A few updates...

YES!  Katharine McPhee is making a comeback!  Well, sorta.  She's been announced as the next spokesperson for Neutrogena skin care, bringing in an estimated $500,000.  It's a start, right?

Last night on Idol, the singers performed songs from the year they were born.  I can't wait to watch tomorrow night!  Thank GOD for TiVo.  And thank God for friends who actually have TiVo.

There are rumors circulating that Tyra Banks might be leaving ANTM!!!  What???  I mean, I don't think they could find a better host for that show; it would kind of be like American Idol without Paula, Simon, Randy, and Ryan.  It just wouldn't work, you know?

Tonight in Boystown / Guest Bloggers!

Remember Jim Verraros from American Idol's first season?  I barely do...  Actually that's a lie. Here's one of his most memorable performances (be sure to check out Ryan's hair too!).  Anyhow, Jim is performing at Minibar in Chicago tonight, which is basically across the street from my house.  I'm going to a party this evening, but maybe I'll stop by Mini afterwards and see what's going on.  He's pretty cute now and has definitely come a long way from where he was on Idol. And yes, I'm considering him for my list of reality celebrities I could possibly make out with.  Ha.

In other news, I am going to be having some guest bloggers in the coming days/weeks!  I didn't get a chance to watch Idol this past week, but my roommate's boyfriend Josh took some fierce notes for me.  All I have to do is convince him to hand 'em over...  Then, after that, Lora & Libby will be providing an entry on the return of The Hillz.  They're both obsessed with the show (and Lauren, duh) and I'll unfortunately be working while it's on TV Monday night...  So look forward to that!

Final Thought: Perez (and others) are reporting that JC Chasez (now from Dance Crew) is involved in a steamy love triangle with Chace Crawford and Carrie Underwood.  Ha. Interesting.  If they have a sex tape, I'm DEFINITELY watching.  

It's almost over...

Next Thursday is the finale of Make Me A Supermodel, one of my favorite new reality shows this season.  Last night's episode had the four remaining models compete in two challenges: a photo shoot and a runway.  For the photo shoot, they were nude (mostly), and each model represented one of the natural elements: Ronnie was earth, Holly was fire, Ben was air, and Perry was water. It was hot.  For the runway event, they had to show three different walks--one wearing underwear, one that was a little whimsical, and one serious one in formal wear.  For this second challenge, they brought in a guest coach: Christian from Project Runway!  Obviously he was fierce, but I don't know how much he actually taught them about working the catwalk.

Anyhow, here are my notes about the four remaining models...

Ben is totally hot; his body is incredible and he knows how to use it and his face to take really stunning pictures.  The judges keep telling him they can picture him in an ad for a fragrance and I totally agree; he just has that D&G look. 

Holly is OK...  I mean, obviously I'm biased towards the guys, but I feel like there is something missing with her.  The only personality I ever get from her is the fact that she's a dumb-talker. All of her pictures kind of show her with that dumb, open-mouth pout or whatever it is.  I'm over it.

Ronnie...  Ahh, Ronnie.  I secretly hope he doesn't make it so he moves back to Chicago and will date me.  He's got that All-American quasi-Abercrombie look, but with the right makeup and inspiration, he can take some nice high-fashion pictures.  The judges kind of nail him about hitting the gym more--he is definitely less toned than the other guys--but one of them comments that he "is an elegant, beautiful man."  I agree.

Then there's Perry.  Sometimes I think he's my favorite, other times I agree with what the judges say--that his proportions are a little off.  His pictures were by far the hottest this week; his dramatic makeup and glistening body made me more than a little excited.  Also, I'd vote for Perry for best runway walk.

So what's next?  It's up to America to decide who wins the competition!  Next week's show should be great, and I'll definitely be watching it.  I didn't vote for two reasons: one, I forgot; two, I don't know who to vote for!  Sometimes I love Ben, but sometimes I am OBSESSED with Perry, and yet every now and again I think that Ronnie could make it...  Ugh, we'll just have to find out!

Top Chef Chicago--Episode 2

I'm sitting here eating a delicious Lean Pocket and I'm reminded that I watched the second episode of Top Chef Chicago last night.  It was great!  Sometimes people tell me that I should audition for that show, and I totally would, but to be honest, the chefs on it are so talented and have much more experience and training than I do...  But maybe one day.

