Idol Around the World: A look at Bulgaria's Winner

Bulgaria's Music Idol must be one entertaining show. If not for the singing, something else keeps it interesting. It was this very same talent contest which launched Valentina Hasan to YouTube stardom by way of the song, Ken Lee. And this year's winner is fast becoming another hit on the video sharing site.

Listen to Bugaria's Music Idol Nevena Tzovena singing "I Will Always Love You" with a Balkan music arrangement. For someone not very familiar with this type of music and culture, it would sound really, really strange to you. It would most certainly shock Simon Cowell or leave Randy Jackson with his mouth wide open, had they been judging this one. Paula Abdul, on the other hand, will probably like it.

I can almost imagine what they're gonna say:

Randy: Man...I dunno dude, it didn't feel right to me. Some parts were pitchy....the arrangement was a lil' awkward for me dude, I dunno. Heeeesh... I just don't get it, sorry. Just keeping it real, man.
Paula: Nevena, you were so....you've got a sexy body. I love that..... you're voice had....it was so full of texture and color.....the dancing....You're original. You're a star.
Simon: To me this was all very ---Whitney Houston at a bar, having way too much alcohol. It was the most bizarre thing I've heard in my life.

But evidently, to the Balkans, this is one powerful and soulful rendition. Remember, she won (to her credit her other performances weren't as... mystifying):



What do you think? Do you like this arrangement? Or would have this been better off not messing with it?

Click TV: Old shows back and New shows to watch

Today on Click TV, I have some spoiler alerts for anyone wanting to know what's going to happen to Grey's Anatomy, CSI, Ugly Betty and a few others. These shows return on April and I can't wait.

I also have a new list of TV shows you must watch. I'm sure you'd enjoy the recommendations.

Plus, Sara Tancredi and her head? Back on Prison Break Season 4.

American Idol: Top 10 Chikezie Eze

Ah, David Cook this week showed them all, didn't he? You know I wasn't really impressed with Chris Daughtry but this David Cook...he's something else. He's very...musical. Oh, wait...he'd have to be, he's in a singing contest! :D

I was prepared to see Ramiele in the bottom three because I did not think her performance was good. But she scraped by and wasn't even at the bottom. Other people were expecting her there. I took a screen cap of this discussion in a forum I visit. I just found the conversation funny. Over there, Ramiele was heavily favored to go:


But in the end, it was Chikezie's time. He's leaving and I'm not even sure I got the spelling of his name right (Oh, the website says I did!). Some people have said he's never gonna be a "star" anyway. He has the voice but not the Xfactor. And I'd have to agree.

Well, at least he gets to go on tour...

By the way, what is up with grandma's outfit???

Photo from Heatworld

************
Boot order predictions:
12 to 7 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Chikezie - BOOT: MARCH 26th
KristieLee
Syesha
Amanda - BOOT: MARCH 18th
Ramiele
Jason

6 to 1 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Carly
David H. - BOOT: MARCH 12th
Brooke
Michael
David C.
David A.

Yet another Pinoy mention on American TV: Big Bang Theory S1 E10

One of the main characters hired an actor to pretend he's the cousin on drug rehab. To be convincing, they are trying to figure out what the actor's motivation is. The actor suggested he was traumatized as a teen by a priest in Subic Naval base.

Watch the video:


The episode aired March 24th on CBS.

How I Met Your Mother S3 E13: Ten Sessions

The episode is otherwise known as "The One With Britney Spears."

But what it really was? "The One Where Britney Spears Played a Glorified Extra and Sarah Chalke Did a Really, Really Good Job"

Guess that's too long a title so the episode is simply, "Ten Sessions".

It starts with Ted meeting a doctor named Stella (Sarah Chalke), who told him he'd have to take ten one hour sessions with her. Ted is going to have his tramp stamp removed by the pretty doctor.

In ten sessions, Ted is determined to date Dr. Stella, thinking she'd say yes to him since he's no longer her patient by then. Ted tries to woo her through the receptionist, Abby (Britney). In the end, Ted doesn't actually get the girl. Having an 8year old daughter is holding Dr. Stella back from the dating scene, a fact she only revealed to Ted in the end of the 10th session. They did leave her character open-ended though, with a possibility of returning in future episodes. Is she or is she not mother? I don't know. I've stopped wondering when we're going to meet mother.

This episode seems to fit in those crazy dream sequences that happens a lot on Scrubs, where Sarah Chalke is main cast member. It's like her Scrubs' character's alternate reality.

Britney? She was...there. Being useful. I was waiting for her to make me laugh hard because every news report kept saying she had great comedic timing...but well, nothing. I thought the role suited her perfectly, though. She played a stupidly naive receptionist telling Barney the could have sex and go shopping later.

