PROCTORVILLE — This year’s entertainment lineup at the Lawrence County Fair will feature a few of the traditional mainstays and a country music singer known for her “Red High Heels.”
“We think the music keeps getting better and better,” said Lou Anne Capper, one of the fair’s organizers.
Unlike previous years, Capper said the entertainment is being geared toward the younger generation with acts like a motocross exhibit, demolition derby and even a performance by a former American Idol contestant.
“We are trying to get the younger crowd a lot more excited about the entertainment and we think it is working,” Capper said.
The fair kicks off Saturday, July 7, with a demolition derby beginning at 8 p.m. The following night, on Sunday, there will be motocross at 8 p.m. On Monday, July 9, a kiddie tractor pull will be presented at 6 p.m., followed by a traditional tractor pull at 7:30 p.m. There will be a “daredevil thrill show” featuring the Imperial Stunt Drivers at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, followed by a small car demolition derby at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The entertainment headliner of the fair will be country music singer Kellie Pickler, who will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 12. She has is known for her hit songs “Red High Heels” and “I Wonder,” which she performed during her stint last year on the popular television show “American Idol.”
At 8 p.m., on Friday, July 13, there will be bull riding. The fair will wrap up the following night, July 14, with another demolition derby at 7:30 p.m.
Rains have dampened the entertainment in the past. Last year, heavy downpours led to the cancellation and delay of some of the fair events. Hopefully, Capper said, that won’t happen this year.
“We are hoping that (week) will be the one drought week we have,” she said with a laugh. “But, it never seems to work out that way.”
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Reality shows invade TV tonight
Honestly, the week following the "American Idol" season finale almost landed me in rehab. Initially, I stared at the TV blankly, with my eyes glazed over and my mind desperate for its fix of questionable talent and incoherent criticism.
Thankfully, I'm better now.
That's because I've found summer's new crop of reality TV shows. Sure, they slightly lack the widespread commercial appeal of "Idol," but you'll nonetheless find a train-wreck appeal strong enough to feed your habit.
Consider tonight's TV schedule.
First, there's "So You Think You Can Dance" (8 p.m., FOX). Don't let the title fool you — this guilty pleasure is a little bit "Dancing with the Stars," a little bit "American Idol" and a little bit "Jerry Springer Show." (But not the real Jerry Springer. He's on "America's Got Talent." On Wednesdays.) Anyway, "So You Think You Can Dance" is still in its preliminary rounds, and tonight the remaining contenders hit Vegas in hopes of being named a finalist. Dancers include a chick with a prosthetic arm, the sister of last year's winner and a guy who's allegedly been hiccuping for seven years. Let the games begin.
Not into fancy footwork? Check out "The Next Big Thing" (8 p.m., ABC). This show is all about finding "the greatest celebrity impersonator." Because I have no life, I actually watched the premiere episode last week, when contestants impersonated everyone from Bill Cosby to Dolly Parton. Let's just say the show is one Cher impersonation away from a weekend in Vegas.
Finally, the night wraps up with "American Inventor" (9 p.m., ABC), the search for America's best inventor. With luck, this season's winner will invent a cure for a bad case of reality TV withdrawal.
Thankfully, I'm better now.
That's because I've found summer's new crop of reality TV shows. Sure, they slightly lack the widespread commercial appeal of "Idol," but you'll nonetheless find a train-wreck appeal strong enough to feed your habit.
Consider tonight's TV schedule.
First, there's "So You Think You Can Dance" (8 p.m., FOX). Don't let the title fool you — this guilty pleasure is a little bit "Dancing with the Stars," a little bit "American Idol" and a little bit "Jerry Springer Show." (But not the real Jerry Springer. He's on "America's Got Talent." On Wednesdays.) Anyway, "So You Think You Can Dance" is still in its preliminary rounds, and tonight the remaining contenders hit Vegas in hopes of being named a finalist. Dancers include a chick with a prosthetic arm, the sister of last year's winner and a guy who's allegedly been hiccuping for seven years. Let the games begin.
