FEATURED POST
Katherine Jenkins holds on to her lead with a nearly perfect waltz
It was an emotional week as the stars danced routines to commemorate the most memorable year of their lives. Most of them cried at some point during the show, which was honestly kind of weird. That said, all of the stars danced well, and it was a good show. Katherine's waltz was the standout performance. It was beautiful, moving and deceptively simple looking. Roshon's Michael Jackson-inspired samba brought the crowd to its feet and Maria's sexy rumba was a nice surprise.
Bing: More about 'Dancing With the Stars' | Photos: Meet the cast of Season 14
This could be a tough elimination week as absolutely no one turned in a bad performance and we've got a five-way tie for last on the judges' leaderboard. I hope you all voted!
Last Night on TV: Watch recaps | Video: Watch clips and more
Here's a quick look at how the stars did this week:
Jack Wagner
Jack's happy-go-lucky samba was a bit more toned down than last week's jive, and that was a good thing. He and Anna moved beautifully together and Jack really had the choreography down pat. His knees were a bit stiff during some of his spins, but his hip work was great. Len praised Anna's choreography and called the routine Jack's best. Bruno praised his rhythm and Carrie Ann called the routine "effervescent." After a tough second week, Jack is back in the game.
Score: 24/30
Maria Menounos
Maria's sexy rumba was full of tricky spins and dips, as well as a maybe kiss? Derek really put his all into choreographing this one. Maria did an amazing job both keeping up with him and selling the emotion of the dance. Bruno compared Maria to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and praised her for dancing to a very difficult song. (A breathy slow-jams cover of Madonna's "Material Girl.") Carrie Ann praised Maria's flow from step to step, and Len called the routine fabulous. This was easily Maria's best performance.
Score: 27/30
Gladys Knight
Gladys' foxtrot was stately and elegant, if a bit simple. Her stage presence continues to impress, and her footwork was clean and precise. As always, Gladys' rhythm was perfect. Carrie Ann praised the improvement to Gladys' frame that was evident in this routine. Len was quick to point out that he and Gladys are the same age, which seemed like a precursor to some nasty criticism. Turns out he just wants to be a Pip. Gladys really showed us what she's made of this week -- let's hope she can keep it up.
Score: 24/30
Roshon Fegan
Roshon's samba was nonstop fun. He brought a ton of swagger and style and honestly looked like he was having the time of his life. His hips were open, his knees were loose, and his spins were right-on. Honestly, I can't think of anything bad to say about the routine. The judges weren't much help there, either. Len grumbled a bit about a lack of "traditional samba content," but you could tell by the glint in his eye he loved it. Carrie Ann did feel there were some timing issues with the routine -- and got booed when she said so. Roshon really knocked it out of the park with this one.
Score: 25/30
Gavin DeGraw
Gavin's rumba was slow and sensual, but still a bit clunkier than a rumba ought to be. His hip work was excellent, though he had some trouble with transitions. He totally sold the dance emotionally, which is key with the rumba. Bruno pointed out that Gavin had a bit of an issue with some of his pivots, but the other judges were quite positive about the routine. Carrie Ann praised his attention to detail and saw a sensual tenderness in the routine. Len praised his hipwork and musicality and noted that Gavin has improved every week. One more good dance could make his disastrous Week 1 foxtrot fade from our collective memory.
Score: 24/30
Katherine Jenkins
Katherine's emotional waltz was close to flawless. She was completely caught up in the music and turned in a performance worthy of one of the pros. Her elegant carriage and gorgeous footwork were classic waltz, though there were a lot of fancy spins that set Len off. His criticism was all for Mark, though. He found no flaws in Katherine's performance. Carrie Ann was moved to tears by the routine and Bruno called the routine sensational. This was the best dance of the season so far.
