TV / Film News

'American Idol' Reveals Top 36

Source: Michael Ricci
February 12, 2009

The season of tears and atonement behind us, at last we know whose names have been written in the Book of Life. After half a year of wandering the desert, Idol Nation has at last found the 36 warriors who will lead us forward.

In the Shinto religion, the afterlife is a process of the soul losing its individuality, merging with a common ancestor god. For the past five weeks (of TV time -- six months offscreen time), these 36 ...

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Paula Abdul Predicts a Guy Will Win 'American Idol?'

Source: Michael Ricci
February 8, 2009

The Dish Rag caught up with American Idol judge Paula Abdul last night at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy bash.

We got the scoop on her strapless satin printed cocktail dress, who she's wearing to tonight's Grammy Awards and some hints about the new season of American Idol.

Paula predicts a guy will win this season! You read it here first. Oh, and she also revealed how Dr. Evil, er, Simon Cowell, really felt about the show's new judge. ...

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Stones on Film

Source: All About Jazz
February 5, 2009

More than 40 years of the Rolling Stones' cinematic appearances -- from the classic rock documentary “Gimme Shelter" to 2008's Shine a Light, will be screened during a two-day film festival at USC.

Saturday's highlights include panel discussions with USC associate professor Josh Kun and “rock anthropologist" and filmmaker Penelope Spheeris.

Norris Cinema Theater/Frank Sinatra Hall, USC 900 W. 34th St., L.A. 7-11 p.m. Fri., 1-9 p.m. Sat. Free, but RSVP suggested due to ...

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Senate Cuts Movie-Industry Tax Break from Stimulus Bill

Source: Michael Ricci
February 4, 2009

The motion picture industry's record-setting month at the box office may have cost it $246 million in tax breaks, as the Senate on Tuesday stripped a provision from the economic stimulus bill that critics derided as an unnecessary Hollywood bailout.

In denying the tax breaks on new film projects, senators cited the $1.03-billion haul from movie ticket sales in January, a 19% year-over-year increase, according to industry tracking firm Media by Numbers. “They had their best January ever," said ...

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Karriem Riggins Plays with Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Diana Krall on Sundance Channel’S Spectacle…

Source: All About Jazz
February 2, 2009

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Luminary drummer and hip-hop producer Karriem Riggins will be in good company, performing with Herbie Hancock, Elton John, and Diana Krall on Sundance’s new series Spectacle: Elvis Costello With… Riggins was called upon to play drums on two of the season’s episodes, first with Herbie Hancock (airing February 4th 9:00 PM EST), and second with Diana Krall, with whom he tours, on an episode also featuring Elton John (airing February 18th 9:00 PM EST). A virtuoso, ...

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Rob Mathes Behind-the-Scenes Music Career That Makes Stars Shine

Source: Michael Ricci
February 1, 2009

THERE was a time when 45-year-old Rob Mathes wanted to be a rock star. That never happened, for a number of reasons.

One, “I was trying too hard,” said Mr. Mathes, who, on Jan. 18, directed a small army of pop and rock luminaries at “We Are One,” the HBO-televised preinaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. “Bands that are really moving and insightful and interesting — they have a different attitude, like, ‘If you want to sign on, fine. If ...

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'Now That's What I Call Music!' Heading to TV?

Source: Billboard Magazine
January 31, 2009

"Now That's What I Call Music!," the long-running series of hit-single compilations, is being shopped as a TV show by Simon Fuller and his 19 Entertainment company. While still in its early stages -- the show doesn't have an official title yet, although it's likely to incorporate some variation of the “Now" brand name --details are beginning to emerge. Fuller, the mastermind behind “American Idol" and “So You Think You Can Dance," has the exclusive global rights to negotiate a ...

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Bob Dylan Teams up with Will.i.AM for Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial

Source: All About Jazz
January 31, 2009

How do you make Super Bowl Sunday even more of a spectacle? By adding Bob Dylan, even if it is just for a $3 million minute.

The legendary singer-songwriter and the Black Eyed Peas‘ once again ubiquitous Will.i.am will make a cameo appearance during this Sunday’s Super Bowl broadcast when the pair team up for a new ad for Pepsi.

As Billboard reports, the duo will sing a new song penned specifically for the commercial. No other details have been ...

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