Clarence “Frogman” Henry, the New Orleans R&b singer whose 1956 hit “Ain’t Got No Home” showcased a vocal range that could soar to falsetto and plummet to the croak that provided his nickname, died Sunday. He was 87.
His death was announced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation on social media. No cause of death was disclosed, but Henry reportedly had been in declining health and recently underwent surgery.
The Heritage Foundation said the “beloved icon of New Orleans music” was surrounded by friends and family at his passing Sunday night.
“Frogman’s absence at the upcoming 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will be deeply felt, as he was scheduled to grace the stage on local’s Thursday with the New Orleans Classic Recording Revue,” the Foundation said. “Rest in peace, Frogman.”
The very catchy song that rocketed Henry to nationwide fame would eventually secure its place among the era’s novelty classics like “Love Potion No. 9” by the Clovers and “Alley Oop” by The Hollywood Argyles. The song would be used in various films and TV shows, notably Barry Levinson’s Diner (1982) and Martin Scorsese’s Casino (1995). A version recorded by The Band was used for a notable scene in Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys (1987), with Corey Haim singing along while taking a bubble bath.
Born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937, Henry began playing piano as a child, picking up trombone and playing both instruments in his high school band. He played with local groups during and after high school, and was overheard singing in the jokey croak style by a Chess Records exec who encouraged Henry to record the song. Catching the attention of New Orleans DJ Poppa Stoppa, who christened Henry “Frogman,” the song rose to number 3 on the national R&b chart and number 20 on the US pop chart.
Henry had a big follow-up hit in 1961 with “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do” and, to a lesser extent, “You Always Hurt the One You Love,” both in 1961. He was chosen by The Beatles as an opening act for the band’s 1964 North American tour.
While national fame was fleeting, Henry would maintain decades of popularity in New Orleans and among fans of R&b and Cajun-style music. He retired from the club circuit in 1981 but long continued annual appearances at the Jazz & Heritage Festival.
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Clarence "Frogman" Henry's passing. A beloved icon of New Orleans music, he passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday night, surrounded by friends and family. pic.twitter.com/IB8pXAunSy
— New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation (@Jazznheritage) April 8, 2024...
His death was announced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation on social media. No cause of death was disclosed, but Henry reportedly had been in declining health and recently underwent surgery.
The Heritage Foundation said the “beloved icon of New Orleans music” was surrounded by friends and family at his passing Sunday night.
“Frogman’s absence at the upcoming 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will be deeply felt, as he was scheduled to grace the stage on local’s Thursday with the New Orleans Classic Recording Revue,” the Foundation said. “Rest in peace, Frogman.”
The very catchy song that rocketed Henry to nationwide fame would eventually secure its place among the era’s novelty classics like “Love Potion No. 9” by the Clovers and “Alley Oop” by The Hollywood Argyles. The song would be used in various films and TV shows, notably Barry Levinson’s Diner (1982) and Martin Scorsese’s Casino (1995). A version recorded by The Band was used for a notable scene in Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys (1987), with Corey Haim singing along while taking a bubble bath.
Born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937, Henry began playing piano as a child, picking up trombone and playing both instruments in his high school band. He played with local groups during and after high school, and was overheard singing in the jokey croak style by a Chess Records exec who encouraged Henry to record the song. Catching the attention of New Orleans DJ Poppa Stoppa, who christened Henry “Frogman,” the song rose to number 3 on the national R&b chart and number 20 on the US pop chart.
Henry had a big follow-up hit in 1961 with “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do” and, to a lesser extent, “You Always Hurt the One You Love,” both in 1961. He was chosen by The Beatles as an opening act for the band’s 1964 North American tour.
While national fame was fleeting, Henry would maintain decades of popularity in New Orleans and among fans of R&b and Cajun-style music. He retired from the club circuit in 1981 but long continued annual appearances at the Jazz & Heritage Festival.
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Clarence "Frogman" Henry's passing. A beloved icon of New Orleans music, he passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday night, surrounded by friends and family. pic.twitter.com/IB8pXAunSy
— New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation (@Jazznheritage) April 8, 2024...
- 4/8/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Elvis Presley‘s “Trouble” was a little bit of a joke except when Elvis sang it during the ’68 Comeback Special. One of the writers who wrote the song was shocked by how much power he brought to the track. Elvis incorporated the tune into a medley and knocked it out of the park.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Trouble’ has a connection to Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were one of the most important songwriting duos from the 1950s and early 1960s. They penned Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9,” and The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak.” Some of the hits they wrote for Elvis included “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” and “Bossa Nova Baby.” During a 2006 interview with Elvis Information Network, Leiber was a big fan of how Elvis performed “Trouble” during a famous television appearance.
“I especially liked ‘Trouble...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Trouble’ has a connection to Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were one of the most important songwriting duos from the 1950s and early 1960s. They penned Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9,” and The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak.” Some of the hits they wrote for Elvis included “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” and “Bossa Nova Baby.” During a 2006 interview with Elvis Information Network, Leiber was a big fan of how Elvis performed “Trouble” during a famous television appearance.
“I especially liked ‘Trouble...
- 3/1/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
And then there were four. Season 10 of Fox’s “The Masked Singer” airs this Wednesday with finalists Donut (Group C champion), Sea Queen (Group B winner), Cow (Group A victor) and Group A “Ding Dong Keep It On” recipient Gazelle. Variety has a first look at Donut’s emotional finale performance, dedicated to his late wife. Scroll down for a preview.
Here’s who has been unmasked so far in Season 10: John Oates as Anteater, Keyshia Cole as Candelabra, Sebastian Bach as Tiki, Ginuwine as Husky, Ashley Parker Angel as S’more, Metta World Peace as Cuddle Monster, Luann de Lesseps as Hibiscus, Tyler Posey as Hawk, Billie Jean King as Royal Hen, Michael Rapaport as Pickle, Tom Sandoval as Diver, Anthony Anderson as Rubber Ducky and one-time special guest Demi Lovato as Anonymouse.
According to the show, Season 10 contestants “boast a combined 40 medals, 33 Grammy nominations, seven hall of fame awards,...
Here’s who has been unmasked so far in Season 10: John Oates as Anteater, Keyshia Cole as Candelabra, Sebastian Bach as Tiki, Ginuwine as Husky, Ashley Parker Angel as S’more, Metta World Peace as Cuddle Monster, Luann de Lesseps as Hibiscus, Tyler Posey as Hawk, Billie Jean King as Royal Hen, Michael Rapaport as Pickle, Tom Sandoval as Diver, Anthony Anderson as Rubber Ducky and one-time special guest Demi Lovato as Anonymouse.
According to the show, Season 10 contestants “boast a combined 40 medals, 33 Grammy nominations, seven hall of fame awards,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
After a 10th anniversary season that featured some of the most famous celebrity crooners of all time, the Season 10 finale of “The Masked Singer” is about to crown its ultimate champion. The two-hour finale is scheduled to air on December 20, 2023 on Fox, and the final four contestants still in running to claim the Golden Mask are Cow, Donut, Gazelle and Sea Queen.
