Celebrity Marilyn Monroe

Actress. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson (later baptized as Norma Jeane Baker) on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. During her all-too-brief life, Marilyn Monroe overcame a difficult childhood to become of the world's biggest and most enduring sex symbols. She never knew her father, and her mother Gladys, developed psychiatric problems and was eventually placed in a mental institution. Growing up, Monroe spent much of her time in foster care and in an orphanage. In 1937, a family friend and her husband, Grace and Doc Goddard, took care of her for a few years. But when Doc's job was transferred in 1942 to the East Coast, the couple could not afford to bring Monroe with them.

Once again, Monroe faced life in foster care. But she had one way out—get married. She wed her boyfriend Jimmy Dougherty on June 19, 1942. A merchant marine, Dougherty was later sent to the South Pacific. Monroe went to work in a munitions factory in Burbank where she was discovered by a photographer. By the time Dougherty returned in 1946, Monroe had a successful career as a model. She dreamt of becoming an actress like Jean Harlow and Lana Turner.

Her marriage fizzled out as Monroe focused more on her career. The couple divorced in 1946—the same year she signed her first movie contract. With the movie contract came a new name and image, she began calling herself "Marilyn Monroe" and dyed her hair blonde. But her acting career didn't really take off until the 1950s. Her small part in John Huston's crime drama The Asphalt Jungle (1950) garnered her a lot of attention. That same year she impressed audiences and critics alike as Claudia Caswell in All About Eve, starring Bette Davis.

In 1953, Monroe made a star-making turn in Niagara, starring as a young married woman out to kill her husband with help from her lover. The emerging sex symbol was paired with another bombshell, Jane Russell, for the musical comedy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). The film was a hit and Monroe continued to find success in a string of light comedic fare, such as How to Marry a Millionaire with Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall, There's No Business like Show Business (1954) with Ethel Merman and Donald O'Connor, and The Seven Year Itch (1955). With her breathy voice and hourglass figure, Monroe became a much-admired international star.

Tom Hanks at Spiaggia

Chef Tony Mantuano took to Twitter on Monday night (May 16th) to express his excitement as Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks dined at the one and only Spiaggia restaurant.  "Tom Hanks and family enjoying strangozze pasta w morels at www.spiaggiarestaurant.com tonight. fellas, you called me"For more Gossip & Entertainment News Follow Me! For Tips email: lashonda.matlock@gmail.com

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Cheryl Cole Not Returning To X Factor UK?

Cheryl Cole’s week just got even worse, as she is apparently out of the running to return to the UK’s X Factor.

The singer was axed from the X Factor USA after just four days on the job, and came home to the UK to consider her next move. She was reportedly offer £2.5million to return to her previous role on the show, but was given a short deadline to decide.

According to the News of the World, Cheryl was given until midnight last night to make a decision about whether she would go back to the ITV show. She apparently refused to speak to Simon Cowell and the programme’s bosses, and the show will now go on without her.

An insider said: “The brutal truth is that no one is bigger than the show – not Cheryl and not even Simon.

“We have a huge show and we need to get on the road on Wednesday and we needed to know if Cheryl was coming with us.

“We have bent over backwards for Cheryl and she hasn’t engaged with us. She is out. That’s showbusiness.”

It now looks like the judging panel will be Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos.

Various sources claim the BBC is interested in signing up Cheryl for their new singing show, The Voice. Would you like to see her take up that offer?

Cheryl's best X Factor moments...
Viewers warmed instantly to Cheryl Cole, her easy going nature and personality made hopefuls feel at ease staright away...

Pippa Middleton Looks Stylish On Shopping Trip

Pippa Middleton is taking her new style icon status seriously, and once again looked hot to trot on a trip out in London yesterday.

With a pair of sunnies on her head and several bags of goodies in hand, Pippa smiled as she strolled down the street.

Kate Middleton’s younger sister is perfecting her look and it’s easy to see why Pippa has the most searched for celebrity style, beating her big sis and Cheryl Cole to the top spot.

Kate Middleton And Prince William Are 'A Young Couple In Love'

By Elle Taylor On May 28, 2011 According to Mario Testino...

Mario Testino has revealed behind-the-scenes info from Kate Middleton and Prince William’s engagement photo shoot.

The famed photographer chatted to People.com about the day he snapped the royal couple.

Mario said: "You know, it's not so much what they say to each other because there is no time."

He added: "Everything is compacted into a very short time because we have to produce these pictures. It's more like me screaming and trying to get everything to go.

