WUN2K w/ Erin Biglow S2 Ep. 2 – More GOP Follies, Natalie Wood, Good Riddance To Joe Pa.

Season 2 Episode 2: More GOP Follies, Natalie Wood, Good Riddance To Joe Pa.

Erin Biglow, breaks down the latest socio-political-celebrity news. Erin is not a woman to be trifled and she knows her sh*t. Welcome to the Jone Dome!

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Show Credits:

Written & hosted by: Erin Biglow
Produced & Edited by: Poptimal.com
Venue: Hollywood, CA
Intro: In One Ear  (by Cage The Elephant)

(If the show does not play using the link at the bottom of the page, you can download it: Download|Podcast Alley)

ABC Family Q&A: Laura Vandervoort Spreads Christmas Joy

I may have mentioned once or twice how much I love the original movies on ABC Family. They’re wonderfully cheesy, and sweet, and the kind of creations that make you revel in being female for a couple of hours without feeling too guilty about it. Their newest offering is called Desperately Seeking Santa, starring Laura Vandervoort (Smallville, V) and Nick Zano (2 Broke Girls). I had the chance to sit in on a round table interview with Laura, in which I learned more about why she loves this character, how this role differs from projects she’s done previously, and yes, what it was like to work with an up and coming cutie-pie like Mr. Zano.

When asked whether she prefers comedy to science-fiction type drama, and what drew her to the character of Jennifer Walker, Laura had plenty to say.

“I started working when I was about 13 and I started doing mainstream television on sci-fi with Smallville and V, so that’s kind of been my world for a while – the sci-fi world. But since those have ended I’ve had the chance to do some feature films and really kind of mix it up for myself with Ted and This Means War and obviously Desperately Seeking Santa, which is a romantic comedy, and I’ve never had the chance to do that. Obviously I relate more to Jennifer Walker than my other characters, which were aliens and flesh-eating lizards, but it was a lot of fun to film and it was in my hometown.”

Desperately Seeking Santa is a fun twist on the Scrooge type of money-miser Christmas theme. Jennifer enjoyed playing a character no one like, and had some insight as to what appealed to her about the script.

“Honestly, the fact that she was human was a small portion of the reason I chose the role…she’s a bit of a workaholic, like myself, and I tend to forget to have fun sometimes because I am so serious like Jennifer. In the film she learns that it’s not all about working hard and being focused. You can actually have fun and relax. It was the first role where I enjoyed the process. We were laughing. We were being silly. The smiles in the film are all real.”

And working with Nick Zano?

“It was great. We got along really well and I think the producers were happy with our chemistry. It was pretty easy. We have similar personalities – joking around on set. I was lucky. The whole cast was fantastic, and since I’m from Toronto, where we shot the film, a lot of the actors are my friends.”

The movie, in addition to being a romance, is really about the importance of family and friends. What was your favorite part about developing the friendships?

“I enjoyed working with Paula (Brancati), who plays Marissa in the film. I knew her beforehand. She was on Degrassi and I was on Instant Star so we sort of shared the same crew and set. We get a long really well so a lot of the scenes that we got to do that were kind of the silly, friendship scenes were a lot of fun, and the fact that my character kind of turns on her was tough.”

Laura talked a little about what she’d love to do, as well as who she’d love to work with, in the future.

“As an actor, I have an entire list of people I’d want to work with. Definitely at the top of my list would be Meryl Streep,  Rachel McAdams. I would love work with Paul Giamatti, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Shia LeBeouf – I mean, all for different reasons of course, but I just want to continue to work, and if I can work with great actors around me and learn from them and continue to grow then I’m happy.”

Also, the girl has great taste in television shows.

“I’m currently obsessed with The Walking Dead. It’s kind of right up my dark, morbid alley. But on the other side of that, Big Bang Theory I think is fantastic.  I worked with Kaley Cuoco when we were like 13. I would love to be a part of Mad Men. I could go on, but those are the top of the list.”

We all know it’s a great time of year, being able to turn on the television and be treated to a Christmas movie. So what are some of Laura’s favorites?

“The classic White Christmas and because I’m a Tim Burton fan, The Nightmare Before Christmas, which is an off choice, but I’ve always enjoyed it. There was a clay animation film I liked growing up called The Abominable Snowman.”

Laura has been in this business since she was just a kid, and looking back, she would give her younger self some pretty good advice.

“I would probably tell myself to try to enjoy it a little more and not take it so seriously. That it will all come together and you don’t know everything yet – you’re still going to discover new things about yourself and about this world, so just hang tight.”

So why should viewers tune in and watch Desperately Seeking Santa?

“Well, if you love Christmas films and you love that warm feeling you get from watching them – your heart feels joy and you want to sit there with family, this is a great film. It’s also great if you’re a true romantic at heart, it’s a beautiful kind of love story. It has all the aspects. You’ve got the Scrooge, you’ve got Santa, you’ve got Santa’s helpers, which are all the other characters in this film, and then on top of it all, it’s a beautiful love story with a splash of comedy. It was a lot of fun to film, so I think it will be a lot of fun for people to watch.”

Desperately Seeking Santa airs at 8/7c Sunday, November 27, 2011 on ABC Family.

The X-Factor Review: Steve Jones Skillfully “Eliminates” Two Acts

Those of you who have been watching the show this season may have noticed something rather hilarious and odd about host Steve Jones. He seems very angry. On the surface, Jones is a wonderful host with a charming personality and good looks. But look deeper. As I have pointed out many times, Jones always looks pained and frustrated, and on the brink of a full-fledged nervous breakdown. He is constantly worried about “running low on time,” “moving it along,” and saying things like: “Let’s go, let’s go!!!” while rushing each judge along in their comments as if he has somewhere very important to be. Here’s my theory: Steve Jones is a serial killer. This host thing is just a cover. You might think I have lost my mind, but all I ask is that you watch and observe his behavior during the episodes. Decide for yourself.

This week was all about giving thanks in honor of Thanksgiving. Each act chose a song to dedicate to someone special in their lives that they wanted to say thank you to. Within the first two minutes of the show, Jones already seemed pissed off as he explained that not one but two acts would be going home this week, leaving us with a Top 7. The act with the lowest number of votes from America would automatically go home (or to whatever location Jones has them sent to be killed). Then, the remaining bottom two would sing for survival, and the judges would vote which one stays and which one goes. Now, we all know what happened with that last week, when Astro thought he was too good to sing for his survival and acted like an infant by half-assing it up there. Last week, the judges let him have it and told him he had an unacceptable attitude up there. This week, all is lollipops and roses again, and the judges are all backpedaling and talking about how immensely talented Astro is and how he had a “tough moment” up there. Whatever.

