New York -- Over at Rockefeller Center they were lighting the Christmas tree, and a few blocks away at New York City Center, another much-cherished holiday tradition was taking place: the launch of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's annual season.
An essential part of that tradition, of course, is to perform the late choreographer's masterpiece, "Revelations." The challenge at each year's opening bash is to add a little something extra. On Wednesday evening, it came in the form of a celebrity presenter – the actress and comedienne Mo'Nique – and three high-profile guest singers.
First up was the opera singer Jessye Norman, whose rich soprano tones added an intensity to the already gripping "Fix Me, Jesus" section, danced with beautiful control by Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims.
Then came the Broadway leading-man voice of Brian Stokes Mitchell, delivering a soulful take on another traditional spiritual, "I Wanna Be Ready," danced by Antonio Douthit.
An essential part of that tradition, of course, is to perform the late choreographer's masterpiece, "Revelations." The challenge at each year's opening bash is to add a little something extra. On Wednesday evening, it came in the form of a celebrity presenter – the actress and comedienne Mo'Nique – and three high-profile guest singers.
First up was the opera singer Jessye Norman, whose rich soprano tones added an intensity to the already gripping "Fix Me, Jesus" section, danced with beautiful control by Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims.
Then came the Broadway leading-man voice of Brian Stokes Mitchell, delivering a soulful take on another traditional spiritual, "I Wanna Be Ready," danced by Antonio Douthit.
- 11/29/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Kieron Gaffney makes his return to the show with mum and dad in tow
Kieran Gaffney has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent twice and it seems he has now become addicted to reality TV.
The 14 year old performer reached the semi finals stage on last year’s series of the ITV show, after impressing the judging panel – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan – with his fierce drumming skills.
Kieran failed to win but did land a spot on the nationwide tour and now that he has had a taste of fame, it seems he is craving more and insiders say he showed up to audition for The X Factor this week.
A source told The Sun:
“Despite being known for his amazing drumming, Kieran’s voice was surprisingly good.”
Other Bgt stars to try out were husband and wife duo Craig and Deborah Stephens. They had been known on Bgt as Othelio,...
Kieran Gaffney has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent twice and it seems he has now become addicted to reality TV.
The 14 year old performer reached the semi finals stage on last year’s series of the ITV show, after impressing the judging panel – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan – with his fierce drumming skills.
Kieran failed to win but did land a spot on the nationwide tour and now that he has had a taste of fame, it seems he is craving more and insiders say he showed up to audition for The X Factor this week.
A source told The Sun:
“Despite being known for his amazing drumming, Kieran’s voice was surprisingly good.”
Other Bgt stars to try out were husband and wife duo Craig and Deborah Stephens. They had been known on Bgt as Othelio,...
- 3/11/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
James Boyd just can’t get enough of reality TV shows.
The 34 year old Scottish man has appeared twice on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and now plans to have a go at landing a spot on The X Factor.
He attempted and failed to break the Guinness World Record for eating Ferrero Rocher in 2009. The record stood at a measly seven, but during his audition James only managed to eat four. He returned in 2010 and this time managed to break the world record for eating after eights.
Now the wannabe has revealed that he plans to try out for the X Factor when the judges hit Glasgow and he has even uploaded a video of his audition piece ‘Fly Me To The Moon’.
Have a listen to it below. At first we thought he had no chance of getting through……but then we remembered Wagner and Jedward…….
View...
The 34 year old Scottish man has appeared twice on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and now plans to have a go at landing a spot on The X Factor.
He attempted and failed to break the Guinness World Record for eating Ferrero Rocher in 2009. The record stood at a measly seven, but during his audition James only managed to eat four. He returned in 2010 and this time managed to break the world record for eating after eights.
Now the wannabe has revealed that he plans to try out for the X Factor when the judges hit Glasgow and he has even uploaded a video of his audition piece ‘Fly Me To The Moon’.
Have a listen to it below. At first we thought he had no chance of getting through……but then we remembered Wagner and Jedward…….
View...
- 3/9/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Charlie Sheen finally faced a judge for his Christmas Day attack on his wife, Brooke Mueller, in Aspen, Colorado. Sheen pled guilty to a misdemeanor third-degree assault, in exchange for two other charges - one felony menacing charge and one criminal mischief charge - being dropped.Judge James Boyd asked the Two And A Half Men star why he was pleading guilty and Sheen simply responded,"Because I'm guilty , your honor."As a result, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail which were suspended pending his completion of a 30 day rehab program. But since he has already spent 93 dfays in a California treatment center, his rehab sentenced m ...
