The Village Vidiot : Confessions
of Resident Tube Boob, Vince Horiuchi
Friday, May 16, 2008
Stop the Madness They Say!
No question David Archuleta is the Flavor of the Month. Nay, he's Flavor of the Year in Utah entertainment.
Hence, the explosion of coverage.
My Friday TV columnexplores the interesting debate of how much is too much in the coverage of this young man's ascension on the world of "American Idol."
Dispassionate Like a Fox
The last of the networks has announced its fall lineup, and Fox is taking it slow and steady.
The network has announced only two series, a drama and sitcom, for the fall. Then there are only three midseason replacement series scheduled for next spring, a drama from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator Joss Whedon and two new animated sitcoms.
Here's a Surprise: It's Going to be a Battle of the Davids
"American Idol's" penultimate performances were Tuesday night, and it looks like the Davids will be advancing to the finals.
That's David Cook of Missouri vs. David Archuleta of Murray - the Rocker against the Non-Talker, the angst-filled against the angelic. Oh, you know what I mean.
David A. sang a trio of songs, including two ballads from Billy Joel and Dan Fogelberg. He sounded quite good. His second song - a more lively number - was the worst.
Here's his version of Fogelberg's "Longer," which was Archuleta's best of the night.
Meanwhile David C. sang Aerosmith, Roberta Flack, and Switchfoot. Frankly, he sounded the best of the night.
Syesha, who sounded spot on, still didn't have the magic that will carry over to the final week. Plus, she was mostly slammed by the judges.
The results show is tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. on KSTU Channel 13.
So it's D v D next week for the Battle Royale of the year. It's going to be close.
The Eye Returns with Five New Series
CBS announced its fall lineup Wednesday with five new series. You'd think they never heard of a writer's strike. This is like a normal delivery of new stuff - and not one reality series among them?
Also, the sitcom "Rules of Engagement" returns at midseason.
Here's the synopses of the new series, which include two sitcoms and three dramas.
Meanwhile, the network put a stake in the heart of "Moonlight." Sorry, it's not returning. And so it goes with Jame's Woods' legal drama, "Shark."
The new comedies are:
WORST WEEK is a comedy about Sam Briggs, an entertainment magazine editor who will do anything to please his girlfriend's parents. . .but instead becomes a one-man wrecking crew whenever he's around them. Sam (Kyle Bornheimer, "Jericho") and his girlfriend, Melanie Clayton (Erinn Hayes, "Kitchen Confidential"), have only one hurdle left to clear as they start their life together: breaking the news to Mel's conservative parents that they have a wedding in the works and a baby on the way. Dick (Kurtwood Smith, "That '70s Show"), a stern Judge, and his wife Angela (Nancy Lenehan, "My Name is Earl"), are protective of their daughter, and are really trying to let go of the anger they feel toward Sam. . .after all, disaster follows whenever he visits their house. But despite his best efforts, every time Sam takes one positive step forward in winning over his future in-laws, he inevitably takes two crushing steps back. But with support and love from Melanie who stands up for him despite his knack for making himself look bad, Sam will hopefully charm his way into her family. Emmy Award winner Adam Bernstein ("30 Rock") directed the pilot. Matt Tarses ("Scrubs") and Jimmy Mulville ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?") are the executive producers for Universal Media Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television.
PROJECT GARY (pictured) stars Jay Mohr ("Ghost Whisperer") and Paula Marshall ("Nip/Tuck") in a comedy about Gary Barnes, a recently single painting contractor, and his controlling ex-wife, Allison, who face post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage as they each embark on new relationships. He's the fun parent and she's the strict one. Together, they share custody of their two children - Louise (Laura Marano, "Without a Trace"), a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom (Ryan Malgarini, "How to Eat Fried Worms"), their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls. Charming and acerbic, Gary hasn't dated since the split, but finally connects with Vanessa (Jaime King, "The Class"), a single mother whose condo he was hired to paint. He dreads telling Allison about Vanessa because it doesn't adhere to her belief in their marriage counselor's book, "Rules for the Perfect Divorce." However, when Allison tells him that she's engaged to their shrink, all bets are off and Gary decides it's time to move forward. Now, in pursuit of post-marriage happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend. Ed Yeager ("Still Standing") and Ric Swartzlander ("8 Simple Rules") are the executive producers for ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television.
