It's amazing how time flies. As you wake up to Bangkok's rain-soaked daylight, there comes the time of the year again: the time that allows all your senses to celebrate an artful and opulent life under the sun.
Held at the state-of-the-art Esplanade Concert Hall, gala concerts are always the most popular happenings at the Singapore Sun Festival.
Originating seven years ago in Tuscany, Italy, before branching out to California's Napa Valley and Singapore, the annually held Sun Festival is recognised worldwide for its rich presentation of arts and lifestyle activities. The festival's universal concept, "The Art of Living Well", is glorified through music, visual arts, film, literature, wine, cuisine and wellness.
To be held for the third time from October 3-12, the Singapore Sun Festival - the only festival of its kind in Asia - has proved to be quite a success, with 30,000 festival goers in 2007 and over 35,000 visitors over its 2008 event. Now aiming to draw in 40,000 audiences from all over Southeast Asia, this year it will present more than a hundred free and ticketed activities with an inspiring line-up of world-famous artists, celebrities and chefs over its 10-day period.
"Although Singapore is a small country in geographical size, it's also a country with a vibrant and deeply rich cultural heritage of its own, which has made it an international mecca for great art in all of its manifestations. And with nearly 200 artists to participate in this year's event, Singapore is poised to host a truly international festival in a unique and compelling way," said Charles Hamlen, chairman of IMG Artists, the event organiser.
Wellness classes conducted by world class gurus are among the festival’s key activities.
The festival is set to kick off on Saturday, October 3,with a gala opening ballet performance by members of Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres. Your sense of hearing will continue to be indulged over the following nights with concerts from Elvis Costello, Al Jarreau, Afro Cuban All Stars and The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Jaap van Zweden, Sir James Galway, Conrad Tao, Nina Kotova, Angela Gheorghiu and Marius Manea.
For film and literature fans, there will be a number of movies screened, with a talk with Asian superstars such as Joan Chen. And also forums on writing for screen and stage by Nobel Prize-winning playwright, poet, novelist and critic Wole Soyinka will be held.
The issue of well living cannot be complete without honouring the art of eating. So the topic of wine and cuisine is always a very strong part of the event. Last year saw world famous chefs Charlie Trotter, Luke Mangan and Riccardo Genovesi. And joining the event this year will be Thierry Marx, France's hottest avant-garde, two-Michelin-starred chef; Floyd Cardoz, groundbreaking Indian chef from New York; and Art Smith, America's most famous homestyle chef.
Getting a table at restaurants of these superstar chefs can take months, never mind that you would have to save for the overseas plane ticket, so this is a great opportunity to let your palate be tantalised by their world cherished cuisine right here in Asia.
One of 2009’s highlights, Chef Thierry Marx.
Other than signature dinners, the event also offers a number of cooking classes and wine conducted by these famous chefs. And the Singapore Wine Auction and Gala dinner that benefits the Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer will nicely wrap up the 10-day fest.
To cater to the health-conscious, there are a wide range of health and wellness activities including yoga, Taiji, spa and seminars. This year's highlight hosts include Deepak Chopra, one of the world's greatest leaders in mind body medicine, and Saumik Bera, one of the best yoga teachers in Asia.
With museums and art galleries as its venues, the festival also features a number of art exhibitions including painting workshops, photo contest and the first-ever Paranakans and their jewellery fashion show.
"Even though the concept of this event is all-embracing and quite sweeping in its scope, the fact that there are so many events and world-acclaimed artists available to people of such wide cultural backgrounds and interests makes it particularly appealing to many visitors.
The strength of the festival lies not only in the concept of bringing people together from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds but in the extraordinary quality of the participating artists, coupled with the cooperation and collaboration within the local host community," the organiser, Charles Hamlen, said.
For more information or to book tickets, visit http://www.singaporesunfestival.com or http://www.sistic.com.sg
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dame Vera Lynn tops album chart at 92
At age 92, Dame Vera Lynn has beaten the Arctic Monkeys and even The Beatles to capture the No. 1 record in Britain.
The singer, who 70 years ago recorded an evocative reminder of home for British soldiers fighting far away, on Monday became the oldest living artist to have a No. 1 record in Britain when her album We'll Meet Again - The Very Best of Vera Lynn took the top spot.
