Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special...Brad Paisley a stand-out! Poor Direction! Beyonce's bad-hair day!

For the most part, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks special last night on NBC was solid entertainment.

In particular, Country & Western Star - Brad Paisley - was a stand-out in a performance that left audiences crying out for an encore! 

The kid was charismatic and exuded a good-time quality that resonated with fans below the footlights, too.

Unfortunately, Beyonce was having a "bad hair" day and it was downright distracting.

The frazzled "do" (did she fall asleep under the hair-dryer or what?) was replete with tacky dark roots and dry wispy fly-away ends that took flight this-way-and-that whenever the wind whipped across the stage (which was often).

On the other hand, the chanteuse wisely elected to don a chic understated designer gown, which she aaccessorized tastefully with a stunning necklace - that ultimately - flattered her long graceful neck.

One tune was surprisingly just so-so!

But, the Pop Diva's high-energy performance managed to prevent the entire set from fizzling out before our very eyes, in spite of the odds against it.

No problem there in respect to the spectacular pyrotechnics which were literally dazzling in scope.

The musical arrangements laid-in beneath the stunning visuals triggered a stream of consciousness - for me, anyway -which couldn't help but usher up a flood of emotions (patriotic ones, for starters) and reflection.

Unfortunately, the production values were spotty.

Pedestrian direction (and poor camera-work) diminished the special event to amateurish proportions on occasion.

For example, when Nick Lachey (the host for the evening's festivities) attempted to introduce the broadcast at the top of the show, his  voice was drowned out by a spirited gang of guests at his side who squealed with delight as soon as the director called "action" from behind the NBC camera.

A seasoned pro would have anticipated the obvious.

For good reason, the director should have instructed the attendees to remain on the sidelines silently until Mr. Lachey delivered up his intro without interruption, and for the benefit of the viewing audience at home.

A raucous cheer at the end of Lachey's show-opener would have been the professional way to go!

Sadly, the niggling dilemma continued throughout the broadcast and was annoying as heck.

I was also surprised that the musical director failed to issue a note to the performer who elected to go into "uncharted waters" in respect to the rather uneven rendition of "Amazing Grace".

To me, the artistic choices were so jarring, that they reminded me of the irritating sounds fingernails dredge up on a blackboard.

Oh, well!

In spite of the shortcomings, Paisley came up smelling roses with a 4-star performance.

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Billboard Music Awards...Selena Gomez & Taylor Swift fashion hits! Justin Bieber a lounge lizard!

Not to be outdone by their jaded older contemporaries - who tend to be fashion-wise and red carpet savvy - a rambunctious bevy of Pop stars trotted into the limelight at the Billboard Music Awards over the weekend bent on cutting a fine swath

As usual, there were a few stylish hits - Selena Gomex wowed, for instance -  but, more often than not - fashion vicitms stumbled into the glare of the spotlight.to make ghastly glitzy-looking fools of themselves.

Selena Gomex definitely stole the spotlight in a flattering black peek-a-boo cocktail dress (a creation by the house of Dolce & Gabbana) that some jealous old hags felt was a bit "too mature" for the innocent young teen to pull off.

Oh, pooh!

In contrast, the pretty beauty's steady boy-pal - Justin Bieber - splashed into the spotlight in a gold jacket and matching ensemble which screamed lounge lizard.

Was Justin taking a poke at Vegas crooners (his plight ten years down the road) or has his "mentor" (who shall remain nameless) been leading him down the ominous Sin City path?

 What did you think, Jay-Z?

In contrast, Keith Urban was so low-key (in a grey suit sans tie) that he bordered on boring.

Where was that tight perky ass that turns his fans on?
 
Meanwhile, dotting wife - Nicole Kidman - selected a floor-length gown which proved to be understated and elegant.

Tattler readers may recall that Ms. Kidman has made it on my Best Dressed Women's list in the past.

Post: 12/28/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/search?q=best+dressed+women&updated-max=2009-12-31T22%3A09%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=20

Kelly Rowland chose "revealing" and "sexy" as the tag words for her outfit and came out a winner.