Another thing that is suspect about this show is the audience. They never shut up. From the second the episode begins they are screaming and yelling and applauding over . . .  NOTHING! Jones could be explaining the theory of relativity up there and these fools are going batshit crazy. When the judges give their comments, half the time you can’t hear them over the ear-piercing screams coming from the crowd. It is insanity. What are they feeding these people? Pounds of sugar? Crack? Are they rejects who couldn’t get into Live from the Apollo? Calm the hell down people. At least wait for the acts to start performing before you begin convulsing in overexcitement . . .

Rachel Crow: Gave thanks to her adoptive parents who took her out of a very sad upbringing in a crack house with her birth mom who was addicted to crack and abusive. She thanked them with the song “I Believe,” which was quite a beautiful performance, complete with choir and confetti falling from the ceiling. Silly Nicole gave one of her Hallmark-positive affirmation comments with: “You are such an inspiration, a bright light!” The other judges tried to comment, but Jones cut them short with an abrupt: “Gotta move along. Move along.”

Marcus Canty: Thanked his mother, who raised he and his siblings as a single parent without much money, and sacrificed herself for her children. The song was “Food to My Soul” and Canty sat on a giant staircase that led to nowhere as he sang to mommy in the audience. Toward the end of the number, he went over to her, sang directly to her, and they both broke down in tears as they hugged one another. Can everybody say “Awwwwww!!!” Oh, what’s that, Steve? We don’t have TIME for that? I apologize. Please don’t hurt me. Reid told Marcus he was “top notch”, and Steve Jones angrily explained to viewers how to use Twitter in order to vote. He has explained this at least 4x now, and I still don’t really get it. #dumbass

Melanie Amaro: A religious and VERY passionate, emotional Melanie used her song “I’m the World’s Greatest” to thank the Lord. Her performance had more passion than any past song by her has ever had, and when she finished, she continued passionately expressing herself with words. This girl wouldn’t stop talking! “I’m so grateful to be on this stage tonight! Simon, thank you for believing in ME! Thank you! All of you! And thank you God!” There was a LOT more but that’s just a taste. Then she cried – hard. Suddenly Nicole was hugging her; the crowd was going wild; and then party pooper Jones came in and stopped the fun from happening. There will be NO FUN on THIS show! “Okay, let’s go guys. Let’s move on.”  It’s always about moving on with this guy. #angermanagement

Chris Rene: Using a medley/mash-up of “Let it Be” and his own original “Homie What You Trippin On”, Rene thanked his rehab counselor, Tim Fry, who got him through the worst time in his life with his support. His original song is simply awesome. I would buy that song. It kind of kicks ass. Nicole called him a “blessing” (gag!), and Simon said that he really hoped America would vote for Rene tonight.

LaKoda Rayne: Since there are four girls in this group, they each thanked a different person, of course. To me, this group is four bland, forgettable girls that make up a forgettable, bland group that sings pleasant but not earth-shattering music. It sounds like what you hear in your local dentist office, or at K-Mart while you shop. Anyway,between them all they thanked 2 dads, a boyfriend, and a grandmother. Now here’s the weird part: their song choice to say THANK YOU to these special people, was Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” Ummm . . . huh? I mean . . . HUH??? This is a song about a girt who is jealous cuz the guy she likes likes this other girl who wears short skirts and stuff, unlike Taylor, who wears t-shirts and sits on the bleachers. WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THANKING SOMEONE??? The even weirder thing is that I am the ONLY person to bring this up. None of the judges found it odd that this was their song choice. In fact, they all loved it and called it their best performance yet. I must have been hearing a different show entirely, because the first few lines of that song were OFF-KEY big time just like Taylor Swift! Paula was so moved, she started crying and saying how proud she was of the girls. Jones interrupted her and put a stop to the joy once again with: “Alright girls, that’s enough”, as he practically shoved them off the stage.

Leroy Bell: Thanking his mother, who was always his biggest supporter and bought him his first guitar amp as a kid, Bell talked about her death 2 years ago and how much it affected him. This was the dream she had for him, he said. He chose “In the Arms of An Angel”, and it was very nice. Very beautiful actually, and hey! There’s that choir again! Reid still wasn’t totally sold, while Simon disagreed and said it was Bell’s best performance yet. Steve Jones made this comment: “It felt like a song you were singing to your mom.” Really? NO SHIT! That’s because IT WAS! Hello?

Astro: Ugh. I knew after what happened last week, that the producers and judges would all change their tune and make Astro look like some big victim that is misunderstood and deep. Asto tried to explain his behavior last week, saying that he “wanted to leave and not perform because I felt like people weren’t gettin’ me.” Well, tough! You were in the bottom 2; deal with it. Then he dedicated his song to his fans, who have annoying names on Twitter like #TeamAstro and #Astronauts! Yuck! The judges all kissed his little butt, and Paula asked if she could be an Astronaut. Simon said “I admire you.” Oh Christ! Stop rewarding this kid, can we? Where is Jones to yell at everyone?

Drew: Her song was “Skyscraper” and she used it to thank her very best friend since the 2nd grade, Shelby. This was yet another quiet, pensive, Enya-like performance. Yawn. DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! This was also the act that led to this week’s immature, childish fight between Reid and Cowell, which lately seems to happen every single week. Reid asked why Drew doesn’t do songs that are more age-appropriate for her, and some other drivel. Simon overreacted with: “I am so sick of your pointless, stupid criticism of Drew. You’re trying to make me feel that she is worthless.” Reid replied: “You can dish it out, but you can’t take it.” Simon said “This is a young girl’s soul here!” Jesus. OVERDRAMATIC MUCH???

Josh Krajnik: Thanking his 17 year old daughter, Rowan, who inspired him to get back into music, Josh gave an awesome and raw performance of “Wild Horses” where he also played the piano. Nicole cupped her hands to her face and told Josh “your music can change the world.” Okay, let’s back it up a bit there, lady. Take it down a notch.

In the results show, Steve Jones got excited and laughed maniacally as he announced that this week, TWO acts would be going home instead of just one! Two acts would be taken away to the Pine Barrens to be disposed of . . . taken care of . . . eliminated. “But first; here’s a live performance by Kelly Clarkson!” After that ended, the Top 9 performed some sort of weird-ass Circus Song that felt like a strange acid-trip. This was simply too much fun and hijinks for Jones, who had finally had enough of the silliness and exploded: “Okay now, back to business!” At this point, he sent home the act with the lowest amount of votes home “immediately.” He kept pointing out that they must leave “immediately.” I kept picturing a limo waiting for the act going home that would drive them to some desolate wooded area where right after the show Jones would meet them there to “eliminate” them. Well, America’s choice for this fate was LaKoda Rayne. Awwww. They were sad, but vowed that we would “hear them everywhere!” Yes, perhaps we will, if we see our dentists regularly.