This week's British album charts were a veritable trip down memory lane - The Beatles had 17 records in the top 100, thanks mainly to the release last week of their remastered albums. Michael Jackson had five appearances in the top 100.
Some were expecting Yhe Beatles' offerings to overtake Lynn's record - which was No. 2 last week, after the Arctic Monkeys' Humbug - but their mass release may have prevented any one album from outselling We'll Meet Again.
Lynn was known as the "Forces' Sweetheart," and her songs - including We'll Meet Again, and (There'll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover - were wartime anthems.
"In a sense, it's comfort music," said music writer John Aizlewood. "These are quite uncertain times, and quite austere times, as well. And in these times, you need music to help pull you through."
He attributed much of Lynn's resurgence to nostalgia, a longing for simplicity and old-fashioned values, and "pensioner power".
"Obviously, young people aren't buying Vera Lynn records," Aizlewood said. "But there's a certain age group that is."
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini attributed part of the attraction to the convenience of having all of Lynn's seminal songs in one place.
"This is what I call tapping a reservoir of love," he said.
"There are a lot of people who know they love her, they may have one or two singles, they may have two songs or albums, but this makes them think that 'I don't have them all, I should go out and get this'."
Lynn's record entered the charts at No. 20 three weeks ago and a buzz over her return to the country's top-selling records steadily grew, said HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo.
"I can't imagine it'll be No. 1 next week, but it'll be a consistent seller over the next weeks and months, and could be a big hit at Christmas," he said.
Both downloads and physical sales count on the Official Chart Company's count, according to their website, but Castaldo said he thought it was unlikely that many of Lynn's sales were attributed to downloads.
Gambaccini said the singles chart - topped this week by Pixie Lott - is much more heavily influenced by downloads, while the album chart is mainly physical purchases.
According to her record company, Lynn first recorded We'll Meet Again in September 1939, just as World War II broke out. She wasn't the soldiers' favourite right away, said Terry Charman, a senior historian at London's Imperial War Museum. But as servicemen all over the world heard Lynn on the radio - and many saw her in person, in far-flung places like Burma and Egypt - she became the voice that would remind them of home.
Her wartime BBC radio show Sincerely Yours followed the Sunday evening news and was a must-listen for British troops abroad. She read messages from their families and performed songs they requested.
And Lynn is still speaking out for soldiers - appearing recently in major British newspapers to urge support for troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, she has been part of important national functions - such as the 2005 anniversary celebrations of World War II's Victory in Europe Day and the late Queen Mother's birthday.
Lynn says she doesn't intend to record again and told the BBC she was puzzled by her comeback.
"I think it's because of the problems going on with fighting in various parts and a bit of nostalgia, but I don't know," Lynn said. "I'd like someone to tell me."
The singer, who 70 years ago recorded an evocative reminder of home for British soldiers fighting far away, on Monday became the oldest living artist to have a No. 1 record in Britain when her album We'll Meet Again - The Very Best of Vera Lynn took the top spot.
This week's British album charts were a veritable trip down memory lane - The Beatles had 17 records in the top 100, thanks mainly to the release last week of their remastered albums. Michael Jackson had five appearances in the top 100.
Some were expecting Yhe Beatles' offerings to overtake Lynn's record - which was No. 2 last week, after the Arctic Monkeys' Humbug - but their mass release may have prevented any one album from outselling We'll Meet Again.
Lynn was known as the "Forces' Sweetheart," and her songs - including We'll Meet Again, and (There'll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover - were wartime anthems.
"In a sense, it's comfort music," said music writer John Aizlewood. "These are quite uncertain times, and quite austere times, as well. And in these times, you need music to help pull you through."
He attributed much of Lynn's resurgence to nostalgia, a longing for simplicity and old-fashioned values, and "pensioner power".
"Obviously, young people aren't buying Vera Lynn records," Aizlewood said. "But there's a certain age group that is."
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini attributed part of the attraction to the convenience of having all of Lynn's seminal songs in one place.
"This is what I call tapping a reservoir of love," he said.
"There are a lot of people who know they love her, they may have one or two singles, they may have two songs or albums, but this makes them think that 'I don't have them all, I should go out and get this'."
Lynn's record entered the charts at No. 20 three weeks ago and a buzz over her return to the country's top-selling records steadily grew, said HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo.
