FEATURED POST
Fan favorite falls as another teams bleeds
By Diane Vadino
Special to MSN TV
Last week: Despite a freakout that involved contemplating his own death-by-Bollywood, Mark (and Bopper) finished a diabolical dancing task -- and just barely survived, thanks to a non-elimination leg.
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There's just one episode left before next week's finale -- and we're still in chaotic Cochin, India, at "the former residence of the Dutch governors," Bolgatty Palace. At 6:53 a.m., a confident (mostly) Dave and Rachel leave to pick up a clue at a temple: "The only team that can beat us is ourselves," says Rachel, sagely. Twenty-seven minutes later, Brendon and Rachel leave, listing their tormentors as they go: Ralph and Vanessa ("We just want them to go home," Rachel says) and Art and J.J. (the latter is shown telling Team Big Brother "You guys couldn't follow your shadow on a bright, sunny day." Speaking of, Vanessa and Ralph are next out of the gate, with the border patrol agents a couple minutes behind them. "Vanessa is not very interested in physical challenges, so hopefully a physical challenge doesn't impede us," Ralph says, forebodingly. Finally, we check in on Mark and Bopper, who last week were, of course, nearly eliminated as Mark had to perform his Bollywood routine 12 times under a broiling sun before moving forward. We think Mark's just laying on the bed, but he's actually hooked up to an IV dip. "Mark's been close to a heat stroke, ever since he got hot from the dance," Bopper says. Mark adds, resolutely: "We're gonna stick in it."
At the temple, teams are instructed to remove their shoes before greeting a holy man. Most go on to a "mats and matting" workshop -- but Rachel and Brendon, in second place, take the Fast Forward. (Rachel and Dave are ineligible since they've already completed one, as have the border patrol guys, and Vanessa and Ralph pass it up, thinking they got there too late.) When Rachel and Brendon get to the site of the Fast Forward, though, they discover that -- in a repeat of a challenge from season seven -- they'll need to shave their heads to skip all remaining tasks and go straight to the Pitstop. Predictably, this is a bigger deal for Rachel then for Brendon: "I don't want to shave my head -- I paid $500 for extensions," Rachel says. "I'd be so sad." She seems genuinely, thoroughly freaked out by the prospect of losing her hair: "I spent years and years trying to get my hair to look good. You want me to shave my head?" Brendon answers, "I don't know, whatever. If we're out, we're out." Rachel just can't do it, and they head for the Roadblock.
There, they find the other teams facing a difficult challenge, which involves spinning rope and then winding it onto a spool. Sounds simple, but it's actually incredibly labor intensive. As they wind the rope, J.J. freaks out when he realizes that none of the teams have taken the Fast Forward. ("I don't want to talk about it," Rachel tells them when asked how it went.) Rachel continues to defend her decision to not take the Fast Forward: "[Season 7 winner and past head-shaver Joyce] was really cute and skinny and pretty," she says. "I need hair to be pretty -- I already feel enough about my big nose." It's actually really sad, and if you thought you couldn't feel bad for Rachel, this exchange might change your mind. It's less aggro than usual, and just depressing. J.J. is well aware that their decision to forego the Fast Forward could give the Kentuckians an opening: "Doesn't anybody think?" All the teams seem irritated by the fact that this challenge is so tedious: Manning the spool, Dave says, "the hand-crank was a 10-inch nail -- I have no skin on my index finger right now." Rachel cheers them on. Dave replies: "Babe, I don't need positive reinforcement right no -- I appreciate silence." Back at the Pitstop, a team that actually acts like they like each other -- Mark and Bopper -- are ready to go: "The sun is shining on two old dogs, and we're gonna make it count." They're about three hours behind the rest of the pack.
Vanessa and Ralph are the first to leave for the Detour -- Vanessa trips and twists her ankle, but it's a lot of yelling for not so much injury, and she limps it off. When they collect the next clue from a barber, they discover: Pachyderm or Pack a box. The first challenge looks like a total dream and involves decorating a lovely elephant and then wheelbarrowing some dung. The second (which pays tribute to India's spice trade) looks terrible, and involves processing 10 boxes dried ginger. Everyone goes to the elephants but Art and J.J., who simply choose wrong. While the other teams merrily paint their elephants and then push the wheelbarrows around, the border patrol agents are forced to pack 10 boxes of ginger, which sounds easy but involves a complicated, multi-step process -- Art and J.J. tough it out, but it's hard to imagine Vanessa or Brendon's Rachel handling this challenge well at all. All three of the leading teams finish the elephants challenge before Art and J.J. move on, with Dave again praising Rachel's "Midwestern work ethic." (Because people in the other parts of the country don't work hard?) Art and J.J. make their funniest/only joke of the season as they role-play Dave and Rachel while shoveling ginger: You don't do anything, Rachel -- you're an idiot," one of them says. It's worryingly close to real-life.
Meanwhile: Mark and Bopper face, and quickly complete, their Speedbump, which involves painting a tiger on a man's stomach. (Bopper: "I had no problem with it, other than it being on a man's belly.") Then they decide to take a chance and go for the Fast Forward -- which, of course, no one's done. Bopper gets his head shaved, and Mark just sort of looks on and laughs as the Indian challenge-minders pass him the trimmers. "He can cut my leg off while he's at it -- I don't care," Bopper says. It's coming clear, though, that without the benefit of a big bunch-up on a flight or similar, they're not going to catch up. It's depressing just to write this -- they were one of the best, most engaging, and most likable teams the show's ever had.