"Well, not screaming, but getting in a fluster, I guess you say."

The photographer also revealed that Kate "looked fabulous" and even helped apply her own make-up.

It sounds like Kate and Wills made a lasting impression on Mario. He summed up their relationship by saying they exuded "sheer happiness" and "are a young couple in love".

Wills and Kate’s public appearances...

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Entertainmentwise by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.

Tags : Kate Middleton, Prince William, Royal Wedding

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Brad Pitt Hints Marriage Could Be On The Cards

Brad Pitt has given the strongest indication yet that he and Angelina Jolie will get married.

In an interview with USA Weekend, the actor said: “The kids ask about marriage.”

He added: “It's meaning more and more to them. So it's something we've got to look at.”

Brad had previously stated in 2009 that he would only consider marrying again when it was legal for everyone to wed, speaking out in support of same-sex marriage.

In the interview he also revealed how he and Angelina make time for their relationship, saying: “There are no secrets at our house”.

He explained: “We tell the kids, ‘Mom and Dad are going off to kiss.' They go, ‘Eww, gross!' But we demand it.”

Do you think wedding bells will be ringing soon?

Celebrity Lisa Raye

LisaRaye McCoy-Misick was born September 23, 1966 in Chicago, Illinois. She is of African American and Native American descent and is proud of her heritage. She later attended Eastern Illinois University but she never really took the idea of a career in acting seriously until persuaded by an insistent roommate to attend a local audition in Chicago.

Adam West

Adam West is a true American icon. From his humble beginning on a wheat ranch in Walla Walla, Washington, Adam skyrocketed to fame in Hollywood, pursuing an extraordinary career in entertainment that has spanned half a century. His role as Batman in the classic television series and feature of the same name continues to be seen throughout the world more than 40 years after its debut. While Batman, and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, remains his signature role, Adam has a multitude of motion picture, theater, and TV credits to his name.

He has made nearly 50 movies, including starring or co-starring roles in Drop Dead Gorgous, The New Age, The Young Philadelphians, An American Vampire Story, Soldier in the Rain, Robinson Crusoe on Mars, and Nevada Smith.

He has had starring roles in several TV series other than Batman, including The Detectives, The Last Precinct, and The Clinic. His theater credits include Volpone at the Mark Taper Forum at the Los Angeles Music Center.

Adam West has also lent his voice to animated characters in such well-known series as Family Guy, The Simpson, Rugrats, Batman, Animaniacs, Jonny Bravo, Spydogs, The Super Adventure Team, and many others. His voice-over work in animated film includes the roles of “Ace, Hollywood Chicken Little” in Disney’s Chicken Little, and “Uncle Art” in Disney’s Meet the Robinsons. In 2000, he also contributed the voice of “Leonard Fox” to the animated short, Redux Riding Hood, which went on to win an Acadamy Award nomination.Adam West

Adam West is the author of two books, Back to the Batcave and Climbing the Walls. He lends his support to numerous charities and won $250,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, on behalf of an organization supporting underprivileged women and children in Idaho. Adam splits his time between homes in Palm Springs, California, and Ketchum, Idaho.

More than 50 years after starting his career in Hollywood, Adam West continues to work consistently in TV and film. His most recent work includes a guest starring role on the hit series 30 Rock and a viral video for Funny or Die. His undeniable talent and unique brand of humor have become truly iconic in entertainment and he continues to entertain fans around the world.

Do You Want To See Cheryl Cole On The Voice?

Cheryl Cole must be planning her next career move after getting the axe from X Factor USA and apparently missing out on the chance to return to the UK version.

If reports are to be believed, her record company Universal want Cheryl’s next big TV gig to be over on the BBC.

The Observer reports that Universal has business links with The Voice, the American import for which the BBC is busy recruiting a judging panel.

UK boss at Universal, David Joseph reportedly wants to steer Cheryl towards The Voice and away from Simon Cowell. With Cheryl allegedly missing the midnight deadline to sign on the dotted line for X Factor UK, he might get his wish.

A record company employee said: "Universal are heavily involved in recruiting judges for The Voice when it moves to the BBC and they are urging Cheryl to be the big star of that show."

The insider added the move would be "a great way of sticking two fingers up at Simon Cowell".

Kim Kardashian And Kris Humphries Toast Their Engagement

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries had that newly engaged glow as they made their first public appearance together since announcing their engagement.