"I can't imagine it'll be No. 1 next week, but it'll be a consistent seller over the next weeks and months, and could be a big hit at Christmas," he said.
Both downloads and physical sales count on the Official Chart Company's count, according to their website, but Castaldo said he thought it was unlikely that many of Lynn's sales were attributed to downloads.
Gambaccini said the singles chart - topped this week by Pixie Lott - is much more heavily influenced by downloads, while the album chart is mainly physical purchases.
According to her record company, Lynn first recorded We'll Meet Again in September 1939, just as World War II broke out. She wasn't the soldiers' favourite right away, said Terry Charman, a senior historian at London's Imperial War Museum. But as servicemen all over the world heard Lynn on the radio - and many saw her in person, in far-flung places like Burma and Egypt - she became the voice that would remind them of home.
Her wartime BBC radio show Sincerely Yours followed the Sunday evening news and was a must-listen for British troops abroad. She read messages from their families and performed songs they requested.
And Lynn is still speaking out for soldiers - appearing recently in major British newspapers to urge support for troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, she has been part of important national functions - such as the 2005 anniversary celebrations of World War II's Victory in Europe Day and the late Queen Mother's birthday.
Lynn says she doesn't intend to record again and told the BBC she was puzzled by her comeback.
"I think it's because of the problems going on with fighting in various parts and a bit of nostalgia, but I don't know," Lynn said. "I'd like someone to tell me."
Grammy cashes in on Money Channel
GMM Grammy Plc, the country's largest entertainment company, expects to generate a profit of 100 million baht from Money Channel next year after extending broadcasting time to 18 hours a day from eight now.
Family Know-How Co, the operator of Money Channel, will produce TV programmes focusing on the capital market for 8.5 of the 18 hours for the Stock Exchange of Thailand, which holds a 50% stake in the company, at cost.
The SET has a budget of 200 million baht per year to hire Family Know-How to produce the programmes.
Grammy holds the other 50% of the 50 million baht in registered capital of Family Know-How. It will manage the remaining 9.5 hours of airtime and will enter joint ventures with some partners to produce some programmes for them.
Grammy director Sumeth Damrongchaitham said it expected to generate at least 200 million baht from advertising revenue and additional income from management of 9.5 hours of special programmes for partners.
"Although the management structure has been changed, most of the content of Money Channel still focuses on money management, stocks, banking and finance. However, the programmes will be more interesting and the content will be easier to understand," he said.
Money Channel will relaunch with programme adjustments on Oct 5.
Mr Sumeth, who is also the new managing director of Family Know-How, said the first two or three new programmes would start broadcasting in January and another 10 programmes were likely to be added over the first half of the year.
"We strongly believe that we can generate profit from the first two or three programmes. If there was no profit [potential], we wouldn't have joined Money Channel. We have two or three clients in the banking business interested in our proposed programmes," he said.
Family Know-How will hold an event next month to meet prospective customers from banking, securities companies, and listed companies next month.
SET president Patareeya Benjapolchai said the exchange wanted to increase the audience for the channel, so better strategic and action plans for Family Know-How were needed.
"We realised that we lack a creative team to develop our programmes and make them more attractive," she said."We started looking for a joint venture last year and found Grammy, which will help us develop and create programmes for Money Channel."
GRAMMY shares closed yesterday on the SET at 14.10 baht, down 10 satang,in trade worth 1.68 million baht.
Family Know-How Co, the operator of Money Channel, will produce TV programmes focusing on the capital market for 8.5 of the 18 hours for the Stock Exchange of Thailand, which holds a 50% stake in the company, at cost.
The SET has a budget of 200 million baht per year to hire Family Know-How to produce the programmes.
Grammy holds the other 50% of the 50 million baht in registered capital of Family Know-How. It will manage the remaining 9.5 hours of airtime and will enter joint ventures with some partners to produce some programmes for them.
Grammy director Sumeth Damrongchaitham said it expected to generate at least 200 million baht from advertising revenue and additional income from management of 9.5 hours of special programmes for partners.
"Although the management structure has been changed, most of the content of Money Channel still focuses on money management, stocks, banking and finance. However, the programmes will be more interesting and the content will be easier to understand," he said.
Money Channel will relaunch with programme adjustments on Oct 5.