The new dramas are:
THE MENTALIST stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker ("The Devil Wears Prada") as Patrick Jane, a detective and independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. Within the Bureau, Jane is notorious for his blatant lack of protocol and his semi-celebrity past as a psychic medium, whose paranormal abilities he now admits he feigned. Jane's role in cracking a series of tough high-profile cases is greatly valued by his fellow agents. However, no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney, "Prison Break") openly resists having Jane in her unit and alternates between reluctantly acknowledging Jane's usefulness and blasting him for his theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lack of boundaries. Lisbon's team includes agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang, "Rambo"), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman, "The Nine"), and rookie member Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti, "The O.C."), who all think Jane's a loose cannon but admire his charm and knack for clearing cases. Bruno Heller (creator of "Rome") is creator/executive producer, and Emmy Award winner David Nutter ("Band of Brothers") is the executive producer for Warner Bros. Television.
ELEVENTH HOUR from acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer follows Dr. Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell, "The Illusionist"), a brilliant biophysicist and special science advisor to the government, as he investigates scientific crises and oddities. His jurisdiction is absolute and Hood is dogged in his pursuit of those who would abuse and misuse scientific discoveries and breakthroughs for their own gain. His passion and crusade is to protect the substance of science from those with nefarious motives. He is called in at the eleventh hour and he represents the last line of defense. Based on the British miniseries by acclaimed science-fiction writer Stephen Gallagher, the series is executive produced by Bruckheimer ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Pirates of the Caribbean"), Jonathan Littman ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Cold Case"), Danny Cannon ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "CSI: Miami"), Cyrus Voris ("Bulletproof Monk"), Ethan Reiff ("Sleeper Cell"), Mick Davis ("Wake of Death"), and Paul Buccieri ("Fashion House") for Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Bros. Television.
THE EX LIST is a comedic drama about Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser, "Grey's Anatomy") - a single, 30-something, successful business owner who is surprised to learn from a psychic that she's already dated her future husband AND there's a catch: if she doesn't find him in the next year, she'll remain alone forever. During a bachelorette party for her sister, Daphne (Rachel Boston, "American Dreams"), Bella learns from the psychic she must revisit her past relationships and sort through the mistakes to find her soul mate. Skeptical, Bella begins to analyze every past liaison and failed romance with her close circle of friends, Augie (Adam Rothenberg, "Mad Money"), an endearing guy who has listened to Bella's love woes since college, Vivian (Alex Breckenridge, "Dirt"), Augie's long-term girlfriend, and Cyrus (Amir Talai, "Campus Ladies"), who's chronically unemployed and full of wry observations. Once Bella witnesses proof of the psychic's other predictions, her cynicism disappears and she begins her search. Along her trip down break-up lane, Bella is determined to remain optimistic and receptive, believing that when destiny reopens doors to the past, every relationship can matter in the future. Diane Ruggiero ("Veronica Mars") and Jonathan Levin ("Charmed") are executive producers for Twentieth Century Fox Television.
The CW's Fall Lineup
The CW presented it's fall lineup on Tuesday night, and there's not a lot of new programming, just three new series, including the remake of "Beverly Hills, 90210" (pictured).
Also new is "Surviving the Filthy Rich," about a wannabe journalist who ends up tutoring the kids of a wealthy cosmetics mogul.
Then there's "Stylista," a reality show the network says is like "The Devil Wears Prada."
Meanwhile, "Reaper" will return but at midseason.
Here's the schedule for fall in Eastern times (just subtract one hour for mountain times).
MONDAY 8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL 9:00-10:00 PM ONE TREE HILL
TUESDAY 8:00-9:00 PM 90210 (New Series) 9:00-10:00 PM SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH (New Series)
WEDNESDAY 8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL 9:00-10:00 PM STYLISTA (New Series)
FRIDAY 8:00-8:30 PM EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS 8:30-9:00 PM THE GAME 9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL (Encore Presentation)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
"Idol" Producer Tells Dad to Back Off
Now, Nigel Lythgoe, producer of "American Idol" is weighing in on the controversy involving David Archuleta's dad, Jeff Archuleta, being banned from working with his son.
Entertainment Weekly interviewed Lythgoe (pictured with David, above, in a photo courtesy of EW). Here's the gist of their conversation about the elder Archuleta:
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: There have been reports that Jeff Archuleta was banished from backstage, but then David's vocal coach gave a radio interview (and in the Salt Lake Tribune) in which he said that wasn't the case. What light can you shed on this?