Score: 29/30
Sherri Shepherd
Sherri's rumba was absolutely beautiful. It was an open question whether a slow dance would suit energetic, wacky Sherri. Well, it did! She moved beautifully and turned in some downright gorgeous legwork. Len praised the routine's triple spins and added a very emphatic "Well done!" Bruno praised Sherri's commitment to the routine and the emotional resonance of her performance. This was a truly moving dance.
Score: 24/30
Melissa Gilbert
The jive is a tough dance, but Melissa really put her mind to it and turned in amazing performance. Maks' routine was supercharged with tricky spins and kicks, but she mostly held her own. Her posture left a bit to be desired and she lost the thread of the song for a few beats in the middle. Bruno praised her mastery of the tricky opening sequence Maks crafted, and Len declared her a contender. This is definitely a comeback for Melissa -- but has it come too late?
Score: 24/30
Jaleel White
Jaleel's suave rumba was a breath of fresh air during a round of intense emotional routines. He played it cool, but there were some tough spins and lunges in there. Carrie Ann declared Jaleel "back in the game," and praised his gliding steps. Len thought he was a bit stiff in the arms, but the crowd did not agree. Bruno seconded Len, though, and told Jaleel to work on his upper body movements. All in all, a good performance for Jaleel following last week's so-so jive.
Score: 25/30
William Levy
William's open-shirted salsa was absolutely electric. His energy was incredible, and his feet were flying. The choreography was very intricate – so much so that William actually grazed the top of Cheryl's head with his thigh during a tricky spin – and never let up for a second. Len called him "William the Conqueror," and Bruno simply shook his hand and told William he hated him. Carrie Ann called the routine "ridiculously hot," and who am I to argue? This was a coup for William!
Score: 28/30
Donald Driver
Donald's elegantly brooding rumba really showed us his emotional side. His knees were a tiny bit stiff, but his hip work was excellent and his movements flowed well. Carrie Ann called the routine mesmerizing, though she pointed out that there were "a few little lifts" thrown into the choreography. Bruno praised Donald for pushing himself to the limit, and commented on his excellent control and precision throughout the dance. Donald has been steadily climbing the leaderboard, so look out above.
Score: 26/30
Who won over the judges: Katherine, William and Maria
Who won over the crowd: William, Katherine and Roshon
Who needs to step it up: No one at this point!
"Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Amy's Baking Company adds immigration proceeding to public relations quagmire
WENN
Amy's Baking Company restaurateur Samy Bouzaglo, made infamous for his stint on Gordon Ramsay's show "Kitchen Nightmares," is facing deportation for withholding information about his criminal past. The Moroccan-born Israeli citizen was apparently less than forthcoming with immigration officials about drug distribution and extortion charges that landed him in prison before he came to the United States 13 years ago.
Bing: More about Amy's Baking Company
Bouzaglo is now mired in ongoing immigration court proceedings that could result in his expulsion from the country, AZ Central reports. His attorney, David Asser, says the matter began two years ago and is unrelated to his unflattering portrayal on FOX's "Kitchen Nightmares." His residency was the subject of a removal hearing on Monday in Arizona. Samy tells the Arizona Republic, "The FBI knows all about me ... The IRS knows. I want people to know about me. But not today, not tomorrow. I have nothing to hide."
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'Starting Strong' to chronicle what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life
WENN
Actor Ricky Schroder and his production company have joined forces with the U.S. Army to produce an unscripted series that will shed light on the different aspects of Army life. "Starting Strong," which is directed, narrated and produced by Schroder, aims to educate Americans about daily life in the Army and potential careers within the organization. Viewers will be introduced to more than 150 military occupational specialties by Army prospects who will share their personal on-the-job experiences. Schroder tells the Hollywood Reporter, "This is sort of new for the Army to give this behind-the-scenes, open-door look at what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life. Viewers are going to see real young men and women getting real experience in living, eating and breathing Army culture and jobs."
