by Zhillbear

It’s estimated that more than 550,000 Americans and 6 million people worldwide will die from cancer this year. An impressive lineup of actors, musicians, athletes and journalists are coming together for what they hope is the beginning of the end of cancer: Stand Up to Cancer, an initiative aimed at raising funds for cancer research and bringing new therapies to patients more quickly. ABC, CBS and NBC will air this program commercial-free in prime time on Sept. 5.

Celebrities confirmed for the broadcast include:

• Musicians: So far, only American Idol winner David Cook (pictured) has been announced, but more names will follow.

• Actors: Casey Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Christina Applegate, Josh Brolin, Dana Delany, Fran Drescher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Jon Favreau, America Ferrera, Sally Field, Neil Patrick Harris, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Masi Oka, Christina Ricci, Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, Charlize Theron, Goran Visnjic, Forest Whitaker

• Sports stars: Lance Armstrong, Danica Patrick

• News people: Katie Couric, Charles Gibson, Brian Williams, Robin Roberts

• Animated folks: Homer and Marge Simpson

There are also creative projects across a wide array of platforms, including on the web, in an effort to get the word out that significant advances in cancer treatment are within reach.

For more information on the initiative and how you can get involved, visit standup2cancer.org.

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Photo: © FOX

Tags: American Idol by Zhillbear
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by WindUpDoll

Several sources, including that bastion of entertainment news TMZ, is reporting that American Idol newly crowned winner David Cook is dating Season 2 not-winner Kimberly Caldwell.

Don’t remember her? This may refresh your memory:

Here’s her reaction, and David asking her out:

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

Ryan tells us that 97 1/2 million votes came in for American Idol’s Davids last night. Apparently that smashes the previous record by 20 million votes.

First we go to Mikalah Gordon in Kansas City. She tells me that David Cook rocks. Then we go to Utah and Matt ‘Queso’ Rogers. He’s surrounded by a bunch of blond girls who start an ‘Archuleta’ cheer. Squeal!

Then we move into the first Top 12 group number of the evening. First the contestants from that other Fox show, So You Think You Can Dance, do a rockin’ routine & show the Idols how to move. They’re all in white & singing ‘Get Ready.’ They’re also trying to step-touch out of the way of the people who can actually dance. Janice Dickinson — the world’s first supermodel — is screaming ‘I love you!’ to the group. I hope she means that collectively. I’d rather she yell at them and gesticulate in ways that things need to be blurred out. Good times. Oh, and call the girls ‘my bitches.’ I bet Brooke would love that. [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV, Recap by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

I have a feeling we’ll have a bit of filler this time. We’re only getting 6 songs, so we’ve got to pad the hour somehow. We start cheesily with the Rocky theme and the dude who calls boxing matches, Michael Buffer. You know, the ‘let’s get ready to rumble’ guy. Or should I say, ruuuuuummmmmmmbbbbbbbblllllllllleeeeeee! We’re live from the really big Nokia Theatre and we learn that David Cook weighs 180 pounds. David Archuleta is described as being 100 pounds soaking wet. For some reason Ryan gives up his ‘This is American Idol!’ responsibilities for tonight. Under Buffer’s tutelage, it becomes ‘This is Ammmmmmmeeeeeerrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiccccccccccaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnn Idol!’

We’re filling time with a boxing allegory. I wish I were playing boxing on my Wii while watching this. Instead, I’m bringing my thoughts to you. [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV, Recap by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

But doing that justice doesn’t mean he gets invited to the big finale!

He did make the Top 24. C’mon Idol! Invite the other Top 24 kids!

In other American Idol Finale News:

Here’s audio of Nigel Lythgoe on Ryan Seacrest

Yes, there is going to be another Celine/Elvis debacle, ’cause that was a good idea the first time.  Don’t remember that? Here’s a reminder:

He’s also saying that the ‘biggest star in the world’ will be on the show.

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

What is with Ryan not shaving? Does he have a bigger job that he has to look better for? Like being a DJ? Ryan can’t stop talking about Paula’s girls that are spilling out of her dress.