Next, comedian Howie Mandel was sitting in the crowd and did a quick interview led by Jones. Mandel was promoting his new show that follows Factor, called Mobbed. Literally in the middle of Mandel speaking, Jones cut him off and said simply: “Okay, we gotta move on. Gotta move on.” RUDE!

At this point, Steve Jones announced that he would soon be sending more acts to their death, but first: Bruno Mars!!!!

The bottom two singing for Survival were Marcus Canty and Leroy Bell. They both sang well, but Bell really sang well, while Canty didn’t choose the right song to put him over the edge. The judges votes ended up in a split at 2 each which left the decision to who America voted for. So, America sent Leroy Bell home. And since its called “Singing for Survival,” I’m afraid that Leroy won’t be making it home to his family for Thanksgiving. He will not survive.

Next week: The Top 7 Will Perform Songs as Steve Jones takes a baseball bat to their legs.

Season 1, Episodes 17 and 18 (originally aired November 22 and 23, 2011)

X Factor airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.  For more X Factor reviews, click here.

Photos courtesy of xfactorusa.com

 

 

 

The Muppets Review: It’s Time To Light The Lights

Times have changed since The Muppet Show enchanted the living rooms of American families in the late 70s and early 80s, when its innocently silly, unapologetically simple humor and contagious cheer catapulted Kermit and the gang to iconic fame and several film adaptations. Anyone born after 1990 almost certainly lived a childhood void of mahna mahnas and rainbow connections, as the turn of the 21^st century introduced an era of pretentious sarcasm and shallow snark in place of the good-natured laughs of Muppet yore. This week’s release of Disney’s attempt to reboot the beloved franchise, not seen in theaters since 1999’s forgettable Muppets in Space, provides a delightful escape into uncharted territory for many contemporary children who will likely wonder why their parents seem to be enjoying the movie more than they are.

The Muppets is star and executive producer Jason Segel’s (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I Love You, Man) pet project, finally realized after teaming on a script with Nicholas Stoller (Get Him to the Greek) and snagging Flight of the Conchords auteur James Bobin to fill the director’s chair. Segel stars as Gary, a thirtyish man-child whose younger brother, Walter, is his ageless Muppet alter ego, although neither is consciously aware of this important anomaly. The duo are rabid Muppet fans and the film opens with a montage chronicling their childhood planted in front of the tube watching their favorite Muppet Show episodes over and over. Gary’s natural ascent into adulthood doesn’t waver his affection for the Muppets, but Walter’s inability to experience human development keeps his attachment particularly devout and prevents Gary from living a truly fulfilled life, as the two appear to be the only ones unaware of the Muppets’ decreasing cultural relevance.

Gary and his schoolteacher girlfriend, Mary (the ever-adorable Amy Adams), plan a trip to Los Angeles for their 10^th anniversary, and Walter gets himself invited along in order to tour Muppet Studios in Hollywood. When the trio arrives in Tinsel Town only to discover decrepit and abandoned remnants of what was once the creative hub of all things Muppet, the film begins to introduce light elements of social commentary to accompany the personal journeys Gary and Walter subsequently endure. Walter overhears baddie tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper, having a ball) relay his plans to turn the studios into an oil drilling site, lest the Muppets find a way to buy back their property for $10 million. Gary and Mary join Walter on a frantic search for Kermit that provides a poetically stark, sad dose of reality for Walter and Gary when their hero seems to have moved on from his glory days. Kermit’s wistful song about his hesitation to relive the past gives the film an emotional heft the more pointedly silly first act eschewed, and establishes the real-world problem that surely crossed the filmmakers’ minds. Can the no-fuss joy of the Muppets make a feasible comeback in a decidedly jaded, irony-addicted present-day society? The notion may also mirror the pressure Segel surely felt to do the treasured characters justice in the absence of creator Jim Henson, whose 1990 death certainly marked an unrecoverable loss in the Muppet-verse.

Once Kermit gets on board to save his studio, however, the tone stays chipper throughout the film even in the face of other hardships, as he rounds up the rest of the gang and they struggle to – what else? – put on a reunion show to raise the money they need to stave off Richman’s greedy goons. Despite somewhat startling, if not strangely realistic, updates on what the other Muppets have been up to, it’s a hoot to watch all of them re-inhabit their trademark roles. Miss Piggy as a high-powered Vogue editor in Paris initially reeks of stale The Devil Wears Prada parody (an appearance by Emily Blunt as Piggy’s curt receptionist practically invites this comparison), but thankfully avoids caricature as her estranged relationship with Kermit is given surprising attention and depth. Fozzie’s trajectory into obscurity is objectively the most depressing as it’s revealed he’s ended up in Reno fronting a slimy tribute band called “The Moopets,” but Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl in an essentially silent but wholly uproarious cameo helps lighten the mood.

The movie’s overall strengths are in its unabashed whimsy and devotion to the source material while maintaining a fresh tone. These admirable traits help introduce a new generation of cynical millennials to the giddy, unironic charms of Henson’s beloved cast of characters. The occasional modern twist takes place in the form of pointedly self-referential winks to let the audience know that the characters are aware of their own shelf life and absence from the recent pop culture vernacular. As the gang pitches their show to a variety of television networks and gets resounding rejections at every turn, one particularly forthcoming exec lays it on the table: “You guys aren’t famous anymore.” A main goal of the film is of course to prove the lasting legacy and entertainment value of the Muppets in spite of their lapse in the spotlight, but the storyline that packs the biggest punch is the evolution of Gary and Walter’s relationship as they struggle to make important choices for themselves, independently of one another, for the first time in their lives. Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie serves as the film’s music supervisor, presenting the pinnacle number “Man or Muppet” as the heartbreaking, hilarious way to embody the goofy glory at the core of the Muppets canon while breathing an air of genuine pathos into the narrative.

The Muppets isn’t a perfect film by any stretch; a few jokes fall flat, the threadbare plot renders the pacing sluggish at turns, and, like the last-minute telethon within the movie, it all just feels a bit thrown together. Despite its lurches along the way, Segel and Stoller’s spirited script and sense of joy helps The Muppets ultimately succeed in rejuvenating a franchise that speaks to the eternal child in even the staunchest of cynics.

Images courtesy of IMDBPro, Walt Disney Pictures, Patrick Wymore and Scott Garfield.

