Music, Musicals, and Basketball

On Saturday, May 23, I saw American Idol season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis perform a free show at Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA.


It had been a couple of years since I had last seen Blake, and his fan-fare sure has decreased, but other than that he's still one heck of a talented guy. Perhaps too talented for some people to handle.

After the show, I had a much more pleasant meet-and-greet experience than I had before and after the 'Idol' tour in '07. Maybe that's because I've learned how to talk to him (he can be a bit "touchy").

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On Thursday, May 28, my sister and I went to see Spring Awakening at Heinz Hall (also in Pittsburgh, PA).


We had been dying to see this musical for the past 2 years, and because we did not get to see the Original Broadway Cast when they were at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in NYC (and we'll always regret it!!!), the national tour had to do. And we loved it! The cast (and crew) met our high expectations and put on a great show.

... Spring Awakening is now officially one of my favorite Broadway musicals ever.

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And, tonight, I watched Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers take their place in the 2009 NBA Finals, after defeating the Denver Nuggets.


Congratulations L.A.!!!

Coffee Blitz

Here's a picture of Transformers star Shia LaBeouf sippin' his coffee and waiting for a taxi in Santa Monica, just before he got swarmed by a group of girls.

Nine

So, I just snatched the new issue of Enteratinment Weekly from my mailbox, and as I was flipping through it I noticed that the trailer for the new movie/musical Nine was out. I was so pumped, I ran immediatly to my computer and watched it...

Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway production, the movie stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Fergie, and Sophia Loren. And, as EW describes it, it's a mix of Chicago + Moulin Rouge! + The Olive Garden.

Click HERE to watch the trailer!

America Gets It Wrong

First black president? Yes. A flamboyant, guy-liner wearing American Idol? Sadly, no.

Kris Allen is the new American Idol, and while I think he's very talented (and seems like a nice guy underneath all of that shyness), he's not a star. Yes, he'll be successful in the music industry, but that's because he'll blend right in with John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and others. He's no better.

Adam, on the other hand, is a star! He commands the stage, oozes confidence, and has a range that rivals Mariah Carey's. There's no one like him! And those that have been like him have been legendary (take glam rockers Freddie Mercury and David Bowie for example).

If you need proof of Adam's brilliance and Kris's mediocrity, watch each guys duet - Kris with Keith Urban (which I couldn't find online) and Adam with Kiss - and then watch their duet with eachother. You'll see who stands out.

Adam and Kiss:

Adam and Kris and company:

...Oh well, I think we can all agree that Adam will be much better off without the infamous 'Idol' title and just as infomous 'Idol' restraints.

One thing's for sure: Last night, Adam wore the most amazing outfit ever seen on the American Idol stage!!!


Bravo!

Adam v. Kris

To be honest, last night's American Idol final 2 performance show was a bit underwhelming. I agreed with Simon when he said Kris won round 1 and Adam won round 2 (by 1,000,000%). But I don't think anyone "won" round 3.

Kara's song, "No Boundaries," may have been the worst 'Idol' finale song to date. As singers (and as performers) Adam was way too big for it, while Kris was way too small for it. Adam's vocals blew over it, Kris struggled to get through it, and both versions were a mess.

All I have to say is, as usual, I agreed with Simon when he said that the show was in search of a worldwide star, and he truly believes that has been found in Adam.

...But something tells me that America's a little too reserved to agree.


Don't miss tonight's 2 hour finale, starting at 8 PM.

ADAM FOR IDOL

Adam Lambert is the definition of a superstar: "extremely prominent," "a major attraction," and "dazzlingly skilled." He would make Andy Warhol proud (Andy coined the term "superstar" in the 60's)! So, seeing as American Idol is "the search for a superstar," it only makes sense to vote for Adam tonight after 9 PM. 1-866-43657-01!

And, after 'Idol,' be sure to watch the premiere event of FOX's all new series, Glee!


The musical-comedy stars Spring Awakening's Lea Michelle (pictured above, with the "L" over her head) and Broadway alumni Matthew Morrison.

