FEATURED POST
It's an emotional goodbye to the bachelor who just couldn't open up
By Diane Vadino
Special to MSN TV
Can you believe we're almost at the end? Or, indeed, that we're here in Curacao with three guys? Oh, you forget? No problem: We're about to spend the next ten minutes going over how we got here -- because hey, we're all immortal, and have time to burn. We begin with strong yet sensitive Sean, the guy who provides both "love at first sight" and "gives butterflies in my heart." Next we have skinny hipster Jeff, who on one hand seems like he belong in a different show ("Real World: Salt Lake City"?) but in other ways makes total sense here. As for Emily: "I love his style. He is so his own person, and he doesn't care what anybody thinks. My life with Jef would be full of adventure and excitement -- he can make anything fun." Oh, and then there's Arie: "Our connection was literally almost immediate. When I think about what my life would be with Arie, I know that I would be with someone who would adore me forever. I just know he would be my best friend."
Bing: More about Emily Maynard | 'The Bachelorette'
However much Arie might seem like an (unspoiled) lock at this point, the night's first date is with Sean. At long last, we're in a helicopter. Haven't we missed helicopters this season? Helicopters and sexual desperation? Shouldn't they have blown the entire helicopter budget in this segment and got one that sets off fireworks? Anyway, back to Sean, who has some serious distance to cover. Isn't he in love with Emily yet? Can't he be -- now, now, now? The answer is sort of. First, we need to explore Sean's past relationship. Hopefully his ex-girlfriend is somewhere this show doesn't broadcast, because I can't imagine what it would be like to have an ex-boyfriend do this on television. "There came a point," Sean says, "when I loved [my ex-girlfriend], but I wasn't in love with her -- I didn't do the sweet things a boyfriend should do. She brought up marriage all the time and I'd always deviate from the conversation. The love that I'm experiencing with Emily is so different from what I've experienced in the past." Of course, it's all different with Emily: "I couldn't stop holding your hand or kissing you," Sean says. Man, I hope Sean's ex-girlfriend is so busy making out with her new boyfriend that she doesn't even know he's on the show. "You don't hide your feelings from me, and I don't hide my feelings from you," Sean says. But Emily's like, um, you sure about that? She eventually gets him to say that he loves her, and then they mess around in the fantasy suite a bit -- but he doesn't stay over! Is this a first for the franchise? And unbelievably, Sean actually gets the most fantasy-suite action of any of the three of them. "I would love nothing more than to stay up with him all night," Emily says. "But I'm a mom. It just doesn't line up with what I believe in and the example I want to set with my daughter." Personal integrity on this show? I know, it's confusing.
Photos: 'Bachelorette' stars: Where are they now? | This season's contestants
Next up is Jef, who "told [Emily] he loves [her] the night [she] met his family -- and [she] just got chills." Jef and Emily's date involves a beach on Curacao and minus the helicopter looks completely interchangeable with Sean's. "I've fallen in love with the girl, and I haven't met someone who's part of her life forever," Jef says. He's sort of weirdly downbeat and asks Emily a bunch of hard, non-romantic questions about where they would live. (Not Charlotte, not Salt Lake City.) "I really love the idea of starting a whole new life -- the three of us," Jef says. He is just so hugely agreeable. In fact, he keeps getting to where Emily's going slightly ahead of her -- which is what makes what happens next so great. Has a guy ever turned down a fantasy suite on this show before? It's a night of firsts. "I plan on spending every night with you in our own little fantasy suite," Jef says, after issuing a whole speech about her daughter, her family, his family, God, ABC, and millions of viewers. Emily is clearly deflated by this: "I wanted to turn him down, but he kind of turned me down," she says. Good for Jef for blowing up her expectations: "There's a time and a place for everything, and now is a time for us to bridle those passions." Somewhere in the Carolinas, Jef's parents are super-duper proud of him.
Finally, we have Arie's and Emily's date. It involves dolphins: "I know nothing about dolphins," Arie says. "I know that they're friendly, and that's good." Emily and Arie start making out: "It's no secret -- I just love kissing Arie," Emily says. They keep making out and occasionally having a conversation. "I don't know what you do on a Tuesday morning," Emily says. This seems to be a really good question. Arie's answer involves going out with his friends every night. Doesn't that seem like a bit of a disconnect? Arie says he'll apply the same easy-does-it approach to befriending Ricky: "It should be easy and fun and lighthearted," he says, before making out with her a bit more. "Arie just doesn't tell me he likes me -- he shows me that," Emily says. You hear that, Sean? Emily doesn't even bring out the fantasy suite card -- because she doesn't trust herself, she says. They make out a bit more -- but fairly chastely, and in public. A season of "The Bachelorette" without a single fantasy suite date? Honestly, I vote for having only single moms on the show from this point forward: It seems like every decision Emily makes is somehow informed by having a kid (and plenty of old-school "The Rules"), and it puts her in such an improved position. I've never felt like this show offered lessons of any sort, for anyone, and there are a million ways to poke holes into the "reality" of this show on any level -- but Emily has also comported herself with more steeliness, and just out-and-out dignity, than any previous bachelorette, and I bet she'll have the best results, too. Er, we'll see, I guess, at "After the Final Rose."
