Tuesday, February 27, 2007

VH1 Bringing AUSTRALIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL To America

Top Models Know No Borders - VH1 Brings Australia’s Next Top Model Exclusively To U.S.

Based On The Wildly Successful AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

AUSTRALIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL Premieres Monday March 5 At 10 PM (EST)

"America’s Next Top Model" is not only a watercooler show in the United States, but also an international sensation. The highly rated versions of the American franchise air in 17 countries around the world. Beginning Monday, March 5 at 10PM (EST), VH1 will premiere the Australian version of this popular franchise for the first time in America. "Australia’s Next Top Model" is ’Down Under’s spin on the franchise, which was created and co-produced by Tyra Banks.

Hosted by model/presenter Erika Heynatz, the eight episode series will chart the sometimes staggering and always eye-catching transformation of 10 hopefuls into potential working models. The 10 finalists spent two months living together in a penthouse in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Darling Point while filming the series.

In each episode, the program’s panel of judges -- including leading fashion designer and former model booker Alex Perry, celebrity fashion stylist Ken Thompson and former U.S. Harper’s Bazaar Managing Editor Marguerite Kramer -- assess task performance and potential. After each critique, one girl is sent home until only one remains.

Aside from the stress of learning the ropes of the business, the finalists also have to deal with the ups and downs of ’model house’ life: tears and tantrums, accusations of fake breasts and theft. Then there are the cheating claims, the ’you’re too skinny’ taunts and all the high drama you’d expect when you put 10 competitive and hugely ambitious girls under one roof! The winner takes home a prize package including a trip to fashion capital Milan, where she will meet with the renowned Fashion agency, an eight-page spread in Cleo magazine, a Napoleon cosmetics campaign and representation from CHIC Model Management.

Visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/ for more information on "Australia’s Next Top Model." VSPOT, VH1’s broadband channel (http://vspot.vh1.com) will offer weekly sneak peek clips leading up to each on-air premiere.

MTV Announces Contest For Viewer Appearance On MTV Road Rules 2007

MTV And Ask.Com Want You On MTV Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge

’You In The Crew’ Sweepstakes Offers Viewers The Chance To Grab A Seat On The Road Rules RV

"Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge" Airs Tuesdays On MTV At 9:00 P.M. ET/PT

Ever dream of touring the country in an RV and hanging out with the Road Rules crew? MTV and Ask.com(R), the official search engine of MTV Road Rules, are making it happen with the ’You in the Crew’ sweepstakes introduced this week at ask.mtv.com. ’You in the Crew’ gives viewers the chance to be a member of the Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge Pit Crew and possibly win a coveted seat in the RV with the rest of the Road Rules team. ’Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge’ airs Tuesdays on MTV at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.

To play, visit ask.mtv.com and complete the weekly Ask.com Search Mission. Keyword hints make it a snap to find the information you need on Ask.com (http://www.ask.com/). Get the Search Mission correct and you are automatically entered for a chance to be a part of the Pit Crew. It’s that easy, and it’s the only possible way to join this year’s Road Rulers!

"We’re thrilled to partner with Ask.com in a way that truly reflects the interactive spirit of ’Road Rules’," said Tim Rosta, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing, MTV. "The ’You in the Crew’ sweepstakes is another example of how we’re responding to our viewers’ love of reality and their simultaneous use of the Web, putting a whole new meaning to Viewers Revenge."

The Ask.com Search Mission will be featured each week for the next five weeks. That gives fans up to six chances to win their spot on the Road Rules Pit Crew.

"How cool is it to get a chance to travel the country with the crew?" said Serin Silva, director of marketing for Ask.com. "Ask.com is thrilled to partner with MTV to offer this new take on Road Rules, and give viewers access to the best search results online. The open road, voting rights, bringing it all online -- what more could Ask.com want?"

About Road Rules

"Road Rules" returns, and for the first time ever, the audience is in control of the game. With a real-time shoot schedule, viewers rule this new season as they call the shots to determine who ends up in the elimination round at the end of each episode and who replaces the loser.

The new season kicked off with six "Road Rules" veterans as they hit the road and face-off in a series of adventures and competitions. At the end of each mission, the cast members will nominate one male and one female cast member for possible elimination. Viewers can then log on to roadrules.mtv.com where they vote which of the two will enter the elimination round against a replacement cast member, also selected by fans on mtv.com from a roster of possible competitors. With the match up in place, the elimination round is then played out for fans to see only on mtv.com. "Road Rules" is Executive Produced by Jonathan Murray and Joey Carson. Jacquelyn French and Drew Tappon are Executives in Charge for MTV.

Monday, February 26, 2007

FOX Announces Performers For AMERICAN IDOL - Includes Jennifer Lopez, Martina McBride And Gwen Stefani

Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi, Barry Gibb, Jennifer Lopez, Lulu, Martina McBride, Peter Noone, Diana Ross And Gwen Stefani To Appear On AMERICAN IDOL On FOX

Former Idols Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler Return to IDOL Stage

AMERICAN IDOL’s sixth season continues to shine, with nine new celebrity coaches and guests scheduled to appear on the show. On last week’s results show, Ryan Seacrest announced that Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi, Barry Gibb, Jennifer Lopez, Lulu, Martina McBride, Peter Noone, Diana Ross and Gwen Stefani will join the list of top musical talents who have made appearances on AMERICAN IDOL. In addition, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood and Season Five finalist Kellie Pickler will perform on the show this season. Last Thursday night, Season Three winner Fantasia had the audience on its feet with her rendition of "I’m Here" from the musical "The Color Purple," in which she will be starring on Broadway.

Celebrities in Alphabetical Order:

Tony Bennett is one of a handful of artists to have new albums charting in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond. Signed to Columbia Records in 1950 he has a string of hits such including such chart-toppers as "Because of You," "Rags to Riches" "Cold, Cold Heart," and his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." He has released over 100 albums and has sold over 50 million records worldwide. Bennett has won 14 Grammy Awards, is a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and is a Kennedy Center Honoree. His latest CD, TONY BENNETT DUETS: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC recently won three Grammys awards has become Bennett’s highest charting CD of his career and has been certified platinum in just three months since its release.

Bon Jovi, over the past two decades, has earned the loyalty of legions of fans around the globe. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and, since forming in 1984, Bon Jovi has performed more than 2500 concerts in 50 countries before more than 32 million people. Bon Jovis last album, the multi platinum-selling "Have A Nice Day", was the band’s ninth studio album. Released in September 2005, the album produced the hit songs, "Have A Nice Day" and the Grammy winning "Who Says You Can′t Go Home". The "Have A Nice Day World Tour" that followed the release of the album was one of the top-grossing tours of last year. Most recently, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, and Tico Torres have been in and out of New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, hard at work on a brand new Bon Jovi album slated for release this year.

Barry Gibb is an eight-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer who along with his brothers formed the Bee Gees, the most successful brother group in history. Their incredible career has spanned five decades and yielded more than 19 No. 1 records in North America. As an individual writer, Gibb became the second-most successful songwriter after Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

The three brothers wrote the feature songs for "Saturday Night Fever," which is still rated as the No. 1 soundtrack of all time. Five of their songs were in the Top 10 and three in the Top 5 during 1978. They were the only group apart from the Beatles to achieve six No. 1s in a row in the U.S. Their greatest honors include induction in the International Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the British Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ivor Novello Fellowship Award, bringing the fellowship group to 11.