Cheesy group number comes belching out of the American Idol stage! The Top 3 are doing ‘Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.’ Kathy remembers that Clay and Ruben did this number in their finale show. The Idols are doing a jazz square kids! They’re not doing it well. David A is rockin’ a white Members Only Jacket. Ok, I don’t think it’s REALLY a Member’s Only Jacket, but it sure looks like one. The guys get to back up Syesha for the end of the song. Was that the producers trying to make nice after last night’s cruel joke?

Ford commercial! The Idols are seeing themselves as crazy rich people singing ‘How Far Is Heaven’ by Los Lonely Boys. Crazy rich people buy a lot of Fords. Sure they do. Man do the producers want a Daughtry out of David Cook. They’re starting to do the Christopher Lowell eye makeup on him. Then we get a recap of last night’s show. [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV, Recap by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

American Idol producers have to fit 9 songs in a 1 hour-ish show. I’m totally appreciating the fact that this means there’s a minimal amount of filler in the show. Love that — keep things moving, Idol!

Ryan tells us that one of our contestants is on the brink of superstardom and gives an especially enthusiastic ‘This is American Idol!’ Even Ryan’s excited about tonight. He’s shoving the stage doors open. I don’t know if he’s trying to be funny or if it’s really broken. Marilu Henner is in the audience. Not quite sure if she’s promoting anything or just a fan. For some reason we have the contestants burp out of the center of the stage again, even though they were just on stage 1 minute ago.

We’re getting only a small amount of the hometown visits, which is a good thing. Paula’s choice for David is up first. Creepy dad is in the background when David gets the news.

[Read more →]

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV, Recap by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

We begin tonight with the Idols singing ‘Reelin’ In The Years.’ I know it’s a ‘classic’ and all, but man, does it go against the whole ‘make it modern’ thing the contestants are constantly told to do. There’s just no way to make that song modern or current. Sorry, American Idol.

We get a long recap of last night’s show, because we need to fill time. This gives me time to look at Vote For The Worst, and since I’m in the Pacific Time Zone, I already know who’s gone. I’ll wait until the end of my recap to spill it, just in case it’s a ’surprise’ to any of you. [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV, Recap by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

This week’s theme is Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ryan tells us all about the history of the Hall of Fame and why it’s all important and stuff. It’s like a slide show that automatically moves forward with the ‘ding’ on the cassette tape. Not all that interesting, American Idol. We’re getting started with David Cook.

David Cook — Hungry Like the Wolf

Ok, first off, David Cook needs to back off the Duran Duran. Seriously. He is not Simon LeBon. Even in his puffier days. And he most certainly isn’t Nigel John Taylor. Not even close dude, not even close. He doesn’t have the Simon strut. He’s not jumping off the riser that elevates the drum kit. He actually doesn’t DO much with it, even though in his intro he was talking all big & bad about how he was going to turn the song on its head. He sings it pretty straight up. I so do not have a middle schooler crush on him. No way. Randy’s looking for someone to bring it, which David did not. Paula says something about being hungry. Simon calls him a copycat, but he’ll probably get through. [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV, Recap by windupdoll
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by WindUpDoll

Gotta start with a cheesy group number featuring our final 5. The choreographer has completely given up. The contestants just needed to sit in a certain order when they start with ‘Cracklin’ Rosie.’ Then they had to step-touch to ‘Song Sung Blue.’ They also wow us with ‘Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show.’ David Cook brings the creepy by sounding like a charlatan preacher man. Nice.

Constantine Maroulis and Gina Glockson are working on American Idol Extra, so they’re shilling. Constantine tries to do the stare into the camera. He can’t really do it. I think his extra doughiness is throwing off his Grecian vibe. Then we get the recap of last night’s episode.

Ryan brings up the Paula controversy and says none of the rumors are true and Paula’s a part of the family. Paula is all demure tonight. I think she’s too scared to say anything. Personally I don’t know why everyone was in such a froth. She got confused as to what was dress rehearsal and what was a live performance. So not a big deal. [Read more →]

Tags: American Idol, Reality TV, Recap by windupdoll
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