‘America’s Got Talent’: Asian American Advocacy Groups Condemn Jay Leno, Call on NBC to Sever Business Ties – Two organizations dedicated to the inclusion and representation of Asian American communities in media have condemned comedian Jay Leno, and called on network NBC to sever its business ties with the former late night host. Both organizations — Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the Media Action Network for Asian Americans — refer to a joke Leno made about Asians eating dog meat when he appeared as a guest judge on “America’s Got Talent” in August. An account of the joke, which was said on camera and cut from the final episode of the Simon Cowell-owned competition series, was included in an exclusive Variety report describing a problematic culture at the show. “Jay Leno is a repeat offender in denigrating a part of our Asian American community and it must stop,” John C. Yang, president and executive director of Advancing Justice, said in a statement. MANAA’s founding president Guy Aoki took his group’s sentiments a step further, saying Leno has long had a “bizarre fixation with Asians eating dogs,” and called on NBC to drop the Leno-hosted series “Jay Leno’s Garage,” which airs on CNBC in a primetime slot. – Read more at Variety.com
2 big-name country stars on Resorts World Las Vegas’ radar – Resorts World Las Vegas doesn’t open until 2021. But we’re already getting an idea of the type of headliner the $4.3 billion Strip fortress wants to present at its 5,000-seat theater. Garth Brooks is that type. So is Carrie Underwood. Reports from the property are that Brooks is indeed on Resorts World President Scott Sibella’s radar, and he also is pursuing Underwood, both for resident engagements. Appropriately, that venue is to have a horseshoe-shaped design. Further, I am reliably told AEG Presents Las Vegas will be the hotel’s booking partner for the venue. – Read more at Las Vegas Review-Journal
Watch The Voice stars Kelly Clarkson and John Legend deliver a soothing ASMR ‘Jingle Bells’ – The Voice is here to help you through the holidays with this exclusive video of Kelly Clarkson and John Legend trying out some ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) tactics. The two speak in soft, calming voices and bring out some props to produce repetitive sounds. Both Clarkson and Legend are slightly skeptical about ASMR initially. Clarkson jokes, “I know nothing about ASMR. Someone showed me a video, and I was like, ‘What the hell is happening? And why is this so popular?’ But then I thought, sure, I’ll do it.” – Watch more at Entertainment Weekly
Former 2019 American Idol content Madison Vandenburg makes appearance at Mohawk Chevrolet – Former American Idol contestant and Capital Region native Madison Vandenburg stopped by Mohawk Chevrolet in Clifton, NY on Thursday to sing holiday carols.
Jennifer Hudson tells Willie Geist about ‘cat school’ for ‘Cats’ – Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson is Willie Geist’s Sunday Sitdown guest this weekend. Get a sneak preview as she tells Willie about attending “cat school” with the cast of “Cats.”