Jennifer Lopez, platinum-selling vocalist, movie star, movie producer and entrepreneur, gets respect wherever she goes. On March 27, Lopez will begin a new phase in her career with the release of her first all-Spanish album, "Como Ama Una Mujer" (How a Woman Loves). An electrifying concept album of state-of-the-art Latin pop, it shows Lopez growing into a new musical maturity with lyrics telling a dramatic story of love and separation, and the courage necessary to find hope and new beginnings. The first single is the propulsive opening song, "Que Hiciste" (What Did You Do?), composed by Julio Reyes.

Lulu is a Scottish singer, songwriter, actor, model and television personality who has been successful in the entertainment business since the 1960s. In 1981, Lulu returned to the U.S. charts with "I Could Never Miss You (More Than I Do)," a Top-20 hit that also reached No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart despite stalling at No. 62 in the UK. She won the Rear of the Year award in 1983 and re-recorded a number of her songs. These included "Shout," which reached the Top 10 in 1986 in the UK, securing her a performance spot on the popular BBC music program "Top of the Pops." Lulu made her debut as a film actress in "To Sir, with Love," a British vehicle for Sidney Poitier. She also had a major hit with the title song "To Sir, with Love," which shot to number one in the United States. 2003 autobiography is called Don′t Wanna Fight No More after a hit song she and her brother wrote for Tina Turner, which is a song that Lulu later released in 2003, along with her The Greatest Hits album.

Martina McBride, whose powerhouse voice has earned her 23 career nominations and four Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, tying her with Reba McEntire for the most wins in this category, was the only solo female in the Top 10 Country Tours of 2006. With over 16 million albums sold and 22 Top-10 hits, McBride has earned her place as the top female country artist. Her current Top-10 hit "Anyway" is her first co-writing credit, the fastest-rising single of her career and the first single from her self-produced album "Waking Up Laughing," which will be released on RCA Records April 3.

Peter Noone is an English singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and actor. He became a pop music star in the 1960s, at the height of the British Invasion spearheaded by the phenomenal success of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Herman’s Hermits. Noone was lead singer, spokesperson and front man of the now-legendary 1960s rock group Herman’s Hermits, which sold over 65 million records and had 11 Top-10 hits. As "Herman," the photogenic Noone graced the cover of nearly every international publication, including TIME magazine. More recently, he was the host of VH1’s "My Generation" from 1989 to 1993, and in 2001 he was voted VH1’s Sexiest Artist.

Diana Ross, in a remarkable career spanning over 40 years, has proven to be the consummate music artist, as well as one of the iconic female singers of all time. Beginning in the 1960s as lead singer of the world-renowned group The Supremes, and as a solo performer, Ross achieved the unprecedented feat of 12 No. 1 singles in the U.S., rivaled only by The Beatles for the position of the biggest hit group of that generation. Other accomplishments include an Oscar® nomination for her first film role, an extraordinary performance as Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings The Blues." She recently returned to the U.S. charts with her highest-debuting album in two decades, "I Love You."

Gwen Stefani is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and fashion designer. She joined Orange County, CA, ska band No Doubt in 1988. The group’s third album, "Tragic Kingdom" (1995), propelled them to stardom and sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "Just a Girl," "Spiderwebs" and the No. 1 smash "Don’t Speak." Stefani recorded her first solo album, the three-times-platinum "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.", in 2004. Its massive single "Hollaback Girl" became the first U.S. digital download to exceed sales of 1 million copies, and "Rich Girl" and "Cool" were two of 2005’s most popular radio singles. "The Sweet Escape" (2006), Stefani’s follow-up album, includes the hit "Wind It Up" and the title track "The Sweet Escape" (featuring Akon), which is currently No. 3 on Billboards Hot 100. Stefani is also known as a fashion trendsetter. She debuted her signature clothing line L.A.M.B. in 2003; a second line of accessories called Harajuku Lovers followed in 2005.

BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN Premieres Tonight On The Travel Channel

Packing an open and curious mind, a strong stomach, and a healthy appetite for travel, internationally renowned chef and food writer, Andrew Zimmern knows all about the global pantry, and is prepared to share that knowledge with viewers. On BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN, premiering February 26 at 9 PM (ET/PT), he sets out to taste local delicacies from around the globe - even when the delicacies are goat’s head, tongue salad, and pigeon pie.

Through his own extensive travel background, Andrew has determined that one of the best ways to understand a culture fully is by learning about the traditional fare that has fed the native population for centuries. He knows that what seems foreign, unusual, and even highly unappetizing on one side of the planet may be a sacred dish on the other. Partaking in such experiences often proves the best way to appreciate a new culture and see the country.

Holding tight to the mantra, "If it looks good, eat it, and if it tastes good have seconds", Andrew tastes his way around the world eating lamb’s eyes, boiled cow hooves, fried crickets, snail porridge, and even jellied moose nose. Exposing the beauty of both the locations and the traditions behind the foods he consumes, he broadens the viewers’ culinary horizons, and encourages their palates to venture outside grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers and take a chance to taste the world!

BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN takes Andrew to the kitchens, open markets and cafes of Morocco, Spain, the Philippines, Ecuador, New York City, the United Kingdom, Scotland, the Gulf Coast, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Alaska, China, Tibet, and Mongolia, sampling an eclectic array of local cuisine.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL Returns Next Wednesday - Episodes Also Available On iTunes

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL returns next Wednesday night (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) for a brand new season with a two hour premiere entitled "The Girl Who Won’t Stop Talking"

Tyra Banks flies 32 aspiring models to Los Angeles, and they are immediately thrown into model boot-camp led by glam squad captains Jay Manuel and J. Alexander. Tyra surprises the girls with a military-style pep talk, and the competition gets rough as strong personalities rise and the catfights begin. The final 13 move into their extravagant Hollywood Hills mansion and are whisked away to their first photo shoot with Nigel Barker. The shoot proves to be controversial and has one model very confused. Special guests include designer Marc Ecko, music producer Jermaine Dupri, photographer Nigel Barker and stylist Phillip Bloch.

Episodes of the hit dramality series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL featuring Tyra Banks will be available on iTunes in early March, after premiere of the show’s new season. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. The series follows a group of young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes, who live together and vie for a modeling contract.

Episodes on iTunes will be priced at $1.99 each.

