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NEWSmakers: baby bumps and golden globes

Halle, Nicole, JLO and…… Jessica Alba

Yup, People Magazine is reporting that Ms. Alba and on-and-of boyfriend Cash Warren (wait, who???) are expecting. Reactions are mixed. For me its disappointment that she spilled the beans before we could even start gossiping about how fat she’s getting. I mean, water cooler talk isn’t complete without a rundown of who is with child, and who merely skipped pinkberry for a few two many double scoops. I never realized how much Christina, Nicole and Britney’s (twice!) denials meant to me. Endless thanks ladies for months of enjoyable speculation. Endless thanks.

Golden Globes vs. Writer’s Guild= Game on

Nominations have been announced for 2007’s best-of-the-best in movies and television; however the word on Robertson Blvd is that the official kickoff to awards season may not shine so bright this year. The on-going writer’s strike that has already taken from us such DVR favorites as the Office, The Daly Show, and The Colbert Report may have another victim. No writers, no awards show. The Screen Actors Guild will likely boycott the event in unison with the writer’s should it continue through January.

The strike was a big deal before, but now it’s personal. I LOVE awards shows. Here’s hoping the writer’s can negotiate a better package before we lose more than just our weekly Dwight Schrute fix! (P.S. Love him)

Britney Spears pulls one out!

Is Britney a “hot mess?” Absolutely. Does she make K-Fed look like dad of the year? Of course. Would you say she’s one of the craziest people in Hollywood? I would. There is no doubt she’d take the cake in a big famous loser contest, but I can’t help but concede that “Blackout” rocks, and the video for her new single, “Piece of Me,” is FIERCE. It quite likely involved the most extensive video touch-up budget in the history of music television, but the end result is pure Brit circa 2001 (minus the red jump suit and plus a rockin’ weave). Check it.

“I Am Legend,” legendary

The new Will Smith thriller has smashed box office records for the month of December, racking in almost 80 million dollars opening weekend. Two weeks ago he graced the cover of “Entertainment Weekly” as the fifth smartest man in Hollywood…… In other news, last week he hung out with best friend Tom Cruise, therefore knocking himself of the list smartest men in Hollywood.

Hallelujah! Carrie Bradshaw 4 Eva

I can’t wait for the spring for three really important reasons: 1. It’s my birthday, 2. I graduate from college, and 3. The long-anticipated Sex and the City movie FINALLY drops. As if that wasn’t good enough news, a 2nd and possibly 3rd SATC movie are in the works. Glorious.

MUSICmakers: “Spice Up Your Life!”

Spice Girls making “Headlines” again

“Holler!” They’re back! The Spice Girls graced Vancouver, Canada with the first “Stop” in their world reunion tour last Sunday night. Not mere “Wannabe”s the five-sum proved they still got natural talent… or at least natural assets looking fab in Cavalli. Wish I’d gone “2 Become 1″ again with my former fifth grade self! Ginger, Posh, Sporty, Scary, and Baby are coming soon to a city near you! (Unless you live in Seattle…. they’re not coming here)…. so buy a ticket to LA and “Say You’ll Be There!”

On a completely unrelated note, I suddenly have the urge to go to Blockbuster and rent “Spice World.” Ok…. this is “Too Much.”

The former Boy Banders NO ONE cares about

They’re all over gossip columns this week, and I can’t help but not care at all…. Chris Kirkpatrick (’Nsync) falsettos in two of Blake Lewis’ new songs off of “Audio Day Dream.” That’s two more feature spots than he had on 2001’s “Celebrity” album…… Howie Dorough (BSB) marries longtime sweetheart (Insert name here) in Miami to little, nay, zero fanfare…. Nick Carter (BSB) is fat AGAIN, which I admittedly do find humor in…. Lance Bass (’Nsync) is on broadway in “Hairspray” which makes A LOT of sense…… and finally Nick Lachey (98 Degrees) is still dating Vanessa “dirty knife Lilo pictures” Minnillo and they somehow grabbed the cover of OK! this week. In other news, OK! magazine has their lowest sales of the year….

