entertainmentdissected

Kathy Ireland could not use her beauty to her advantage on Dancing With the Stars; she and partner Tony Dovolani are out of the competition after only two weeks. (picture courtesy of ABC-TV/AP/Harper Smith)

Shocker: Dancing With the Stars viewers actually are voting off the worst dancers thus far this season.

For the second consecutive week, the celebrity earning the lowest judges score (in both cases, tying) left the ABC dancing competition. This contrasts last season, when Go-Go Belinda Carlisle was the first to go, while perennial bottom-feeders Steve Wozniak and Steve-O lasted longer than they should have.

Supermodel and entrepreneur Kathy Ireland had her last dance with partner Tony Dovolani this week after earning an 18 out of 30 (though they likely will be back for one dance as a couple on November’s finale). Last week, Ashley Hamilton and Macy Gray each scored a 19 out of 40 with the judges for their individual couples dance and the relay dance, and received the lowest combined judges and viewers scores for male and female contestants.

With all due respect to Macy, Ashley was last week’s ejected beauty, marking two consecutive weeks that beautiful people failed to click with judges and viewers. Not that there are not any lookers left in the show, mind you. But the elimination of Ireland and Hamilton show that movie-star looks will only get you so far- if you have two left (or right) feet and show little to no sizzle or skill on the dance floor, you’re not going to last too long in the Dancing world.

Now that Ireland is gone, the next dancing wanna-bes that need to watch out are actress Debi Mazar and politician Tom DeLay. DeLay’s partner Cheryl Burke may have enough of a fan following to keep him around, so Mazar- who earned this week’s second-lowest combined judges and viewers score- may need to appeal to the audience more and cut back on the dramatics.

Michael Irvin (right), seen with fellow former Dallas Cowboy Troy Aikmen at the Cowboys-New York Giants match in Texas last week- saw the biggest gain in judges score this week on Dancing With the Stars. (picture courtesy of AP/Sharon Ellman)

Pop stars ruled ABC’s Dancing With the Stars this evening, as Aaron Carter and Mya both snared a 27 out of 30 from the judges, tying for first-place bragging rights.

Carter and partner Karina Smirnoff dazzled with their Quickstep (which was set to “The Muppet Show Theme” and actually featured appearances by Animal and Gonzo), while Mya and Dmitry Chaplin delivered an energetic Jive. After Carter and Mya, Donny Osmond and partner Kym Jonson scored an impressive 25 for their Jive (up five poins from last week’s Foxtrot). Thanks to their Tango, Debi Mazar and partner Maskim Chmerkovsky improved five points on their score from last week, tying Mark Dacascos/Lacey Schwimmer and Natalie Coughlin/Alec Mazo for fourth place, with a 21.

The week’s biggest jump in score came courtesy of NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova, whose Quickstep earned a 20, leaving left last week’s 13-earning Cha-Cha-Cha all but a memory. Tying Irvin and Demidova were model Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough, whose Jive sizzled significantly less than last week’s Salsa (which brought them a 24).

Four couples scored a 19: UFC champ Chuck Liddell/Anna Trebunskaya, Melissa Joan Hart/Mark Ballas, Louie Vito/Chelsea Hightower and Kelly Osbourne/Louis van Amstel. Lidell and Trebunskaya tangoed their way to a three-point gain from last week, with Liddell using his aggressie nature to his advantage. While Hart’s and Vito’s scores were in line with last week’s showing, Osbourne dropped four points from last week, taking several missteps during her Tango. 

Model/entrepreneur Kathy Ireland and politician Tom DeLay each gained two points from last week, though they tied for last place (18). had it not been for his near-drop of partner Cheryl Burke at the end of their Tango, DeLay may have cracked a 20.  Ireland and DeLay probably should be the two fighting to go home Tuesday night, but with scores so close among 11 of the 14 couples, none of them are safe from elimination.

Sitting in for judge Len Goodman this week was film director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge), who, like last season’s guest judge, Lord of the Dance guru Michael Flatley, kept his comments mostly positive. Perhaps a judge needs be a constant on the show to bring the hammer down when it’s necessary; at least Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli were on hand to keep the critiques real.  

As pleasant as it was to have Luhrmann on the judges panel, the show needs Goodman’s expertise; so, Dmitry and Mya- next week, you may want to reign in the cutesy pre-dance theatrics for the benefit of the series’ senior statesman.