I Hate My Teenage Daughter Pink Friday & Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure Breast Cancer Fundraiser

I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER Black Pink Friday & Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure Breast Cancer Fundraiser

WHAT: The infamous shopping holiday “Black Friday” will be transformed into “Pink Friday” courtesy of FOX’s new series I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER. Moms and daughters will be treated to FREE massages and manicures with nail polish colors inspired by the show’s characters. Free shopping totes will be handed out in which participants can take with them to carry all their bargain shopping finds! Additionally, promos for the show will play on flat screen TVs for participants to watch while they get their treatments.

On behalf of FOX and I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER, a donation of $5,000 will be presented to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Each local event will support breast cancer by giving information on how to donate online to the Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure® program. Supporters can donate in conjunction with FOX and I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER and all donations will be given to the local Komen Affiliate that services that area.

How to Donate:

• Go to Passionatelypink.org

o   Click on “Give to a Team”

o   Search for the Team Captain “Pink Friday” or the team name “I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER Pink Friday”

o   Find the corresponding team information for the I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER Pink Friday event.

o   Click “Donate Now” to make your contribution

o   To go directly to the donation site:  CLICK HERE

Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure® supports life-saving research, education, screenings and treatment programs in the fight to end breast cancer forever.

WHEN: Black Pink Friday, November 25^th

TIME: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

WHERE:

LOS ANGELES (*Star Kristi Lauren is scheduled to appear)

Westfield Century City

10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90067

http://www.westfield.com/centurycity

Location: Level 1 by Zara and behind escalator bank

NEW YORK

Westfield Southshore

1701 Sunrise Highway

Bay Shore, NY 11706

http://www.westfield.com/southshore/

Location: Level 1, JC Penney court

CHICAGO

Westfield FOX Valley

195 Fox Valley Center

Aurora, IL 60504

http://www.westfield.com/foxvalley

Location: Level 1, Center Court

SAN FRANCISCO

Westfield San Francisco Center

865 Market St.

San Francisco, CA  94103

http://www.westfield.com/sanfrancisco

Location: Level 3 located outside of True Religion and Charles Chocolates

ABOUT I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER:

I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER is a new multi-camera family comedy starring Jaime Pressly and Katie Finneran as single moms, best friends – and former nerds – who fear their privileged and overly indulged daughters are turning out just like the mean girls who picked on them in high school.

ANNIE (Pressly), who was raised in an ultra-strict, über-religious household where she had little-to-no freedom, pretty much allows her daughter, SOPHIE (Kristi Lauren), to do whatever she wants. Annie’s best friend NIKKI (Finneran), once an unpopular, overweight social pariah, is now a pretty Southern belle who also allows her daughter, MACKENZIE (Aisha Dee), to do as she pleases.

The moms have given the girls everything they’ve asked for and everything they never had: clothes, money and self-esteem. The unintended consequence is that they have created two mean girls just like the ones who tortured them years ago.

The series also stars Eric Sheffer Stevens as Annie’s ex-husband MATT, who wants to be a good parent, but doesn’t know what that even means; Kevin Rahm as Matt’s brother JACK, a father figure to Sophie whose meddling would annoy Annie more if she didn’t have such a crush on him; and Chad L. Coleman as GARY, Nikki’s ex-husband, who also tries to help raise his challenging daughter, but the couple’s complicated relationship often makes his involvement more difficult.

As their daughters begin to experience their first high school dances and other life-changing teen events, Annie and Nikki are often reminded of their own tortured adolescent years. But when Sophie and Mackenzie’s mean-girl antics cross the line, the moms quickly realize that they must, for the first time, dole out some real punishment and fix what is broken. They have no idea how to do that, but they do know one thing: They can’t do it without each other.

I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER is produced by Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television. Sherry Bilsing-Graham (“The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Friends”) and Ellen Kreamer (“The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Friends”) are executive producers. The series is written by Bilsing-Graham and Kreamer. Andy Ackerman (“Seinfeld,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine”) executive-produced and directed the pilot.

I Hate My Teenage Daughter premieres Wednesday, November 30 at 9:30/8:30c on Fox.

Images courtesy of Gavin Bond/Fox and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The Sing-Off: Interview with Afro-Blue’s Danielle Withers

On this week’s episode of The Sing-Off, the top four teams performed a mash up of current hits hoping to sing their way to the finals and one step closer to a lucrative recording contract. At the end of the night, it was Howard University’s a capella group Afro-Blue who found their chance cut short just shy of the top three.

In the wake of their elimination, Poptimal.com had the chance to interview Afro-Blue’s Danielle Withers. In our conversation Withers tells Poptimal all about her time on the competition, how a jazz group ever stood a chance in a pop competition, and what you should remember most about Afro-Blue.

Keshaunta Moton for Poptimal.com: How did you guys get involved with The Sing-Off?
Withers: A few members of the group, myself included, were huge fans of The Sing-Off. We watched the first couple of seasons of the show, and I’d always think to myself it’d be really cool if Afro-Blue was on here, but I never really thought that far ahead. One of the great things about Afro-Blue is we’ve been afforded many amazing opportunities to work with some of the greatest jazz singers and musicians of all time. One of the groups that we have worked with in the past, Take 6, we did a work shop with them some years ago and really connected to one of the members [Cedric Dent]. Long story short, he basically told one of the casting directors, “Hey you have to check out this group Afro-Blue.” They YouTubed us, and they were like “Oh my God they have to audition on the show.” They contacted our director Connaitre Miller, who was the director and founder of Afro-Blue at Howard University. She contacted us and was like, “Hey you guys want to do it?” And we were like yeah. The rest is history.

Poptimal.com: And how was the experience for you?
Withers: It was amazing. It was such an amazing experience to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing show. It definitely was very humbling and just awesome.

Poptimal.com: What did you most enjoy about the experience?
Withers: I really enjoyed everything about it. We made a lot of really great friends in the other groups. The judges, it was just so great to be able to interact with musicians that I’ve looked up to for most of my life. To have worked with so many amazing people; everyone at The Sing-Off, from the cameramen to the judges, was just so nice and it was just amazing to be able to work with such amazing people. And performing, doing what Afro-Blue loves to do, being able to share that with the world it was definitely humbling and amazing to do that on a nationally televised show in a prime time slot on NBC. How humbling and amazing is that to be able to share what we do with the people that watch NBC? That was really exciting.

Poptimal.com: So, what was the most difficult part of the competition?
Withers: Seeing people go home. You develop these amazing relationships and friendships with people. On top of that we’re all artists, we all respect each other as artists and everybody wanted this as bad as everybody else. To see someone have to go home made it sad. At the end of the day, it is a competition, but when you develop the relationships that you do it becomes so much more than that.

