Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez Can’t Sing – So Why Are They Perfect Hosts for “X Factor”?
Well, the worst-kept secret in entertainment has finally been confirmed: Khloe Kardashian (Odom) and Mario (Dimples) Lopez have officially been named hosts of Fox’s “The X Factor.” They will join judges Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid, Simon Cowell and some chick named Britney Spears.
Some are already asking: What qualifies these 2 non-singers to host a singing competition show? But while these two photogenic hosts may not be known for their stellar singing voices, the choice to cast them feels natural.
Lopez, who has successfully parlayed his “Saved By the Bell” teen heartthrob image into a new career as a reality star and host, has charm and charisma to spare. And his nice guy persona will bounce nicely off Khloe Kardashian’s spicy, spunky attitude. Lopez has the experience and professionalism to tackle such a high-profile gig, and he can help guide hosting newbie Khloe as she learns her way around this arena.
It’s a brilliant career move for Kardashian, a reality star best known as the wife of former L.A. Laker Lamar Odom and, of course, sister to Kim. Khloe is no stranger to show business, having been a part of the Kardashian dynasty and participated in their E! reality shows and spin-offs for years. It’s about time someone gave Khloe a venue to showcase her talents, out of the shadow of her sisters and famous family name.
One might argue that, out of the all of those famous Kardashian offspring, Khloe’s the one with the real spark. She’s frank, honest and can be bitingly witty. She’s also been very forthright about her various struggles, whether it is with her weight or infertility, on her shows, and such public accessibility only makes her more relatable and likeable to fans.
There’s no doubt that, by stepping out of the shadow of the Kardashian name, Khloe is trying to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood and prove she’s not just another celebrity fad. Meanwhile, the power and influence of the Kardashian clan shows no signs of slowing down.
Ultimately, the premise of “The X-Factor” is to find those unknown talents in the country who have what the producers describe as “it” (or “the X-factor”) It’s that indescribable something that famous people have that makes the public want to watch and support them. Some people have it, and some people don’t.
So, who really has the X-factor? It might just be these two new hosts. And since this is a show searching for it, they may actually be perfectly qualified after all.
It’s a New Jersey Smackdown for the “Housewives”! But Where Do Teresa and Melissa Go From Here?
After three weeks of primal cat fights and extreme accusations, the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” reunion is finally over. Whew! Thank Goodness. This was truly drama of the highest order.
But wait – we’re not out of the woods just yet. Rumors for next season are already running rampant, and backlash from the events of the reunion continue to unfold.
The three-part reunion was, in a word, explosive. Host Andy Cohen barely got a chance to speak before the cast members went at each other, claws and teeth sharpened and ready for battle.
The target for this year’s takedown seemed to be one of the biggest stars of the show, Teresa Giudice. One by one, the other Jersey Housewives all took her down with little mercy, and because Teresa was being attacked from every direction, she really had only two choices: Sit there and take it, or fight back.
Well, unlike the first season reunion, where the target was former Jersey Housewife Daniele Staub and she chose to keep her dignity and just take it, Teresa decided she was going to fight back.
Of course, it seems ironic that Teresa was the target, since she was the leader in the attack against Danielle during season one. But with the tables turned, a rumor from The Stir has it that Danielle recently had a meeting with Cohen and she may be coming back next season. If that’s true, it will be interesting to see if the two former targets, Danielle and Teresa, team up against the others.
Either way, let’s hope someone is there to help Teresa out, because she’s running out of friends. Personally, I feel for Teresa; I don’t think she deserved to be attacked like that.
When everyone is ganging up on you, there’s no getting out of it. Sure, Teresa has a little trouble taking responsibility for things she’s said and done – but this went way beyond that. The other housewives were making accusations that Teresa has concocted some grand, master plan to take them all down one by one. That just seems ridiculous.
The reality is that Teresa is simply not smart enough to put together a grand scheme so complex. The poor thing just says and does whatever comes to mind, often without stopping to consider the consequences. I really believe that in her head and her heart, she doesn’t believe or remember doing them. If anything, the other housewives should be feeling compassion for her, not hatred.