Tonight on SURVIVOR: FIJI- The Ravu Tribe Attempts To Make Fire With A Pair Of Eyeglasses

"This Isn’t Survival...It’s Thrival" - Although the Moto Tribe is thriving at their camp, one member begins to experience serious health problems. The Ravu Tribe attempts to make fire with a pair of eyeglasses. The third person is voted off the island, on SURVIVOR: FIJI, this evening (Feb. 22 - 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

CASTAWAYS:

MOTO TRIBE: Alex Angarita, Kenward "Boo" Bernis, Cassandra Franklin, Liliana Gomez, Andre "Dreamz" Herd, Stacy Kimball, Lisi Lisette, Edgardo Rivera, Gary Stritesky

RAVU TRIBE: Yau-Man Chan, Earl Cole, Jessica deBen (1st Voted Off), Erica Durousseau (2nd Voted Out), Sylvia Kwan, Mookie Lee, James "Rocky" Reid, Anthony Robinson, Rita Verreos, Michelle Yi

SURVIVOR: FIJI is hosted by Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are the executive producers. Doug McCallie and Kevin Greene are co-executive producers. For more detailed information on SURVIVOR: FIJI and the 19 new castaways, log on to http://www.cbs.com/.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Top 24 AMERICAN IDOL SEMIFINALISTS Revealed - Performances Begin Tonight

Top 24 AMERICAN IDOL Semifinalists Revealed!
America Begins Voting For Favorite Contestants Tonight
Guys Compete Tuesday, February 20 And Girls Compete Wednesday, February 21
First Live Results Show Airs Thursday, February 22, On Fox

Last week, auditions ended for the sixth season of AMERICAN IDOL and the judges’ Top 24 semifinalists were revealed. Starting tonight, the 24 contestants will be split into two groups - 12 males and 12 females - who will each perform a song of his or her choice for America. The fate of these 24 contestants - one of whom will be the next American Idol - now rests in the viewers’ hands. See what happens when the competition heats up, nerves rattle and contestants shine or fizzle out on the season’s first performance shows Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Then tune in to see who America chooses to continue in the competition when two males and two females are eliminated on the first results show of Season Six Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

The Top 12 male singers will perform Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. At the end of the show, the phone lines will open for two hours and AMERICAN IDOL viewers will vote for their favorite male contestant(s). Fans can use the branded toll-free telephone numbers (1-866-IDOLS-01, -02, etc.) until 12:00 AM ET/PT (11:00 PM CT/MT), subject to time zone restrictions, or vote via text messaging from their Cingular Wireless phones. Cingular Wireless customers can send the word "vote" to the four-digit short number (5701, 5702, etc.) representing the contestant of their choice.

The Top 12 female singers will perform Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. At the end of the show, the phone lines will again open for two hours and AMERICAN IDOL viewers will vote for their favorite female contestant(s) from Wednesday′s episode. As on Tuesday, fans can call the branded toll-free telephone numbers (1-866-IDOLS-01, -02, etc.) until 12:00 AM ET/PT (11:00 PM CT/MT), subject to time zone restrictions, or vote via text messaging from their Cingular Wireless phones. Cingular Wireless customers can send the word "vote" to the four-digit short number (5701, 5702, etc.) representing the contestant of their choice.

On Thursday’s LIVE results show, the semifinalists will take the stage to find out their fate. The two lowest vote-getters from Tuesday and Wednesday’s shows will be eliminated from the competition live Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Meet Your 24 Semifinalists:

Male singers scheduled to perform Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) include:

Rudy Cardenas (28) - Currently lives in North Hollywood, CA, but grew up in Denver, CO. Cardenas was born in Venezuela and has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.

Jared Cotter (25) - Grew up in Kew Gardens, NY, and currently lives in West Orange, NJ. He has a degree in business management from Five Towns College, Long Island.

Sundance Head (28) - Currently lives in Porter, TX, and is the son of Roy Head (who had a No. 1 song in 1965, "Treat Her Right"). His life has been centered around music and he can play five instruments.

Paul Kim (25) - Currently lives in Saratoga, CA, and is working as a pool maintenance technician. He grew up with a love of soul music and enjoys gardening.

Blake Lewis (25) - Currently lives in Bothell, WA, and began "beat boxing" in his senior year of high school. Lewis was a member of a youth choir group that traveled to Europe.

Sanjaya Malakar (17) - Currently lives in Federal Way, WA, and comes from a family of singers. He spent four years in Hawaii performing with the Hawaii Children’s Theater.

Chris Richardson (22) - Currently lives in Chesapeake, VA, and is a supervisor at a restaurant. He was born in Belgium into a military family and performs at local clubs.

Nick Pedro (25) - Currently lives in Taunton, MA, and made it to Hollywood last season. Pedro has performed at talent shows and is an account executive.

Brandon Rogers (29) - From North Hollywood, CA, but spent six years in Dallas. Rogers has been singing for as long as he can remember. He works as a voice coach, wedding singer and background singer. His mother is a published songwriter.

Phil Stacey (29) - Currently lives in Jacksonville, FL; however, he grew up in Cincinnati. Stacy has a degree in vocal performance and is a singer in the Navy. He is married with two children.

Chris Sligh (28) - Currently lives in Greenville, SC, and is the son of missionaries. Sligh spent 10 years with his family in Germany. Since attending Bob Jones University, he has traveled and performed with a band.

AJ Tabaldo (22) - Currently lives in Santa Maria, CA, and has been singing since the age of 5. He is a supervisor for a shipping service.

Female singers scheduled to perform Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) include:

Alaina Alexander (24) - Currently lives in West Hollywood, CA, and has been singing all her life. Her favorite artist is Mariah Carey. She has been pursuing a career in music but almost gave up her dream until she made it on AMERICAN IDOL.

Antonella Barba (20) - From Point Pleasant, NJ, Barba attends Catholic University in Washington, DC, pursuing an architecture degree. She began singing in sixth grade and once toured with the Monmouth Conservatory of Music in England.

Melinda Doolittle (29) - Currently lives in Brentwood, TN. Doolittle is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville and has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music. She is a backup singer on stage and in the studio.

Stephanie Edwards (19) - Currently lives in Savannah, GA. Edwards sang at the famed Apollo Theater when she appeared on ÒItÕs Showtime at the Apollo.Ó She has won every singing contest she has ever entered.

Gina Glocksen (22) - Currently lives in Naperville, IL, and works as a dental assistant. Glocksen also performs in a cover band. She tried out for AMERICAN IDOL last season and made it to Day 4 of the Hollywood Round.

Leslie Hunt (24) - Currently lives in Chicago, IL. Hunt is a dog walker who is studying to become a dog trainer. She also plays the piano.

Lakisha Jones (27) - Grew up in Flint, MI, and began singing at age 5. Gospel is her Jones’ favorite type of music but she has trained formally in classical music.

Amy Krebs (22) - Currently lives in Federal Way, WA. Krebs has been singing since she was a small child and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She is fluent in German and lived in Germany for three years.

Haley Scarnato (24) - Currently lives in San Antonio, TX. Scarnato, who recently became engaged, has been performing as a freelance singer since she was 15 years old and considers Celine Dion her hero.

Jordin Sparks (17) - Currently lives in Glendale, AZ. Sparks began singing when she was only 18 months old. She won the "Arizona Idol" contest. Her favorite band is Something Corporate.

Sabrina Sloan (27) - Currently lives in Studio City, CA. Sloan attended the Northwestern University music and theater program and has performed across the country with the touring production of "Hairspray."

Nicole Tranquillo (20) - Currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, where she is a vocal major at the University of the Arts. Tranquillo began taking voice lessons when she was 12 years old.

The Harsh Reality Of Modeling Industry In THE AGENCY - Premieres On VH1 Tonight

Top Models Are Perfection. Sometimes The Industry Can Be Anything But.