More From Shell Cottage

Here are a few photographs taken on Tuesday, May 12th, of everyone's favorite trio - Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson - filming some more "Shell Cottage" scenes for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.




Click HERE to see more photos, but beware of a major spoiler!

SNL Finale

I've embeded some funny skits from the season finale of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Will Ferrell. But I'm sad, because the best skit (in my opinion) is not available at NBC.com! It was an awesome musical number that featured the entire cast, Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, Paul Rudd, Elisabeth Moss, and the show's musical guest, Green Day. Oh well. Enjoy these:

America...

Do the right thing on Tuesday, May 19th. Vote for Adam Lambert! Charge up your phones and get ready to dial (and re-dial) 1-866-43657-01.

The Shot

Calling all dog lovers! This is a must watch:


I think that shepherd must have been channeling Rin Tin Tin!

Sunshine Superwoman

Cameron Diaz graces the June 2009 cover of Vogue magazine (on stands Tuesday)!


In the issue, America's favorite single girl opens up to Robert Sullivan about being Hollywood's green queen, enduring heartbreaks, and taking on unexpected roles.

Here are the photos from the shoot:






Read the article HERE.

Lookin' Like A Star

American Idol finalist Adam Lambert shopped at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills on Thursday.


Possibly for an 'Idol' finale outfit?

Make sure you vote for Adam on Tuesday night! Get ready to dial 1-866-43657-01 (because Kris Allen won the coin toss and he chose to sing second).

Now Playing

Angels & Demons, the sequel to Ron Howard's 2006 adaption of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, arrives in theaters today! And the film is already receiving much better reviews then the 'Code' did. Which makes perfect sense, because 'Demons' is a lot more theatrical (as far as scenery and stunts go), and it would be much easier to translate on screen.


I can't wait to see this! I'm going on Sunday (because I must go opening weekend!). I love the book, it's brilliant! And if the movie is even half as good it will be great.

The Boys Club

Don't miss a single note! Watch American Idol on FOX, 8 PM ET.

Update: I miss Danny already. Vote Adam for 'Idol'!

Go Your Own Way

OK, so this video is way old. Like, February-old. But it's still worth posting.

It's Carrie Underwood and David Cook singing "Go Your Own Way" at the opening of the American Idol Experience in Disney World, Orlando.

If you haven't already seen it, enjoy!

Michael Johns, Out N' About

Remember season 7 American Idol contestant Michael Johns? Well, I spent some time with the Aussie this past weekend! He performed a couple of songs at a promotional event for AT&T in Niles, OH, then signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans.


He sounded great and was sweet as always. He even dedicated a love song to his wife Stacey (who was in the audience with her family).

Want more scoop on Michael? Visit MichaelJohnsOnline.com, and don't forget to download his new single, "Heart on My Sleeve."

Justin's Other Lover

Are you wondering what Jessica Biel thought of boyfriend Justin Timberlake's "Mother Lover" SNL Digital Short? Well, hear what she had to say to MTV today:

MTV Shows

She's a cool girl.

Little JT

My sister told me about a YouTube video that Perez Hilton posted on his blog today. It's of a 10-year-old Justin Timberlake performing Paula Abdul and Jack the Cat's "Opposites Attract" with friend Ashley Arrison at the Germantown Festival in Memphis, TN. And it's hilarious!

Enjoy:


But wait! There's more!!!

This interview, that the two gave to the Germantown High School public television station, is even more hilarious! Justin is soooo sweet (and already dealing with a lot of attention from his fans). Plus, he says that his goal is to be on the Mickey Mouse Club!

Check it out:

Mr. Smooth(ie)

Here's a cute picture (I snagged from Just Jared) of Shia LaBeouf hanging out in Studio City, CA after enjoying a Jamba Juice smoothie.


Love the ray ban-style shades!

I watched Eagle Eye for the second time last night, and it was still really enjoyable. If you haven't seen it yet, do so.

Tune In Tonight!

Update: Here are the embeded videos, courtesy of NBC.com!