By Diane Vadino

Special to MSN TV

It's Episode 2 of this season of "The Bachelorette" -- and unbelievably, it's actually starting to look more, rather than less, interesting. Emily, for one, is "getting real." Lucky for us, this involves asking the guys lots of questions about how psyched they are to be dads and then watching them squirm as they fail to come up with suitable answers. (You know they're all like, “Where are the helicopters and bungee jumps?” on the inside.) And paradoxically, though the helicopter count for this season is frighteningly low (one: Kalon's, and can it please return to take him back wherever he came from), it's actually sort of interesting watching Emily interact with her friends and family. Though there's a certain sadistic thrill (and surely, this show is built on exactly that) in watching a woman, cut off from everyone she knows, try to make sense of a never-ending array of douchebags, players, and skeeves, it's actually just as entertaining to see her act with a modicum of confidence. 

Bing: More about Emily Maynard | 'The Bachelorette'

Which is, more or less, how tonight's opening date with Ryan goes. More because she has the gumption to throw some actual tough questions at him. Less, though, because she can't stop wondering if he's "too perfect.” "Too perfect," of course, is Emily-code for "too much like Brad," which, for obvious reasons, is to be avoided: "Brad was crazy good-looking and we all know how that turned, out," she says. Instead of helicopter rides, Ryan and Emily bring in the groceries, bake cookies, and drop snacks off at Ricki's soccer game. What's next? Chuck E. Cheese and "wrangling a bunch of sugar-hyped-up six-year-olds." She's kidding -- instead, they're heading for dinner at Emily's favorite restaurant in town, so it's all pretty normal, except for the part where the band Gloriana plays and we all briefly pretend having Gloriana play in one's hometown is a tremendous honor. Too-perfect or not, Ryan gets his rose. 

Photos: 'Bachelorette' stars: Where are they now? | This season's contestants

Next is the group date, which, inexplicably, stars the Muppets, who should have a long think about firing their management. They are so much better than this goat rodeo, but at least Fozzy's here to provided befuddled reaction shots whenever one of the bachelors tries to make a joke onstage: We're at a Muppets-starring fundraiser for a local children's hospital, and the guys have been put into small groups doing things they're not very good at (telling jokes in public, dancing, speaking in front of large groups.) Most of the guys roll with it, except for Charlie, whose brain injury has left him with a speech impediment. Emily excuses him from the activity and says he can join the dancing troupe instead. Miss Piggy pity-laughs her way through the guys' presentation, Chris Harrison grumbles alongside Statler, and Kermit, Ricki, and Emily sing "The Rainbow Connection." Unless you were concerned about a beloved children's institution (um, the Muppets, but the hospital, too, perhaps) associating itself with a bawdy dating show, it was fine. Any interpersonal drama, anyway, was saved for later -- specifically, when Kalon and Stevie get into a verbal altercation. "I don't like you," Stevie says. "I would like me either, if i were you, bro," Kalon shoots back, like a douche. He is so annoying; there really should be a public vote on kicking this guy off. But there's more from Kalon: At the pool, he tells single-dad Doug that he "made a decision to put [being a dad] on hold." This doesn't go over any better, and now essentially everyone hates Kalon and his helicopter. Jef -- around whom Emily feels like she's "in middle school -- takes the rose. 

We know the date with Joe isn't going to go well from the get-go, when all his interviews are about going home. The first stop on the way there, however, is the Greenbriar, a world-famous spa in West Virginia -- Emily's home state. Speaking of, Emily is clearly 100 times more excited about the resort than about Joe, who does everything short of run his finger around a too-tight collar as Emily asks him to spell out how he would adapt to being a full-time dad. She blames his ouster on incompatibility -- but it's clearly because she's just not that into him: no butterflies. She's quite classy about his dismissal, and tells him tearfully that she's not just crying because she's sad to see someone -- anyone go; she really liked him. However: no butterflies. It's the eternal dealbreaker. 

One thing of interest happens at the rose ceremony cocktail party, and that's Ryan writing Emily a seven-page letter (really) spelling out his feelings (really), which she has to read aloud (again), while Tony waits. It's a masterwork in cringe-making, and it has a lot of transitions in it ("Furthermore..."). Miraculously, they both get roses -- but Aaron and Kyle aren't so lucky. If you can't tell them apart -- well, Aaron's the high school science teacher who humiliated his students by offering Emily some "chemistry." Farewell, guys. 