As entertaining as the reunion may have been, however, nothing was resolved in the reunion. Teresa is still not speaking with her brother and sister-in law Joe and Melissa Gorga. In a recent article by The Examiner, Melissa is advising that Teresa should leave the show next season, because it has destroyed their family – but apparently Teresa hasn’t had enough abuse yet and plans to stay.
Teresa, meanwhile, claims Melissa and her cousin Kathy Wakile joined the show last season just to go after Teresa, and that it was premeditated from the beginning. I would hope that isn’t true, and hope that these ladies can eventually resolve their issues. After all, regardless of whether you’re a reality star or a normal private citizen, family is the most important thing.
Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel to Say “I Do” in Italian This Weekend!
The secret is out! Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are finally ready to tie the knot – this weekend in Italy!
After getting engaged last December during an intimate holiday getaway in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 31-year-old Justin and 30-year-old Jessica are preparing for an ” intimate, rustic ceremony” this week in the southern part of the country, according to US Weekly.
The nuptials are described as being very “hush-hush,” and the couple have been very tight-lipped about any of their plans. According to Life & Style, the event is so confidential, in fact, that family and close friends had to sign confidentiality agreements and were even left in the dark about the venue! They were sent very vague instructions, being told to “just fly to Italy.”
For those of us hoping for at least a few snapshots of the event, well, we can forget about it. A close friend told the magazine that “Guests were warned that any phones or cameras would be confiscated.”
TimberBiel’s teams are also taking “extra precautions” to keep the exact location top-secret; the celebrations, however, are already underway. The couple have reportedly thrown a pre-wedding bash on the beach, hosting over 50 guests including the Sexyback singer’s “D–k in a Box” costar Andy Samberg and music manager Johnny Wright. The A-lister crowd enjoyed a seaside dinner, with the night ending in an impressive fire works display.
Wow, it doesn’t seem too long ago that the two were first officially announced as a couple; then, they started their on-again, off-again relationship in 2007, and now they are saying “I do.” Weddings are always something to cheer about, so, from all of us at Nicerazzi, “Auguri e Felicitazioni”, guys!
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are Back Together! But Is It For Real?
Despite speculation that Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were never ever, ever getting back together the couple have…well…gotten back together.
Rumors have been swirling that the angst-filled “Twilight” actors had reconciled and now People has pictures to prove it. The duo was recently spotted canoodling outside a bar in LA, as well as making appearances at Ye Rustic Inn and Chateau Marmont. Pattinson and Stewart are also scheduled to appear together later this month to promote “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2,” the final installment in the hugely-successful film franchise that made them household names.
For those of you who’ve spent the past few months under a rock, the couple broke up back in July after Kristen admitted to having an affair with her married “Snow White and the Hunstman” director, Rupert Sanders. According to a Perez Hilton insider, Rob was on the verge of proposing before the scandal broke. Now, they’re back together, but perhaps fans shouldn’t expect to hear wedding bells anytime soon.
According to Us Weekly, RPattz didn’t simply forgive and forget, but made KStew work hard to get Pattinson to hear her out. After all the years and time on sets, the meteoric rise they’ve shared together, the couple has undeniably built a deep connection, perhaps even strong enough to withstand a little infidelity.
As an insider also revealed to Us Weekly, “his rational voice told him not to toss a three-year relationship for one infidelity.” It goes without question that a three-year romance in Hollywood is impressive. Romantics might say perhaps this young couple really is the real deal…but skeptics will think perhaps they want positive press for their “Breaking Dawn-Part 2” premiere. Either way, it seems fair to say that regardless of the actor’s relationship status and a few angry fans, “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” will be a box office success.
Do you think Rob is right in giving Kristen another chance? Is their relationship here to stay, or will it end in disaster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Kickballing Bill Murray Has Lost His Mind – Isn’t it Great?
As if we needed any more convincing that Bill Murray is the coolest person in the history of Western civilization, the elusive actor has once again proven he’s here to entertain, both on screen and off. Believe it or not, the latest place the legendary “Lost in Translation” Oscar-nominee has appeared isn’t a screen near you but…a neighborhood kickball game?
