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Song of the Day: Charlotte Gainsbourg, "The Songs That We Sing"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 08:05:04 PDT

I first became an admirer of Charlotte Gainsbourg as an actress, after her subtly naive performance in the 1996 film adaptation of Jane Eyre (which I love, by the way). But it's no surprise that the actress is now turning to music: She is, after all, the spawn of legendary French singer/eccentric Serge Gainsbourg, with whom she recorded her first album, Charlotte For Ever, at the age of 13.

Now, Gainsbourg the singer is all grown-up, and her first adult solo album, 5:55, was just released in the U.S. this week. The album flicks at French tradition, with pianos and bells that call to mind gray Paris afternoons, while also feeling very modern. I particularly love this ethereal, romantic track "The Songs That We Sing," with its fluttering, insect-like strings. To listen,

Glee-ful Highlights From Season Finale "Goodbye"

Shannon Vestal — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:40 PDT

We say goodbye to McKinley High's graduating class of 2012 on this week's season finale of Glee, and while we'll be seeing a lot of these characters next year, for some, it was their swan song (pardon the pun). Everyone is feeling nostalgic, not the least of whom is Mr. Schue, who gives the kids an assignment of picking a goodbye song. The episode is mostly devoted to the characters giving each other touching send-offs, which made me feel sentimental too.

There's a pretty big development at the end of the episode that I was expecting, but it surprised me by how bittersweet it actually is. Ready to break down the highlights of the Glee season finale? Just keep reading.

Glee-ful Highlights From Episodes "Props" and "Nationals"

Becky Kirsch — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:18 PDT

It's a Glee double whammy this week as the New Directions prep for, and then head to Nationals! As we've seen at the end of each season, emotions are running high, as the kids get ready to take on Vocal Adrenaline. The stakes are even higher this year since a lot of the seniors are graduating, and there's one gleek in particular who's feeling a little left out.

Season three has not been my favorite, but both of this week's episodes won me over in a big way. The first hour is both funny and poignant, while the second is very sweet and sentimental, as we get ready to say goodbye to some of the core cast members. The night definitely brings back memories from the first season when the show took the world by storm, and reminded me why I fell in love with it in the first place. Let's break down the highlights when you

I'm glad Tina finally gets a little time to shine, though it's a bit awkward that the opening voice-over is all about how the show has essentially ignored her for the first three seasons. Still, it's a nice break, and the sweet moments between Rachel and Tina feel authentic and are fun to watch, particularly when Tina offers to take Rachel on a road trip to see Carmen Thibedeau. And though it's not my favorite number of the night, I love that Rachel gives Tina her wish to duet on "What a Feeling."
Just because it needs to be mentioned: Kurt and Blaine's Halloween costumes as Snooki and the Situation. Amazing.
OK, the switcheroo moment was everything I hoped it would be and more. Though the sneak peek pictures gave away who would become who during Tina's dream, it's still amazing to see the kids all mixed up: particularly Artie as Santana. Genius. My head continued exploding throughout the entire sequence, especially seeing the reaction shots to Tina's rendition of "Because You Loved Me" (Mr. Schue's impression of Sue is spot-on). Speaking of which, Tina totally kills the song: are we getting a preview of what Glee might be like next season?
Coach Beiste has had to do some emotional heavy lifting lately, but this is one of the few times we see Puck truly vulnerable. His feelings of inadequacy about his future come to a head when one of the bullies at school challenges him to a fight in the schoolyard. After Beiste breaks it up, Puck breaks down in tears about feeling like garbage, and he and Beiste comfort each other in a truly touching moment. What's even better is that Beiste proceeds to dump Cooter, and she and Puck sing a sweet duet of Taylor Swift's "Mean." (Honestly I'm surprised it's taken Glee this long to get that song).
I love all the throwbacks to the first season in this episode; there's talk of Tina's first audition, some reminiscing about Puck's days tossing kids in dumpsters, and even an utterance of the Glee-patented insult "lima loser." Those were the days.
How is it possible that the New Directions are, yet again, about to perform at Nationals and they're still trying to slap together the routine just hours beforehand? It's no wonder they're all on edge, but at least they aren't trying to write their own songs this time around.
I can't even talk about how much I loved every one of the New Directions' performances at Nationals; this is by far and away my favorite performance episode. I had chills during "The Edge of Glory," which turned into goose bumps for "It's All Coming Back to Me Now." But the real kicker is "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" - the number is mesmerizing, and I felt proud of how far they've come. I can't remember the last time I was so caught up the performances of this show. They absolutely nailed it.
As for Vocal Adrenaline, well, they certainly bring the theatrics. I'm a fan of Unique's, but something about their numbers lacked energy. But maybe that's because the dudes were so tired from picking up the girls repeatedly and pushing those heavy-looking pinball machines around?
Giving Unique the suddenly existent MVP award is a nice consolation when the New Directions win the grand prize. I do kind of wish they'd give up the celebrity judges' shtick though. No offense to Lindsay Lohan, but getting a peek inside the self-involved judges' room used to be funny but now it just feels stale.
The scene where we get to watch the New Directions celebrating their victory feels like three years coming, and it actually could have been a very fitting end to the series as a whole. The kids are about to graduate and move away, and now they've finally got the biggest trophy in all the land. Hell, they even let Will and Emma finally do it (though did that really need to be shoehorned in with the confetti?). The icing on the cake, of course, is Mr. Schuester's Teacher of the Year award and the performance of "We Are the Champions." A perfect end to a great episode.