Back in Curacao, we're done. Emily tells Chris she hasn't experienced any further clarity about her three perfect dates -- but really, don't we know which way the winds are blowing at this point? Jef is a lock (for second place ultimately, I'm betting). I did think, for a millisecond, that maybe she'd give Sean a chance and decide that Arie was just about chemistry and nothing else -- but no: It's Sean who's going home. Guess that video appeal didn't help any?
Next week: The men tell all.
"The Bachelor" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Newly crowned 'American Idol' champ heaps praise on the judge who backed her
WENN
"American Idol" Season 12 champ Candice Glover is hoping to collaborate with judge Nicki Minaj in the near future. Following her big win, Glover heaped praise on the judge who backed her throughout the competition and revealed that Minaj offered up some top tips on how to survive in show business. Speaking with reporters after the finale, Glover said, "She (Minaj) reminded me to not be a diva. She always tells me to have fun and be myself ... I love Nicki and hope I can collaborate with her."
Bing: More about Candice Glover
Glover's duet dream comes after Minaj told Zap2it.com, "I predicted that she would win, so someone owes me money ... Her voice has always surpassed everyone, every night. And I'm so happy that America got it right and did this based on true talent."
Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Hygiene concerns over stained, unwashed two-piece motivated decision by eBay
WENN
The bikini "Teen Mom" star Farrah Abraham wore for the photo on the cover of her sex tape has been pulled from auction on eBay -- because it was unwashed. On Saturday, bosses at the auction website yanked the listing by porn studio Vivid Entertainment after deciding the pink crystal-encrusted two-piece did not meet the site's hygiene standards. The item had stains from her fake tan among other clear signs of wear and was listed as "used." It had not been washed since the MTV star wore it for a private photo shoot.
Bing: More about Farrah Abraham
TMZ.com obtained a letter sent to Vivid by eBay chiefs that explained why the listing had been removed. It reads: "Due to health and hygiene concerns, our policy does not allow used clothing to be listed on the site unless the item has been washed first." Reportedly, the bikini will be washed and re-posted on the site. The original listing that started at $500 on Wednesday ignited a bidding war that caused the price to reach $14,700 just before it was pulled from auction.
Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Country star bests Penn Jillette in ice cream-themed finale
WENN
Country music superstar Trace Adkins triumphed over Las Vegas illusionist Penn Jillette to win the first edition of "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" on Sunday. In what he described as a "war of attrition," Adkins proved to boss Donald Trump that he was the best of the best. The solemn southerner won the ice cream fundraiser over Jillette, earning him $250,000 for his charity, the American Red Cross.
Bing: More about 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'
Before Trump's final decision, Adkins explained why he deserved to win, saying, "Going into this last task, I think I delivered the best ice cream, I made the best commercial, I put on the best show, I brought in the biggest celebrities, and I raised the most money." In a contest billed as "Nashville vs. Las Vegas," both teams designed an original ice cream flavor for their final challenge. Adkins squad raised $564,000 at the tasting party from the likes of celebrities Tony Stewart, Winona Judd, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Quarterback Tim Tebow arrived too late with his $100,000 check, but Adkins still generated $60,000 more than Jillette could muster. Despite his previous wins as a project manager, Jillette accepted defeat with a smile. He said of Adkins, "There could not be a harder opponent who has dignity, who has respect for other people, and Trace is all those things."
Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
A new panel of judges is only the beginning in revitalizing a stale, complacent show
Despite the premise of the headline, these ideas aren't going to fix "American Idol." Everyone perceives it as past its peak, and you can't erase those kind of perceptions. But it's still a highly valuable television property, with a 10-million-plus viewership, and it's worth salvaging. So, offered in the spirit of altruistic generosity, here are five suggestions that might help arrest the decline -- or at least buy "Idol" some time.
Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Video: Watch clips | Photos: See highlights
Some of these ideas have been out there, of course, but the encouraging thing is that a few have been discussed in quotes attributed to the show's producers or FOX executives. Especially this first one:
1. Shake up the judges
It's already happening. Randy Jackson has announced his departure. Nicki Minaj quickly followed suit. Keith Urban has a career to return to, and another season of Mariah Carey's verbal fumblings and bloated salary would seem out of the question. It would be worth trying to keep Nicki -- the sharpest judge "Idol" has ever had when she was "on" (which was not constant). But she did polarize viewers and, from her own standpoint, has accomplished the mass-market penetration goals her judging tenure granted her. She probably feels she needs to get back to her own proper career. Retaining Keith would be fine, but it's not a must.