Mr Sumeth, who is also the new managing director of Family Know-How, said the first two or three new programmes would start broadcasting in January and another 10 programmes were likely to be added over the first half of the year.
"We strongly believe that we can generate profit from the first two or three programmes. If there was no profit [potential], we wouldn't have joined Money Channel. We have two or three clients in the banking business interested in our proposed programmes," he said.
Family Know-How will hold an event next month to meet prospective customers from banking, securities companies, and listed companies next month.
SET president Patareeya Benjapolchai said the exchange wanted to increase the audience for the channel, so better strategic and action plans for Family Know-How were needed.
"We realised that we lack a creative team to develop our programmes and make them more attractive," she said."We started looking for a joint venture last year and found Grammy, which will help us develop and create programmes for Money Channel."
GRAMMY shares closed yesterday on the SET at 14.10 baht, down 10 satang,in trade worth 1.68 million baht.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Dylan works to go on show
He writes, he sings,he sometimes exchanges blows in the boxing ring. But Bob Dylan is also familiar with another type of canvas as a quietly prolific painter.
Nearly 100 artworks from the iconic musician will be exhibited at the National Gallery of Denmark next year, the museum has announced.
The show, set to open late next year in Copenhagen, will include the world premiere of 30 large-format acrylic paintings as well as works previously displayed in European venues.
Several of Dylan's images reveal an affinity for some of the modernist masters, such as French artist Henri Matisse's works from the 1920s, said the gallery's chief curator, Kasper Monrad, who is organising the exhibition.
"Bob Dylan's visual artistic practice has only been discussed by art historians to a limited extent so critical examination and interpretation are called for," Mr Monrad said. Dylan first put his paintings on display in 2007 at the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz museum in the small German city of Chemnitz.
Last year, a London gallery hosted an exhibition of his works.
Dylan recently told British music magazine Mojo that he has always drawn and painted "but up until recently,nobody's taken an interest. There's never been any support for it. Now I'm scrambling to keep up with demand".
Nearly 100 artworks from the iconic musician will be exhibited at the National Gallery of Denmark next year, the museum has announced.
The show, set to open late next year in Copenhagen, will include the world premiere of 30 large-format acrylic paintings as well as works previously displayed in European venues.
Several of Dylan's images reveal an affinity for some of the modernist masters, such as French artist Henri Matisse's works from the 1920s, said the gallery's chief curator, Kasper Monrad, who is organising the exhibition.
"Bob Dylan's visual artistic practice has only been discussed by art historians to a limited extent so critical examination and interpretation are called for," Mr Monrad said. Dylan first put his paintings on display in 2007 at the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz museum in the small German city of Chemnitz.
Last year, a London gallery hosted an exhibition of his works.
Dylan recently told British music magazine Mojo that he has always drawn and painted "but up until recently,nobody's taken an interest. There's never been any support for it. Now I'm scrambling to keep up with demand".
A tribute to the late King of Pop
Michael Jackson, who was not only one of the most influential forces in MTV's history but also provided its Video Music Awards with some of its most irreverent moments, got reverential treatment on Sunday as Madonna and his sister Janet provided emotional tributes - one through words, one through song.
Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolising the then child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers,and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
"Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them," said Madonna,dressed in black.
"Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being,but yes, he was a king," she told the celebritystudded crowd, which included Michael's brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson."Long live the king!"
The musical tribute began afterward as Jackson clones dressed in some of his signature outfits recreated his famous dance moves from videos such as Bad ,Smooth Criminal and Thriller .Then, as Scream , his duet with Janet,appeared on a large screen, his sister came out to recreate the moves from their only video together as the crowd, including Beyonce,cheered her on. Afterwards, she looked heavenward, and bowed.
It was a tender, special moment - a rarity for the Video Music Awards - that didn't last for long. Kanye West, known for his awards show outbursts when he doesn't win, had another one, this time, on behalf of Beyonce.
Beyonce, nominated for best female video for Single Ladies , was bested by country and pop sensation Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old was giddy when she won, saying:"I always wondered what it would be like to maybe win one of these some day, but never actually thought it would happen."
But West ruined her moment when he jumped on stage, and protested.
"Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," he said, as a shocked Beyonce looked on and the crowd began to boo West.
