Archive: July 2008 (105-111 of 111)

Jul 2 2008 07:10 PM ET

Chris Daughtry talks about his upcoming album

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Expect an American Idol retail blitz this fall as season 7′s David Cook, David Archuleta, and Kristy Lee Cook all plan to release their debut albums. Adding to the pileup, Kelly Clarkson is also hoping her fourth effort, which she’s been working on in various locales, including Australia, will see a pre-Christmas bow. But one Idol alumnus currently in the studio is opting for a slower course. “I don’t want to put out anything that is second rate or be accused of going through a
sophomore slump,” Chris Daughtry told EW.com at the Hollywood premiere of Hancock. “So we’re
taking our time on it.”

What can fans expect from the followup to his four-times-platinum debut, Daughtry? “It’s going to be a big huge rock album,” he says. “We are working with the same
producer — Howard Benson [All American Rejects, My Chemical Romance] — same band and some of the same writers so it
feels very comfortable this time around.” The band is looking at a 2009 release, Spring at the earliest, which means several more extended stays in Los Angeles, but Daughtry insists he doesn’t make a habit of red carpets: “I only come out here to get my work done, [though] it is fun to go out at night to things like premieres with my wife. But we still live in North Carolina, which helps keep it real.” (Additional reporting by Carrie Bell)

Jul 2 2008 06:13 PM ET

Exclusive: CBS Eyes 'Criminal Minds' Spin-off

Minds_lWith CSI spun out to within an inch of its life, what’s CBS to do? Find another established hit to exploit, natch! Yes, Criminal Minds, I’m talking about you.

Executive producer Ed Bernero confirms to me exclusively that “substantive” discussions are currently taking place between CBS and producer ABC Studios to expand the Minds franchise with an offshoot. “It’s safe to say there will be something soon,” he reveals. “We had talked about it from the beginning, but something always got in the way of it happening… like Mandy [Patinkin] leaving and the strike. But it’s definitely gaining momentum now.”

A consensus on what an alternate Minds would look like has not yet been reached, but Bernero says they’re “looking at all of the things the FBI does and how we can work that into the Criminal Minds world.” The idea would likely be introduced during a special episode of Minds to air later this coming season.

The big question, of course, is whether one of the show’s current cast will be poached to headline the new series. “I don’t think so,” Bernero says. “We’re very happy with the team we have. On the other hand, it’s possible characters could be on both shows… All options are open.”

Well, except for the one labeled “Mandy Patinkin.” That one I’m pretty sure is closed.

OK, Criminal Minds fans (I’ve seen the ratings, I know you’re out there), what’s your take on this potential version 2.0? Yay? Nay? Could care less? Sound off below!

Oh, and in other news, I’m getting ready to launch a revolutionary new weekly column that features questions from my readers (that’s you!) about spoilers, scoop and other assorted nonsense, so now all I need are those questions. Send them to ausielloscoop@ew.com — and tell your friends!

Jul 2 2008 02:58 PM ET

Spoiler Alert: New 'Heroes' villain explains her arrival

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In a whoosh of air, she will appear. Back in May, Heroes fan sites were aflutter over news that actress Brea Grant (most recently seen nearly stealing Landry’s heart from Tyra on Friday Night Lights) would be joining the series’ third season (premieres Sept. 22) as a new character named Daphne, a.k.a. the Speedster. Grant has just revealed to EW.com what Speedster’s dramatic entrance will be like. “Anytime I come into a room, basically you see this wave of air blown on everybody and then I’m just standing there because I’m so fast you can hardly see me when I move,” she explains of her superpower. “You meet my character for the first time when I steal something from Hiro that he needs for his quest this season.” That doesn’t mean, however, that Hiro is the only hero she’ll encounter. “Her interest is not specifically with Hiro,” Grant says cryptically. “I think that’s why she’ll run into a lot more people — she’s feeling a lot of stuff toward someone else. That’s all I can tell you!”

