I interviewed Taylor Hicks on Monday, when the “American Idol” Season 5 champ was at Mamaroneck’s Winged Foot Golf Club to lend his celebrity to Autism Speaks.

We discussed a variety of topics, whose clips will appear on this site over the next couple of weeks (I’m off for the next few days).

Here, Hicks discusses his stint on the Great White Way, his next album and touring. The clip starts just after I asked him about what it’s like to be in “Grease” on Broadway:

Download:

(Photo of Hicks by Joe Larese/The Journal News)

With title screens and everything!

Podcast file:

Flash video:

Hicks is a great sport, but the message the singer really wanted to spread at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck yesterday was support for Autism Speaks, which held its 10th annual New York Celebrity Golf Challenge and raised $1 million for the cause. He was a very kind and thoughtful interview, whose clips and quotes I’ll post in the near future.

And I can personally vouch for his drive off a tee, but that should be no surprise considering he told me he started golfing when he was 13.

(Photo by Joe Larese/The Journal News)

When I heard last week that “American Idol” champ David Cook sang Foo Fighters’ “My Hero” on “The Tonight Show,” although Cook said it was a tribute to the Foo Fighters and the group’s lead singer, Dave Grohl, three thoughts immediately crossed my mind:

1. No one can outdo Grohl. (I was right.)
2. I bet Cook still sounded really good. (I was right.)
3. I wonder what Grohl thinks about it. (Hmmm.)

Here’s why: Grohl—one of my favorite frontmen—made a mostly hilarious appearance with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (the ubiquitous and hysterical Robert Smigel) at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards, emceed by “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest. At the time, Triumph encouraged Grohl to attempt the cigar-dropping puppet’s style of roasting (or, as Triumph so eloquently calls it, “pooping on”) celebrities. So, the rocker decided to pick on “Idol,” with mixed results. Check out the swipe at the 4:45 mark:

Well, you know, this gig is a big switch for Ryan, because normally on ‘American Idol,’ he has to watch singers that suck get crushing rejections; and tonight, he has to watch ‘em get awards.

In the same segment, Grohl and Triumph made other “Idol” jokes about Seacrest, Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, the last of whom looked downright ticked, let alone unamused.

Some of the jokes at the ceremony were more harsh than others, but here are the reasons why Grohl these days might not object to Cook’s version of “My Hero.” Read more of this entry »

Who needs Adam Sandler as a street-fighting screen star? (I mean, really!)

Especially when “American Idol” star Clay Aiken isn’t messing around with a TMZ reporter, who apparently was too inquisitive for the singer’s liking Sunday and was on the receiving end of the singer’s shove.

Before you completely slam the paparazzo—well, more than Aiken already did—admit that you too are just a little curious about Aiken’s baby, whose mom is 50-year-old record producer Jaymes Foster. Even his most staunch supporters, the Claymates, have to be intrigued to some degree.

(Photo by David M. Russell/AP)

Despite the fact that so many of the shows we follow on this blog involve killing people and blowing things up, many of our favorite actors and actresses are vegetarians.

PETA is holding its annual Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity contest, and here’s the stars from Remote Access shows who are in the running (sorry if I missed anyone!) — and you can vote for one woman and one man, so you can choose your favorite two:

The women

The men

Did David Cook really win “American Idol”? After the judges’ over-the-top love-fest for David Archuleta on Tuesday, I can’t help but be surprised.

Or can I?

As I wrote Tuesday, I didn’t think Archie’s performances were superior as the judges would have had you believe. Randy Jackson reacted to every Archuleta song like the Beatles just took the stage and called him “Dawg.” Simon Cowell declared a win for the younger David by a “knockout,” and treated Cook as if the he just punched Archuleta in the face. In fairness to Paula, she didn’t appear to camp one way or the other Tuesday night, but she’s now known for judging performances that haven’t happened yet. (It’s Paula … from the future!)

