“I’m not afraid of being called a loser ‘cause I can accept that that’s what I am. But I am afraid of turning my back on something that actually made me happy for the first time in my solid life.”
-- Finn Hudson, GLEE
Months of promotion, positive press, and very favorable reviews preceded the preview airing of Fox’s new musical dramedy, GLEE, set to premiere this Fall. I’ve been looking forward to seeing this show for ages, and America finally got the opportunity this past Tuesday.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!! I thought the first half was clunky, but it picked up momentum towards the end. It was brilliantly subversive (high school show choir performing Amy Winehouse's Rehab) but pure at the same time. The final performance of Don't Stop Believin' was exultant. The joy on the characters’ faces and the tears in Mr. Schuster's eyes represented the heart and soul of the show.
The actors are incredible, tapping into the alienation and earnestness of adolescence. Even while the writers are satirizing the situations and stereotypes, they juxtapose that with genuine emotion. I really think this could be a triumphant show, giving courage and hope to so many. I really hope it succeeds.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tribute to Dorothy Zbornak
“Thank you for being a friend,
Travel down the road and back again,
Your heart is true,
You’re a pal and a confidante.
And if you threw a party,
You invited everyone you knew,
You would see the biggest gift would be from me,
And the card attached would say,
‘Thank you for being a friend!”
-- "Golden Girls" Theme Song
America has lost a comedy legend and a gay icon today. Bea Arthur passed away this morning from cancer. You will be missed. Dorothy and Sophia are now reunited in the great hereafter….
To all my friends out there, I dedicate this to you:
There's something to be said for laughter through tears:
Travel down the road and back again,
Your heart is true,
You’re a pal and a confidante.
And if you threw a party,
You invited everyone you knew,
You would see the biggest gift would be from me,
And the card attached would say,
‘Thank you for being a friend!”
-- "Golden Girls" Theme Song
America has lost a comedy legend and a gay icon today. Bea Arthur passed away this morning from cancer. You will be missed. Dorothy and Sophia are now reunited in the great hereafter….
To all my friends out there, I dedicate this to you:
There's something to be said for laughter through tears:
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
He Works Hard for the Votes
“It was original, it was well thought out. That was not karaoke. Whether you buy or like ladies underwear, I couldn’t care less, it was a fantastic performance.”
-- Simon Cowell, about Kris Allen's performance of Donna Summer's "She Works Hard For The Money"
Greetings, all! I know I've been MIA. Life seems to get in the way at times, and the ability to string together coherent sentences around a specific topic of interest in my downtime has been nearly impossible.
Have no fear, though. I've been dutifully following American Idol. It's been a refuge and a saving grace for a difficult winter/spring!
For those of you who don't know, I am a card carrying member of Kris Allen Nation. From the first time we got to see him, performing "Man in the Mirror" during the second week of semifinals, I've been enamored, and more than a little bit in love with this Arkansas crooner. This vocals are effortless and heartfelt, his musicality is superb, and his during a season filled with vocal acrobatics, he stands as a glorious reminder that understatement and simplicity can triumph.
Last night, he outshined the competition once again with a reinvented Donna Summer classic during the treacherous Disco Night. The result was a groovy, contemporary performance. While he still faces an uphill battle to the title, having to overcome the likes of Allison and Adam, he's become my favorite this year.
If you missed his performance this week, or if you would like to relive its magic, the video is below. Enjoy, and GO KRIS!!!
-- Simon Cowell, about Kris Allen's performance of Donna Summer's "She Works Hard For The Money"
Greetings, all! I know I've been MIA. Life seems to get in the way at times, and the ability to string together coherent sentences around a specific topic of interest in my downtime has been nearly impossible.
Have no fear, though. I've been dutifully following American Idol. It's been a refuge and a saving grace for a difficult winter/spring!
For those of you who don't know, I am a card carrying member of Kris Allen Nation. From the first time we got to see him, performing "Man in the Mirror" during the second week of semifinals, I've been enamored, and more than a little bit in love with this Arkansas crooner. This vocals are effortless and heartfelt, his musicality is superb, and his during a season filled with vocal acrobatics, he stands as a glorious reminder that understatement and simplicity can triumph.
Last night, he outshined the competition once again with a reinvented Donna Summer classic during the treacherous Disco Night. The result was a groovy, contemporary performance. While he still faces an uphill battle to the title, having to overcome the likes of Allison and Adam, he's become my favorite this year.
If you missed his performance this week, or if you would like to relive its magic, the video is below. Enjoy, and GO KRIS!!!
Friday, April 3, 2009
GLEE Promo
"Being a part of something special makes you special, right?"