- 8/3/2010
- by By Actress Archives
He’s been flying under the radar as of late, but Charlie Sheen is sure to make headlines next week - as he is required to be in court in Aspen, Colorado for a schedule hearing regarding the assault charges filed by estranged wife, Brooke Mueller.
A court official told Radar Online, “His appearance is required and we fully expect Mr. Sheen to be here on Monday to appear before Judge James Boyd.”
The “Men At Work” actor is hoping that an agreement can be reached that will allow him to go back to work on “Two And A Half Men” when production resumes on August 6th.
Furthermore, Sheen and his legal team are working toward probation (instead of jail time) because Charlie wants to work as well as help take care of the twin boys he and Mueller have together.
A court official told Radar Online, “His appearance is required and we fully expect Mr. Sheen to be here on Monday to appear before Judge James Boyd.”
The “Men At Work” actor is hoping that an agreement can be reached that will allow him to go back to work on “Two And A Half Men” when production resumes on August 6th.
Furthermore, Sheen and his legal team are working toward probation (instead of jail time) because Charlie wants to work as well as help take care of the twin boys he and Mueller have together.
- 7/31/2010
- GossipCenter
Actor Charlie Sheen arrives for a sentencing hearing at the Pitkin County Courthouse in Aspen,... Enlarge Photo Actor Charlie Sheen arrives for a sentencing hearing at the Pitkin County Courthouse in Aspen,...Charlie Sheen gets to remain a free man for at least another month.A plea bargain under which the actor was expected to be sentenced to 30 days in an Aspen jail for assaulting his wife hit a snag on Monday, and the court hearing was postponed until July 12.Sheen, 44, the star of TV comedy "Two and A Half Men," had been expected to plead guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor assault, and to be sentenced to 30 days in jail.He had been widely expected to start his jail term later on Monday. The reported deal would have allowed him to leave jail to coach actors at a local theater during the day, and he could...
- 6/7/2010
- Filmicafe
James Corden and Dizzee Rascal perform World Cup 2010 single ‘Shout’ on Britain’s Got Talent (Video)
James Corden and Dizzee Rascal took to the Britain’s got Talent stage tonight to give their first live performance of the brand new World Cup single ‘Shout.’
The unofficial England anthem was masterminded by Bgt judge Simon Cowell, who reportedly phoned rapper Dizzee and gave him the idea for the collaboration.
The song, Shout, is a cover of 80s classic Shout by Tears For Fears and will be released early this Wednesday due to Huge public demand. Our favourite lyrics have to be the line:
“Leave the WAGs alone/Set aside your ego/ We’re tired of bragging about 40-odd years ago.”
Way to make a point Dizzee!
We were expecting some sort of weird funnyman routine on tonight’s show, given James Corden burgeoning comedy career, however he really did sing and apart from the weird dance routine in the middle seemed to take the whole thing quite seriously.
The unofficial England anthem was masterminded by Bgt judge Simon Cowell, who reportedly phoned rapper Dizzee and gave him the idea for the collaboration.
The song, Shout, is a cover of 80s classic Shout by Tears For Fears and will be released early this Wednesday due to Huge public demand. Our favourite lyrics have to be the line:
“Leave the WAGs alone/Set aside your ego/ We’re tired of bragging about 40-odd years ago.”
Way to make a point Dizzee!
We were expecting some sort of weird funnyman routine on tonight’s show, given James Corden burgeoning comedy career, however he really did sing and apart from the weird dance routine in the middle seemed to take the whole thing quite seriously.
- 6/5/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Britain’s Got Talent hopefuls Graham and James Edgington have admitted that they may not keep performing as a duo, even if they do win the show.
The father and son act appeared on last week’s Britain’s Got Talent show, when they performed Les Miserables track This Is The Moment for the judges. Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan loved the rendition and though Simon wasn’t as gushing with his praise they were put through to the final 40 acts and will perform again on tonight’s semi final.
However when the show ends, don’t expect to see these guys doing the club circuit together. James told The Sun: “There’s no reason why we couldn’t work together, there are possibilities there.
“But there’s potential for us to do our separate things.
“Look at Diversity – the lead guy Ashley Banjo has done his own stuff.”
