American Idol To End After Season 15

AMERICAN IDOL will begin its 15th – and final – season this January on FOX. A season-long celebratory event, AMERICAN IDOL XV will feature host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., as they search for the final IDOL superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their IDOLs.

See more at: http://www.fox.com/article/fox-announces-new-primetime-series-for-2015-2016-season#sthash.SYlimfN2.dpuf

Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto Goes Undercover On CBS Reality Show To Air Dec. 21

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has his own prime time reality TV show.

Peduto donned a wig with shoulder-length gray hair and a scraggly, long gray beard to star on an upcoming hourlong episode of the CBS Emmy-winning show “Undercover Boss.” The episode is scheduled to air 8 p.m. Dec. 21.

“It will be the only chance that I ever have in my life to hear what people say about me directly to my face, but not knowing who I am,” he said Thursday.

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/7307404-74/peduto-cbs-undercover#ixzz3L5PD3Htz
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

Snake-Handling Kentucky Pastor Dies From Snake Bite

Map of the Middlesborough Micropolitan Statistical Area (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MIDDLESBORO, KY (AP) — Jamie Coots, a snake-handling Kentucky pastor who appeared on the National Geographic television reality show “Snake Salvation,” died Saturday after being bitten by a snake.

Coots was handling a rattlesnake during a Saturday night service at his Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name Church in Middlesboro when he was bit, another preacher, Cody Winn, told WBIR-TV http://on.wbir.com/1cLrs8A 

“Jamie went across the floor. He had one of the rattlers in his hand, he came over and he was standing beside me. It was plain view, it just turned its head and bit him in the back of the hand … within a second,” Winn said.

Read more: http://timesleader.com/news/news/1199267/Snake-handling-Ky.-pastor-dies-from-snake-bite

Pottstown-Area Church Leader Responds To ‘Duck Dynasty’ Controversy

Location of Lower Pottsgrove Township in Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

LOWER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP, PA — A national controversy hit close to home Friday afternoon after three-year-old videosof Phil Robertson speaking at a local church resurfaced.

Robertson, the patriarch of the family featured on the hit TV show “Duck Dynasty” on A&E, made what some perceived as anti-gay comments in an article in GQ Magazine. The article is published in the January 2014 edition of the magazine.

His controversial comments have started a firestorm of online discussion and led to Robertson’s indefinite suspension from the popular reality show.

But the faith-based comments Robertson made in the GQ article were echoes of statements he made while speaking at events long before the show on A&E started.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20131220/pottstown-area-church-leader-responds-to-duck-dynasty-controversy

‘Duck Dynasty’ Dad Preached About Gays At Pottstown Church

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the Duck Dynasty family was warning it might pull out of the show after patriarch Phil Robertson was suspended from anti-gay remarks in GQ, videos of him preaching similar thoughts at a Pottstown church have surfaced.

In the 2010 videos, Robertson was preaching at a Wild Game dinner at the Berean Bible Church. During the roughly hour-long talk, he weighed in on the immorality of gays, indicating they are experiencing God’s wrath. He also spoke on a range of issues, including his famed duck calls, Terry Bradshaw as his backup quarterback in college, and that he doesn’t believe in evolution.

No one at the Berean Bible Church, which was preparing for its Nativity Scene, was available to comment this morning. The videos were recorded before the Duck Dynasty show began airing.

Meanwhile, it was unclear if the show will continue on A&E.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Videos_Duck_Dynasty_preached_anti-gay_remarks_at_Pottstown_church.html#fEAAMgd0qIcUdyRd.99

Lancaster’s James Wolpert Eliminated On ‘The Voice’

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

James Wolpert’s run on ‘The Voice‘ came to an end Tuesday evening.

The young man from Lancaster advanced to the final five last week via an instant save.

But on this week’s elimination show to determine the three Voice finalists, he was the first contestant sent home.

Read more: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/entertainment/ci_24696303/lancasters-james-wolpert-eliminated-voice?source=most_viewed

Lancaster County Native James Wolpert Sings “Somebody To Love” By Queen On ‘The Voice’

Lampeter-Strasburg High School graduate, James Wolpert is one the competitors on NBC’s “The Voice” and sang the heck out of Queen’s power ballad, “Somebody To Love”.

“Amish Mafia” Star Severely Beaten In Strasburg

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A star of the hit television series “Amish Mafia” was severely beaten by her boyfriend last week in Strasburg, police allege.

Imir R. Williams, 24, is charged with felony aggravated assault for repeatedly punching Esther Schmucker in the head early on Halloween morning, charging documents indicate.