So on a show whose credibility and ratings took hits this year, let’s assume for a moment that the voting was legit. (A gold envelope should do the trick, no?) If 97.5 million votes were registered and David Cook won by 12 million votes, it appears that America not only got it right, but also was sending a message that the judges’ words don’t mean much at all.

This is a problem. On paper, all of the judges are credible, with Randy and Simon’s extensive industry experience paired with Paula’s pop career. But when they unfairly fawn over some contestants and show alarming bias against others with equal or more talent (Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado), they appear to be nothing more than pawns for the producers. It’s one thing to reward performers for excellent performances—both finalists were solid for the majority of the season—but it’s another to overcompensate in the process.

I used to believe Simon was the lone voice of reason on the panel, but after this season, I don’t even trust him anymore. To add insult to injury, host Ryan Seacrest, who never before seemed to side with one contestant over another, agreed with Cowell’s assessment that Archuleta defeated Cook by “knockout” Tuesday night, replying with “Well said, Mr. Cowell.” Who asked you, Seacrest?

So when the voting lines opened after Tuesday night’s show, I believe viewers—especially those who preferred contestants not in the finale—wanted to send a message. Based on Tuesday night’s remarks, Archuleta was the guy the judges wanted us to pick. Cook, who was the better performer for the bulk of the season, won.

It’s well-documented that “Idol” wants to make changes before Season 8 begins. If the judges are just going to be puppets for the producers anyway, maybe it’s time to cut the strings.

(Photos by Michael Becker/FOX.)

David. Cook. Wins. Holy cow!

NOTE: If you missed any or all of tonight’s finale, start from the bottom of this recap and work your way up. Trust me, it will make more sense that way.

10:10 p.m.—Wow, it’s going to take a little time to process this all. Final thoughts will be posted tomorrow. Thanks to those of you who followed along!

10:03 p.m.— I’m still in shock. Pleased, but still floored. It’s like DC didn’t even realize he won until about two minutes after Seacrest made the announcement.

10:02 p.m.—“This is the Time” to write a new song.

10:01 p.m.—So THAT’s why Cowell offered the apology. It all makes sense now. No way he eats his words if Archie won. The Word Nerd himself says, “I am absolutely at a loss for words right now.”

10:00 p.m.—David Cook wins! Biggest upset in “Idol” finale history! (Update: Well, maybe Ruben Studdard over Clay Aiken was a bigger upset; but this upset is more exciting for the right reasons.)

9:58 p.m.— Simon Cowell offers a rare apology to David Cook. He offers a maloprop, “I don’t really care who wins.” Evidently, neither do several million viewers who gave up on the show this year.

9:54 p.m.— GM said he’s got a cold. I hope that’s the reason he sounded strained.

9:53 p.m.—Promoting George Michael’s upcoming American tour, Ryan Seacrest announces, “Get ready for GM, ladies and gentlemen.” Somewhere, Ford executives are crapping out the back door.

9:50 p.m.—To complete the scatalogicial humor attempted in the previous timestamp, he just sang “Doo doo doo doo.”

9:49 p.m.—Did George Michael just say, “All God’s children crapped out the back door?” Anatomically, that makes sense.

9:48 p.m.— George Michael. It sounds like he’s straining on the vocal. I kind of feel bad.

9:45 p.m.—It’s only a matter of time before George Michael emerges to complete this medley of his songs. My guess is he’s in the bathroom.

9:43 p.m.—KLC guesses it would be nice if she could touch my body. Who am I to argue?

9:42 p.m. —Daniels from “The Wire” is in “Fringe”?! Count me in.

9:40 p.m.— Unlike Cook’s tightie-whities, Archuleta sports boxers for his version of the Guitar Hero commercial. Still, R. Kelly is pleased.

9:35 p.m.—Legs McGhee, a.k.a. Carrie Underwood, takes the stage. She sports a trench coat dress but regretfully doesn’t flash the crowd. She’s also holding the night’s 15th sparkly mic.

9:32 p.m.—How is Iron Man not getting more screen time than his “Tropic Thunder” costars Ben Stiller and Jack Black in the Gladys Knight bit? It’s running long, but it’s infinitely cooler than last year’s Celine Dion-Elvis Presley creepfest.