The couple attended the Amber Lounge Fashion Monaco last night to benefit the Special Olympics charity.

News broke this week that Kris had popped the question with the help of some specially arranged rose petals – aww.

Befitting a bride to be, Kim wore a floor-length white gown and had the best accessory of all – her massive 20.5 carat engagement ring, which is apparently worth a whopping $2million!

Kim tweeted: “Backstage at the Matthew Williamson fashion show! He is amaze! Prince Albert & Charlene here too! About 2 go on stage! I always get nervous”.

Word is their wedding ceremony will be broadcast on TV, so we’ll all get to watch as Kim becomes Mrs Humphries.

Are you excited for Kim’s nuptials?

Kim and Kris (and that ring) in Monte Carlo...

"The Biggest Loser" winner shed 129 pounds

May 25, 2011 9:44 AM Sisters Hannah Curlee, left, and Olivia Ward embrace during Tuesday night's finale of "The Biggest Loser."

(Credit: NBC)

(CBS) Who won "The Biggest Loser" this season? One thing is for sure, it was a woman. An all-female group of three went into Tuesday night's finale on NBC (Spoiler alert).

New York opera singer Olivia Ward emerged as the winner, losing 129 pounds over the course of eight months.

The 35-year-old winner beat out her sister Hannah Curlee and full-time student Irene Alvarado for the Season 11 title. Curlee and Alvarado lost 120 and 116, pounds respectively.

Ward and Curlee became breakout stars in the competition for the $250,000 prize with their run in New Zealand.

Tuesday's show marks the end for trainer Jillian Michaels, who said she was looking forward to taking her work "to the next level." She is being replaced next season by tennis player Anna Kournikova.

Scotty tops Lauren for "Idol" crown

May 25, 2011 10:05 PM Finalists Lauren Alaina, left, and Scotty McCreery are seen at the "American Idol" finale on May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles.

(Credit: AP Photo)

(CBSNews.com) After a record-breaking 122.4 million votes, the American Idol crown went to Scotty McCreery.

It was not preordained as the judges gave their nod to Lauren in Tuesday's performance finale. Lauren's final performance on Tuesday, which included a choreographed moment when she left the stage in mid-song to hug and sing to her mother before returning to the stage for some final big notes, made Scotty's final effort seem tepid.

JLo said, "With that song you may have just won." Steven agreed and called her his "American Idol". "Lauren has it hands down," he added for emphasis.

As the all-country finale got underway, the two finalists entered the arena both dressed in pure white, with some country styling, as were the top 13 eliminated contestants who started off the show with a rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way."

Finalists Scotty McCreery, left, and Lauren Alaina are seen onstage before host Ryan Seacrest announced the winner at the "American Idol" finale on May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles.

(Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

It wasn't clear if the wardrobe color choice was to signify the purity and innocence of the young finalists or just a fashion statement. Even judges Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson sported whitish outfits.

Pictures: "American Idol" Season 10 finale

The American Idol producers managed to make the two-hour marathon finale an entertaining variety show of performances from this season's contestants and an array of music industry stars including Beyonce, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, Bono, Mark Anthony, Lady Gaga, Tom Jones and judge Steven Tyler.

Idol heavy metal rocker James Durbin, who was an early favorite to win the competition, performed "Breaking the Law" with Judas Priest, the entire ensemble dressed in black leather in contrast to the opening outfits for Lauren and Scotty.

Jack Black, left, and Casey Abrams perform at the "American Idol" finale on, May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles.

(Credit: AP Photo)

Big-voiced Jacob Lusk, who made it into the top 10, took the stage with gospel star Kirk Franklin, soul legend Gladys Knight and a big chorus. Jazzy Casey Abrams rocked out with "School of Rock" and "Gulliver" and the forthcoming "Kung Fu Panda 2" Jack Black. The contingent of female competitors, sans Lauren, combined with Beyonce for a sexy number.

Pictures: "American Idol" Season 10
Special section: "American Idol"

Haley Reinhart strutted her stuff with the legendary, 85-year-old Tony Bennett, singing and dancing to Irving Berlin's "Steppin' Out with My Baby." It was a major highlight of the entire season...or of all ten seasons.

Singers Haley Reinhart (L) and Tony Bennett perform during the American Idol Season 10 Live Grand Finale 2011 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 25, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

(Credit: Photo by Ray Mickshaw/Fox/PictureGroup)

Scotty, now dressed in black, took the stage with country star Tim McGraw, singing "Live Like You Were Dying." He showed that he belongs on that stage--he just needs some seasoning, the kind you get after leaving the familial nest.