A crestfallen Swift didn't finish her speech,but the crowd tried to cheer her on and applauded her.
It was another wacky moment for the VMA archives, and a contrast to the tribute to Jackson.Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 at the age of 50.
Jackson was not only an integral part of MTV's history - his legendary videos changed the way music clips were made and he was the first African-American artist whose work was aired on the fledgling network - but he also provided the VMAs with some of its most memorable moments, including his infamous smooch with then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994.
The tribute wasn't the only moment where Jackson's presence was felt. The network also aired a brief premiere of the trailer for This Is It , the documentary about Jackson's preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to release next month.
Comedian Russell Brand also paid tribute to Jackson:"Tonight is dedicated to the great Michael Jackson," Brand, in a top hat, told the audience."Let's honour Michael tonight by loving one another in his memory."
Last year, Brand made his debut as host by poking fun at the Jonas Brothers' vow of purity,among other ribald moments.
This year, he cracked jokes about Katy Perry's posterior.
There were plenty of colourful moments before the show began, as celebrities including Pink and astronaut Buzz Aldrin mingled in front of the cameras at Radio City Music Hall.
Lady Gaga made one of the more intriguing entrances, wearing a top hat, a gold mask looking like something out of Phantom of the Opera and feathered bodice.She also had some intimate moments with a celebrity date even more famous - Kermit the Frog.
They kissed several times, leading Kermit to openly worry about the reaction from longtime pal Miss Piggy.
Not to be outdone, teen sensation Swift arrived in a fairy tale carriage drawn by white horses.
Beyonce and Lady Gaga lead all artists with nine nominations each, but the show's winners aren't nearly as memorable as the wacky and wild moments, and noteworthy performances.
Both superstars performed, along with JayZ, Taylor Swift, Green Day and other acts.
Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolising the then child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers,and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
"Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them," said Madonna,dressed in black.
"Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being,but yes, he was a king," she told the celebritystudded crowd, which included Michael's brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson."Long live the king!"
The musical tribute began afterward as Jackson clones dressed in some of his signature outfits recreated his famous dance moves from videos such as Bad ,Smooth Criminal and Thriller .Then, as Scream , his duet with Janet,appeared on a large screen, his sister came out to recreate the moves from their only video together as the crowd, including Beyonce,cheered her on. Afterwards, she looked heavenward, and bowed.
It was a tender, special moment - a rarity for the Video Music Awards - that didn't last for long. Kanye West, known for his awards show outbursts when he doesn't win, had another one, this time, on behalf of Beyonce.
Beyonce, nominated for best female video for Single Ladies , was bested by country and pop sensation Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old was giddy when she won, saying:"I always wondered what it would be like to maybe win one of these some day, but never actually thought it would happen."
But West ruined her moment when he jumped on stage, and protested.
"Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," he said, as a shocked Beyonce looked on and the crowd began to boo West.
A crestfallen Swift didn't finish her speech,but the crowd tried to cheer her on and applauded her.
It was another wacky moment for the VMA archives, and a contrast to the tribute to Jackson.Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 at the age of 50.
Jackson was not only an integral part of MTV's history - his legendary videos changed the way music clips were made and he was the first African-American artist whose work was aired on the fledgling network - but he also provided the VMAs with some of its most memorable moments, including his infamous smooch with then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994.
The tribute wasn't the only moment where Jackson's presence was felt. The network also aired a brief premiere of the trailer for This Is It , the documentary about Jackson's preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to release next month.
Comedian Russell Brand also paid tribute to Jackson:"Tonight is dedicated to the great Michael Jackson," Brand, in a top hat, told the audience."Let's honour Michael tonight by loving one another in his memory."
Last year, Brand made his debut as host by poking fun at the Jonas Brothers' vow of purity,among other ribald moments.
This year, he cracked jokes about Katy Perry's posterior.
There were plenty of colourful moments before the show began, as celebrities including Pink and astronaut Buzz Aldrin mingled in front of the cameras at Radio City Music Hall.
Lady Gaga made one of the more intriguing entrances, wearing a top hat, a gold mask looking like something out of Phantom of the Opera and feathered bodice.She also had some intimate moments with a celebrity date even more famous - Kermit the Frog.
They kissed several times, leading Kermit to openly worry about the reaction from longtime pal Miss Piggy.