9:27 p.m.—In another ad for “Zohan,” Adam Sandler just got into fisticuffs with Donna Summer’s weave. Read more of this entry »

Tonight, the bout of the century (or at least this season of “American Idol”) will be decided. And you can help Remote Access weigh in on the process leading up to the moment that one David is hailed as champ-een of the singing circuit.

It’ll probably be Archuleta (right), but would you want to miss it if Cook (left) pulled off the massive upset? I mean, there would be tears—and not all of them would be for joy!

Starting shortly before tonight’s 8 p.m. finale, I’ll be live-blogging all the drama, all the suspense, all the Paula until the final credits roll. So follow along and post your comments as frequently as the judges unfairly critique Carly Smithson!

(Photos by Michael Becker/FOX.)

Yes, tonight’s the “American Idol” finale. And a David will be crowned champion. But how do the contestants who made it to the Top 12 stack up after a full season’s worth of performances?

Here’s my breakdown, from worst to first:

12. Amanda Overmyer—”Carry on My Wayward Son” might have been the worst performance in an “Idol” voting round. Ever.

11. Ramiele Malubay—The judges were strangely complimentary of her shrill vocals, missed notes and lyric flubs. Nice girl, but voters kept her around wayyy too long.

10. Kristy Lee Cook—Her countrified “Eight Days a Week” was an abomination, but only because of its NASCAR-like speed. But despite pandering to her conservative voting base with “God Bless the U.S.A.,” KLC vocally actually might have been the best token blonde in the show’s history—way better than, say, Carmen Rasmusen or her ilk. Besides, she was hot.

9. Jason Castro—The Dreadlocked One’s “Daydream” was an unexpected surprise considering the fact that producers didn’t feature him in any pre-Top 24 footage, but “Hallelujah” was overrated and his appeal as a singer was completely lost on me. Plus, would it kill the guy to sing the word “you” as anything but “hhhshooo?”

8. Chikezie—This year’s roller-coaster ride; he was either amazing or terrible.

7. Brooke White—Sweet young woman who had a few moments of greatness but looked overwhelmed in her last few weeks. Read more of this entry »

At the risk of getting slapped in the face by a shrieking 10-year-old girl, I have to say that I could care less which David wins the “American Idol” crown tonight.

Archuleta? Cook? All the same to me. Well, I sorta kinda hope David Cook wins, if only because David Archuleta seems a split second away from a nervous breakdown, and I don’t think he needs any more pressure from that scary dad of his. (Okay, maybe I do care a little about this.)

Anyway, what I’m actually most excited about in “Idol”-land is that the hit show has been giving serious promotion to my super-duper summertime guilty pleasure, “So You Think You Can Dance.”

On last month’s “Idol Gives Back” telethon, the dancers from previous seasons performed a rockin’ opening number with the contestants to Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music.” Which was actually fun and entertaining, instead of cringe-worthy like, say, Teri Hatcher’s butchering of a Carrie Underwood song, or the finalists stumbling through a badly-choreographed ensemble piece.

And, of course, Ryan Seacrest has been talking for weeks about how “Dance” premieres tomorrow night (8-10 p.m.), one day after the “Idol” finale.

Sure, “Dance” and “Idol” share a producer in Nigel Lythogoe, who “Dance” watchers know as the snippy British judge on the panel (though he’s not as caustic as Simon Cowell).

But that didn’t seem to matter before. Now, with “Dance” picking up millions more viewers each season, it’s finally getting its due as a true TV hit.
That said, I can’t wait for tomorrow’s toe-tapping premiere, which starts off with the audition process (obviously).

So we’re sure to see the awesome—and the awful—grooving to the beat. Even if it’s a beat that only they can hear. (Remember Dave “Sex” Soller?)

Episodes featuring auditions held in Dallas, Charleston, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C., will continue on Weds., May 28, Thurs., May 29 and Weds., June 4.

The top 20 dancers won’t be revealed until June 5.