"The Bachelor" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has flown the "Jersey Shore" coop, TMZ claims. However, she will still appear on Season 6 of the reality show, according to the report, making a nest nearby in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

Bing: More about Snooki | 'Jersey Shore'

Unnamed sources tell the gossip website that the move is her choice and owes to taking her fragile condition more seriously than her image would suggest. "It's not worth it to be surrounded by boozy, loud roommates while pregnant," the report reads.

Also: What TV shows are returning next season?

Beyond debunking previous reports claiming that Snooki would turn the "smush" room into her new pad, the move could prove significant. Regardless of whose choice it was, featuring Snooki as a mere neighbor could make it easier for MTV to phase her and a sober Situation out, if this earlier report rings true, in favor of a wilder generation of new guidos and guidettes.

Producers are also obviously hoping to capture Snooki residing somewhere else this summer: the closest hospital. (She'll be 7-to-9 months along during the production.)

Season 6 of "Jersey Shore" is expected to premiere this fall on MTV.

The first half of this season's finals did not disappoint! Katherine finished with a perfect 60 for an intense paso doble and a gorgeous freestyle routine. William and Donald are tied just one point behind her on the judges' leaderboard. Bottom line, any one of the three of them could go home with the mirror-ball trophy. But hey, this season has been a rollercoaster, so why should the finals be any different?

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The stars picked their songs for the third round just after airtime and will now have less than 24 hours to rehearse before they perform live tomorrow night. Talk about pressure!

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Here's a quick look at how our three finalists did in the first two rounds:

William Levy

William's disco-infused cha-cha got the finals off to a rollicking start. He's done great with Latin dances all season and this one was certainly no exception. He and Cheryl moved beautifully together. William's timing was right-on and his footwork was gorgeous. The judges didn't have a single negative thing to say about this blockbuster routine. Bruno complimented William's hip action and placement while Carrie Ann praised his sophistication, musicality and the clarity of his movements. Best of all, Len said the routine was as good a cha-cha as he's seen in fourteen seasons.

In the freestyle round, William and Cheryl went completely nuts. The Latin-infused routine never let up for a second. William kept up with his partner like a champ, and the applause when he had finished was the loudest I've heard all season. I have no idea what Len said during the first few seconds of his critique because that crowd would not be shushed. Once they did quiet down, Len called the routine predictable. Carrie Ann, on the other hand, said the routine was everything a freestyle dance should be.

Cha-cha: 30/30

Freestyle: 29/30

Score: 59/60

Katherine Jenkins

Katherine's paso doble evoked a traditional Spanish bullfight. Katherine and Mark danced in hold for nearly the entire routine, which was impressive, and even more stunning was her timing. The choreography was as difficult as anything I've seen on this show and she nailed it. This routine had the crowd on its feet. Bruno praised her shapes and said the routine had technical brilliance. Carrie Ann compared her to a prima ballerina. Len ... said something confusing about tapas, but it was clear he loved the routine as well. Katherine earned her first perfect 30 of the season with this one and it was well deserved.

Katherine's second-round freestyle had flapper flair. She opened the number by singing, which was a bit gimmicky, but she and Mark more than made up for it with their fabulous swing moves. Katherine's technique was flawless. Carrie Ann praised her abilities as a performer and called the routine "the dance of a champion." Even cranky Len had nothing but love. He said, "If I'm dreaming, don't wake me up. This is a freestyle.

Paso doble: 30/30

Freestyle: 30/30

Score: 60/60

Donald Driver

Donald's moody Argentine tango had some amazing lifts in it! The routine struck a good balance between crazy acrobatics and intense dancing in hold. Donald's posture and footwork were both top-notch. The crowd loved this one, but the judges came in with mixed reviews. Carrie Ann, who coached Donald and Peta in rehearsals, loved the routine. Len, on the other hand, called the dance "too careful." Bruno praised Donald's intensity and storytelling.

Donald and Peta's countrified freestyle routine was risky. They did a lot of line dancing in between the usual series of jaw-dropping lifts. Donald lost his footing a little bit near the end of the routine. In any other round, it wouldn't matter, but this is the finals. Carrie Ann said the routine was her favorite dance of the first two rounds while Len praised Peta for her risky choreography and called the dance "fantastic."

Argentine tango: 29/30

Freestyle: 30/30

Score: 59/60

Who won over the judges: Katherine
Who won over the crowd: William

Who needs to step it up: Honestly? Nobody.

"Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

MTV has scrapped plans for "My First," a reality show that would have documented subjects in the process of having sex for the first time. According to this FoxNews.com report, overwhelming negative Internet response was to blame.

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On May 8, MTV posted a casting notice seeking people age 18 and older who would "candidly allow MTV to accompany you on the journey toward ‘losing it.'” It asked: "Are you ready to hand over your V card?"

Also: What TV shows are returning next season?

"Young adulthood is a time for exploration," the notice explained. "New relationships, fresh experiences and sexual firsts."

Of course, since MTV would not "film the act itself," all would be copacetic. Right?

(Loud buzzer sound.)

Twitter and the blogosphere lit up with outrage over the fame-for-sex casting call. "And so MTV sinks to a new low (even though some of us didn’t think it was possible)," read a May 18 entry to PoorRichardsNews.com​. On May 17, actress Patricia Heaton tweeted: "This is so incredibly depressing."

The casting notice, posted here, was intended to run until May 28 but has been deleted. "This was a preliminary casting notice, and we're not moving forward with a pilot," a rep from the network told FOX News.

And so, although the "M" in MTV obviously no longer stands for "music," the "V" will have to stand for something else.

By Carla Patton

BuddyTV

No more drama! The ""American Idol top 2 are revealed tonight. Who will join Phillip in the finale? Have we all pretty much resigned ourselves to the fact that he will win? You can just tell by the sound of female screams and panties dropping in the audience, and all the girls pressed up against that chain link fence for a sniff of that grey shirt!

Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See Season 11 highlights

Starting out, we get a group number -- our last terrible group number until the finale, which is sure to be chock full of them. Jessica looks cute in that little dress with the cutouts. Phillip is really into the music. Jessica and Joshua are just phoning it in. Do they know they're bound to lose this thing? The group number ends, and that was the best thing that could have happened for it.

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But the torture's not over. We have to watch this Ford music video in which the contestants play silent movie characters. Well, Joshua and Jessica played silent movie characters. Phillip was, once again, excused. I guess he got a doctor's note.

The top 3 contestants say that they've already won and are excited for whoever wins. They're very nice to one another. Joshua Ledet is up first to hear what Jimmy thought of him. Jimmy said it was not Joshua's best night, but it was a good night and the judges over-praised "I'd Rather Go Blind." He overcompensated on "Imagine," which didn't work. Jimmy called it overblown and over-emotional. I agree, and I think I also over-praised that first performance in the rankings. Jimmy thought there was something missing Wednesday night and criticized himself for giving Joshua a song with not enough melody.

Oh, my God. Then Jennifer Lopez, whose devil-owned soul is being sold for $1 a minute, had to take part in a product placement for whatever "Ice Age" movie is happening now. She was a voice in it, so I guess there's a joke there somewhere. Then the top 4, which Phillip was not excused from, had to "check out" some songs from "Ice Age: Continental Drift." Then they had to sing the most boring part of this stupid song -- something about being family before the dawn of man. Wow, that was no fun at all! Thanks for giving us that little glimpse into the exciting life of "American Idol contestants," Ryan.

Then Lisa Marie Presley performed, inspired by Lana Del Rey. I hope the "Idol" set designers don't get too many ideas from this set or from "Ice Age: Continental Drift." They already have too much stuff up there. This performance was recorded right before Dracula came to collect his bride.

Up next, Jessica Sanchez hears what Jimmy thought of her "triple play." Jimmy thought everyone needed a "shock and awe" moment at this point, and "My All" didn't come together enough for him. He also thought it didn't all come together for "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing." And what did he think of his own choice? He is doubting himself again, because Michael and Jermaine both sang that song. Jimmy said she was good enough to sing in the Grammys, though.

The producers are making the signal for Ryan to stretch the show out. So, he asks Jimmy and the women sitting next to him what they think of Donna Summer's passing. And with that somewhat awkward introduction, it's Adam Lambert singing "Never Close Our Eyes." Adam has really developed into the type of artist he wants to be, which I think he knew from the beginning. His glitter-rock, modern throwback is working. He couldn't give less of a rat about returning to the "Idol" stage, I'm sure. But it was nice of him to throw Nigel a bone and come back. Overall, with this plus Lisa Marie Presley's performance, it's turning into a somewhat creepy show. Adam sounded just like Freddie Mercury, and I think it was a great showing for him.