Not into fancy footwork? Check out "The Next Big Thing" (8 p.m., ABC). This show is all about finding "the greatest celebrity impersonator." Because I have no life, I actually watched the premiere episode last week, when contestants impersonated everyone from Bill Cosby to Dolly Parton. Let's just say the show is one Cher impersonation away from a weekend in Vegas.
Finally, the night wraps up with "American Inventor" (9 p.m., ABC), the search for America's best inventor. With luck, this season's winner will invent a cure for a bad case of reality TV withdrawal.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest Mocks Jessica Simpson at the Movies
American Idol judge Ryan Seacrest has a lot of jobs. Over the weekend the host had a bit of fun at his own expense and at pop tart Jessica Simpson's as well. That is - if you were one of the many folks that caught the hilarious and highly recommended new romantic comedy 'Knocked Up. His scene-stealing cameo in the film is priceless in a movie filled with laughs.
Katherine Heigl plays an E! Televison reporter and of course that's one of the many jobs Ryan has in real life. The Associated Press has this recap:
***
Seacrest, playing himself, becomes ticked off on the set when Jessica Simpson throws off his busy schedule by arriving at her leisure for an interview. He angrily suggests that maybe he'll retaliate by asking for her thoughts on an "exit strategy" in the Middle East.
"I don't understand the young talent in this town," the movie Seacrest goes on. "It doesn't make any sense. I got four jobs — hell, I'm more famous than half the people we talk to anyway!"
The rant then escalates into an R-rated diatribe with Seacrest dropping the F-bomb and denouncing the superficial workings of the entertainment industry. The apoplectic host finally has to be ushered into the green room with a promise of a cookie in an effort to calm him down.
***
It was classic. For the record, Jess never shows in that scene but does have a cameo later on the red carpet.
Katherine Heigl plays an E! Televison reporter and of course that's one of the many jobs Ryan has in real life. The Associated Press has this recap:
***
Seacrest, playing himself, becomes ticked off on the set when Jessica Simpson throws off his busy schedule by arriving at her leisure for an interview. He angrily suggests that maybe he'll retaliate by asking for her thoughts on an "exit strategy" in the Middle East.
"I don't understand the young talent in this town," the movie Seacrest goes on. "It doesn't make any sense. I got four jobs — hell, I'm more famous than half the people we talk to anyway!"
The rant then escalates into an R-rated diatribe with Seacrest dropping the F-bomb and denouncing the superficial workings of the entertainment industry. The apoplectic host finally has to be ushered into the green room with a promise of a cookie in an effort to calm him down.
***
It was classic. For the record, Jess never shows in that scene but does have a cameo later on the red carpet.
American Idol's Katherine McPhee to star in indie film
Katherine McPhee, season 5's American Idol runner-up, has signed on to star in an independent film, entitled “The Last Caller”. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is “a coming-of-age tale about a self-obsessed woman (McPhee) who searches for love, hope and meaning during a few random events with other urban seekers.”
The film is supposedly a dark romantic comedy, which is probably the reason the film is independent (big-budget Hollywood romantic comedies tend to be of the “light” variety). This will be the first starring role for McPhee, who has acted before on stage and has appeared in one film, the 2006 movie “Crazy”.
“The Last Caller” was written Michael Albanese, whose only IMDB credits are for directing seven episodes of the 1981 talk show, “Signature”. Wonder where he's been all these years. McPhee is taking a risk with this career move, some might say, because starring in a small independent film could be off-putting for her fan base, depending on the content.
This will be the first big film project for any former Idol since the abomination that was “From Justin 2 Kelly”. Frankly, of all the former Idol contestants, Kat McPhee is probably the best suited for a film/acting career. She has a history on stage, she is young, her music career isn't so successful that acting isn't worth a shot and, well, she's really attractive. Pretty good combo.