It’s time to fess up: Who are You rooting for to win Season 10? Vote in Gold Derby’s “The Masked Singer” finale poll below:
Host Nick Cannon and panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Nicole Scherzinger have been at the helm for all 10 installments of “Tms,” and all but Scherzinger are scheduled to return for Season 11 in the spring. Rita Ora, who appears on the British “Masked Singer,” will temporarily step in while Scherzinger is away starring in the West End revival of “Sunset Boulevard.
It’s time to fess up: Who are You rooting for to win Season 10? Vote in Gold Derby’s “The Masked Singer” finale poll below:
Host Nick Cannon and panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Nicole Scherzinger have been at the helm for all 10 installments of “Tms,” and all but Scherzinger are scheduled to return for Season 11 in the spring. Rita Ora, who appears on the British “Masked Singer,” will temporarily step in while Scherzinger is away starring in the West End revival of “Sunset Boulevard.
- 12/19/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
It’s time to spill some royal tea: The Sea Queen returns to The Masked Singer stage on Wednesday, and viewers are certain they’ve gotten to the bottom of her secret identity.
One of Season 10’s more mysterious characters, the Sea Queen has only appeared in a single episode thus far, when she was introduced as the Group B wild card on Oct. 25. That’s right, it’s been more than a month since we’ve been graced by her presence. Fortunately, that’ll change when she returns tonight (Fox, 8/7c) alongside Tiki and Husky. Previously eliminated Group B...
One of Season 10’s more mysterious characters, the Sea Queen has only appeared in a single episode thus far, when she was introduced as the Group B wild card on Oct. 25. That’s right, it’s been more than a month since we’ve been graced by her presence. Fortunately, that’ll change when she returns tonight (Fox, 8/7c) alongside Tiki and Husky. Previously eliminated Group B...
- 12/6/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
This Post Contains spoilers for this week’s episode of Fox’s The Masked Singer.
Tyler Posey is used to the unusual. He got slapped by Gigi Hadid in Lip Sync Battle. A cast member in a wolf costume drooled K-y jelly into his mouth. And most recently, the Teen Wolf star performed as a hawk in gladiator gear on The Masked Singer.
After a Harry-Potter-themed night featuring spell-bound songs, Posey was unmasked during the sixth episode after performing a punk rock rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Monster” against masked contestant Tiki.
Tyler Posey is used to the unusual. He got slapped by Gigi Hadid in Lip Sync Battle. A cast member in a wolf costume drooled K-y jelly into his mouth. And most recently, the Teen Wolf star performed as a hawk in gladiator gear on The Masked Singer.
After a Harry-Potter-themed night featuring spell-bound songs, Posey was unmasked during the sixth episode after performing a punk rock rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Monster” against masked contestant Tiki.
- 10/26/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 10, Episode 6 of “The Masked Singer,” “Harry Potter Night,” which aired Oct. 25 on Fox.
The timing couldn’t have been better: With Halloween approaching, it was a spooky “Harry Potter”-themed episode of “The Masked Singer” this week, so it was only appropriate that “Teen Wolf” star Tyler Posey would be the next celebrity to be unmasked in Season 10.
Posey was revealed to be Hawk, after this week performing “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” by The Police. “I have this checklist of random weird things that you only get to experience once in a lifetime,” Posey told Variety. “And this fit right in with that. This is just a fun, interesting, random, bizarre experience that I was just completely down to do. It’s also challenging. I’ve always been sort of awkward when it comes to choreographed dancing.
The timing couldn’t have been better: With Halloween approaching, it was a spooky “Harry Potter”-themed episode of “The Masked Singer” this week, so it was only appropriate that “Teen Wolf” star Tyler Posey would be the next celebrity to be unmasked in Season 10.
Posey was revealed to be Hawk, after this week performing “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” by The Police. “I have this checklist of random weird things that you only get to experience once in a lifetime,” Posey told Variety. “And this fit right in with that. This is just a fun, interesting, random, bizarre experience that I was just completely down to do. It’s also challenging. I’ve always been sort of awkward when it comes to choreographed dancing.
- 10/26/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“The Masked Singer” goes whole Hogwarts on this week’s episode with a “Harry Potter” theme, and Variety has a first look. On the “Harry Potter Night,” tied to Halloween (of course), a new costumed Wildcard celebrity joins the competition: The Sea Queen. Below, panelist Ken Jeong — dressed as “Harry Potter” character Professor Snape — attempts to figure out Sea Queen’s identity.
The October 25 episode, which airs as usual at 8 p.m. Et on Fox, follows each contestant — Sea Queen, Hawk, Husky and Tiki — as they are assigned a Hogwarts house from the Sorting Hat. Each contestant will then perform a song in theme with the week’s episode, like “Love Potion No. 9” and “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.”
Also guest starring on the episode: Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (Flamingo from Season 2), who opens the show with a performance of “I Put a Spell On You.”
Here’s an...
The October 25 episode, which airs as usual at 8 p.m. Et on Fox, follows each contestant — Sea Queen, Hawk, Husky and Tiki — as they are assigned a Hogwarts house from the Sorting Hat. Each contestant will then perform a song in theme with the week’s episode, like “Love Potion No. 9” and “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.”
Also guest starring on the episode: Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (Flamingo from Season 2), who opens the show with a performance of “I Put a Spell On You.”
Here’s an...
- 10/24/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Elvis Presley‘s “Bossa Nova Baby” was originally by a group that performed one of the most famous tunes of the 1950s. A songwriter explained how the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll rescued the song from obscurity. Despite the song’s eventual success, it wasn’t able to stop a record label from going under.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Bossa Nova Baby’ was recorded by the band behind ‘Love Potion No. 9’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for writing Elvis tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “She’s Not You.” They also co-wrote other hits, such as The Clovers’ classic hit “Love Potion No. 9.” In the 2009 book Hound Dog: The Leiber and Stoller Autobiography, Stoller discussed the evolution of their career. “We started our own label called Tiger Records,” he recalled. “This meant that we would not only produce, but we would press,...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Bossa Nova Baby’ was recorded by the band behind ‘Love Potion No. 9’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for writing Elvis tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “She’s Not You.” They also co-wrote other hits, such as The Clovers’ classic hit “Love Potion No. 9.” In the 2009 book Hound Dog: The Leiber and Stoller Autobiography, Stoller discussed the evolution of their career. “We started our own label called Tiger Records,” he recalled. “This meant that we would not only produce, but we would press,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. One of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writers of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. One of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writers of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. Subsequently, one of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writes of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. Subsequently, one of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writes of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Joni Mitchell had a big moment back on stage.
After making a surprise appearance at the Newport Folk Festival last year, over the weekend, the 79-year-old Canadian music legend headlined her first concert in 20 years.
