AMERICAN IDOL NOTES...
Well, a lot of nerves on the night Idol let America start voting, and a lot of underwhelmign performances...
The best? Try Chris Richardson, who added his own flair to Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Want To Be". While maybe not as good as Bo Bice or Elliott Yamin, it was definitely one of the highlights of the night. Hopefully, it will be good enough to overcome his lack of face time in the original rounds. Also, Blake Lewis (the beat boxer) put his gimmick aside to sing Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" and did a solid job. Definitely a step forward for both of these guys.
The "not so good"? Sundance Head continues to disappoint. After such a great original audition, he has failed to be anywhere near as good since. Luckily, his abundance of exposure may have given him enough fans to last another week. And 16 year old Sanjaya Malakar was completely overhwelmed... Even though the show taped over the weekend, I think it hit him that 30 million people would be watching him now... Neither did anything to help their causes...
The girls go tonight... The official prediction is tomorrow. By the way, Dial Idol says Sundance and Sanjaya got the most votes... See what face time does for you?
GREY'S ANATOMY SPIN-OFF?
Walt Disney Co.'s television network ABC has decided to pursue a spinoff of its popular medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.
It will star Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd, the neonatal surgeon played by Kate Walsh, the paper said.
A two-hour pilot of the show, which could add millions in additional advertising revenue, is likely to air in May, the paper said.
An ABC spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment.
DANCING WITH THE STARS CAST IS SET!
On "Good Morning America," talk show host and former "Dancing With the Stars" cast member Jerry Springer announced the men and women who would be on the hit show's new season. You can get to know the cast members now before the new season premieres on March 19.
Laila Ali
Daughter of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali jumped into the women's boxing ring in 1999. After a string of high-profile wins, the 29-year-old retired from boxing earlier this year.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus is probably best known for his 1992 hit, "Achy Breaky Heart." He's made the transition from music to television and currently stars in the Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" with his daughter, Miley.
Heather Mills
A former model, Heather Mills now campaigns for a variety of causes: She is currently a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations. Mills also recently separated from singer and songwriter Paul McCartney.
Clyde Drexler
Former NBA player Clyde Drexler ruled the court as a shooting guard for the Houston Rockets. A member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Drexler won an Olympic gold medal in 1992 and an NBA championship in 1995.
Joey Fatone
As a member of one of the original boy bands, 'N Sync, Joey Fatone wowed millions of fans around the world with his voice and signature dance moves. Since the breakup of 'N Sync, Fatone has pursued an acting career, making an appearance in 2002's "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
Shandi Finnessey
Shandi Finnessey achieved the beauty queen's dream when she won the Miss USA pageant in 2004. After her reign ended, she became a TV hostess for the Game Show Network.
Leeza Gibbons
From 1994 to 1999, Leeza Gibbons and her talk show, "Leeza," were a fixture of daytime television. She has also made appearances on "Entertainment Tonight," "Extra" and "The Simple Life."
Paulina Porizkova
Czech-born Paulina Porizkova rose to supermodel status in the 1980s, appearing on the cover of the Sport's Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1984 and '85. She later posed for Playboy magazine.
Ian Ziering
"Beverly Hills 90210" fans will remember Ian Ziering as the affable Steve Sanders, the TV character Ziering played from 1990 to 2000. Since the end of the show, Ziering has acted in a variety of television and film roles.
Vincent Pastore
Bronx-born Vincent Pastore is probably best known for his role as Salvatore Bonpensiero on "The Sopranos." He also hosts a show on Sirius satellite radio.
Apolo Anton Ohno
Apollo Anton Ohno's career will no doubt help him on the "Dancing With the Stars" stage. As a speed skater, Ohno has won five Olympic medals, making him a master at footwork.