-- Rachel Berry, "Glee"
American Idol has been airing commercials for the upcoming sneak peek airing for their new show, "Glee," for a while now. It's a send up to high school glee clubs and show choirs. From what I've seen, it looks likes an combination of every great teen movie out there -- Footloose, 10 Things I Hate About You, Can't Hardly Wait, High School Musical, Fame... I could go on and on and on. I'm in, counting down the days until the premiere.
This week, Fox unveiled a new promo that literally gave me chills. Join me for the premiere on May 19th (right after the AI Finale performance show). Until then, "Don't Stop Believin'"!!!!
-- Rachel Berry, "Glee"
American Idol has been airing commercials for the upcoming sneak peek airing for their new show, "Glee," for a while now. It's a send up to high school glee clubs and show choirs. From what I've seen, it looks likes an combination of every great teen movie out there -- Footloose, 10 Things I Hate About You, Can't Hardly Wait, High School Musical, Fame... I could go on and on and on. I'm in, counting down the days until the premiere.
This week, Fox unveiled a new promo that literally gave me chills. Join me for the premiere on May 19th (right after the AI Finale performance show). Until then, "Don't Stop Believin'"!!!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Can't Have It All - Official Music Video
“Do we hold the future,
Or does it come in peace,
And if it’s in my hands,
Are you sure it should be in brittle hands like these?
Live, love and the pursuit of
All the things they promised me.
Can I have all of the above?
Are the best things in life truly free?”
-- Jay Brannan, “Can’t Have It All”
The release of Jay’s new music video to “Can’t Have It All” happened today. I share it with you here, including a HILARIOUS intro by Jay, himself. Keep in mind, the video contains some instances of strong language, so listen/watch at your own peril!
Jay currently has performances scheduled this spring throughout Europe, and dates are in the works stateside this summer. I’d also like to point out that my Netflix queue indicates that his film, “Holding Trevor,” will be released to DVD tomorrow. I’m not sure about the veracity of this, but I’ll keep you posted. This is a good week to be fan of Jay Brannan!
Or does it come in peace,
And if it’s in my hands,
Are you sure it should be in brittle hands like these?
Live, love and the pursuit of
All the things they promised me.
Can I have all of the above?
Are the best things in life truly free?”
-- Jay Brannan, “Can’t Have It All”
The release of Jay’s new music video to “Can’t Have It All” happened today. I share it with you here, including a HILARIOUS intro by Jay, himself. Keep in mind, the video contains some instances of strong language, so listen/watch at your own peril!
Jay currently has performances scheduled this spring throughout Europe, and dates are in the works stateside this summer. I’d also like to point out that my Netflix queue indicates that his film, “Holding Trevor,” will be released to DVD tomorrow. I’m not sure about the veracity of this, but I’ll keep you posted. This is a good week to be fan of Jay Brannan!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thank You
“I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours.”
-- Dustin Lance Black, Oscar acceptance speech, 2/22/09
-- Dustin Lance Black, Oscar acceptance speech, 2/22/09
Dustin Lance Black accepting his Academy Award (Getty Images/Kevin Winter)
AMEN!
Last night, Dustin Lance Black won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and Sean Penn was for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Milk.
Both acceptance speeches were indictments of the bigotry and intolerance towards the GLBT community in general, and specifically of the passage of Proposition 8 in California this past November. While the film didn’t receive the widespread popularity of Brokeback Mountain from a few years ago, Milk followed in its footsteps, putting gay rights back into the spotlight. And last night, millions of people here in the U.S. and around the world were exposed to the issue once more.
Like Matthew Mitcham’s Olympic gold medal, Black’s win carries significance as an out gay man in Hollywood. Recognized by his peers and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Black stood at the podium having reached the pinnacle of his profession and having realized a dream shared by everyone in the film industry. He took the opportunity to speak compassionately to young gay men and women struggling with their sexuality. In that instant, he became a role model and source of strength and hope.
Alternately, Penn used his win to call shame upon those who sided with fear and hatred by voting for Proposition 8, and in the process, contributed to the discrimination and marginalization of the gay community. With strength and determination, he assured the audience that equal rights for gays and lesbians would undoubtedly be realized.
Together, Black and Penn delivered a one-two punch. As a gay man, I couldn’t be prouder.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Note to Freemantle Media and 19 Entertainment: BRING BACK NIGEL LYTHGOE!!!
“You know when you're really excited about having a bowl of cereal for breakfast, and you scarf down that first spoonful only to realize the milk has gone bad — and then you silently curse yourself for not checking the date on the carton prior to pouring? That would kind of describe my experience watching the first semifinal performance episode of American Idol's eighth season.”