Independent films are more or less a crap shoot, however, and McPhee probably isn't a big enough celebrity to give the film a ton of exposure on her own. It's going to have to stand on its own merits.
By the way, if you were one of the lucky people to see Knocked Up this weekend, you were treated to a hilariously self-deprecating cameo by Ryan Seacrest. We're not going to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it, but it's good.
The film is supposedly a dark romantic comedy, which is probably the reason the film is independent (big-budget Hollywood romantic comedies tend to be of the “light” variety). This will be the first starring role for McPhee, who has acted before on stage and has appeared in one film, the 2006 movie “Crazy”.
“The Last Caller” was written Michael Albanese, whose only IMDB credits are for directing seven episodes of the 1981 talk show, “Signature”. Wonder where he's been all these years. McPhee is taking a risk with this career move, some might say, because starring in a small independent film could be off-putting for her fan base, depending on the content.
This will be the first big film project for any former Idol since the abomination that was “From Justin 2 Kelly”. Frankly, of all the former Idol contestants, Kat McPhee is probably the best suited for a film/acting career. She has a history on stage, she is young, her music career isn't so successful that acting isn't worth a shot and, well, she's really attractive. Pretty good combo.
Independent films are more or less a crap shoot, however, and McPhee probably isn't a big enough celebrity to give the film a ton of exposure on her own. It's going to have to stand on its own merits.
By the way, if you were one of the lucky people to see Knocked Up this weekend, you were treated to a hilariously self-deprecating cameo by Ryan Seacrest. We're not going to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it, but it's good.
Paula Abdul gushes that judging 'American Idol' is her "purpose in life"
American Idol has helped numerous singers find their path in life, and apparently its done the same for judge Paula Abdul.
"I didn't find out my purpose in life until American Idol," said Abdul in the June 11 issue of OK! Weekly. "I knew since I was a little girl that I had this profound way of touching people. My purpose is bringing out everybody's best and being that cheerleader to other people's success."
The revelation by the 45-year-old that she hadn't found her place in life until Idol's 2002 premiere could be considered somewhat surprising since her career as a dancer, choreographer and singer were all established prior to that. She initially gained notoriety working as a Los Angeles Lakers' Laker Girl and becoming the eventual choreographer for the group. She then went on to choreograph music videos for numerous artists, from Duran Duran and Dolly Parton to Janet Jackson and INXS. As a pop-star in the 1980s, Abdul sang numerous hits, including "Opposites Attract," "Forever Your Girl," "Rush, Rush" and "Crazy Cool." "Opposites Attract"'s music video won Abdul a 1991 Grammy Award for best short form music video.
"I've had three separate careers and shots at superstardom, the third time around with this show. Being a judge on American Idol overshadows being a Grammy Award winner and selling millions of records," she told OK!.
While appearing as an Idol judge may have been a blessing for Abdul, it's also made her life more hectic than ever. Her Bravo docu-reality series Hey Paula! is scheduled to premiere June 28; she's producing her new Bratz: The Movie project; she's developed her own line of perfumes and cosmetics; has her own originally-designed jewelry line; markets a clothing line she started; and also makes numerous personal appearances.
"If I appear exhausted on television, it's because I am!" Abdul told OK!. "I have a lot of sleepless nights because I'm in so much pain. I was taking far more medications on earlier seasons [of Idol], and nobody said anything. I try to say something and I stumble, and that's what people have picked up on. I'm not polished."
In April 2005, Abdul revealed she suffers from a rare neurological disorder called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which causes the chronic pain she feels.
"I have had Botox injections in my neck to numb the nerves but it didn't really work. I had three injections in eight years," Abdul told OK!. "I inject myself with a shot of Humira every two weeks, which is very helpful. I also use Enbrel [which like Humira can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis], Relafan [an anti-inflamatory drug] and the painkiller lidocaine. Two or three times a week I have a specialist message to calm the nervous system. I see an acupuncture specialist who deals in head and spinal-cord trauma."
