Criss Angel
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Criss Angel describes Phenomenon as "explosive," an aspect of the new NBC reality competition series that attracted the Mindfreak illusionist to work on the project.

"I think it's going to prove to be a very provocative and engaging show that will give talent throughout the world an opportunity to showcase their abilities," Angel said.

"I just thought a show like this would give people a legitimate opportunity. And to participate in it live is really a selling point for me because I'm going to experience as you and all the home viewers are for the very first time when they're performing it."

Angel and mentalist Uri Gellar will assist the 10 contestants, as well as provide their insight on the new reality show. However, it will be the home viewers who vote to determine which act eventually claims the series' $250,000 grand prize following the show's five-week broadcast run.

"I think many, many people are fascinated with the unknown, with the ability to do something that is unexplainable. I think that this show will showcase the best and the worst and the people that claim they potentially [have] this ability because of supernatural reasons, not because it's something that's a trick," said Angel.

"I think all of that stuff is potentially the ingredients for explosive television. I'm going to be there as the voice of the people. And the minute somebody claims - if they claim - if anybody claims that they have this ability outside of trickery I will expose them."

Phenomenon is premieres Wednesday, October 24.

And you thought landing Cameron Diaz was impressive...

On Monday, Criss Angel appeared to escape from a cement box suspended above Times Square in New York after it crashed to the ground without anyone seeing him emerge.

Angel was enclosed for 24 hours in a clear box that was encased in cement as fans and reporters watched. The box was hoisted 12 meters above the ground in a parking lot just off Times Square.

Hundreds gathered to watch his escape, as a big screen showed Angel inside the box, kicking at the walls and dejectedly holding his head in his hands. When a countdown clock hit zero, the box was sent plunging to the ground. As organizers called for paramedics and fans went quiet, Angel appeared atop the screen's nearby scaffolding, waving to the crowd and with his hand across his heart.

Eat your heart out, David Blaine!

While much of the audience cheered, several people were heard asking: "Was he actually in the box?"

"Well, I was in it when I fell â€" that's the truth," Angel told Reuters, adding that people should be asking how he got from the fallen box to the scaffolding.

The stunt was meant to draw attention to the third season of his show Mindfreak, which premiered last night on A&E.

Criss Angel? Not an unlucky man.

We already know that he's seen Cameron Diaz nude. Lots of times, probably.

He also just had a chance to sit down with WWE Diva, Michelle McCool. Here's an excerpt from that interview:

Michelle McCool: The third season of your show, Criss Angel Mindfreak is set to premiere on June 5. Have you been surprised by the show's success so far?
Criss Angel: It's been an amazing experience. I just want to thank all the viewers, your readers, and listeners for all their support. It's been an amazing ride. We've just finished shooting our 70th episode. The premiere for this season has my best work to date, no question about it.

Click here to read the full article.

Dating Cameron Diaz may not prove to be Criss Angel's most impressive trick this summer.

According to E!, the illusionist plans a significant stunt for June 4 in Times Square. Here's what that article states:

The titular star of A&E's Criss Angel Mindfreak has revealed plans to perform a death-defying David Blaine-esque stunt June 4 in New York's Times Square. Angel will encase himself in a block, be hoisted 40 feet off the ground and have 24 hours to escape before it comes crashing down.

The 39-year-old illusionist will be shackled inside a steel-reinforced four-foot by four-foot by four-foot glass cube. The box will then be lifted into the air while simultaneously filled with three inches of concrete in full view of spectators. He will then attempt to free himself and use a rope to climb down before the block drops into a parking lot.

The entire demonstration will also be filmed for a future episode of Mindfreak.

In other words: be sure to tune in for the season premiere of the show on Tuesday, June 5 at 10PM ET/PT on A&E.