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American Idol Rundown: The Top 12 Guys

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:37:51 PST

After weeks upon weeks of bad auditions, three hours in Hollywood, and more screen time spent on some eliminated contestants than on several members of the top 24, how does American Idol kick off its first live performance show? With a recap, of course. Naturally.

Still, the top 12 guys' performances on Tuesday revealed that Idol is serious about us getting to know the contestants more this year. I might already know more about, say, David Hernandez than I ever really did about Jordin Sparks. (Best fun fact of the night: Colton Berry's "From certain angles, I look like Ellen DeGeneres." It's true!) The night also included some, uh, colorful babbling from Paula, one burnt-orange suit, a couple of Simon smackdowns, and a Peter Frampton lookalike. Don't forget to vote for which two guys are going home, and to see which singers I think are safe and which had better pack their bags, just

David Hernandez - It must be tough to be first, and - after Simon told him at the end of Hollywood that he'd have to work harder than anyone to stick around - he delivered a completely solid, if slightly boring, performance of "In the Midnight Hour." Someone needs to tell him that leg bouncing does not qualify as dancing, though. Randy liked the song's surprising gospel tinge, Paula said his vocals were "brilliant," and Simon said it was better than he thought it would be but David needs to loosen up.

Chikezie - OK, first of all, he's apparently dropped his last name and is now just "Chikezie." Mr. Chikezie, if you're nasty. He interpreted '60s night to be almost Austin Powers-esque, with a crazy orange suit and a throwback performance of "More Today than Yesterday." Maybe it's because I didn't know the song, but that was way lounge singer to me. His voice is smooth, though. Randy thought it was OK, Paula loved the old R&B style, and Simon came down hard, saying the performance was old-fashioned and cheesy.

David Cook - Betcha he ends up being a love-him-or-hate-him contestant. He's got bad hair, but good stage presence, and while the singing on "Happy Together" didn't sound too great, he definitely got the crowd into the performance. Little early in the season for twirling the mic stand, no? Randy was confused but ultimately liked it, Paula said it was original, and Simon said it was "almost" a believable rocker performance.

Jason Yeager - Aw, he has a cute son who looks exactly like him! Unfortunately, any performance this early in Idol that starts with the singer seated has potential for disaster, and this was not good. His "Moon River" sounded a little off to me (was it the tempo?) For someone with so little screen time coming in, I needed him to wow me. Randy said it seemed like he lost his concentration, Paula noted that it was the song from her first dance recital, and Simon deadpanned "I bought my first puppy to that song" and called it a cruise ship performance.

Robbie Carrico - Is always going to be a boy band singer to me, no matter how much he claims to be a rocker. Nonetheless, "One is the Loneliest Number" was a fun song for him, and he's clearly comfortable in front of a crowd. I could get used to watching him. The judges thought it rocked, even Simon, who said it was the first performance of the night to make any sense.

David Archuleta - In a word, adorable. Even Seacrest noted that you can only vote for him, not adopt him. As cute as he looks in real life, though, he seems much bigger and more powerful on stage - not the meek presence that so many Idol teen heartthrobs have been. Also, dude can sing; I liked his "Shop Around." Randy was a fan, Paula said it made her forget how young he is, and Simon said it was the best of the night.

Danny Noriega - If you mixed Sanjaya with Project Runway's Christian Siriano, you'd end up with something close to Danny Noriega. You know a sure way to make Idol seem like karaoke? Sing "Jailhouse Rock." I liked his auditions, but this was a bad choice. Randy called it "kinda hot," Paula babbled something about all the colors of the wind, and Simon essentially called it a disgrace to Idol.

Luke Menard - Full disclosure: I find Luke ridiculously attractive. Unfortunately, he started out singing in this soft, warbly falsetto-is voice, and it was pretty clear it wouldn't end well. Randy said the whole song was sharp, Paula blamed it on the song, and Simon pronounced him forgettable.