Until then, I’m looking forward to seeing who Mary Murphy—WHOOO!!!—puts on the hot tamale train…

(Photo courtesy of FOX) 

9:00 p.m. EST—My vote means nothing, especially since I’m not technically voting, but to me the night goes to Cook. Post your thoughts in the comments section below. And thanks for those of you who followed along!

8:59 p.m. EST—I wouldn’t exactly agree with Simon’s assessment that Archie won by a “knockout” tonight, nor would I condone Ryan’s reaction (”Well said, Mr. Cowell.”), which sounded like a seemingly impartial host who was taking sides. But Archie went with ol’ reliable when he sang John Lennon’s “Imagine,” reminding all those fans who said he peaked too soon just how good he sounds on it. But in the process, he reminded all his critics that he peaked too soon. And if I’m going to be picky, I think he injected so much melisma into the song that it lost most of the emotion and meaning it carried when he sang it the first time.

8:51 p.m. EST—I agree with Simon that it the wrong song to do as a closer, but I think it’s a song that would play better upon a second viewing. The stripped-down, sensitive song felt like an encore performance at a Cook concert. And that’s not a bad thing. I kind of like the fact that he made his final pre-vote song a mellow one, flipping the cliché on its head.

8:48 p.m. EST—If I just had an egg that I could toss, knowing it would reliably peg the lone dolt in the crowd who’s standing and waving arms back and forth for Cook’s version of “The World I Know” by Collective Soul, I’d have tossed it from 3,000 miles away.

8:40 p.m. EST—Simon Cowell believes Archuleta won Round 2, saying his song choice was more appropriate for a finale. But I still think Cook was more entertaining with his second-round selection. So for me, it’s all tied up for tonight.

8:39 p.m. EST— Randy Jackson breaks out the you-could-sing-the-phone book cliché for the umpteenmillionth time.

8:38 p.m. EST—I’m scared by the 12-year-old with Lee Press-On nails reaching out to Archie. This song’s Josh Groban-esque, but I’m not sure it’s going to help Archie win any new fans. Read more of this entry »

Tonight on “American Idol,” it’s David vs. Goliath. But who Goliath is depends on your viewpoint.

If you see David Archuleta as a Goliath, I couldn’t argue. How can one defeat one of the best pure vocalists in the competition, someone who garners support not just from grandmothers but also from the squealing pre-teen set that’s inhaling Miley Cyrus records and likely doing the bulk of the “Idol” voting? Plus, his “Imagine,” while very early in the voting rounds, is arguably the best performance of the season.

If you see David Cook as the favorite, there’s also a case to be made there. He’s got years more experience and far more personality than the 17-year-old, is far more relevant to the coveted 18-30 demographic and has been the season’s most buzzworthy contestant for his transcendent takes on “Billie Jean” and “Always Be My Baby.” (Although, in my opinion, only the first of those songs was good.)

So who wins? And who should win? And who’s better off losing?

My answers might please both contestants. Find out my take, and some fantastic “Idol” primer links, after the break. Read more of this entry »

If there’s an opposite to “blerg!” or an exclamation that’s the equivalent to Sandwich Day, Liz Lemon might be screaming it right now.

With 27 percent of the vote, the “30 Rock” character’s real-life counterpart, Tina Fey, was crowned TV’s hardest worker by Remote Access’ loyal readers. She’s also a writer and exec producer for the show and—with apologies to the amazing Amy Poehler—arguably the headliner of “Baby Mama,” which debuted at No. 1 at the box office. (In retrospect, Poehler’s no slacker, either. Perhaps I should have added her to the list of nominees.)

Fey defeated some stiff competition, and just edged out fellow Must-See TV star Steve Carell, who helms “The Office” and collected 26 percent of the votes. In third was “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest (21 percent), followed by “Lost” guru JJ Abrams (17 percent), Oprah Winfrey (12 percent) and reader-nominated “Flavor of Love” star Flavor Flav (2 percent).

Now time for a new poll: With the “Sex and the City” movie debut approaching, what’s the next HBO series that should be made into a feature-length film?

