Nick Jonas Joins NBC’s ‘Dancing With Myself’, Shaquille O’Neal Exits As Technical Difficulties Push Production – The former The Voice coach steps in as the former pro NBA player steps away after schedule changes – The move comes as technical difficulties during rehearsals for the non-scripted show hit production, forcing producers to push things a few days. Deadline understands that there were issues with some of the elaborate stage design. Nick will sit alongside actress Liza Koshy and Shakira as one of the dance creators. The series is hosted by Camille Kostek. Rehearsals were held last week and production is expected to start over the next few days. The series will see a group of everyday people compete each week in a number of high-energy dance challenges designed and demonstrated by the show’s celebrity creators. – Read more at Deadline
Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: Jimmie Allen On How His Diverse Small-Town Upbringing Made Him One Of Country Music’s Hardest-Working Hitmakers – American Idol and DWTS alum Jimmie Allen chats about his career with the folks from The Grammys. He’s nominated for Best New Artist. “It’s like, “Why can’t we somehow take this approach with country, and expand the brand of country to where we’re on the main stage just like hip-hop or pop?” And we kind of have our voice. That’s kind of how I look at this GRAMMY nomination. I’m privileged to be the face of country music in this Best New Artist category, and my job is to show people, “Look, anybody can listen to country. And country music has made huge steps.” I’m a Black guy nominated for a GRAMMY because of my success in country. It says a lot. We’re not where we want to be, but we’re getting there. – Read more at Grammy.com
‘Canada’s Got Talent’ is back and this time the judges pledge to have an edge – America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel headed back to Canada, his home country, to sit on the Canada’s Got Talent panel. American Idol winner Chayce Beckham’s duet partner, Lindsay Ell will serve as host. Howie was asked to get involved with season 1 back in 2012, but he said no. “They talked to me a little bit about it. I was concerned that I wasn’t going to be able to be authentic,” he told the Star. “I thought the last time was more about a celebration of Canadian acts rather than ‘Canada’s Got Talent.’ We are being real with everybody. There are people that are going to blow your mind (this season) but there are also people that are terrible.” Mandel said that he wanted to make sure the stereotype of Canadians always being nice didn’t muzzle the criticism he wanted to share. “I felt that if the acts were from Canada, you had to be polite and nice to everybody. That (original) show seemed that they were going in the direction of being too nice but not real. There are some people that don’t rise to the occasion, and they need to hear that without being mean.” Canada’s Got Talent premieres Tuesday March 22 at 8 p.m. on Citytv and Citytv.com. – Read more at TheStar.com
Director and producer Nigel Lythgoe named USC Kaufman’s 2022 commencement speaker – FOX ditched Nigel from the So You Think You Can Dance this season, a show he helped create, but at least he gets to serve as as commencement speaker at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance BFA Class of 2022. “I believe a commencement speech is a very important aspect of a graduate’s life,” said Lythgoe. “I’ve received a PhD from Bedfordshire University in Fine Arts, an OBE from the Queen and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To give the commencement speech for USC Kaufman’s Class of 2022 is right up there with those personal achievements. I am honored beyond belief.” – Read more at Kaufman.usc.edu
