RICO D' MAGICIAN TOPS PGT WILDCARD

After missing out on an outright finals spot in the "Pilipinas Got Talent" semifinals round, the entire nation suddenly cried for a wildcard competition pushing "Rico D' Magician" as a shoo-in to that spot. And yes after the performance last night, fate was already written that Manong Rico would be part of the PGT finals.

And just a confirmation tonight, Rico has joined the rest of the talented bunch into the PGT Grand Finals. Grabbing 40+% vote share, he snagged the first spot for the wildcard and will again please us with his great magic tricks and wonderful stage presence.

Congrats, Rico!

MARA CLARA WILL REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS

The No. 1 teleserye in the Philippines just took its final bow last Friday, June 3, 2011. The remake of Mara Clara has staged its final episode with whooping remarks from people.

Yes, indeed Mara Clara was a remake but it actually equalled or even surpassed its original. What makes this new Mara Clara work is its pace. Now viewers don't have to wait for long years before its end. The scenes were all done in a sense where no one gets bored. The best thing about this teleserye is that everyone in the cast is superb from the main leads up to the support. The new Mara, Kathryn Bernardo did justice to the title role previously portrayed by Judy Ann Santos. Her effortless acting brought us to tears and really made us love her. Clara formerly played by Gladys Reyes gets a new generation funk with Julia Montes. She is one beautiful mean girl. And I really loved the way she acts. She can easily handle each scene and does not seem like she is a newbie. She shifts emotions that fast and changes characters without difficulty as she plays being bad and also plays being a crybaby with ease.

Aside from the two, the support cast was just magnificent. The best of which is Jhong Hilario who plays Gary. He is such a great actor and has really shown why he is one of the more adept thespians in the country. He puts evil to shame as he portrays his role making us believe that he really is a mean guy and that he can really spell evil. Mylene Dizon again wowed me with her role in here. She shows us again how versatile she is. She can play bitchy and at this instance played the poor and the suppressed one. Dimples Romana and Bobby Andrews were also cast perfectly as the true parents of Mara, Simple yet emotion-filled acting. Gina Pareno once more proved herself as one of the best veteran actresses in the country. Every line and reaction she does was just pure actin bliss. Kiray Celis also makes us fume mad everytime we see her and yes the diminutive actress did have a very big career ahead of her.

The first Mara Clara was a classic and this new would certainly become one in the future. Effortless acting, great script and wonderful production. For sure, it would be missed by a lot of people. To the people who recreated Mara Clara, kudos! A very nice job indeed.

AJ BIDS US GOODBYE

Young ABS-CBN talent and rising star, AJ Perez has bade his last farewell at the age of 18. He died in a vehicular accident last April 17, 2011 at 12:10 a.m. on MacArthur Highway, Barangay San Julian, in Moncada, Tarlac.

The whole showbiz industry and Filipinos alike were shocked to hear such sad news. Aj is a member of Star Magic Batch 13 and has been a regular in Tv shows for his mother studio ABS-CBN. Most notable of which is his starring role as one of the leading men in "Sabel" opposite Jessy Mendiola. His last film was with Eugene Domingo "Mamarazzi".

His death surely is a saddening moment. Let's all pray for his soul and for the peace of all his loved ones. You will be missed, AJ. Thanks for the nice days you have given us.

PIA TOSCANO IS OUT - I'M SAD :(

The lates elimination of American IDol saw my favorite bow out of the competition, Pia Toscano. This came as a shocking surprise to me as there are other contestants who I think should have been axed first. She has been my bet together with Casey Abrams and Stefano Langone. She has a wonderful voice coupled by a very strong presence on stage. She also exudes confidence and I might say is pretty as well.

I guess the viewers and voters of AI have different points of view that left Pia out in the running.

Bye, Pia!

NESTLE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS WITH "PAG-IBIG"

Nestle has been one of the big names in the food and beverages industry and this year, they are celebrating their century year in the Philippines.

With products that are really successful and has been big parts of our daily living, they have somehow made our lives more wonderful. I myself love lots of their products. I am a big Milo drinker and surely it is one of the best chocolate drinks ever. Then there's Bear Brand, Nido, Nescafe, Nestea and Maggi to name some more. And how could anyone forget the sweet flavors of their ice creams.

On their 100 years, they share with us a touching TVC "Pag-Ibig". Truly Nestle will continue to be a part of our lives much like true love is.



Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffQf0ztguzs

WONDER WOMAN IS HOT

Never mind the issue with the initial costume of Wonder Woman. In both her old and new outfits, all I can say is she is smoking hot. Adrianne Palicki is the one tapped to don the new tights for the amazon princess and I think she fits the role to a T.

The new show will premiere in NBC this fall. And if the initial reactions and web buzz is to be considered, I think, Wonder Woman would be a cult favorite. Well, let's just wait and see if WW can sure whip some ass. I'm excited for the show to arrive in the Philippines as well.

Photo credits: Yahoo

2010 IN REVIEW: TOP 10 TV GUILTY PLEASURES (PHILIPPINES)

TV viewing in the Philippines is also filled with a vast array of genres from reality show, teleseryes, comedies, talent searches and a whole lot more. Here are the shows that caught my attention in the year 2010.

1. Imortal
- Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz are two good reasons why I watch this series. But aside from that, I like the drama, intensity and darkness of this series. The conflict and the love angles really make on want to follow their story every night. Aside from the 2 main leads, I also loved watching Maricar Reyes who continue to amaze me and Rocky Salumbides who unfortunately was killed already in the show. Truly a masterpiece of a creation.

2. Showtime
- Kudos to ABS-CBN for combining a bizaare mix of hosts and mainstays in one talent search. At the start I would have not guessed that the combination of Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Dyugs and Teddy, Kim Atienza and Vice Ganda will really tickle my funny bones. I love the format of the show and it is a joy to watch how close the 6 are. Memorable judges for 2010 include Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario and Andrew E to name a few.

3. Comedy Bar
- Combine 2 great comedians into one show and you have a riot. Allan K and Eugene Domingo has braved through the difficulty of a late night viewing but still gained legions of fans. This TV show lets us peek into the happenings on a real comedy bar. Funny, witty and outrageously hilarious.

4. Diva
- I have long admired Regine Velasquez' acting abilities even from her much applauded Maalaala Mo Kaya episode years back. And with her occassional guestings on some comedy shows, she has already shown that she can make us laugh as well. Diva was a complete mix of that element and Regine has definitely passed the grade. The musical thing on TV was also a hit as viewers sang along.

5. Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo
- I loved this teleserye. I just don't know why I love it so much. With a stellar cast to boot (Kris Aquino, Albert Martinez, Gabby Concepcion, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Coco Martin, Gina Pareno, Maricar Reyes and Jaclyn Jose to name a few) and a good storyline at hand, this was destined to be a hit. All performances were commendable that I could not single out one great one over the other.

6. Mara Clara
- It was sure a gamble to have a modern retelling of such a love teleserye in Philippine TV but ABS-CBN braved through it and made a gem in the making. The 2 new leads may not have the same glitter as with Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes but they sure can bring their "A" game to the table. Notable performances by Jhong Hilario who I see as devil personified and Kiray who seems a natural at being nasty.

7. Eat Bulaga
- Braving the years and numerous competitions, Eat Bulaga remained one of the most loved TV shows in the land. Tito, Vic and Joey has something that really makes people wanna watch them. The entire cast is not seen just doing a show but being a family. Fun and happy moments are surely household terms in Eat Bulaga.

8. Talentadong Pinoy
- I find TV 5's Talentadong Pinoy really a crowd pleaser. It is like the talent show of literally all talents from singing, dancing, acrobatics and even frie eating. This show truly brings out the best in every Filipino showing how we are so talented.

9. Bubble Gang
- Michael V and Ogie Alcasidhas become household names already every Friday night. The two together with a cast of hilarious other stars have long made us laugh every Fridays and they don't have signs of slowing down. Well, I don't want them too. Genius in the fields of comedy, I'm willing to watch them as long as they are on the TV screens.

10. Magkaribal
- Feisty! One word to describe this TV show. The first fashion-serye in the Philippines truly rocked the primetime viewing of a lot of people. Gretchen, Angel and Bea's hot battles will remained etched in our minds. And who could not remember the frequent cameos of the whos-who in the fashion biz and the wonderful clothes designs. A winner!

Photo credits: Facebook, ABS-CBN, GMA, TV5, Yahoo

2010 IN REVIEW: TOP 10 GUILTY TV PLEASURES (FOREIGN)

Foreign TV viewing has not been so strong as compared to the past with not much new shows ringing the bell and old reliables suffering from "old-time crisis" and lack of good storylines. But still some are memorable and I also made big switches to reality based shows rather than the normal drama or comedy shows (except some like Glee). Here's my Top 10 for 2010.