6 Nods go to Winehouse….

Screw the six grammy nominations, even if someone physically nodded at her it’s unlikely she could open her eyes and nod back, let alone stay lucid long enough to show up to Kodak Theatre in February. Note to Amy Winehouse, you know you’re in bad shape when your mom pulls a Michael Lohan circa July ‘07 and reaches out to you through an open letter in the tabloids. At the risk of overusing a cliche…. GO GO GO to Rehab!

Supermodel super sucks

Might as well start churning the butter, because Seal is totally whipped! Why else would this Grammy winner be so misguided to let his wife think she has any vocal talent at all? Heidi Klum does two things really well, walk the runway, and say “Auf Wiedersehen” in a cute German accent at the end of her Bravo reality show. Things she sucks at: singing duets at the Victoria Secret fashion show, singing “Santa Baby,” on Victoria Secret commercials, SINGING.

On Sale in Seatown!

Our own Blake Lewis has plans to hit up the Showbox on December 20th!!! Tix go on sale TOMORROW – $15. If you need me next Thursday, I’ll be the girl in the bar with the melted heart. This Idol-addict literally CAN’T WAIT.

Also notably headlining the Showbox this winter is the one and only Mika. He’ll be showing off his Freddie Mercury-esque vocals on Valentine’s Day. If you have a date and they don’t want to take you, well, that’s a deal breaker. Let them down easy before it gets serious. Tix go on sale Dec 15th.

My name is Kristen….. and I am an Idol-addict

I love countdowns. 17 days until Christmas, 117 until my 22nd birthday (frightening), and finally and most importantly, 38 days until Ryan Seacrest inaugurates season 7 of American Idol.

It’s hard to believe 6 months have already passed since Jordin Sparks swept past Blake Lewis to take the crown in America’s most popular reality program. Every week Jordin sparkled with huge talent and tremendous height. Literally. Next to her, Ryan looks like a white Gary Coleman, with a much less funny catch phrase.

Jordin’s self-title debut hit shelves on November 20th. I’m a HUGE fan of “No Air” featuring Chris Brown, and her single “Tattoo” which impressively hit #11 on Billboard Thursday. She debuted in 10th place her first week, and although that’s much lower than past idols, the quality of her singles point toward tremendous staying power.

Jordin is fabulous, but let’s be honest, I’ve been a proud Blaker Girl since week two of last years competition. That week Bothell native Blake Lewis raced off the starting line with Keane’s “Somewhere only we know,” and America’s hearts collectively melted. Exhibit A. my heart. Exhibit B. the popular facebook group “Blake Lewis Makes Me Melt.”

I’ve always believed that he has the ability to make music like nothing on the radio and create a whole new Blakealicoius genre. On December 4th he proved this destiny through “Audio Day Dream.” My first impression, “umm, this is pop music…..” My second thought, “oh yeah, I love pop music!!!”

Blake’s debut is wonderful, however it’s not “like nothing on the radio,” in fact it’s like a lot of things on the radio. On some tracks I would call it Switchfoot meets Savage Garden, on others it’s Prince meets OTown. I even occasionally hear a little spurt of early ‘Nsync and feel some modern vibes from the likes of Hellogoodbye and Snow Patrol. It’s a hodge podge album, a “mixed tape,” as he calls it, with influences from those current stars as well as old timers. In fact, 1929’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” inspired the dancetastic “Gots to get ‘em.” Wrap your mind around all those musicians and genres, throw in some Beat-boxing, and you’ve got “Audio Day Dream” in a nutshell.

I thought A.D.D would change pop music, much like Timbaland and Timerlake have done in the last year with electronic influences, but it does not. Instead it gives a new spin on whats already been done. Blake certainly proves his musical finesse and delivers on some amazing tracks that have hit potential. Check out “Know my Name” featuring Lupe Fiasco, “How Many Words,” or the anthem of the season, “I Got U.”

iPod showdown:
Blake Lewis: 32 plays
Jordin Sparks: 25 plays
Winner: Me

This idol-addict is satisfied with 2007 but can’t wait for 2008. Who isn’t pumped to watch Paula on qualudes, Randy say “Yo, Dawg,” and Simon and Ryan overtly flirt for the cameras???? Tuesday January 15th will be a great day. A great great day. Just 38 more and counting….

Note to Ryan: “Whatcha talkin bout Willis??????” beats “And this is American Idol” everytime.

