Monday, December 22, 2025
Donate
Home Blog Page 2180

Oprah Gets Barbra To Sing On Her Show; Russell Crowe Has Lots of Friends

Roger Friedman
-
1
Oprah Gets Barbra To Sing On Her Show; Russell Crowe Has Lots of Friends

Barbra Streisand usually doesn’t sing for free. But I guess she was convinced by Oprah Winfrey that to get a whole hour for her book, “My Passion for Design,” a little warbling wouldn’t hurt.

I am told that Babs performed “The Way We Were” when she taped Oprah’s show yesterday in Chicago. The hour is said to be a total retrospective of Streisand’s career. It airs November 16th, the same day the book is published.

It’s a busy winter for Babs. In December she returns to the big screen, this time as a grandmother in “Little Fockers.” Her holiday present was getting Dustin Hoffman back as her husband. He came in at the last minute and filmed scenes with her…

RUSSELL CROWE has lots of friends. Among them: Edward Norton, Viola Davis, Patti Smith, Gerard Butler, and Oscar Isaac, all of whom helped him celebrate “The Next Three Days” on Tuesday night at the Oak Bar in the Plaza Hotel. Along with director Paul Haggis and co-stars Elizabeth Banks, RZA of the Wu Tang Clan, and Olivia Wilde, Crowe pulled quite a crowd. And this is a much more mellow Crowe than in the old days. He signed everything, shook everyone’s hand, was jolly and cooperative. He spent a quantity of time hanging out with Norton.

Meanwhile, two time Tony winner Davis (and one time Oscar nominee but more to come, certainly) arrived looking grand with husband Julius Tennon. Viola just finished shooting “The Help.” Next she’s considering an HBO series in which she’d play the headmaster of a girls’ school. Today, Davis is participating in a play reading with a bunch of other A list actors at the home of director Mike Nichols. No one deserves success more. Bravo, Viola!

Bon Jovi Lights Up Times Square With 90 Minute Greatest Hits Show

Roger Friedman
-
5
Bon Jovi Lights Up Times Square With 90 Minute Greatest Hits Show

Bon Jovi–the whole group–lit up Times Square last night with a ebullient, athletic 90 minute live show from the Best Buy (formerly Nokia) Theater on Broadway and West 44th St.

This is a smallish venue converted from a movie theater–the beloved Loew’s 44th St where I saw all the “Star Wars” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” movies. And Bon Jovi is a kick ass bigger-than-life band, launching their first greatest hits record in 27 years with the show simulcast on YouTube and local WPLJ radio.

You haven’t heard anything until a thousand people are screaming the words to “Living on a Prayer” and “It’s My Life” in your ear. Bon Jovi started out as a bar band and on some level they remain the Greatest Bar Band ever. Not only did they perform more than a dozen of their own hits, they mixed in “Pretty Woman” and “Shout” with the punch and drive of 20 year olds.

It was great to hear “Wanted Dead or Alive (I’m a Cowboy),” “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” and “Keep the Faith” in this intimate setting. You could tell Jon, Richie, Dave and Tico were having fun, too. They had plenty of friends and family in the audience as well, including Richie’s mom, aunt and a family friend affectionately known as Eddie the Hat.

After the show, Jon Bon Jovi and Dave Bryan headed right home. But Richie Sambora and Tico Torres headed downtown to the Waverly Inn. They took up a table for about 12 people including Little Steven van Zandt. wife Maureen van Zandt, music publisher John Titta, and “American Idol” past winner David Cook.

“The King’s Speech” Gets Royal Toast with Good Tequila

Roger Friedman
-
0
“The King’s Speech” Gets Royal Toast with Good Tequila

In “The King’s Speech” Lionel Logue, played with understated cool by Geoffrey Rush, tells Colin Firth‘s King George VI that he can overcome his stutter by singing.

Tequila also works, we found yesterday at a lunch for the Tom Hooper directed film at the 21 Club. Roger Wilson–long ago a fixture in the New York papers–now reps DeLeon Tequila, which underwrote not only the lunch but the “King’s Speech” premiere the night before.

“The bottles are made by the same company that does Chanel perfume,” he told me. Indeed, they are simple and elegant with ornate silver knobs. “It’s the best tequila in the world,” he said. “Much better than Patron.”

Everyone at the table got a Champagne flute filled up with the stuff and toasted “The King’s Speech.” Wow. It’s smooth stuff, and almost erased the bitter idea of Newt Gingrich celebrating his newest book at a party on the second floor.

