Judges and Producers on X Factor become anti-girl
The signs have been there the whole season – the judges and producers on X Factor have a real problem with girls, especially any girls with talent. Although it was obvious to predict it is still a huge shame that Lucie Jones has been kicked off X Factor 2009 by the shocking actions of the judges and the producers.
Lucie Jones on X Factor 2009
Let’s look at some of the reasons:
- Judges spending more time sniping at each other than supporting their competitors
- Cheryl Cole’s look of envy and nasty comments against the girls
- Dannii Minogue’s complete inability to choose appropriate songs
- Dannii Minogue’s complete inability to speak with any knowledge or passion
- the Producers continual favouritism for the boys, especially Jedward
All of which means Lucie Jones (photo) had little chance of winning X Factor 2009 but for her to be dumped so early is a sham. A huge percentage of comments on Twitter say this was unfair, even corrupt, and that many will not watch the show. They believe X Factor is a joke and has nothing to do with singing any more.
Floor Jansen to join Delain for a guest appearance
Delain’s special show on October 31st will feature two special guests – Nightwish singer/bass player Marco Hietala and back-in-the-headlines Floor Jansen.
Although the show is sold out you can also find plenty of great information about Delain and their stirring metal music at: www.delain.nl
We have been mentioning Delain on Twitter for a while but the links between Twitter and WordPress are still very basic. You can follow Delain via @DelainInt and we think you should!
Metal Rools!
Of bodies and boobs
Katy Perry in bustier a la Betty Boop
Katy Perry in bustier a la Betty Boop
“All I wanted out of life was a hit record and a great pair of boobs. I woke up one morning and I had both. I had finally arrived.”
Katy Perry made this statement in an interview with a magazine recently. My goals were a little different back in my mid-teens. Yes, I definitely wanted bigger breasts, to catch up with my – to me – huge nipples. Or, to be more accurate, big and puffy areolae around big nipples. Apparently, I have since learned, such ‘features’ are much sought after on modern websites, but back then I had a degree of self-consciousness.
Katy Perry and Hello Kitty outfit
Katy also mentioned her figure and this I definitely agree with. I totally wanted a figure to use as a clotheshorse for a huge variety of clothing styles. I was tall and fit but not, so far, curvy. I did see other, shorter, fuller-figure girls and would curse my tall, slim parents. Yep, if your hair’s straight, you desire curly, if you’re redhead you envy brunettes. I went through all that and it seems so childish now but, whew, it was there in all its glory then.
Katy Perry displays boobs & cleavage at the Grammies
Eventually DNA came to my rescue and I grew some hips and ‘proper’ breasts, so was able to indulge in all types of fancy dress – just like Katy explains: “On a Monday I could be a Betty Boop figure. On a Tuesday I’ll be Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. On a Wednesday I could be wearing S&M rubber.”
Of course, the wardrobe buyers, make-up artists and salaried assistants have not come my way (yet?) but it seems even Katy doesn’t need them all the time: “Most of the time I welcome attention but there are days when I need to keep a healthy distance from it. When I pop down the grocery store to buy some milk I leave all my glittery costumes at home.”
Damn. Successful and sensible, all wrapped in one glorious package!
Will a new version of Barbarella get under way this year?
Australian filmmaker Robert Luketic may be in the director’s chair if a “big budget” remake of Barbarella goes ahead. The project has also been linked to producer Dino De Laurentiis, in which case a “big intergalactic adventure with a sexy twist” is quite on the cards.
Luketic has some good work in his portfolio, including 21, Legally Blonde and Monster-in-Law. There was talk of a new Barbarella last year with Rose McGowan in the frame to take on the role made famous by Jane Fonda in the 1968 original.
That version was directed by Roger Vadim and based on the French Barbarella comics by Jean-Claude Forest. Another actress being considered for the main role is Erica Durance (photo) from the Smallville tv series.
Girls and Goth do well at MTV Movie Awards 2009
We know there are a lot of people out in the web universe who cast doubt on the talents of the Cyrus family, especially Miley and, more recently, Trace. There seems to be some old-fashioned bias that believes pop music is “bad” because it is popular. The good news is the people who buy music – rather than criticise – make their choices plain.
For us, the fantastic song The Climb by Miley Cyrus (photo 1 with Taylor Lautner) was a welcome winner at the MTV Movie Awards for Best Song From A Movie. It is a soaring track, full of passion and emotion, and easily one of the better inspirational songs of recent years. Some try to dismiss it as “only” pop, but we say it is a perfect 3-minute song in the best traditions of great catchy tunes with its full flavour captured by a talented singer.
Speaking of talent, up-and-coming star Ashley Tisdale (photo 2) won Breakthrough Performance for her work in High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Not everyone who is “good” comes through the Disney training schemes, but so much young talent is just that – talented. We think it’s great if youngsters develop and polish that talent with the help of Disney or American Idol or the thousands of music, dance and drama organisations around the world.