Also: Catch a recap of the Season 12 finale
There seems to be a corporate desire to cut the panel back to three judges, find some articulate industry insiders and avoid superstars and their super salaries. If so, why not make the obvious move and let Jimmy Iovine transition from de facto judge to the actual panel? His taste is variable, but he's not afraid to criticize and doesn't shirk controversy. The other prospective judge waiting in the wings is Harry Connick Jr., the show's most candid mentor and someone who would bring a most desirable functioning sense of humor to the proceedings. You'd need a female presence, and it would be smart to sidestep the smothering/mothering types (Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah). Blake Shelton is the coach who makes "The Voice" tick. Why not give his wife, the undeniably spunky Miranda Lambert (a former TV music-contest graduate to boot), a shot?
Some "Idol" observers have raised the possibility of choosing a former contestant as a judge. Kelly Clarkson, who was as personable as usual in her stint on the short-lived "Duets," would be the most logical, but her omnipresence on other shows (besides "Duets," she was also a mentor on "The Voice" and sang on the "X Factor" UK) may rule her out. The name of Melinda Doolittle has been mentioned, and it's pretty likely that Taylor Hicks would be available. And Clay Aiken was a pretty mean judge on an "Idol" parody during the penultimate episode of "The Office."
One other point: If "X Factor" is canceled after this fall, make a run at Simon Cowell. It might backfire in the long run, but he's the guy who made "Idol" the sensation it became.
2. Open up the song list
That means, first and foremost, ditch the themes. One of the recurring complaints about "Idol" is that the songs are too old and there's a disconnect with many of the singers. The restrictions of certain themes ensure that old songs will be picked, usually the most familiar and well-worn ones. Getting rid of themes (which reportedly is being considered) won't eliminate the oldies, but it's natural that young performers will gravitate to songs from their eras, and the average song age is sure to go down. Wide-open choice has been a secret weapon for "The Voice" in its rise to ratings superiority over "Idol." When you can get a range of music encompassing -- as "The Voice" did in its top 12 show -- the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way," George Jones' "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend," it's easy to understand why. If the "Oh, wow" factor is theoretically infinite, a lot of excitement will return to "Idol."
3. Rethink the auditions and Hollywood
"Idol" seasons have been getting off to bad starts for years now thanks to deeply embedded flaws in the audition and Hollywood telecasts. The sheer number of singers trying out may look impressive on screen and attest to the allure of the show, but it seems like a cattle call and a long, dreary trudge to reduce the cast to a number you can actually become familiar with. "Idol" is the last show to require unaccompanied auditions. And while that may be the purest way to evaluate vocal quality, it becomes an ordeal for the viewer to hear four weeks of a cappella tryouts. The contrived audition atrocities break up the monotony a little, but they've become predictable and tedious in their own right.
And finally, because the show is taped in advance all the way up to the semifinals, the producers can play favorites with the standout singers or the heartstring-tuggers, and give them disproportionate airtime. "The Voice" has its share of emotion-provoking back stories, but at least every auditioner shown (except the unfortunates compressed into a montage) gets more or less equal time.
4. Stop manipulating us
Which leads to a larger point: A substantial boost in objectivity on the part of the producers would be a big help. Reduce the favoritism shown to the front-runners. Stop trying to engineer a winner. Too long a winning streak for white guys with guitars is no excuse to make sure they're all gone before the public gets a chance to vote, as happened this season. It's also not good for the long-term health of the show to choose such a hapless group of guys that an all-female finale is practically a done deal.
5. Dump the filler -- or at least improve it
Most "Idol" viewers have watched enough television to realize that certain competition shows and all results episodes require padding to fill out their allotted 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Most "Idol" viewers have also watched enough of this show to realize that group performances and duets are a complete waste of time, seldom if ever doing either the songs or the singers any justice whatsoever. On competition nights, if filler is needed, use mentoring sessions or the generally entertaining interludes in which contestants pile on each other to reveal embarrassing or amusing personality traits. On results shows, add guest stars. And make sure they're the brightest hitmakers of the day or the most legendary performers of the past. This season's nostalgia wallow of endless former-contestant returns was too insular, too self-congratulatory and several miles away from true "event television." Give us more reasons to tune in.
None of these ideas, as stated above, will bring "Idol" back to the days of 25-million-plus audiences. But they can help revitalize a stale show that too often complacently coasts on past glories.