Poptimal.com: You say you developed relationships with the other groups. What group did you feel that you connected with the most?
Withers: We connected to many groups. We were very, very close to The Yellow Jackets. It’s so interesting, when we were flying out to do the show, we were both sitting at our gate at the airport and we were looking at each other. People had instruments over there; we had instruments over in our little section, and just thought ‘Hmm, I wonder if they’re going to film The Sing-Off too.’ From the airport until they left we were always together. Our hotel rooms were on the same floor. We were just all very, very close to the Yellow Jackets, and Delilah as well.

Poptimal.com: After Afro-Blue’s performance of “A Long Time Coming,” judge Sara Barielles said that she felt the judges confused you guys on your sound. Do you think that’s true?
Withers: I think that with Afro-Blue being a jazz ensemble and this being a show about current hits on the radio and pop songs, I think that it was always going to be a challenge for us because any genre outside of jazz would be stepping outside of our comfort zone of what we do as a group. The good thing is that we as individuals love every genre of music so we were able to apply that to what it is that we do. But we definitely tried throughout the season to accommodate and make sure to stay true to ourselves as well. Sometimes people love it, sometimes they don’t; all you can do is your best. Different people like different things and all we can hope for is for them to enjoy our arrangements of our songs as much as they did.

Poptimal.com: What was your favorite performance?
Withers: My favorite performance was definitely “Killing Me Softly.” It was such a testament to the kind of group that Afro-Blue is. We love music; we’re very classic, but we’re also very current. We decided to mesh the Roberta Flack version and the Fugees version, which is an amazing cover. They’re both amazing versions of the song. And so it was just definitely an indicator to the world to the kind of group that we are. The arrangement was very, very cool and the choreography. We’re laid back, but we love music. We love to make music that’s very cool and it was just very much who we are, and that’s why it’s my favorite.

Poptimal.com: What was the most helpful advice that the judges gave you?
Withers: Just for us to stay true to ourselves and to remain emotionally attached to the music. In jazz music that’s really what we do. For us to be out of our comfort zone, having to apply that to the current hits, we had to make sure to take that emotional connection that we had when we sing jazz to apply it to what we were doing on the show as well.

Poptimal.com: What did your time on The Sing-Off teach you about singing or performance?
Withers: It definitely taught me not to limit myself at all. Don’t be afraid to let yourself go on stage and just lose yourself in the music and in your performance. As long as you stay true to who you are, that is what translates to an audience.

Poptimal.com: What would you like for people to say about Afro-Blue?
Withers: I would like for them to say that they loved us and they enjoyed us on the show. They loved that we were so fun loving and that we loved music so much. Because that’s so true, we definitely do and we definitely are. And I would love for them to be excited about future endeavors for Afro-Blue.

The Sing-Off airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.

Images courtesy of Lewis Jacobs/NBC.

Giving Thanks: A Commentary on Television’s Offerings

Thanksgiving, the holiday of overeating, hanging out with family and friends, and watching football, is upon us. But really, it’s the day when we are supposed to recognize the positives in our lives and give thanks. In honor of Turkey Day, I’ve come up with a list of what I’m most grateful for related to television.

I’m thankful for….

My DVR, which is extremely overworked. At the moment it is set to record 60 (yes, you read that correctly) season passes for various shows anything from Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, reruns of Friends, guilty pleasures like RHONJ and shows that are featured in my masters thesis. Without it, I’d be lost.

Fantastic new shows. There are two that stand out amongst the rest. I’ve quickly fallen under the spell of Once Upon A Time and I can’t get enough. Fairytales for grownups…more please! Plus, the cast seriously rocks. My second favorite is the “adorkable” New Girl. Week after week Jess, played perfectly by Zooey Deschanel, and the guys never fail to make me laugh. How could you not love this show? And if don’t, to quote Jess, “tough tater tots tooter.”

Kickass leading ladies. I’m all for girl power and the ladies who kick some butt, all while looking fabulous, of course. I’m a bit sad that The Closer is nearing its end. Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) with her sweet tooth, and successful interrogation methods will always be one of my favorites. I’m completely behind Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) in the newbie show Revenge and her vengeance plot on behalf of her father. Let’s not forget about Covert Affairs’ Annie Walker (Piper Perabo) who gives us a fun look into life as a spy in the CIA. Finally, I’m also thankful to see Gilmore Girls alums, Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy, doing well with their respective shows, Parenthood and Mike & Molly.

The laughs. Wednesday nights are the best. I’m thankful for the terrific writers who keep me laughing. Happy Endings is a highly underrated comedy that does not get enough love. This quirky group of friends brings the funny each week. If you can watch this clip from the season 2 premiere without laughing, there’s something wrong with you. Next, there’s always room in my life for the best fake psychic detective, Shawn Spencer (James Roday), and his trusty partner Gus (Dule Hill). After a long break, Psych has returned as strong as ever with hilarious episodes with vampires, their take on The Hangover, and Shawn in the loony bin.

My go to late night hosts—Jimmy Fallon & Jon Stewart, who always keep me entertained. Some of my favorites include Fallon’s “history of rap,” “Girl Talk Jenga,” or charades with various celebrities. Plus, no one can top Jon Stewart and The Best F#@king News Team’s daily comedic twist on the news.

TV crushes. If you know me or follow me on twitter, you’ll know there are a few guys that I go fangirl over. To name a few—The Vampire Diaries’ Ian Somerhalder. Game of Thrones‘ Kit Harington. Blue Bloods’ Donnie Wahlberg. And last but certainly not least, the practically perfect Alex O’Loughlin from Hawaii Five-0. Thank you TV gods for these handsome faces.

Poptimal for asking me to write this fun article and letting me share with you my thanks to the television industry.

Happy Thanksgiving Poptimal readers! What are you thankful for? Do you have a favorite comedy/drama, new show or late night host? Would love to hear your television thanksgiving list.

Images courtesy of Fox, ABC, and HBO.

Gossip Girl Review: The Big Shower

Blair and Louis’s wedding shower is fast approaching, and Serena is the host. After a Gossip Girl blast announces that Blair had taken a paternity test, Louis begins to feel a little anti-Upper East Side. He tries to convince Blair that her friends don’t have her interest at heart. Blair tries to disprove that, but it’s hard when Serena is acting so nonchalant about the shower, convincing Blair that the party is going to be completely casual and lame.

Meanwhile, two people weren’t invited to the party – Dan and Chuck.  Dan gets all mopey and sad and asks Chuck for help. Chuck’s solution? Get Dan laid.  But when that plan fails and a drunken Dan takes off, determined to crash the party and confront Blair, Chuck is forced to follow after him.  And that’s just the start of things getting messy.