A 2-minute-17-second worldwide blackout resulted in destruction on the premiere of ABC’s FlashForward. Viewers tuned in to see what the fuss was about, with the series becoming the becoming the first regular series since NBC’s Friends in 2004 to top Survivor in the 18-49 demographic. (picture courtesy of ABC-TV)

Thursday night belonged to ABC- and, startlingly, Grey’s Anatomy was not the sole reason.

After much hype, ABC’s new FlashForward premiered to generally favorable reviews and strong ratings last night, averaging around 12.47 million viewers (which includes same-day DVR playback).  The Los-Angeles-based sci-fi drama finished first in its time slot, defeating CBS’ long-running and dominant Survivor; that’s a feat Ugly Betty had not managed last season. In fact, FlashForward improved on Betty’s 2008 premire showing- 9.8 million- and Betty’s 2008-2009 season average, by some 50 percent. Whether the show can hold on to its debut viewership remains to be seen, but the series arguably has a riveting premise.

Loosely based on Robert J. Sawyer’s same-titled novel, FlashForward centers on the aftermath of an inexplicable 2-minute-17-second global blackout. In that short amount of time, there were countless- and tragic- consequences of the blackout. Rather than simpy experiencing a 137-second lapse in memory, everyone saw images of the future: six months ahad, to be exact (April 29, 2010). Many did not like what they saw, and now wonder if there’s anything they can do to prevent supposedly inevitable events from transpiring. 

One of the show’s chief protagonists- FBI agent Mark Benford (Jospeh Fiennes) especially is fearful of what’s to come- slipping off the wagon and falling back into his alcoholic ways, which would result in his physician wife Olivia (Sonya Walger) leaving him. In turn, she had her own disturbing vision- that her marriage was over and that she was with another man- who, incidentally, turns out to be the father of a young boy brought into the hospital where she works. Benford’s partner, soon-to-be-married Demetri , worries that he may not be around in six months, mostly because he saw nothing during his blackout. And this is just the first episode.

ABC is hoping FlashForward creates enough buzz and interest to pick up where Lost leaves off, once that series concludes its run in the spring. So far, so good.

Meanwhile, Grey’s Anatomyreturned for its sixth season, resolving one of the worst-kept secret storylines in history. Katherine Heigl survived her flatlining episode, which means cancer-stricken Dr. Izzie Stevens will be here for at least one more season. With T.R. Knight opting not to return to the show, George O’Malley, unfortunately, did not survive, leaving the original five interns one short. One major plot development took shape, though, with the announcement that Seattle Grace and Mercy West hospitals will be merging, meaning consolidations and elimination of jobs.

Viewers displayed their continued Grey’s interest, as the two-hour premiere won its time slot with an average of roughly 17 million viewers (down from last season’s 18.5 million premiere). CBS’ CSI and The Mentalist trailed, with 16 million and 15.07 million, respectively.

Side Note: During FlashForward, ABC teased its upcoming remake of the classic alien-lizards TV mini-series and program, V. The sci-fi reimagining premieres in November and, if the trailer is anything to go by, ABC may have yet another intriguing, potential hit on its hands.

Unsurprisingly, Macy Gray and partner Jonathan Roberts joined Ashley Hamilton and partner Edyta Sliwinkska as the first to go home on the new season of Dancing With the Stars. (pictures courtesy of ABC-TV)

In a refreshing turn of events, the two contestants who scored the lowest judges scores on Dancing With the Stars this week got the boot.

Singer Macy Gray and actor/comedian Ashley Hamilton- each who received a 19 out of 40 from the judges for two dances this week- also ended up with the lowest totals after combining judges scores and viewer votes. It actually had been a three-way tie for lowest judges scores, but NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (and partner Anna Demidova) can thank fan support for getting him to week two. For Gray’s partner Jonathan Roberts, this is the second consecutive season in which he was the first professional ousted; last season, with retired NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor as her partner, Sliwinska finished seventh.

Though she was fascinating to watch (in a humorous way), Gray looked rather out of place on the dance floor Tuesday night. Unfortunately, her swift dismissal from the ABC competition means she loses the opportunity to challenge crazy and wacky Cloris Leachman’s crown as Zaniest Contestant Ever. Meanwhile, during his Monday night debut, Hamilton made last season’s dance-challenged twosome of Steve Wozniak and Steve-O look like Fred Astaire by comparison. Hamilton’s dad George competed in season two and placed fifth out of 10; so, Ashley’s tie for last place out of 16 makes daddy Tan Man’s showing look all the more respectable.