Not to be outdone, teen sensation Swift arrived in a fairy tale carriage drawn by white horses.
Beyonce and Lady Gaga lead all artists with nine nominations each, but the show's winners aren't nearly as memorable as the wacky and wild moments, and noteworthy performances.
Both superstars performed, along with JayZ, Taylor Swift, Green Day and other acts.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"American Idol" heads for 9th season
For those who are wondering what kind of judge Ellen DeGeneres will be on American Idol , she offered this nugget on Ryan Seacrest's radio show last Thursday:"I really do pride myself on not judging."
Speaking roughly 12 hours after she and Fox Broadcasting announced that she would take the place of Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the most popular series on television, DeGeneres vowed to fill Abdul's role as the nice one while also offering the perspective of fans at home.
"I'm not going to be mean," DeGeneres said. Referring to Simon Cowell,the UK judge who usually offers the most piercing criticisms of Idol contestants, she added:"I hate when Simon's that mean. You can be constructive and you can criticise somebody in a way that's helpful instead of mean spirited."
For Fox and the show's producers,FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, the appointment of DeGeneres created an immediate stir of excitement around a show that will begin its ninth season in January,2010.
That is no small feat. At the least,DeGeneres' appearance is likely to draw those curious about how she interacts with three colleagues who each have significant experience in either musical performance or the management of popmusic artists.
DeGeneres has neither, and her appointment drew some criticism from an array of professional Idol watchers.M.J. Santilli, the author of mjsbigblog.com ,which tracks all things related to American Idol , wrote that she was dismayed by the news, in part because the addition of a fourth judge last year caused too much focus to be placed on them rather than on the performers.
"Adding an A-list comedian will exacerbate what I see as one of the major flaws in the show right now," Santilli wrote."The kids should be front and centre."
Earlier this year, DeGeneres worked as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance , which shares a network and producers with Idol . Discussions about the Idol job began shortly after that appearance.
Several critics wondered how DeGeneres' penchant for making jokes and talking at length will fit in a programme that is performed live under strict time constraints. On multiple occasions in recent years the show has run over its time period, frustrating viewers who record it; in addition, almost every year some viewers complain that the performers are not given enough time to perform their music.
Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment for Fox, called that concern "the silliest thing I've ever heard". He noted that DeGeneres won rave reviews as host of the live broadcasts of the Oscar and Emmy ceremonies.
DeGeneres, whose syndicated daytime talk show is in its seventh year, of course has plenty of experience performing in front of an audience. In addition to a career as a stand-up comic, she starred in a situation comedy on ABC from 1994 to 1998. An episode in which her character came out as gay attracted 46 million viewers.
"I'm speaking as someone who is a huge music fan, and I also am onstage every single day and I've gone through the criticism," she told Seacrest.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an executive producer of the show for Fremantle,said that perspective will be a benefit for the programme."Ellen knows what it takes to create a connection with the audience," she said."The show is not just about being able to sing. It is about the ability to create a connection and getting people to fall in love with you."
Frot-Coutaz said the producers were working with Fox to try to expand some Idol shows in the middle of the show's season to 90 minutes from 60 minutes,to deal with the weeks when there are many performers and limited time.
DeGeneres signed a multi-year contract with American Idol , which offers the producers some insurance if she succeeds in attracting viewers to a show whose audience has declined in recent years. Cowell, the most popular judge,has a contract that runs only through next season, and while he has said he wants to return he has also asked for a substantial raise.
Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi,the other two permanent judges, have contracts through the current season as well.
An array of guest judges will fill the spot vacated by Abdul for the audition episodes that take up the first few weeks of the season. But it is possible that DeGeneres will be on hand for "Hollywood Week", where the top 200 or so performers come to Los Angeles to compete for a spot among the final 36.
In past years that week has taken place in November, but this year it has been moved to January, Frot-Coutaz said,and DeGeneres "should be there" if logistical arrangements allow.
DeGeneres will continue to tape her daytime show on weekday afternoons at the Warner Bros studio in Burbank,California, before driving to the Idol studio for the live performance two or three evenings a week.
Speaking roughly 12 hours after she and Fox Broadcasting announced that she would take the place of Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the most popular series on television, DeGeneres vowed to fill Abdul's role as the nice one while also offering the perspective of fans at home.