Read More: Joni Mitchell Biopic In The Works From Director Cameron Crowe
The “Echoes Through the Canyon” concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, Wash. on Saturday featured co-headliner Brandi Carlile.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Brandi Carlile (@brandicarlile)
The three-hour show, dubbed the “Joni Jam”, saw the iconic artist performing classics and deep cuts from her long body of work, as well as cover songs.
Mitchell and Carlile were also joined by a slew of guests, including Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox, Allison Russell, Marcus Mumford, Blake Mills, Lucius and more.
Fans were delighted to hear Mitchell perform classics like “Both Sides Now”, as well as covers of standards like “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess,...
After making a surprise appearance at the Newport Folk Festival last year, over the weekend, the 79-year-old Canadian music legend headlined her first concert in 20 years.
Read More: Joni Mitchell Biopic In The Works From Director Cameron Crowe
The “Echoes Through the Canyon” concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, Wash. on Saturday featured co-headliner Brandi Carlile.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Brandi Carlile (@brandicarlile)
The three-hour show, dubbed the “Joni Jam”, saw the iconic artist performing classics and deep cuts from her long body of work, as well as cover songs.
Mitchell and Carlile were also joined by a slew of guests, including Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox, Allison Russell, Marcus Mumford, Blake Mills, Lucius and more.
Fans were delighted to hear Mitchell perform classics like “Both Sides Now”, as well as covers of standards like “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess,...
- 6/13/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Joni Mitchell has been one of the most honored musicians of this century. She’s picked up honors from the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, and an honorary degree from the Berklee College of Music.
But something was missing. Save for a surprise set at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival, you could’t buy a ticket to a Joni Mitchell concert.
That changed Saturday night, as the 79-year-old Mitchell returned to the stage at the Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy, Washington. The momentous occasion was marked by guest performances by Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile, Blake Mills, Lucius, Sarah McLachlan, Marcus Mumrod, Celisse, and Taylor Goldsmith in an ensemble performance dubbed the “Joni Jam.”
Twitter was ablaze with multiple videos from the concert.
Carlile was the emcee as well as a performer. The ensemble performed hits from the vast Mitchell catalog, including “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Night Ride Home,...
But something was missing. Save for a surprise set at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival, you could’t buy a ticket to a Joni Mitchell concert.
That changed Saturday night, as the 79-year-old Mitchell returned to the stage at the Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy, Washington. The momentous occasion was marked by guest performances by Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile, Blake Mills, Lucius, Sarah McLachlan, Marcus Mumrod, Celisse, and Taylor Goldsmith in an ensemble performance dubbed the “Joni Jam.”
Twitter was ablaze with multiple videos from the concert.
Carlile was the emcee as well as a performer. The ensemble performed hits from the vast Mitchell catalog, including “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Night Ride Home,...
- 6/11/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Joni Mitchell staged her first publicly-announced concert in two decades at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington on Saturday.
The 79-year-old singer-songwriter initially made her return to the stage in August 2022 during a surprise appearance at the Newport Folk Festival. She subsequently announced a standalone headlining show as part of Brandi Carlile’s three-night concert event “Echoes Through the Canyon.”
With the assistance of Carlile and a bevy of guest musicians, Mitchell presented a 24-song performance that featured some of her most enduring hits. She kicked off the show with “Big Yellow Taxi” from Ladies of the Canyon. Marcus Mumford accompanied her on “Come in From the Cold,” and Blake Mills sat it on “Amelia.”
Annie Lennox joined Mitchell on “Ladies of the Cannon,” and Sarah McLachlan accompanied her on “Blue.” Other notable performances included “A Case of You” with Mumford and Carlile; “Cactus Tree” with Lucius; “Young At Heart...
The 79-year-old singer-songwriter initially made her return to the stage in August 2022 during a surprise appearance at the Newport Folk Festival. She subsequently announced a standalone headlining show as part of Brandi Carlile’s three-night concert event “Echoes Through the Canyon.”
With the assistance of Carlile and a bevy of guest musicians, Mitchell presented a 24-song performance that featured some of her most enduring hits. She kicked off the show with “Big Yellow Taxi” from Ladies of the Canyon. Marcus Mumford accompanied her on “Come in From the Cold,” and Blake Mills sat it on “Amelia.”
Annie Lennox joined Mitchell on “Ladies of the Cannon,” and Sarah McLachlan accompanied her on “Blue.” Other notable performances included “A Case of You” with Mumford and Carlile; “Cactus Tree” with Lucius; “Young At Heart...
- 6/11/2023
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
The Beatles’ lyrics were often interpreted to reference drugs. This led to a few of their songs causing controversy and even being banned from the radio. However, most of the time, The Beatles weren’t mentioning drugs, even if they used slang that caused misunderstandings. In his solo career, Paul McCartney had many misunderstood lyrics, and one of his songs included a line that many thought referenced cocaine.
‘Monkberry Moon Delight’ was based on a funny word McCartney’s kids used Paul McCartney | Kevin Mazur/WireImage
“Monkberry Moon Delight” is a song from Paul McCartney’s second solo album, Ram. It’s one of McCartney’s more nonsensical songs, as the lyrics were written more for their sound than their meaning. In the novel Still the Greatest: The Essential Songs of the Beatles’ Solo Careers, McCartney said the basis for the inventive title came from what his kids used to call milk.
‘Monkberry Moon Delight’ was based on a funny word McCartney’s kids used Paul McCartney | Kevin Mazur/WireImage
“Monkberry Moon Delight” is a song from Paul McCartney’s second solo album, Ram. It’s one of McCartney’s more nonsensical songs, as the lyrics were written more for their sound than their meaning. In the novel Still the Greatest: The Essential Songs of the Beatles’ Solo Careers, McCartney said the basis for the inventive title came from what his kids used to call milk.
- 4/25/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Welcome to The B-Side, from The Film Stage. Here we talk about movie stars! Not the movies that made them famous or kept them famous, but the ones they made in between.
Today we discuss one of our biggest, most enduring movie stars: Sandra Bullock! To do this, we’ve brought our good friend and the co-host of the great Almost Major podcast: Kevin Tudor!
Our B-Sides today include: Love Potion No. 9, 28 Days, The Lake House, and Our Brand Is Crisis. We dig into Bullock’s peaks and valleys as a star, her humble beginnings on TV (she played Tess on the TV adaptation of Working Girl!), and her breakout mid-90s.
We marvel at the incredible misogyny-tinged criticism she endured early on in her career, wonder if we’ll ever see the short film she directed, and discuss why we love (or don’t love!) The Lake House.
Today we discuss one of our biggest, most enduring movie stars: Sandra Bullock! To do this, we’ve brought our good friend and the co-host of the great Almost Major podcast: Kevin Tudor!
Our B-Sides today include: Love Potion No. 9, 28 Days, The Lake House, and Our Brand Is Crisis. We dig into Bullock’s peaks and valleys as a star, her humble beginnings on TV (she played Tess on the TV adaptation of Working Girl!), and her breakout mid-90s.
