So there's this show called X Factor in the UK, right?  It's their version of American Idol. Anyhow, some girl named Alexandra Burke won last night, and she got to perform "Listen" from Dreamgirls with Beyonce.  Fierce, right?  I can't imagine someone like Beyonce being on Idol; X Factor just knows how to bring in the stars!  Anyhow, it's a great performance.  Alexandra is good--a little flat on some of her high notes--but good.  Beyonce is fierce.

Speaking of American Idol, it looks like we are in for some changes this season.  There's apparently going to be less focus on the auditions and more on the Hollywood rounds; 36 finalists will be chosen instead of the usual 24.  Also, they're bringing back the wildcard choice, in which each judge gets to pick one finalist who wouldn't have made it otherwise.  I like it.

I can't even bring myself to listen to the rest of Kanye's performance of "Heartless" on SNL the other night...  It's horrible.  Dear Kayne: you're not a singer.  Love, Matt.

NBC is bringing a new dance show to its lineup in early 2009.  It's called Superstars of Dance, and it pits teams from different countries against one another.  Each team is comprised of two solo dancers, one couple, and one larger group.  Interesting. 

Final Thought: Here is all you ever wanted to know about the scheduling of the upcoming season of Idol...

McCain/Palin on SNL

In case you missed it, check out this clip from Saturday Night Live last night.  It's pretty entertaining.  My favorite parts are Cindy's cameo and McCain's shout-out to Heidi.  Loves it.

As a reminder, go out and VOTE on Tuesday!  Let's make history happen.

Saturday Night Stories

It's definitely not a spinoff...  J. Alexander and Jay Manuel of America's Next Top Model are getting their own show on The CW, in which five women from one town all get makeovers and do some sort of competition until a winner is chosen...  Interesting.  It's called Operation Fabulous.  Good one.

How many more spin-offs can they come up with?  This time it's Daisy from Rock Of Love's turn to try to find her one true love.  I'm sure some guy who loses on her show will end up with his own show, and so on and so on.  It's a vicious cycle and I LOVE IT.

Dancing With The Stars has come up with a Plan B.  So far this season, like five people have been injured on the show, including Misty May-Treanor who actually had to leave the competition.  Well, the producers have come up with this idea...  If a member of a team is injured during rehearsals and doesn't feel up to dancing live on the show, they can opt to show (probably edited) rehearsal footage.  Reality TV is so real!  

This should be good: Sarah Palin has reportedly signed on to guest star on Saturday Night Live's October 25th show!  In all fairness, I hope she does a good job.

I can't wait to hear David Archuleta's debut album, due out November 11, a week before champion David Cook's own album drops.  David A. has finally landed a manager and all the pieces are coming together for the cutest crooner to hit the Idol stage. 

Final Thought:  Seacrest out.  He's so funny.

Sunday news breaks...

This is sad.  Misty May-Treanor and her partner, the uber-hot Maksim Chmerkovsky, have had to drop out of Dancing With The Stars!  Misty apparently broke her ankle during a rehearsal for the upcoming week's show; I wonder how this will affect the voting--will they eliminate someone? Or maybe they'll bring back Kim Kardashian who was eliminated last week; it's not like she has anything better to do.

Here's the latest Governor Sarah Palin skit from Saturday Night Live, this time poking fun at her recent debate with Senator Joe Biden.  Good stuff.

Tonight's line-up on TV looks good!  Too bad I'll be at work.  :(

Since he's been out for a week or so now, Clay Aiken is super dramatic; he has taken to his own blog and let us hear it!  In his entry, he talks about the fame that comes with American Idol, why he chose to never directly comment on his sexuality until recently, and other gay snippets.

That's all.

Sarah Palin is BACK (on SNL)!!!

In case you missed it...  Because I know I did!  Tina Fey reprised her role as Governor Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live last night.  Amy Poehler was also in the sketch, and this time, I think she nailed it (as Katie Couric).  Check it out.

In other news, Oxygen network has taken over America's Next Top Model!  Not only do they have the exclusive rights to the past seasons, they will be airing the current season on their network. It's really not that exciting, I know... 

Final Thought: Happy Birthday, Bam Margera!  (And Lora, Serena, Jamie, etc.)

I caught an episode of Making The Band 4 today which followed the rehearsals and first performances of Donnie, Day 26, and (of course) Danity Kane.  Here are my thoughts...

First of all, who is this Donnie guy?  I mean, I know who he is; he auditioned for the band and Diddy decided he would make it better as a solo artist...  Really, Diddy?  I mean, he has a nice voice and all, but it just doesn't seem like this is the right time for a guy like him.  Also, is he hot? I am really not sure...  He definitely needs a nose job, I know that much.  However, I mean, I guess he has sex appeal.   

Second, there's Day 26.  I mean, I understand a little bit why this group exists...  It could be time for a Boyz II Men-type group, but I still think they're a little tacky.  However, I have to admit that their vocals are super tight.  There's nothing like a group of black guys all going off together.

Finally, there's Danity Kane, Diddy's original divas.  I mean, they're fierce.  Honestly, all of the girls are such great performers; as soon as they hit the stage, their faces light up and they know how to work the crowd.  It seems like Aubrey is never ever nervous--the just looks ready to go! 

Anyhow, it's still a good show, even though it might not be quite as exciting as the seasons when Danity Kane was selected; that was some great stuff.  Laurie Ann Gibson has finally returned to the show--thank God--and she is adding some great drama, even though she's not quite as crazy as she used to be.  

New Show Alert: MTV's Top Pop Group.  It's sorta like America's Best Dance Crew but they have to sing, too.  Sounds interesting...  It's hosted by Mario Lopez who is really turing out to be quite a reality TV whore.  That's fine with me.  Mmm, Mario Lopez.

Dancing With The Stars is returning for another season, and it promises to be better than ever!!!  Check out the cast here, including Kim Kardashian, Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, and Misty May-Treanor.  I'm rooting for Lance.  

Final Thought: Hopefully everyone has seen this already.  Tina Fey as Sarah Palin (and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton).