Brandon Mychal Smith & Keauna McLaughlin 

DICK: Nice going. He wants him to work on his flow and movement, as well as some technique. However, he thinks he is off to a good start.

LAURIEANN: They did amazing!

JOHNNY: A great solid first effort.

SCORES: TECHNICAL: 6-5-5=16 out of 30. ARTISTIC: 7-7-6=20 out of 30. TOTAL 36 out of 60.

Sean Young & Denis Petukhov are up next. She is not happy with the performance. No F words are allowed. Her confidence is shifting and she doesn’t know why.

Their performance reminds me of Monica Seles and Jonathan Roberts’s foxtrot from season 6 of DWTS. (Which for the record, I liked) Very innocent and basic, although I admit, I do love the lifts–they are very impressive. I like their connection and the sweetness.

JOHNNY: He likes the elegance and thought it was good for her skill level. He gives her some pointers to improve.

LAURIEANN: She thinks she is amazing and calls parts of it effortless and giving.

DICK: He compliments her feet and legs but wants her to let it go–take off her girdle and let it fly.

SCORES: TECHNICAL: 6-5-5=16 out of 30. ARTISTIC: 7-5-6=18 out of 30 and 34 out of 60.

Jonny Moseley & Brooke Castile perform next. They are so cute already. He thinks it is awkward at first and is frustrated, but she tells him relax, he just got here! She tells him think the opposite of what he does skiing.

The performance has a rock and roll feel to it and is instantly my favorite performance of the night so far. They have good technique and can really sell a performance. VERY NICE!

LAURIEANN: Dynamic amazing, but wants more funk in his trunk.

DICK: He knows he will do well, but wants him to work on his posture.

JOHNNY: He loves it!

SCORES: TECHNICAL triple 7s for 21 out of 30. ARTISTIC: 6-6-7=19 out of 30. TOTAL: 40 out of 60.

Just as an aside, I feel like I’m watching the Bizzaro version of DWTS!

Johnny Wier performs to Lady Gaga’s Poker Face. I honestly have no words for it.

Rebecca Budig & Fred Palascak perform next. She is excited because this is a dream come true for her. She used to play pairs with her sisters as a little girl. She is scared, but willing to face her fears.

Well, hello frontrunner! This was incredible. Nice lines, great posture and technique is the best of the night so far.

DICK: He compliments her posture and legs, but gives her some pointers on where to improve. He thinks it’s elegant.

JOHNNY: He loved it too.

LAURIEANN: She wants her to use the dancer in her.

SCORES: TECHNICAL: 7-7-7=21 out of 30. ARTISTIC: 8-8-8=24 out of 30. TOTAL: 45 out of 60.

Vince Neil & Jennifer Wester perform next and seem to hit it off right away. He is having problems with his balance. His biggest fear is disappointing Jen. He says performing in the past didn’t faze him, but this terrifies him.

This is another rock and roll themed performance. He can certainly sell the performance, and he is really trying. He seems to be one of the more dedicated performers on the show. I have to say, what he doesn’t have in technique, he makes up for in heart.

JOHNNY: He gives him credit, but wants him to stop following his partner around as much.

LAURIEANN: She tells him to focus on a spot to keep balance but loved his musicality.

DICK: He gives him credit as well, but wants him to be fearless.

SCORES: TECHNIQUE: 6-4-4=14 out of 60. ARTISTIC: 6-4-4=14 out of 30 and 28 out of 60.

BACHELOR PREVIEW! Explosions, crying, making out, adventure000is it wrong I am looking forward to this?

Bethenny Frankel & Ethan Burgess are the final couple to skate tonight. She wants to make it work, although she thinks it may be the death of her. This is for all the moms who should go for it. They seem to be really dedicated to this and really hit it off.

Very impressive first lift. The performance is very good and very basic, she definitely has potential to go far in this competition.

LAURIEANN: She thinks it was fantastic, but gives her some pointers to improve.

DICK: He likes her movements but wants less static in her moves.

JOHNNY: He wants her to give it her all.

SCORES: TECHNICAL: 5-5-5=15 out of 30. ARTISTIC: 5-4-5=14 out of 30 and 29 out of 60.

We get a recap of scores, performances and a reminder to vote.

Tune into Skating with the Stars next week for more performances and our first elimination. Goodnight!