We marvel at the incredible misogyny-tinged criticism she endured early on in her career, wonder if we’ll ever see the short film she directed, and discuss why we love (or don’t love!) The Lake House.
- 4/7/2023
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Merely a year after seeing success with “Beat”, director Kim Sung-soo would once again team up with his star from that production, Jung Woo-sung, for yet another tale of friendship and neglected youth in “City of the Rising Sun”. Only this time, Jung would also bring along for the ride his real-life best friend Lee Jung-jae, who had seen moderate success the previous year with “An Affair” for a star-making and award-winning turn.
“City of the Rising Sun” is screening at Florence Korea Film Festival
The real-life best friends play reel-life friends too. Do-chul, played by Jung Woo-sung, is a boxer who has the skill and passion for the sport but isn’t really cut out for the game, winning nothing but cuts, bruises and concussions. Lee Jung-jae’s Hong-gi, meanwhile, is a low-level gangster working as a debt collector for a loan shark who places money above all else.
“City of the Rising Sun” is screening at Florence Korea Film Festival
The real-life best friends play reel-life friends too. Do-chul, played by Jung Woo-sung, is a boxer who has the skill and passion for the sport but isn’t really cut out for the game, winning nothing but cuts, bruises and concussions. Lee Jung-jae’s Hong-gi, meanwhile, is a low-level gangster working as a debt collector for a loan shark who places money above all else.
- 4/7/2022
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
As the Hollywood blockbuster machine continues to dust itself off and release some early winter hits, Hulu is going in a bit of a different direction with its list of new releases for November 2021.
There are no big Hulu original films of note this month. Instead there’s a whole host of original series. The TV parade starts on Nov. 5 with the release of Animaniacs season 2. Also getting a second season this month is monarchal comedy The Great on Nov. 19. The most intriguing series, however, is animated Marvel comedy Marvel’s Hit Monkey. As its name so graciously implies, this is a show about a hit monkey…as in monkey assassin. Naturally the hit monkey is haunted by the ghost of Jason Sudeikis because it’s important that everything make sense.
Though Hulu doesn’t have any original movies in November, its list of library movie titles is quite vast.
There are no big Hulu original films of note this month. Instead there’s a whole host of original series. The TV parade starts on Nov. 5 with the release of Animaniacs season 2. Also getting a second season this month is monarchal comedy The Great on Nov. 19. The most intriguing series, however, is animated Marvel comedy Marvel’s Hit Monkey. As its name so graciously implies, this is a show about a hit monkey…as in monkey assassin. Naturally the hit monkey is haunted by the ghost of Jason Sudeikis because it’s important that everything make sense.
Though Hulu doesn’t have any original movies in November, its list of library movie titles is quite vast.
- 11/1/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
As the year winds down, streaming services appear to be taking a step back, licking their wounds from this strange pandemic production season, and looking to a hopefully brighter future. This is all to say that Hulu‘s list of new releases for December 2020 isn’t quite its most inspiring batch yet…and that’s Ok.
Hulu’s biggest original title this month is undoubtedly The Hardy Boys. This adaptation of the classic boy detective novels is aimed at younger audiences and will premiere on Dec. 4. Then, near the end of the month, Hulu is bringing a new season of a show that is decidedly not for younger audiences. Season 9 of the very funny and very Canadian Letterkenny arrives on Dec. 26.
Hulu also has some recent movies of note coming in December including Amy Seimetz’s diabolical She Dies Tomorrow on Dec. 4 and children’s movie The Secret Garden on Dec.
Hulu’s biggest original title this month is undoubtedly The Hardy Boys. This adaptation of the classic boy detective novels is aimed at younger audiences and will premiere on Dec. 4. Then, near the end of the month, Hulu is bringing a new season of a show that is decidedly not for younger audiences. Season 9 of the very funny and very Canadian Letterkenny arrives on Dec. 26.
Hulu also has some recent movies of note coming in December including Amy Seimetz’s diabolical She Dies Tomorrow on Dec. 4 and children’s movie The Secret Garden on Dec.
- 11/29/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as the various streaming services are stocking their libraries with some great new titles this December to keep us going through the festive period. When it comes to Hulu, the Disney-owned platform is adding a few holiday-related movies and TV shows, but is mostly taking the track of stuffing itself full of classic films that the whole family can enjoy.
This includes a bunch of the best James Bond pics ever made, like GoldenEye, The Spy Who Loved Me, Goldfinger and, the one that kicked it all off, Dr. No. That would be a perfect watch to honor Sean Connery, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Other action movies you might want to check out this December, meanwhile, include The Hurt Locker, The Fifth Element, 2003’s Hulk and the two “Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon” flicks, The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons.
This includes a bunch of the best James Bond pics ever made, like GoldenEye, The Spy Who Loved Me, Goldfinger and, the one that kicked it all off, Dr. No. That would be a perfect watch to honor Sean Connery, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Other action movies you might want to check out this December, meanwhile, include The Hurt Locker, The Fifth Element, 2003’s Hulk and the two “Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon” flicks, The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons.
- 11/19/2020
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
The creators of HBO Max’s Search Party join Josh and Joe to talk about their favorite films.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Tenet (2020)
Piranha (1978)
Piranha 3D (2010)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jaws (1975)
E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982)
Looker (1981)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
True Stories (1986)
Another Year (2010)
Abigail’s Party (1977)
Brazil (1985)
The Pink Panther (1963)
It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Network (1976)
Idiocracy (2006)
A League Of Their Own (1992)
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
About Schmidt (2002)
Please Give (2010)
Duck Soup (1933)
The Gold Rush (1925)
The Cocoanuts (1929)
A Night At The Opera (1935)
The Terminator (1984)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Love Potion No. 9 (1992) – Sarah
The Birdcage (1996) – Charles
Mandy (2018)
Other Notable Items
Search Party TV series (2016- )
The Coen Brothers
The DGA
Jon Favreau
Garry Marshall
Christopher Nolan
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TV series (2000-2015)
Jurassic Park series
Laura Dern
Jeff Goldblum
Sam Neill
Steven Spielberg
Jurassic Park novel by Michael Crichton...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Tenet (2020)
Piranha (1978)
Piranha 3D (2010)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jaws (1975)
E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982)
Looker (1981)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
True Stories (1986)
Another Year (2010)
Abigail’s Party (1977)
Brazil (1985)
The Pink Panther (1963)
It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Network (1976)
Idiocracy (2006)
A League Of Their Own (1992)
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
About Schmidt (2002)
Please Give (2010)
Duck Soup (1933)
The Gold Rush (1925)
The Cocoanuts (1929)
A Night At The Opera (1935)
The Terminator (1984)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Love Potion No. 9 (1992) – Sarah
The Birdcage (1996) – Charles
Mandy (2018)
Other Notable Items
Search Party TV series (2016- )
The Coen Brothers
The DGA
Jon Favreau
Garry Marshall
Christopher Nolan
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TV series (2000-2015)
Jurassic Park series
Laura Dern
Jeff Goldblum
Sam Neill
Steven Spielberg
Jurassic Park novel by Michael Crichton...