So, that was it. An overly hyped guest appearance saved by Sarah Chalke. Now this girl, Sarah, I love her comedic timing.

Randomly...

Today on Click TV, I've talked about the unlucky Top 11 booties of American Idol, who lost their chance at $100,000. Read the entry as to why.

Greek is back on air today! Yay! I'll try and watch the episode later today, along with fresh episode from The Big Bang Theory and the much-anticipated Britney Spears episode of How I Met Your Mother. Will post about any of these shows later.

If you're a Girltalker and a Blogger, then how come you haven't had your blog listed here yet? Join us!

Click TV: Oprah Thoughts and Wondering about Friends

In today's entry for Click TV, I tackle on Oprah's Lawsuit controversy and catch up on my favorite Friends...

I’ve been watching some episodes during the Holy Week break…despite my mom telling me and my 10 year old (who I’ve turned into a Friends junkie!) we shouldn’t be laughing so much. Can’t help it. I love these people. And I loved their show! And in the spirit of the season, I did mourn when I read David Schwimmer’s recent interview. He said that the last time he saw all six of them together was in 2004, when their series ended. - IT HAS BEEN FOUR YEARS, HOW YOU DOIN?

Lost S4 E8 Meet Kevin Johnson

So, what exactly was non-traditional about this week’s episode of Lost? That most of the story was Michael’s flashback…or forward? I don’t know what it is anymore. I don’t know who is telling the truth. Ben tells Michael, Widmore is responsible for the cover-up. The Captain tells Sayid and Des, Ben is. Obviously, one of them is lying and the writers are genius manipulators; and we love that we’re so sucked into this.

CLICK FOR THE RECAPS

Yay for FNL! Season 3 is on!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS IS SAVED!

And of course, these lovely ladies are very happy about it:

American Idol: Top 11 Amanda Ovenmeyer

Beatles Part 2...based on what went on last night, it was a very, very bad idea. I couldn't really pick a favorite, even if there were a few good performances. The train wreck that was last night overshadowed my picking the best one.

Also a bad idea? This hideous top:

"I'm going to murder the person who dressed me up tonight!"

Tattoos and ruffles (or whatever that thing is on her neckline)? So not working together. Michael is very, very upset by it:

"Awww...Carly! You dressed up like my granny!"

Leaving this week is Amanda. Biker Nurse was just one spot away from landing a gig in the yearly Idol tour. But, I guess it's all for the better. I don't think she's going to enjoy the show much if she stays any longer. I mean, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond in a couple of weeks? It would have to be hard on her...so I'm guessing she's relieved. And we're relieved we don't have to sit and listen to her garbled renditions.

Good luck rocking the house at La Fayette or somewhere though!



************
Boot order predictions:
12 to 7 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Chikezie
KristieLee
Syesha
Amanda - BOOT: MARCH 18th
Ramiele
Jason

6 to 1 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Carly
David H. - BOOT: MARCH 12th
Brooke
Michael
David C.
David A.

Miss Guided

I was wondering what happened to Judy Greer. She was in a lot of movies and TV guest appearances some three years ago, and suddenly I don't see her often enough anymore.

But, wait...she's back. And with a lead in a new TV comedy to boot --- a show which I can say closely reminds me of Samantha Who?

Judy Greer plays Becky Freeley, who comes back to her former school to work as the kids' guidance counselor. While already an adult and having learned what's out there for her, Becky is still very much the dork she once was in high school. And it looks like the same scenarios of her sorry teen life will be playing out again especially since her former school mate, Lisa - the Homecoming Queen (and her rival at one point), is also back at the same school and part of the same faculty as her.

Miss Guided, a show produced by Ashton Kutcher (Yes, the actor. Yes, in Punked! Yes, Demi's young husband!), does away with a lot of cliches mostly found in sitcoms today. It has less of that snarky high-brow comedy. In fact, it's average.... which is not a bad thing in this case. It's very relatable. And with one episode down, and a second episode coming in the next two days (with Kutcher as guest), this show spells p-r-o-m-i-s-i-n-g.

Thank goodness Judy Greer is back on TV. I hadn't realized it but I think I did miss her.

Battlestar Galactica vs. Lost: Spot the similarities

I watch both shows but then I had no idea these shows have so many things similar in them! Until someone pointed it out.

Whoa!

Incidentally, you Galactica geeks may be interested to know --- a spin-off is in the works. It's actually a prequel called Caprica.

Can't wait for the Sarah Marshall movie...

...and I am lovin' its viral campaign!

Trailer here.

