On the Air: Holiday Music Hits Radio Dial
More than outdoor lights and TV commercials, music is the greatest purveyor of Christmas and the holiday season.
Set foot anywhere this time of year, and chances are “Carol of the Bells” or “Away in the Manger” is playing somewhere in the background.
Turn on the radio, and all your favorites are back, sometimes in a new form, depending on what station you’re listening to. In Peoria, both WSWT-FM 106.9 and WCIC-FM 91.5 have gone into holiday mode, playing strictly Christmas songs through the big day.
Underwood aims for family fun with variety show
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ԠThe variety show was once a television staple, and Carrie Underwood thinks it might be time for a resurgence.
The country music star hosts Monday’s “An All-Star Holiday Special” on Fox, and believes it’s just the tonic for the regular TV lineup.
“I think it’s really great they’re making a comeback because I think it’s really good family programming, and nowadays it seems like every show is about, like, murder or police and people shooting at each other, ” Underwood said.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Daughtry has solid outing at BJCC
Sometimes, the unchallenging is comforting. That franchise-dispensed hamburger is as pre-ordained and predictable as Gilligan thwarting another attempt to get off his eponymous island, but it’s not always necessary to score something avant-garde from Frank Stitt’s kitchen in order to have a satisfying meal.
So it is with rock and roll. Friday night’s Daughtry and Theory of a Deadman concert at the BJCC was unchallenging (neither band will ever be accused of being iconoclasts, and Chris Daughtry is a product of pre-fab factory ‘American Idol, ‘ after all), but comforting (both bands have pretty solid guitar and singing chops). And taking in that kind of concert is not a bad way to spend a chilly winter night.
Gokey Helps Foundation Provide Healthcare
One thousand people poured into the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers for the 16th Annual Mercy Health Foundation Charity Ball.
The black tie dinner and entertainment brings in a large portion of the foundaton’s operating funds. That money helps the organization reach out to people who need healthcare most.
“We will gross about 450 thousand to 500 thousand dollars tonight, and the money that we raise goes toward helping with equipment, charity care and other new services for Northwest Arkansas folks, ” said Clark Ellison of the Mercy Health Foundation.
Glambert makes Walters’ Most Overexposed list
It’s easier than a crack whore on Ponce to guess who’s on Barbara WaWa’s annual ‘Most Fascinating People’ special. This year’s ‘Who You’re Most Sick Of’ includes Adam Lambert.
Whether ABC is really boycotting Adam Lambert (top photo, with Walters) for his raunchy performance on the American Music Awards, or simply enjoying the publicity as much as he is, the network’s Grande Dame gets what she wants. Just ask Rosie O’Donnell, Star Jones, and Walters’ current crop of couched slaves on ‘The View.’
They’re scared of Barbara Walters. And seriously, who wouldn’t be (middle photos)?
From Tiger to Octomom, it’s all about the fame
December is not even halfway over, but I already know the big story of the last 12 months: This year will be remembered as the year we sold our souls for fame.
And we can’t begin to list all the pseudo, wannabe and semi-celebrities who shamelessly threw themselves into the limelight, from the Gosselins to the endless stream of Michael Jackson mourners to the gyrating, guy-kissing Adam Lambert, who seems to grow in stature with each show that cancels him.
Lambert, an “American Idol” runner-up, is one of Barbara Walters’ most fascinating people of the year.
Really? For what?
Syesha building on her dreams
‘American Idol” is designed as a launching pad for pop music stars, and judges often dismiss anyone who brings a touch of musical theater to their auditions and performances.
Among them is Sarasota’s Syesha Mercado, the second runner-up and last woman in the 2008 season of “Idol.” She’s now starring in a revival of “Dreamgirls, ” which is about to launch a national tour after a month-long run at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theatre.
Gala raises more than $80, 000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters
KALAMAZOO ‘†The local Big Brothers Big Sisters held its first Fire & Ice Gala fundraiser at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites on Nov. 21, raising more than $80, 800 and shattering the organization’s goal of $30, 000.
‘It went extremely well. We’re just thrilled, ‘ said Sherry Butler, director of corporate operations.
More than 320 people attended to have dinner, hear the Kalamazoo Big Band, see Las Vegas magician Jeff Hobson and take part in a live auction.
Butler said the crowd enjoyed a videotaped introduction featuring local ‘American Idol’ contestant Matt Giraud and his ‘little brother’ Tre’ Rugg.
Cowell has ruined my Big Day
X Factor star Olly Murs was forced to listen to his brother’s wedding via mobile phone yesterday – after being barred from the ceremony by Simon Cowell.
Olly was due to be best man at his twin Ben’s big day but stepped down after making it through to the final 12 back in September.
Despite his commitment to the X Factor, he had still hoped to attend the ceremony which took place just 16 miles from the show’s studio yesterday afternoon.
But Olly, 25, was yesterday forced to listen in as Ben and fiance Amy Hart said “I do” after his mentor Cowell refused to reschedule his dress rehearsal and allow him to attend the 2pm nuptials.