- 10/13/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Order by September 30th for Tickets from 49 Smokey Joe'S Cafe The Songs Of Leiber And Stoller features 40 of the greatest songs of the past century, including showstopping classics like 'On Broadway,' 'Stand by Me,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Love Potion No. 9,' 'Spanish Harlem,' and 'Charlie Brown,' it celebrates the music of the legendary songwriting duo, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, whose songs provided hit after hit for icons like Elvis Presley, Ben E. King, The Coasters, and The Drifters.
- 9/12/2018
- by Contests - Broadway
- BroadwayWorld.com
Order by September 30th for Tickets from 49 Smokey Joe'S Cafe The Songs Of Leiber And Stoller features 40 of the greatest songs of the past century, including showstopping classics like 'On Broadway,' 'Stand by Me,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Love Potion No. 9,' 'Spanish Harlem,' and 'Charlie Brown,' it celebrates the music of the legendary songwriting duo, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, whose songs provided hit after hit for icons like Elvis Presley, Ben E. King, The Coasters, and The Drifters.
- 9/6/2018
- by Contests - Broadway
- BroadwayWorld.com
Since Sandra Bullock first made it big in the 1990s, she has starred in some of Hollywood’s biggest critical and commercial successes, becoming one of the most successful actresses of her generation and winning an Academy Award along the way.
“Love Potion No. 9” (1983)
Bullock gave one of her first memorable performances in the 1983 film “Love Potion No. 9”, starring opposite Tate Donovan as a biologist who experiments with a potion that makes her irresistible to the opposite sex. The film was panned by critics but gave Bullock one of her first big roles.
“Speed” (1994)
Bullock found her breakout role in the action thriller “Speed”, which became an unexpected critical and commercial success following its 1994 release. Bullock starred as a spunky passenger who works with two police officers–played by Keanu Reeves and Jeff Daniels– to thwart a terrorist from blowing up a bus full of people.
“While You...
“Love Potion No. 9” (1983)
Bullock gave one of her first memorable performances in the 1983 film “Love Potion No. 9”, starring opposite Tate Donovan as a biologist who experiments with a potion that makes her irresistible to the opposite sex. The film was panned by critics but gave Bullock one of her first big roles.
“Speed” (1994)
Bullock found her breakout role in the action thriller “Speed”, which became an unexpected critical and commercial success following its 1994 release. Bullock starred as a spunky passenger who works with two police officers–played by Keanu Reeves and Jeff Daniels– to thwart a terrorist from blowing up a bus full of people.
“While You...
- 6/6/2018
- by Juliette Verlaque
- The Wrap
Many happy returns to Sandra Bullock, who celebrates her 50th birthday today!
The one-time action movie sidekick and Hollywood's favourite funny girl, Bullock has gradually refashioned herself as a bona fide A-lister thanks to her Oscar-winning turn in The Blind Side and last year's box office smash Gravity.
With such an eclectic back catalogue it's hard to single out any one movie. With that in mind, Digital Spy opened up the floor to staff to pose one simple question: What's your favourite Sandra Bullock movie? Here are the results...
Emma Dibdin, Features Editor - The Net
In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that it's been a good ten years since I last watched The Net. Viewing it now, in the cold light of the 21st century, it has not dated well. But aside from being hugely entertaining with a plot that falls just the right side of ludicrous,...
The one-time action movie sidekick and Hollywood's favourite funny girl, Bullock has gradually refashioned herself as a bona fide A-lister thanks to her Oscar-winning turn in The Blind Side and last year's box office smash Gravity.
With such an eclectic back catalogue it's hard to single out any one movie. With that in mind, Digital Spy opened up the floor to staff to pose one simple question: What's your favourite Sandra Bullock movie? Here are the results...
Emma Dibdin, Features Editor - The Net
In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that it's been a good ten years since I last watched The Net. Viewing it now, in the cold light of the 21st century, it has not dated well. But aside from being hugely entertaining with a plot that falls just the right side of ludicrous,...
- 7/26/2014
- Digital Spy
There's a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes 50 miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it blows up. As movie premises go, this one is absolutely ridiculous, right? You'd have been forgiven for thinking so, at least, as few involved with Jan de Bont's "Speed," which was released by 20th Century Fox on June 10, 1994, could have anticipated its popularity. The film was a runaway hit, winning two Oscars and grossing over $350 million worldwide. Now, 20 years later, it's a celebrated relic of an era before blockbuster filmmaking was so awash in digital wizardry, an era when practical movie magic sold the highest of concepts to the masses. For actor Keanu Reeves, who starred as the film's hero, Lapd S.W.A.T. officer Jack Traven, it feels like that long ago if only because so much has changed over the last two decades. Though...
- 6/10/2014
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
Washington — Harold Winley sang "Love Potion No. 9" and other hits with the R&B group The Clovers in the 1950s, but now the 80-year-old says another group is trying to keep him from performing using the band's name.
Winley says he was in his teens when he and four other singers started performing as The Clovers in the Washington area. The R&B group played at New York's Apollo Theater, eventually signed with Atlantic Records and celebrated when "Love Potion No. 9" became their biggest hit in 1959.
"It was great," said Winley, who now lives in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. "We didn't make no money but we had a lot of fun."
The group's success fell off in the 1960s, however. And that's when things got more complicated, leading to a lawsuit filed earlier this year in federal court in Washington.
Winley and another band mate, Harold Lucas, went on...
Winley says he was in his teens when he and four other singers started performing as The Clovers in the Washington area. The R&B group played at New York's Apollo Theater, eventually signed with Atlantic Records and celebrated when "Love Potion No. 9" became their biggest hit in 1959.
"It was great," said Winley, who now lives in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. "We didn't make no money but we had a lot of fun."
The group's success fell off in the 1960s, however. And that's when things got more complicated, leading to a lawsuit filed earlier this year in federal court in Washington.
Winley and another band mate, Harold Lucas, went on...
- 8/4/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
The director of A Little Princess, and the stars of Love Potion No. 9 and Return of the Killer Tomatoes join forces for one of the year’s most anticipated films. Strap yourself in, and take a look at the first teaser for Alfonso Cuarón‘s Gravity. It certainly does look fantastic, but that should surprise no one as Cuarón’s Children of Men was a visual stunner. The question remains though as to how engaging of a film it can be with only two actors who spend nearly the entire run-time apart. As a fan of Cuarón, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney I’m betting that won’t be a problem at all. The official synopsis should be fairly obvious from the trailer, but here it is anyway. Astronauts attempt to return to earth after debris crashes into their space shuttle, leaving them drifting alone in space.” Gravity opens October 4th, 2013.
- 5/10/2013
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Note: Do note read on if you have not seen the Season 8 finale of ABC's "The Bachelorette" with Emily Maynard.