NIGEL LYTHGOE: "Banished" is a terrible word, isn't it? It sounds like we're in some far-off kingdom. He has been asked not to participate in the choice of music with David or be in the room when David is working out his routines that he wants to sing. He's fine to be in the studio - nothing wrong with that. We just want David to be able to be free like everybody else to get on and do what they want to do.
Does that have anything to do with the lyric change during David A.'s performance of "Stand By Me?"
There was a lyric change that happened that was a total misunderstanding. Just another, um, step along the way of us saying, "Okay, this is what we want to happen from now on."
The vocal coach had said Jeff being asked not to participate backstage was more of an issue of fairness, essentially that David Cook and Syesha Mercado don't have anyone helping them out choosing songs or making arrangements.
No, no, no. It has nothing to do with fairness. We just want everyone to have an equal opportunity, and if that's fairness, fine. But this is more of just the fact of let's take some pressure away here, you know? It's like anybody appearing in front of their mom and dad. Let's just open up the pressure cooker, release the pressure, and you just get on and do what you gotta do.
The rap on the father is that he's a bit of a stage dad.
And what is a stage dad, or a stage mom? It's someone who's protective. That's all.
Worst Kept Secret #2
Here's the worst kept secret for today: "Scrubs" moves to ABC.
The former NBC comedy, which was dumped by the network, is moving to the Alphabet network for next season, something everyone predicted, oh, a year ago.
ABC announced it's fall schedule Tuesday morning at the upfronts in New York City, when the networks' new lineups are announced to advertisers.
Not a lot of surprises.
Well, except "Oprah's Big Give," which had decent ratings on Sundays, is not coming back, according to the Hollywood Reporter. It seems she doesn't want to do another season.
Meanwhile, the network has given a green light to "Life on Mars," David E. Kelly's science fiction police drama, "Life on Mars."
And speaking of Kelly, his only show on the air right now, "Boston Legal," was renewed for one more season.
Here's the trade paper's storywith a look at the new fall schedule in eastern times.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Fallon Takes Over Late Night
OK, here's the worst kept secret in TVland for the last month. Here's the release:
NEW YORK - May 12, 2008 - NBC has identified the last piece in its late night succession plan, naming Jimmy Fallon as the new host of "Late Night" when Conan O'Brien moves to "The Tonight Show" in 2009.
The announcement was made today by Marc Graboff and Ben Silverman, Co-Chairmen, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, at a press conference at the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
"We couldn't be happier to have Jimmy back on NBC and to have our number one-rated late night team fully in place for the future," said Silverman, "Jimmy is more than just a likeable guy and a great comedian, he is genuinely interested in what people have to say."
"Jimmy's proven track record and personality make him a natural for this important role that will bring a new generation of fans to 'Late Night,'" said Graboff. "He will put his own distinct mark on late night humor just as he did on 'SNL' and in his other creative endeavors."
Added Rick Ludwin, Executive Vice President, Late Night and Primetime Series, NBC Entertainment, "Simply put, Jimmy has all of the qualities for a late night host - in addition to being funny, he loves talking to people on and off camera, he's a talented comedy writer and his time at 'SNL' demonstrated not only his ability to entertain, but also the work ethic and dedication it takes to succeed at hosting a nightly show."
A recognized comic talent, Fallon (pictured, left, with NBC head honco Jeff Zucker) has demonstrated an ability to deliver versatile, standout performances while always staying grounded in his stand-up roots. Fallon first garnered attention in 1998 when he joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" and quickly became an audience favorite for his memorable recurring characters and spot-on impressions and in 2000, Fallon became the co-anchor of the "SNL's" signature segment "Weekend Update" alongside Tina Fey.
Fallon ventured off into other television roles, including Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg's Emmy award-winning miniseries "Band of Brothers." A favorite among the MTV audience, Fallon hosted the MTV Movie Awards twice and hosted the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002. Fallon made an impressive turn guest hosting "The Late Show" for an ailing David Letterman in 2003.
David's Dad Discharged?
More rumors start emerging about David Archuleta's dad, Jeff.
First it was "Entertainment Tonight" quoting an anonymous source about Jeff pushing David so much during a recording session that the teen cried. Then Naomi Judd, a judge on "Star Search" when David was on telling Jeff to lay off his son.
Now, the Associated Press quotes another unnamed source who said that Jeff (pictured, far left, with mom Lupe in the yellow and David, far right) was banned from backstage access over the father's insistence on using lyrics from another song during David's performance of "Stand by Me" last week.
