Ellen DeGeneres...American Idol signs pact with perky comic! Sly dogs...

Ellen Show no swang song!

Sly dogs, alright!

Of course, I am referring to the producers at "American Idol".

On the (tottering) heels of Abdul's controversial departure (boo hoo) from the popular highly-rated nightime entertainment show, the suits at Fox gave the impression that they were content to play a game of "musical chairs" in respect to the fourth Judge on the "American Idol" panel.

The stardust barely settled, for example, when the execs at the scrappy network announced that Posh Spice (for starters) would sit in for a round of talent-scouting come the new season (with other high-profile celebs to follow suit).

In retrospect, it now appears that it was all alot of smoke-and-mirrors.

Especially -  when you consider that the Fox brass not only courted Ellen DeGeneres in a clandestine fashion behind-the-scenes since July - but signed a pact with the gutsy gay activist for a five-year gig!

Although Ellen loves to dance (a lesiure-time activity shock-jock Howard Stern tends to poke fun at) she has no background in music.

The effervescent talk-show host doesn't find that a stumbling block at all, though.

"Hopefully, I'm the people's point of view," she gushed to her adoring fans during a taping of the show yesterday, when she first announced the stunning surprise news.

"I sit at home and watch it. I'm not going to look at it in a critical way. I'm looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to the person."

Actually, a guest appearance on - "So, you think you can dance" - triggred the courtship.

In fact, when the powers-that-be realized in that Abdul was not going to be an easy "lock-in" for the upcoming season (without a hefty hike in pay from the old cash-cow)  they began to eye Ellen for the hot seat.

Then, a whirlwind of  negotiatons commenced with power-brokers at ICM.

When the news filtered backed to Warner Brothers (producer and distrubutor of the Ellen Show) they were also inclined to spring into action to protect their own best interests.

Lucky Ellen managed to nab a lucative three-year extention with the studio big-wigs.

Smart cookie!

As Shakespear once said:

"I've never seen such a young body with such an old head."

As to judging talent, well, obviously DeGeneres will be a contestant's dream.

Instead of critizing from a technical musical standpoint, she'll be pulling for the one tugging at her heart strings.

As to Simon? Inquiring mind want to know - will they snuggle up close - or scratch each other's eyes out.

Meow!

 

http://www.julianayrs.com

American Idol...Pop Icon dames pitch-hit in Judge's hot seat! Abdul stewing...

Victoria Beckham (Posh) to spark ratings!

Well, 'ya know what they say in Hollywood, dude!



"Everyone is expendable"



In spite of the fact American Idol big-wigs in the executive suite pooh-poohed any notion that the Paula Abdul switcheroo in the eleventh hour wouldn't hurt the perky little sexpot's chances for a second grab at the brass ring at Fox - they've definitely moved on - to bask in the glow of a different musical beat.



Starting the seventh week into the highly-rated talent showcase, a bevy of Pop Icon Superstars (of the glamorous female persuasion) will take up the celebrated task of judging the aspiring singers each week on Fox.



Victoria Beckham, trophy wife of soccer stud David Beckham, will grace the Idol stage when it revs up in January, for starters.



It'll be a ratings double-whammy for Fox if studly Becks trots in on the chanteuse's bejewelled arm, eh?



Producers have scooped up Katy Perry, too.



So much for Paula Abdul.



Who?



Winston Churchill once quipped:



"Everyone has his day and some last longer than others.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Paula Abdul...Boo Hoo! Pay day blues forces exit from American Idol...

Abdul conjures up images of Latino Transsexuals I've met!

Today, when Paula Abdul announced she'll bow out of a highly-rated Fox entertainment show, I was inclined to breathe a sigh of relief, for her sake.



How long was the second-tier talent (a bit of fluff on stage that blew with the prevailing wind this way n' that during her quirky run) going to grovel before she took the hint?



Surely, she wasn't blind to the fact her days were numbered on American Idol?



The suits at the Network were obviously anxious to give her the old heave-ho!



When the new season revved up - with nary an offer dangling in sight - the wishy-washy Judge (who more-often-than-not wore her heart on her sleeve to her detriment) should have taken a cue and gracefully exited with a bit of class.



Instead, she languished on the sidelines, and whined incessantly to the press.



A pitiful ploy to rustle up sympathy with loyal fans?



Well, Paula, you forgot the golden rule in Tinsel town.



It's just business - as usual - in the dream-making factory that is Hollywood.

Nothing personal, Ms. Abdul.



Just ask Ryan Seacrest.



Industry power-brokers (keen to the bottom line) whipped up an offer the likable host couldn't refuse.



In one delicious fell swoop, the high-profile ratings-getter pacted a lucrative deal, sure to guarantee a cash-flow of millions over the next few heady years.



"I'll miss 'ya, Paula," were the only parting words the metro sexual male - with a penchant for high-end hair-styling products - managed to diplomatically utter up on Twitter a few days ago.



Hapless talentless contestants - Abdul was inclined to root for - will mourn her, too.



Golly, I'm a tad teary-eyed now.



Shakespeare said it best:



"Parting is such sweet sorrow"

This is really what got my rocks off!



http://www.julianayrs.com/

Sam Harris...life is a Cabaret after Star Search!

He took the Nation by storm in a more innocent era when "Star Search" was the top precursor to today's hit show, "American Idol".

Mr. Harris not only captured the subtle nuances of the Wizard of Oz hit "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (a standard sung by Ms. Garland) - but in the process - managed to make the song-styling an unforgettable moment in show business history.

And, each week, millions tuned in to see how far the little charmer could go!

Those were heady days for the pint-sized bundle of talent.

So, where is Sam today?

Shucks, just missed a performance in Orange County recently; but, that doesn't stop me from raving about this young man's remarkable gift and charismatic style!

He noted in a throw-away local paper that he's working with Liza Minnelli on a show she's developing about the legendary Kay Thompson (a Judy Garland friend who had a big impact on Minnelli's life).

Mr. Harris noted that he is penning (!) the show for Liza.

Originally from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, he started his career at 15.

Although he started on the boards at a young age, he managed to finish his education by correspondence courses. The boy obviously recognized the need for an education even if it was through the U.S. Mail.

Looking back, he fondly recalled his eagerness to take any job in any dump or dive; after all, he just wanted to hone his talent and sing out!

In a show - "OUT OF CONTROL" - he invented his "look".

You know, the oversize tuxedo jacket paired with humble sneakers which became his trademark on "Star Search".

Go figure, first time out for "Star Search", he did not even make the cut; but, a couple of people in his corner pushed for him until he finally scored.

Almost overnight, the diminutive songster was a sensation; although, like many in the business, it was ten years in the making.

A recording contract with Motown followed which produced two hit albums.

Clearly, being ready for the spotlight, was the key.

Broadway followed, and two Tony nominations, and a handful of TV roles,

Today?

Mr. Harris is in a relationship; happy, and thankful for his sobriety.

Who knew?

In a parting comment, he hit a poignant note,

"I realize that what I do is not who I am. The illusion of my identity isn't wrapped up in whether or not I'm liked. My survival no longer depends on it."

Undoubtedly, any fears he once entertained are far behind him.

In my estimation, Sam's star will continue to shine brightly for quite some time.