VH1 Goes Inside The Wilhelmina Modeling Agency To Reveal The Pressure Behind The Posing

Infiltrating the modeling industry like no other television series has, THE AGENCY takes a stark look at the men and women who search for, mold, scold and comfort raw, young beauties -- all in an effort to groom the world’s most marketable people. The series is not just about glamour. It’s about the harsh realities of a business in which millions of dollars are at stake daily, and the competition for landing high-end models and campaigns can lead to both euphoric victories and bitter defeats.

Taking a rare look at client meetings, casting calls, and backstage at fashion shows, THE AGENCY casts an unblinking eye on the super-high-stress jobs of the people who are completely hooked on the business of brokering beauty. It explores the complex, up-and-down relationships between the agents and their models--who are sometimes na•ve, insecure, vulnerable women and men who must be parented and then delivered on time and looking fabulous to demanding clients.

Catch the first episode of the THE AGENCY on VSPOT, VH1’s broadband channel (http://vspot.vh1.com). Subsequent episodes will be available on VSPOT each Saturday following the show’s Tuesday night premiere on VH1.

Additionally, the premiere episode of THE AGENCY has been offered as a free download on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com). The rest of the season will be available for purchase and download on iTunes for $1.99 per episode the day following each week’s on-air broadcast.

In conjunction with the premiere of THE AGENCY, VH1.com is launching a "Win a Day in the Life of a Model" contest. From February 12 - April 30 visit http://win.vh1.com for your chance to win a 3 day/2 night trip to New York City for a consultation and $1,000 shopping trip with a Style.com stylist, a Wilhelmina agency walk-through and photo opportunity with models and the show’s cast, and a night out on the town for dinner and drinks at the hot New York nightclub Nikki Beach Midtown.

TV Guide Channel Announces Casting Call For AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER

TV Guide Channel Announces New Reality Competition Series from the Executive Producers of Project Runway and Top Chef

AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER on TV Guide Channel Seeks Hollywood’s Most Talented TV Producer in 10 Episode Series

TV Guide Channel, a leading television entertainment network providing original programming to more than 80 million homes, and Magical Elves, executive producers of "Project Runway," "Top Chef" and "Project Greenlight," today announced AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER, a 10 episode reality competition series that will give a group of television and video producers the chance to prove they have what it takes to create the next generation of TV hits. Contestants will be judged on their abilities to create and execute compelling TV concepts in a variety of genres from scripted to reality. Contestants will have varying levels of TV production experience and will compete each week to survive elimination rounds. The winner of the new TV Guide Channel series will receive the ultimate TV producer prize package: $100,000 cash, a production office in Hollywood, and a first-look deal with TV Guide Channel. The host and judges for AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER will include a mix of celebrities, accomplished TV producers and industry deal-makers who are stars of the TV business today.

"AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER is TV Guide Channel’s biggest original television production to date and a brand defining show for our network as we evolve into a programming destination for TV fans," said Ryan O’Hara, President of TV Guide Channel. "Magical Elves has proven that they are TV hit-makers and we are excited to partner with them on our first reality competition TV series AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER."

"We know from our own experience what a dramatic, creative, varied and entertaining world exists behind the camera, but a lot of people don’t know what a producer really does," said Dan Cutforth, Co-Founder of Magical Elves and Executive Producer of AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER. "We’re excited to give some talented producers a chance to show the world what they can do, and what it takes to create television."

A nationwide search for contestants on AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER has already begun. Eligible parties may enter through traditional means, or by participating in a user-generated video contest hosted by TV Guide Channel in partnership with Jumpcut, a Yahoo! company. Entry options are as follows:

OPTION 1
Submit An Application: Download an application at www.tvguidechannel.com and submit it along with a bio video and reel.

OPTION 2
Attend an Open Call: Attend a casting call in Chicago (February 24), Los Angeles (March 10) or New York (March 16 and 18). For specific times and locations, please visit www.tvguidechannel.com.

OPTION 3
AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER Search Contest: In partnership with Jumpcut, TV Guide Channel is sponsoring a user-generated video contest. Starting February 22, contestants can submit a short personal bio video online at www.tvguidechannel.com. The top three videos will be selected and posted online on March 19, and consumers will have one week to vote on their favorite. The video that receives the most votes will be announced on March 30 and its creator will be offered a contestant spot on AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Cast Announced PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL - Premieres March 6th

Don′t Cha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like The Nine Finalists Of PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL On The CW

Nine finalists will attempt to unleash their inner Pussycat Doll as they sing, dance and compete to become the newest member of the chart-topping, multi-platinum group in PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL, premiering Tuesday, March 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET) on The CW.

PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL participants are:

Name: Anastacia
Age: 23
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Current Location: West Hollywood, California
Occupation: Make-up Artist/Choreographer/Dancer/Lyricist

Name: Asia
Age: 18
Hometown & Current Location: Mt. Vernon, New York
Occupation: Knick City Dancer

Name: Brittany
Age: 20
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Current Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Occupation: Manager of a night club/Singer/Dancer/Model

Name: Chelsea
Age: 20
Hometown & Current Location: Cooper City, Florida
Occupation: Waitress/Singer/Dancer

Name: Jaime
Age: 21
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current Location: New York City, New York
Occupation: Production Assistant/Singer/Dancer

Name: Mariela
Age: 24
Hometown: Coconut Grove, Florida
Current Location: Miami, Florida
Occupation: Dancer

Name: Melissa R.
Age: 18
Hometown & Current Location: Cypress, California
Occupation: Performer

Name: Melissa S.
Age: 24
Hometown: Auburn Hills, Michigan and Toronto, Canada
Current Location: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Singer/Dancer/Actress

Name: Sisely
Age: 25
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Current Location: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Singer/Dancer/Actress/Dance Instructor

PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL is a behind-the-scenes look at the process of selecting a beautiful and talented singer/dancer who has what it takes to join one of the world′s most successful performing and recording acts. Some of the gorgeous and gifted participants are great singers, some are great dancers, some have a creative style all their own, but the winner of the competition will be the one who combines all these talents to unleash her inner Pussycat Doll. Out of the thousands of gifted hopefuls who audition, only one of these young women will make it through the challenges and undergo a total transformation to win her place in the spotlight as the newest member of the Pussycat Dolls.

Judges on the series include the group′s founder and choreographer, Robin Antin, along with Ron Fair, Chairman of Geffen Records, and Grammy Award-winning performing artist Lil′ Kim. As they guide the young contestants through auditions and challenges, the judges′ personal styles sometimes clash, but their brutally honest critiques are intended to bring out the best in each performer. The Pussycat Dolls′ lead singer and spokesperson, Nicole Scherzinger, is an inspiring role model to the participants. New dance routines in the Dolls′ unmistakable style are created by Antin and co-choreographer Mikey Minden, who teach the girls one demanding number after another. In addition, Antin is on hand to take the participants through each challenge and demonstrate what it takes to become a Pussycat Doll. Antin′s brother, hairstylist Jonathan Antin of "Blowout" fame, is on board for sexy hairstyle makeovers. Another important member of the team is singer/songwriter Mark McGrath ("Extra" and Sugar Ray), who serves as the show′s host.