As of Tuesday, police were searching for Williams, listed in court documents as 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds.

A felony arrest warrant was filed Sunday.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/914685_-Amish-Mafia–star-severely-beaten-in-Strasburg.html#ixzz2joJGyYAM

‘American Idol’ Taps Lopez, Connick As Judges

LOS ANGELES — “American Idol” is betting that a judges’ remix with Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban will fare better with viewers than bickering divas Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj did last season.

The rumored addition of Lopez and Connick as judges for season 13 was announced Tuesday by Fox. They’ll join Urban to make up the talent show’s first panel consisting solely of singers — a la NBC’s successful 2011 upstart “The Voice.”

Pop star and actress Lopez will be back on “American Idol” after a two-season run as judge in 2011 and 2012 that was a boon for the show and her career. Connick, a respected jazz singer and musician, proved adept as a mentor in several “Idol” appearances.

Urban’s return to the contest was announced last month by Fox Chairman Kevin Reilly, who said the singer didn’t get a chance to show his personality in his first turn as a judge. Urban appeared overwhelmed last season by the Carey-Minaj crossfire that drew complaints from some viewers.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130903/ENTERTAINMENT01/130909881/-american-idol-taps-lopez-connick-as-judges#full_story

Fox Confirms Keith Urban Will Return To ‘American Idol’

It’s official: Keith Urban is returning to “American Idol” as a judge next season, Fox announced Thursday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Los Angeles.

“I will confirm one thing: Keith is going to return to the show,” said Kevin Reilly, Fox Chairman of Entertainment, as he addressed a room full of reporters.  “Keith’s a really funny guy, and I didn’t think he was able to let his full personality shine through” last season, due to the diva drama [between former judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj] that overshadowed not just Urban, but also the contestants.

Read more:  http://xfinity.comcast.net/blogs/tv/2013/08/01/fox-confirms-keith-urban-is-returning-to-american-idol/

Anne Beiler (Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Founder) Is A ‘Secret Millionaire’

She called herself a country girl.  Growing up Amish is about as country as it gets.

Anne Beiler said she never lived in a city, but in August 2011 she spent five days in one of the poorest sections of Baltimore.

“Five days is not long, but it is long enough to get a feel for city life,” said Beiler, who will be featured on Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC’s “Secret Millionaire.”

In a unique twist, Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, lived on Washington Street in East Baltimore —one of the most unsafe areas in the city — and worked with people and organizations in need of her help.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/878087_Anne-Beiler-is-a–Secret-Millionaire-.html#ixzz2akO1mPV6

Gordon Ramsay To Visit Forks Township Restaurant For ‘Kitchen Nightmares’

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Northampton County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Feisty celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay will be at Bella Luna Ristorante & Bar in Forks Township this week to film an episode of Fox’s “Kitchen Nightmares.”

According to the network, Ramsay and his team will visit the restaurant at 3417 Sullivan Trail Wednesday through Saturday for a sixth season episode.

The show helps struggling restaurants stay in business by having the fiery Scottish chef scrutinize their inner workings and suggest methods of improvement.  Ramsay diagnoses problems such as bad food, unsanitary practices, mismanagement and lazy or rude wait staff.  It’s up to the restaurant owners to accept his guidance, or face closure.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/restaurants/blog/mc-gordon-ramsay-to-visit-forks-restaurant-for-kitchen-nightmares-20130715,0,7037297.story#ixzz2ZDtple26
Follow us: @mcall on Twitter | mcall.lv on Facebook

Montco Chef To Appear On ‘Food Network Star’

English: Logo for Food Network (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

AMBLER, PA — One local man will be cooking up quite a bit of national attention for the area now that he’s earned a spot as a contestant on a new reality show this summer.

Chad Rosenthal, 37, of Ambler, has been chosen to appear as a contestant on the Food Network’s ninth season of the “Food Network Star” competition, which begins airing Sunday, June 2, at 9 p.m.

Featuring celebrity judge mentors Alton Brown, Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis, the show pits 12 contestants against one another in a series of weekly challenges for a chance to earn their own television show on the channel.

Born and raised in Upper Dublin, Rosenthal said he’s putting his hopes for stardom on his highly popular barbecue comfort food-style menu.  The owner of the former Rosie’s restaurants in Jenkintown and Ambler said patrons said his face belonged on the small screen.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130531/ENTERTAINMENT01/130539895/montco-chef-to-appear-on-food-network-star-#full_story

Candice Glover Wins Season 12 Of American Idol

Logo of the Fox Broadcasting Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“I can’t even … Oh, my God … Three years.”