JLo's spouse Mark Anthony livened up the finale with his Latin beat, which included JLo herself shaking her booty and dancing, while leaving the singing to the superior voice of her husband. Another major Idol finale highlight in what will go down as one of the year's best musical variety shows.

The top six men, all in black, performed a Tom Jones medley, and as expected the classic ballad singer joined them for a brief rendition of one of his many hits.

In an interlude from the musical acts, Lauren and Scotty were shown inviting their respective high school principal and chorus teacher to the finale. As part of the extensive product placement during the program, the two finalists presented the each of the educators with the keys to a Ford Focus. And to top it off, host Ryan Seacrest told Lauren and Scotty that Ford would give them the vehicle of their choice. You can imagine the two country singers choosing a Ford Bronco or F-100 as their ride.

The car presentation was followed by the exotic Lady Gaga performed her new hit, "The Edge of Glory." And following Lady Gaga, Lauren and Carrie Underwood teamed up for a rousing "Before He Cheats," followed by Beyonce debuting her new single, "One Plus One."

Bono and The Edge gave a lift to their troubled Spiderman theatrical franchise, performing one of the features songs as a Spidey flew on wires above the crowd and judges at the Nokia Theater.

The final performance was Steven Tyler showing off his vocal skills with his Aerosmith hit "Dream On," a fitting theme for end of the 2011 version of American Idol.

 "American Idol" Season 10

Tags:scotty mccreery ,lauren alaina ,american idol ,reality tv ,recaps ,cbsidol Topics:Television ,Music ,News

Oprah Winfrey says goodbye on final show

May 25, 2011 5:08 PM Oprah Winfrey waves as her show taped for the last time on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Chicago.

(Credit: AP/Harpo Productions)

(CBS/AP) CHICAGO - After 25 years on the air, Oprah Winfrey ended her famous talk show on Wednesday by sharing memories, reflecting on life lessons and thanking fans for coming along on the journey with her.

The episode featured no guests - just Winfrey herself, standing alone on stage. It opened with a clip from her first show, and she then spent the hour showing favorite clips from throughout the years and recounting what she's learned during the show's quarter-century run.

Pictures: Oprah Winfrey's "Farewell Spectacular"
Fans gather for final taping of Winfrey's show
Oprah's Greatest TV Moments

She told viewers that sometimes she was a teacher - calling her show "the world's biggest classroom" - but more often her viewers instructed her. She called Wednesday's episode her "last class."

Among the life lessons she shared was, "You are responsible for the energy you create for yourself, and the energy you bring to others. Don't wait for somebody else to save you, to complete you, to fix you."

"Each one of you has your own platform. You can help somebody, you can listen, you can forgive," she said. "My greatest wish for all of you ... is that you carry whatever you are supposed to be doing and don't waste any more time."

She also thanked viewers for watching throughout the show's 25 years.

"Twenty-five years and I'm still saying, 'Thank you America,'" Winfrey said. "Thank you so much. There are no words to match this moment."

The taping came a week after Hollywood A-listers and 13,000 fans bid Winfrey farewell in a double-episode extravaganza at Chicago's United Center. The shows that aired Monday and Tuesday included Aretha Franklin, Tom Cruise, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jordan and Madonna, among other stars of television, music and movies. They were just a few of the approximately 30,000 guests who have appeared on the show over 25 years. On Wednesday, Winfrey called the event "a love intervention on steroids."

Winfrey ended Wednesday's show by saying she felt "all sweet, no bitter."

"I won't say goodbye," she told fans. "I'll just say until we meet again."

Winfrey then stepped off the stage and through the audience and hugged and kissed longtime partner Stedman Graham before walking through the halls of Harpo Studios in Chicago, hugging, crying and high-fiving members of her staff.

She shouted "We did it!" The last shot of the finale showed Winfrey walking away with her cocker spaniel, Sadie.

Tell us: What did you think of Winfrey's final show?

"American Idol": Scotty McCreery tops Lauren Alaina to win "Idol" title

Scotty McCreery learns that he is the next "American Idol" during the Season 10 finale on May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles.

(Credit: FOX)

(CBS) America voted with its heart. The heart of a six-year old.

Scotty McCreery is the new "American Idol," following a path recently laid (to rest) by the likes of Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze, two splendidly anonymous names in the annals of American music or even the annals of American ka-ching.