He says wiiii, she says ugggg, I say DANCE-BAKE!

This weekend I turned the oven and the radio up to high and dance-baked my way around the kitchen. Dance-baking is the newest sensation of the holiday season/my life. First developed in my parent’s kitchen, it’s a guilt free, highly addictive activity with absolutely no cost. All damage from cookie dough consumption cancels itself out upon conclusion of a good music set. Last Sunday, while putting my talent to use rocking out to (what else????) Christmas classics, I received a very rude awakening.

“Christmas music ALREADY??” My dad exclaimed!
“Already?” I replied, clearly put out, “the season is more than half over! Its been practically a month since Starbucks rolled out the red cups, Warm 106.9 has been playing all-Christmas-all-the-time since mid-November, and don’t tell me you forgot our Black Friday outing to Fred Meyer for socks! In other news, Hanukkah starts TUESDAY!”

(At this point I was obviously, and rightfully so, exhausted from all the screaming/dance-baking)

Suffice to say my tirade proved him wrong, or at least shut him up, but I was left wondering, am I alone in all my holiday cheer? A highly scientific survey soon confirmed that I was. Fortunately I’m the kind of girl who sees her Starbucks Eggnog latte half full; while you are just diving into your holiday spirits I already know ALL about what’s sizzling hot this year. Allow me to share my knowledge.

HOTTTT

THE gift for him:
Wii– everyone, I mean EVERYONE wants a Nintendo Wii. I get the appeal; 3-D gaming is pretty much dance-baking for boys. Also, its the only way I’ll ever learn to bowl that perfect game. Looks like Nintendo’s rolled a strike.

THE gift for her:
Uggs- A grandma classic gone avant-garde, everyone from Oprah to my boss wants these crocheted Uggs. To me they look like adult bootees and/or really low leg warmers, but hey, how often do we get to combine comfort and fashion? I’ll take two pairs.

The do-gooder gift:
Kiva.org Gift Certificate- Calling all lazy givers! This year you can be socially responsible without putting ANY time into your gift! The certificates are credits for micro-lending to start-ups in developing nations. The recipient choses the borrower and follows their progress through email. Tip: bring handkerchiefs and prepare to get major points from Grandma… and Oprah.

THE holiday song:
“Ludacrismas” by Ludacris, from Fred Klaus– Here comes Santa Claus…… and his homies! Five words: Instant adult contemporary holiday classic. In a close second, and also my current ring tone: Ashley Tisdale’s “Last Christmas,” although I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a version of this song I don’t like. (Thanks Wham!, ‘Nsync, Cascada and others for years of solid work.)

THE Xmas DVD:
“High School Musical 2” - I could have picked “The Holiday,” or “Love Actually,” but whats more festive than teenagers singing and dancing on summer vacation? Due to Disney refusing to regularly replay this mega-hit, there are some of us (possibly just me, lets be honest), who don’t have it on DVR and have to wait till the Dec 11th drop to get “Fabulous” again with Sharpay. Is that so wrong?

Now get to that shopping! Afterwards hit me up, because Me + You + Dance-bake marathon= JOY

That too-full-but-oh-so-happy feeling

 

Today we give thanks… for about five minutes. Then we dive into third helpings of mashed potatoes and devour one too many slices of pumpkin pie. I’m talking about concentrated indulgence. Who can resist the unique flavors and time-tested consistency of each and every dish; from the kick in our sausage stuffing, to the new twist on apple pie, and of course the always delicious “green stuff?” For 21 years I’ve had the same thought, “that green stuff looks disgusting,” but each year, time and again, I end up relenting, “what IS this, and why is it soooo amazing???”

I think the varied traditions and new innovation of a modern Thanksgiving feast fits in well with mainstream music. First of all, there are a lot of Turkeys out there. (Sean Kingston????) We’re also seeing a lot of musicians bringing fresh people to the table, from different cultures and with different experiences to put together completely new and delicious sounds. For this, the ears of America and the world are very thankful.