After Irvin, Kathy Ireland and Tom DeLay scored the third- and fourth-lowest judges scores this week, so they best step up their steps if they want to remain in the competition beyond week two.

Aside from the results, tonight’s installment featured appearances from the cast of The Lion King musical (performing “Circle of Life”) and pop-reggae star Sean Kingston. In addition, Stars featured a dance tribute to the late Patrick Swayze, and Miley Cyrus’ video for “Party in the U.S.A.” made its world premiere; the track currently is the No. 1 digital single at the iTunes music store.

R&B singer Macy Gray- seen here promoting PETA’s “I’d-Rather-Go-Naked-Than-Wear-Fur” campaign during a performance- hit the skids during her debut on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. (picture courtesy of www.planetdan.net)

Macy Gray tried, choked and stumbled, but will she walk away and say goodbye to the 16-contestant-strong ninth season of Dancing With the Stars?

The raspy “I Try” singer’s two dances snared the lowest judges’ score (19) among all eight female contestants during the second night of Dancing With the Stars’ season premiere. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli all agreed that  while Gray was fascinating to watch- Tolioni likened it to a child learning to walk- she seriously lacked technique.

In addition to the traditional 90-second individual couples dance, Stars debuted relay dances this week, which give contestants (in groups of four) a chance to improve their scores by doing a 30-second performance to the same dance. The relay works like this: The judges deliberate on the four couples, and collectively rank the couples, awarding 10 points for who they thought was the best, eight points for second best, six points for third and four points for fourth. This week, it was the Salsa and Viennese Waltz for the male contenders, and the Foxtrot and Cha-Cha-Cha for the ladies.

The top-scoring female in both the Foxtrot relay and for the night was model Joanna Krupa, who was the only one to put the sex and sizzle in her Salsa number. Scoring a 34 out of 40 for he two dances, she outdistanced reality TV star and rocker Kelly Osbourne and singer/actress Mya, who tied with a 31. Goodman vehemently criticized Mya’s partner Dmitry Chaplin, complaining that he did not choreograph a proper Viennese Waltz, but rather a hodgepodge of styles. While Inaba and Tolioni awarded the couple with a pair of eight’s, Goodman gave them a five.

Osborne surprised the judges more than anyone, showing a refreshing class and elegance on the dance floor, not to mention a fluidity, that could make her a contender for the coveted mirroball trophy. Watching from the audience were Osbourne’s parents Ozzy and Sharon, both whom she ran out to hug after completing her Viennese Waltz. Osbourne’s performance moved her mom so that the America’s Got Talent judge burst into tears.

Also faring well in her debut was Olympic gold medal swimmer Natalie Coughlin, who scored a 27 for her two dances, and TV’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melissa Joan Hart (who, incidentally, was 20 when the ABC series premiered in 1996, but non-teens playing teens was nothing new). hart landed a 24, two points higher than actress Debi Mazar.  Barely outscoring Gray with a 20 was designer and onetime supermodel Kathy Ireland.

On Monday night, the men had their first set of dances, with reality TV star and pop star Aaron Carter (turining 22 in December, he is the youngest of this season’s record 16 competitors) earning a 32 out of 40. Showbiz veteran Donny Osmond placed second with 20, followed by Iron Chef America’sMarc Dacascos, with a 29. World champion skateboarder Louie Vito also fared well, placing fourth with a 27. UFC champion Chuck Liddell did not put himself into dancing championship contention with his score of 22, and former Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (the oldest among the competitors, at age 62) managed a 20.

Tying for last place among the men with a 19 were NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and George “Tan Man” Hamilton’s son, Ashley, the latter who lacked in just about every aspect that makes one a mirrorball contender (”blah” would be putting it kindly). Fortunately, though, for Macy, she can take comfort in knowing that she was not alone in landing the lowest score over the first two nights.

Two couples- the lowest-scoring male and female after combining judges’ scores and viewer votes- will bid adieu to the competition Wednesday evening. Tomboy Macy’s zany persona (she muttered something about popping a cherry and an f-bomb while backstage) may win her more support than her dancing skills deserve, which could leave Ireland or Mazar out of the running. Among the guys, it could be a four-way battle- Liddell and Irvine probably are relying on sports fans to keep them around, while DeLay’s political cronies are his best bet to remain in the competition. Hamilton’s good looks will only get him so far, so we may be seeing the last of him.