Colton Berry - Colton seems super-nerdy and really into musical theater - totally my type! However, the performance seemed a little young (especially when compared with, say, Archuleta, who really commands the stage). It was better than the other Elvis song of the night, though. Randy was glad Colton had fun, Paula said it wasn't his best, and Simon said he didn't see anything unique, just a kid doing a decent job singing Elvis.

Garrett Haley - He looks as much like Peter Frampton as Colton looks like Ellen DeGeneres, maybe more. So maybe that's why he went all teen-heartthrob with "Breaking Up is Hard to Do." It was competently sung but really dull; I thought it would never end. Randy said he needed to do more with the song, Paula wanted him to take some chances, and Simon thought it was off in snores-ville.

Jason Castro - Of all the contestants we saw for the first time last night, I think Jason made the best impression. Sure, the dreadlocks help him be memorable, but he also took a risk by playing the guitar, and that made him seem all the more comfortable with "What a Day for a Daydream." Randy said it was pitchy but not bad, Paula said it was the perfect song for him, and Simon said it was one of the best.

Michael Johns - Let's be honest, Michael is getting through on biceps alone. That said, I'm glad he justified his near-certain presence in the top 12 with a strong "Light My Fire." Randy said he feels like Michael is already a rock legend (is that slang for "don't get too cocky"?), Paula is blinded by The Hotness, and Simon said Michael is the most consistent performer in the competition.

My favorites: David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Robbie Carrico, Michael Johns

In trouble: Garrett Haley, Luke Menard, Chikezie, Jason Yeager. I'd say Danny Noriega, but that would be optimistic considering Vote for the Worst.

Going home: Garrett and Luke

Photos courtesy of Fox

Are These the Tamest Contestants in Bachelorette History?

Annie Scudder — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:25:31 PDT

The Bachelorette was back last night, and while the franchise is always trying to top itself in crazy, this season has a more mellow tone. Taking cues from the overly polite Southern belle star, single mom, and Bachelor vet Emily Maynard, the show has moved to her hometown of Charlotte, NC, and brought on some men who seem like they'll try a little harder to look like nice guys. Of course, there were cheesy gimmicks; I still can't figure out why one guy brought an ostrich egg. But at least one bachelor, Doug, won some sweet points and the first impression rose by bringing a letter from his 12-year-old son.

In all we met one pretty-mild villain, a luxury brand consultant who came in on a helicopter and said he's changing his personality to be "down to earth." Seemed pretty tame compared to "winning" Courtney from Ben's season or evil Bentley from Ashley's. Emily even got rid of a singer/songwriter who could have provided the looking-for-fame story line, and the upcoming scenes from this season of The Bachelorette weren't as dramatic as they usually are. Since Emily is the first mom to hand out the roses, I'm thinking producers vetted this batch of guys for more than making good TV. Do you think I'm right, or do you expect more unstable, yet entertaining antics to come? Watch Emily tear up while reading the letter from Doug's son and tell me what you think.

What to TiVo: Wednesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:59:00 PDT

8:00 The Middle (new)
8:30 Suburgatory (new)
9:00 Modern Family (new)
9:30 Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (new, series premiere)
10:00 Revenge: From the Beginning (new)
11:35 Nightline (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guest Ashley Judd)

8:00 Survivor: One World (new)
9:00 Criminal Minds (new)
10:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guests Magic Johnson and Jim Gaffigan)
12:37 The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guest Adam Goldberg)

8:00 American Idol (new)

8:00 Betty White's Off Their Rockers (new)
8:30 Best Friends Forever (new)
9:00 Rock Center With Brian Williams (new)
10:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (new)
11:34 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guest Albert Brooks)
12:37 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Joel McHale and James Cameron)

8:00 America's Next Top Model: British Invasion (repeat)
9:00 America's Next Top Model: British Invasion (new)

Hwae Dup Bap (Korean Sashimi Salad)

OnSugar Blog — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:26:00 PST

As a self-professed experienced eater, Yoo Eatz tells us the story of her introduction to Korean food, and, boy, does it sound delicious.