I've been recapping "The Bachelorette" since 2003 and I can say with complete certainty that this has been my favorite season. Sure, I love certain characters from episodes of yore (be still my ever-loving Roberto, Ames and Reid heart) but for the first time in a long time, I actually ended the season with a feeling that I had been somewhat entertained each week instead of the usual, "Why does this show have to be two hours long when clearly 30 minutes could suffice?"
Perhaps I liked this year because of Emily's no nonsense attitude toward the traditional rules set forth by "Bachelor" nation. Maybe it was her Southern charm and integrity. It could have been her determination to actually take this reality show seriously for once by truly seeking out...
I've been recapping "The Bachelorette" since 2003 and I can say with complete certainty that this has been my favorite season. Sure, I love certain characters from episodes of yore (be still my ever-loving Roberto, Ames and Reid heart) but for the first time in a long time, I actually ended the season with a feeling that I had been somewhat entertained each week instead of the usual, "Why does this show have to be two hours long when clearly 30 minutes could suffice?"
Perhaps I liked this year because of Emily's no nonsense attitude toward the traditional rules set forth by "Bachelor" nation. Maybe it was her Southern charm and integrity. It could have been her determination to actually take this reality show seriously for once by truly seeking out...
- 7/23/2012
- by Lincee Ray
- Aol TV.
Aside from providing a cautionary tale about why you should never build a feature-length movie around a doo-wop song, there has never been any use for Sandra Bullock's 1992 flop Love Potion No. 9. Until today -- because its plot has apparently inspired Jennifer Lopez's first post-break-up music video "Papi." Tate Donovan, this could be the pop culture relevance you've been waiting for.
- 9/19/2011
- Movieline
Two giants of pop-music songwriting, Jerry Leiber and Nick Ashford, died on Monday (Aug. 22).
Leiber, 78, died in Los Angeles of cardio-pulmonary failure. Ashford, who was 70, died in New York after suffering from throat cancer.
With partner Mike Stoller, Leiber wrote dozens of early rock 'n' roll hits for artists including the Drifters, the Coasters and Elvis Presley, who had No. 1 singles with several of their songs, including "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog" and "Don't."
Some of the duo's other classics include "Kansas City," "Yakety Yak," "Love Potion No. 9," "I'm a Woman," "Stand by Me" (which they wrote with singer Ben E. King), "On Broadway" and "Charlie Brown." They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Ashford and Valerie Simpson began as a songwriting team for Motown Records and wrote or produced some of the label's all-time great songs, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Ain't Nothing Like...
Leiber, 78, died in Los Angeles of cardio-pulmonary failure. Ashford, who was 70, died in New York after suffering from throat cancer.
With partner Mike Stoller, Leiber wrote dozens of early rock 'n' roll hits for artists including the Drifters, the Coasters and Elvis Presley, who had No. 1 singles with several of their songs, including "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog" and "Don't."
Some of the duo's other classics include "Kansas City," "Yakety Yak," "Love Potion No. 9," "I'm a Woman," "Stand by Me" (which they wrote with singer Ben E. King), "On Broadway" and "Charlie Brown." They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Ashford and Valerie Simpson began as a songwriting team for Motown Records and wrote or produced some of the label's all-time great songs, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Ain't Nothing Like...
- 8/23/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
'Durbinators' were crushed on Thursday night when their top pic for the American Idol win, James Durbin, was abruptly eliminated from the Fox competition. It was the exit heard around the world as fans cried foul and ignited Twitter with tweets of injustice on behalf of the heavy metal rocker who stole their hearts in a single song (or two). His journey from Santa Cruz, California to the Idol stage ended when he landed in the bottom two along with country fave Scotty McCreery, leaving more than a few (including the Idol judges - J Lo cried) surprised that both girls survived. James was the only contestant to escape the bottom two or three all season, leaving his fans now wondering what went wrong. In spite of his exit, James is now looking forward to a bright future - and with good reason. Rumors have already started circulating about record deals,...
- 5/17/2011
- by jmaurer@corp.popstar.com (Jennifer Maurer)
- PopStar
How does James Durbin feel about his unexpected fourth place exit on American Idol? “Sad, relieved, excited, not disappointed at all,” Durbin told EW backstage about 90 minutes after the results show was over. He added, with a chuckle, “Man, only nine other people can say they got fourth place on American Idol. That’s a great way to look at it.”
While he said he felt “strange” when he got up Thursday morning, as if he may go home, he has no regrets about his performances of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Love Potion No. 9″ by songwriters Leiber & Stoller.
While he said he felt “strange” when he got up Thursday morning, as if he may go home, he has no regrets about his performances of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Love Potion No. 9″ by songwriters Leiber & Stoller.
- 5/13/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW - Inside TV
Los Angeles — "American Idol" voters apparently stopped believin' in James Durbin.
The wailing 22-year-old rocker from Santa Cruz, Calif., was revealed to have received the fewest viewer votes on the Fox talent contest Thursday, leaving just three finalists remaining in the competition. Durbin consistently wowed the judges and did so again Wednesday with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and The Clovers' "Love Potion No. 9."
"I was really hoping to get there," a tearful Durbin said after the results were revealed.
Durbin, the towering singer whose vocal acrobatics recalled the wonders of eighth season runner-up Adam Lambert, was never among the show's bottom-three vote-getters after such eccentric performances as Muse's "Uprising" or Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," which respectively included accompaniment by marching drummers and a flaming piano.
"I did so much stuff that's never been done on this show before," he said Thursday.
Durbin's dismissal means deep-voiced...
The wailing 22-year-old rocker from Santa Cruz, Calif., was revealed to have received the fewest viewer votes on the Fox talent contest Thursday, leaving just three finalists remaining in the competition. Durbin consistently wowed the judges and did so again Wednesday with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and The Clovers' "Love Potion No. 9."
"I was really hoping to get there," a tearful Durbin said after the results were revealed.
Durbin, the towering singer whose vocal acrobatics recalled the wonders of eighth season runner-up Adam Lambert, was never among the show's bottom-three vote-getters after such eccentric performances as Muse's "Uprising" or Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," which respectively included accompaniment by marching drummers and a flaming piano.
"I did so much stuff that's never been done on this show before," he said Thursday.
Durbin's dismissal means deep-voiced...
- 5/13/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
How did James, Haley, Scotty, and Lauren choose their songs this week? What was it like working with Lady Gaga? Did the unfamiliar songbook of Leiber and Stoller stymie the contestants? In our ongoing series, American Idol vocal coach and arranger Debra Byrd and associate music director and arranger Michael Orland answered these questions and more while discussing last night’s Top 4 performance show with EW. For a decade, Byrd and Orland have been on the front lines with the contestants, from Hollywood Week to the grand finale in May. The two work with the contestants on their respective songs,...
- 5/12/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW.com - PopWatch
Imagine watching a boxing match where a fighter gets bound tightly to the corner post, then relentlessly pummeled by his foe. Or a race where one horse is led to the starting gate, only to be pointed in the opposite direction of the remaining runners. Or a figure-skating competition where everyone performs on ice, except for one girl who gets violently hurled into a lake and told by the judges, “Hey, it’s not our fault you couldn’t get the water to freeze!” That’s kind of what Wednesday night’s edition of American Idol felt like, with Haley Reinhart...