It’s been unclear how long Speedster would stay on the show, but Grant discloses that she’s currently shooting the sixth episode of the season. “I’ll be around for actually quite a bit longer.” And will her villainous character remain a baddie? “I start off pretty bad, but there are some times when I have to make choices, you know, you can be worse, you can be better,” Grant says. “It’s just this whole idea of being a bad guy. You’ll see some of your favorite characters have to do some things they don’t want to do.”

Jul 2 2008 07:01 AM ET

'90210' Exclusive: Doherty Heads for the 'Hills'

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Those of you who know me know that nothing brings me more happiness than a good, old-fashioned Shannen Doherty item. So it seems only fitting that I should kick off my new EW gig with a juicy yarn about the legendary Hollywood hellraiser. And it’s not just any yarn, either — it’s the best yarn ever!

Multiple sources confirm to me exclusively that Doherty is currently engaged in formal talks to — wait for it, wait for it — reprise her role of Brenda Walsh on The CW’s breathlessly anticipated 90210 update!

(The crowd roars. The crowd’s on their feet! The crowd.. is… me!)

According to my Peach Pit mole, Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah, the producers behind el nuevo 90210, recently met with the tempestuous tabloid mainstay to gauge her interest in returning to the zip code from which she was banished in 1994. And by all accounts, she is interested. “But,” whispers an insider with close ties to the reboot, “she wants to know what the story is going to be first.” She also wants more money than they’re apparently offering.

Yet creative/financial issues may not be the biggest obstacles standing in the way of Doherty’s homecoming. The anger-management poster gal has left a long list of enemies in her wake, among them once and possibly future co-stars Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth. Doherty and Garth, in particular, got along so badly, they were like a ’90s version of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. (A fistfight between them was even chronicled in Spelling’s recent memoir.) So while Doherty’s willingness to return suggests she’s ready to let bygones be bygones, the feeling may not be mutual.

“There’s still some animosity there,” acknowledges a source, who says Garth wasn’t exactly jumping for joy upon learning of Doherty’s potential hiring. However, counters Garth, “A lot of time has passed, and I’m a big girl. I’d have no problem with her coming on the show.”

That still doesn’t resolve the pesky issue of Doherty’s less-than-stellar rep. “They should demand good behavior and get rid of her quick if they don’t get it,” muses one top TV producer. “The danger is that the show becomes a big hit, and her participation is seen as essential. If that happens, and she’s still a disruptive, dysfunctional actor, then they’ve got a big mess.”

But nearly everyone seems to agree on one thing: It’s a risk worth taking. “This is a win-win for all parties,” points out a 90210 source. “Shannen has a shot to get back in the public eye and make things right with the show that gave her her career, and the CW can generate some much-needed buzz and guarantee some major sampling of 90210.”

Not to mention the fact that I’ll get to write more Shannen Doherty stories!

So, what do you think? Does Shannen need 90210 more than it needs her? And would you be more inclined, less inclined or as inclined to watch 90210 with Doherty on board? Sound off in the comments section below!

Jul 2 2008 07:00 AM ET

The Top 10 Reasons I Know I'll Do Well at EW!

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Last night, as I prepared for my first day at EW, I’ll admit it: I got a case of the butterflies. And we’re not talking about the cute kind, either; we’re talking first-day-of-second grade jitters! But then I petted Mister Scooch, thought about it and finally started breathing again. Of course, I’m going to do swell in my new post. How can I be so sure? Let me share just 10 of the reasons:

10. Diet Raspberry Snapple in the vending machine!

9. I ran into Lauren Graham at dinner last Friday, and she remembered who I was!

8. There’s a Tasti D-Lite across the street from our office!

7. Among my bennies at Time Inc.: They’ll insure my Smurf collection for free!

6. Everyone on staff is getting free Pretty Bitter cards!

5. Josh Schwartz sent me an email wishing me good luck after I forwarded him the press release announcing my new job!

4. I have a fancy new wardrobe that should finally end Dave Karger’s reign at the top of EW’s best-dressed list. Okay, I have one new outfit. But it’s really nice. Seriously, it’s from Kenneth Cole! 