After a nationwide audition process, the judges narrowed the dancers down to the final diverse group of nine young women, who move into a loft in Los Angeles during the competition. Each episode has a specific theme confidence, creativity and style are just a few of the themes addressed. Challenges include ballet dancing in toe shoes, designing an original Pussycat Doll-style outfit and learning a dance routine with male partners.

In addition to Nicole, other members of the Pussycat Dolls provide advice and empower the girls to give their all during each challenge. Along the way, there are plenty of surprises, including celebrity guests and unexpected trips.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

ABC Announces THE NEXT BEST THING: WHO IS THE GREATEST CELEBRITY IMPERSONATOR? (FKA THE IMPOSTER)

Production Begins March 5 On THE NEXT BEST THING: WHO IS THE GREATEST CELEBRITY IMPERSONATOR? (FKA "THE IMPOSTER"), An Hour-Long Weekly Alternative Series Slated For Summer 2007 On ABC

From producers Peter Engel and Barry Katz (both of "Last Comic Standing"), "The Next Best Thing: Who is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?" (fka "The Imposter") begins production March 5, 2007, with auditions in Los Angeles, CA. The hour-long alternative series on the search to find the best celebrity impersonator is scheduled to air this summer on the ABC Television Network.

Auditions will be held in four cities - Los Angeles (March 5-6), Las Vegas (March 11-12), New York (March 20-21) and Orlando (March 28-29). Contestants advancing from the regional auditions will move on to the semifinals. Ten contestants will emerge from the semis, and America will vote to crown The Next Best Thing. Locations of semis and finals TBD.

Audition Locations:

Los Angeles, March 5-6: Tribune Studios
5800 Sunset Blvd., Studio 9C
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Las Vegas, March 11-12: Rain Nightclub
Palms Casino Resort
4321 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103

New York, March 20-21: Caroline′s on Broadway
1626 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

Orlando, March 28-29: Disney MGM Studios
Sounds Dangerous Theater
3111 World Drive
Orlando, FL 32830

Michele Merkin ("Food Call," "Extreme Dodgeball") will host. Actress-comedian Lisa Ann Walters has been signed as a judge. The other two judges will be named at a later date.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

DEADLIEST CATCH Returns For A Third Season In April For Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel’s Emmy-Nominated Series DEADLIEST CATCH Returns for a Third Season in April

Gripping Series Follows Crab Fishermen as They Risk Their Lives in Search of Fortune

The fleet of crab-fishing boats that captivated nearly three million viewers each week on Discovery Channel’s Emmy(R)-nominated series DEADLIEST CATCH returns on Tuesday, April 3, at 9 PM (ET/PT) for a third season of life-or-death adventures on the high seas. Viewers once again voyage to the Bering Sea and follow the brave captains and crews of eight crab-fishing vessels as they struggle against treacherous weather conditions doing one of the deadliest -- and most lucrative -- jobs in the world.

Filming of the new season of DEADLIEST CATCH -- Discovery Channel’s highest-rated series of 2006 -- is currently under way. With red king crab season completed, captains and crews are on the Bering Sea tempting fate in the hunt for opilio crab. Fishermen are enduring subzero arctic weather, 60- mph winds and turbulent seas with waves the size of four-story buildings -- all on three to four hours of sleep each night. To add to the weather nightmare, a thousand gallons of water crashes on the deck every 30 seconds, freezing as it hits the boat. To prevent the boat from becoming too top-heavy and capsizing at sea, deckhands are continuously forced to stop fishing and spend hours clearing the ice with sledgehammers.

In conditions like this, it’s not uncommon for deckhands to experience stage one hypothermia, whose symptoms include shivering, poor coordination, slurred speech and poor judgement -- all factors that contribute to the danger associated with crab fishing on the Bering Sea.

This season, viewers will get a more in-depth look at the men who put their lives on the line in search of modern-day buried treasure -- Alaskan crab.

Returning to DEADLIEST CATCH this year are the men of the Northwestern, led by Captain Sig Hansen; Captain Phil Harris and his crew of the Cornelia Marie, including sons Jake and greenhorn Josh; Captain Johnathan Hillstrand (king crab season) and Captain Andy Hillstrand (opilio crab season) of the Time Bandit; and greenhorn Captain Blake Painter (king crab season) of the Maverick and his new hand-picked crew, along with Rick Quashnick (opilio crab season) with his wife Donna.

New to DEADLIEST CATCH this season are the men of the Wizard, led by Captain Keith Colburn; Captain Greg Moncrief of the Farwest Leader, who is joined on board by his wife Ragnhild; Captain Allen Oakley of the Early Dawn and his crew, including greenhorn Bryan Mezich; and the crew of the Aleutian Ballad, with Captain Corky Tilley at the helm and son Matthew and daughter Nicole on deck.

In addition to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and online chats, this year’s DEADLIEST CATCH fansite offers viewers a chance to put their own crab- fishing skills to the test -- in the comfort of their own homes. To coincide with the season premiere on April 3, Discovery Channel will launch an online game at discovery.com/DeadliestCatch where people can compete with other virtual skippers to find out who has what it takes to bring their crews home safely and with money in their pockets. Players select their boat and crew and navigate to fishing spots in hopes of pulling in a big haul and an even bigger payday. Prizes will be awarded to the top skippers.

INTERVENTION Returns For A Third Season Beginning Friday, March 16th

A&E Network′s Documentary Series INTERVENTION - Returns For A Third Season Beginning Friday, March 16th

A&E Network’s acclaimed documentary series INTERVENTION, which profiles people who are struggling with addictions and the friends and family members who are seeking to help them, returns for a third season in a new timeslot, Fridays at 10:00pm EST/PST beginning March 16th.

INTERVENTION is a powerful and gripping series in which people confront their darkest demons and seek a route to redemption. The series profiles people whose dependence on drugs and alcohol or other compulsive behavior has brought them to a point of personal crisis and estranged them from their friends and loved ones. Each episode ends with a surprise intervention that is staged by the family and friends of the addict, and which is conducted by one of four specialists: Jeff VanVonderen, Candy Finningan, Ken Seeley and Tara Fields.

INTERVENTION raises awareness about the alternatives and treatment options available to those who suffer from an addiction, and gives hope to families who have nowhere left to turn. Out of the 61 interventions featured since the series premiere in March of 2004, 59 individuals have successfully entered treatment. Last year, INTERVENTION ranked as A&E’s #2 series after Dog The Bounty Hunter in Adults 18-49 (1.0 million) and Adults 25-54 (952,000).