By the time I entered college, I thought of myself as a rather experienced eater. Born and raised in a multicultural family in the San Francisco Bay Area, I had been exposed to all sorts of foods from the get-go and was rarely fazed by anything "weird" (Chicken feet? Sure. Alligator tail? No problem. Crab innards? Give it to me over rice.) And my young adult self was certain that there was no cuisine I had yet to conquer.

Then I met the guy who is now my husband, and he proceeded to rock my world with the marvels of Korean food. Yeah, I had experienced plenty of barbecue and jjigaes (stews) by then, but one night he took me to a Korean-owned sushi joint tucked away in a tiny Oakland strip mall, and he ordered us two heaping bowls of hwae dup bap that seriously changed my life.

According to my loose understanding of the Korean language, hwae dup bap translates to raw fish over rice, and while it lacks the orchestrated beauty of Japanese chirashi, you can think of it as chirashi's untamed cousin. Everyone has their own version of this dish (my husband remembers his mom making a simple version with just sashimi and rice for church picnics), but the general equation is as follows (from the bottom up): sushi rice, greens, chopped raw fish, fish roe, and a quail egg, drizzled with sesame oil and a vinegary gochujang sauce. It's refreshing, light, but incredibly filling, and it will change the way you think about sashimi. The Japanese girl in me still enjoy a slice of toro delicately dabbed in shoyu and fresh wasabi, but my newfound Korean side absolutely melts for hwae dup bap.

I based this recipe on our spot in the East Bay which included seaweed salad to round out its from-the-sea flavor. If you have access to good quality sashimi and an Asian grocery store, then you'll have all the ingredients you need for this explosive dish.

For the recipe, read on.

What to TiVo: Wednesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:59:00 PST

8:00 The Middle (new)
8:30 Suburgatory (new)
9:00 Modern Family (new)
9:30 Happy Endings (new)
10:00 Revenge (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Ed Helms and Leslie Bibb)

8:00 Survivor: One World (new)
9:00 Criminal Minds (new)
10:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guests Neil Patrick Harris and Taylor Kitsch)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guest Tom Lennon)

8:00 American Idol

8:00 Whitney (new)
8:30 Are You There, Chelsea? (new)
9:00 Rock Center With Brian Williams (new)
10:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (new)
11:35 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests John McCain and Elizabeth Olsen)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Danny DeVito and Larry the Cable Guy)

8:00 One Tree Hill (new)
9:00 America's Next Top Model: British Invasion (new, series premiere)

Meet the American Idol Season 11 Semifinalists!

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:17:21 PST

The American Idol judges have selected their top 24 for season 11 - but there's a catch. While it's usually 12 girls and 12 guys, this year the judges decided to put through 13 guys, but they didn't narrow it down to 13 just yet, so there are four extra "second chance" contestants in the mix. Get to know them and the semifinalists with this slideshow - and get a preview of who you'll be rooting for later in the season.

Photos courtesy of Fox

American Idol Top 12 Guys Take the Stage

Becky Kirsch — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:41:01 PST

American Idol is finally in the performance rounds, and this week the guys kicked things off, taking the stage and showcasing a variety of different songs. From Brett's "Light My Fire" to Jordan's awkward spin on Usher's "OMG," there's plenty to discuss. Only 10 of the top 24 will be moving on from this week, so let's talk about the guys before we have to say goodbye to at least a handful of them.

Photos courtesy of Fox

Rewind: The Oscars Close Down Award Season

BuzzSugar — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 03:05:00 PST

Another award season came to a close on Sunday as the Oscar winners were revealed. Here's a roundup of all the highlights of the night, plus tons of pictures from the red carpet to the press room.
Onward and upward, here's where you can catch the Oscar winners next.
February also came to a close after the Academy awards: here's a look at the best and worst of the month.
Bradley Cooper's new movie Limitless hits theaters later this month, and I interviewed him on the set in Puerto Vallarta. Find out the five things he revealed about himself and why his upcoming film is his greatest role yet.
With all the Charlie Sheen drama going on, I asked you guys what should happen to Two and a Half Men. We also got a laugh out of Jimmy Fallon's impersonation of the actor.
Everyone loves the '80s, and here are 10 movies that paid homage to the decade.
The new Dancing With the Stars cast has been announced; here's who will be competing.
Think you know Johnny Depp? Test your knowledge with my quiz.
American Idol kicked into high gear with the top 12 guys performing, followed by the girls. Pop and I made our top 10 predictions, but there were still some surprises in the results show.