3. I work two days and then have a three-day weekend!

2. EW covers movies, books, music and TV, so there’s four times the swag!

1. I still know things you don’t!

What’s that? I missed a few things? Well, don’t just sit there twiddling your thumbs — use ‘em to fire off some additional reasons I’m going to be awesome at my new job! And when you’re done with that, don’t stray too far from my little corner of EW.com. I have some very exciting things planned in the coming hours, days and weeks… starting with this, my first EW scoop!

Jul 2 2008 05:21 AM ET

Katherine Heigl: Does she want to bolt from 'Grey's Anatomy'?

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Katherine Heigl’s curious comment about dropping out of this year’s Emmy race (“I did not feel I was given the material…to warrant a nomination”) was construed by many as an opening salvo in an effort to leave Grey’s Anatomy, the ABC drama that garnered her a statuette last year and made her a star. The idea isn’t so far-fetched, since her stock as a movie actress continues to rise: Her asking price hovers around $6 million, she helped Knocked Up reach $149 million last year, and her name recognition propelled 27 Dresses to a $23 million opening weekend in January. Next up is a role opposite 300 star Gerard Butler in the romantic comedy The Ugly Truth. But here’s where it gets interesting: This wouldn’t be the first time she’s tried to ditch a show before her contract expires. Heigl and her agent rallied to release her from the sci-fi drama Roswell when it moved from The WB to UPN in 2001, according to two insiders familiar with the talks, but the request was denied. Heigl’s rep couldn’t be reached for comment, though a source close to the actress insists there was “no hidden message” in her remarks, and that she’ll continue as Izzie Stevens on Grey’s. If its writers are a vengeful bunch, you have to wonder what’s in store for her.

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Jul 2 2008 02:55 AM ET

Hinder to David Cook: 'We'll write with you'

David Cook’s already packed schedule is about to get more demanding. With the American Idol tour kicking off tonight and booked through September 22, the season 7 champ will have to juggle concert dates with studio time in order to make the deadline for an early November album release. But one band is willing, if not eager, to help: hard rockers Hinder, best known for their 2006 hit power ballad “Lips of an Angel.” “I dig David Cook,” says singer Austin Winkler, a native of Oklahoma, where Cook has lived for the past few years. “He shows that the world is starving for a little bit of rock-n-roll. Hopefully we can write some tunes for him.”

According to Hinder, who were in the audience for this year’s Idol finale and met the winner briefly that night, the admiration is mutual. “I heard he’s a fan,” Winkler tells EW.com. “I’m sure we’ll cross paths.” Meanwhile another Hinder member is holding out for a chance at some face time with a female Idol champ: Carrie Underwood. “I love her,” says drummer Cody Hanson (no relation to Tulsa’s Hanson brothers). “She’s my favorite of everything, and probably the hottest chick on the planet.”