Rachel and Dave finish up the Pachyderm challenge and head for the Pitstop, which is located on an island accessible only by ferry. With a narrow lead over Vanessa and Ralph and Brendon and Rachel, they nervously wait for the ferry to leave, which will secure the win: "Honestly, babe, I'll pay this guy if we can go," Dave tells Rachel, gesturing to the ferryman. Just before those two teams arrive, the boat leaves, giving Rachel and Dave first place, with the next two teams close behind. When they reach the Pitstop, Phil oversees a ridiculous continuation of the spat between Rachel and Vanessa that's somehow lasted all season: "She doesn't like my sequins," Rachel says, then complains about how Vanessa also made fun of her nose job. "I said you get your boobs done [first]," Vanessa says. "It just makes sense."
Art and J.J. are yelling at each other ("Dude quit yelling -- you're being a little bitch," Art says to J.J.), but it slowly becomes clear that the Kentuckians probably lost this leg before they started. Though the border patrol agents have taxi/rickshaw trouble on the way to the Pitstop, they're the ones coming back for next week's two-leg finale: Mark and Bopper, despite running a basically flawless leg, are out. "[The race] was one of the most humbling experiences of my life," Mark says. Bopper recalls all of their adventures: "I had no idea what i was missing out on," he says. They leave in fifth place -- the same as last season's big fan favorite, 60+ farmers (and ultimate gut-it-out-ers) Bill and Cathi. “Unfinished Business,” anyone?
"The Amazing Race" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
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."
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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."
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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.
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'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."
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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
'Giuliana and Bill' star returns for third year, Kevin and Joe set to appear with brother
WENN
NBC announced on Tuesday that Giuliana Rancic would return for her third year as host along with the 20-year-old singer, who will co-host for the first time. Kevin and Joe Jonas will also be on hand to back up Nick, as the trio are set to perform for the contest held in Las Vegas before kicking off their North American tour in July.
Bing: More about the Miss USA pageant
A statement from the President of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula M. Shugar, reads: "We are excited to announce a veteran and a newcomer as hosts for this year's Miss USA Competition. The diverse backgrounds of Rancic and Jonas in the entertainment industry will bring a new and exciting energy to the stage."
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Host offers insight into why NBC series is beating 'Idol,' 'X Factor' in ratings
WENN
"Voice" host Carson Daly has credited the show's blind auditions as the reason for the its success. Unlike rival shows, the coaches on the show can't see the auditioners: Their evaluations are based solely on singing quality. Daly believes the format is the prime reason it has trounced "American Idol" and "The X Factor" in TV ratings.
Daly tells Zap2it.com, "We just liked the pureness of it, hearkening back ... Is there a place for pure? In this day where you have to be beautiful and popular ... Yeah, they can sing, but what do they look like?" Daly also pinpoints another interesting dynamic only present on "The Voice": the judges being rejected. He explains: "It's the power shift. A 24-year-old sandwich maker, and he gets three chairs to turn around. Now they are in it for the right reason, and he, all of a sudden, he gets to interview them. And where else do you get that shift in power? Multimillionaires interviewed by a kid who makes sandwiches for a living."
Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
'X Factor' judge says she and ex enjoy a 'great friendship'
WENN
"X Factor" judge Demi Lovato has developed a "great friendship" with Joe Jonas, three years after their breakup. In an interview with ABC's "Nightline," the singer admits to having been "really mad at him" following their decision to call it quits in 2010. But time has healed old wounds, and the two are good friends once again.
Lovato says, "I can fortunately say that him and his brother Nick have always been there for me and are literally family and like brothers ... We have a great friendship. And we may not be as close as we used to be, but that's OK." Jonas, 23, proved the former couple had buried the hatched by tweeting his support for her new album Demi on May 14. He wrote, "Congrats (Demi Lovato) on the new record! So happy for you!"
Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Wanted star says he 'felt like a king,' eager for fans to see how group really lives
WENN
Wanted star Max George hopes the group's new reality TV show is a big hit because he became quite accustomed to life in Hollywood while filming it. "The Wanted Life" debuts June 2, and George, for one, loved the idea of having his own mansion with his band mates for the show. He says, "It was a little bit different than being in Manchester, England. I could definitely get used to it. First of all, it was nice to wake up every morning and see the whole of the city ... That was just insane. But it was the little things to me that meant the most, like having your own bar, your own swimming pool and the run of Los Angeles. I felt like a king."
George will definitely be watching the show because there were a few unexplained mysteries that might be solved on the program -- like which band mate left their underwear hanging from the chandeliers and who trashed the Jacuzzi. He tells Ryan Seacrest, "I think we'll have to watch. I think we'll find out a lot of mysteries when we see it ... I think I'm probably going to learn a few things about myself I didn't know." As for what fans will learn about him from watching the show, he adds, "Definitely the bond I have with my brother ... and the bond I have with my mom ... I'm very, very close with them two. As a group, I think people will realize when we say we get on like brothers actually do. I think a lot of the time bands have to say that or if they didn’t people will think, 'Surely it doesn't work.' But we genuinely do really get on, and we don't just work together. We actually do everything else away from work most of the time with each other, as well. (And) we actually do party as much as we say we do."
Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
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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.
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