Find Perfect Wedding Day Décor at Olive & Cocoa

Elka Karl — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:00:09 PDT

While online shop Olive & Cocoa has plenty of pretty offerings, including jewelry, baby products, and gifts for guys, it's Olive & Cocoa's beautiful wedding décor that's really captured my heart. Of course, these gorgeous baubles and tabletop finds don't necessarily have to be served for a wedding reception - use them at a Summer party to create your most fabulous fete yet!

One of my favorite pieces in Olive & Cocoa's collection are these charming Petite Glasses With Caddy ($78, top left). Now you can ask your sweetheart to fetch drinks for the entire gaggle of bridesmaids without worrying he'll drop a single glass. This caddy comes gift wrapped in a handcrafted wooden crate with ribbon, and consists of two wire caddies holding eight small glasses. Perfect for sangria or sharing a nice bottle of pinot.

Another must have on my list is the set of Bubble Placecard Holders. ($98 for 12). They'd be perfect for table settings at a wedding or at a formal dinner party. You could also forgo a center table arrangement and add flowers to these holders instead.

To shop the rest of my favorites, just click on each image. For more ideas you can order a catalog, and don't forget to check out Olive & Cocoa's greatly discounted clearance products!

5 Diet and Fitness Myths That Pack on Pounds

Prevention — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 03:06:50 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

Don't let one of these rumors prevent you from reaching your weight loss goals.
By Diana Kelly, Prevention

Sorry, Journey, but it's finally time to stop believing . . . In weight loss myths at least. Believing popular misconceptions can keep you from taking the right course of action to reach your goals, says Julia Valentour, MS, program coordinator and media spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. Blaming a plateau (or a gain) on any of these half-truths will keep you stuck in your rut and derail your motivation. Here, five of the most pervasive diet-related rumors and the real scoop on how to hit your goal weight for good.

1. "I exercise every day, so I can eat whatever I want."

The sad truth: Even if you work out religiously, going to yoga several times a week and sweating it out in Spinning, it's not a license to eat as much as you want and still expect to lose weight. This may seem obvious, but the desire to reward a workout well done is natural; after all, you endured those endless vinyasas - you deserve an extra slice of pizza (or three), right? Not if you're trying to lose weight.

"You can outeat your workout," says Valentour. Even though you burn calories and fat when you exercise, it's often not as much as you think - or what the readout on the treadmill tells you. Use Prevention's Daily Calorie Calculator tool to see how many calories you should eat each day.

Valentour recommends eating 250 fewer calories per day and aiming to burn an extra 250 calories a day; that creates enough of a calorie deficit to achieve an average weight loss of a pound a week.

6 Lamest excuses for not losing weight

2. "It's harder for women to lose weight than for men."

OK, this one has some basis. Biologically, men are built with more lean muscle mass (the compact, tight muscles that keep metabolism humming) than women are - meaning his metabolism is working at a 5 to 10 percent higher rate (even if he's the same height and weight as you) when you're lying on the couch together. Annoying, isn't it?

Another biological challenge women face is that we generally have more body fat than men do, and our bodies are more inclined to store it. On top of that, women lose about 1/2 pound of calorie-burning muscle mass a year during peri-menopause and sometimes a pound a year during menopause. With the deck stacked against you, why bother trying to fit back in your skinny jeans?

You can do something about these problems, but it's going to take some work - and sweat. Add strength training to your fitness routine at least twice a week to shed fat and build lean muscle mass that will fire up your resting metabolism.

Get more tips on how to lose weight like a guy

Prevention clears up three more myths after the break.