With only one more episode to go, it all culminates with next week's graduation episode. Were you touched by this episode like I was? What'd you think of the New Directions' showing at Nationals?

Photo courtesy of Fox

American Idol: Who Deserves to Get Cut This Week?

Maggie Pehanick — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:15:41 PDT

The final five performed on American Idol this week and the contestants were all really digging the swinging '60s theme. Also digging it? The judges and the audience. We're so close to crowning the winner, but alas, there can only be one. Unfortunately, with all the dead weight gone, this means favorites are going to be sent home. On the plus side, the contestants are really pulling out all the stops and giving us a show.

Hollie Cavanagh kicked things off with a solid rendition of "Mountain High, River Low," then later slowed things down with the challenging "Bleeding Love." Phillip Phillips, whom I'm trying hard to remain impartial about but I can't deny my apparent and growing love for, sang "The Letter" and "Time of the Season." Skylar Laine stomped around to "Fortunate Son" and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me." Jessica Sanchez made "Proud Mary" and "You Are So Beautiful" look effortless. Finally, Joshua Ledet, with a song he was born to sing, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "To Love Somebody" Oh, and he bro-ed out with Phillip on "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." As Steven said, it was adorable. So how can we let one of these folks go? And who should it be?

Photo courtesy of Fox

Glee-ful Highlights From Episode "Choke"

Shannon Vestal — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:34:07 PDT

With graduation looming for the Glee kids, a few of the characters have to do some prep for their futures this week. For Rachel and Kurt, it's their NYADA auditions, and for Puck, it's passing a test so he can graduate. While the kids get ready for their various challenges, Coach Beiste faces one of her own when we learn a revelation about her home life.

I should have known from the title that this episode would have someone failing, but I didn't expect it to have a disappointing ending for nearly every character who's highlighted. Let's go over all the bummers from "Choke" after the jump.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Wrap Up Their Anniversary Getaway With Roc and Roe

Allie Merriam — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:59:18 PDT

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon left their Paris hotel yesterday, and she took a minute to pose with fans before hopping into a car and heading to the airport with her family. Nick, Mariah, and their children, Moroccan and Monroe Cannon, boarded a private jet to wrap up a very meaningful vacation. Nick and Mariah renewed their vows over the weekend to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary. Last year on the special day, the couple welcomed Roc and Roe into the world. Today is actually Mariah Carey's twins' birthday! We're celebrating with a look back at "dem babies'" cutest moments. One of Mariah's gifts to Moroccan and Monroe was apparently a song! She tweeted from the jet, "Singing at this altitude is almost like giving birth to twins, which I did last year on this day - lol! Happy birthday dembabies!"

Buzz Blabber: Ian Somerhalder Would Be a Perfect Christian Grey

BuzzSugar — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:05:32 PDT

Things got off to a hot start this week when we heard that The Vampire Diaries's Ian Somerhalder wanted to star as the handsome Christian Grey in the upcoming big screen adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey. Responses were largely positive, but some of you brought up your own casting suggestions, like Somerhalder's cast mate, Joseph Morgan, and Matt Bomer, who recently guest starred on Glee. Speaking of Glee, you also had a lot to say about this week's episode. Check out the best comments below!

