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Basic-cable network's new reality slate tries to appeal to its core and draw new viewers
WE tv has found great success with reality shows about manic brides and D-list celebrities and their families. After all, this is the basic cable network that brought us "Braxton Family Values" and its spin-off, "Tamar & Vince," as well as headed-for-the-altar offerings, "My Fair Wedding" and "Bridezillas."
So it's comes as no surprise that WE tv, which has been creating women-centric programming for 11 years, announced a non-scripted development slate Wednesday that includes a reality series about former NBA great Scottie Pippen and his second wife, Larsa, and an offering called "Single Brides." The show follows women who plan their dream weddings without even being engaged.
Bing: More on WE tv | Scottie and Larsa Pippen
"We're extremely excited about our current development slate featuring programs about bold, powerful women who are unapologetic for the way they live their lives," Lauren Gellert, WE tv's senior vice president of original production and development, said in a statement. "The shows we are developing explore women's secret temptations, fantasies, and their exciting and fun adventures."
Plus: TV shows men secretly love | 2012: The year in reality TV
There are seven proposed shows, all of which are eligible for the 2013-14 season. Read on for more details:
1. "Big Pippen" spotlights Larsa and Scottie Pippen, a famous Chicago power couple. She's a self-described Middle Eastern princess from a wealthy family and he's one of the city's most beloved sports icons. From private jets to designer digs, diamond rings and NBA championships, the Pippens live a truly charmed life. Add in her overbearing family and his clan from Arkansas and this duo is perfect for reality TV.
2. "Bedroom Confidential" is a docu-soap/social experiment featuring five female friends who allow cameras access to every aspect of their lives, including their bedrooms.
3. "Chasing Ballroom" is docu-soap about real-life "Dancing With the Stars" types who indulge their fantasy of being dancers. From the private dance lessons with ballroom pros to the elaborate costumes, high heels and glitter-infused make-up, these women are putting it all out on the dance floor to turn their "what if?" dream into a reality.
4. "Divas for Jesus" follows a group of fabulous Christian women whose faith consists of guns, god, gossip and great wine. Monday through Saturday, these glamorous Nashville ladies live upper-class lifestyles working and playing hard. And on Sunday they ask for forgiveness and cleanse their fabulous little souls.
5. "Powerlist" takes a look at successful, self-made women who refuse to choose between having an amazing career and a family. Working to have it all, these women -- and their BIG personalities -- have arrived, and they're intent on staying at the top.
6. "Shoe Whores" (working title) is a dating show that examines the relationship between women and their shoes. But what happens when a woman is asked to choose between her favorite pair of pumps and an eligible bachelor?
7. "Single Brides" examines the newest extreme female phenomenon… women across the U.S. who plan elaborate dream weddings including the venue, cake, music, flowers and, of course, the dress. The only thing missing is the groom. This docu-soap follows fiancé-free ladies as they plan their dream weddings while continuing to date in the hopes they'll find the right bachelor to meet them at the altar.
Host fretted that hit series was going to be another 'karaoke show'
WENN
"Voice" host Carson Daly initially turned down the offer to host the singing competition, confessing he didn't want to be part of a "karaoke show." The 39-year-old has built his career around his love of music -- as a radio DJ, the former host of MTV's "Total Request Live" and now as a host on NBC's hit singing contest. But it was as a devoted music fan that he declined the role on "The Voice" when he was first offered the gig. During an interview with late-night TV host Jay Leno, Daly, who also serves as a producer on the show, confessed he was apprehensive about joining the series in 2011, especially with similar shows like "American Idol" and "The X Factor" already on network TV.
Daly admitted, "I was pitching some dumb idea to NBC bosses to keep me around, and they said, 'We think we finally found the right prime-time vehicle for you, and it's a singing competition show.' And I said, 'No, thanks. I love music. I need to keep it credible. I'm not interested in a karaoke show.' They showed us a tape from Holland where they had 'The Voice,' and it was just great... I got goose bumps. I said 'If you'll have me, I'm in.' And really, people thought we were crazy because the market's been flooded with these types of shows. But we just felt we could put a show with the names of like Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green, real people who really wanted to help people and not just tell them they sucked. Maybe it could be uplifting, and it could work. And it did."
