Monday bits & pieces...

Danity Kane is really falling apart.  It's being reported that Shannon has decided to leave the group amidst all the drama, cat-fighting, and name-calling.  This means that only two girls remain--Dawn and Aundrea.  Sad times for sure; the end of an era, even.  I wonder what Diddy will do with the name and image of Danity Kane...  I mean, it's obvious that this group is over, unless they try to rebuild the group during the next season of Making The Band.  Who knows.

Two of the pro dancers on Dancing With The Stars have come under heavy scrutiny this season for their apparent "weight gain."  That's right, people are saying that Cheryl Burke and Lacey Schwimmer need to drop the pounds.  And it's not just people in the media or jealous fans; apparently the male pro dancers have said some truly nasty things in regards to these ladies.  I think it's ridiculous.  

Final Thought: Happy Birthday, Kelly Osbourne!  You used to look crazy but now that you're 24 you don't look so bad.

When horrible things happen to fierce people...

I saw the "breaking news" of this story a few days ago, but the details are so tragic...  And, it hits close to home for me...

Jennifer Hudson's mother and two other family members were shot and killed in their Southside Chicago home on Friday.  To make matters even worse, a young boy, Jennifer's nephew, has been missing since the family members were found dead.  There's currently an Amber Alert in Chicago (which I saw a few times on the high way driving back into the city today), and people are being asked to call 911 with any information.  Law enforcement is looking for a 1994 white Chevy Suburban with IL plates reading X584859.

What terrible news.  I just hope for the safe return of the boy...

"I would rather be hated on every damn day of my life than loved for something I'm not."

So, American Idol loser and future Celebrity Rehab superstar Nikki McKibbin blames her drug/alcohol problems and bouts with depression on Simon Cowell.  She says that during her time in Idol, the comments from Simon made her sneak a bottle of vodka into the house and, if she wasn't too tired, "have one or two drinks."  My first question is this: one or two drinks means you're an alcoholic?  I'm in trouble...  Second question: does she think she's the only one who Simon was ever mean to?  Because she isn't.

What are some of your other favorite Idol alums up to?  Check it out here.

Unless you've been living under a rock, I trust that you have heard about the dismissal of Aubrey and D. Woods from Danity Kane.  I just don't get it, to be completely honest.  I mean, I understand that Diddy has the final say and everything, but it just doesn't make sense.  It took two seasons of the show to find the right girls, and each of their personalities adds something very unique to the group.  Why is he throwing it all away?  Whatever.  I'm sure it won't take long for Aubrey to put out a solo album.  Here's what she said about the group and her dismissal--she's fierce.

That's all for now.

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.

All is not well in the Land of Danity Kane! And other things...

The rumors have been circulating for a while.  Though no official announcement has been made (yet), it looks like Danity Kane will be saying auf Wiedersehen to Aubrey!  Diddy made this known during last night's show, saying that Aubrey is no longer a part of the group.  !!!  I am a little shocked, to be honest; I mean, Aubrey was the stand-out from day one, and her vocals are among the strongest in the group.  But then again, I'm not that shocked because it seems like she (more than any of the other girls) has always tried to stand out a little...  Did you know that she was on Broadway this summer in Hairspray?  Interesting.  Be ready for something of substance regarding this matter next week on the season finale...  Can't wait!

OK, here's a question: what do you get when you combine one of my favorite singers EVER, two of my favorite dancers EVER, and a little men's gymnastics thrown in for good measure?  You get the results show of Dancing With The Stars!  Dancing together on the show for the first time (I think) were Juliane and Derek Hough.  Jennifer Hudson joined them, singing her hit single "Spotlight."  And Derek threw in some tumbling...  So amazing.  Was this segment created specifically for me?  I'd like to think so...  In any event, it's amazing and you must check it out.

Speaking of DWTS, they revealed on the results show that no couple would be going home this week due to the absence of Misty May-Treanor.  Instead, they announced that chef Rocco DiSpirito and his partner had the lowest score and would have gone home should Misty have remained in the contest.  Interesting.  And probably a very fair way to handle it.

Final Thought: Yeah, I'm obsessed with DWTS.  Do you remember this clip from the finale two seasons ago?  It's one of the best performances ever by two of the best people ever (Sabrina Bryan & Mark Ballas).  :)  (PS--apparently they're "just friends" these days...  sad)