Click TV: How Ted Bumped Into Mother

Last night on How I Met Your Mother, viewers were teased with one very obvious incident: Ted bumped into Mother at a party, and wouldn't know it until year's later.

CLICK FOR THE STORY

Robin Williams is back on TV!

Comedian Robin Williams is most remembered on television for the series Mork & Mindy in the early 80's, where he played an alien living with a human. And he hasn't been doing a lot of TV since peaking his stellar movie career.

But according to Variety today, he is set to guest star in Law & Order: SVU this season. He will play an engineer who starts questioning authority after experiencing a tragedy.

It will be Law & Order: SVU's 200th episode.

William's last TV guesting was on the 90's series, Homicide: Life On The Streets.

Band of Brothers on Maxxx March 21

Maxxx on Sky Cable is doing a Band of Brothers marathon on Good Friday, March 21, beginning 12 PM. It's a 10 hour mini-series (so do your bathroom breaks beforehand, you can't miss a lot of the scenes!). Band of Brothers was one of 2001's best TV program.

Here's a scene from the third episode, Carentan:

How I Met Your Mother Starts Tonight!

HIMYM is on tonight, with guest Vanessa Manillo:

The episode is entitled "No Tomorrow"
- When Ted takes a page from Barney's book and lives like there's no tomorrow, he gets a post St. Patty's Day reality check from Marshall.

And next week it's the much talked about Britney Spears episode. By the way, Sarah Chalke is wearing the same doctor's coat she wears on Scrubs:


Brush up on your HIMYM vocabulary, folks!

ClickTV: Set your recorders, TV is Back!

Wondering when your favorite shows go back on air?
It all begins this week!

CLICK for SCHEDULE

Lost S4 E7 Ji Yeon

Lost Season 4 has so far been churning out winning episodes week after week...

Before I proceed with the recaps… this was truly a very emotional episode for me. It’s not in the same league as The Constant (which I concede to be a big, big favorite), but I could relate to how much the characters are going through — Sun’s painful delivery, the anger in Sun’s face when she slapped Juliet, the look on Sayid and Desmond’s face upon seeing Michael, and the end at the cemetery…so many things going on! We’ve got people in the freighter, the couple in the island, Losties off the island (flash foward) and a flashback…whew!

CLICK FOR RECAPS

ClickTV: New TV Shows in 2008 - 2009

I'd often put up pilot news on this site. But if you would like to see a complete rundown, head to ClickTV, as I've put up a summary of New TV Shows to expect in the upcoming season (2008-2009).

As another TV season dwindles down and ends its run, fresh news shows are now under development for the next one. What new TV series are underway? Which shows will you be following in the new season? What series will people be raving about next?

I’ve outlined a couple of them for you to keep tabs on. It’s grouped into two, Drama & Comedy. There are a lot of series adaptations in this bunch.

Check the complete list on my other site, ClickTV

American Idol: Top 12 David Hernandez

This week's bottom two on American Idol deserved their place just for singing like this! WTH.

"Heee-yaw!"

Look, even Jason is cringing. He didn't like it.

"Please, Simon, make them stop singing like that!"

Anyway...granted that it wasn't the best performance of the night, David Hernandez did better than Kristie Lee Cook. And I can see you nodding your head in agreement. He really was better, no? I actually like David Hernandez. I like the clarity in his voice.

But did it come as a complete surprise, though? I can't help but think that maybe that news about him being a stripper came back to haunt him.

"Things happen for a reason. You'll see me at the top. This isn't it for me."

My best of the night - Top 12 Lennon/McCartney Songbook:

• Brooke
  
  
• Jason
  
  
• Michael
  
  
• Chikezie
  
  
• Carly
  
  
• David C.
  

Audio from Slimtainment.com

************
Boot order predictions:
12 to 7 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Chikezie
KristieLee
Syesha
Amanda
Ramiele
Jason

6 to 1 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Carly
David H. - BOOT: MARCH 12th
Brooke
Michael
David C.
David A.

Rob Thomas To Do 90210 Spin-Off

The CW has tapped Veronica Mars creator, Rob Thomas, for the spin-off to Beverly Hills 90210:

Details about the spin-off -- including which if any of the characters on the original series will make the transition to the new show -- remain sketchy. The CW is expected to make a decision whether to order a pilot by the end of the month.

The spin-off is being produced by CBS Paramount Network TV, which absorbed original series producer Spelling TV two years ago.

This would be the second spinoff from "90210," which aired on Fox from 1990-2000. "Melrose Place" had a successful seven-year run on Fox. It didn't feature any major characters from "90210.