Turning attention to the professionals, missing this season is Julianne Hough, who is in the midst of advancing her country music and film careers (she is set to star in the 2010 remake of Footloose). Returning after a couple of seasons off from the ABC dancing competition are Louis van Amstel and Anna Trebunskaya, while first-season winner Alec Mazo is back for his fourth competition after taking last season off. Last season’s professional dance competition winner, Anna Demidova, serves as season nine’s lone newbie.

After a sensational eighth season with actor Gilles Marini as her partner, Cheryl Burke has DeLay as her partner this season. It may be a slightly bold prediction, but she’s unlikely to fare as well as she did with the Frenchman.

America’s Got Talent’s finale came down to the chicken catcher and the cancer survivor. In the end, Kevin Skinner’s country (left) beat out Barbara Padilla’s opera (below, right). (images courtesy of NBC) 

Kevin Skinner probably won’t have chickens in tow when he takes the stage for his headlining Vegas show.

The guitar-strumming chicken catcher surprised viewers of NBC’s America’s Got Talentby beating out opera belter and cancer survivor Barbara Padilla to take the $1 million prize. Skinner often touched judges  (and apparently the audience) with his country styling and renditions of tracks such as Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind.” Both he and Padilla, with their ordinary-people trials and tribulations, resonated big with viewers.

Other acts that missed out on the top prize include junkyard percussionists Recycled Percussion, classical-country singers the Texas Tenors and brothers-and-sister vocal trio Voices of Glory. One act who missed out on the top five, who everyone considered a favorite, was Grandma Lee, whose racy stand-up comedy left judges and viewers (especially Piers Morgan, with who she humorously flirted) in more than stitches. Also absent from the top five were the dynamic sister-clogging act, the Fab Five.

Aside from the winner reveal, Wednesday night’s Talent finale also included the U.S. television singing debut of Britain’s Got Talent phenomenon Susan Boyle, who performed “Wild Horses.” Her debut album, I Dreamed a Dream, is due for release November 24.

Also performing were Leona Lewis, Rascal Flatts and Shakira, though while the latter looked as sexy as ever and- um- worked the speaker quite well, she lip-synched her way through current single “She Wolf.” Is she trying to give Paula Abdul and Britney Spears a run for their miming money?

Ellen DeGeneres- seen here hosting the 79th Annual Academy Awards in 2007- will critique vocal hopefuls on American Idol’supcoming season. The comedienne plans on keeping her day job, as well. (picture courtesy of Reuters/Gary Hershorn)

After revealing that she landed the gig as Paula Abdul’s replacement on American Idol, comedienne and TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres barely had time to celebrate before several record labels cut the party short.

As faithful viewers of DeGeneres’ show are well aware, Ellen opens each show with her monologue and then starts dancing down the aisles and with studio members to a different song every day. The problem is, The Ellen DeGeneres Show never paid for the right to use any of the music. In turn, labels such as Arista Music, Atlantic Recording Corp., Virgin Records America and Motown Record Co. are suing the show for copyright infringement.  Since the daytime talk show premiere in September 2003, DeGeneres has used more than 1,000 songs, without obtaining the clearance to use them.

A spokesperson for DeGeneres’ show says that the show currently is negotiating with the record labels to reach an “amicable” deal.

Meanwhile, some are wondering exactly why FOX selected DeGeneres to fill Abdul’s void on Idol, given that she has no musical experience. Fox reality chief Mike Darnell told The Hollywood Reporter that DeGeneres will bring her her wit and love of music to the Idol proceedings, while DeGeneres herself says that while she will be kind to contestants, she also will be honest.

Like Abdul, DeGeneres has a fuzzy, likable personality and should fill the void of “the nice judge” well enough. Plus, that wit of hers should keep Simon Cowell in check, even when he makes the inevitable comments about her lack of musical expertise. Cowell did not hold back in his occasional snide remarks about Abdul’s less-than-revered history as a pop artist, so why should he hold back on DeGeneres, who never recorded an album or did anything professionally within the music industry?

While DeGeneres probably will have to contend with some snickering, Abdul apparently is rooting for her. On her Twitter page, Abdul wrote that DeGeneres is “wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!”

Word is that after logging on and posting her rah-rah comments, Paula returned to sticking pins in her Ellen DeGeneres voodoo doll… (kidding… of course?)