According to the folks over at Entertainment Weekly, Dr. Venkman himself decided to limber up and make an otherwise normal game of kickball amongst friends a wee bit more memorable.
So, here’s how the epic story went down: Team member Chris DiLella said the team was getting their kicks on an otherwise average Sunday afternoon at New York’s Roosevelt Island when Murray “popped out of nowhere…played for a bit…Gave us all high-fives and let us pose with him in the picture.” The group shot, of course, has since unsurprisingly gone viral.
While most of us are probably sitting around thinking “Wow, I need to play kickball more often!” the story shouldn’t come as too much of a shock. A mythology has been building over the last few years, surrounding the eccentric Murray’s extracurricular exploits. From bartending in Texas to singing karaoke with random people, it appears he’s found his new calling as an “everyman” extraordinaire.
You sure have to admire a guy who will not only take the time to greet fans, but also party with them. While the notoriously difficult-to-reach actor has been keeping busy (he can be seen as FDR in the film “Hyde Park on the Hudson” opening this December), it seems he’s never too busy to let loose and be that zany character we all know and love. So, as Carl Spackler would say, he’s got that going for him…
So, if you’re getting a little depressed that none of these fantastic events have happened to you, take comfort in the fact that one of the more famous folk tales surrounding Bill Murray has him walking up behind strangers on the city streets (maybe you!), covering their eyes, and when said shocked stranger turns around, telling them “No one will ever believe you.” Because really, who would?
Beyonce to Perform at Super Bowl Halftime – Is it Enough to Make You Skip Your Bathroom Break?
She’s one of the biggest stars in the world, with a famous husband and a famous baby, and more money than most small industrialized nations. And now, Beyonce will be available for your entertainment pleasure while you and your friends suck down nachos and beer this February.
The singer/actress confirmed on Tuesday that she will headline the Super Bowl halftime show. To express her enthusiasm, she updated her Twitter profile with a photo of herself and the words “Feb 3, 2013” written on her cheeks in football-inspired eye black.
Sharing the excitement, Super Bowl organizers posted the news on their official Twitter account with the words “Beyonce will perform @pepsi #SB47 Halftime Show in New Orleans. February 3 2013 on @cbs.”
With a regular audience of 100 million-plus viewers, it’s safe to say that even an international superstar like Beyonce will be playing for the largest audience of her career. Recent performers have included the likes of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, The Who and U2, so she’s in very good company.
One thing that will be interesting to see, however, is whether Beyonce performs the usual career-spanning medley of music. While she’s had some big hits over the years, even the biggest Beyonce fan wouldn’t argue that she has as prolific a back-catalog as the decades-spanning artists listed above. Perhaps that is a good thing, as it may give her more time to actually perform the songs than simply rushing through a verse of each. It also would seem to indicate that she’s more likely to have multiple high-profile guests helping her out, as so many of her hits have featured collaborations with other artists.
What do you think? Is Beyonce enough to make you hold your bathroom break during halftime? If not, what artist would you rather have seen selected? Let us know in the comments!
In Defense of “Honey Boo Boo,” An Inspiring Depiction of Americana
Not since the premiere of “The Anna Nicole Show” in 2002 has reality programming caused so much controversy and media coverage on the subject of family values and the typical Southern redneck family upbringing. That’s right, folks, we’re talking about “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” the TLC hit that follows a 7-year-old beauty pageant sensation and her small-town Georgia family.
Like most pageant shows, redneck shows or…well…reality shows, “Honey Boo Boo” already has plenty of haters. But if you’re simply dismissing the show as an exploitative exercise in the dumbing-down of America, you’re missing the point.
A take off from “Toddlers & Tiaras,” the show follows the crazy life of its star, Alana Thompson, aka “Honey Boo Boo” – as well as family boss June Shannon aka “Momma,” Alana’s Daddy known as “Sugar Bear,” and siblings like 12-year-old Lauryn “Pumpkin,” 15-year-old Jessica “Chubbs,” and 17-year-old pregnant sister Anna “Chickadee.”