Pictures: "American Idol" Season 10 finale
Pictures: "American Idol" Season 10
Pictures: "Idol" winners
Special section: "American Idol"

Once we move past the feelings of those who believe that McCreery is the second coming of their first date, let us consider what mathematicians might make of this result. The Tuesday evening performance face-off was the lowest-rated "American Idol" finale in the 18 to 49 "adult" demographic in the show's history, although it was competing against a "Dancing with the Stars" finale.

Yet 122 million votes were allegedly cast by those who simply had to exercise their democratic right to decide between one teenage country singer and another teenage country singer. And, you didn't need to be 18 to vote in this election.

What would America have decided at the last election if everyone had the opportunity to cast up to 50 votes online?

In order to mask the essential skewing and narrowing of the voting public, the Idol producers decided, as usual, to persuade some musical greats to give it the credibility that the two sweet teeny finalists could not.

After the obligatory (and obligatorily disastrous) group number featuring the 13 finalists doing something to a Lady Gaga song that had never been done before, we had the privilege of quickly witnessing such greats as Judas Priest, Gladys Knight and, um, Jack Black.

Black was there to add some humor (as if it was needed) to accompany the great (but slightly wayward) talent of Casey Abrams through a rendition of "Fat-Bottomed Girls." How different the finale might have been if Abrams had somehow managed to squeak through the nonsensical voting regulations to replace, say, McCreery.

Suddenly, there was Beyonce singing backup for Pia Toscano and the rest of the girl finalists, all of whose names you might not have remembered. No, wait, Beyonce took the lead, something the audience seemed truly to appreciate.

Soon we had Haley Reinhart performing with her dad. No, that wasn't her dad. She'd already performed with him. This was her granddad - Tony Bennett. And what fun the two of them had. Did Ryan Seacrest have to point out that Bennett is 85? Of course he did.

McCreery offered a duet with Tim McGraw, one that existed to give him some of the country credibility that he is currently lacking. At the end of the performance, Steven Tyler tapped his heart, perhaps to check that he really was still alive.

Then it was Marc Anthony time. What a pulsating time it was. This was what music is supposed to do - move you to somewhere just a little different, somewhere where you have to check your heart for the right reasons. Anthony is such an amusing and confident performer, so much so that not even his wife storming on to the stage to demand he come home could move him away from lifting the theater to something above the entirely soporific.

As an interlude, might I just inform you that Tom Jones is still very much alive? Thank you. Sadly, in order to get some supper, he was forced to sing with all of the boy finalists.

Before we could catch our breath or our swiftly-escaping sanity, there was Lady Gaga. Her Ladyship showed her neutrality with respect to the two finalists by wearing a skimpy little bikini and a very large crucifix. She was supported by one of the great sax players of all time - Clarence Clemons. She sang something about being on the edge. This was entirely understandable. This show was scheduled to last 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Lauren Alaina got to sing with her avowed idol - former "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood. They sang about their cheating lover. Alaina wasn't overawed. If only she'd showed this much confidence through the rest of the competition.

Confidence is something that a theatrical show called "Spider Man: Turn off the Dark" has severely lacked. So here was Bono - yes, the world's substitute Pope, HERE! TONIGHT! ON "AMERICAN IDOL"! - singing away in an attempt to revive support for a show in which he appears to have a great creative and financial interest.

Bono and Scotty McCreery on the same stage. Is this what music has come to? Let us pause for a moment's silence to celebrate. Bono wasn't even given top billing. That went to the ultimate symbol of the new "American Idol": Steven Tyler.

Tyler has hammed his way through being a judge on this series. It was as if he was being played by Russell Brand, offering the occasional swear word, the frequent leer at lady contestants and a level of criticism beneath which no human could limbo.

Finally, finally, it was time for the results. They tried to make it seem terribly official, as if a million accountants and election officials had poured over these numbers. Who could have believed it? Scotty McCreery is the new American Idol. He bowed in shock. He can't have been all that surprised, can he? He's a phenomenon - like the Rubik's Cube, but slightly less sophisticated.

With an inevitability that smacked of last week's Rapture-believers, McCreery thanked the Lord. He spoke of how he and Alaina would be together forever. What? Together forever. These two are dating? But please don't let them sing together - Alaina overpowers him every time.

McCreery then proceeded to croon his way through his new and very colorful hit "I Love You This Big," while hugging everyone in as big a manner as he could.