Now let's hear about Phillip Phillips -- if we can hear over the screaming. Jimmy thinks "Beggin'" was very good and proved once again that Phillip is original. Jimmy likes that Phillip is "willing to risk everything," but thought "Disease" was a snoozefest. And "We've Got Tonight"? Jimmy congratulates himself with Phillip's winning the night. Jimmy called it his best performance and flawless, and thought he dug deep down into the emotion of the song. All right, Jimmy.

Jessica and Joshua hit the stage to join Phillip. It's about to happen ... any moment now! Randy wishes them all luck. I just hope Joshua Ledet doesn't have to go out of this competition in that shirt. Jennifer talks a lot. Then Steven talks a lot. Anybody else have anything they want to say? (The producer is still making the "stretch" gesture).

The "American Idol" finale airs Tuesday, May 22, and Wednesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

Life can be a juggling act. Between work, family, errands and fantasy football, it's nearly impossible to find time for the people and passions we love. Fortunately, E! has always ensured that America never loses touch with its collective, highly rated extended clan, the Kardashians. 

Also: What TV shows are returning next season?

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino  has reconfirmed his participation in Season 6 of MTV's "Jersey Shore." And he's done it via the legal system.

Bing: More about 'Jersey Shore'

In new documents filed in his ongoing court battle with Abercrombie & Fitch over the company's GTL-themed apparel, the Sitch begs the judge to allow him to skip an upcoming court appearance. According to this TMZ report, the docs state that he can't make June 14 because MTV contractually requires him to be at the "Jersey Shore" house, 24/7, from May 22 to July 7.

Also: What TV shows are returning next season?

In March, MTV confirmed that all the housemates would return -- including the rehabilitated Situation and preggers Snooki.

Still, this is proof that everything is still a go.

Season 6 of "Jersey Shore" is expected to premiere this fall on MTV.

By Carla Patton

BuddyTV

We're in the home stretch! Speaking of home, that's where the top 3 remaining contestants are going (or have returned from, if we're talking real time).

Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See the top 3 singers

They have successfully completed the "Hometown Hero" level of this game, and we'll watch the results of that interspersed with the judges' song choices for them Wednesday night.

More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Video: Watch 'American Idol' clips and more

Wow, the final 3 could not look more exhausted. And, in making-Jessica-look-​crazy news, she's wearing a floor-length evening gown! That's totally appropriate for her age and not drowning her at all! And she looks totally natural standing next to Phillip in flannel and jeans. I don't know. It's easier to criticize that than to actually choose something. How do you dress a 16-year old who sounds like a 28-year old? Debacle.

Next week, the performance show is on a Tuesday and the finale on a Wednesday! Make note! And in this episode there are three rounds: judges' choice, contestants' choice and Jimmy's choice. I bet Jimmy's choice will be the best. He just knows! At least the kid from "Touch" is here. And somewhere in the vicinity, Kiefer Sutherland is looking for him, whisper-screaming, "Jake!"

Joshua Ledet is up first, and Randy chose "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James, a classic, for him. Joshua is doing well enough with this song and the old-timey microphone. I'm not familiar with this song, but it seems like a good choice for him. It's more laid-back, so it's not like he's going to push a diamond out first thing. We've got a long night ahead of us. But the thing about Joshua is that he always gives it his all, and even this first, expendable performance has some real oomph behind it. And of course, the judges can't help but rise to their feet, trained like Pavlov's dogs.

Ryan Seacrest asked Joshua how this night is different for him from watching a sporting event, and he paused, "Uh, I don't really know how to answer that." I really like Joshua. And that question was baloney.

The rest of the top 12 are here, watching in the audience! Oh, I miss Heejun. Remember Heejun? Things were really fun when he was on the show.

Jessica Sanchez will be singing "My All" by Mariah Carey, per Jennifer's request. The staging is really nice. They literally put her on a pedestal and turned on the fog machines. All Jessica has to do is stand there and not act weird about it, which she does successfully. I think this was also a good choice for Jessica, showing more tenderness and a less belt-y side of the ballad. It was really pleasant -- or whatever a more intense version of pleasant is. Randy called it one of the best times a Mariah song has ever been performed on TV. That's fair. Jennifer acknowledged that it was a hard song they threw at her. Steven predicted that Jessica would also win. Everyone wins, as Steven lives in multiple realities and dimensions.