Unsurprisingly, when the show first premiered back in August, the critics had nothing good to say. Lots of ink was spilled, however, exploring its “disgraceful” depiction of family, and the show was even accused of being destructive to the world’s opinion of America. Well, the critics didn’t respond favorably, but the ratings sure did.
So, is this family as morally bankrupt and exploitative as critics would have you believe? Well, after the show became one of TLC’s highest-rated ever, everyone in the cast received unsolicited raises, going from $6,000 to $15,000 – $20,000 per episode; not bad for a small-town family who’s Mother was nicknamed “Coupon Queen.”
On top of that, DailyMotion reports that when the network offered to get the family into a larger, more secure house, June refused because she decorated their current home for charity. June has also turned away “tons of agents” because she doesn’t want her family time further intruded upon. Hmmm, that doesn’t exactly fit into the image of a mother eager to whore out her family to me.
Sure, accepting an opportunity to have your family on a reality show may not seem like the best move for an ideal American Mom – but take a good hard look at these people, the part of the country they live in, their true earning potential as “non-famous” people. Then remember the basic human desire of any mother or father to provide for their children. Can you really fault them for improving their family income and lifestyle so substantially?
I think Honey Boo Boo’s alleged “Bad Mom” is actually a “Good Mom” trying to maintain decent family values while keeping her kids grounded – yet provide for them.
This is why I love the show.
The “Honey Boo Boo” family is not putting on a facade like most reality shows these days. They are just living their fun-loving lives like they normally would, without any self-imposed shame or judgment. That’s what we’re hoisting upon them.
Sure, they live their lives with pet pigs, four-wheel rides in the mud, and plenty of fart jokes – but the most important thing in their family is how much they love each other. June, who the media has labeled “obese” and a “disgrace,” proudly preaches that “beauty comes from the inside, and is in the eye of the beholder” as stated in the recent episode where the family gathered for a group portrait. If I may be so bold, I’d suggest that we need more mothers like this on TV.
June might not be Hollywood pretty, but she has a heart that is exploding with love. Alana’s star status is on the rise as well, due to her electrifying personality and pure love and non-judgmental attitude; in one episode, she spoke up in defense of the gay community by saying: “Ain’t nothing wrong with being a little gay; everybody’s a little gay.”
The reality of America is that everyone has flaws, and everyone has gas, and everyone has not-so-pretty moments. Perhaps, while we’ve all been laughing at these people and looking down their noses at them, it’s us that actually has something to learn from them.
This family has taken the country by storm, in spite of circumstances that would normally be viewed as handicaps. So, I tip my hat to you, Honey Boo Boo! You give me hope in a world where society tries to bring us down with constant judgment of our appearance and social status.
Don’t ever let them bring you down to their level, you 7-year-old superstar. Here’s hoping that you’ll always stay the sweet, innocent child that so many have come to love and adore.
Tina Fey, Amy Poehler to Co-Host Golden Globes
Well, Ricky, you had a good run.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced that two of the world’s funniest women will host the 70th Annual Golden Globes: “30 Rock” star Tina Fey and “Parks and Recreation” actress Amy Poehler. The comedic duo, who got their start on “Saturday Night Live,” are longtime friends and have worked together on numerous projects.
This means a pink slip for Ricky Gervais, however, who hosted the Globes from 2010-2012. The British comedian, known for getting himself in trouble with NBC repeatedly for his sharp tongue and fearless wit, will probably put Hollywood’s elite at ease this year with his absence.
Instead, as they go from mock “Weekend Update” stars to actual hosts for the Globes, Tina and Amy seem like safe choices by comparison to Gervais. Nonetheless, their selection as cohosts are already creating quite a buzz for the 70th annual Golden Globes, which will air on NBC on Jan. 13, 2013.
Critics are already sharpening their knives for months of upcoming analysis, with the timing of Poehler/Fey coming just a matter of days after “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane was tapped to host the Oscars. The two ceremonies will air barely a month apart, so it will be interesting to see if MacFarlane can tame down his bawdy act enough to please the masses, if Fey/Poehler can be cutting edge enough to keep the Globes interesting, and which overall hosting performance brings more acclaim.
