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April 28th, 2009
08:09 PM ET
Top 5: Jamie Foxx is the mentor?!?!?!Now this one makes way more sense than Quentin T. Jamie Foxx is smooth, he can sing, and I will not hate on him as the mentor for songs from the Rat Pack era. If you are going to focus on cool music you might as well have a cool performer as a mentor. Right?
April 28th, 2009
08:04 PM ET
Top 5 – Our 'American Idol' packIn anticipation of tonight's theme, I have been listening to a CD of Rat Pack songs (special shout-out to the wonderful CNNer who loaned me the tunes; I'm throwing up my special gang sign in your honor.) and boy could those guys swing! I have long been a fan of the great Frank Sinatra, but there is something about listening to him banter and perform with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. that makes me really appreciate how special their act was back then – and now. I wonder how the fab five are going to do performing these classic tunes. I could say I can't wait to see who chooses what song. However, if I'm going to be honest I really have to admit that I am waiting to see what Adam is going to perform. The Sid Vicious version of "My Way" perhaps? The show just started and already I see that the group appears to be costumed for the occasion. Here's hoping they sound as good as they look. –Lisa Respers France, CNN.com writer
April 28th, 2009
05:12 PM ET
Pearl Jam, DMB, Legend to play Austin City Limits festLooks like this is the year for big names to be playing festivals. Paul McCartney played Coachella a couple weeks ago. Bruce Springsteen is at Bonnaroo in June. And now the Austin City Limits Music Festival has announced its lineup. It, too, gives you your money’s worth: The performers include Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band, John Legend, Lily Allen and Jack White’s newest band, the Dead Weather. The festival is scheduled for October 2-4. See the complete lineup here.
- Todd Leopold, CNN.com Entertainment Producer
April 28th, 2009
03:16 PM ET
Watch 'American Idol' with CNN.comThe contestants from "American Idol" will be taking it back - way back - tonight as they sing hits made famous by members of the Rat Pack.  The final five weren't even twinkles in their parents' eyes (heck, perhaps their parents weren't even twinkles in their parents' eyes) when the famous five - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop - thrilled audiences, but the youngsters will do their best to pay homage to the legends. Will it be classy or will it be trashy? Watch “American Idol” tonight along with CNN.com’s Lisa Respers France, who will be blogging live during the show. We want to know your thoughts on who you think will do well tonight. Post your comments below, or head over to iReport to share videos of your thoughts about the show. Your comment or video may appear on CNN! –Lisa Respers France, CNN.com writer
April 28th, 2009
01:15 PM ET
Ernie Barnes, created 'Good Times' painting, diesErnie Barnes, who painted “Sugar Shack,” the artwork featured on a Marvin Gaye album cover and in the credits to “Good Times,” has died, according to news reports. He was 70. Barnes, a former professional football player, died at Los Angeles’ Cedars Sinai Medical Center Monday night. You can see “Sugar Shack” here. - From news reports
April 28th, 2009
09:22 AM ET
Injury sidelines ‘Dancing’ starInjuries have plagued “Dancing With the Stars” from the beginning this season. Two celebrity contestants – TV host Nancy O’Dell and singer Jewel - had to drop out before the competition even began.  Now, “Bachelor” alumna Melissa Rycroft, who stepped in at the last minute to replace O'Dell, had to skip last night’s show because of a hairline fracture of her ribs. Rycroft was already dancing in pain last week and a video of her rehearsal with professional partner Tony Dovolani showed her wincing as she practiced the jive for this week’s competition. Her absence meant the judges had to score the routine based on a rehearsal taped the morning of the live show in which casually-dressed Rycroft and Dovolani danced in an empty ballroom. They received 7s, with the judges blaming the low scores on not being able to see the couple dance the best routine possible and interact with the audience. The development now sets up an interesting results show tonight. Rodeo star (and Jewel’s husband) Ty Murray seemed to be on his way out, but he received good reviews and a standing ovation from the audience after his salsa last night. His team also won the group dance competition. Meanwhile, Rycroft had been receiving consistently great marks, but has her injury slowed her momentum? Tell us who you think will be the next to go. |
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