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'Teen Mom' and sex tape star feels she shines both personally and professionally
WENN
Farrah Abraham has slammed comparisons between her and Kim Kardashian, insisting she's a "smarter person" than the reality TV star. The 22-year-old, who is arguably the best known of the "Teen Mom" cast members, recently released a sex tape with adult film star James Deen. Now that the single mom is reaping the benefits of her newfound fame following her X-rated debut, many critics have likened her to Kardashian, who most gained notoriety when her sex tape with ex-boyfriend Ray J was leaked in 2007. However, Abraham tells New Jersey's Metropolis Nights magazine that she could not disagree more with the comparisons between her and Kardashian, insisting she has and will make smarter decisions in her life, both personally and professionally.
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Abraham asserts, "I definitely feel it's an unfair comparison. I have been very successful with other things in my life besides just being a reality TV star. I have books and other things going on in my life that outshine Kim Kardashian. I feel I just outshine her when it comes to both our personal and professional lives. That's why I don't like being compared to her. We're two really different people. I don't for see myself getting married more than once. I don't see myself making the same choices that she has made. Good or bad, I just feel I'm going to be a smarter person. I don't want to be negative. We're just different people. I wish her the best, but I'm going to focus on my life."
Plus: Most vicious 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
'Tamar and Vince' star takes to Twitter on Father's Day to share the news
WENN
Tamar Braxton has finally revealed the name of her first child with husband Vincent Herbert. More than a week after announcing the arrival of her newborn son, the singer and reality TV star has shared the name of the newest Braxton family member: Logan. On Sunday, she took to Twitter and posted a photo of their little one's hand grasping at Herbert's, writing, "Happy Father's Day to the love of my life, my best friend, my husband Vincent Herbert! Our son Logan Vincent Herbert & I are proud to share this day with you!! We love you soooooo much!!"
Bing: More about 'Tamar and Vince'
Last Thursday, the first-time mom to share the happy news with fans, writing, "HE'S finally here!" alongside a snap of a group of blue teddy bears with the words "baby boy" printed on their feet. This is the first child for Braxton and Herbert, who wed in 2008 and star in their own WEtv spin-off show, "Tamar and Vince," which recently was renewed for a second season.
Plus: Most vicious 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
The show's best season finishes with three strong contenders
The best thing about Monday night's "Voice" finale is that all three acts deserve to be there. Danielle Bradbery, Michelle Chamuel and the Swon Brothers each would make a fine winner.
Bing: More about 'The Voice' | Video: Watch episodes and clips
This season's final three are a refreshing contrast to last season's, which featured two stylistically and vocally limited contestants pitted against one with broader appeal and talent (who, fortunately for the show, ended up winning). This time it's a much better-balanced battle, and you can make a case for any of them taking home the crown.
Photos: Check out the contestants | Last Night on TV: Get caught up
So let's do that.
The case for the Swon Brothers: OK, it's a thin one, and only the most dedicated advocate would take it on. While Michelle and Danielle have seemingly breezed into the finals, the Swon siblings, Zach and Colton, have had to slug it out every step of the way, from the battle rounds onward. But that may be their strength: They're this season's true underdogs. They've defeated seemingly stronger and more superficially attractive contestants – Justin Rivers in the playoffs, Josiah Hawley and Kris Thomas in the top 10, Holly Tucker in the top 6. They've also defied the unfavorable track record for duos and groups in TV music contests in general and "The Voice" in particular.
As with their competition in the finals, the Swons' personalities are a plus – a low-key charm, good-natured fraternal joshing, and a timely identification with their home state, Oklahoma, have helped them along. Their instrumental prowess and versatility doesn't hurt (Michelle and Danielle aren't players), and they use their hereditary harmonies adeptly.
Their material has often been surprising and usually effective, from their Tom Petty beginnings to Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" in the semifinals, and they strategically established their country credentials with George Jones' "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and Merle Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee" (a weird choice, but who better to sing it than actual Muskogee-ites?). They've beaten the odds every time out; if they can pull off that feat, unlikely as it may be, one more time, they'll reign as one of the best dark-horse success stories yet.
The case against: The brothers' luck is bound to run out against the strongly focused competition they'll face in the finale. Michelle has the misfit/oddball vote sewn up (the duckling who will defeat the Swons), as well as the entire portion of the electorate that doesn't care for country. Danielle has the grandmas, most of the teens, and the bulk of the conventional country fans. That doesn't leave a lot of room to maneuver for the Swons, who may need to edge back toward the rock stylings they began with to tap that underserved constituency. Sappy ballads such as "Danny's Song" from the semifinals will seal their doom.