Anyway, for the Quick Fire challenge, the chefs had to make a dish in 30 minutes using fresh ingredients from a local farmer's market.  Oh, and they were only allowed to use FIVE ingredients aside from salt, pepper, sugar, and oil.  Wow!  Actually, I think I could handle this challenge; it's basically all about keeping it simple, fresh, and delicious, something I'm pretty good at.  Mark won the Quick Fire challenge, so he was granted immunity from elimination.

After they drew knives (that's how they set-up teams or pick orders), the chefs were told of their Elimination Challenge: to cater a party for 200 people at the Lincoln Park Zoo.  The twist: each team must highlight and utilize ingredients that are part of the diet of a zoo animal--bears, gorillas, lions, etc.  Interesting...  It was an exciting challenge as they only had three hours of prep the day before the event.  Some teams messed up by trying to cook things the day before and then re-heating them at the event; other pitfalls included mushrooms stuffed with blueberries (sick!) and soggy celery chips (ew!).  In the end, Andrew wins the challenge and Valerie is sent home.  

Final Thought: How DUL does this recipe sound?

Somehow I missed this...

This video (courtesy of OUTzone) is so incredibly hot. I mean, Casey is great, but Perry is UNBELIEVABLE. Wow. Loves it.

Girlicious and other girl-related news.

I've only watched parts of this show before, but Girlicious, the Pussycat Dolls' new show, is pretty ridiculous.  First of all, it's hosted by Mark McGrath.  Really?  This is the best gig he could find? Second, all of the girls are SOOO trashy.  Usually there are at least a few girls on shows like this with class and education, but not this time!  Haha.  Anyhow, on this week's episode, my boyfriend was a guest judge!  Which boyfriend, you ask?  Blake McGrath.  Gosh, I love him.  Anyhow, the girls are split into groups of three this week for their performances, and they're all lip-synching. That's stupid, don't you think?

This surprises me.  Apparently Danity Kane from Making the Band's debut season is releasing their sophomore album, and it's going to be #1 on the charts!  I mean, I love DK as much as the next gay, but I'm pretty shocked to learn that they'll be on top.  That's fierce.

Lots of fierce people are planning to take part in this year's Idol Gives Back, the special episode of American Idol.  Set to appear are Brad Pitt, Bono, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli & Payton Manning, etc.  And Ellen DeGeneres will be hosting!  That sounds great.  Hopefully I will be able to watch it since I missed last year's Gives Back show.

I think this news broke a few days ago, but I haven't heard about it really...  Audrina Patridge from The Hillz posed nude for Playboy, but her pics were never published.  But you can check out the (censored) pics on a pretty fierce blog, What Would Tyler Durden Do?

Fierce Tranny Hot Mess (Christian Quotes)

I just came across a list of Christian quotes that I meant to post a while ago...  Well, apparently I never got around to it, but it's better late than never.  Trust me.  I think they're a bunch of his soundbytes that they played on the reunion show, so it's a nice collection from the whole season.

"If I was a diva, my name would be Ferosh."

"I'm not a miracle worker, lady.  I can't make you have an ass."

"I love Asians.  Asians are fierce.  Ohmygod if I'm picked it's gonna be so fierce!"

"Our team is pretty fierce, so I just called everyone Team Star.  Because Team Star is like hot like star like celebrity."

"Don't these bitches know that I'm way better than them?"

"OMG I'm gonna die of barfness."

"I was looking around the room...  Chris' garment was pure costume, 1000%.  Steven's was God-awful hideioius, Elisa's was God-awful hideous, but the judges might die over it...  Or they might die because of it."

"It's a tranny mess up in this room!"

"I think prom is horrible and tacky and gross."

"I made chaps...  Ohmygod it was so fierce."

Hope you enjoyed!

Top Chef

I'm watching the premier episode of Top Chef.  Have I mentioned that I'm pissed because I had no idea that it was in Chicago this season?  Ugh, if I had known, I would have tried to run into some of the chefs.  Oh well.

Anyhow, it's good!  There are a lot of super talented chefs and their first elimination challenge--to re-create a classic dish--is a great choice.  Anyone can make a crab cake, a lasagna, or a souffle (right?), but who can make it new and interesting?  Obviously not Nimma; she got sent home.  She over-salted her shrimp; what kind of amateur makes a mistake that basic?  

Check out the contestants here!  I hope to be tuning in quite often for this excellent show.

Reality Bytes

Perez is reporting that Ryan Seacrest has a girlfriend.  That just breaks my heart.  She's on the E! show Sunset Tan and kind of looks like a slut.  Ryan, I'd make you so happy and I'm NOT a slut.  Honest!