"I'm not going to be mean," DeGeneres said. Referring to Simon Cowell,the UK judge who usually offers the most piercing criticisms of Idol contestants, she added:"I hate when Simon's that mean. You can be constructive and you can criticise somebody in a way that's helpful instead of mean spirited."
For Fox and the show's producers,FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, the appointment of DeGeneres created an immediate stir of excitement around a show that will begin its ninth season in January,2010.
That is no small feat. At the least,DeGeneres' appearance is likely to draw those curious about how she interacts with three colleagues who each have significant experience in either musical performance or the management of popmusic artists.
DeGeneres has neither, and her appointment drew some criticism from an array of professional Idol watchers.M.J. Santilli, the author of mjsbigblog.com ,which tracks all things related to American Idol , wrote that she was dismayed by the news, in part because the addition of a fourth judge last year caused too much focus to be placed on them rather than on the performers.
"Adding an A-list comedian will exacerbate what I see as one of the major flaws in the show right now," Santilli wrote."The kids should be front and centre."
Earlier this year, DeGeneres worked as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance , which shares a network and producers with Idol . Discussions about the Idol job began shortly after that appearance.
Several critics wondered how DeGeneres' penchant for making jokes and talking at length will fit in a programme that is performed live under strict time constraints. On multiple occasions in recent years the show has run over its time period, frustrating viewers who record it; in addition, almost every year some viewers complain that the performers are not given enough time to perform their music.
Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment for Fox, called that concern "the silliest thing I've ever heard". He noted that DeGeneres won rave reviews as host of the live broadcasts of the Oscar and Emmy ceremonies.
DeGeneres, whose syndicated daytime talk show is in its seventh year, of course has plenty of experience performing in front of an audience. In addition to a career as a stand-up comic, she starred in a situation comedy on ABC from 1994 to 1998. An episode in which her character came out as gay attracted 46 million viewers.
"I'm speaking as someone who is a huge music fan, and I also am onstage every single day and I've gone through the criticism," she told Seacrest.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an executive producer of the show for Fremantle,said that perspective will be a benefit for the programme."Ellen knows what it takes to create a connection with the audience," she said."The show is not just about being able to sing. It is about the ability to create a connection and getting people to fall in love with you."
Frot-Coutaz said the producers were working with Fox to try to expand some Idol shows in the middle of the show's season to 90 minutes from 60 minutes,to deal with the weeks when there are many performers and limited time.
DeGeneres signed a multi-year contract with American Idol , which offers the producers some insurance if she succeeds in attracting viewers to a show whose audience has declined in recent years. Cowell, the most popular judge,has a contract that runs only through next season, and while he has said he wants to return he has also asked for a substantial raise.
Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi,the other two permanent judges, have contracts through the current season as well.
An array of guest judges will fill the spot vacated by Abdul for the audition episodes that take up the first few weeks of the season. But it is possible that DeGeneres will be on hand for "Hollywood Week", where the top 200 or so performers come to Los Angeles to compete for a spot among the final 36.
In past years that week has taken place in November, but this year it has been moved to January, Frot-Coutaz said,and DeGeneres "should be there" if logistical arrangements allow.
DeGeneres will continue to tape her daytime show on weekday afternoons at the Warner Bros studio in Burbank,California, before driving to the Idol studio for the live performance two or three evenings a week.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Toddler wins Elton's heart
Look out, Madonna and Angelina Jolie - pop star Elton John may be joining the ranks of A-list celebrities with adopted children.
John and partner David Furnish are interested in trying to adopt a Ukrainian toddler named Lev they met during an orphanage tour.
The singer told reporters in Ukraine on Saturday he had been reluctant to adopt a child until he met Lev at an orphanage where many of the children's parents have died from Aids.
"David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said 'no' because I am 62 and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have,maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child,"John said.
"But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him.
"I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. He has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home.
"I've changed my mind."
John and partner David Furnish are interested in trying to adopt a Ukrainian toddler named Lev they met during an orphanage tour.
The singer told reporters in Ukraine on Saturday he had been reluctant to adopt a child until he met Lev at an orphanage where many of the children's parents have died from Aids.
"David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said 'no' because I am 62 and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have,maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child,"John said.
"But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him.
"I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. He has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home.
"I've changed my mind."
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