-- Michael Slezak, www.ew.com
It’s no secret, as evidenced by my Countdown to American Idol back in December/January, that I love this show. I was so excited for it to return. I loved that they chose to reduce the number of audition episodes, to increase the footage from Hollywood Week, and to bring back the Group Sing during Hollywood. It was supposed to be fantastic!
Man, did I set myself up for a huge fall. Let’s break it down:
Audition rounds – I was glad that they showed more of the golden ticket winners, but they spent so much time on the cannon fodder contestants, rather than the singers with an actual shot at making the Top 12. Some of the contestants that I got really excited about, like David Osmond and Jamar Rogers, ended up getting cut during Hollywood Week. Meanwhile, we got Top 36 contestants who hadn’t seen so much as a second of time on-camera.
Hollywood Week – When I’m craving manufactured drama, I turn to bad reality TV, like Big Brother or any of the crap shows on VH1. I watch American Idol for the talent. I want to see singing. Instead, the new producers chose to focus on the human train wrecks that are Tatiana Del Toro, Nathaniel Marshall, and Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle. Singing took a back seat to temper tantrums, delusions of grandeur, and embarrassing emotional meltdowns. When I wasn’t annoyed, I was angry.
Semi-finals – I’ve never been a fan of the Top 36 format (Top 32 back in the day). First of all, random groupings can put too many good singers together, leaving deserving contestants to pray for a second chance in the Wild Card round. Then, singers who make it in early aren’t seen for weeks until the Top 12 eventually take the stage, putting them at a slight disadvantage. Finally, the results show becomes a bloodbath, especially when good contestants get the shaft.
4th Judge – While Kara has potential, and she’s given some decent insight at times, her first live performance show proved she has nothing new or interesting to add. I found her presence last night frustrating and boring.
Throw in the amateurish camera work and horrible instrumentation last night, and you’ve got the recipe for disaster. What has happened to my favorite reality show? I’m hoping that things return to normal once we get to the Top 12 and the finals. Thus far, I am completely underwhelmed and wholly disappointed.
RICKY BRADDY FOR A WILD CARD SPOT!!!!
And finally, just as a reminder to all the posers and wannabe’s out there: these are true American Idols. If you are not or can not become this good, don’t bother wasting my time.
-- Michael Slezak, www.ew.com
It’s no secret, as evidenced by my Countdown to American Idol back in December/January, that I love this show. I was so excited for it to return. I loved that they chose to reduce the number of audition episodes, to increase the footage from Hollywood Week, and to bring back the Group Sing during Hollywood. It was supposed to be fantastic!
Man, did I set myself up for a huge fall. Let’s break it down:
Audition rounds – I was glad that they showed more of the golden ticket winners, but they spent so much time on the cannon fodder contestants, rather than the singers with an actual shot at making the Top 12. Some of the contestants that I got really excited about, like David Osmond and Jamar Rogers, ended up getting cut during Hollywood Week. Meanwhile, we got Top 36 contestants who hadn’t seen so much as a second of time on-camera.
Hollywood Week – When I’m craving manufactured drama, I turn to bad reality TV, like Big Brother or any of the crap shows on VH1. I watch American Idol for the talent. I want to see singing. Instead, the new producers chose to focus on the human train wrecks that are Tatiana Del Toro, Nathaniel Marshall, and Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle. Singing took a back seat to temper tantrums, delusions of grandeur, and embarrassing emotional meltdowns. When I wasn’t annoyed, I was angry.
Semi-finals – I’ve never been a fan of the Top 36 format (Top 32 back in the day). First of all, random groupings can put too many good singers together, leaving deserving contestants to pray for a second chance in the Wild Card round. Then, singers who make it in early aren’t seen for weeks until the Top 12 eventually take the stage, putting them at a slight disadvantage. Finally, the results show becomes a bloodbath, especially when good contestants get the shaft.
4th Judge – While Kara has potential, and she’s given some decent insight at times, her first live performance show proved she has nothing new or interesting to add. I found her presence last night frustrating and boring.
Throw in the amateurish camera work and horrible instrumentation last night, and you’ve got the recipe for disaster. What has happened to my favorite reality show? I’m hoping that things return to normal once we get to the Top 12 and the finals. Thus far, I am completely underwhelmed and wholly disappointed.
RICKY BRADDY FOR A WILD CARD SPOT!!!!
And finally, just as a reminder to all the posers and wannabe’s out there: these are true American Idols. If you are not or can not become this good, don’t bother wasting my time.
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