Prior to the party, Nate hacks Gossip Girl’s email and finds a list of sources that have sent her tips over the years. It’s just the thing he needs to make The Spectator a bigger site and save Diana’s job (which she convinces him is on the line), but it’ll incriminate almost all of their friends who have submitted tips to Gossip Girl over the years. Serena begs him not to publish the list, and he agrees. He then persuades Diana not to publish it either. But someone else saw the list, too, someone who happens to be as no-good, spying, paranoid prince.

It turns out that Diana is in league with Nate’s grandfather, who wants to remake his grandson’s image (by making him head of a gossip magazine? I’m still lost on this part).  Diana is supposed to help him – presumably he has something over her head – but Diana has begun to seriously care for Nate, and simultaneous think less of his grandfather.  After an argument, Nate’s grandfather, a key investor, forces Diana to step down from the paper.  I don’t think we’ve seen the last of her yet, though.

All the while, Charlie/Ivy is having a meltdown.  Ex-boyfriend Max is in town, and he’s tracked her down and discovered her secret. Charlie/Ivy offers him $50,000 to keep him quiet. He agrees, but also has developed a thing for Serena.  Wanting to stay in town even longer, and knowing how scared Charlie/Ivy is, he changes the deal to $500,000.  So much for him being a good guy, right?

Back at the van der Woodsens’ apartment, Blair discovers that her party isn’t a bust at all. Turns out Serena does know her well, and the party is Tiffany’s themed.  Everything is going great until an email blast leaks the list of Gossip Girl sources. Everyone begins gossiping and fighting, and to make things worse, Dan and Chuck walk in, uninvited.

Chuck takes Dan outside where the two (Dan quite drunk) have a chat before Chuck takes him back home. Chuck realizes that Dan is in love with Blair, and his reaction may be the most unexpected moment of the show. He isn’t angry. He doesn’t abandon Dan. He doesn’t even act upset. Instead, it seems to bring them a little closer together, because she didn’t choose either of them.  Chuck and Dan (adorably christened Duck) may be my new favorite TV bromance.

Inside, it’s chaos. And things get worse when Blair realizes that it was Louis who leaked the list, which incriminated her more than anyone. He did it, he admits, to make her think less of Serena and her other gossipy friends, but his idea backfires.  She tells him that they are having serious issues that that they are starting to become toxic for one another. She asks him to leave for a little while because she needs to think. Does this mean that the wedding is off?

I don’t know. But the ending of the episode may give some of you Chuck and Blair fans hope. After realizing that Chuck had only crashed her party to keep Dan from ruining it, Blair realizes something 0 that Chuck really has changed. He wasn’t faking it last week. He’s sincere. She shows up at his apartment and simply says, “You’ve been good all along, haven’t you?”

He has, Blair! He has! Now ditch that damned prince and go back to Chuck!!

Sorry. I think my Chair Fandom is showing.

Overall, it was a fun, sweet episode, and I enjoyed it, though I was sad not to see more. Not even an appearance from Cyrus or Eleanor at their daughter’s shower? No Eric? No Georgina or Carter? No musical guests?  Come on, Gossip Girl, you can do better than that!

Best Storyline: Chuck and Dan being buddies.  ADORABLE!
Worst Storyline: Diana scheming with Nate’s grandfather. I was more bored than intrigued.
Want to See More Of: Monkey.  That dog is crazy cute.
Want to See Less Of: Louis! DUMP HIM ALREADY BLAIR!

Season 5, Episode 8: All the Pretty Sources (original air date November 21, 2011)

Gossip Girl airs Monday nights at 8/7c on The CW.

Images courtesy of Giovanni Rufino and The CW.

The Amazing Race Review: It’s Bikini Time

You can always tell when it’s getting down to the end on CBS’s The Amazing Race. The standard double leg, ‘Oh you think you’re done but you’re not,’ as Phil sends the tired teams racing on for a second time, tactic is something reserved just shy of the final three. And this week may just be a boon for boarders Andy and Tommy who somehow find themselves in danger of elimination. On this week’s episode of The Amazing Race, the teams travel from Copenhagen to Belgium where a dizzying case of motion sickness attacks the teams at Legoland. Also, Tommy’s taught a thing or two about drama while Cathi’s navigation skills leave her running in circles.

We start this week’s episode with the teams looking for a statue of Hans Christen Anderson where they find their next clue. The task for this is that the teams must learn the poem written on the statue by heart and then travel to a local theater and recite the poem for a drama critic. If they recite the poem correctly and with the proper amount of dramatic flair, the critic will give them their next clue. If, on the other hand, the critic finds flaws with the performance the team will have to go back to the starting point and try it all over again. Cindy takes on this task for her team, but her partner Ernie seems a little skeptical as he tells us that Cindy’s short term memory isn’t the best. And while it does take Cindy a while to learn the poem (thanks to a sudden influx of tourists), once in front of the instructor she quickly passes through.

Cathi and Tommy are the next to come up to the task. As a former English teacher, Cathi should probably not have any problems memorizing the poem. She and Tommy head for the theater at approximately the same time. They head in different directions, but have the same problem. They’re lost. Cathi doesn’t recognize that the wheel of the bike is actually the map to get to the theater. As a result she rides a while in the opposite direction from where she should be going, in order to get directions. Tommy knows the wheel is a map, but still can’t make sense of it to the tune that when he finally stops to ask directions he’s told that he’s so far off of the map. After getting instructions, Cathi gets lost once again giving Amani time to catch up, learn and recite the poem, then move on to the next clue. Cathi eventually makes it to the theater, but is sent back when she gets one of the words wrong. She has to do it again.

I wonder what is the critic’s standard for drama? Personally, I’d have the teams going to Shakespearean methods to move ahead, but I guess this guy’s feeling a little lenient and that’s why he lets Cindy, Amani and Cathi through with nothing more than a few waves of the arms. Tommy and Sandy on the other hand don’t get off so easily, as their straightforward recitation of the poem has the critic begging for more drama and the two are sent back to start over again.

The teams then move on to Legoland where they are given a puzzle to assemble for their next clue. The trick to this is that the teams must assemble the puzzle while being spun on one of Legoland’s rides. Cindy/Ernie figure out pretty soon that their clue is a train station but it takes them a while longer to complete the puzzle. Neither of them seems disturbed by the motion of the ride and this seems an advantage to this team. Also, feeling fearless are Andy/Tommy who seem to actually enjoy their little tilt a whirl. As they say, you can’t make snowboarders carsick. I’m sure Sandy and Amani wish the same went for them.