Do...
The father and son act appeared on last week’s Britain’s Got Talent show, when they performed Les Miserables track This Is The Moment for the judges. Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan loved the rendition and though Simon wasn’t as gushing with his praise they were put through to the final 40 acts and will perform again on tonight’s semi final.
However when the show ends, don’t expect to see these guys doing the club circuit together. James told The Sun: “There’s no reason why we couldn’t work together, there are possibilities there.
“But there’s potential for us to do our separate things.
“Look at Diversity – the lead guy Ashley Banjo has done his own stuff.”
Do...
- 6/4/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Britain’s Got Talent hopeful Mark James has revealed that if he wins the series on Saturday, he will use the £100,000 prize money to set up his own pantomime production company.
The singer who impressed Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with his half man, half woman audition has previously starred in panto alongside Sue Pollard, Neighbours star Anne Charleston and Jane Tucker from Rainbow. In fact Sue even rang him up to congratulate him on his Bgt success.
On how he would spend the money if he won, Mark, who will appear on tonight’s semi final said:
I bought a house a couple of years ago so firstly I would pay off the mortgage, but I would like to have my own pantomime production company. I love pantomime as it’s for everybody so the money would definitely be used in a good way.
I did pantomime with Sue Pollard,...
The singer who impressed Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with his half man, half woman audition has previously starred in panto alongside Sue Pollard, Neighbours star Anne Charleston and Jane Tucker from Rainbow. In fact Sue even rang him up to congratulate him on his Bgt success.
On how he would spend the money if he won, Mark, who will appear on tonight’s semi final said:
I bought a house a couple of years ago so firstly I would pay off the mortgage, but I would like to have my own pantomime production company. I love pantomime as it’s for everybody so the money would definitely be used in a good way.
I did pantomime with Sue Pollard,...
- 6/3/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Britain’s Got Talent reject Alyn James has slammed producers on the show, for setting him up for public ridicule whilst being fully aware of his previous mental health problems.
Alyn appeared on a recent episode of the ITV show, when he took to the stage and sang a song of his own composition. It was a depressing number, written for a friend who he thought had committed suicide but who later turned out to be perfectly fine.
Just one verse in and the audience began chanting ‘off off off’ and soon after the three judges buzzed him off the stage. Amanda Holden said: “Its ever so depressing,” while Simon Cowell questioned the whole premise of the song.
Alyn has since claimed that he only progressed onto the show because producers wanted to mock him and he insists that they knew he was once placed in a secure psychiatric unit...
Alyn appeared on a recent episode of the ITV show, when he took to the stage and sang a song of his own composition. It was a depressing number, written for a friend who he thought had committed suicide but who later turned out to be perfectly fine.
Just one verse in and the audience began chanting ‘off off off’ and soon after the three judges buzzed him off the stage. Amanda Holden said: “Its ever so depressing,” while Simon Cowell questioned the whole premise of the song.
Alyn has since claimed that he only progressed onto the show because producers wanted to mock him and he insists that they knew he was once placed in a secure psychiatric unit...
- 5/29/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Britain’s Got Talent hopefuls Graham and James Edgington have overcome major tragedies in their lives so far, but say that they have big dreams for their future.
The father and son act appeared on tonight’s Britain’s Got Talent show, when they performed Les Miserables track This Is The Moment for the judges. Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan loved the performance and though Simon wasn’t as gushing with his praise they were put through to the final 40 acts who will appear on this week’s live semi finals.
In an interview with The News Of The World today, Graham, 54 and James 26, revealed that they have both suffered from and beaten cancer and their wife and mother was killed in a car crash 24 years ago. Graham battled breast cancer in the 1990’s, while James was diagnosed with testicular cancer five years ago.
Graham told the newspaper:
“It was...
The father and son act appeared on tonight’s Britain’s Got Talent show, when they performed Les Miserables track This Is The Moment for the judges. Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan loved the performance and though Simon wasn’t as gushing with his praise they were put through to the final 40 acts who will appear on this week’s live semi finals.
In an interview with The News Of The World today, Graham, 54 and James 26, revealed that they have both suffered from and beaten cancer and their wife and mother was killed in a car crash 24 years ago. Graham battled breast cancer in the 1990’s, while James was diagnosed with testicular cancer five years ago.
Graham told the newspaper:
“It was...