I talked with David's vocal coach, Dean Kaelin, this morning for a story about what he has to say about this whole situation.
Dean is one third of the David Archuleta mechanic. He works with David on most days on his vocal exercises. He also deals with Jeff on those days as well. He believes the stories are exaggerated.
The final stop on the David Archuleta Train was the EnergySolutions Arena (I always want to call it the Delta Center) for his performance of the national anthem.
No one got to see it on TV because Fox wants to show a clip of it on "Idol" next week.
He did a great job and thankfully didn't forget any words, which seems to be the case with a lot of people who sing it, what is arguably one of the most difficult songs to perform.
By the way, the funniest part of the night before the start of the Jazz-Lakers game was when my kids and I were walking through the concourse and were told to step back because the Jazz Bear was going to roar onto the court on his motorcycle.
But while we were standing there waiting for him to ride passed us, his motorcycle wouldn't start. So he did what any right-thinking bear would do - he got off and ran into the court to screaming fans.
He Sings Three Songs, and NO Balloon Ride?
One of our reporters, Maria Villasenor, covered the Murray High School event so I could be back at the ranch to write until my little fingers fell off.
Here's her posting of what happened in the afternoon:
No, David Archuleta didn't ride off in a hot-air balloon.
Instead his send-off included fans releasing several orange and black balloons into the air, while his people tried to keep the throngs of admirers from crushing the Murray High School junior as he left the stage.
After receiving praises from political bigwigs and singing three songs, Archuleta was led by his minders from the football field and into the high school, which security guards blocked off to all the tween and teen girls.
But that didn't really stop many of them from trying to race to the back of the building and find Archuleta's escape route.
Those girls were fierce.
I had an inkling of the Archie craze this morning when I opened the doors to our office building at the Gateway and heard the distant roar of his fans lining up to get a glimpse of him.
But at the pep rally, my eardrums were nearly shot when I stood in front of the fence keeping the girls back from the stage. I didn't think it could get louder than all the screams when - after the hour of waiting - the girls first heard Archuleta was finally here and making his way around the track on top of his convertible. But then, there was the first glimpse of his spiky black hair as he reached the west section.
That was the switch from excitement to hysteria.
Does anyone else hear that ringing?
David's Interview
4 p.m.: Just before David goes out to the crowd of some 9,000 at the Murray High School football field, I had a nice sit down interview with him about the day's events.
MURRAY - It's about 2:30 p.m., and the crowd is starting to roll in at Murray High School where David Archuleta will be greeted by thousands of screeching fans.
Orange and black balloons line the football stadium chairs.
He's expected to sing a couple of songs - though his vocal coach Dean Kaelin was a little worried about that - and will be given not a key to the city but a gift basket. (What, David will have to knock first before he enters his own hometown?)
He's also expected to fly away in a hot-air balloon. Then it's off to the Jazz game to sing the national anthem.
Meanwhile, I'm in the holding area alone where David and his family will be before I get a chance to interview him briefly.
Inside, there's tables with oatmeal cookies and another box of cookies from Utah Central Credit Union. Bet they want his business now ever since he became a big shot.
The big party is expected to start at 3 p.m. We'll keep you posted. Maybe I'll steal one of those cookies.
Utah's "Idol" Takes a Timeout
The poor kid has been up since probably 5 a.m., and finally he gets a break for a few hours before the big event at Murray High School.
"Idol" producers said he was going home for "private time," though likely it's not at his Murray home. He's staying at an undisclosed hotel in Salt Lake City during his time here, for security reasons.
Then it starts all over in the afternoon for the second half of his homecoming. I'll be there along with another reporter who will be sending in her own posts.
Where is David going to have time to learn his three songs for next week's episode?
Even More Teens at the Mall
10:30 p.m.: Yikes! I've never seen so many teen girls in my life.
There has to be at least 2,000 to 3,000 people on the second floor of the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City, and they're all screaming. I mean SCREAMING!
Janet Wayman, 14, Riverton, is carrying a sign that reads: "I (heart) You."
It also reads: "Marry me," which is a little creepy. But then I notice it also reads: "(In four years)." Oh, OK.
This is likely the closest I'll ever be to experiencing Beatlemania, and it's a wild ride.
10:45 a.m.: David shows up in his long black stretch limo (which interestingly has the bed of a truck stitched on to the end of it), and the crowd lets their appreciation known. Some of the girls not only are screaming but crying.