Robert Sharenow and Colleen Conway are the executive producers for A&E Network. INTERVENTION is produced for A&E Network by GRB. Bryn Freedman is executive producer and Sam Mettler is creator and executive producer for GRB.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

VH1 Announces New Reality Series ROCK OF LOVE WITH BRET MICHAELS

Poison Front Man Bret Michaels Administers a Dose of Love to a Bevy of Beauties in the New Reality Series ROCK OF LOVE WITH BRET MICHAELS

The Ten Episode Series Premieres in July

Hot on the heels of VH1’s record breaking hits, "Flavor of Love" and "I Love New York," comes a fresh new take on this wildly exciting relationship show. Known as the bandana-clad, blue- eyed lead singer/songwriter from one of today’s legendary rock bands, Bret Michaels has been handpicked by VH1 and producers Mark Cronin & Cris Abrego to take this series to all new heights of rock-n-roll insanity! The hard-rockin’ Poison front man is looking for a woman who can truly keep up with his rock-n- roll lifestyle and not become jealous of his one true passion -- performing which has been the reason for and destruction of most of his relationships. As VH1’s hottest eligible bachelor, a bevy of beauties will vie to win his heart in the new series "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" premiering in July.

With twenty years of continuous multi-platinum success, sold-out tours and a couple of high-profile relationships that never led to the altar, Michaels is ready to wear his heart on his sleeve. The series will focus on the never- before-revealed private side of Michaels. With that said, the casting executives have received an overwhelming response from female fans of all ages. Residing with Michaels in his Los Angeles rock palace, these women will be tested on their devotion to him and their love and understanding of all that is rock-n-roll. To help narrow the field, Michaels will put these women through various challenges. The ladies who win these challenges will join Michaels on some wild and exclusive excursions, while those who can't hang like true backstage VIPs will be escorted out in bona fide rock star fashion.

Whether it’s partying on the tour bus, jetting-off to a sun-kissed beach, or hanging with Michaels’ celebrity friends, this 10-part series follows these lucky ladies on the rollercoaster ride of their lives. They’ll all get a taste of living the rock star life, but in the end, only one lucky lady will win an all access pass to his heart.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Supermodel Petra Nemcova To Host New Reality Modeling Series for TLC

TLC Green Lights Series Hosted by Supermodel and Activist Petra Nemcova

TLC has given a green light to an eight-part series starring international supermodel and activist Petra Nemcova. THE PETRA NEMCOVA PROJECT (wt) is being produced for TLC by 25/7 Productions in association with The Mottola Company. Dave Broome is the executive producer for 25/7, Tommy Mottola and Jeb Brien are executive producers for The Mottola Company and Sara Kozak is executive producer for TLC.

The series travels the globe in search of undiscovered model talent, who will be brought to New York to audition for potential contracts with NEXT Model Management. Petra Nemcova will serve as a mentor and friend to the prospective models, as they learn the business of fashion and modeling. Using her own life experiences, Petra will advise the models on how to succeed in the fashion industry, and will also underscore the importance of having a well-rounded life, including giving back to communities important to each of them. NEXT will ultimately determine how many of the models deserve a contract with the agency.

"In a television environment flooded with competition-based reality shows, we wanted to create a series that goes behind the scenes of the real modeling industry and showcases how real women become models," said Christian Drobnyk, senior vice president, programming and development, TLC. "We’re delighted to work with Petra Nemcova, who is not only a supermodel, but is also an amazing role model."

"This is a series about hopes, dreams and aspirations and overcoming the real life obstacles of the modeling industry. I’m excited to show the audience the true competitiveness and often gritty side of becoming successful in this industry," said Dave Broome, executive producer.

"As a model and humanitarian, Petra is constantly raising the bar. I am confident that this new endeavor will achieve the same results," said Tommy Mottola, legendary record executive and executive producer.

Stunning supermodel, Petra Nemcova has taken the fashion industry by storm since she was crowned cover girl of the highly anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2003. She has appeared in advertising campaigns for high-end brands such as Pantene, Lancaster, Graff, La Perla, Max Factor, Clarins, Cartier, Rampage and most recently, Fortunoff. Petra’s sultry looks have been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Ocean Drive and Marie Claire to name a few. A survivor of the 2004 Asian Tsunami, Nemcova founded the Happy Hearts Fund (http://www.happyheartsfund.org/) in 2005 to aid children in need who have suffered loss or hardship as a result of natural, economic or health-related disasters. Happy Hearts has raised over $1.5 million to help children in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Pakistan live healthy, happier lives filled with hope instead of fear.

NBC Announces Casting Call For Returning Hit Reality Show IDENTITY

Open Casting Calls For Individuals with Keen Perception and Instincts Willing to Test Their Impulses for the Chance to Win $500,000 as IDENTITY Contestants

The returning hit game show IDENTITY is in search of contestants willing to take on the ultimate game of "who’s who" for the chance to win $500,000 as casting calls have been set for Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Phoenix and Dallas between February 9 and 24. IDENTITY, which is hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian-magician Penn Jillette, will return to the NBC schedule in the Spring.

IDENTITY is an intense game of impulse and reasoning where keen perception and instincts can lead to big money. Each contestant faces 12 new strangers and a list of 12 new identities. The game unfolds as the contestant picks an identity -- ranging anywhere from a profession to a shoe size -- and tries to match it with one of the 12 strangers. The amount of money the contestant accumulates increases with each correctly identified stranger. If all 12 are matched up correctly, the player is rewarded with the top prize of $500,000.

The series’ casting producers are in search of intuitive and enthusiastic individuals who possess an uncanny ability to read people. Those wishing to face the IDENTITY challenge may obtain applications by visiting www.nbc.com. Candidates may begin lining up one-hour prior to the start time and should arrive with their applications completed. Casting producers will interview candidates on a first-come, first-served basis and some candidates may be asked to play a condensed version of IDENTITY.

The casting calls will be held at the following times and locations:

CHICAGO
(February 9-10)
Hard Rock Cafe
63. W. Ontario Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Friday, February 9
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 10
12 noon to 5 p.m.

LAS VEGAS
(February 12-13)
Doubletree Club - Las Vegas Airport Hotel
7250 Pollock Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
Monday, February 12
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 13
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ATLANTA
(February 16-17)
Gordon Biersch Brewery
848 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Friday, February 16
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 17
Noon to 5 p.m.

PHOENIX
(February 19-20)
Marriott Phoenix Airport Hotel
1101 North 44th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Monday, February 19
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 20
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DALLAS
(February 23-24)
The Westin DFW Airport Hotel
4545 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, Texas 75063
Friday, February 23
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 24
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

TV Guide Channel Announces Their First Reality Show - MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE

TV Guide Channel Greenlights Production of New Original Series MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE

Continuing an aggressive original series production slate, TV Guide Channel, a leading entertainment network providing original programming to over 80 million homes, has started production on a new original weekly series, MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE which will give viewers an inside look at the inner-workings of a local news station in Midland-Odessa, Texas. The 13 episode series began filming in January entirely on location in Midland-Odessa, and is executive produced by Nick Davis Productions. The announcement was made by Ryan O’Hara, President, TV Guide Channel.

"MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE is TV Guide Channel’s first original reality series and as such, we are looking forward to bringing our viewers inside the world of what it takes to produce and broadcast such an important piece of television on a daily basis."