I for one will try a helping of anything once. How else do you get to taste that new twist in the apple pie? For me this month its “As I Am” from Alicia Keys. Her music, inspired, this new album, amplified brilliance. She takes her vocals to an alternate level without leaving her core fans behind. Her hit, “No One,” even played during a set at a Dub Reggae night I recently attended. She’s pop, she’s soul, she’s jazz, she’s reggae. You can’t put your finger on the secret ingredient, but it is tasty.

This afternoon I saw the “green stuff” waiting in the fridge and I frowned. I was sure it was going to taste terrible, as always I was wrong. I feel the same way about T-Pain. I want to hate him SO bad. His voice is always computer enhanced and not all that unique or interesting, but the songs he collaborates on are surefire hits and more catchy than the autumn flu. Right now I’m digging his work on “Kiss Kiss,” with Chris Brown, “Good Life,” with Kanye West, and “Baby Don’t Go” with Fabolous. Like the initial turnoff of a dish that looks like fluffly sewage, T-pain seems awfully unsavory, but goes down real smooth.

I am feverishly looking forward to the full swing of Christmas. I already have my old favorites by my side, Wham’s “Last Christmas,” and Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You.” I wouldn’t bet against “Love Actually” set to repeat in my DVD player. I also bring with me the new tastes and flavors I’ve explored during these fall months and those dropping just around the corner. Blake Lewis’ debut hits stores as advent calendars start counting down, and I have ADD just thinking about “Audio Day Dream.” The sound is totally unexpected. Like bringing a red curry to your grandma’s Thanksgiving feast. Its going to take over what Timbo and Kanye started this summer and bring pop music into a prolonged stage of euro-pop-dance-late 80’s- early 90’s-throwback anthems. Yum.

Each Thanksgiving I feel free. Free to bask guiltlessly in that too-full-but-oh-so-happy feeling. Free to purchase four weeks of Starbucks red cups while listening to Warm 106.9 Christmas classics. Free to indulge in my favorite artists and wander upon new ones breaking into the mainstream. Which artists will be back to see next year’s Thanksgiving? Who will be vetoed faster than overcooked yams?

I know only two things, 1. I hate overcooked yams. 2. There’s a piece of apple pie waiting for me in the kitchen. I’d better go eat that while I rock out to some Alicia Keys.

Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s indulge.

These are a few of my favorite things…..

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…. Also cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudles.

Ok in all actuality I AM obsessed with a few things that aren’t flowers, animals or baked goods. Although those are great too. Yum. Streudle…

Anyway, those of you blessed enough to have ALREADY downloaded Carrie Underwoods “Carnival Ride” know why I’m so pleased right now. I don’t really know how to describe it besides as god’s gift to music. I love it. ALL of it. One of the greatest CDs of all time.

Download “Last Name,” her answer to the cross-over-tastic “Before He Cheats,” or “Just A Dream,” which draws more tears than “Austin” does. Honest. If you are a country fan you know what a big, nay huge, statement that is. “If it’s friday night I’m at the ball game, and first thing Saturday, if it don’t rain……”

If in doubt, just get the whole thing. You won’t be disappointed. “Carnival Ride” officially drops next Tuesday October 23rd. Prolly you should just download it here.

Turns out Carrie’s music isn’t the only thing she has to be proud of. The former Idol nabbed the hottest guy on tv too, Nate Archibauld from “Gossip Girl.” If you aren’t watching yet, I feel sorry for you GG is like the OC, but sexier and more urban. Dan is the new Seth except not jewish and not that rich, and Serena is Marissa but way way more awesome. Tune in.

Other things I like right now include the Old Navy commercial featuring all those winter sweaters. When do those Starbucks red cups come out anyway? I’ll answer my own question, Nov 8th.

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

Britney “Blackout” Bliss

What would you do if your husband took away your children? How would you react to a judge calling you a drug abuser and an unfit parent? What happens when your world literally crumbles around you?
Easy. Go to Carl’s Junior.

Oh to live one day as Britney Spears. You’d be high, orange, chubby, needy, and rich… Bliss.

Believe it or not this week hasn’t been too bad in the craziness that is Britney Spears’ life. She reunited with mom and sis, was given back one night of visitation with the kids, and most excitingly her single “Gimme More” spends it’s second week at #3 on the charts.