Dancing With The Stars Recap: The Show Went On Despite A Pre-Finale Week Filled With Drama And Death Threats

It was a strange seven days indeed leading up to the Dancing with the Stars finale Monday night.

First, a man in Wisconsin shot his TV while watching Bristol Palin perform last Monday night because he did not think Bristol belongs on DWTS.

Then, Bristol took to Facebook to apologize for her earlier rant against a teen who had voiced his disapproval for Sarah Palin’s reality show, Alaska.

Finally, Bristol and Mark Ballas apparently received death threats over the weekend, including delivery of a suspicious white powder-filled envelope to the DWTS studio, addressed to Bristol. After the studio was evacuated, it was thankfully determined that the powder was just talcum powder and nothing lethal.

But come this Monday night, it was business as usual despite tightened security as the remaining three dancers, Bristol, Kyle Massey and Jennifer Grey took to the dance floor and performed two final dances each to determine the winner of the mirror-ball trophy.

The first dance of the night was a “Redemption Dance” for each contestant: A dance style which each contestant had previously danced on the show but which the judges felt the contestants could have each danced better. The second dance was the popular freestyle dance.

Here is what happened tonight:

Kyle Massey & Lacey Schwimmer
Kyle kicked off the night with a re-do of his fox-trot. The retry left Carrie Ann Inaba saying Kyle had not been his usual “outward” self and needed to focus on his footwork. Len Goodman on the other hand loved the dance and said: “Overall, you have gone from messy Massey to marvelous.” Bruno Tonioli declared: “Your technique has improved tremendously.” No matter the divergent opinions, all three judges gave Kyle a 9 each for a total of 27 points.

While rehearsing for the freestyle earlier in the week, Lacey put some extra pressure on Kyle by telling him, “Whoever wins the freestyle usually wins the competition.” But Kyle rose to the occasion.  Dressed like Will Smith from the opening credits of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, he was his usual charismatic, bouncy, expressive, adorable self.  He even performed the worm during his routine which had Carrie Ann oozing, “This old fly girl is very proud of you! You killed it!” Len said he didn’t get the “bugaloo dance” but still called it “great fun” and “great entertainment.” Bruno chimed in and said Kyle provided “truly explosive entertainment and amazing charisma.” No matter the great remarks, poor Kyle still narrowly missed getting his first and only 30 of the season despite scores of 10 each from Carrie Ann and Bruno. But Len who admitted earlier that he doesn’t quite get the “bugaloo dance” when referring to hip-hop, gave Kyle a 9. BOOHOO!

Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas
Bristol started her pre-dance film montage by complaining, “It sucks that people still don’t think I deserve to be here. People freaked out once we got saved and Brandy was eliminated.”  Bristol is right. I was in the audience for last Tuesday’s results show and you could cut the tension with a knife once the audience, judges and the other dancers found out Brandy and not Bristol was going home. Bristol went on, “I continue to improve week after week and people don’t acknowledge that.” Well, Bristol, obviously some people do acknowledge that and vote for you since you are still left in the competition despite getting the lowest scores from the judges week after week.

For her Redemption Dance, Bristol re-danced her jive, this time around sending the infamous gorilla suit she wore the first time packing, literally. During rehearsals for the jive, Bruno visited Bristol to help get the “wild child” out of her and said her last jive was, “a little a bit of a disaster because she couldn’t quite get the performance level and she went to pieces.”

After Bristol and Mark danced, Bruno said: “I told you you don’t need to go in a suit.” He continued, “You revealed yourself. You came out here and you had a good time and you didn’t care and we all enjoyed it.” Carrie Ann said, “You were brighter and more vibrant than ever!” Len said: “Last time, You were a gorilla, and now a thrilla”. The dance got Bristol three 9’s from the judges for a total of 27.

For the freestyle, Bristol danced to the iconic and sultry “Cell Block Tango” from the Broadway hit, Chicago. The dance was entertaining if for no other reason than to see Bristol dance in a cage. But was this dance of sufficient caliber for the finale? Bruno said: “You have improved but not quite at the level this song requires.” Carrie Ann lessened the blow and asked, “Did I just see Bristol Palin dancing in a cage? I give you a lot of credit for that.” Len finished by saying, “I know you were concerned it was gonna be a disaster. And let me tell you young lady. That was no disaster, I thought it was fantastic!” When it came time for the judges’ scores to be revealed, the crowd booed at the night’s lowest combined score of 25.

Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough
It’s really hard for me to remember a time when Jennifer Grey had a bad dance this season. But according to Carrie Ann, Jennifer was “all over the place” during her first attempt at the paso doble earlier this season; an attempt which landed Jennifer her lowest judges’ score of the season.

How well did Jennifer do on her retry? So well that Len gave her a standing ovation after saying, “I rarely do this!” Bruno dizzily spun into one romantic hyperbole after another using such words as “sultry”, “igniting the flames of passion” and “relentless pleasure” and “I don’t want this night to ever to end!” He even said later, “I wish I had an 11” as he held up the “10” score paddle.  Carrie Ann squealed: “THIS is the meaning of redemption. I am so proud of you!” Jennifer received a perfect 30 from the judges.

And did anyone in the world doubt that returning champion Derek Hough and Jennifer “Baby” Grey would not kill it during freestyle? Hasn’t Jennifer and Derek’s freestyle dance been what we all have been waiting to see all season long? Jennifer herself even said before the dance, “I’m a bad ass, what can I say?” So, of course the DWTS producers saved this dance as the last dance of the season.

The dance started with Jennifer holding a watermelon, an homage to her classic, “I carried a watermelon” intro in Dirty Dancing to “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance).”

But I admit that I for one was a bit disappointed in Jennifer’s dance as I felt Derek did a lot of the heavy lifting by doing the jaw-dropping jumps and somersaults. But I give credit where credit is due and admit Jennifer was the hottest 50-year old ever to have danced a top the judge’s table. I don’t know if it was emotion taking over or Jennifer exuding confidence that she will end up with the mirror-ball trophy, but Jennifer ended her dance and the night by kissing each member of the judge’s panel as if she were accepting her predestined victory. About her freestyle, Carrie Ann said: “I thought it was amazing. I thought it was perfect.” Bruno said both of Jennifer’s dances were “equally brilliant!” Len basically crowned Jennifer the winner by saying: “You’re like a juggernaut..You’re heading down that freeway, heading for the mirror-ball trophy.” And with all that gushing adulation, of course came another perfect score of 30 from the judges.

Here’s how the leaderboard stacked up:
Jennifer & Derek: 60 (30, 30)
Kyle & Lacey: 56 (27, 29)
Bristol & Mark: 52 (27, 25)

On Tuesday’s two-hour finale, the three remaining contestants will dance twice more for judges’ points only and a new winner will claim the mirror-ball trophy.

Who do you all think will win it all? Who do you think should win it all?

Oprah’s Ultimate Favorite Things Giveaway, Part 2

Oprah Winfrey‘s promo spot for Monday’s The Oprah Winfrey Show said, “This will never happen again!” And by “this,” Oprah meant the annual Oprah’s Favorite Things episode!

Once a year for the past few seasons, Oprah has surprised her audience during a designated special episode with luxurious gifts comprised of some of the most amazing items that also happen to be Oprah’s favorite things in the world.

But since this is the last year of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah expanded this giveaway frenzy to two whole episodes. 

Friday, aired the first part of Oprah’s Ultimate Favorite Things. Today, during the second part, each member of her lucky audience received the amazing things below, and more. Go to Oprah.com for the full list of gifts given away Friday and Monday.
 iPad by Apple: $499

Le Creuset Cookware: $599

Jessica Leigh Diamond Earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs: $1,900

 Nordstrom Lingerie: $500

Sophia Satchel by Coach: $398


Volkswagen 2012 Beetle: Price, top secret!

Classic Sparkles UGG Australia Boots: $175 Each

Jake Pavelka To Star In Bold And The Beautiful

Jake Pavelka of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and most recently of Dancing With the Stars, will be playing the role of a pilot on The Bold and the Beautiful.

The episode of his one-time appearance will air January, 2011.

Funny that Jake is playing a pilot on TV since in real life, he flies planes for Delta Airlines. 
As his last stint on TV, Jake played a dating reality show contestant on Drop Dead Diva. In Jake’s case, seems like it is art that imitates life.

My “Had I Blinked, I Would Have Missed” Brush With Arnold Schwarzenegger At The Grove Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual lighting of the 110-foot Christmas Tree took place Sunday night at The Grove in Los Angeles.