Executive producer Nick Davis says, "When we watch the local news, we all kind of instinctively know that a lot of hard work and effort went into making it, but I don’t think most of us know how incredibly frantic, funny, and improvised the making of a local news broadcast can be." Davis continues, "With KOSA-TV allowing us to be here with our cameras, now we’ll be able to show viewers that process from start to finish, and get to know a really incredible group of people who devote their lives to this phenomenon of the local newscast"

Centered around CBS affiliate KOSA-TV Channel 7, MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE will go inside the dramatic and fascinating world of local news and follow the daily struggles of a diverse cast, as they will do anything to get their story and produce their nightly newscasts. Taking an in-depth look at what it takes to run a local news station and the drama that ensues behind-the-scenes which sometimes translates on-screen, the series will focus on the people who put the news together including the anchors, reporters, trainees, and producers.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Open Casting Calls Announced For LAST COMIC STANDING on NBC

The hit reality show LAST COMIC STANDING has announced open casting calls for their next season.

Bring your best 2 minutes!

LAST COMIC STANDING is holding open calls in the following cities. Doors open at 9:00 am.

February 26, 2007
The Hollywood Improv
8162 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

March 21, 2007
Gotham Comedy Club
208 W. 23rd St.
New York, NY 10011

March 27, 2007
Acme Comedy Club
708 N. First St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401

March 30, 2007
River Center Comedy Club
849 E. Commerce St., Suite 893
San Antonio, TX 78205

April 3, 2007
The Tempe Improv
930 E. University Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

They will also be holding auditions in:
Sydney, Australia
London, England
Montreal, Canada
Dates and times to be announced.

Cast Announced For Season Four Of COLLEGE HILL On BET

School’s back in session on COLLEGE HILL 4, TV’s most addictive black reality show. The highly-anticipated fourth season features a new cast of eight students from the University of Virgin Islands St. Thomas. COLLEGE HILL is HBCU college life uncensored and completely unrestricted: from the classroom to chaos -- cultural clashes to crazy sexual escapades, pranks to strict consequences -- the network’s cameras are there 24/7 to catch all of the action.

On this season of COLLEGE HILL, four Virgin Islanders live in a tricked-out pad with a group of California transfer students and it’s not too long before the cultural tension crescendos! This season brings a new combination of saucy, volatile and eclectic personalities with more of the on- and off-campus escapades that have marked its ratings success for the last three seasons. Reality TV reaches new heights as BET’s COLLEGE HILL exposes real student life -- drama and all -- in the quest for higher education!

SHOW PREMIERE: Tuesday, March 6, 2007 @ 10 p.m. ET/PT (special one-hour premiere)

SHOW SCHEDULE: Half hour, 13-episode series

THE CAST:
Willie - 22, Los Angeles, CA, International Marketing
Krystal - 23, Laguna Hills, CA, Broadcast Communications
Jaron "JT" - 20, Los Angeles, CA, Music
Fallon - 21, Inglewood, CA, Communications
Devon "Chicky" - 21, St. Thomas, V.I., Business Administration/CIS
Idesha - 21, St. Thomas, V.I., Biology
Andres - 21, St. Croix, V.I., Business
Vanessa - 22, St. Croix, V.I., Psychology

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS Returns Tonight - Examines Unusual People With Unimaginable Lives

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS, An ABC News Series, Examines Unusual People With Unimaginable Lives

Seven-Part Series Begins Tonight, February 6 at 9:00 p.m., ET.

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS returns to ABC tonight to examine people who live by their own rules and in their own worlds -- worlds that the average person may find unimaginable. Featuring reports from an ensemble of ABC News anchors and correspondents, the limited series takes viewers behind closed doors and into the lives of people outside the bounds of conventional society. PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS will premiere tonight (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network, and will continue to air on Tuesday nights (9:00-10:00 p.m.) through March 20.

The premiere hour follows the story of a successful couple from the Sacramento, California area who seemed to have it all -- until life started to unravel in a baffling way. Richard and Susan Hamlin met in law school and, as he explains it, from then on had a "very blessed life." Richard was a star defense attorney and Susan a corporate lawyer who left her career to become a stay at home mom of their four children. They were part of Sacramento society, consistently on the A-list party circuit of the local social scene. As time went on, however, things started to shift and their marriage began to crumble. And that was just the beginning. Chris Cuomo reports on how their story took a drastic turn the day Susan went into a police precinct to confess to planning the murder of her own husband and to molesting her children. But did it ever happen?

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS examines this compelling story to find out whether Susan’s confessions were real, or if she was in fact being brainwashed by her husband. During the hour, the program follows the trial of Richard Hamlin, who is the defendant here -- not Susan -- charged with torture. Cuomo interviews him, Susan Hamlin, their children and police to get answers. Richard tells Cuomo that Susan’s father is part of a satanic cult -- a cult that police and prosecutors say never existed - and that he is to blame. But ultimately the question remains whether Susan’s husband was capable of physically beating and emotionally brainwashing his wife to believe the unthinkable... and how?

BIG BROTHER 8 Officially Announced By CBS - Coming This Summer

CBS Picks Up The Hit Summer Series BIG BROTHER For Its Eighth Edition

CBS has picked up the reality series BIG BROTHER, hosted by Julie Chen, for an eighth installment to be broadcast this summer.

Last season’s BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS started with 20 All-Star Houseguests and after 71 days and 1,704 hours, Mike "Boogie" Malin, a 35-year-old restaurateur originally from Concord, N.H., was crowned the winner of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS and claimed the $500,000 prize.

BIG BROTHER 8 will follow the relationships and conflicts of players who live together in a house outfitted with dozens of cameras and microphones recording their every move 24 hours a day. One by one, the Houseguests will vote each other out of the house. At the end of three months, the last remaining Houseguest will receive the grand prize of $500,000.

BIG BROTHER premiered in July 2000 and has been a key component of CBS’ summer programming ever since.

BIG BROTHER 8 will be executive produced by Emmy Award winner Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan, in association with Endemol U.S.A. Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Arnold Shapiro will serve as an executive consultant on the series.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Oxygen Summer 07 Programming Filled With Surefire Hits And Over-The-Top Women

Oxygen Network Announces Summer Schedule - Includes MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE And FIGHT GIRLS
The Hit Reality Specials MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE And FIGHT GIRLS Turn Into Series

Network Also To Air Of THE 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE - Hosted by Kelly Ripa

Oxygen’s tradition of over-the-top women continues as the network announces a summer programming slate filled with surefire hits. TV’s only plus-sized reality beauty competition MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE and the hit reality special FIGHT GIRLS both return and will expand from two-hour specials to a series format. In addition, Oxygen will air 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE, a countdown special hosted by actress Kelly Ripa (Live With Regis & Kelly, All My Children). The special will pay tribute to 50 of the greatest comedic female performers alive.

"We love that MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE and Fight Girls speak to women who aren’t often catered to on television. Our audience has been so supportive of both shows, turning them into series was a no-brainer," said Debby Beece, President of Programming and Marketing. "Humor is a huge part of our identity, so what better way to celebrate comedy than by honoring THE 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE."

Oxygen will partner once more with actress-comedienne and plus-size icon Mo’Nique (Phat Girlz, The Parkers) for a third season of MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE, television’s only full-figured reality beauty competition that follows 10 women as they vie for the title of Miss F.A.T. and a $50,000 cash prize. The series will expand from a two-hour special to seven one-hour episodes with the 10 aspiring beauty queens competing for the crown in Paris, France.