She's also bee diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a chronic condition characterized by severe pain that has no cure. However she said much of the pain she feels is no longer a symptom of the condition.
"I have four titanium plates in my neck. I've had 14 surgeries over the years. I had an operation the same evening as the first season finale of American Idol," Abdul explained to OK!. "It can come and go at any time, but I no longer have the intense nerve pain that is associated with RSD, thank God."
Having survived an auto accident when she was hit by a drunk driver in 1987; a plane crash in 1993; as well as eating disorders throughout the early years of her life, Abdul told OK! she's never thought about suicide but does suffer from depression.
"I've survived a number of crises, and with it comes depression," she told OK!. "I have really good therapists. I'm not afraid to ask for help. I need help. I've been through some major s**t where depression could have been a disease for me and led me to not even be here."
In addition to the crises that affected her early life, Abdul has had to endure media scrutiny while serving as an Idol judge. She's constantly heckled by fellow judge Simon Cowell; has to frequently deny rumors she takes drugs recreationally and drinks heavily; constantly deals with reports that she's being replaced on Idol; was at the center of a reported sex scandal with former Idol 2 finalist Corey Clark, who alleged that he and Abdul had a sexual relationship while he was competing on the series; and most recently had an alleged run-in with her dog that ended with her breaking her nose and had to deal with a private phone conversaton she had with publicists being leaked to the media.
"I have felt like an outsider, yet I've always had so much love from my fans," she told OK!. "I've worked very hard. I know how powerful I am. I was rejected, rejected, rejected, and told that I was not meant to be a dancer. I never fit the mold, but I went on to become the most famous choreographer in the world. I'm a warrior. I'm not the best dancer, and I'm certainly not the best singer, but I am an entire package of a great performer."
Abdul aid she's only recently started to date again, but said success is minimal because "men are intimidated by me." While she'd like to become involved in a romantic relationship, Abdul said there's also nothing wrong with being single.
"I would never be in a relationship for the sake of being in a relationship. I feel okay on my own," she told OK!. "Real love is understanding who I am and loving myself even when I didn't like myself. I love being in love. I really do. I'm proud of who I am."
"I didn't find out my purpose in life until American Idol," said Abdul in the June 11 issue of OK! Weekly. "I knew since I was a little girl that I had this profound way of touching people. My purpose is bringing out everybody's best and being that cheerleader to other people's success."
The revelation by the 45-year-old that she hadn't found her place in life until Idol's 2002 premiere could be considered somewhat surprising since her career as a dancer, choreographer and singer were all established prior to that. She initially gained notoriety working as a Los Angeles Lakers' Laker Girl and becoming the eventual choreographer for the group. She then went on to choreograph music videos for numerous artists, from Duran Duran and Dolly Parton to Janet Jackson and INXS. As a pop-star in the 1980s, Abdul sang numerous hits, including "Opposites Attract," "Forever Your Girl," "Rush, Rush" and "Crazy Cool." "Opposites Attract"'s music video won Abdul a 1991 Grammy Award for best short form music video.
"I've had three separate careers and shots at superstardom, the third time around with this show. Being a judge on American Idol overshadows being a Grammy Award winner and selling millions of records," she told OK!.
While appearing as an Idol judge may have been a blessing for Abdul, it's also made her life more hectic than ever. Her Bravo docu-reality series Hey Paula! is scheduled to premiere June 28; she's producing her new Bratz: The Movie project; she's developed her own line of perfumes and cosmetics; has her own originally-designed jewelry line; markets a clothing line she started; and also makes numerous personal appearances.
"If I appear exhausted on television, it's because I am!" Abdul told OK!. "I have a lot of sleepless nights because I'm in so much pain. I was taking far more medications on earlier seasons [of Idol], and nobody said anything. I try to say something and I stumble, and that's what people have picked up on. I'm not polished."
In April 2005, Abdul revealed she suffers from a rare neurological disorder called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which causes the chronic pain she feels.