1. Glee
- The second season started with a bang moreso with Charice rocking the house with her powerful rendition of "Listen" in the auditions before being snagged by rival group. "Vocal Adrenaline" But aside from Charice, a whole lot more made Glee interesting with powerful guests after the other which includes Darren Criss, Gwyneth Paltrow, John Stamos and even Britney Spears. And also, it is nice to see some of the other stars get shining moments as well.

2. Supernatural
- Two hot brothers hunting demons and other paranormal beings, now that is a big catch. Aside from hunky stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, Supernatural truly has a solid story base to thrive upon. All episodes were filled with intensity and bravado.

3. The Amazing Race Asia 4
- I have been a fan of TARA (US and Asia version) but the Asian version has definitely outshine the last US version. And what's more fun is another Filipino team has challenged for the top prize and this time made all it all the way to the top. Congrats Richard Hardin and Richard Herrera.

4. Dancing With The Stars
- DWTS has surely won me over in the past years and now has definitely taken over the top spot over American Idol as my fave. This season saw some intrigues boiling as Bristol Palin made her way to the Top 3 despite so-so performances. Good thing that the best dancer/pair won as Jennifer Grey took home the Top Prize and Palin settling for 3rd.

5. Lost
- Lost has somehow slipped down the ratings in the past year but I definitely would not want to miss the finale of a show I used to love. The last season was indeed better but not as compelling as the first few ones. The drama and intensity was just right and fitting for a series finale. This JJ Abrams caper would be sorely missed in the boob tube.

6. Hell's Kitchen
- A bit profane for other's standards. But HK's appeal is that and the drama within this cooking reality show. But aside from that, it is to note that I loved the people they bring in. They are truly talented chefs and cooks.

7. America's Got Talent
- If you want to see any great acts from the US, then you're in for a show as the best musicians, gymnasts, magicians and just about anything else can be seen here. And did I mention that some of the worst are also here. There are just some few people who should not even tried in the first place. A fun to watch talent show.

8. True Blood
- This Allan Ball (Six Feet Under) creation is surely one show to tune in. Have one telephatic waitress fall in love with a vampire and have tons of twists and turns and you've got yourslef a TV guilty pleasure. And who could resist Anna Paquin's charm as the lovely telepath?

9. So You Think You Can Dance
- I just loved watching dance shows and can't pass for a dance competition as well. The show really challenged the contestant's abilities as they were asked to dance some genres they don't even know. But the show's pack of talent has shown everyone that a talented dancer can groove to any kind of music.

10. America's Next Top Model
- Not as entertaining as the past seasons are but ANTM has succeeded in bringing spice in its new season at least for some of the surprises and the challenges. Tyra remains funny and beautiful at the same time. The formula is still there. Get ladies who want to be models and make their dreams come true. Still a delight to watch.

Credits: AXN, HBO, FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, WB, Yahoo

RICHARD AND RICHARD AT THE AMAZING RACE ASIA 4

For the 3rd year in a row, a Filipino team has made the Top 3 in "The Amazing Race Asia". This time around, Richard Hardin (34), a basketball player and 31 year-old actor/model Richard Herrera are donning our flags and trying their best to win the race. Another Filipino team could have made it 2 RP teams into the final 3 but finished 4th overall (Jacinta James and Lani Pillinger)

In TARA 2, favored Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez finished either 1st or 2nd in the legs before losing steam in the last leg where they eventually finished 3rd overall. Last year in TARA 3, sweethearts Tisha Silang and Geoff finished 2nd overall.

I am rooting for the Filipinos to win it this time around. To "The Riches", good luck and hope on this occasion, the RP flag will be waved as the winners of "The Amazing Race Asia".

Photo Credits: The Amazing Race Asia 4

CHARICE IS EVERYWHERE

With a very good 2010 in her, Charice is just continuously showing she is fast becoming a star in the US. She is currently included in 2 year-ending charts - one from Yahoo and one from Entertainment Weekly. And to show her diversity, she is included in 2 categories - one for TV and one for music.

It makes me really smile everytime I hear Charice on the news and these 2 new polls have shown a lot of people are knowing ang liking Charice. Yahoo has released several year-ender Top 10 lists and one of which is for "Most Iressistible Lyrics for 2010". Our very own Charice lands in at No. 4 for her song "Pyramid". This is a wonderful feat for this song. What's next? A Grammy perhaps? Let's keep our fingers crossed. The people she trails on that list? - Bieber, Eminem and Rihanna, Lady Gaga. Nuff said. She's bound for more success.