For three years, Candice Glover traveled from her South Carolina home to try out for American Idol. Thursday night, her efforts paid off. She became the 12th winner of the Fox singing competition, beating out Kree Harrison to become the show’s first female winner in six years.

Glover, 23, not only had the night’s final big moment, she was involved in some of the other highlights of the two-hour-plus finale, singingInseparable with Jennifer Hudson, then getting a shout-out from Aretha Franklin, who told her, “Candice, you’re a winner — win or lose, you’re a winner.”

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/idolchatter/2013/05/16/american-idol-winner-third-times-the-charm-candice-glover/2192781/

Amish Experience Halts ‘Amish Mafia Tour’ After Legal Threat

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hold on chust a minute: “Amish Mafia” fans won’t get to see Lebanon Levi’s “office” or his crew of enforcers’ stomping grounds after all.

Producers of the hit “reality” show have threatened legal action against Bird-in-Hand-based The Amish Experience, which had plans for an extensive tour of the show’s local sites, beginning this month.

Many scenes for the Discovery Channel series — which just wrapped a second season of filming — were shot in Lancaster County.  The tour, its organizer said, would have included a behind-the-scenes glimpse of filming locations while debunking the show’s portrayal of a group of violent Amish protectors.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/847682_Amish-Experience-halts–Amish-Mafia-Tour–after-legal-threat.html#ixzz2Sv2jfUcK

Randy Jackson Leaving ‘American Idol’

LOS ANGELES — Jackson out.  Randy Jackson, the lone original “American Idol” judge, says he won’t be returning to the Fox talent competition.

“To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol,’ I have decided to leave after this season,” Jackson said in a statement Thursday.  “I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry.”

The 56-year-old record producer and bassist called the experience a “life-changing opportunity.” He said he’s leaving “Idol” to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130509/ENTERTAINMENT01/130509227/later-dawg-randy-jackson-leaving-american-idol-#full_story

Hysterical Interview Of Ryan Lochte On Good Day Philadelphia

The interview is funny but after Ryan is done watch Sheinelle Jones laugh so hard she cries, snorts and they go to break.  Ryan has a new reality show on E! which he is promoting, hence the interview.

Click here:  http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8787217

‘American Idol’ Ratings Plummet In Season 12 Premiere

The Mariah Carey–Nicki Minaj feud might not be enough to rescue “American Idol”s” ratings.

Fox‘s singing competition entered its 12th season Wednesday with three new judges and sharply lower viewership.  An average of 17.8 million total viewers tuned in to the two-hour premiere, slumping 19% compared with last season, according to Nielsen.

Read more:  http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/la-et-st-american-idol-ratings-plummet-20130117,0,4166712.story

Judges Steal Most Of Screen Time In New ‘American Idol’ Season

Logo of the Fox Broadcasting Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

FORT WASHINGTON — If the first two episodes of the new Season 12 of “American Idol” are any indication, the show is looking to make big stars of two talented female singers who are great performers and have big personalities.

That would be new judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj.

That’s because the episodes, shown Wednesday night in special sneak peek theater presentations for an invited Philadelphia-area crowd and at eight other cities nationwide, focused far more on the show’s new judges than on any – or all – of the contestants.

The new season of “Idol” starts with the two-night premiere on Fox at 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday.

Read more:  http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/tv/mc-american-idol-preview-20130110,0,3751780.story

Will Jersey Shore Ever Be The Same After Sandy?

English: A view of the beach in Seaside Heights, New Jersey north of Funtown Pier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — It is one of the icons of America, the backdrop to a thousand stories — the place where Tony Soprano”s nightmares unfolded, where Nucky Thompson built his “Boardwalk Empire,” where Snooki and The Situation brought reality TV to the ocean’s edge and where Springsteen conjured a world of love and loss and cars and carnival lights and a girl named, incongruously, Sandy.

But after the storm of the same name passed through last week, the seaside towns of the Jersey Shore, a place that popular culture has picked to exude Americanness, have been upended, and some of the boardwalks have been pushed into the sea.

And those who live there, those who spent their childhood weekends there and those who experience its stories from afar are asking different versions of the same question: What happens now?

“This is just a heartbreaking experience seeing all these places we love that are just decimated,” said Jen Miller, a blogger about the Jersey Shore who lives in the Philadelphia area. “It’s just what you do every summer: You go ‘down the shore.’

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-us–superstorm-jersey-shore-20121104,0,519822.story