The case for Michelle: "The Voice" has been a hospitable refuge for quirky artists – Dia Frampton, Melanie Martinez, Charlotte Sometimes, Lindsey Pavao – and Michelle might well top them all. She follows the recipe to the letter: an appealing kind of geeky shyness, an eccentric demeanor, and unpredictable, frequently brilliant song choices. And she adds a strong voice -- maybe not up to the standards of the departed Judith Hill, Amber Carrington or Sarah Stewart, but right there with Danielle's and superior to the Swon Brothers as individuals. Those qualities have won her a massive and loyal fan base, including a lot of people who aren't normally fans of these shows but find themselves drawn to Michelle's anti-star aura and startling songs such as Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend" and Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble."
The case against: Michelle has made virtually no mistakes throughout the season. Her singing hasn't faltered and her emotional intensity is the strongest in the competition. If there's a minor flaw, it's a tendency for her and her coach, Usher, to play it a little safe at times – having triumphed with Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," did she have to come back in the semifinals with "Time After Time"? Michelle will have to walk a thin line – something too obscure or weird will put her in jeopardy, but with Danielle commanding the mainstream, something too conventional could provoke yawns and end up equally fatal, especially if the Swon Brothers take an edgier direction.
The case for Danielle: Without knowing the actual vote totals, it seems as if Danielle has been the one to beat all season long. Downloads may or not be a reliable indicator, but she's the sales leader – she's the only contestant to consistently show up in Nielsen SoundScan's top 50 download chart each week. (That bodes well for her post-"Voice" career as well – she may just become the breakthrough hit artist that the show hasn't had and desperately needs to cement its status as top dog in the field.)
Building on the irresistible narrative about her first public performances taking place on "The Voice," she has fashioned a formidable Cinderella story as a country-loving 16-year-old phenomenon. Which is exactly what she is – her performances have been consistently strong, and she and her coach, Blake Shelton, have for the most part chosen infectious, up-tempo songs that reflect her buoyant personality and youthful verve – none better than her cover of Jessica Andrews' "Who I Am" in the semifinals. In many ways, it seems like her contest to lose.
The case against: So how could she lose it? Her ballads have tended to be snoozers, and a really challenging song – say something overly ambitious from the catalogs of Trisha Yearwood or Carrie Underwood – might expose the occasional strain and inexperience that have popped to the surface occasionally. Otherwise, it's just a matter of whether the Swons or especially Michelle have broader appeal – and with the Swons cutting into Danielle's country base, that may be the decider.
The verdict: Despite the analytical factors that point to Danielle maintaining her clean sweep, Michelle – given at least one more show-stopping performance – could capitalize on a divided country vote and win the trophy.
Who do you think will win 'The Voice'? Tell us at MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter.
"The Voice" Season 4 finale airs Monday, June 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesday, June 18, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
What the coaches and contestants were doing when filming stopped
By Minh Nguyen
Special to MSN TV
Here's the scoop on what was happening when the cameras weren't rolling:
Bing: More about 'The Voice' | Video: Watch clips | Photos: See highlights
- The Fall Out Boy performance was pre-taped.
- When Carson announced who the first person America saved would be, I heard people yelling mostly "Danielle" and "Michelle."
- Adam Levine ran onstage to give Tony Lucca three bro handshakes and big hugs before and after his performance. That's a lot of love!
- Danielle didn't seem nervous about going home. She and the Swon brothers were chatting it up with Blake and had to be pulled away to perform "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."
- A little girl told the Warm Up Guy (WUG) that her uncle who worked for Blake got her front row seats.
- WUG: "Do you get to hang out with Blake sometimes?"
Little girl: "Yes."
WUG: "You don't drink from his Starbucks cup do you?"
Little girl: "No."
FYI, I don't think Blake has coffee in that cup. - Adam Levine is the nicest guy. Even though Terry McDermott was on Blake's team, Adam cheered him on and came up to hug him onstage. Terry had to walk over to Blake's chair to say hello after his performance.
- Amber reassured fans it would be OK, blew kisses and waved to everyone right before she found out if she was going home.