And on TV, she has created quite a buzz as well in 2010. She was named by Entertainment Weekly as No. 7 in the "Best Guest Star List of Glee". Her appearance in the first episode of Glee truly was a revelation and she gained more fans in the process. I just wished she gets more appearances in the show.

To Charice, congrats on all the accolades. Keep it up and we, Filipinos will always support you!

Photo Credits: Yahoo

MAGKARIBAL

Last Friday marked the finale of one of the soaps that has been a favorite of the Filipinos for primetime viewing. Aside from topping the ratings in Metro Manila on its last episode, it has drawn a lot of praises from critics and fans as well.

From the get go, Magkaribal promised to bring us a new dimension in being the first fashion-serye in television. But aside from that feat, it boasts of a robust story and well acted pieces from its stars. The story is the usual Filipino one where two sisters are separated from each other and then meeting along the way not knowing of their true identities. In the end they will reunite and makes this an endearing story. But is was just not that for Magkaribal. It carries itself with a lot of heart and passion.

We will never forget the characters of Vera, Victoria and Gelai (Angela) and the fiery confrontation scenes between them. One thing to not forget as well is the level of talent showcased in the show featuring the works of well known designers in the metro. Truly forgiveness is the most glorifying act we can do in our lives.

Magkaribal ended on a high note. and has left some good words we can always live by. Here are some of which that can rea;;y guide us with our lives. These are excerpts of the last few lines of the show.

"Dahil hindi natin kayang gawing ang lahat, natututo tayong gawin ang kaya lang natin...
Ang magtagpi tagpi, magtastas at magtahi, ang magpunit at magbuo muli
Ngunit ang mga ito ay bahagi lang ng iisang disenyo, na higit sa kahit anong kaya natin likhain…
The best thing about life is that after everything that has happened..
Life never stops, it may seem to pose for a while, but it certainly goes on.
It continues for everyone, for lovers, for sinners alike. We all have different paths to take, different stories to tell
Pero ang lahat ng mga kwento, ito’y galing sa puso , nakaugat sa pagmamahal.
Love that has erased all the pain and anger
Love that wipes away all the tears, and the very same love that bounds
Magkapatid na nangarap, lumaban at ngayon ay umaapaw ang pasasalamat..."

WELCOME BACK BATIBOT

Rejoice 80s and 90s babies! One of the classics of television is being brought back to life.
TV5 recently announced that it is reviving the well loved children show "Batibot". And I am excited about it. In a day where we rarely see authentic children programs, it is a welcome news that "Batibot" is back. I wonder how they'll explain their long absence in TV and how they still look the same.

For sure it is exciting to see Pong Pagong, Kiko Matsing, Koko Kwik Kwak and the rest of the gang again. Finally kids of the new generation will get to know these characters that we loved from before. It will surely be another learning experience for the kids out there. Batibot is a classic and to have them back is really something special.

Welcome back Batibot!

PHILIPPINE TV COMMERCIALS I LOVE FOR 2010

Philippine TV is never complete without commercials and advertisements. There are high budget ones, ads which show your fave celebrities and some that feature common people. Others focus on family, love and a whole bunch are just for fun. I have listed down my fave commercials for 2010. These ads never fail to please me one way or another. Here's my Top 10.

1. KFC Shakin Shots - "We Love Venus Raj"
- Taking the whole country like storm, this new KFC ad has surely made us laugh and enjoy. This is the introductory commercial for their new product "Shakin' Shots". This as features 4 guys/gays watching the Miss Universe 2010 pageant while holding on to their favorite Shakin' Shots box. Surreal and fun. KFC never fails to give out fun commercials.

2. Fita - "Wishing Well"
- It began as a cute love story type TV ad with all the colors, the setting and the two seemingly in love models all beaming with smiles whild holding on to their fave snack - Fita. But this ad ended on a very hilarious note. As they went into the garden and saw a wishin well, they both stand in front of it and the guy was about to throw out the last Fita cracker to the well. Nah, he can't! He simply dodged the biscuit straight to his mouth much to the shock of his girl. Hahaha. Her face was down right funny.

3. Nescafe Decaf - "Pamahiin"
- Plain and simple, this ad features Filipino traditions and superstitions. Up to the end, the lead girl was about to follow all the things the other girl was telling her. Not until she was told not to drink coffee at night as she might not fall to sleep. Then she burst into a series of fast words saying that it's okay to drink coffee since it is decaf.