Lots of intriguing options here, including shows that were allowed to come to unusual conclusions (”The Sopranos”), others that remain on-air (”Entourage”) and still others that deserved a proper sendoff (”Deadwood,” anyone?).

Feel free to add your own nominees, as long as “Arli$$” isn’t one of them. (OK, even Arli$$, if you must.)

(Photo by Heidi Gutman for NBC/Universal.)

Uh oh.

TV’s new No. 1 network (sorry, CBS) announced its new lineup at yesterday’s upfronts and it’s pitting “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” against NBC’s “Chuck.”

That’s bad news for sci-fi/action fans who like both shows and good news for ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” which crushes almost everything in its path, and CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother,” which often scores higher ratings than “Terminator” or “Chuck’s” 8 million some-odd viewers. Without a shift in time slot and because the fall run of “Chuck” rarely if ever conflicted with the spring run of “Terminator,” I’m guessing one of those action shows will be canceled by season’s end.

There’s interesting news for “Idol” fans, who have been abandoning the No. 1 show in droves lately. The Wednesday night results show has mercifully been reduced to a half-hour. It’s one thing to keep an audience wondering; it’s another to bore them to tears. Long overdue move there.

As for new fall shows, the network is debuting only two. “Fringe” (pictured right) is a one-hour sci-fi drama by an up-and-comer by the name of J.J. Abrams. Slated to air Tuesdays this fall before “House,” “Fringe” stars former “Mighty Ducks” trilogy/”Dawson’s Creek” star Joshua Jackson as a scientist who investigates paranormal activity with a female FBI agent.

The other fall debut is “Do Not Disturb” (formerly called “The Inn”), a half-hour Wednesday comedy starring recent “Carpoolers” star Jerry O’Connell as the general manager of a hotel and “Reno: 911’s” hilarious Niecy Nash.

Like any J.J. Abrams project (see: “Lost” and “Cloverfield”), “Fringe” has a lot of buzz. And it’s hard to frown upon anything affiliated with an “Arrested Development” alum, who in this case is Jason Bateman; he directed the “Do Not Disturb” pilot.

In the spring, expect more debuts: The Joss Whedon project “Dollhouse,” starring Eliza Dushku, whom I’m convinced is most famous for being hot; the animated “The Cleveland Show,” a “Family Guy” spinoff; and another animated series, “Class Dismissed” (or “Sit Down, Shut Up,” depending on the source) featuring voice-overs by “Arrested Development” stars Bateman and “30 Rock” regular Will Arnett. Also in the mix is “Secret Millionaire,” a reality show version of “The Prince and the Pauper.”

Beyond that, expect a lot of familiar fare (”Idol,” “House” and the 20th[!] season of “The Simpsons”), including a ton of reality programming ranging from the inane (”Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader”) to the insane (”The Moment of Truth”). And if someone wants to tell me why “Prison Break” is still on the air, I’d be willing to listen.

Among the shows not to return this fall are two sitcoms with great stars but poor execution: the Parker Posey-Lauren Ambrose vehicle “The Return of Jezebel James” and the Kelsey Grammer-Patricia Heaton-led “Back to You.” Fans of “The Office” might be disappointed AND relieved that the talented Rashida Jones’ awful sitcom, “Unhitched,” was axed.

Also gone, according to the (New York) Daily News: “Anchorwoman,” “Canterbury’s Law,” “K-Ville,” “Nashville,” “New Amsterdam” and “The Next Great American Band.” (The lesson on that last one: There’s only one “American Idol.” You’d think they would have learned that lesson after the frightfest that was “American Juniors.”)

After the break, check out the full Fox fall schedule for 2008. (Thanks to BuddyTV and E! for making this easy for me.) Read more of this entry »

For about two months now, it was only a matter of who would finish third leading up to the all-David finale for which the producers and judges have shamelessly shilled.

That meant comeback kid Syesha Mercado—the drop-dead gorgeous victim of seemingly endless bottom 2’s and 3’s and the kind of unwarranted judges’ criticism matched only by Carly Smithson—finally bid adieu at the end of last night’s results show.

