‘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.’’
Mrs. Obama beats Fallon in WH fitness challengeMichelle Obama and "Late Night" host Jimmy Fallon turned the White House into a playground to promote the first lady's "Let's Move!" fitness campaign.
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.
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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.
Dr. House hangs up his Fox TV stethoscopeFox's medical drama "House" is ending its eight-year run this season. The show's producers, including Emmy-nominated star Hugh Laurie, said it was a "painful" decision but that the time had come to bring "House" to a close.
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Operator of radical Muslim site to plead guiltyA Muslim convert from Brooklyn who ran a website that posted threats against the creators of the television show "South Park" is expected to enter a federal guilty plea, his attorney said Wednesday.
CNN suspends Martin for 'offensive' commentsCNN suspended political analyst Roland Martin on Wednesday for "offensive" tweets during the Super Bowl that some critics said were anti-gay.
Reality TV producer sent to Mexico in wife's deathA reality television producer charged with killing his wife while on vacation in Mexico has been extradited from the U.S. to await trial, the next step in a legal saga that has played out on both sides of the border.
Dog-on-it: Another Hollywood award showWith Uggie stealing hearts in "The Artist," snagging the spotlight at celebrity events and reportedly preparing for a sketch with Oscar host Billy Crystal, Hollywood really has gone to the dogs this year. There's even a brand-new award show honoring canine performers.
Chinese state TV starts American service this weekChinese state broadcaster CCTV is launching its American service this week as part of a major overseas expansion aimed at boosting China's international influence.
NYPD boss' son, not charged, returns to TV FridayThe police commissioner's son, cleared of the prospect of criminal charges of raping a woman he met for a drink, will return to his job as host of a popular local morning TV talk show this week, his station said.
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.