"I have had Botox injections in my neck to numb the nerves but it didn't really work. I had three injections in eight years," Abdul told OK!. "I inject myself with a shot of Humira every two weeks, which is very helpful. I also use Enbrel [which like Humira can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis], Relafan [an anti-inflamatory drug] and the painkiller lidocaine. Two or three times a week I have a specialist message to calm the nervous system. I see an acupuncture specialist who deals in head and spinal-cord trauma."
She's also bee diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a chronic condition characterized by severe pain that has no cure. However she said much of the pain she feels is no longer a symptom of the condition.
"I have four titanium plates in my neck. I've had 14 surgeries over the years. I had an operation the same evening as the first season finale of American Idol," Abdul explained to OK!. "It can come and go at any time, but I no longer have the intense nerve pain that is associated with RSD, thank God."
Having survived an auto accident when she was hit by a drunk driver in 1987; a plane crash in 1993; as well as eating disorders throughout the early years of her life, Abdul told OK! she's never thought about suicide but does suffer from depression.
"I've survived a number of crises, and with it comes depression," she told OK!. "I have really good therapists. I'm not afraid to ask for help. I need help. I've been through some major s**t where depression could have been a disease for me and led me to not even be here."
In addition to the crises that affected her early life, Abdul has had to endure media scrutiny while serving as an Idol judge. She's constantly heckled by fellow judge Simon Cowell; has to frequently deny rumors she takes drugs recreationally and drinks heavily; constantly deals with reports that she's being replaced on Idol; was at the center of a reported sex scandal with former Idol 2 finalist Corey Clark, who alleged that he and Abdul had a sexual relationship while he was competing on the series; and most recently had an alleged run-in with her dog that ended with her breaking her nose and had to deal with a private phone conversaton she had with publicists being leaked to the media.
"I have felt like an outsider, yet I've always had so much love from my fans," she told OK!. "I've worked very hard. I know how powerful I am. I was rejected, rejected, rejected, and told that I was not meant to be a dancer. I never fit the mold, but I went on to become the most famous choreographer in the world. I'm a warrior. I'm not the best dancer, and I'm certainly not the best singer, but I am an entire package of a great performer."
Abdul aid she's only recently started to date again, but said success is minimal because "men are intimidated by me." While she'd like to become involved in a romantic relationship, Abdul said there's also nothing wrong with being single.
"I would never be in a relationship for the sake of being in a relationship. I feel okay on my own," she told OK!. "Real love is understanding who I am and loving myself even when I didn't like myself. I love being in love. I really do. I'm proud of who I am."
Obesity Campaigner Gets 'Death Threats' Over American Idol Jordin Sparks
An obesity campaigner who criticised American Idol winner Jordin Sparks' weight has received death threats over her remarks.
MeMe Roth, of the National Action Against Obesity group in the U.S., admits she has been the victim of hate-mail ever since her appearance on a TV show, with fans of the star "calling for my death".
But Roth refuses to retract her opinions, and insists 17-year-old Sparks is in need of severe weight loss, but denies she referred to the singer as "obese".
MeMe Roth, of the National Action Against Obesity group in the U.S., admits she has been the victim of hate-mail ever since her appearance on a TV show, with fans of the star "calling for my death".
But Roth refuses to retract her opinions, and insists 17-year-old Sparks is in need of severe weight loss, but denies she referred to the singer as "obese".
American Idol Simon Cowell 'Sick With Envy' Over Dancing With Stars
American Idol judge Simon Cowell confesses he is jealous of friends who taste success - but insists it is healthy to be competitive.
The music mogul also admits he is 'sick with envy' he wasn't the brainchild behind hit U.S. TV show Dancing with the Stars, and secretly wanted the programme to flop.
He says, "If someone I know is doing better than me I get incredibly miserable.
The music mogul also admits he is 'sick with envy' he wasn't the brainchild behind hit U.S. TV show Dancing with the Stars, and secretly wanted the programme to flop.
He says, "If someone I know is doing better than me I get incredibly miserable.
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