Before the commercial break, Phillip Phillips is reunited with Heejun Han, and they're back to their old comedy routine. I miss them together. They need to figure out some sort of guest correspondent position for Heejun.

Phillip Phillips was assigned "Beggin'" by Madcon. At first, I wasn't sure how this would fit, but it turns out to be a pretty savvy arrangement. There isn't a way to make this song cooler than it is already, but this was an interesting take. Very classic Phillip. The audience loved it -- maybe more than I did. It sounded very DMB. Jennifer said it was great. Randy (who @ replied me during the commercial break! The "YO" pin is coming back!) said he felt like he was at the Phillip Phillips concert.

Ryan saunters over to the judges and asks for a Round 1 winner. The audience screams for Phillip. Randy gives the edge to Joshua, vocally. Jennifer says Phillip, to much applause, and Steven agrees that Phillip is magic.

Phillip Phillips gets a clip package next, and I'm sure the ladies will love it! I bet it's entertaining because he's a nice guy. I liked that shot of a guy holding a sign saying "Phillip, you still owe me $10." And he had a dish named after him at his favorite restaurant! That's cool. The girls are pressed up against the chain-link fences to see Phillip in Georgia. Naturally, he returns to the pawn shop, where more girls and overweight middle-aged women are waiting for him. Nobody buys anything at the pawn shop, though. I love Phillip's dad (Phillip Phillips Sr.), from the tears in his eyes to the gun in his belt. "I just wanna squeeze 'im till I cain't no more!" Phillip's mother says. His parents are so great. The parade makes Phillip tear up, and it's just hard not to love him as a person. If Phillip was singing music that was more like the kind of things that young girls like to listen to, he would be absolutely unstoppable, like Justin Bieber.

Phillip Phillips chose "Disease" by Matchbox 20. It's refreshingly within his range, allowing him to really sing, rather than reach. I don't agree with the judges on Round 1, but I think Phillip is definitely winning Round 2. The set designers love people sitting on instrument cases and amps, don't they? There's just too many there, though. It's not natural. Maybe Phillip chose this song because he actually has a disease that has put him in the hospital several times during this competition? Jennifer didn't feel like this was the "wow performance," and the audience boos that. Randy had a convoluted lead into "I didn't like it either." The judges want more. They want more of a moment and criticized him for performing something he could do in his sleep. But I liked it!

Jimmy chose "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige for Joshua. Oh, that is awesome. Good job, Jimmy. Mary J. is current, but this song still brings it to church, which is Joshua's wheelhouse. I love his jacket! This is a good performance, but I'm not sure it really proves that Joshua could be relevant as this type of artist. I'd much rather attend a concert of him singing some soul classics. But he really drove it home at the end, doing what he does best, which is connecting to every song so deeply. Hollie and the other contestants really enjoyed it in the audience, which was adorable. He really has the best performance level of the three contestants remaining.

 
Jessica Sanchez got a giant AT&T box with a Beatbox and a phone with a text from Jimmy pre-loaded onto it. Oh, her brothers are keeping that phone! Jimmy chose "I'll Be There" by Jackson 5. Jimmy chose it to appeal to an older audience but still keep Jessica's youth. Admittedly, she sounds better than young Michael and his family did on it (I swear to God Tito or Jermaine is flat as hell on the backup in that song). The set designers gave her a roller coaster/Ferris wheel backdrop. Whatever, guys! It was nice, but it wasn't a moment. It just wasn't as exciting as some of the other stuff she's done in this competition. Randy liked it OK but didn't love it. That's how I feel, Randy. I'm tired. Oh, and her outfit was terrible again. Not even a hypnotic chartreuse bandeau top under a too-tight red leather jacket can cheer me up now.

Phillip Phillips is next to get a Beatbox and voicemail from Jimmy. Jimmy told him to sing "We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger. Ah, Bob Seger! Of course! That's such a good choice for Phillip. Phillip looks nervous. But it's endearing, of course. He's really singing the melody. And his voice is pretty clear! This is a good Phillip. The ladies go crazy for Phillip and a string background! The judges do, too, rising to their feet and securing Phillip the win. Way to go, Jimmy. Way to just hand the win to your favorite.

Were you bored? Do you think anyone had any moments or were they too few and far between? Who had your favorite hometown visit?

What do you think of Wednesday night's performances? Who's next to go?

"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.