Every one of those avenues to success provide an environment for hard work – full stop. You may have talent and all sorts of other things in your favour, but the hard work can only be done by the hopeful star. The hours in the gym, or vocal lessons, or dance routines, will only pay off if they are backed up with regular, ongoing discipline. That is why we applaud the impressive young stars.
It was also great to see the Twilight film do so well in the awards, capturing an impressive list of “Bests” – especially the unexpected Best Fight (which Gigandet also won the previous year).
Best Movie – Twilight
Best Female Performance – Kristen Stewart for Twilight
Best Kiss – Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in Twilight
Best Fight – Robert Pattinson vs. Cam Gigandet in Twilight
Breakthrough Performance – Male – Robert Pattinson in Twilight
Katy Perry goes a lot gothic – we love it
We have followed the evolution of Katy Perry with interest and frequent joy. A talented musician even before changing to her Perry stagename, Katy has a clever way with her lyrics. Her One Of The Boys album is peppered with sharp wit and a great collection of summer songs.
Katy’s fashion sense is frequently on display, whether for an official photoshoot or just a trip to the shops. The wide range of styles that Katy carries so well are maybe not as extreme as Lady Gaga, but they can range from bright and sunny all the way through to dark and gothic. A recent shoot for Complex put a lot more dark into the wardrobe – a big step away from some of the candy-colored outfits on top of a banana from a recent award show.
Dark clothes or not, we think the future is bright for Katy Perry – both as a person and as a musician. She is positive role-model for anyone who wants to work hard and pursue a dream.
Just like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry received solid training in Nashville, as a songwriter and performer. The message is the same, whether music or sport – talent and hard work usually go together for the superstars.
Russian princess returns to the French court – one Grande Dame left to conquer …
Maria Sharapova has won three of the four Grand Slam singles titles so far. She won Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17, defeating Serena Williams in the final. This was followed by the US Open in 2006, defeating Justine Henin, and then the Australian Open in 2008, defeating Ana Ivanović.
Maria Sharapova arrives at Roland Garros 2009
Just look at this photo of Maria returning to the 2009 French Open at Roland Garros following a 9-month recovery from shoulder surgery. Notice those fantastic and focussed “predator” eyes. Sharapova’s eyes bring a whole new meaning to the idea of sweet and sour!
When she smiles, Maria’s eyes are gorgeous and sparkling. But when she looks to the other end of the court and the game-plan is uppermost in her mind, watch those eyes become laser beams of intensity. Which we just love to see.
Most commentators suggest Maria will be unlikely to win in Paris but see it more as preparation for the grass season and especially Wimbledon. We don’t mind – any appearance by Maria Sharapova is welcome.
All the girls in the studio – huge music explosion – soon?
Teairra Mari 2009
With names like Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Alexandra Burke and Diana Vickers all in the studio, the future of girl power looks bright :: but that’s not all the good news :: there are plenty of other up-and-coming starlets in the wings, not least Teairra Mari (photo) looking to be the new Rihanna
Teairra Mari 2009
the significance of the new music is also emphasised by the dominance of girls and women in the charts – they not only top the charts, the girls regularly outsell the boys 2-to-1 in most genres :: whoop whoop :: so while the male-dominated music companies wail and moan, the girls are laughing all the way to the bank – or Barbados as the case may be
also of interest is the new approach to so many photo-shoots and album artwork :: the clear, bright and full-summer colours of Kelly Clarkson’s recent CD covers are echoed in the style of Teairra’s recent promotional shots :: which is a tremendous improvement from the bleak and moody and grey and boring and downright crap style of indie bands and indie girls
music can be clever and meaningful :: but it can also be soaring and uplifting and powered by the superb voices of the girls and women mentioned above :: go girls !!
Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana soundtrack hits No.1 slot – Twilight still No.4
in another example of girl power in the music and movie charts, even P. Diddy and the major hype over Day26 could not stop Miley Cyrus and the Hannah Montana soundtrack reaching number one in the album charts.
the lead single from the album, The Climb, is a great power ballad, another strong indication of Miley’s graduation to be considered a serious singer and musician :: she has already stated that her ideal career would be as a respected songwriter :: we reckon the early indications are most favourable.
meanwhile, the public’s love affair with the Twilight saga has kept the soundtrack album near the top of the charts, and it is still at number four :: it seems the themes of the books and the films hit a nerve and resulted in the strong popularity worldwide :: we say yay !!
The strong new faces in tennis – teens now challenge the 20s
Every few years in tennis there is a significant assault on the “established” rankings when a new crop of mid-teens start punching above their weight and toppling the older champions. And by “old” we mean early-to-mid-20s. It looks like 2009 is going to be one of those years when the younger players establish a new ruling elite.
Victoria Azarenka
Just when we thought Dinara Safina was going to finally achieve all the promise expected of her, along come players like Victoria Azarenka (photo) to take the headlines – and the titles.
As a very handy doubles player, Azarenka has an impressive record in the grand slam competitions. She was runner-up at the Australian Open in 2007 (mixed doubles) and 2008 (women’s doubles). In 2007 at age 17 Victoria won the US Open and in 2008 the French Open, both in mixed doubles.