This sounds interesting...  Nick Lachey is apparently producing a new show for MTV about students at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.  If it's about Ohio and musical theatre, you'd better believe I'm going to be watching!

Farmer Wants A Wife.  I don't think I really need to elaborate.  It's starting on The CW on April 30.

Have you noticed previews for a plethora of dance shows?  In addition to the upcoming seasons of Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance?, Lifetime has joined in with Your Mama Don't Dance, in which dance-hopefuls must partner with--gasp--their PARENTS!  Also, Bravo has a new show called Step It Up & Dance.  I haven't seen either of these newbies, but I bet they're fierce!

Jason Castro... and other IDOL news.

Thanks to Perez for finding these pics of Jason Castro, a finalist on American Idol.  I'm sure they will make some people (LORA) pretty happy.  I'll admit it--he's a hottie!

In other Idol news, Kady Malloy has "come out," saying she wants to be a spokesperson for gay rights.  Because Eddie Mercury was gay, and he's her idol.  Hey girl, you've been eliminated from the show; your 15 minutes are up!

Yet more Idols in the news!  Four (count 'em, four) former Idols were represented in the nominations at the Country Music Awards: Kellie Pickler (ew), Carrie Underwood (duh), Bucky Convington (sick), and Kelly Clarkson (with Reba--duh).  Way to go!

EVEN MORE: Rosie O'Donnell offered Danny Noriega a job on her cruise to Mexico next week.  She wants him to sing "Tainted Love" and possibly a duet with Cyndi Lauper...  Exciting.  NOT!

Project Runway Finale

The season finale of Project Runway was everything I hoped it would be.  There were tears, freak-outs, laughs, group hugs, unnecessary (yet totally acceptable) uses of the word "fierce," confrontations, and gays.  Oh, and there was some great fashion, too.  Watching the three designers' collections go down the runway in Bryant Park gave me the feeling of a proud father; I've watched these three talented people progress and learn how to make the judges (and the public) happy.  It was great.

Jillian was chosen to show her collection first.  Her's was the most diverse collection, showcasing her ability to produce pants, jackets, gowns, etc.  A lot lof her looks seem to be inspired by horseback riding; something about the fit of many of her pants brought this to mind.  Jillian's collection was dominated by a beautiful color palate of deep browns and excellent fabric choices.

Next up was Rami, the Israeli hottie.  His first look--a floor length gown--was awesome; exactly what you should start a collection with.  Each look is stunning and shows his trademark style of draping without being monotonous.  The last four dresses to come down the runway made me gasp--each one was more incredible and totally flawless than the last.

Finally, Fierce Christian showed us his over-the-top collection.  He may have overused black, but there is absolutely no question that he is an incredibly talented (young) designer.  His eye for detail shines through each piece and everything looks like it was made for the runways of Paris or Milan.  Fierce.

After seeing their collections, I kind of shifted my allegiances and was rooting for Rami.  Something about his collection just made me stop and say "wow!"  Jillian was eliminated first, followed by Rami, leaving Christian as the winner of Project Runway.  Congrats!  A new car, a spread in a magazine, and $100,000.  That's fierce.

Here are a few great Christian quotes from this final episode...

"I need fierce tallness and walks for days."

--On what types of models he was looking for.

"Gorge.  5'10".  Love"

--On finding the perfect model.

"Look fabulous.  Be really skinny.  Don't eat."

--Giving advice to one of his models before the show.

"Hello!  Did you have a doubt?"

--Upon winning!

"I am taking, like, a vaca.  I need a breaky break."

--Explaining what he's gonna do next.

What a season it was!  So much drama, both good and bad.  Can't wait for next time!

Idols in the news...

If it's on the front page of CNN.com, my most trusted internet news source, then it's got to be big!  They're reporting today, after rumors started circulating on less-trusted sites last week, that David Hernandez was a stripper!  At a mostly "male-oriented" place, no less.  I'd love to see some pics, but they haven't surfaced yet...  

**Update: Perez found a pic.  Duh.

My second most trusted internet news source, Perez Hilton, found this great clip of Danny Noriega wearing too much makeup and cussing out his "fans" in a Christmas message.  Classy, Danny, classy.

Also, if you haven't heard yet, Robbie Carrico, who used to be in the teen pop group Boyz N Girlz United, used to date Britney Spears.  Strange.  This blog article sums it all up, plus Robbie's denial that his signature long hair is a wig.