But back to the scene: the 21 lunch brought out directors Tony Gilroy, who says no actor has been chosen for his “Bourne” movie. Is that clear? (Yes!) Colin Firth got a nice toast from Tom Hooper. ” Directors Stephen Daldry and David Koepp, actors Candice Bergen, Christine Baranski, Robert Wuhl, and Peter Riegert; and media types like Joan Juliet Buck, Ingrid Sischy and Sandy Brant were among the other guests.

Meantime, “King’s Speech” writer David Seidler did say the word now is that the play–stage–dramatic version of the movie — with a slightly different script–may open in London’s West End first before it goes to Broadway possibly a year from now.

PS Most of the DeLeon bottles were still  on the tables when the lunch ended. These people are too honest!

Michael Jackson: There Is Concrete Proof He Sang the New Songs

Roger Friedman
-
47
Michael Jackson: There Is Concrete Proof He Sang the New Songs

The fans are worried that Michael Jackson‘s new songs–recorded in 2007 at the New Jersey home studio of family friends–aren’t his.

The “Cascio tracks” have caused an uproar. On the planned “Michael” album set for December 14th release, there will be three: “Breaking News,” “Monster,” and “Keep Your Head Up.” (I’ve heard the latter song, and it’s quite wonderful.)

I am told that in addition to forensic tests on the songs to make sure the vocals are Michael’s, Sony sources say Eddie Cascio has provided notes written on lyric sheets in Michael’s unmistakable handwriting. (Of course, they can always call in Helena Bonham Carter’s aunt–see yesterday’s column.)

Sources tell me there’s plenty of proof left behind by Michael that he provided the vocals on 12 tracks. Michael wasn’t just sitting around that whole time in the studio. He worked on the songs, and there’s evidence of it in the notations.

Some of the confusion on the currently streaming “Breaking News” may exist because Michael provided “guide” vocals on the tracks. He didn’t record back up vocals or anything else that would embellish a regular recording. Producers have added back up singing and instrumentals to flesh the records out.

Michael also never finished or polished up the tracks. What’s been done to them is similar to what was applied to the song “This Is It.” Jackson had left just a one track vocal with a piano playing in the background. John McClain added background vocals from Michael’s brothers and other musical elements to give the track life.

Also included on the new album: three songs produced by a hot new producer-writer named Nephew. One of them, which I’ve heard, is called “Best of Joy.” It’s a lovely ballad. And ironic–that Michael’s nephews are causing so much dissent over the album because their songs weren’t used, but three by someone actually named Nephew were. Weird.

Jerry Seinfeld Directs His Pal Colin Quinn in Brilliant Broadway Return

Roger Friedman
-
0
Jerry Seinfeld Directs His Pal Colin Quinn in Brilliant Broadway Return

Colin Quinn‘s “Long Story Short” could be longer, but it’s just fine the way it is.

His pal Jerry Seinfeld has directed him on a simple stage–of levels, just like Kramer wanted to put in his apartment years ago.

Quinn returned toBroadway last night (he was last here in 1998 with a one man show called “An Irish Wake”) with this one man show that consists of funny bits telling the history of the world. For an hour an fifteen minutes you can’t stop laughing, and often applauding, as Quinn explains the Roman Empire, the relationship between France and England, the stories of China and Russia, and how America fits into all of this.

Unlike “Seinfeld,” it’s a show about something. Quinn has clever video backdrops, too, especially a sort of GPS-slash Google Earth for ancient Greece. Quinn’s comedy is observational, like Seinfeld’s, but in this presentation it’s also very focused. Seinfeld has also possibly polished Quinn up a bit: the subject matter and its delivery are sophisticated but never vulgar. The most used ‘f’ word is France.

The audience was certainly appreciative, including Jerry’s wife Jessica, plus Matthew Broderick, Regis and Joy Philbin with Reege’s longtime agent Kenny DeCamillo, Joan Rivers, Lorraine Bracco, Bobby Canavale, Kathy Griffin, Jeffrey Ross, Tovah Feldshuh, “Marriage Ref” host Tom Papa, and Ben Stiller in the audience.

I was thrilled to run into Michael Richards, aka Kramer, who came to support Jerry. We all know Richards has had a tough time the last couple of years. But he’s a nice guy, and we’ve always had pleasant conversations. What’s he up to? “Just doing a lot of photography,” he said. He’s not ready to publish it any of it. It’s just for his own enjoyment. I hope we see him back on film or TV soon.