- 5/12/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
A wise woman (and a rapping cat hallucination) once sang, "I take two steps forward, two steps back. We go together 'cause opposites attract." "American Idol" bought into that reasoning by booking Lady Gaga as a mentor for Leiber & Stoller night. They snagged one of the biggest pop stars making music today ... to talk about songs that may have been written before Scotty McCreery's grandparents were born. (Anyone know how old Grandma Piquita is? Tweet me! This is important!)
The top four had added pressure to be "in it to win it" because next week's home visits are dangling in front of them like a carrot on a string. Nobody wants to go home before home visits! Your "hero" parade is canceled! That's like going to a wedding and leaving before the main course is served. A free filet mignon is a terrible thing to waste.
In an added...
The top four had added pressure to be "in it to win it" because next week's home visits are dangling in front of them like a carrot on a string. Nobody wants to go home before home visits! Your "hero" parade is canceled! That's like going to a wedding and leaving before the main course is served. A free filet mignon is a terrible thing to waste.
In an added...
- 5/12/2011
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
Here is how difficult of a night it was to assess on American Idol on Tuesday: Lauren Alaina gave both the best and the worst performance.
Dedicating a cover of Martina McBride's "Anyway" to victims of the recent tornadoes in Alabama, the aspiring country star nailed every note and every emotion during her first time on stage, causing self-proclaimed heartbreak for Steven Tyler.
See what we mean here:
Lauren Alaina Covers "Anyway"
However, Alaina's follow-up attempt to act sassy during a version of "Trouble" came across as forced. Tyler admitted he wasn't sure if she pulled it off.
Scotty McCreery had an equally uneven evening, bringing tears to the eyes of viewers with the post 9/11 ballad "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," yet getting overly hokey with an odd rendition of "Young Blood."
James Durbin was probably the most consistent, though neither "Don't Stop Believing" nor "Love Potion No. 9...
Dedicating a cover of Martina McBride's "Anyway" to victims of the recent tornadoes in Alabama, the aspiring country star nailed every note and every emotion during her first time on stage, causing self-proclaimed heartbreak for Steven Tyler.
See what we mean here:
Lauren Alaina Covers "Anyway"
However, Alaina's follow-up attempt to act sassy during a version of "Trouble" came across as forced. Tyler admitted he wasn't sure if she pulled it off.
Scotty McCreery had an equally uneven evening, bringing tears to the eyes of viewers with the post 9/11 ballad "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," yet getting overly hokey with an odd rendition of "Young Blood."
James Durbin was probably the most consistent, though neither "Don't Stop Believing" nor "Love Potion No. 9...
- 5/12/2011
- by matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal)
- TVfanatic
I’m going to have to start off this American Idol on the scene recap with a small apology. It wasn’t until the final ad break of the night that I realized that the most powerful man at the Fox television network — nay, one of the most powerful men in the world – was seated just a few rows in front of my quasi-opera box seat inside the Idoldome. As some eagle-eyed home viewers can attest, Rupert Murdoch himself — chairman and CEO of News Corporation, Fox’s pappy/corporate owner — was seated with what appeared to be a small gaggle of the extended Murdoch family,...
- 5/12/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW.com - PopWatch
Her inspirational tune earned demerits from Randy and J.Lo, but we think she belongs at the head of the class.
By Eric Ditzian
Haley Reinhart performs on Wednesday's "American Idol"
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox
"Thanks."
With that one little word on "American Idol" Wednesday night, Haley Reinhart offered a devastatingly sarcastic "J'accuse!" for one of the most frustrating seasons in reality show memory. To the judges who have consistently slammed her while praising anything and everything from other contestants, to the judges who last night declared the best first-song performance was a three-way between everyone not named Haley, Ms. Reinhart turned and said, with equal parts frustration, anger and sadness, "Thanks."
And thus, she encapsulated the emotions of so many "Idol" voters, who can't quite understand why Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez just don't seem to like Haley, as a singer and a person. Ultimately, though, the voting is up to us,...
By Eric Ditzian
Haley Reinhart performs on Wednesday's "American Idol"
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox
"Thanks."
With that one little word on "American Idol" Wednesday night, Haley Reinhart offered a devastatingly sarcastic "J'accuse!" for one of the most frustrating seasons in reality show memory. To the judges who have consistently slammed her while praising anything and everything from other contestants, to the judges who last night declared the best first-song performance was a three-way between everyone not named Haley, Ms. Reinhart turned and said, with equal parts frustration, anger and sadness, "Thanks."
And thus, she encapsulated the emotions of so many "Idol" voters, who can't quite understand why Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez just don't seem to like Haley, as a singer and a person. Ultimately, though, the voting is up to us,...
- 5/12/2011
- MTV Music News
The four finalists of "American Idol" were returning to the stage on Wednesday, May 11 to compete for the top three spots. With Lady GaGa as guest mentor, they performed two songs: one is an inspirational song, and the other is from Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's catalog.
James Durbin opened with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' ". Randy Jackson said, "That was the highest degree of difficulty and you did it," and Steven Tyler added, "You did it right, man." Jennifer Lopez called it "a really, really great job."
Haley Reinhart delivered her version of Michael Jackson's "The Earth Song". J.Lo felt the song "did inspire" Haley, but she should have picked a song that is as popular as the one sung by James. Randy said, "It confused me with who you are as an artist...I didn't like it. I thought you were screaming," but Steven disagreed, stating "They're both wrong.
James Durbin opened with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' ". Randy Jackson said, "That was the highest degree of difficulty and you did it," and Steven Tyler added, "You did it right, man." Jennifer Lopez called it "a really, really great job."
Haley Reinhart delivered her version of Michael Jackson's "The Earth Song". J.Lo felt the song "did inspire" Haley, but she should have picked a song that is as popular as the one sung by James. Randy said, "It confused me with who you are as an artist...I didn't like it. I thought you were screaming," but Steven disagreed, stating "They're both wrong.
- 5/12/2011
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
In addition to getting to dance with Lady Gaga, James Durbin took to the stage during the "American Idol" Top 4 and slayed his second performance. He has easily come out the best of the four finalists left.
His "Love Potion No. 9" was an odd choice to us (at first). But he proved us very, very wrong. It completely rocked. He managed to make a very dated song sound extremely current (and hard-core and manly).
The judges loved it. J.Lo expressed the same trepidation about James handling the Leiber and Stoller songbook choices, but admits she was completely wrong to doubt him after that performance. So is it just a matter of who joins James in the finals now?...
His "Love Potion No. 9" was an odd choice to us (at first). But he proved us very, very wrong. It completely rocked. He managed to make a very dated song sound extremely current (and hard-core and manly).
The judges loved it. J.Lo expressed the same trepidation about James handling the Leiber and Stoller songbook choices, but admits she was completely wrong to doubt him after that performance. So is it just a matter of who joins James in the finals now?...