That's all for now!

Dance Crew Action

It's week three and the show is getting better and better!  This week's theme was "physical distractions," and it was pretty stupid, really.  The dancing, however, was fierce!  You should watch this show if you haven't seen it yet.  

The best crew is still Kaba Modern; their routine was to "G Slide," and it was hot.  They're fierce Asians and I really like the balance of three guys and three girls; neither outshines the other too much which is difficult to do.  

Fysh N Chicks was saved and Iconic was sent home and I'm a little shocked.  Fysh is definitely a weaker group, and their routine was a little sloppy.  Maybe the should have cut down their numbers for the show because I think they have a a few too many girls on stage.  However, one of the girls had some fierce turns at the end.  Loved it.

The winning crew gets $100,000...  That's fierce!  What will the winning group do with the money?  Open a studio?  Go on vacation?  I'm jealous.

Here's the song list from this past week...  They're all hot hits.

Live In Color: (yikes I missed it)

JabbaWockeez: "Lean With It Rock With It"

BreakSk8: "Cupid Shuffle"

Kaba Modern: "G Slide"

Fysh n Chicks: "It's Goin' Down"

Status Quo: "Soulja Boy"

Iconic: "Chicken Noodle Soup"

AI: Music of the 70's

Ten guys and ten girls remain...  We're making our way to the final 12!  I can't wait.  Here are some of my notes from this past week.  Guys first.

Michael Johns--Major pitch problems.  He's all over the place.  He's nervous.  C-.

Jason Castro--On guitar.  Cute and has a nice voice.  Reminds me a little of Jason Mraz.  Without his guitar, can he do it?  Randy challenges him to do so.  B-.

Luke Menard--He should be on a cruise ship.  He's talented and all, but I'm just not sure...  He was in an a capella group at Millikin, a college I know quite a few people from...  Hmm.  B.

Robbie Carrico--He's a poor man's Bo Bice.  I almost fell asleep.  B-.

Danny Noriega--My friend Bryan said: "everyone brace yourself."  Couldn't have been more right.  If you close your eyes, he's OK.  B+.

David Hernandez--His face is a little crazy.  Overdoes it on the performance but goes off a little towards the end.  B+.

Jason Yeager--I like him on stage; he has a great smile.  He's very musical theatre.  B.

Chikezie--He's got a great instrument but I'm not sure if he uses it correctly.  Definitely most improved from last week.  B+/A-.

David Cook--On electric guitar.  Sounds pretty good; he's a rocker and I believe him.  B+/A-.

David Archuletta--"If he doesn't win, Disney Channel will scoop him up," says my friend Gabrielle.  I agree.  His voice is beautiful, honest, and so damn cute.  He's definitely still adjusting to his voice, but I think he's a baritone/tenor, to be honest.  He's the one to beat and gave us one of my favorite performances EVER.  A.

Carly Smithson--This girl can sing!  She's fierce and totally rocket it.  A-.

Syesha Mercado--She has a nice voice, but I think she could go off a little more.  Has nice moments.  B.

Brooke White--On guitar.  A little boring; could have picked a better song.  B.

Ramielle Malubay--Not her best week...  Her rendition of "Don't Leave Me This Way" was good, but nowhere near Latoya London's performance from Season 3.  B-.

Kristy Lee Cook--Looks pretty awkward on stage, especially her outfit.  Pretty boring.  C.

Amanda Overmeyer--She doesn't have a real voice, you know what I mean?  She's not marketable.  Time for her to go, but I think she'll stay around for a while.  C.

Alaina Whitaker--She sucks.  She can belt, but doesn't hear pitches very well.  And ugly.  B-.

Alexandria Lushington--What is she wearing?  Not a belter.  Not fierce.  Bad runs.  Dumb.  C+.

Kady Malloy--She's apparently a trained opera singer.  Yeah right.  A little awkward on stage.  I hate her.

Asia'h Epperson--Is it Latoya London night?  Sang "All By Myself," but it was way too low...  She kinda sucks.

After America voted, four singers were eliminated on Thursday's show:

1. Jason Yeager

2. Robbie Carrico

3. Alexandrea Lushington

4. Kady Malloy

Basically, I am obsessed with David Archuleta, as if you couldn't tell from that late-night post I made a few days ago.  Uggggghhhhhh he is so fierce.  Here's a clip of him performing (and winning) Star Search a few years ago...  So cute.