As they live together in the "capital of thin," they will face a new series of boot camp challenges and in the process challenge a world fashion capital to change its idea of beauty. Culminating in a beauty pageant fashion show, the Paris runways will usher in a new era of models. Mo’Nique serves as creator, executive producer and host of the series. Also executive producing is Don Weiner of Don Weiner Enterprises and Jeff Kopp serves as co-executive producer for the series.

FIGHT GIRLS, Oxygen’s first reality movie that follows female fighters as they train in the martial art of Muay Thai kickboxing, will become its first sports reality competition series premiering in June with eight one-hour episodes. This season’s competitors will train and live together in Las Vegas under the tutelage of former Muay Thai world champion and Thai kickboxing guru Master Toddy, and the winner will travel to Thailand to compete with the top female Muay Thai fighters in the world. Fight Girls is executive produced by Scott Messick and Tom Weber of Mess Media.

A tribute to some of the funniest living women in comedy by some of their funniest female peers, 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE is a two-hour special hosted by actress Kelly Ripa. Through candid interviews from their peers and gut-busting video clips, the special offers a unique and humorous portrait of 50 of the most side-splitting sitcom stars, stand-ups, sketch comediennes, TV personalities and movie actresses. The series is executive produced by Chris Stout for City Lights Television

TOP DESIGN And TOP CHEF Have Ratings Records for Bravo

TOP DESIGN Premiere Becomes Highest Rated Series Premiere In Network History

Bravo devoured the competition Wednesday night with 3.896 million total viewers and 2.879 Adults 18-49 tuning in to see the bespectacled New Yorker Ilan Hall win the second season finale of TOP CHEF at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, making the show the #1 telecast on cable for the night and besting ABC’s "Primetime" in head-to-head competition in viewers 18-49 (2.879 vs. 2.705), according to Nielsen Media Research. Additionally, 1.768 million total viewers showed their good taste by tuning in to the season premiere of TOP DESIGN at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, making it Bravo’s highest rated series premiere in network history.

The third installment of Watch What Happens, BravoTV.com’s weekly broadband series hosted by Andy Cohen, which immediately followed TOP CHEF’s conclusion at 11:01P, posted strong increases for a second straight week. There were 29,639 reported hits from Akamai from 11:00P-11:40P, +82% above last week reported hits from 11:15P-11:35P.

"After 12 months of consecutive year-over-year growth, Wednesday night is another fantastic achievement for Bravo because viewers continue to come to us on air and on line for acclaimed and dramatic entertainment content," said Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo. "TOP CHEF came into its own this season as one of cable’s biggest and most talked about hits, and TOP DESIGN takes the reigns by debuting to both historic numbers and critical acclaim."

TOP CHEF season two finale outpaced the season two finale of PROJECT RUNWAY on March 8, 2006 by 16 percent among Adults 18-49 (2.879 vs. 2.472), and 14 percent among total viewers (3.896 vs. 3.409). Additionally, TOP CHEF season two finale bested the inaugraial season one finale on May 24, 2006 by 185 % in Adults 18-49 (2.879 vs. 1.010) and by 157 percent in total viewers (3.896 vs. 1.515). And, compared to its season to date average (excluding the finale), Wednesday’s nights finales was up +108% among P18-49, +85% among P25-54, and +100% among total viewers.

TOP DESIGN, which premiered after the finale of TOP CHEF and moves into its regular 10 PM timeslot next Wednesday, garnered a 1.49 HH coverage rating, 1.768 million total viewers, and 1.319 million Adults 18-49, making it Bravo’s biggest series premiere in network history.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

The CW Announces Models For Next AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

The Catwalk Heats Up As The CW Network Reveals The 13 Finalists Who Hope To Become AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

The competition intensifies for the eighth cycle of The CW’s hit series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, as the 13 finalists fight to turn their dreams of becoming a top model into reality. This season, an incredible transformation takes place as the finalists face tougher challenges and photo shoots ranging from the very glamorous to high-tech to controversial, all while living under one roof in a posh Los Angeles mansion. See the drama unfold in the two-hour, eighth-cycle premiere of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL on Wednesday, February 28 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on The CW.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL participants are:

Name: Brittany
Occupation: Bartender
Age: 21
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia

Name: Cassandra
Occupation: College Student
Age: 24
Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Name: Diana
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: Garfield, New Jersey

Name: Dionne
Occupation: College Student
Age: 20
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

Name: Felicia
Occupation: Sales Associate
Age: 19
Hometown: Houston, Texas

Name: Jael
Occupation: Band Manager
Age: 22
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Name: Jaslene
Occupation: Online College Admissions Advisor
Age: 20
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Name: Kathleen
Occupation: Hairstylist
Age: 20
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Name: Natasha
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Name: Renee
Occupation: Stay-At-Home-Mom
Age: 20
Hometown: Maui, Hawaii

Name: Samantha
Occupation: Sales Associate
Age: 19
Hometown: Pinson, Alabama

Name: Sarah
Occupation: Photographer
Age: 20
Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois

Name: Whitney
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida

During this cycle, the 13 participants live together and ferociously vie for the grand prize, competing in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp. The participants’ abilities are tested each week as they strive to master the runway and fashion photo shoots, perfect publicity skills and learn the business aspects of becoming a supermodel, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL cameras. Throughout the series, supermodel Tyra Banks, art director of photo shoots Jay Manuel, and runway guru J. Alexander mentor the participants.

Banks leads the panel of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL judges, comprised of leading fashion industry experts, including supermodel Twiggy, photographer Nigel Barker and runway expert J. Alexander, who closely evaluate the progress of the models to narrow the field each week. In addition, special guest judges appear to critique within his or her area of expertise.

The winner of The CW’s AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL will be managed by Elite Model Management. She also receives a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl. Finally, the winner will appear on the cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

FOX Announces New Game Show ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER

"ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?"

Find Out Thursday Nights On FOX

New Game Show from Mark Burnett Debuts with Half-Hour Previews Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 after AMERICAN IDOL And Graduates to One-Hour Episodes on Thursdays Beginning March 1

Class is in session for a six-episode run of ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?, a new quiz show from Mark Burnett. The series commences with preview episodes over three consecutive nights following AMERICAN IDOL. Special half-hour episodes will air Tuesday, Feb. 27 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 28 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), and full one-hour episodes will air after AMERICAN IDOL on Thursdays, March 1 and 8 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The show will lead off the night on Thursdays, March 15 and 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Unlike the typical game show that measures intelligence, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? tests adults’ lack of knowledge - as revealed by how much they’ve forgotten since elementary school. Grownups will again find themselves in a classroom setting, revisiting their youth, as they tackle subjects they’ve already been taught, ranging from art to geography and math to social studies. For example, test questions, which are taken from actual textbooks from 1st grade through 5th grade, could be similar to, and as simple as, the following:

* In what state is Mount Rushmore located?

* What are the colors of a rainbow?

* What are the names of the five Great Lakes?

Have you forgotten? Are you stuck? Well, in ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?, the players are not alone. There is a way for contestants to "cheat" in this classroom. The adults will have the opportunity to get some help from real grade-schoolers, who will offer what they think is the correct a-n-s-w-e-r.