David Archuleta, Jesse McCartney, Charice, and Wilson Phillips performed and the grand finale tree lighting was accompanied by fireworks and fake snowfall.

The biggest star was not on stage but sitting in the audience, front row, and it was Arnold Schwarzenegger. I spotted him at the end of the festivities and right before the fireworks went off.  As soon as the celebration was over, Arnold was rushed right past where I was standing. Good thing the camera was ready!

Watch the video below!

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Blows Magical Dust On Box Office Sales

7 is definitely a lucky magical number. At least for Harry Potter!

The seventh installment in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, has already earned an estimated $125.1 million in U.S. ticket sales, which would make this the best opening weekend in franchise’s history. The last installment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, had a $77.8 million weekend opening in July 2009.

What made this movie so successful?  Dan Fellman, domestic distribution president of Warner Brothers, says: “One of the greatest accomplishments here is that we have been able to age the franchise. We have been able to keep our fan base as the characters have aged and the movies have become darker. And the three main actors [Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint] have become really terrific, adult actors.”

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is scheduled to open nationwide on July 15, 2011.

As werewolf Jared in the ‘Twilight’ saga, 23-year-old Bronson Pelletier can count on a pack of support in a showdown. But faced with some real-life foes at a recent ‘Twilight’ convention in England, the young Canadian actor found himself in a very scary situation.

Four men, who were allegedly drunk guests at a nearby wedding in the same venue, attacked Pelletier in the men’s room of a Hilton hotel where he was a main attraction at ‘Eternal Twilight 4,’ a fan expo packed with teenage girls in Birmingham, about 120 miles from London (Peter Facinelli was the biggest ‘Twilight’ star originally booked to appear, but was ultimately a no-show).

Pelletier suffered a broken nose in the confrontation, during which the men reportedly struck and headbutted him until he was able to escape. Police chased the suspects, and witnesses say cops used a Taser to restrain one. All four were arrested on suspicion of assault; two have since been released and two were granted bail, pending further investigation. The motive for the attack has not been made public.

A source told the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph, according to WENN, “Bronson was really angry and upset. These guys were very nasty. They were so drunk, they probably didn’t even realize they were picking on a Hollywood actor.”
The 5’11” actor, who will soon be seen in the two-part ‘Breaking Dawn’ films currently in production, visited a New Zealand convention last year and told a local news outlet about his efforts to buff up, as he prepped for his debut in the franchise, 2009’s ‘Twilight’ sequel ‘New Moon’: “We worked out an hour and a half each day, we were doing stuff like Muay Thai, Brazilian jujitsu, conditioning strength training — it was pretty intense stuff.”

Part 1 of ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’ opens in the U.S. in November 2011.

Beyonce’s Perfume Ad Is Banned From Daytime TV In The UK For Being Too Sexy

We all know that Beyonce is sexy. She is one of those women that probably looks smoking hot being a couch potato in sweats. She just can’t help it.

But her newest television advertisement for her perfume Heat, starting herself, has been declared way too saucy for British TV – So much so, that it has been banned from broadcast before 7:30 PM.

That is crazy to hear since British TV has always been much raunchier than American TV. Benny Hill anyone? You know, the British comedy show with the dirty old man always chasing young half-naked female around…And that show was what, 30 years ago?

You watch and judge for yourself:

Lifehouse Performs Live – Watch Video and Exclusive Photos

Jason Wade and Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. of Lifehouse played two songs live (watch them below) at The Grove in Los Angeles as part of their interview with Mario Lopez of Extra.

A fan asked what inspired the band’s first hit, “Hanging by a Moment”and Jason said, “That is one of those rare songs where my mind was kind of just disconnected. I wasn’t really looking to write a song. I was doing a vocal for another song and this melody was stuck in my head. So, I took five minutes off and went and picked up a guitar. And it was almost like I channeled the song from another place. I had the lyrics, the bridge, everything finished in like seven minutes. So, I find that sometimes you write your best songs when you’re not over thinking it.”

Lifehouse is currently on their Smoke & Mirror tour with Kris Allen and you can find their tour dates below.



Watch Lifehouse perform “All In”:


Watch Lifehouse perform “Falling In” with 
Alyssa Bernal joining in on vocals:

Jason Wade and me 🙂