4. Close-Up - "Come Closer Revolving Door"
- Close-up never fail to impress with their commercials. It is always done in class and often deals with love. And what more could I say. The two lead stars were so gorgeous. This Tv ad has also several other versions aired in Brazil, India and other countries.

5. CoffeeMate - "Uhhm"
- I can still recall the old Coffeemate series with Alex Compton and the beautiful girl (i forgot her name). And yet they are back with another couple inspired ad. This is fun to watch and just looking at the two models simply could make your day. Zero trans-fat.

6. Vaseline - "Uno Dos Tres Cuatro"
-  Hahaha! Laugh is what I did when I first saw this commercial. The ad shows a camera loving family striking a pose whenever they see cameras. Such a funny ad from Vaseline. While keeping it funny, it still makes a good ad to showcase the models' hairs and their being one as a family.

7. McDonald's - "Soldiers"
-  Several ads for McDo came out promoting their "no minimum order required" delivery but this one stood out for me. While one commandant tells his soldiers instructions making them look like robot even as they try to eat, a delivery boy from McDo came and has a food for the commander. I love the reaction of the soldiers who were about to start eating. Nice pause. =)

8. Lucky Me - "How Saucy"
- Saucy or Sozy? This is a question when you start viewing the ad. The girl tells us how to eat Lucky Me the saucy way. The castle like setting makes it an irony specially when she ate her bowl of Lucky Me and left remnants of the saude on her lips.

9. Argentina Meat Loaf - "Meat Loaf Kita"
- So far, this is the only commercial that I enjoy listening to the jingle. Featuring kids singing to the "Meat Loaf Kita" theme alongside meatloaf circles with smiles was fun to watch. At the first airing of this ad, you can't help but singing along.

10. Voice Crackers - "OA"
- Simply put - OA. Hahahaha. This one has a son and father acting rather weird after eating the Voice crackers. Still it makes me laugh one way.

P&G PHILIPPINES 75 YEARS STATION ID

Consumer products leader P&G Philippines has joined media giant ABS-CBN in celebration of its 75th birthday in the country. P&G is a global company that has found great success here in the Philippines with products such as Pantene, Olay, Rejoice, Safeguard, Tide and a whole lot more.

75 years have already passed since its initial inception in the country and it still is continuing its strength. As part of its celebration, it has come up with a Station ID in cooperation with ABS-CBN. The video is a heartfelt one as majority of which shows values with family and friends. It has showed that through it all, P&G is there as part of everyone's life. The station ID features some of the biggest P&G endorsers and Kapamilya stars - Kris Aquino, Kim Chiu, Angel Aquino, Boy Abunda and Angel Locsin to name a few. The theme for the station ID is sang by world renowned performer Lea Salonga.

As they say it: P&G, Touching Lives.



NEW YOUTUBE LINK (CLEAR VERSION): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiYqJOeq85I

PREPARE TO LAUGH AT COMEDY BAR

I have been planning to make a post on this one for a while but just couldn't find the right words.  Comedy Bar is just one show that is irresistible. Just when you have all your week working and stressed, your Saturday nights will be able to take off all of those and put a smile - no, not just a smile but a laugh to your face.

Truly one treat that is worth indulging every so often. I even watch youtube uploads frome previous episodes and still find it amazingly funny. The cast is wonderful from the ever so funny Eugene Domingo and the versatile comedian Allan K even up to Brapanese Fabio Ide. Taking into account on how an actual comedy bar works, this TV version surely has all the right elements on it. One other thing that makes it watchable are the calibre and comic timing of its guest stand-ups moreso Ate Gay. I simply love Ate Gay that here is one snippet of their August 21 episode where all I could do is laugh.

Truly a remarkable show. I won't get tired laughing if it is Comedy Bar.



YOUTUBE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJV3f9I7S-E

IMORTAL FIRST EPISODE PUTS ME IN AWE

ABS-CBN has hit the right notes once more as they offer another sure fire hit in "Imortal". The long wait was worth it as all I could say was "Wow!" It is only the first episode but based on what I saw it is something to really watch out for every night.

"Imortal" is crossed with the storyline of "Lobo" but packs more punch and action. It will lead us to the world and war of the werewolves known as "Maya" and the vampires known as "Sangre". Most of the new series tends to be boring when in its first episode since they tend to storytell a lot. But "Imortal" delivered its story effortlessly making use of great sound, effects, timing and the usual flashbacks. The series also has its cinematic appeal as I never thought I was watching only a TV series.

Aside from all the technical stuff, the story seems to be filled with great twists and turns. The script's timing is impeccable and I hope they will be able to maintain such pace. Kudos to its top notch directors - Chito Rono, Trina Dayrit and Jerry Sineneng.