Bing: More about Ricky Schroder
One focus for the series will center around the expectations of military candidates and how they match up with reality. The series will follow trainees through the challenges of their chosen profession until they ultimately decide to join the Army or return to civilian life. Schroder explains, "Sometimes what the families want the young man or woman to do is different than what they end up doing. And the Army's standards are higher than ever. So, in some cases, the Army may not want you because you are just not up to standards. You will see some of that, but it will be handled in a very delicate and gentle way." The 10-week chronicle is set to debut on FOX stations on June 2, with four additional episodes available online.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'Who Do You Think You Are?' to return in July on TLC
WENN
Lisa Kudrow's family tree-themed "Who Do You Think You Are?" has taken root at a new network after bosses at NBC axed it last year. Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Lionel Richie were among the celebrities who investigated their ancestral history on the series, which ran for three seasons and was executive produced by former "Friends" star Kudrow. NBC executives decided to cancel "Who Do You Think You Are?" last May, but it has now been picked up by TLC.
A statement from Kudrow reads, "I've never stopped hearing about how much people love 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' and I've always known that we've had more great stories to share. TLC is a great home for the series, and we join our excited celebrity participants as we unearth some amazing background and surprising histories." The new eight-part reality series will kick off on July 23.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
Former 'America's Got Talent' star headed to Britain's 'X Factor'
WENN
Former "America's Got Talent" star Sharon Osbourne is back in the judge's seat after signing up to return to Britain's "The X Factor." "The Talk" co-host, who is one of the original judges on the TV talent show, will take a seat on the panel alongside singers Nicole Scherzinger and Gary Barlow, as well as Irish music manager Louis Walsh. Announcing her comeback, executive producer Simon Cowell says, "Three words I never thought I'd say ... Welcome back, Sharon!" Osbourne, who starred on "The X Factor" from 2004 to 2007, adds, "I couldn't be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of 'X Factor.' I can't wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!"
Bing: More about Sharon Osbourne
She later tweeted: "How lucky am I to have 2 jobs @TheTalk_CBS & @TheXFactor? I will be going back & forth all yr (year), best of both worlds!" The news was confirmed on Wednesday following months of speculation about who would replace British pop star Tulisa Contostavlos in the upcoming 10th series. Meanwhile, the judges for the new season of "The X Factor" in the U.S. have now been set: Kelly Rowland and Latin pop star Paulina Rubio will be replacing the departed Britney Spears and L.A. Reid on the show.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
Report says FOX has approached Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and others
"American Idol" is in need of a makeover, and that could mean turning past winners and contestants into judges.
FOX and the producers behind "Idol" have approached first-season champion Kelly Clarkson and former contestant Jennifer Hudson to become judges, reports Vulture. While FOX has yet to comment about the show's 13th season and who will be judging, sources tell the website the network has shortlisted Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken as well.
"I'd like to see a past 'American Idol' contestant," Angie Miller, who finished third this season, told TVGuide.com, when talking about future judges. "They really understand what this process is like and what you do during the week. (It should be) someone who gets it."
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Miller's wish could come true. According to The Wrap, all four judges from Season 12 -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- and even producer Nigel Lythgoe are getting the boot. But so far, Jackson has been the only one to officially wave goodbye.
But a change in personnel is inevitable. "American Idol" suffered a considerable ratings slump this season. The network and producers are also reportedly fed up with paying out huge sums to big-named stars who don't stick around. Although Clarkson and Hudson wouldn't be cheap, they should be more relatable because they've competed on the show.
They might also presumably attract a broader, younger audience. "Everything is on the table," Kevin Reilly, FOX's entertainment chairman, told reporters last week. And if the Vulture story holds true, that means fans of "Idol" could see a judges' table full of familiar and friendlier faces.