- 5/12/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The "American Idol" judges come out and I am struck by how much Tyler looks like somebody's wacky maiden aunt named Helen. Conversely, when the Idols come out - Haley and Lauren look amazing. Amazing.
Lady Gaga is on hand to mentor the Idols, which is cool. The two themes are Inspirational for the first song and then the Leiber and Stoller songbook for song two, which is the part Gaga mentored.
Before we get to the rankings of the Idols from best to worst, just let me say that it was pretty [not nice word] of Randy and J.Lo to say that everybody did well in round one except Haley. Seriously? You can't just act like you can't pick who was best? You have to say, "All of you were good but Haley"? You didn't beat her up enough after her song was over? D*** move. And it did not smack...
Lady Gaga is on hand to mentor the Idols, which is cool. The two themes are Inspirational for the first song and then the Leiber and Stoller songbook for song two, which is the part Gaga mentored.
Before we get to the rankings of the Idols from best to worst, just let me say that it was pretty [not nice word] of Randy and J.Lo to say that everybody did well in round one except Haley. Seriously? You can't just act like you can't pick who was best? You have to say, "All of you were good but Haley"? You didn't beat her up enough after her song was over? D*** move. And it did not smack...
- 5/12/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Watching the “judges” “performing” their “duties” tonight on American Idol brought to mind a classic Sesame Street ditty: “One of these things is not like the others. Which one is different, do you know? Can you tell which thing is not like the others? I’ll tell you if it is so.”
Yes, folks, it was another evening of watching Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson heap copious amounts of praise on anything and everything (and I do mean anything and everything) that came from the mouths of Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, and James Durbin, then suddenly summon the ability to give direct,...
Yes, folks, it was another evening of watching Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson heap copious amounts of praise on anything and everything (and I do mean anything and everything) that came from the mouths of Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, and James Durbin, then suddenly summon the ability to give direct,...
- 5/12/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
The four finalists of "American Idol" were returning to the stage on Wednesday, May 11 to compete for the top three spots. With Lady GaGa as guest mentor, they performed two songs: one is an inspirational song, and the other is from Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's catalog.
James Durbin opened with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' ". Randy Jackson said, "That was the highest degree of difficulty and you did it," and Steven Tyler added, "You did it right, man." Jennifer Lopez called it "a really, really great job."
Haley Reinhart delivered her version of Michael Jackson's "The Earth Song". J.Lo felt the song "did inspire" Haley, but she should have picked a song that is as popular as the one sung by James. Randy said, "It confused me with who you are as an artist...I didn't like it. I thought you were screaming," but Steven disagreed, stating "They're both wrong.
James Durbin opened with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' ". Randy Jackson said, "That was the highest degree of difficulty and you did it," and Steven Tyler added, "You did it right, man." Jennifer Lopez called it "a really, really great job."
Haley Reinhart delivered her version of Michael Jackson's "The Earth Song". J.Lo felt the song "did inspire" Haley, but she should have picked a song that is as popular as the one sung by James. Randy said, "It confused me with who you are as an artist...I didn't like it. I thought you were screaming," but Steven disagreed, stating "They're both wrong.
- 5/12/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Michael Becker / Fox “American Idol’s” Final Four: Haley Reinhart, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin and Lauren Alaina.
I’m not sure much could trump the appearance of tonight’s very modern mentor Lady Gaga and her fascinating two-toned hair and face-dot on tonight’s “American Idol,” but the contestants tried with some rock star performances.
America got a double-treat from the remaining four Idol hopefuls with two songs per contestant. The first was to be a song that inspired the...
I’m not sure much could trump the appearance of tonight’s very modern mentor Lady Gaga and her fascinating two-toned hair and face-dot on tonight’s “American Idol,” but the contestants tried with some rock star performances.
America got a double-treat from the remaining four Idol hopefuls with two songs per contestant. The first was to be a song that inspired the...
- 5/12/2011
- by Stephanie Krikorian
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
It’s pretty much impossible to have lived in this country at any point in the last 60 years and not have heard a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, even if you didn’t realize it. Along with tattooed-in-your-brain standards like “Stand By Me,” “Love Potion No. 9,” and “On Broadway,” many of Elvis Presley’s most memorable mega-hits were written by the duo, including “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog.” But here is the tricky thing for the American Idol Top 4 tonight as they tackle the Leiber and Stoller songbook: Many of their songs sound very much of...
- 5/11/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW.com - PopWatch
Also, Lauren Alaina sings Elvis and James Durbin rocks out to Journey after Lady Gaga coaches the top four.
By Gil Kaufman
Scotty McCreery performs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: Fox
And then there were four. On Wednesday (May 11) night's "American Idol" performance show, the final four were tasked with picking a song that inspired them and then choosing a tune from the formidable songbook of legendary songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller ("Stand By Me," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock").
Oh, and Lady Gaga popped in to mentor them. So, like, no pressure.
James Durbin busted out of the gate with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," as his inspirational song. It was fine. He hit some high notes and had the right bar rock atmospherics, but it felt a bit karaoke and not quite as special as his previous efforts.
Jennifer Lopez, though, called it "amazing," loved the song choice...
By Gil Kaufman
Scotty McCreery performs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: Fox
And then there were four. On Wednesday (May 11) night's "American Idol" performance show, the final four were tasked with picking a song that inspired them and then choosing a tune from the formidable songbook of legendary songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller ("Stand By Me," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock").
Oh, and Lady Gaga popped in to mentor them. So, like, no pressure.
James Durbin busted out of the gate with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," as his inspirational song. It was fine. He hit some high notes and had the right bar rock atmospherics, but it felt a bit karaoke and not quite as special as his previous efforts.
Jennifer Lopez, though, called it "amazing," loved the song choice...
- 5/11/2011
- MTV Music News
Talk about one amazing night! Amazing Race winners Meghan Rickey and Cheyne Whitney gathered over 200 of their closest friends and family for their romantic and stylish nuptials Saturday evening at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. "I'm a little bit hoarse, a little sick, but I'm excited," Rickey told People. "This is our day!" Added Whitney: "It's been perfect. The ceremony couldn't have been better." Related: Who Will Win the Amazing Race? With a nod to the Amazing Race, the couple included three teams of contestants from the show in the bridal party: Tiffany Michelle and Maria Ho (professional female...
- 5/8/2011
- by Jennifer Garcia
- PEOPLE.com
The remaining finalists on this season's "American Idol" will be going Gaga next Wednesday. Fox said on Thursday that "Born This Way" chanteuse Lady Gaga will mentor "Idol"'s Top 4 on the May 11 performance episode. The remaining contestants will perform selections from the songbook of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, composers of classics such as "Hound Dog," "Stand by Me" and "Love Potion No. 9," on the episode. Also read: "Lady Gaga's 'Judas' Video Betrays a Familiar Taste for Spectacle" Following Thursday's ouster of Jacob Lusk, the Final 4 consists of Lauren...
- 5/6/2011
- The Wrap
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