum very early in the episode where she basically told Jen that she'd tell the house about her secret if Jen was disrespectful to her at any point in the game. Is it us, or does Allison seem way too defensive about the Jen and Ryan relationship? -- TV Squad

Kendra Wilkinson loves laughing like a maniac. Any fan of The Girl Next Door knows this.

But when Wilkinson - along with co-stars Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt - went to Jamaica to film an episode of their reality show recently, Kendra enjoy daring actions such as cliff-diving. According to the Playboy Bunny, sign her up for any bold sporting adventure.

"I love talking about sports so it would be impossible for me to keep from expressing an opinion once it comes up in conversation," Wilkinson said in an interview with TV Guide, adding that she'd love to be a sports announcer at some point. "But I myself get a little intimidated when, for example, I'm talking football with football players, because I know they know more than I do."

Aside from her love for sports, Wilkinson reveals that she has a strange attraction for Lenny Kravitz.

"Oh, he's just the sexiest guy ever. That's one guy I want to meet, and I haven't had the chance yet. He is so fine! Just so hot," she told TV Guide.

Fans can learn more about Kendra Wilkinson and the rest of Hugh Hefner's girls on The Girls Next Door every Sunday at 10 p.m. on E!.

On Friday night, the top 24 contestants on season seven of American Idol celebrated their accomplished as one, close-knit group.

The singers got together at the Day After Lounge in Hollywood. Ryan Seacrest, Ace Young and Justin Guarini were also on hand, with the latter being impressed by the talent around him.

"The judges have always been saying, 'this is the best year ever' and so on, but this year I really think they got it right," Guarini said.

According to witnesses, some serious flirting has already begun. For example, Kady Malloy, who sang "Unchained Melody" during tryouts, held hands with Colton Berry.

Also, Kristy Lee Cook strutted around the room with a few girlfriends. Sounds like a fun even for all!

The final 12 men take the stage Tuesday night on FOX.

Forget The Hills for a moment.

Flavor of Love 3 might be the fakest show on TV.

Flavor Flav, who was dumped by his season-one winner, Hoopz, and never bothered to call his season-two winner, Deelishis, is rumored to be engaged... and not to a women from the current reality show.

"Right after season two wrapped Flav got yet another woman pregnant," a source told The New York Post. "He decided he was in love with her and they got engaged. He never even bothered to call Deelishis after the reunion show.

He has a fiancée he's in love with and doesn't want to cheat on, but he'd already cashed his check that VH1 gave him for season three - and the show resurrected his career. He was dead broke before, so he's doing it for his family."

A rep for VH1 denies this rumor, however: "Flav is not engaged. It's true he's on his eighth child but, as he's said in the past, he'd like 10. So there's two more to go."