Azarenka has also impressed on the WTA Tour in women’s doubles, with wins in Memphis and Indian Wells this year. Those wins follow a strong list of runner-up matches in 2007 and 2008. Singles wins have included success over other promising teenagers, especially the lively Caroline Wozniacki.
Victoria’s progress through the past 3 years has been very steady, each year moving further through the major tournaments to reach quarter-finals in 2007, semi-finals in 2008, and wins in 2009. Rather than bursting on the scene in a blaze of glory and then fading away, it looks like the new girls on court have talent and staying power.
Lisbeth Salander is back :: The Girl Who Played With Fire released :: Stieg Larsson’s sequel shocker
one of my top 3 favourite books of 2008 was a quite awesome crime thriller by a new Swedish writer, Stieg Larsson :: I say “one of” because my analytical brain and my emotional heart can swap dominance on occasion, so although the top 3 are clear, the definitive order can slip and slide
so, if you missed last year’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the introduction of Lisbeth Salander, read it NOW :: with a brilliantly quick tongue, a technogeek’s power over computers, and a fearless strength of character, Lisbeth appealed to both my brain and heart :: and she is an enormously refreshing contrast to the lead characters in so much crime fiction
the trilogy of books are the work of Swedish journalist Stieg Larsson and were a hobby for some years :: apparently he would write in the evenings after his work on a “magazine with a conscience” and, no surprises then that the first book centred on a male investigative journalist, Mikael Blomkvist :: but it was the character of Lisbeth that grabbed the attention, in all her fiery, reckless, determined, secretive and startling actions and (part-revealed) history
the second book is called The Girl Who Played With Fire and continues the story of Lisbeth, although this time the odds are stacked even more against her :: Millennium is the name of the magazine run by Mikael (and also the name of the trilogy) and the story spins around a labyrinth of death, obstruction, false leads and tremendous danger :: compulsive reading
Larsson was a graphics editor at a Swedish news agency for 20 years, before joining campaigning Expo magazine as editor-in-chief in 1999 :: he died unexpectedly in late 2004 from a heart attack, not long after deciding to seek a publisher for his hobby :: so we are lucky to have a thrilling crime trilogy, but saddened that he will write no more :: the third book is called The Girl Who Kicked Hornet’s Nests and is due to be published around September
Second Twilight Saga movie New Moon is under way
Kristen Stewart has joined the cast and crew for the next film in the Twilight Saga following the huge success of the first. She has been around the world on a promotional tour and was frequently amazed at the scale of the interest of the fans.
in a recent interview, Kristen commented on the rising scale of the project. “We’re just starting prep on New Moon, and it’s almost like a more elaborate version of the first one. It’s getting bigger and bigger, which is great. I mean, it’s what we all hoped for.”
Production company Summit recently announced a release date of June 30, 2010, for Eclipse, the third book in the saga :: while some people think that date is too close to the New Moon release date in November, Kristen believes fans will appreciate a rapid schedule.
Kristen explained: “I think they should come out as soon as possible. I think it’s better that they’re coming out on top of each other. I think the stories are so directly attached to one another that it’s good that people aren’t going to have so much time in between to forget about it.”
In photos, Kristen often looks a bit rumpled – fantastic!
Whole Lotta Love in full colour – Olympic triumph for Leona Lewis
A recent documentary about the British promotion for the 2012 Olympics included, at last, a high quality soundtrack for the Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis contribution to the closing ceremony at Beijing. Sound problems during the live broadcast meant a low quality version was all we heard.
Music chief Philip Sheppard together with co-producer Steve Robson worked with Page and Lewis on the preparation of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love as being an ideal signature tune for the British bid.
Sheppard was astonished at how technically and musically accomplished Leona Lewis is as an artist. He said, “I’ve not worked with many singers in the pop world who can discuss coloratura technique, and operas by Purcell and Bellini … Leona can really sing with heart and soul, balanced with quite astounding technique.”
They laid down the backing at Olympic Studios ( with as near to an authentic setup as possible, including the use of risers for the drums and correct amplifiers. So while Jimmy and Leona were live, the backing track had been prepared by bass player Guy Pratt and drummer Geoff Dugmore.
As Sheppard says, Leona Lewis is a remarkable singer, and totally at home with huge rock as much as power ballads.
not yet metal but we can hope – Leona Lewis as rock chick
there are many superb voices in gothic metal and so this recommendation is a little off topic :: but Leona Lewis has such an awesome voice there is hope she will one day sing with a huge metal band behind her
having now heard a number of live versions of Leona singing Run there is no doubt she has a unique talent and gift :: this version is from Divas II and perhaps shows her live skill to best effect
you will also see a few others on YouTube but maybe this is the best quality …
: Bronwen
slightly celeb look - sorry
altho born in Australia we believe the family is of Norse descent :: some say Bronwen means ‘white breast’ and i am certainly a natural blond and fair-skinned :: altho i burn easily i still like a little tan so i don’t look like Rocky Horror all of the time.
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