No matter how hard she tries to self-sabotage her career, I’ve got to hand it to Jive records, they’ve managed to attain a laudable comeback. “Gimme More” is Brit’s second highest charting US single EVER behind “…Baby One More Time.” It’s charting better than the genius that is/was “Toxic.” (Sigh…. High School memories).

Britney is poised to make a good showing with her fifth studio release on October 30th. “Blackout,” is FRESH, infused with 80’s pop, an electronic baseline and Timbo-esque finish. It is a fun album, reminiscent of Hillary Duff’s 2007 “Dignity,” (which is without a doubt the most underrated album of the year.)

It’s been an eventful twelve months in the life of Ms. Brit….. Divorce, shaved head, crotch shots, umbrella escapades, drug use/abuse, illegal driving, vma meltdowns, drug addiction, rehab, family drama, and partying partying partying.

Bring on the self-sabotage Britney, show us your vajayjay, glue-filled weave, and beer belly. You don’t have to be lucid to top Billboard.

I’m addicted to your freakshow life. Long life, “Blackout.”

kanye, curtis and kenny

Let me tell you, Itunes blew up my email account last week. “Your pre-order is available for download…. Your pre-order is available for download….” Like I would forget to download the albums I’ve been waiting for all summer. Hardly.

At the end of the day, top honors go to Kanye West.

He is probably the worlds sorest loser and most habitually outspoken rap artist. Still, you gotta hand it to him, his outspoken music is groundbreaking and if he’s a sore loser, its not undeserved. This week he’s a winner where it counts. His second album, “Graduation”is #1 selling 971k copies, proving he is “Stronger” than the competition. His single of that name took the top spot and the new tune “Good Life,” also debuted impressively at #14.

50 Cent, who infamously promised to bow out of the solo spotlight if he lost the hyped head-to-head has not made a comment yet about his failure. On the other hand, just under 700k copies of “Curtis” flying off the shelves is not something to cry over. He may already have stumbled through three mediocre singles but, “Ayo Technology” with Justin “the savior” Timberlake is hitworthy. I’ve officially been converted, just call me “New Age.”

Third place and still strong goes to Kenny Chesney, country heart throb and former hubby to Renee Zellweger. I’m a big fan of “Wife and Kids,” a heart-breaking tribute to what he’s yet to accomplish in his life. Another winner for the most attractive bald man in the business.

In the world of 99 cent iTunes songs and AOL streaming music, its refreshing to watch the album make a comeback. Combined the three music studs sold almost two million records. Thats two million cd’s this week that people actually PAYED for. With real dollars and/or paypal clicks. Incredible.

The fall looks promising for music. I’m talking about you Celine, Mariah and Madonna.

Go ahead iTunes, fill up my inbox. I’m game.

Hey MTV: Play More Videos!

Well….. she finished.

That’s all I can say about Britney’s lackluster appearance at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards. It was more like a lazy walk-through in her underwear and the worst hair extensions known to man than a performance. Usually a performer bothers to lip-sync, or god forbid actually sing. Before the show, another new song leaked and it is fierce, but without some effort at the gym, hair salon, and with her psychiatrist Brit won’t even make it to her own Nov 13th release date.

Also dropping in November is the new Alicia Keys. She actually showed up for work last night bringing down the house to her single, “No One.” Another highlight came from Chris Brown’s Michael Jackson-esque routine across a sick stage made out of the audience tables. You know the VMAs suck when the best part is whats UNDER the performer’s feet. Chris, however, killed it.

The idea for this year’s awards was good. Move them to Vegas, party hard in the suites and gamble away the money from this summer’s arena tour. Let me tell you I’d have given my right pointer finger to attend JT & Timbo’s Southern Hospitality party. JT was the big man of the night. He walked away with two moonmen and closed the show that Brit barely opened with style. He even took a jab at MTV, challenging them to play more videos and less “Simpsons” (aka Ashlee and Jessica) reality shows. Ouch. Especially since the stars of “The Hills” presented him with the award. Now that’s funny. Take a cue Ms. Silverman.

Hot: JT, Timbo, Nelly Furtado, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Alicia Keys.

Not: BRITNEY, Sara Silverman, Rihanna (although she rocked out to “Shut Up and Drive” and her dress was to-die), Nicole from PCD, L’il Mama, and last but certainly not least…..the MTV VMA’s 2007.