“The unparalleled comedic timing of Tina and Amy will surely have viewers wanting to tune-in to see them in action,” HFPA president Dr. Aida Takla-O’Reilly said in a statement announcing their selection as co-hosts. “The HFPA is thrilled to have the magnetic duo be a part of the show’s 70th anniversary.”
“Having both Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on board to host this year’s festivities is a
major coup,” said the President of Alternative and Late Night Programming at NBC, Paul Telegdy. “Tina and Amy have a proven chemistry and comedic timing from their many years together on SNL to their successful co-starring roles in ‘Baby Mama’.”
“It’s exciting to have two of the most respected names in comedy,” show producers Allen Shapiro, Orly Adelson and Barry Adelman told Entertainment Weekly. “Amy and Tina’s well known chemistry, along with their spontaneity and glamour, makes them a perfect fit for the Golden Globes.”
Are you as psyched about this announcement as we are? If not, who would you rather see hosting instead? Tell us your opinion in the comment section!
Creepy! Stalker Confronts Emma Watson on Film Set
In some scary news, Emma Watson (best known as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series) came face-to-face with a stalker over the weekend who has bothered her before. Although unharmed, the actress was shaken by the encounter.
According to the UK Sun, she was filming her upcoming biblical epic “Noah” in Oyster Bay, Long Island when the unidentified man came up to her. Approaching the 22-year-old actress between takes, he tried to give her a letter, and Watson reacted by “scream[ing] with terror.”
Of course, Watson was scared by the incident, but it goes beyond that. As it turns out, she knew the man as someone who had attempted to contact her several times in the past. An official source from the film, which co-stars Russell Crowe and Anthony Hopkins, told Gossip Cop: “An unauthorized individual was removed from the ‘Noah’ production by on-set security, as he was found trespassing. No further action was required.”
Unfortunately, this is one of the downsides of fame. There are people out there that genuinely feel like the star in question knows them or is in love with them, or speaks to them in some way. It’s easy to say that the star overreacted, or that fans will be fans – but then again, nobody wants another Rebecca Schaeffer incident. The good news is that Emma’s security was on top of the ball, and kept her safe in the wake of this incident.
Set for release in 2014, “Noah” is directed by visionary filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. Known for getting powerful performances out of his actors with challenging subject material (“Requiem for a Dream,” “The Fountain”), a source said this Aronofsky tale is no different, and Watson is trying her best to hang tough: “It’s been a really tough shoot for her. The movie has been grueling anyway and this left a very sinister feeling hanging over the set.”
After a Near Decade of Marriage, Russell Crowe and “DWTS” Wife to Divorce
How long does happily ever after truly last? In Hollywood, it seems, a decade is about the limit.
Russell Crowe and his wife, Danielle Spencer, have announced that after nine years of marriage they have decide to separate. The duo first met twenty-two years ago, on the set of a little-seen Crowe flick “The Crossing,” and he later proposed in December 2002.
Crowe and Spencer were married back in 2003 and have two children together, sons Charles and Tennyson. It has been said the couple plan to keep the separation civil and peaceful in order to make the transition as simple as possible for their two sons as the children are their main concern.
According to Perez Hilton, trouble may have begun due to previous sightings of Danielle Spencer with Damian Whitewood, her partner from the Australian “Dancing with the Stars.”
Crowe has been keeping himself busy, working on various films in the U.S. With nearly six movies coming out soon, it seems like he has been keeping his focus on his work rather than whatever may have been going on back at home.
Crowe will continue to work on his upcoming biblical blockbuster “Noah,” while Spencer remains in Sydney with their sons.
The Sydney Telegraph reports that friends of the couple said while Crowe was back in Sydney, he would reside in his Woolloomooloo Wharf penthouse apartment while Spencer and their two sons have been living in the $10 million Rose Bay property they bought a year ago.
Regardless of what may have brought upon the separation, the situation remains a difficult one. When couples decide that for whatever reason they may be happier apart, it takes some time to adjust. Sometimes even the strongest relationships come to an end. And when there are kids involved, the situation instantly becomes even more fragile. We wish them both the best, as yet another Hollywood marriage fails to find a happy ending.