As for Colin Quinn: don’t miss him. And Jerry Seinfeld should think about directing more shows like this.

Ralph Fiennes Likes Orwell; Taymor’s Tempest Has Spider Man; Julia Fordham Mad About Paul Reiser

Roger Friedman
-
0
Ralph Fiennes Likes Orwell; Taymor’s Tempest Has Spider Man; Julia Fordham Mad About Paul Reiser

Ralph Fiennes is circling a new movie–a film adaptation of George Orwell’s “Burmese Days.” I’m told he’s so excited about the project that he’s sent the script to Roger Michell, whose “Morning Glory” premieres tomorrow. Producer Avram Ludwig–who work with Doug Liman— is said to be quarterbacking. John Henry Butterworth, who co-wrote “Fair Game,” authored the script. I’m surprised we haven’t seen more Orwell on the screen. It’s a great idea…

…Julie Taymor‘s “The Tempest” was screened last night for the Shakespeare Society. Helen Mirren is a superb and commanding Prospera, the first time a woman has taken on the famed lead role. She’s great, of course, and there’s an all-star cast who make memorable appearances: Alfred Molina, Russell Brand, and Djimon Honsou are all terrific. Reeve Carney, who’s about to play Peter Parker in Taymor’s “Spider Man” on Broadway, does a nice job in a supporting role. I hope “The Tempest” gets a real release. Helen Mirren is definitely Oscar material. And all the tech stuff is superb, from costumes to lighting, production design, etc. Russell Brand is a hoot…

…Julia Fordham’s wonderful new album with Paul Reiser, is released today. “Unusual Suspects” can be found at www.juliafordham.com and at amazon and ITunes…

Michael Jackson Producer Teddy Riley Blames Singer’s Co-Executor for Bad Press

Roger Friedman
-
20
Michael Jackson Producer Teddy Riley Blames Singer’s Co-Executor for Bad Press

http://tinyurl.com/35j6oxs

Michael Jackson producer Teddy Riley called in to an Atlanta radio station last night and told as much as he could about the making of “Breaking News” and other new Jackson tracks.

Among other things,  Riley says Jackson estate co-executor John McClain “challenged” him on the recordings for the new album. “Now all of a sudden it’s not Michael’s voice because his [McClain’s] songs didn’t make it.” Riley says McClain wanted him on the project just so his own name–McClain’s–would be associated with Riley’s. Yikes.

Riley also revealed he hasn’t been paid for his work, still has no contract, and took just five hours to remix “Breaking News.”

He also said that a Jackson duets album is in the works, mixing newer artists with old Jackson vocal performances.

Move the cursor under the video to around 1:37 where the conversation gets interesting.

Riley also says, enigmatically: “There’s been a conspiracy from A to Z.”

Helena Bonham Carter: “CSI: London” Should Be Her Next Stop

Roger Friedman
-
1
Helena Bonham Carter: “CSI: London” Should Be Her Next Stop

Helena Bonham Carter should be on “CSI.”

When she’s studying a real life character, HBC has a good trick up her sleeve. She uses her famous aunt, Renata Propper, to analyze the handwriting of any real life people she might be playing in the movies.

For “The King’s Speech,” the highly Oscar buzzed film that opened last night to cheers–literally–at the Ziegfeld, HBC asked her aunt to investigate the signature and cursives of the late Queen Mum, whom she plays so brilliantly in the film.

“I do a lot of research,” Helena told me proudly at post-party, held in the very swankily redesigned 44 restaurant at the Royalton Hotel. (Four stars to the makeover, by the way!)

Helena — in a knockout Vivienne Westwood gown– was surrounded by her relatives, all New Yorkers who emigrated here around 1949 from Britain, as well as her own mum.

Of course, HBC has played a number of kooky characters directed by her husband, Tim Burton, including Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd.” In those cases, Aunt Renata wasn’t able to do the research. “Not the fictional ones,” she advised.

What did they find with the Queen Mum? That she was a powerhouse, of course, who cut right to the chase. You can see it in the movie when it opens on November 24th. And Helena gets her just right–all the way to Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, without a doubt.

Meanwhile at the “King’s Speech” premiere: famed beauty Marisa Berenson chatted with Harvey Weinstein about her new memoir, which she wrote in French and published in Europe; Christine Baranski congratulated director Tom Hooper, and actor Colin Firth, also also on their way to the Academy Awards; pop star Moby said he was “overwhelmed” by the film. “I thought it was going to be about a speech therapist,” he said, laughing.