- I think Adam Levine was told Amber would be sent home because he avoided all forms of eye contact with her before the break. Maybe they were afraid of a repeat of a"I hate this country" moment.
Plus: Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books | Sexiest stars of summer TV
Comedian says fellow 'Celebrity Wife Swap' star lives sheltered life in Alaska
WENN
Joan Rivers has confessed she felt sorry for Bristol Palin's sheltered lifestyle after getting to know her during "Celebrity Wife Swap." On the June 23 season premiere of the trading-places series, the daughter of Sarah Palin and the outspoken comedian trade lives for one week. Palin and her sister Willow traveled to Los Angeles to find out how Rivers and her daughter Melissa kept up with their hectic schedules, with the mother-daughter-duo uncovering a stressful lifestyle in Wasilla, Alaska, with Palin's energetic 4-year-old son Tripp. Much to her surprise, Rivers found the girls very delightful, but she was shocked at their lack of experience outside of their home in Alaska.
Rivers tells "Access Hollywood," "They're very nice girls. They're scared girls. The mother is so out there and so opinionated, and they're very careful, constantly thinking that they're going to make the wrong step. She's very, very pretty, terribly shy, very closeted. She'd never been to a Broadway musical. I was sitting there with six gay friends. Our mouths dropped. She's never been to Europe. That's why I said, 'Come live with me for a month. Boy, oh boy, would we have a good time! Let's go to Venice and put our feet in the canal. Let's have fun.' It sounds stupid, but I felt very sorry for her. And I liked her tremendously, and she is so nice -- not a mean bone in her body." By the end of the experience, Rivers found herself overly emotional about the swap, admitting all four women felt a new bond with one another after their time in each others' homes. She divulges, "We all cried when the week was up. Melissa and Willow were crying and kissing, and I was hugging Bristol saying, 'Come to New York. I want to show you some Jews!'"
Plus: Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books | Sexiest stars of summer TV
'Bachelorette' mad that Brian Jarosinski was 'so deceitful' about girlfriend
WENN
"Bachelorette" Desiree Hartsock was disgusted after she discovered suitor Brian Jarosinski still had a girlfriend back at home on Monday's episode. The 26-year-old bridal stylist received shocking news that affected the entire house of eligible bachelors during Monday's episode, when host Chris Harrison informed her one of the men was not there for the "right reasons." Show producers were contacted by Jarosinski's devastated girlfriend, Stephanie, who then came to the Malibu mansion to tell Hartsock the truth and confront her beau. The scorned girlfriend scolded Jarosinski: "You realize that this girl (Hartsock) is looking for love, looking for a husband? You think you're capable of that?"
Bing: More about 'The Bachelorette'
Stephanie also revealed he only told her he was going on a business trip, and she scolded him for not setting a good example for her young son. And while Hartsock immediately dismissed Jarosinski from the show, she writes in her blog for People.com that she was extremely blindsided and appalled by his hurtful actions. She writes, "I had no idea that Brian had a girlfriend back home or that he had unresolved problems with her. I was disgusted when I heard the news, and even more outraged when I learned that Stephanie is a single mother. It made me mad that someone could be so deceitful and disrespect women in that way. He also wasted my time and took the spot of another guy that did have the right intentions. Regardless of whether Brian and Stephanie were still together or not, there was no chance he was there for the right reasons -- or that he was staying. I just wanted him out of the house and to put it all behind me."
Plus: Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books | Sexiest stars of summer TV
Former 'Bachelorette' lands small cameo in 'Blue Jasmine'
WENN
Former "Bachelorette" Ali Fedotowsky has landed a cameo role in Woody Allen's upcoming film, "Blue Jasmine." The 28-year-old has moved on from her television dating days and has successfully made the transition into TV host with her travel and food show, "1st Look" on NBC. And now Fedotowsky is making a break into the acting world in a big way -- by making her debut in acclaimed director Allen's latest film.
Bing: More about Ali Fedotowsky
She took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce the good news: "Excited to announce that I have a cameo in Woody Allen's latest film Blue Jasmine. So unbelievably grateful to be a small part of it!" "Blue Jasmine," which stars Hollywood heavyweights Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin and Peter Sarsgaard, hits theaters in New York and Los Angeles July 26.
Plus: Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books | Sexiest stars of summer TV
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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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