‘Idol’ hoping to stay in tune with viewersWhen “American Idol’’ returns to the airwaves tonight there will be roughly 800 singing/talent competitions on TV. Or at least it will feel that way. With vocal showdowns proliferating like notes in an Aguilera-sung vowel, what will the granddaddy of the format do to freshen things up for its eleventh season? Not much apparently. Staying the course seems to be the theme of season 11, as last year’s newbie judges - Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, and Jennifer Lopez of the block - settle into their seats alongside Randy Jackson of the limited critical vocabulary.
For Steven Tyler, it’s all about talentIn advance of tonight’s season premiere of “American Idol,’’ Sarah Rodman talks to “Idol’’ judge and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.
‘Smash’ offers backstage pass to Broadway musical“Smash’’ is not a single TV show, but two. And one of them has got to go.
Staging a 'Smash'For years, Steven Spielberg had kicked around the idea of a television show that shone a spotlight on the backstage drama involved in mounting a Broadway musical. “The competition, the creativity, the fights, the arguments, the dreams, the egos, disappointments, the energy. I thought it would make a compelling story on a weekly basis,’’ Spielberg recently said. On Monday at 9 p.m., Spielberg’s dream becomes a reality when NBC lifts the curtain on its ambitious new musical drama “Smash.’’
Censors MIA on M.I.A.'s finger flipLess than a second stood between British singer M.I.A. giving the finger to 114 million people watching the Super Bowl halftime show and no one noticing at all.
M.I.A. flips bird during Super Bowl halftime showFor all the pomp and excess of Madonna's Super Bowl halftime extravaganza a single extended middle finger by guest singer M.I.A. is likely to be the most remembered piece of the show.
Kindred spirits in comedyThe new sketch comedy series “Key & Peele’’ premieres tonight on Comedy Central at 10:30.
Scherzinger, Jones not returning to 'X Factor'Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones are out at "The X Factor." A Fox spokeswoman said Monday that the judge and host will not return for the show's second season. No other details were provided.
AD:
Actress clarifies remark about being gay by choiceActress Cynthia Nixon is trying to clarify her earlier remarks that got her in hot water with some fellow gay rights activists.
Lots of thoroughbreds, but a stumbling start“Luck’’ has a great title. It also has (in no particular order) a great setting, the world of thoroughbred racing; a great star, Dustin Hoffman; and a creator with a great track record, David Milch, co-creator of “NYPD Blue’’ and creator of “Deadwood.’’ Michael Mann, of “Heat’’ and “Collateral,’’ is along for the ride, too, as an executive producer and director of the first episode. The HBO series starts a nine-episode run this Sunday at 9 p.m.
No charges against NYPD boss' son after rape claimThe police commissioner's TV host son won't face criminal charges of sexually assaulting a woman who said he attacked her after a date last fall, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Testimony ends in trial over Globes broadcast dealTestimony concluded Tuesday in a trial that will decide whether the Golden Globe Awards remain on NBC through 2018 with a federal judge strongly urging both sides to settle before a ruling is necessary.
Shaq OK with Kobe Bryant ahead in NBA scoringShaquille O'Neal says he's satisfied being the most dominant Los Angeles Lakers player, and has no problem with former teammate Kobe Bryant passing him on the NBA's career scoring list.
RI judge denies Richard Hatch $25 IRS payment bidA request by reality television star Richard Hatch to give the Internal Revenue Service a reduced payment of $25 for January in his tax evasion case has been denied by a Rhode Island judge.
Nielsen's top programs for Jan. 30-Feb. 5Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen for Jan. 30-Feb. 5. Listings include the week's ranking and viewership.
AD:
NBC hopes Super Bowl influence spreadsNBC hoped the Super Bowl would prompt viewers to sample a couple of its promising new shows and, at least initially, the network is getting its wish.
'Cupcake Wars' judge settles Conn. name lawsuitA judge on the Food Network reality television show "Cupcake Wars" has resolved her lawsuit with a Connecticut cupcake store over its name.
Grammys to feature first dance music segmentGrammy show producer Ken Ehrlich had considered putting dancing/electronica music into the ceremony in the past, but could never quite figure out how to incorporate the high-energy club feel in front of a sometimes staid audience.
ABC comedy 'Happy Endings' gets laughter startedNEW YORK -- It's never been my favorite month. But January was worse than ever this year.
'Halftime in America' ad creates political debatePeople rarely pick a fight with Dirty Harry. But Chrysler's "Halftime in America" ad featuring quintessential tough guy Clint Eastwood has generated fierce debate about whether it accurately portrays the country's most economically distressed city or amounts to a campaign ad for President Barack Obama and the auto bailouts.