And it will never be complete if the cast is not given enough credit. Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz surely topbills this one and their presence was not yet much seen in the initial episode. But despite that the support cast was just amazing. Jake Roxas was devilishly terrific and really convincing with his evil eyes and cunning smiles. Jomari Yllana and Precious Lara Quigaman was convincing with their love story but too bad we'll not see much of it as Lara's character died giving birth to John Lloyd's character. And for the days to come we'll get to see more high caliber cast from Jaime Fabregas, Vivian Velez and Maricar Reyes to name a few.

ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida is surely heating up once again. I will get glued to this one for sure. I enjoyed "Lobo" but I think I'll love "Imortal". Prepare for the battle - "Pangil sa Pangil".

Photo and Image Credits: http://imortal.abs-cbn.com/

NO KATY ON SESAME STREET

Two weeks back, Sesame Street became a big internt topic search. Why? Because one episode that was supposed to feature Katy Perry singing with Elmo was dropped off the program. The cancellation of the airing was due to some complains from "concerned" parents that Katy's clothes were way too revealing and it's not appropriate for kids to see.

What? Up then and there, I searched youtube for the video and saw the whole clip. There's nothing wrong with the vid. Katy is even wearing a skin tone top to cover her cleavages from actually being seen. Plus for me kids won't even notice her boobs. Why? The song is catchy enough and the colors of the video are so nice that these would be their focus. Plus Elmo was just so all around the place in the video and it is him that children will really notice.

I don't know what'w wrong with some of those who complained. But since we're not gonna see this on Sesame Street, mind as well take a look on this clip.

        

YOUTUBE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHROHJlU_Ng
Photo Credits: Sesame Street.org

IDOL GAMBLES ON TYLER, LOPEZ

Now what is next? A dismal season 9 has suddenly prompted American Idol to do changes - big time. American Idol has launched its new and revamped set of judges. Since last season, Simon Cowell's departure has already been confirmed but the latest shape-ups in the idol panel came into a big surprise. Oh, I'll miss Simon by much. After only one season, Ellen Degeneres gave her intentions of not returning to the show. She cited that admiring talents of young singers is her thing but giving them criticisms and sometimes harsh words is not really her forte. She seems different when in Idol in compared to when in Ellen. Did not like her much in AI. But what came as a surprise was Kara DioGuardi's exit. Reports have shown that she was booted out of Idol. I personally don't like her much but she sure knows her thing as she is an excellent songwriter.

So that leaves Randy Jackson as the only resident host. Then several names crept the net on who will be the replacements? Questions also abound as to howmany judges will there be. Names like Justin Timberlake, Shania Twain and Jessica Simpson were reportedly being eyed. But the first judge to be confirmed was Steven Tyler. When the news came, I was - "WHAT?". I loved Aerosmith but Tyler as a judge, I am not quite sure of.
So okay, Tyler's in but what shocked me was the next announcement. J.Lo. I loved J.Lo when she performs and she has shown that somehow he can act. She was one of the few ones able to grab top spots in both album, song and movies. Is she gonna be the new "Simon"? Will her recent diva attitude bring great criticisms to the contestants? I am not a fan of this decision.

AI is gambling big time this season with these changes. For me, unless the new batch of contestants have the highest level of talent, the new set of judges can't save an ailing "Idol". Maybe, I'll pass this season.

AND THE WINNER IS... WHO?

A major blunder happened in the live finale of "Australia's Next Top Model" as model-host Sarah Murdoch (top picture) announced a different winner. Yes, the live finale saw Kelsey Martinovich (left) emerge as winner over Amanda Ware (right). Kelsey was celebrating already and giving out her speech when suddenly Murdoch became quiet and a shocked look was drwan all over her face.

A stunned Murdoch announced on air that there was amistake with the name of the winners. As the entire audience and the contestants hear it, they all went silent. Murdoch further explained that the competition was so close that during the show the actual lead changed most of the time and she was given the feed of an unofficial result. Kelsey graciously accepted the fact that she was not the winner and she was only runner-up. A more shocked Amanda could just say thanks with the commotion that has happened.

Amanda walked away the winner bringing home an agency modeling contract, a $25,000 gig with Levi's, a new car, $20,000 cash and an eight-page spread in Australia's Harper's Bazaar. But Kelsey did not go home empty handed. She was offered to join Amanda to New York to meet with Elite Model Management. She was also given a $25,000 consolation prize.