Via

ClickTV: Hair-raising scandals on American Idol

I just posted something on this new blog I write for.

The biggest story on American Idol this season isn’t whether they’ve got a bunch of semi-pros in the Top 12. Nor is it Ramiele’s "racy" photos. It’s not even David Hernandez’ stripper background. The biggest story is right in front of us, whenever we’re watching these contestants on TV. It’s their hairstyles, dude.

And I blame Sanjaya for it. He started it all.

Read more of it after this jump.

China Gets Ugly

I mean, they're doing their own version of Ugly Betty. They're calling theirs Invincible Ugly Woman. Mwahaha, funny title. I'm not kidding.

Satcaster Hunan Television, which scored a major hit with its "American Idol" hybrid "Super Girl," has bought the rights to the format, according to local media reports, and will rename it "Invincible Ugly Woman."

The Chinese adaptation has a budget of 150 million yuan ($21 million), and shooting is slated to begin next month. It will run for five seasons, or a total of 400 episodes.

Producer Chen Xiaodong said Hunan TV has chosen a Chinese woman with no prior acting experience to play Betty.

Chen said the format needed adjustments to suit Chinese auds. Among the team of scribes is Sheng Heyu, who wrote Feng Xiaogang pic "The Banquet."

Although there is no confirmation of which version of the telenovela Hunan has acquired, Televisa's TV veep Jose Antonio Baston told journos in a finance conference call last month that the Mexican giant was co-producing "Ugly Betty" with the Chinese. But he refused to identify the co-producing company.

Televisa set up an office in China last May and is planning co-productions in Mandarin with pubcaster CCTV -- a strategy that will allow Televisa to skirt Chinese quotas restricting the number of foreign productions local broadcasters can air.

"Ugly Betty," which has become a worldwide TV phenom, began as the Colombian telenovela "Yo soy Betty, la fea."

We're up next, did you know? ABS-CBN is doing the Pinoy version.

Pimpage!

As if I don't talk enough of TV here and a few other sites, I got a new gig blogging about it some more on ClickTV. It just went live today, so there aren't enough entries. But I hope you'll join me there, too.

Oh, Mother! What is up?

Pink is the New Blog is reporting that because of Britney's guest appearance on HIMYM, Alicia's people are pulling her out. Whaa?? No, I want her to be Mother!


And Ausiello confirms it!

Britney Spears' havoc-wreaking cameo on How I Met Your Mother has already claimed its first victim. A Mother insider confirms that Alicia Silverstone — who was slated to appear in a multi-episode arc as Ted's dermatologist/lover — has dropped out and will be replaced by Scrubs' Sarah Chalke.

Pink Is the New Blog reports that Silverstone bowed out because her reps (understandably) feared she would be overshadowed by Spears, who, per my sources, will play an assistant to the dermatologist now being portrayed by Chalke. As a result, I'm hearing Mother bosses Carter Bays and Craig Thomas have reconceived the female doc character. Originally slated to appear in multiple episodes, she'll now be in just one — mostly because that's all Chalke's schedule will allow. The diminished screen time would also seem to eliminate any hope there was of her being Ted's future yellow-umbrella-carrying wife (aka the "Mother").

But Mother still has big plans for Silverstone. "[Bays and Thomas] love Alicia," whispers my mole, "and they intend to create another character for her."

And can TV be any boring lately? Even my RSS feeds are kinda slow. There's nothing exciting on TV! Well, except perhaps this. And this. And it's not TV but that real life Gossip Girl blog lots of people are on and reading lately, is what's keeping me from working...and watching!

Anyway, what have you been watching?

I checked out Unhitched, Quarterlife and Welcome to The Captain. All unimpressive so I didn't have the drive to talk about it. Yet I still continue to watch them, when I can. Out of habit. I've got to be sitting in front of the small screen after dinner, whether there's something decent on it or not! That's like how I get my mojo.

Have to finish Sarah Connor Chronicles, it's supposed to be back in the fall.

Watching reruns of Lost S2 on cable.

Following Dexter on cable, finally, finally!

Britney Spears' Guest Stint on How I Met Your Mother

I would like to think she isn't MOTHER, because I'm very convinced, she is!

E! reports, Britney Spears will be guest appearing on the show, in its 14th episode. Her role is described as sweet and nerdy and she will be playing Abby, a character working at a doctor's office (and the doctor happens to be Alicia's character?)

How I Met Your Mother returns to TV March 17. Whoohoo!