I wonder if they might think of changing the voting rules for next year. I wonder if they might change the judges. I wonder if the ratings will keep on going down.

"American Idol": Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina sing for the win

Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery during the "American Idol" finals on May 24, 2011.

(Credit: FOX)

(CBS) Last night's "American Idol" finale began with footage of a very young Carrie Underwood, singing in a very rudimentary manner. The message seemed to be: "Don't worry if the contestants can't sing all that well. They do get better."

And then we had Ryan Seacrest reminding those pink, fluffy children who vote that this would be night when they would change lives.

Pictures: "American Idol" Season 10
Pictures: "American Idol" winners
Special section: "American Idol"

Sadly, though, we had already been forced to endure rumors that Lauren Alaina's voice was shot and she was ready to withdraw.

Alaina insisted she was fine. Her doctor came on stage and declared that she had blown out one of her vocal chords. Don't worry, he declared, she's got some others. She'll be just fine. Like Derek Jeter with a broken leg. Well, almost.

This was the "boy next door" versus the "Southern Belle" insisted Seacrest. Not quite. This was the pretty-boy country singer who doesn't sing all that well versus the pretty-girl country singer who can. Prettiness would play a huge role in what ensued.

Scotty McCreery began by making a few grunting noises and repeating his performance of Montgomery Gentry's "Gone." He offered a new left-handed, airy-fairy gesture, which he might have borrowed from the Court of King James - or perhaps a cursory viewing of the royal wedding.

Alaina and her broken vocal chord opened with her favorite song of the season. This was Carrie Underwood's "Flat on the Floor." Understandably, she seemed reluctant to floor it, so the effect was a little flat.

Still, we didn't have to tolerate the judges' platitudes after every performance. After a couple of commercials, we were straight into songs suggested by the contestants' heroes - in this case, George Strait for McCreery and Underwood for Alaina.

"Check Yes or No," sang McCreery, clutching a guitar and reeking confidence. However, the song, as so many of McCreery's performances, reeked of a karaoke bar in Spokane, which isn't to decry his obvious popularity, merely to suggest that many children have interesting tastes out of which they grow.

Alaina, thanks to Underwood, sang Pam Tillis' "Maybe It Was Memphis." She wore a dress borrowed from one of the more miserable members of the Bolshoi Ballet. She tried to push her voice into its stronger ranges, but still one felt she was holding back, as she has been doing throughout this competition.

Suddenly, the judges, whose vocal chords had been entirely redundant throughout this competition, decided to exercise them, in a fashion.

"America, these are the two that you chose," said Randy Jackson, as if to remind voters of their limited level of taste. Still, he decided that McCreery won round one and Alaina won round two.

Jennifer Lopez thought it was an explosive start. Explosively, she agreed with Jackson's assessment.

Tyler, demonstrating just how deep his analysis flows, declared both rounds for Alaina because she's prettier than McCreery. Surely no one at home can have deduced something so cerebral.

McCreery's final song was to be his new single. Would there be a gospel choir? Would they emerge from the wings, in order to give flight to his reedy voice?

The song had a touchingly ironic title: "I Love You This Big." It has gorgeous lyrics: "I know I'm still young, But I know how I feel, I might not have too much experience, But I know when love is real."

Oddly, the gospel choir didn't materialize. This left perhaps the smallest performance that McCreery has offered throughout this competition.

"I'm not sure that's the perfect song for you," offered Jackson, with cryptic perceptiveness. Lopez thought it amazing. And Tyler thought he still wasn't as pretty as Alaina, but at least could make a three-point shot in a video. I paraphrase, but only at the margins.

Alaina's single - should she win, of course - was called "Like My Mother Does."

She sang it just for her mother. Crazily, mentor Jimmy Iovine thought moms "would be moved by this like crazy."

Surely Alaina would have a gospel choir. But, no. "She's an angel. She's my heart and soul," sang Alaina. She tried to give it as much heart and soul as her remaining vocal chords would allow. She walked over to her mother and hugged her as she sang.

America wept. This was what they call a moment. It lasted at least two moments.

Surely this would move all of those who only dedicate themselves to "Dancing with the Stars" to exercise their fingers and phones just a little more to vote for Alaina - at least 70 times.

"You sang that Mariah Carey soft whisper voice at the end," said Jackson. He declared that she had arrived.

"With that song, you may have just won," said Lopez, as Alaina desperately tried (and failed) not to cry.