David comes up to the second floor in front of the movie theaters, and even more people start yelling. Vases at Sur La Table started breaking.
The reception was so huge, and the day so overwhelming, David started crying on the small stage (pictured) where he was going to sign autographs.
"I'm going to cry," said his mother, Lupe, who was with him the whole day. "It's amazing."
David didn't get to sign very many autographs, maybe three dozen or so, before he was whisked off the stage and escorted down to his limo. The crowd of tweens and teens kept hollering "We love you, David," and were chanting "David, David, David."
Calling David Archuleta
Well, the life of a superstar continues to get more hectic.
David was supposed to go to KBULL 93 FM but had to cancel the appearance in the studio because he was running behind.
Boy, was the station's producer disappointed, though he said the "Idol" producer apologized profusely.
The station manager quipped that his kids came to the studio to see David.
"They could have seen Kenny Chesney or Rascal Flats," he said. "But no, they want to see David Archuleta."
Unfortunately, David didn't make it and headed straight for the Gateway mall for his appearance for AT&T.
Late Again
9:45 a.m.: David's late again. Damn limo driver!
He's supposed to arrive at KBULL 93 FM at 9:30 p.m. and he hasn't arrived yet, leaving the show's producer worried.
I don't think fans will mind since so far we haven't seen any outside KBULL's studio in South Salt Lake.
The photographer and I figured he would be late when we noticed the gigantic black limo he was in was going the wrong direction on Interstate 15.
Time for a new driver.
Update: I ran into the limo driver again at the Jazz game and he adamantly denies they got lost a second time. He said they decided to go to the next radio station (see post above), and this time it wasn't his fault.
His First Stalker?
9:15 a.m.: Outside KZHT, there are a few crazed fans waiting for David to step out of the building.
One of them is Nikki Haslam, a 21-year-old from Salt Lake City.
"I'm obsessed. I love watching him," she said with so much enthusiasm she was about to burst. "And these are my sisters. I pulled them out of school to come here."
Haslam and others - there's only about a dozen outside the radio station - have been waiting there since 7 a.m.
"You feel connected when he sings, and he's from Utah, so how can you not love him?" she said.
David walks out the black door, and the small crowd gives out a screeching yell.
He stops to sign autographs. Nikki is oh so happy.
Uh Where's David?
David showed up late to his first radio gig, KZHT 97.1 FM because the limo driver got lost.
The DJ's already were making jokes about the "Idol" star's tardiness. But the limo driver outside told us, "Man it was my fault."
Just a few people, including my photographer and I, are inside the radio station's studio while David yaks it up with the DJs.
They ask him the "dad" question. Is his father really a stage dad they ask him?
"He's been there supporting me, and helping me out," he said. Of course, David's not about to diss pop on the air.
And what's on his iPod?
Steve Wonder, Michael Jackson, he says.
And the most nervous he gets on the show, he said, is "during rehearsals."
I guess singing in front of 22 million or so people doesn't bug him. Hmmm.
Don't Hurt Yourself, David
Dean Kaelin, David's vocal coach is worried about the teen's voice.
"He's talking a lot. That makes me nervous," he told me while David was being interviewed by the KSTU anchors.
"All the talking is putting stress on his voice," he added.
During the commercial breaks in the TV studio, Kaelin and the "Idol" producers here to shoot his homecoming rush David into the news director's office to do voice warm ups.
Too much talking during today's events could have an impact on his performance Tuesday, Kaelin said.
KSTU Greets Him
The David Archuleta Day has started at KSTU Channel 13 studios with about a hundred or so people, mostly screeching teens from Murray High and kids of KSTU's employees.
6:45 a.m.: David comes out of a black stretch limo in the studio's parking lot and the fans start screaming when the teen idol steps out. The poor people at the airport (the KSTU studio is at the International Center) must have thought they were hearing sonic booms.
7:30 a.m.: He sings Dolly Parton's "Smokey Mountain Memories." How did he sound? I don't know, I was in the news director's office while he sang. About a gazillion kids have stuffed KSTU's small studio and it's hard to squeeze past the teens and the cheerleaders.
Sean, You Ignorant Slut!
By the way, Sean P. Means, our movie critic at the Salt Lake Tribune and I get into a written tiff in today's Mix section (the paper's calendar section) over the value of David Archuleta's singing.
I think Sean's been in a darkened theater too much.
Today is David Archuleta Day!
You may have noticed that David Archuleta, the 17-year-old singing phenomenon from Murray, has been the subject of a lot of postings lately.