'All-Star' finalists open to collaboration for a future season
WENN
"Celebrity Apprentice" finalists Penn Jillette and Trace Adkins are eyeing a collaboration for a future season. The Las Vegas illusionist and the country superstar will meet in the boardroom for this Sunday's "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" finale, but it may not be their last appearance on the show, the duo tells Zap2it.com. If they have it their way, they will be working together under "Apprentice" boss Donald Trump next time. Jillette says, "I would do it in a second, except for the time -- and if they promised me Trace would be on my team."
Bing: More about 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'
Both men had to adjust from their normal lives to survive the competition. Adkins struggled to spend so much time surrounded by people explaining, "They work you for 16 hours a day, and you have to be around people 16 hours a day. That is not how I live my life. I have sanctuaries in my life, and I decompress. And when I don't have the opportunity to do that, I become a little stir crazy and perhaps a little dangerous." Likewise, Jillette found the mental struggle that goes hand in hand with Trump's tasks to be the most difficult part: "There are occasional moments when you are working on something, and you know one on the team is wrong. And everyone knows, and you can't say anything because it will come back and bite you on the ass in the boardroom." The winner of "Celebrity Apprentice" will be revealed this Sunday.
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
Vivid lists 'used' item, complete with fake tan stains, on eBay
WENN
The bikini "Teen Mom" star Farrah Abraham wore for the photo on her sex tape cover is up for auction. The porn studio behind the release of the tape, Vivid Entertainment, listed the sequin-lined swimsuit on eBay at a starting bid of $500 on Wednesday. At press time, the two-piece's asking price has climbed north of $13,000. The listing advertises the Poolside Collection bikini as "used," complete with fake tan stains and glitter from Abraham's body lotion.
Bing: More about Farrah Abraham
The item was not washed since the "Teen Mom" star wore it for a private photo shoot. The listing reads, "Farrah's bikini ... straight off Farrah's body and into your hands." The online auction runs until next Wednesday at midnight.
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
Rookie judge has enjoyed experience even despite firing rumors
WENN
"American Idol" judge Keith Urban is eager to return for a second season on the panel, despite rumors show producers are planning a major cast shake-up. Last week, veteran judge Randy Jackson announced he would be leaving the singing competition after 12 seasons with the show, and there is growing speculation that he may not be the only star leaving the four-person panel. His co-judges this year -- Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj -- are all reportedly on the chopping block, as producers struggle to find ways to increase the show's declining ratings. But despite the firing rumors, Urban attests that his freshman year on "Idol" has been a great experience. And if he was asked back, he would have no doubts of returning.
He tells "Access Hollywood," "I would return in a heartbeat. I love all of it, and I've loved this journey. I really have. I've loved watching the journey of all of these artists from these little audition moments we find them in and then seeing them come all this way. It's really extraordinary watching them evolve." While Urban insists he does not have insider info on casting, at least one person who is confirmed to return is host Ryan Seacrest, who has been the emcee of the series since its inception in 2002.
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
'American Idol' fixture confirms return but would step aside for singer
WENN
Ryan Seacrest has confirmed he will be returning to host "American Idol," but he'll step aside if Justin Bieber wants the gig. Longtime host Seacrest has endorsed the pop sensation to fill his shoes as host of the hit singing competition, should show producers decide not to ask him back. Seacrest tells "Entertainment Tonight," "I think Bieber would make a great host. I think he would be good at the phone numbers, and he would fit in my suits."
Bing: More about Ryan Seacrest
But the current host fully intends to remain with the show: "I don't want to say yes, and then get a call tomorrow. As far as I know, yes, I'm coming. I'm showing up. Hopefully, they'll let me in." Meanwhile, all the rumors about "American Idol" judges departing the show with Randy Jackson make for just another day at the office for Seacrest, who adds,, "Aside from Randy saying he's leaving, this season at the end is really no different than seasons past - with rumors that circulate about the panel." When "Idol" starts up again later this year, Seacrest will be the only star from the show's first season, which he co-hosted with TV personality Brian Dunkleman.
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
primetime tonight
tv news
- Fox's 'X Factor' confirms new judges Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio
- NY Cuomo letter warns Kardashian over T-shirt logo
- CBS pulls 'Mike & Molly' tornado-themed season finale
- Charlie Rose turns weekend warrior with new PBS show
- Sinbad files for bankruptcy again
- 'Chuck' and 'Smash' stars head to Broadway
- Derek Hough to expand career beyond 'Dancing With the Stars'
- Jon Stewart's humor a hit with millions of Chinese
- Actress in classic 'Twilight Zone' episode dies
- Ben Affleck jokes about that Oscars marriage speech on 'SNL'
meet the bloggers
Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.
Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.
follow msn tv