Steven Tyler told her, "You are 'it' in my eyes." It helps to be prettier than Scotty McCreery.

The judges declared that Alaina won the third round - "hands down", according to Tyler.

In truth, it doesn't really matter who wins. Both of these will be marketed to the country crowd with a relentless abandon last seen in the Civil War.

For those who enjoy performers who can actually sing, Alaina with a limping voice is still better than McCreery at his dreary best.

Oh, and she's prettier too.

TOP SINGER: Lauren Alaina
BOTTOM SINGER: Scotty McCreery

Kate Middleton's dress sells out in hours

May 25, 2011 3:04 PM First lady Michelle Obama talks to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in London on May 24, 2011.

(Credit: AP)

(CBS) Kate has done it again.

In her first official appearance after returning from her honeymoon in the Seychelles, the Duchess of Cambridge, formerly known as Kate Middleton, has helped a designer sell out a dress.

Pictures: A royal welcome
Special section: The royal wedding

The cap-sleeved, caramel-colored form-fitting dress that the duchess wore when she and Prince William met Barrack and Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday sold out online within hours after photos hit the Internet.

Demand for the Reiss dress, which is called Shola and retails for $340, was so great it caused the fashion brand's Web site to crash, according to The Washington Post.

A Reiss spokesperson told the newspaper traffic to the site increased by over 300 percent. The web site still appears to be down at 2:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, having returned briefly Wednesday afternoon only to crash again minutes later.

The brand even tweeted about its trouble: "Due to unprecedented demand, Shola mania has crashed our website! We are endeavouring to bring the Reiss brand back to you ASAP!"

Both the royal blue wrap dress that the duchess wore when she announced her engagement and a cream-colored dress that she later wore when posing for engagement pictures also sold out in just hours.

"Dancing with the Stars" winner: Hines Ward wins the Super Bowl of dancing

Hines Ward and Kym Johnson pose with their trophies after they were named "Dancing with the Stars" champions on May 24, 2011.

(Credit: AP/ABC)

(CBS) Does it really take two hours to crown the champion of amateur - sometimes very amateur - dancing? It does if you want to sell a lot of commercial airtime on America's most popular television show.

In any case, surely you wanted to see one more performance from all those "Dancing with the Stars" contestants whose names you forgot once your hard-hearted votes eliminated them from the show.

Oh, of course Hines Ward won. Any NFL player who can smile and move with even vague competence (there aren't many) will win the mirrorball trophy.

Pictures: "Dancing with the Stars" Season 12
Timeline: Past "DWTS" competitors and champions

NFL players are the ultimate older lady's fantasy. Well, polite, smiley NFL players like Emmitt Smith and now Ward. Chelsea Kane, the actual best dancer in the competition, reminds the voters of everything they used to be - or wished they had once been. Surely, therefore, she couldn't curry enough favors from the envious.

Optimists will have wondered whether maybe, perhaps, the one more dance that was offered last night would somehow thrust Kane beyond the whims of the voters.

This would only be subject to the judges' voting. These judges could make all the difference.

Soon, these judges showed that they possessed the courage of limping llamas in Lima. Well, when I say "soon," I mean it took what seemed like hours before the contestants were actually allowed to take the floor for their final dances.

First, those who weren't watching on DVR were forced to endure performances from all the contestants whom the viewers had rejected. This was a beautiful joy that might only have been matched by blowing one's nose for a full hour and a half when one doesn't even have a cold.

It was more than one hour and 20 minutes into the show that the actual competition started.

Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas decided to perfect their Viennese Waltz - which they know as "The Wizard Waltz." They wept in rehearsal. This was emotional. They might never dance together again. Unless Disney offers Ballas a co-starring role in an upcoming new, elevated version of "Beauty and the Beast."

When it came to the real thing, Kane and Ballas again offered something as fantastical and inventive as the one decent "Harry Potter" movie. Of course, it was all too inventive for the voters at home. But here was a chance for the judges to declare that this was dancing of an entirely superior character.

"Bottom line, you are a fantastic dancer," said Goodman. He then muttered dark prognostications about "whatever happens tonight," as if he knew that not enough viewers would have offered her votes to some obscure Disney Channel starlet.

The judges all offered 10s. Surely this would be the standard by which others would be judged. Surely you believe that the moon is made of Paski Sir, the award-winning Croatian cheese.

Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy also had an emotional rehearsal of their favorite dance - the cha-cha. Alley has gained confidence and lost weight during these 13 weeks. And she gave this last performance every element of joy that she could muster. She doesn't stretch her legs as far as some, but her feet are often precise and her eyebrows are never short of being overly expressive.

"You saved the best for last," said Tonioli, before spitting out some multi-syllabic adjectives.

Carrie Ann Inaba offered nouns like "authenticity" and "transformation."

There was, however, nothing authentic and transformative about the fact that the judges all gave her 10s. This was a suitably crass abdication of responsibility, one that would inevitably mean that Kane and Ballas would be gone.

Ward and his partner Kym Johnson performed the samba, the dance that supposedly shows off Ward's hip movements. It also shows off his remarkably stiff torso.

Ward does, though, offer an innocent exuberance - as well as a lovely kiss for his mom - so who couldn't be charmed? Even Emmitt Smith was forced to smile - although Sarah Palin, also in the audience, seemed less than convinced. Perhaps she felt Bristol had been better than all of this.

"What is so appealing about you is the packaging," said Goodman, with arrant wisdom.

"When you're out here, we all fall in love," said Tonioli.

Guess what? The judges all gave Ward 10s. Which made these dances spectacularly irrelevant fillers of airtime.

With just a few minutes left, Kane and Ballas were inevitably told that they were in third place. Host Tom Bergeron had to hustle the show along, absolving Kane of the need to offer a few empty, heartfelt words.

We were down to two. Surely Alley didn't think she would win. Oh, but it looked like Chmerkovskiy did. When the winners were announced, the cameras were swiftly focused just on Ward and Johnson. Ward thanked all of the voters from his University of Georgia and Pittsburgh Steelers - or at least those who knit sweaters with Bulldogs and Steelers logos.

It was warming to see Johnson, the most lovable of professionals, partake of this glory. So, as we drifted away from this, America's most popular show, we could already feel the excitement to come when "Dancing with the Stars" returns in September. Yes, so soon. Or at least the "Dancing with the Stars" version of "soon."

But perhaps the greatest giggle was left upon hearing Chmerkovskiy. declare that Alley was his 10th trophy. What could he have possibly meant? And who might enjoy being his eleventh?

Tom Jones On American Idol, Mick Jagger On Grammys - Ageless Rockers

More at Zennie62.com | Follow me on Twitter! | Get my widget! | Visit YouTube | Visit Facebook.com America got quite a cultural wake up call watching American Idol Wednesday night. After Scotty McCreery...

America got quite a cultural wake up call watching American Idol Wednesday night. After Scotty McCreery, who's bent is toward country music, won the singing competition, and got to meet Carrie Underwood backstage, the show ended with a performance by Sir Tom Jones.

Tom Jones, born June 7, 1940, is now 71 years old and from a time, the 1960s, of Go-Go Girls, James Bond, and his own show, demonstrated to a whole new audience that he's not only still got it, but at a high level.

The reaction to Mr. Jones was tremendous. "Tom Jones" as a keyword search was number one and listed as "Volcanic" on Google Trends and a top Twitter Topic, as well. When I shared a YouTube video of Jones' performance with my Mom - this one...

..My Mom's reaction was one of pure joy; she has been a big Tom Jones fan, and she raved about his performance, saying "He's from my time!"

With his American Idol presentation, Sir Tom effectively pushed together Americans who were 13, 33, 53, and 73 years old. Only a few performers can do that; Tom Jones and Mick Jagger are part of that club.

We're in a wonderful place where digital media has fused our culture in a way not possible 20 years ago. Jagger, The Rolling Stones front man, was rocking at the time of Tom Jones, and when he gave his rendition of "Everybody Needs Somebody," the reaction to 67-year-old Mick Jagger throwin' down at The 2011 Grammy's was equal to that of Tom Jones. And, like Jones, young people who use Twitter to get their information, were sharing tweets about a person some in the media considered as getting too old to do his craft.

Forget it.

Mick Jagger and Tom Jones have shown that it's possible to have entertainers who transcend generations, and vast distances of time and culture, but that only could have happened with social media.

Social media has a larger and broader demographic distribution pattern than for standard media. So, a much larger part of the American culture is aware that Tom Jones and Mick Jagger kicked ass in the 21st Century, than would have been the case in the 20th Century.

Stay tuned. Posted By: Zennie62 (Email) | May 26 2011 at 03:31 AM

Tom Jones On American Idol, Mick Jagger On Grammys - Ageless Rockers Share