That's probably because his run on "American Idol" is the biggest entertainment news from Utah in - oh, I don't know - years. Yes, folks, even after the attraction that is "High School Musical."
Today, David will get to meet his local "Archies" (the fans) when he comes home to film a homecoming segment for next week's "American Idol."
First up, he's going to KSTU Channel 13, the local Fox affiliate, for some studio time on TV where he'll sing.
Then it's no to several radio stations and then the AT&T store at the Gateway Mall for his first public appearance in Utah since ascending on the show.
Then he takes a break before going to Murray High School, where he's a junior, for a pep rally with dignitaries, cheerleaders, break dancers, and a ride on a hot air balloon.
Finally, his day is capped off with a visit to EnergySolutions Arena where he'll be singing the national anthem (sorry, it won't be televised due to contract exclusivity with Fox).
Phew!! Hope the kid's still standing at the end of the day.
Anyway, I'll be there every step of the way as he goes from gig to gig. (That is if the Fox people let me. I'm just hoping they don't kick me and our photographer out).
The plan is to be blogging throughout the day on David's activities, from his TV appearance to the national anthem, getting every little detail I can. It's kinda creepy what I'm doing - kind of like an official stalker!
Anyway, for your pleasure, I'll be giving you the lowdown - check back often for all the latest details on Utah's "American Idol"!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The Ax Begins to Fall
The executioner is beginning to swing its ax.
With the new May upfronts approaching next week, ABC already has executed the drama series "Men in Trees," according to TV Guide's online site.
The series starring Anne Heche about a city writer who initially gets trapped in an Alaskan town only to stay there, just didn't have the sustained ratings to survive the season.
Next week, most of the networks will be announcing next fall's lineups and which shows will not make it for next season. It's a brutal business.
As for "Men in Trees," which TV Guide's Michael Ausiello called "heartwarming" (I would use the word "boring"), we hardly knew ye (with good reason).
Archuleta "Crushed" the Competition
Yes, it's been awhile since I've updated the blog, mainly because it's been busier than sin here at TV Central.
With "High School Musical" shooting its newest sequel in Salt Lake City and of course a little kid named David Archuleta working his way up the "American Idol" ladder, it's been insanely newsy in the TV world.
But I'm back with another Archuleta update. Anyone who saw Tuesday night's performances - the 17-year-old Murray teen sang "Stand By Me" and "Love Me Tender" - should have no doubt that this kid is the real deal.
One thing that really came through in his singing was sincerity. Judge Simon Cowell said he "crushed" the competition. No question David will be in the final two against rocker David Cook.
I have a story today(Wednesday) about David's planned homecoming in Murray where the show's producers will be videotaping the event for the show's second-to-last episode. Half of Utah is scheduled to be there.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Fallon Will Replace Conan
Both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter are confirming that former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jimmy Fallon will be replacing Conan O'Brien when the latter moves to replace Jay Leno at "The Tonight Show."
Which certainly is good news for Fallon, who hasn't had a hit movie, like, ever.
NBC was going to make the announcement about Fallon's move, along with more details about O'Brien's move, in a second May upfront. But the network may be scrambling to put the word out earlier since the cat's now out of the bag.
It's no surprise that Fallon's getting the gig. For about a year now, industry insiders were speculating that he would get the job, in part because of a good relationship he has with "SNL" and "Late Night" producer Lorne Michaels.
Meanwhile, Leno has become a hot commodity. ABC and Fox have both been courting him for a new late night show. And Sony has as well, promising him a new syndicated talk show.
It'll be his first appearance since the headline-grabbing 2005 episode in which he declared his love for then girlfriend Katie Holmes with such vigor, he hopped on the couch and basically went apes--t.
It also was the beginning of the end of Cruise's career, or at least a serious hit to his career.
Afterwards, more weirdness followed, including an infamous interview with Matt Lauer when he called the "Today" host "glib" for his questions about anti-depressants (Tom doesn't like 'em).
"War of the Worlds," didn't quite meet box office expectations, followed by the bombs "Mission Impossible 3," and "Lions for Lambs."
I wonder what piece of furniture Tom's going to ruin this time.
Vince Horiuchi loves
to watch television, play video games and make fun of Hollywood
executives - all while keeping an eye on his two daughters. If he
isn't in a self-induced coma from watching too many episodes of
"Hope & Faith," you'll find him at the local cineplex
in a self-induced coma from watching "Bewitched."
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