One of the fashion disasters of the night was tossed on (literally) by a styless Ke$ha who was more of a bump-and-a-grind in the sparkly purple number she chose than a fashion plate
Fergie's structured Herve Leger dress left alot to be desired in these quarters.

At this juncture, iit's mportant to offer up a fashion memo.

Dress according to body-type!

This advice may go a long way with Taboo - who looked downright silly - in his Capri pants and leather vest.
 
Nicki Minaj's baby blue jumpsuit - carelessly sprinkled with cheap sequins here-and-there - was god-awful (to say the least).

Rihanna strutted the carpet in a white Max Azria suit which appeared stuffy on her somehow. The pop star is lacking in taste in the accessory department, too.

Beyonce chose basic black, which lacked pizazz, to moi!

Striking a romantic pose, Taylor Swift got nods fof approval from Fashionistas for her tasteful Elle Saab gown, which was highlighted by a "do" that resonated with the "look".

A true glam Queen, for sure.

Jake Hyllenhaal eat your heart out!

The rest of the attendees chewed up the carpet, but failed to score big time when it came to memorable moments at the Annual Billboard Music Awards, in 2011.

"Til next year!

http://www.thetattler.biz

A Star is Born...Russell Crowe to star in remake with Beyonce? Intriguing casting...

Russel Crowe's name is being bandied about as a potential candidate for the lead role in a remake of the classic film "A Star is Born".

Judy Garland is probably best-remembered for her stellar performance in a musical remake of the 1937 film which was produced by Transcona Enterprises (1954) with her husband Sid Luft at the helm.

George Cukor directed the project which co-starred James Mason in the role of the husband of Garland's onscreen character.

At the premiere on September 29th - the tear-jerker with heart-pounding performances by both Garland and Mason - was hailed as a cinematic triumph.

Garland was summarily nominated for an Oscar at the 27th annual Academy Awards, but sadly, lost out to Grace Kelly who nabbed the prize for her stand-out performance in The Country Girl.

An updated version was produced in 1976 starring Barbra Streisand and musician Kris Kristofferson.

In a nutshell, the proposed remake focues on an alcoholic musician who mentors a younger female star (who he ends up falling in love with).

Russell Crowe appears to be a great casting choice in my estimation, but studio heads alsohave a keen eye on actors Sean Penn and Robert Downey Jr. to step into the juicy role.

Insiders allege that the remake was originally conceived with Beyonce in mind for the female lead.

Right now, it's all blowing in the wind.

Stay tuned for updates!

The Oscars...Hugh Jackman & Beyonce to tête-à-tête! Zak Efron saunters on stage...

Fasten your seat belts, you're in for a bumpy ride tonight!

The rumor around the town the past few days is that Oscar producers have been trying to keep the identities of celebrity presenters and stage performers under wraps so that their glitzy walk-ons will be a surprise to viewers when they tune in on Sunday night.

But, this is Tinsel Town - after all - and the walls have Obama-sized ears!

In addition to hosting the little Gold man's big bash this year, hunky stud Hugh Jackman is allegedly slated to trip-the-light-fantastic under the flood lights with pop chanteuse Beyonce!

And, with the specific aim of rustling up nubile young blood in a bold-faced effort to boost ratings among the teeny-bopper set this year, the producers have hired on Zak Efron and Amanda Garrett (High School Musical) to showcase a catchy ditty or two at the 81st Annual Awards Show.

An insider whispered in my ear there will be close-up shots of the heart-throb's sensual eyebrows.

They're not waxed, 'ya know!

Mamma Mia stars will warble an upbeat tune or two, too.

Yup, quite a few in-the-closet dancing Queens in the audience in at the Kodak, will be tapping a foot or two when the musical hits ratchet up the night's festivities.

Who knows, maybe Pierce Bronson will toss in the Bond tuxedo image and squeeze into spandex pants and silk shirt, and twirl a tad with Meryl Streep in the wings.

One thing is for sure, though.

A well-trained actor or two will get all tongue-tied on stage come acceptance-speech time (and summarily make a fool of his-self) and jokes that writers half-expected to gag viewers will undoubtedly fall flat as Jamie Curtis' chest.