Amani tells us that she doesn’t like things that twirl, and once the ride starts she immediately starts to feel sick. But she and Marcus partner through it without any incident. Jeremy/Sandy have the toughest time on this course. The spinning starts to get to Sandy and the team drops puzzle pieces everywhere so that when they’re done they find that they’re missing one part and they have to start all over again. During their second try, Jeremy/Sandy manage to keep all the puzzle pieces in the cart and get through it much faster than their first attempt.

The puzzle clue tells the team to go to a train station in Germany where they book their tickets to travel to Belgium. Ernie/Cindy are the first to arrive and find that the next train isn’t for several more hours. This completely obliterates their lead on the other teams. While waiting for the train, Ernie/Cindy discover that they have lost one set of their tickets to Belgium. This is a two train itinerary and they can’t find the tickets to complete their journey. They try to buy another set of tickets but find they don’t have enough money so the two decide to catch their train and beg the conductor for mercy. Luckily for them the conductor of the second train never checks for tickets, so they’re home free.

During this whole ticket fiasco, Cindy is a complete bundle of nerves. She blames herself for dropping the tickets and worries frantically if this will put them out of the race. Ernie on the other hand is quite calm about the whole situation. He’s laid back and I can only imagine that this helps Cindy calm down a bit too. By this point they seem sort of whatever-will-be-will-be. I can’t help but be glad that there’s not going to be a shouting match at this stage of the game. Crisis diffused.

Next up, the teams reach Brussels and have to perform in a body building competition. No one seems quite happy with the tiny bikinis they are given, but then again, none of them look particularly humiliating either. Count that as a win. All of the teams have to do the poses at least twice, although for some twice seems like a pipe dream. Andy/Tommy have a hard time getting the moves and are consistently getting points that total up to 4, a far cry from the 12 that they need. Marcus has a hard time remembering the steps but he and Amani make it through. Jeremy/Sandy by far are the most surprising team as they not only get the crowd on their side but they manage to score the only five out of the bunch ending with a total score of 13.

Amani/Marcus are the first to finish the challenge. They reconnect with their driver, who it turns out doesn’t know how to get to the pit stop at Parc Elizabeth. While Amani/Marcus are asking for directions, Ernie/Cindy are finishing their task and closing the gap. It’s a close call but Amani/Marcus get to the pit stop first winning a trip for two to Panama. They are relieved and Phil tells them that it isn’t over; the next leg starts now…

At the end of the episode the remaining teams had yet to check in but I think it’s safe to say that there will be no elimination for this leg, and whatever team happens to come in last will have a speed bump to overcome.

Next time on The Amazing Race: a feud heats up between Marcus and Andy/Tommy while the teams live out their race car fantasies.

For more on this episode, check out A Whole Lot Of Muscles In Brussels by Gabe Callahan.

Season 19, Episode 9: “It’s Speedo Time” (original airdate November 20, 2011.)

The Amazing Race airs Sundays at 8/7c on CBS.

Images courtesy of CBS.

Dancing With the Stars Review: A Grand Finale of Inspiration as J.R. and Karina Take the Mirror Ball Trophy

Well, folks, it’s that time again. What time, you didn’t ask? Time for another finale to yet another season of everyone’s favorite cheese-fest show: Dancing With the Stars. And just in case you weren’t totally sure that you were in fact, watching the final show, just look above Bergeron’s noggin and you’ll see a ridiculously large sign that reads “FINAL.” But before you shed a tear, or, if you’re Bruce Jenner, before you have a tear frozen onto your plastic cheek symbolizing that you would be crying if you only had a face, do not fear! This show is simply not capable of staying off the air for more than 14 seconds. This show has more seasons than The Bachelor has failed engagements. In fact, I  heard a rumor that the next season will begin January 5th, which allows the Kardashians just enough time to manufacture another family member and turn them into a “star” so they can all get even more attention! His name will be Kraig Kardashian, and he will be known for his ginormous balls.

So, it’s almost time to say goodbye. Goodbye to Grandpa Len and his various, stinky medicines. Goodbye to Bruno and his passionate comments that make absolutely no sense. Goodbye to Horny Carrie Ann and her sex-filled words, as she still waits to finally get that man into her bedroom. Goodbye Brooke Burke Charvey, and your stellar interview improvisation skills. And last but not least, goodbye to the charming and witty host Tom Bergeron, who can turn the world on with one of his smartass but always friendly comments. Bergeron: I think I’ll miss you most of all.

So, who will win that Mirror Ball Trophy? Will it be Pointless Rob Kardashian? Perhaps Ricki Lake? Or will it be J.R. Martinez? Let us find out.  One last time everybody! Cue up that goddamn catchy theme-song: Doot doot doo doo doo doo doot doot doo doo doo doo . . .

On this last go around, each of the three remaining finalists perform two dances. Round One was whichever style of dance they had not yet tried during the season, and Round Two was what most of us wait for all season long . . . the Freestyle Dance! This is where the couples get to do, literally, whatever the hell they want. Often times, these dances are wild, crazy, filled with lifts, flips, and complicated choreography, and they often decide who will end up going home with that lame-ass prize. Here we go . . .

Ricki / Derek:

Round One: Their dance was the Cha-Cha, and Ricki saved her best dress for last. She has never looked better; her legs toned and her body totally transformed in a gorgeous , short, slinky and sparkly red dress that hugged her curves and was very flattering. (Jesus, I sound like Horny Carrie Ann.) What really struck me though were the heels. Holy hell were they skinny and tall. No idea how on earth a human being can walk, never mind dance, in those. This was a great dance, and showed off Lake’s talent and overall improvement really well. Bruno said something about Ricki being hot and sexy, and then I think he mentioned ketchup. Carrie Ann called her “fierce!” and said she was “living the dance!” Not a clue what that means. Scores were 9/9/9.

Round Two: Let me first say that Ricki Lake’s pal and last year’s fan favorite Kirstie Alley showed up in the audience to cheer on her friend. Sitting next to Maks in the front row, they were chatting it up, laughing, and having a grand ole time. Those two had more chemistry in THE AUDIENCE together than Maks had with Hope Snoozefest the entire season. As for the freestyle, I loved it. Was a mix of quickstep and salsa, and Derek added in quite a few difficult lifts and other tricks despite Ricki’s hesitation. Grumpy Len called it fun and entertaining, then continued eating his soup. Bruno yelled that it was an “explosive coming out!” Relax there buddy. It was just a dance. She’s not a lesbian. There will be no coming out tonight, unless, you’d like to be the guest of honor. Backstage, Charvey mentioned something about Lake’s JAW that totally confused me. I think her battery pack needs changing. Scores were once again 9/9/9.

Rob / Cheryl:

Round One: The couple did a very pretty, very lovely Waltz that, in her flowing pink dress, made Cheryl resemble one of those ballet dancers that sit atop of the jewelry box. It was like a dream. The judges agreed, calling it simply beautiful. Scores were 9/9/9.