There was an astounding reaction to the idea of Ian Somerhalder as Christian Grey

"When I was reading the first book I pictured Ian when I thought of Christian. This was way before the news broke about the movie, so of course I'm all for Ian playing the part. The only thing that doesn't quite fit is that I picture Christian to be a little taller than Ian is. Other than that, he's perfect!" - LNDnurse
"I can really see him in this role. I do think he sometimes overacts, like with his eyebrows on The Vampire Diaries, but when he tones it down, he can be very vulnerable and real. Plus, he's incredibly sexy and devastatingly gorgeous. I've seen some of his love scenes and let's just say he's very convincing." - popculture whore
"Oh my gosh! Please tell me this is serious! I have been playing the "if only" game every time I watch The Vampire Diaries wishing to see more of Ian. If this comes true, I will certainly be living happily ever after." - Julie261818

See what else had you talking after the jump.

Glee-ful Highlights From Episode "Dance With Somebody"

Shannon Vestal — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:58:57 PDT

This week's Glee kicks off with a goose-bump-inducing rendition of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" by Rachel, Mercedes, Santana, and Kurt, and it's just the beginning of an episode full of some of my favorite performances of this season. The kids are still grieving Houston's death, and Emma points out that it's partially due to the fact that they're having a rough time dealing with the impending transition of graduation. Schue suggests a Whitney-themed assignment, and we all benefit, getting some sentimental but hugely entertaining numbers.

A couple of relationships are tested, but I'm most pleasantly surprised by the blossoming of a new romance that seems to come out of nowhere. Let's talk about those moments and more after the jump.

Sexy Jennifer Lopez Cheers Up Ryan Seacrest on an Emotional Idol Night

Katie Henry — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:28:27 PDT

Ryan Seacrest kicked off yesterday's episode of American Idol with a touching tribute to his close friend, Dick Clark. Dick Clark passed away yesterday at the age of 82, and Ryan, noticeably somber, said to the audience, "We can't begin tonight's show without acknowledging the passing of a television pioneer and my dear friend, Dick Clark. Without Dick, a show like this would not exist. He will be missed greatly." The energy level only rose from that point forward, with the contestants singing two songs each. The show's first hour was packed with post-millennium number one hits, followed by a second hour full of soulful classics.

Judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler were on point with their critiques, but it wasn't what J Lo said, more what she wore, that got viewers attention. Jennifer entered in a Hervé Leger dress that seemed to put a smile on Ryan's face! Last week, Randy, Jennifer, and Steven used their only save following 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez's shocking elimination. Tonight, though, one of the remaining seven contestants will certainly be sent packing. It will be another exciting evening, featuring performances from LMFAO and previous Idol winner Kris Allen. Who do you think will be sent home this week?

Buzz Blabber: The Verdict Is in For Don't Trust The B---- in Apartment 23

BuzzSugar — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 03:05:56 PDT

This week's TV got everyone talking on Buzz; it was another big week for Game of Thrones, with a few of you chiming in about the series' second episode of the season, while the premiere of Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 got the thumbs up. Meanwhile, the shocking non-elimination on American Idol also gave fans something to talk about.

We might actually trust the b---- in Apartment 23

"I loved it! I am not a fan of Happy Endings so I hope this stays." - hilberkl
"I thought it was pretty funny - I'll keep watching! Krysten Ritter has great comedic timing. And James Van Der Beek's version of himself is hilarious!" - DCBaxter
"Loved it! Can't wait to see where they go!" - Raelee

Game of Thrones is awesome, but a little creepy

"Gendry definitely is my favorite character of this season. I adore him in the books and I love, love, love that they chose Joe Dempsie for the role. He is perfect. Daenerys bores me to death, so no problem with her brief appearance. Same about Joffrey, but I am sad we didn't see a second of Sansa. And [I] can't wait to know what happens to Jon and what's coming on with the babies and the White Walkers!" - pss
"I think it's funny you say the Theon/Asha thing 'could have been avoided if Theon wasn't such a pervy horndog,' when she knew exactly who he was and how they're related. It's a sick, twisted lesson to her little brother . . . actually now that I say that out loud it would have been prevented had he not been such a horn dog. Talk about commitment to the lesson, Asha - I mean Yara." - demarco11
"The tagline for this series should be: If you like incest, you'll love Game of Thrones." - onlysourcherry

See what else was a hot topic after the jump.