- 5/29/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Britain’s Got Talent hopeful Mark James has revealed that he perfected his singing act while performing on-board a ferry service.
On Saturday night’s show, ferry entertainment manager Mark appeared on stage wearing a home-made costume that he and his Mum made. He sang the old Rene and Renatta song ‘Save My Love’, doing the old half-girl, half-guy costume. Amanda Holden thought Mark was hilarious but then she thought Big Top was a great idea for a show. However Simon Cowell wasn’t impressed, telling Mark: “You are arguably one of the worst acts we have seen this year.” (Video Here)
On how he came up with the act Mark told The Sun:
“I have been practising on the ship. I did the act a couple of times for the passengers to try it out.
“People were really surprised because they didn’t expect it.
“But my workmates know I am the funny man!
On Saturday night’s show, ferry entertainment manager Mark appeared on stage wearing a home-made costume that he and his Mum made. He sang the old Rene and Renatta song ‘Save My Love’, doing the old half-girl, half-guy costume. Amanda Holden thought Mark was hilarious but then she thought Big Top was a great idea for a show. However Simon Cowell wasn’t impressed, telling Mark: “You are arguably one of the worst acts we have seen this year.” (Video Here)
On how he came up with the act Mark told The Sun:
“I have been practising on the ship. I did the act a couple of times for the passengers to try it out.
“People were really surprised because they didn’t expect it.
“But my workmates know I am the funny man!
- 5/17/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Check out this video clip from tomorrow night’s Britain’s Got Talent. It seems like Mark James has a little bit of gender confusion going on!!
Related posts:X Factor Biography: James WilliamsListen to Simon Cowell’s Haiti charity single tomorrow – Preorder now!Britain’s Got Talent 2010: James Boyd swaps Ferrero Rocher for After Eights!American Idol 2010: Casey James thanks loyal fansAlex James is voted off Popstar To OperastarCopyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother Updates
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Related posts:X Factor Biography: James WilliamsListen to Simon Cowell’s Haiti charity single tomorrow – Preorder now!Britain’s Got Talent 2010: James Boyd swaps Ferrero Rocher for After Eights!American Idol 2010: Casey James thanks loyal fansAlex James is voted off Popstar To OperastarCopyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother Updates
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- 5/15/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Anthony McPartlin is thrilled to have triumphed over James Boyd, aka Ferrero Rocher Man. The TV host - who is joined by his presenting partner Declan Donnelly on 'Britain's Got Talent' - was delighted to eat more After Eight chocolates than the dismal contestant and reach the same score as the 'After Eight No Hands Challenge' world record holder. Discussing the returning contestant, who appeared on Saturday night (08.05.10)'s audition show, Ant and Dec wrote in their blog on officialantanddec.com: ''Now, hands up who wasn't pleased to see the return of an old friend, a familiar face who we've had fun with ..
- 5/10/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Eating challenge specialist James Boyd tries to munch nine After Eights in a minute on this week's Britain's Got Talent. The 34-year-old, who attempted to break a Guinness World Record for swallowing Ferrero Rochers last year, returned with a new food treat at this series' Glasgow auditions. "This year I'm back to prove to the judges and the audience that I'm not a failure and I intend to break the Guinness World Record for eating After Eights," he tells the judges. "The record is eight mints eaten in one (more)...
- 5/7/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
James Boyd returns to our screens tomorrow night, after failing to impress the Britain’s Got Talent judges last year. The 34 year old Scottish man attempted and failed to break the Guinness World Record for eating Ferreo Rochers in 2009. The record stood at a measly seven, but during his audition James only managed to eat four.
“This year I’m back to prove to the judges and the audience that I’m not a failure and I intend to break the Guinness World Record for eating After Eights. The record is 8 mints eaten in one minute without using your hands, I intend to do 9.” James tells Ant & Dec.
“I have been practising for the last 7 months, I’ve eaten between 20-30 boxes of After Eights,” he added.
“Simon said last year, the act is not suitable for Royalty, today I will prove him wrong.”
James walks out on stage, the judges remember him.
“This year I’m back to prove to the judges and the audience that I’m not a failure and I intend to break the Guinness World Record for eating After Eights. The record is 8 mints eaten in one minute without using your hands, I intend to do 9.” James tells Ant & Dec.
“I have been practising for the last 7 months, I’ve eaten between 20-30 boxes of After Eights,” he added.
“Simon said last year, the act is not suitable for Royalty, today I will prove him wrong.”