Round Two: This freestyle dance was, by FAR, my very favorite dance from Pointless Kardashian the entire season. The song was “Minnie the Moocher” and they jazzed it up 1920′s style. It was FILLED with lots of lifts and cool moves. It was like a Cheryl-tossing event; there were so many lifts of her into the air. Absolutely terrific performance. Even sister Kim showed up for support; taking time out from fake crying out of her fake eyelashes while sitting in her famous for no reason mansion on her big, fake, implant-ass. I’m guessing. She is sooooo BRAVE! Anyway, the judges could not have loved this dance any more than they did, and gushed and screamed in delight. Carrie Ann actually said the following: “We always say that in the finals, you need to blow us away! Well, consider me BLOWN!” Please insert your own jokes here. Scores? Well, what else? 10/10/10!!!

J.R. / Karina:

Round One: “Looks like I picked the wrong week to hurt my ankle” should be J.R.’s Airplane -inspired quote for these past two weeks. This was not his best dance, as the judges made quite clear. Right away, it seemed as if the timing was off; it lacked the energy that he normally has. I don’t know if his ankle was even a factor, but the dance was lacking in J.R. goodness. Carrie Ann said his musicality was off, Bruno liked it; mumbling something about a saucy night in Savannah and a horse named Ed???, and Len said simply: “It wasn’t that good.” Then he passed wind and his dentures flew out. The scores were mixed at 8/7/9, and Brooke wondered how did it feel.

Round Two: If there is such a thing as redeeming yourself, J.R. and Karina did it here, with this dance. Hopefully it’s enough for them to WIN! This was my favorite dance of the evening. They decided to go with J.R.’s Latin roots and do a salsa-inspired routine that was filled with fast music, hip-action, fun club-style movements, and an extremely dangerous and fascinating move where J.R. hooks the back of Karina’s neck, and then flips her completely over. Incredible. Unbelievable. Awesome. 10/10/10!!!! Yay!!!!

The Very Last Results Show and Winner . . .

Leave it to this show to drag this out to the fullest extent with a 2-hour show filled with the usual filler moments, dance performances, and comedy bits (sometimes funny, other times not so much.)

The show also made each couple dance TWO MORE TIMES again during the finale show, claiming some crap about adding the judges scores into the already tallied America’s votes to determine the winner. Now you know, and I know, and you know that I know and we all know and America knows and everyone on earth knows (well okay, Brooke Burke probably doesn’t know, unless it’s on her cue card) that this is all bullshit, right? Just don’t tell the judges. We all know the winner has already been determined by the votes the day before, and all this other stuff about judges’ scores is a bunch of malarkey (as Len would say). So, I’m not going to sit here and break down the last two dances, because they are pretty much pointless “filler” dances in order to torture the cast, the audience at home, and America as a whole.

So, with that being said, let me just say each couple chose a dance from the season that they wanted to repeat or improve; the judges chose another dance they wanted to see again from each couple; and the last dance was yet another Instant Dance. Basically, they are trying to kill these people. Eventually, these scores combined with the audiences votes and then multiplied by 17 and thrown into the sea decided who the top 2 contenders would be, thus sending the 3rd person/couple home (into the audience) right in the middle of the show. I always found that a bit abrupt. “Yeah, well, we don’t wanna wait til the end of the show to kick you off. GET OUT RIGHT NOW!”

So, after a whole lotta malarkey, the couple in 3rd place ended up being:

Ricki and Derek. WHAAAATTT?????

This goes to show the POWER OF THE KARDASHIANS and their ninety billion followers on Twitter all voting for Rob because they are being told to by his 400 pointless sisters. I have this sinking feeling that a Kardashian will be walking away with that Mirror Ball Trophy. I just really, really hope it is J.R. and not that loaf of bread Rob. I have nothing against the dude, honestly. But J.R. deserves this pointless trophy. He’s a war vet. A hero. A fantastic dancer. Rob went to USC.

So now we have our two finalists, and the next few minutes was spent analyzing them in a video montage by the judges. After that, there was a humorous clip of “The Story of the Season.” This led into bringing back the entire cast, which is always fun. This is always the part where I go: “Oh yeah? THAT PERSON was on the show? They were so pointless, I totally forgot!”  On the other hand, it was great to see other stars back on the floor with brand new choreographed dances.

The biggest, best, and most hilarious cast member to return, was, of course, Carson Kressley.  He put together a dance routine that only he could,to Madonna’s “Vogue.” Not only did he make himself the Madonna and the featured performer of the dance, but he basically recreated the original video in a way that only he can. The only disappointment was that instead of having his dance duet with Maks, as he has been fantasizing about all season long, he was handed off to Mak’s little brother. THAT’S NOT THE SAME! I wanna see Maks and Carson dance, dammit!  Bergeron introduced the routine by saying: “This video will be going viral in about . . . 30 seconds . . .” This was a huge highlight of the finale and they really need to make Carson a regular part of the show somehow. He is insanely funny.

Also returning and making  a splash was Nancy Grace and Tristan McManass (Tits McGee and Man Ass), who re-did their Monty Python number with no nipples popping out anywhere, sadly. Also back was Chaz Bono dancing a great, fun number with partner Lacey Schwimmer and Schwimmer’s dad to a strange song about “liken’ em Chunky!” That was so great. Up next, crazed and whacked-out David Arquette, who danced with not only his partner but also the entire DWTS troupe to the finale song from Grease. Fun number, and David only popped 17 veins in his forehead while dancing, which was an improvement. He expressed great delight in not having to be scored by the judges.  Then, as if we needed to see her again, we got to watch Hope Solo and Maks whine . . . I mean, dance . . . one last time.  Dont ask me what happened. I tried to block it out.

Comment of the finale: When Tom Bergeron asked Carson Kressley, after his “Vogue” number, if he was happy enough getting to dance with Val Chmerkovskiy instead of the intended Maksim, Carson didn’t miss a beat with: “There’s always the after-party! Why stop at one Chmerkovskiy?”

And finally . . . the Winner . . . of The Mirror Ball Trophy and nothing else . . .

J.R. and KARINA!!!

I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited for two people I have never even met before in my life. Congratulations to Karina on her first Mirrror Ball Trophy, and to J.R., a true inspirational American hero in every sense of the word.

Until next time;  I will miss you Tom Bergeron. I will miss you DWTS. See you in the next round . . . . . . LIIIIVEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Season 13, Episode 18 and 19 (originally aired November 21 and 22, 2011)

For more on Dancing With the Stars, click here.

Photographs courtesy of ABC and Adam Taylor

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