But what a run it was. From moment one, I knew Syesha had potential. When the Top 24 was revealed, I wrote, “Fine, I’ll say it. If there’s any justice, she’s the ‘American Idol’ for Season 7.”

More than three months later, I’m not quite as sold on what I wrote then. David Cook’s been the season’s most buzz-worthy and consistent contestant, albeit just shy of the innovative Blake Lewis in terms of commentary worthy of the water cooler. David Archuleta’s “Imagine” might have been the best performance of the season, despite it happening so soon in the voting process that he peaked with that song among viewers older than 16. And since Elliott Yamin, I don’t think I’ve rooted harder for any contestant more than I have for Carly, whose brilliance was dulled only by the occasional poor song choice and the frequent malaise of Judges’ Row.

But other than those three, I challenge you to name a better performer and pure singer to grace the “Idol” stage this season. The only song from Tuesday’s show to circle through my head was Syesha’s sexy, solid and fully choreographed version of “Fever,” which she selected for herself without the burden of a weekly theme (what a concept!). Upon first glance, viewers might have seen it as an easy way for the actress to land parts in Broadway productions; but a more savvy fan might realize that with every swayed hip and crossed leg, she was making a point of reaching a demographic that worries not about boyish sensibilities or pop-friendly rock. She was selling herself as a sexy R&B star in a much more viable way than the lame song from “Happy Feet” ever could. (Note to producers: Forcing two out of three songs upon contestants in the second-to-last week seems more unfair than fair; yes, even more unfair than picking a “hit” from the Neil Diamong songbook.)

This is not to say Syesha didn’t have her faults. Read more of this entry »

We both sang the national anthem at a Utah Jazz game. Now you know.

Yes, back when I was about David Archuleta’s age (he’s 17; I was 18), I was with my college a cappella group, the Boston College Acoustics, touring the greater Salt Lake City area. It was a really fun trip, complete with skiing (or, in my case, attempting to ski), watching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform; and meeting and performing for the late Gordon Hinckley, who at the time was president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We also got to sing the national anthem before a regular-season Jazz game at what was then the Delta Center, now known as EnergySolutions Arena. I think we were mistakenly identified on the public address system as the Boston Acoustics, but no matter. It was a thrill. And during the game, I spent some quality time with the team mascot, Jazz Bear. Total rock star.

That said, the Acoustics didn’t have 30 million people watching us, let alone voting on whose performance was best. Tonight we’ll see how the fans in the arena respond to Archie and his “American Idol” competitors, Syesha Mercado, who had the same national anthem honor for a Tampa Bay Rays game, and David Cook, who sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at a Kansas City Royals game.

As you might have guessed by now, the remaining “Idol” contestants headed to their home states for parades, mini-concerts and celebrations. They were “celebrated home,” if you will. And excluding the sports facility songs, they’ll be singing three songs apiece tonight, including one of their choice.

After the break, quick rankings of the Top 3 and thoughts on two key “Idol” news updates involving Archuleta’s dad and thoughts of lowering(!) the minimum age for contestants in Season 8. Read more of this entry »

Who’s the hardest working person in television?

You’ve got the rest of this week to vote. After wild lead changes early on, it appears to be a Must-See TV throwdown between Tina Fey of “30 Rock” and Steve Carell of “The Office.” They’re deadlocked at 62 votes apiece as of this post’s publication.

Still within striking distance, however, are “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, “Lost” guru JJ Abrams and the ubiquitous Oprah Winfrey.

There are even four votes for “Flavor of Love” host Flavor (that’s with an “or” at the end, by the way; I know better than to misspell the name of anyone from Public Enemy) Flav, who was nominated via a write-in vote.

Find the poll in the right margin of this page and get your votes in by the end of the week. Feel free to campaign accordingly. There will be a winner crowned and a new poll early next week.

(Carell photo by Chris Haston; Fey photo by Heidi Gutman; Both courtesy of NBC/Universal.)