Michael Jackson Producers Rejected Burt Bacharach Arrangement for New Song

Roger Friedman
-
47
Michael Jackson Producers Rejected Burt Bacharach Arrangement for New Song

In our continuing series on the making of Michael Jackson‘s forthcoming “Michael” album:

Producers of the album–including co-executor John McClain–sent Burt Bacharach a song Michael recorded with Eddie Cascio called “All I Need.”

The legendary writer-producer went into the studio and added strings, etc. to the track. But it didn’t sound right, sources tell me, and was ultimately rejected. “All I Need,” in some form, may wind up on another album of unreleased Jackson songs. But it won’t be on “Michael.”

Also not on “Michael” is the Paul Anka song, “Love Never Felt So Good.” I guess the Jackson estate paid out enough money to Anka in the last year for writing “This Is It.”

The “Michael” album is not quite finalized, I’m told, but will have to be by Friday. Right now there are three “Cascio” tracks including “Breaking News.” Fans are complaining about “Breaking News” on the Jackson website because it doesn’t sound right to them. Folks, it really is Michael singing on that song. The finished version on the album may sound more like him. Part of the problem may have been in the uploading to the website.

“Breaking News” only streams through Sunday. On Monday, the first actual single is released–with Akon–called “Hold My Hand.”

I’ve heard a lot of the tracks, and I can tell you–they are by Michael. Michael’s nephew, Taryll Jackson, knows that, too. Despite his campaign to discredit the album, Taryll was around when the tracks were being put together. More will come out about this soon.

Conspiracy theories are fun, but buying into them is just going to cheat true Michael Jackson fans out of a great experience. “Michael” is shaping up to be a very solid project.

Katherine Jackson Lies About Divorce Filings to Oprah–And That’s Not All

Roger Friedman
-
29
Katherine Jackson Lies About Divorce Filings to Oprah–And That’s Not All

Oprah’s Michael Jackson show has just ended. Her interviews with Katherine and Joseph Jackson produced a lot of lies, some tears, and a great deal of insincerity.

On the positive side: Michael’s kids are terrific. From Oprah’s interview with them at the end of the show you can see especially that Prince and Paris have somehow weathered the storm. Michael’s choice of Debbie Rowe as a mother for his children turns out to be prescient. Paris looks and sounds just like her: determined and smart. And she’s only 12.

What did the Jackson parents lie about? Katherine has a faulty memory of how she learned her son was dead. Michael’s manager, Frank DiLeo told her after calling her nephew and summoning them to the hospital. Dr. Conrad Murray was in the room. She asked him  a few questions. But it was DiLeo who was with Michael when he was pronounced dead, and told Mrs. Jackson because they were friends. It was DiLeo who also told Michael’s kids that their father was dead. Paris, he recalled, starting screaming, “I’m an orphan!” It was then that DiLeo brought the kids in to see Mrs. Jackson, who did not really know them well at all.

More: Katherine Jackson has filed for divorce from Joseph Jackson twice since 1970. A few months ago, she was ready to do it again. Joe Jackson has fathered at least one child outside their marriage. All of this has been well documented. I wrote the about the divorce filings almost exactly six years ago at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,137049,00.html

Oprah didn’t go after Joe Jackson too hard on beating the kids. I suppose she figures everyone knows it. Michael was indeed terrified of his father. Joe Jackson didn’t just use a strap. He locked Michael in a closet if he didn’t perform correctly during rehearsals for the Jackson 5. He told me in 2001 that he would “beat their backs” if the children misbehaved. He is an onerous human being.

I questioned Joe Jackson in 2001 about beating Michael. Here’s the column: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,137049,00.html

The subject of beating produced an interesting reaction from Katherine Jackson. “That’s the way black people raise their children,” she told Oprah. I rather doubt most black people in Oprah’s audience would concur. That quote should be the subject of much discussion, I think.

Interestingly, Oprah didn’t ask Mrs. Jackson why all those kids were living in the house when she’s been ordered to clear them out by the family court judge. She didn’t ask Joe Jackson about suing to get an allowance from Michael’s estate, or suing to remove the executors, or trying to cash in on Michael’s death.

But she couldn’t do everything, and the interviews with the kids at the end were pure gold. Everyone thought Michael Jackson was completely crazy. He was drug dependent. But it turns out he was a good father. That’s going to be his most important legacy.

1...2,1792,1802,181...2,325Page 2,180 of 2,325

Hollywood to the Hudson

Company

Trending

Categories

© Showbiz411.com