I’ll preface this by saying – I’ve always had a rich and vivid imagination.
“What we can imagine, we can make real.”
Forward kids. No fear.
Randy Jackson responds to Betty Buckley’s defense of Broadway singers
Recently, Betty Buckley tweeted in defense of singers that American Idol judge Randy Jackson deemed “too Broadway.” For many, the label appeared to diss singers who sounded like they would be at home on a Broadway stage.
Today, Randy Jackson responded to Betty through whosay.com:
“Just for the record; @bettybuckley I love you, I also love broadway, I am a huge broadway fan. There are tons of broadway stars that are dear friends of mine. I have the upmost respect for all broadway actors and singers. To me the greatest thing in life is a true thespian. One who can be a great actor, singer, and great dancer. The all around performer. Last I checked, America is land of the free, home of the brave, and freedom of speech is still allowed. But what I was merely saying to the singer, or any singer who wishes to be in popular music is that you have to be able to have control of your vibrato and have amazing talent. A lot of people who sing broadway, do not have control of their vibrato, which does not easily lend itself to singing other styles of music. The wide open vibrato doesn’t work everywhere. Was not dissing anyone, and if you know our show carefully, we have been using the words “Too Broadway” for 11 seasons now, and we have all said it. FYI: If you are a fan of the show, then you would know, we had a giant win with a broadway singer named Adam Lambert. One of our greatest contestants, 4 years ago, And yo Betty the dawg ain’t got nothing but love for you. Ever since eight is enough. I want everyone to realize their dreams.”
My thoughts on this:
1. Thank you Randy for addressing the issue and saying you have respect for Broadway actors and singers.
2. While you and other judges HAVE been saying “too Broadway” for 11 seasons, what you have NOT made clear is that it was not dissing Broadway. Many times on American Idol singers have been dismissed with a simple “too Broadway” and that was it. To many viewers this gave the impression that having a “Broadway” sounding voice was a bad thing.
Perhaps, Randy, if you have the respect you say you have for the talent and discipline of Broadways performers, you could have been been clearer by saying “great voice, and I can see you succeeding on Broadway, but I don’t think your voice is suited for the pop music industry.” While you may have understood in your head that that’s what you MEANT, that’s not what you have been saying.
Here’s to clarity in the future.
Howard Stern in support of Ellen Degeneres and JC Penney
From the get-go it’s clear how Howard Stern feels about the anti-gay One Million Moms attempt to get Ellen Degeneres fired as the new spokesperson for JC Penney.
Thanks Howard Stern for putting it in such clear terms.
(via JMG)
Nevada: Low GOP turnout shows enthusiasm gap
From DailyKos.com: Republican turnout in the Nevada caucuses fell from 44,324 in 2008 to 32,894 this year—meaning that Sen. John McCain was exciting Republicans more than Mitt Romney and field.
For a party that claims to be fired up about beating President Barack Obama, they sure don’t seem to be reflecting that sentiment at the polls.
In Nevada, GOP voter registration is down, voter turnout is down and party competence is down — it took Republicans two days to count those votes this year, while they were able to do it in one day in 2008 (with more votes to count).
The Nevada GOP is in trouble. They got a respite in 2010 because of national trends, but whether it’s the drop in Latino support (3% less Latinos participated this year vs 2008), or just the drop in general participation, and given demographic trends in the state … I’ll say it now — Nevada will now, or by next election cycle, be as blue as California.
Simple chart showing decline in Initial Jobless Claims
This chart tracks the four-week moving average of initial jobless claims, beginning in January of 2008, the last year of President Bush’s administration. Note the dramatic climb during 2008.
President Obama took office January 9, 2009. Note the decline in initial jobless claims once he took office.
While the economy isn’t booming, it’s a clear illustration that the labor market has, on President Obama’s watch, been healing.
Highlight from the Washington state House debate on marriage equality
Very moving statement by GOP Rep. Maureen Walsh in favor of marriage equality.
Ugly Betty reunion: Vanessa Williams backstage on Broadway with Michel Urie at “How To Succeed…”
WhoSayPhotoEmbed.create({vanityRoot: “http://www.whosay.com/vanessawilliams”, clientName: “Vanessa Williams”, vanityLink: “http://www.whosay.com/vanessawilliams/photos/127475”, photoId: “http://media.whosay.com/127475/127475_la.jpg”, title: “Backstage w my best #UglyBetty pal @michaelurie starring on broadway in #How2SucceedInBusinessWithoutReallyTrying. He was hilarious, of course!”, width: “481”, height: “644” })
Rick Santorum responds to Prop 8 decision
Yes – Rick Santorum is finally getting it.
Yes – “irrational hatred and bigotry toward a group of people” is the only reason you would DENY equal rights to fellow Americans.
Yes, Rick, you finally see the light.
A civil marriage license is issued by a civil government – NOT a church – and that, by it’s own definition, makes this a civil rights issue.
Rick is so offended by the word ‘bigot’ – and yet it’s just a word. An accurate word to describe his position against the civil rights of gays and lesbians.
Let’s look up the definition of the word “bigot” – shall we?
From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
“Bigot: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group with hatred and intolerance”
It’s a word. A word that neither good or bad; it’s simply a word that describes someone who is ‘devoted to his or her own opinions.’ Sounds like folks like Rick Santorum, doesn’t it?
Why be mad Rick? It just is what it is…
Washington state marriage equality bill passes in the House
The Washington House of Representatives has passed the bill (55-43) in favor of marriage equality! Once signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire, Washington will become the seventh state (plus Washington, D.C.) in the U.S. to legally recognize same-sex marriage.
The governor is expected to sign the bill into law next week, though those against marriage equality are expected to try and get a referendum on the ballot to counter the bill. Marriages could then be put on hold until the November vote, or otherwise begin as early as June.
GLEE: Ricky Martin and Santana “La Isla Bonita”
Really liked the lighting and love that Santana is featured here. Of course, Ricky Martin is always nice to look at too. He’s a talented guy and has a real star quality.
But past all that, the sequence seems to fall a bit flat. Starts out cool, then doesn’t really seem to go anywhere.
But, still fun to watch.
What do you think?