But, if die-hard Academy Awards fans are lucky - there may be a wardrobe malfunction or two - to keep the gossip-mills generating hot air balloons around the blogosphere for months on end.

Even so, at the end of the no-tinsel-unturned 3 1/2 hour show, Oscar devotees will be switching off their flat wide-screen high-definition sets, and wondering aloud.

Is that all there is?

'Til next year, anyhoo!

Hugh babe, ready for 'ya!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Beyonce...cat fight with Etta James! Meow...

Do 'ya think its natural?

Etta James is going to whup Beyonce butt.

Shortly after the dumpy warbler stormed the stage at a gig in Seattle this past week, she was all primed up and at-the-ready to spew venom at the pretty young chanteuse, too.

Allegedly, James was annoyed with the airhead singer because she had the audacity to bellow out the standard - "At Last" - at the President's Neighbourhood Ball a couple of weeks ago.

Since James first belted out the smoldering tune in 1961, it has become a sort-of signature song for her repertoire of hits.

"The great Beyoncé," James wickedly muttered to herself.

"I can't stand Beyoncé. She has no business up there, singing up there on a big ol' president day, gonna be singing my song that I've been singing forever."

Then, the over-the-hill performer proceeded to knock the president, too.

"You guys know your president, right? You know the one with the big ears?" she ranted before a shocked audience.


"Wait a minute, he ain't my president. He might be yours; he ain't my president. But I tell you that woman he had singing for him, singing my song - she's going to get her a** whipped."

Beyonce is such a little sprig of a thing, just betcha old flubber-face would snap the popular young Diva in two, eh?

As to Etta's performance, well, one critic put it this way.

"James celebrated her successes Wednesday night at the Paramount Theatre, arriving on stage in a motorized wheelchair. The blues, R&B, soul and jazz diva's seven-song set seemed less a concert than a victory lap around her remarkable career, and it began on an audacious note with a "Come to Mama" moment."

"The sublime "I'd Rather Go Blind" and "I Want to Ta Ta You, Baby" were similarly, well, horny, mixing sex and sax (and trumpet and trombone)."

"The randy edge helped James over a few rough spots, as did her eight-strong Roots Band and, on a sing-a-long version of "Piece of My Heart," with a vocally enthusiastic audience."

As to singing at the White House in the future?

After the acid comments she earmarked for the PREZ, it is doubtful she'll be able to wangle an invitation at any tony soiree in Washington in the near future - unless she claps her yap, shut - of course!

Well, 'ya know what they say about blonds.

Just magnify that a tad.

After all, a bottle-blond-black, is an awesome oddity to fathom, or behold!

Girl, we'll see about that!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Aretha Franklin...Divas clash! Sour notes amid cries of dis-R.E.S.P.E.C.T!

Lordie, that scrawny little songbird said what?

Either Aretha Franklin is paranoid or she's under the mistaken impression that all the stars in the firmament orbit around her global figure.

A case in point.

After Beyonce called her duet partner Tina Turner "the Queen" on Sunday evening's Grammy Award Show - the celebrated chanteuse not only threw a hissy fit - but allegedly issued a press release about the slight to boot.

Had that young upstart Beyonce lost her musical senses?

In a nutshell, Ms. Franklin not only felt "disrespected", but surmised there was a plot underfoot to topple her from her throne!

"I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce," the hefty vocalist lamented to startled guests backstage.

Well, she's not very adept at the English language, for starters; but, we get the drift.

The moody Diva proceeded to opine that the whole fiasco was a sinister plot - "a cheap shot" - to stir up controversy.

It wasn't one, until you opened your pie hole, Ms. Franklin!

Aretha - did you ever consider the possibility that Beyonce acted innocently - that the comment slipped out in the sheer excitement of the moment?

Notwithstanding, why should she kow-tow to you?

Gosh, your ego is bigger than your record sales; and that's sayin' somethin'.

You're angry?

As Jay Leno quipped on the Tonight Show:

"She's mad? Elton John is furious!"

Elton John, Queen Supreme?

http://www.julianayrs.com