James walks out on stage, the judges remember him.
- 5/7/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Ferrero Rocher-eating specialist James Boyd has returned for a second attempt at Britain's Got Talent. However, the 33-year-old from Dunfermaline has changed his eating challenge to After Eight mints for the 2010 series. Boyd failed to break the Ferrero Rocher world record at last year's auditions, only managing to eat four of the chocolates in a minute. Host Ant McPartlin easily beat him, (more)...
- 4/13/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Charlie Sheen has been formally charged with assault for the Christmas day incident, in which he allegedly attacked wife Brooke Mueller. The "Two and a Half Men" star reunited with Mueller as he was charged with felony menacing, third-degree assault and criminal mischief in an Aspen court on Monday.
The 44-year-old actor did not enter a plea for the charges. He faces one to three years in prison if convicted for the menacing charge.
Judge James Boyd also lifted the restraining order preventing the couple from communicating with each other. The ruling comes after lawyers for the couple both requested that the couple be allowed to speak with and see one another.
On December 25, Colorado police arrested Sheen in a response to 32-year-old Mueller's call. She claimed her husband held a knife to her throat and threatened to have her killed when she said she would divorce him.
The 44-year-old actor did not enter a plea for the charges. He faces one to three years in prison if convicted for the menacing charge.
Judge James Boyd also lifted the restraining order preventing the couple from communicating with each other. The ruling comes after lawyers for the couple both requested that the couple be allowed to speak with and see one another.
On December 25, Colorado police arrested Sheen in a response to 32-year-old Mueller's call. She claimed her husband held a knife to her throat and threatened to have her killed when she said she would divorce him.
- 2/9/2010
- icelebz.com
'Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen's estranged wife, Brooke Mueller, was rushed to intensive care with a mouth infection yesterday -- and Sheen visited her despite a court order barring them from seeing each other. Mueller's infection has forced a postponement of Sheen's domestic violence hearing, which was scheduled for tomorrow in Aspen, Colo. Mueller was taken to Sherman Oaks Hospital in La after running a 105 degree fever following oral surgery, according to her attorney, Yale Galanter -- who earlier had asked a...
- 1/21/2010
- by By MICHAEL STARR
- NYPost.com
Charlie Sheen was granted permission to visit his wife Brooke Mueller in the hospital despite a protective order banning him from having contact with her. The "Two and a Half Men" star can only see his wife while she's in the hospital.
The 44-year-old actor was arrested on Christmas day on suspicion of assaulting Mueller. He was given an order of protection to keep him from having any contact with her.
But on Wednesday, Judge James Boyd gave him permission to visit his wife in the hospital. The couple was supposed to meet in a Colorado courtroom to determine whether to eliminate or extend the protective order, but Mueller was taken to the hospital with a temperature of 105 after an emergency oral surgery earlier this week.
Us magazine said the judge allowed the order to be temporarily lifted so Sheen can visit the ailing Mueller in the hospital.
The 44-year-old actor was arrested on Christmas day on suspicion of assaulting Mueller. He was given an order of protection to keep him from having any contact with her.
But on Wednesday, Judge James Boyd gave him permission to visit his wife in the hospital. The couple was supposed to meet in a Colorado courtroom to determine whether to eliminate or extend the protective order, but Mueller was taken to the hospital with a temperature of 105 after an emergency oral surgery earlier this week.
Us magazine said the judge allowed the order to be temporarily lifted so Sheen can visit the ailing Mueller in the hospital.
- 1/21/2010
- icelebz.com
After spending a good portion of his Christmas Day in an Aspen, Co, jail on domestic violence charges, "The Insider" can confirm that Charlie Sheen is no longer behind bars. According to the Pitken County Sheriff's Office, just before 7 p.m. local time Judge James Boyd informed Sheen that he would be released from jail and must return to Aspen on February 8, 2010 to face the judge in court. Sheen posted an $8,500 bond. At approximately 8:30 in the morning, officers responded to a 911 call at 320 West Hallam Street and arrested the "Two and a Half Men" star for second degree assault, a class four felony; menacing, a class five felony; and criminal mischief, a class one misdemeanor. All charges are coupled with a domestic violence component. Sheen is married to Brooke Mueller. In response to the incident, Sheen's rep told "The Insider,""Do not be mislead by appearance. Appearance and reality...
- 12/26/2009
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
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