American Idol Season 7 Top 12

Amanda Overmyer, Jason Castro, David Cook, Chikezie


Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, Kristie Lee Cook


Syesha Mercado, David Hernandez, Ramiele Malubay


Brooke White and David Archuleta

Actual photo: Cruella De Ville, Lisa Edelstein, Jimmy Neutron, Gary Coleman, Michael Ian Black, Claire Forlani, Kate Bosworth, Nadia Turner, Kirk Acevedo, Danny Noriega, Jessica Biel, Zac Effron

Boot order predictions:
12 to 7 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Chikezie
KristieLee
Syesha
Amanda
Ramiele
Jason

6 to 1 (in no particular order, but they will belong in this half)
Carly
David H.
Brooke
Michael
David C.
David A.

Rooting for (in order): Brooke, Michael, Ramiele, David H, David C, Carly, Jason, Chikezie, Amanda, David A, Syesha, KristieLee

Pilot Watch: Justin Timberlake Comedy

Justin Timberlake is executive producing a TV comedy, based on a Peruvian show called "Mi Problema con las Mujeres" (My Problem With Women) for NBC. The story is about a 30 year old bachelor who needs to see a therapist in order to understand why his romantic liasons fail.

The Peruvian series is a TV franchise that is sold to over 20 Million countries, according to Reuters.

My Problem With Women is a Reveille production, the same company who brought the franchise of The Office and Ugly Betty to US shores.

American Idol: Girls Night Round 3

First, some style issues. Please fire the stylist! These pants are atrocious. Why would anyone allow these girls to walk on stage, on camera, wearing this?

It was too distracting watching them, my eyes wandered towards the belly and crotch area. Unflattering! I wanted to strip them down and give them new pants right on stage. I wanted the fashion police to arrest Asia'h. At least Carly somehow carried it; black on black hid the flaws away.

I root for her, but she hasn't been exactly winning in the style department. The top says "workout", the bottom says "office party". The color says "old granny loves 'em drabby". Doesn't flatter her cute personality. She should be wearing lots of yellows and peach. And once again, I've really got to stop listening to Paula because I'm babbling about colors!


Not exactly an off style. But she likes her clothes shiny, doesn't she? Pretty girl doesn't look so good from the waist down, though. Her squat stance still bothers me. Like, she needs to go to the bathroom and do #2. Oh, and her eyebrows? Got a life of its own. I know it's unfair to be picking on her looks but what can I say about her singing when I don't enjoy country music? Not Kristy's fault though.


My other favorite girl has some class. She is picking songs that suit her and clothes that flatter her. Ladies and gentlemen, we've got a star here.

As for their performances....
Brooke is my top pick for the night.
Wrong song choice for Ramiele.
Amanda, I really enjoyed. For the first time, I see a really sweet and pretty girl. Should she ditch the goth/punk look?
Carly sang well; pitch perfect even with all the shrills, but I can't get into it.
Kristy...no.
Asia'h and Syesha.....ehhh.
Kady....go away.

Alicia Silverstone joins How I Met Your Mother

...and it looks like she IS MOTHER! Ausiello reports:

Sources are confirming to me exclusively that the lovely and talented Alicia Silverstone has been cast in a multi-episode arc.
+
Her character, a doctor, will be a love interest for Ted and she'll be sticking around for several episodes.
+
HIMYM has yet to be renewed for a fourth season and producers have promised that we'll meet Mother before the show concludes.
+
Even if HIMYM does come back next season — and, let's be real, CBS would be insane to cancel it — where is it written that Mother has to be introduced at the very end of the series?
=
Alicia's the mommy!

Ah, love her. Love the idea!

24 Season 7 Two Hour Prequel set for Fall

Comingsoon reports that a two-hour prequel is set for 24. It will tie up where the show is, between Season 6 and 7. The planned prequel is expected to air before the January 2009 premiere of Season 7 (because...that's what prequel means, mwehehe):

The producers of Fox's "24" are developing a two-hour "prequel" to the upcoming seventh season, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The movie, designed to bridge the two-year gap between Seasons 6 and 7, is targeted to air in the fall, leading to the January return of the real-time drama. On Wednesday, "24" producers began securing the show's core cast members for the film.

The upcoming seventh season is set in Washington and features the first female U.S. president, played by Cherry Jones.

The "24" writing team is back at work, with filming on the remaining episodes of the seventh season slated to begin in April.

Just to refresh your memories, the following actors have signed on for Season 7 ---

• President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones)
• First Gentleman Henry Taylor (Colm Feore)
• FBI agents including Agent Janis Gold (Janeane Garofalo)
• Agent Renee Walker, to work alongside Jack Bauer (Annie Wersching)

Tony Almeida is alive and will be playing one of the bad guys Jack is after. Producers of the show say he is "definitely not the Almeida we once know".

Ohhh...scary.