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  1. Tuesday, May 1
    1. The Biggest Loser NBC, 8-9PM
  2. Friday, May 4
    1. In Plain Sight USA, 10-11PM
  3. Sunday, May 6
    1. The Amazing Race CBS, 8-10PM
    2. GCB NBC, 10-11PM
  4. Monday, May 7
    1. Two Broke Girls CBS, 8-9PM
    2. Castle ABC, 10-11PM
  5. Tuesday, May 8
    1. Last Man Standing ABC, 8-8:30PM
    2. The Voice NBC, 8-10PM
    3. New Girl FOX, 9-9:31PM
    4. Unforgettable CBS, 10-11PM
  6. Wednesday, May 9
    1. CSI CBS, 10-11PM
  7. Thursday, May 10
    1. The Big Bang Theory CBS, 8-8:31PM
    2. The Vampire Diaries The CW, 8-9PM
    3. The Office NBC, 9-9:30PM
    4. The Secret Circle The CW, 9-10PM
    5. Parks and Recreation NBC, 9:30-10PM
  8. Friday, May 11
    1. The Finder FOX, 8-9PM
    2. Undercover Boss CBS, 8-9PM
    3. Fringe FOX, 9-10PM
    4. CSI: NY CBS, 9-10PM
    5. Blue Bloods CBS, 10-11PM
  9. Sunday, May 13
    1. Once Upon A Time ABC, 8-9PM
    2. Survivor: One World CBS, 8-10PM
    3. Desperate Housewives ABC, 9-11PM, SERIES FINALE
    4. American Dad FOX, 9:30-10PM
  10. Monday, May 14
    1. Bones FOX, 8-9PM
    2. How I Met Your Mother CBS, 8-9PM
    3. Gossip Girl The CW, 8-9PM
    4. Two and a Half Men CBS, 9-9:30PM
    5. Hart of Dixie The CW, 9-10PM
    6. Mike & Molly CBS, 9:30-10PM
    7. Hawaii Five-0 CBS, 10-11PM
    8. Smash NBC, 10-11PM
  11. Tuesday, May 15
    1. 90210 The CW, 8-9PM
    2. Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
    3. NCIS CBS, 8-9PM
    4. NCIS: Los Angeles CBS, 9-11PM
    5. Fashion Star NBC, 10-11PM
    6. Private Practice ABC, 10-11PM
  12. Wednesday, May 16
    1. Suburgatory ABC, 8:30-9PM
    2. Criminal Minds CBS, 9-11PM
  13. Thursday, May 17
    1. Missing ABC, 8-9PM
    2. Community NBC, 8-8:30PM, 9-10PM
    3. 30 Rock NBC, 8:30-9PM
    4. Rules of Engagement CBS, 8:30-9PM
    5. Awake NBC, 9-11PM
    6. Grey's Anatomy ABC, 9-10PM
    7. Person of Interest CBS, 9-10PM
    8. The Mentalist CBS, 10-11PM
    9. Scandal ABC, 10-11PM
  14. Friday, May 18
    1. Nikita The CW, 8-9PM
    2. Shark Tank ABC, 8-9PM
    3. Who Do You Think You Are NBC, 8-9PM
    4. Grimm NBC, 9-10PM
    5. Supernatural The CW, 9-10PM
  15. Saturday, May 19
    1. Saturday Night Live NBC, 11:29PM-1AM
  16. Sunday, May 20
    1. America's Funniest Home Videos ABC, 7-8PM
    2. The Cleveland Show FOX, 7:30-8PM
    3. Harry's Law NBC, 8-9PM
    4. The Simpsons FOX, 8-8:30PM
    5. Bob's Burgers FOX, 8:30-9PM
    6. Celebrity Apprentice NBC, 9-11PM
    7. Family Guy FOX, 9-10PM
  17. Monday, May 21
    1. Dancing With the Stars (Performance) ABC, 8-9PM
    2. House FOX, 8-10PM, SERIES FINALE
  18. Tuesday, May 22
    1. American Idol (Performance) FOX, 8-9PM
    2. Dancing With the Stars (Results) ABC, 9-11PM
    3. Glee FOX, 9-10PM
  19. Wednesday, May 23
    1. The Middle ABC, 8-8:30PM
    2. American Idol (Results) FOX, 8-10:07PM
    3. Modern Family ABC, 9-9:30PM
    4. Don't Trust the B— ABC, 9:30-10PM
    5. Revenge ABC, 10-11PM
    6. Law & Order: SVU NBC, 10-11PM
  20. Tuesday, May 29
    1. The L.A. Complex The CW, 9-10PM
  21. Wednesday, May 30
    1. America's Next Top Model: British Invasion The CW, 9-10PM
*Times are Eastern Daylight and subject to change

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