"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.
| Tags: | American Idol |
Amy's Baking Company cancels press conference, part ways with PR firm
WENN
Lawyers representing Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" have warned Amy's Baking Company owners to stop discussing their "unflattering portrayal" or face paying $100,000 each. Amy and Samy Bouzaglo were sent a legal notice from the show's attorneys last Friday after "Kitchen Nightmare" bosses learned of the couple's plans to hold a press conference in advance of the restaurant's "grand reopening" to tell their side of the story, according to Radar Online. The couple ended up canceling their press conference. Shortly after receiving the cease and desist from FOX, Amy's Baking Company was dropped by their new PR firm, Rose+Moser+Allyn Public & Online Relations on account of what publicist Jason Rose describes as "differences on public relations strategies."
Bing: More about Amy Baking Company
According to reports, the letter claims that any media session, especially one derogatory against the show, would constitute a breach of contract and make the couple liable for $100,000 in damages each. It reads, "We understand that you are planning a public event on May 21, 2013, at which you will discuss your experiences and your 'unflattering portrayals' on the show. If you speak about the show without Upper Ground's and FOX's prior approval, and if you disparage the show, its host, or its producers, you will breach your obligations under Paragraph 10 of your Personal Release and Paragraph 14 of your Participant Agreement." The letter goes on to state, "These agreements prohibit you from speaking publicly about Kitchen Nightmares, other than to acknowledge 'the mere fact of your participation in the Series in personal publicity relating to yourself.' Your conduct exposes each of you to liability for liquidated damages of $100,000." In their episode of "Kitchen Nightmares", the Bouzaglos were unwilling to accept chef Gordon Ramsey's attempts to rehabilitate their struggling restaurant.
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
'Voice' coach recounts experience at Denny's with fellow bandmate
WENN
"Voice" judge Adam Levine swore off drugs early on in his career after a strange experience on prescription medication Ambien. The Maroon 5 frontman and his bandmate James Valentine mistook the sedatives for stimulants and took them while on tour. But instead of giving a much-needed boost, the drug knocked them out cold -- while they were waiting for dinner.
Levine explains, "We had a brief experience one time with what I guess was Ambien. James Valentine and I, we didn't really know what it was ... It was the first and last time we took this drug. But we were at Denny's at some shady part of the city of whatever part of the country we were in, and we took it and we ordered the food ... and we woke up at the table, what must have been an hour (later) ... I was like, 'Oh, no.' And James had his head down, so I was like, 'Hey, man. Hey, we should get out of here.' We didn't eat our food. We sheepishly paid our bills and walked out, and everyone's looking (at us) like, 'What's wrong with these guys?' And then since then I've never done drugs."
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Soap veteran and pop star join Jon Lovitz, Sebastian Bach, Darrell Hammond, more
WENN
Actress Lisa Rinna and pop singer Debbie Gibson have joined the cast of the upcoming reality show "Sing Your Face Off." ABC recently snapped up the rights to the hit Spanish talent show "Your Face Sounds Familiar," where celebrities take on the identity of a legendary singer each week. Veteran soap star Rinna, comedian Jon Lovitz and former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach have signed on as contestants.
Bing: More about 'Sing Your Face Off'
Toronto Raptors basketball ace Landry Fields and teenage Disney Channel singer/actress China Anne McClain are also gearing up for the challenge. The show will be hosted by "Scandal" star John Barrowman. Their performances will be judged by Gibson and comedian Darrell Hammond. An air date for the show has not yet been set.
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
primetime tonight
tv news
- Jennifer Hudson (definitely) in negotiations to judge 'Idol'
- A&E cancels 'Intervention'
- Vin Diesel talks pot, steroids and Facebook in bizarre 'Tonight Show' interview
- 'S.W.A.T.' star Steve Forrest dies at 87
- Lea Michele has book scheduled for 2014 release
- McCain: It's common sense that consumers should choose their cable channels
- Billy Crystal pilot 'The Comedians' gets order from FX
- Emma Roberts to join 'American Horror Story' for Season 3
- 'Bad Teacher' series gets late pickup from CBS
- 'Fashion Police' strike: Both sides dig in on eve of rally
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
