New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

Tchaikovsky's 'In Memoriam'

To contact us Click HERE
There's always something more lurking beneath the surface. There must be some reason, other than me being emotionally unstable, that I cry every time I see The Nutcracker. Those vertiginous harp cadenzas, the longing sigh of Clara's pas de deux with Hans-Peter and the brooding B minor in the cellos during the Waltz of the Flowers get me every time. But Tchaikovsky initially loathed the idea of the ballet and found it impossible to commit any musical thoughts to paper. But something radically changed and, like The Queen of Spades and the 'Pathétique' Symphony, the shadow of death hangs over the score. While it's important not to forget the surface, Tchaikovsky's soaring melodies demand further attention.

It's the basis of my article in the Review section of today's Guardian. You can read it on page 15 of the review section. Or you can click here to read it online.

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

Tchaikovsky's 'In Memoriam'

To contact us Click HERE
There's always something more lurking beneath the surface. There must be some reason, other than me being emotionally unstable, that I cry every time I see The Nutcracker. Those vertiginous harp cadenzas, the longing sigh of Clara's pas de deux with Hans-Peter and the brooding B minor in the cellos during the Waltz of the Flowers get me every time. But Tchaikovsky initially loathed the idea of the ballet and found it impossible to commit any musical thoughts to paper. But something radically changed and, like The Queen of Spades and the 'Pathétique' Symphony, the shadow of death hangs over the score. While it's important not to forget the surface, Tchaikovsky's soaring melodies demand further attention.

It's the basis of my article in the Review section of today's Guardian. You can read it on page 15 of the review section. Or you can click here to read it online.

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

Tchaikovsky's 'In Memoriam'

To contact us Click HERE
There's always something more lurking beneath the surface. There must be some reason, other than me being emotionally unstable, that I cry every time I see The Nutcracker. Those vertiginous harp cadenzas, the longing sigh of Clara's pas de deux with Hans-Peter and the brooding B minor in the cellos during the Waltz of the Flowers get me every time. But Tchaikovsky initially loathed the idea of the ballet and found it impossible to commit any musical thoughts to paper. But something radically changed and, like The Queen of Spades and the 'Pathétique' Symphony, the shadow of death hangs over the score. While it's important not to forget the surface, Tchaikovsky's soaring melodies demand further attention.

It's the basis of my article in the Review section of today's Guardian. You can read it on page 15 of the review section. Or you can click here to read it online.

ABC Entertainment President: We'd Love to Have Paula Abdul on 'DWTS'

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Could Paula Abdul end up on "Dancing with the Stars"? Stephen McPherson, the president of ABC Entertainment Group, dished on Saturday about the possibility of it happening.

"I was a little stunned by the decision. We would love to have her on 'Dancing.' As a contestant, as a participant, as a judge," McPherson told reporters. "I think she's a huge talent. There's a sensitivity and emotion in her that balances out 'American Idol' and we'd love to get a piece of that."

He continues, "I have definitely reached out to her. We are friends from way back. I gave her a call to say I was sorry about the situation and we want to see her on ABC. She said, 'Great.' She was traveling and she is going to be back in town and we will sit down."

McPherson and Abdul met years ago when he was with Buena Vista and Abdul pitched him projects. As to what the former "American Idol" judge would do on "Dancing with the Stars," McPherson says, "We have no formal plans. Len Goodman travels back and forth and it is tough on him. We had to have some guest judges. I think all possibilities are open. We will look at it. It will probably depend on where her head is at."

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

Tchaikovsky's 'In Memoriam'

To contact us Click HERE
There's always something more lurking beneath the surface. There must be some reason, other than me being emotionally unstable, that I cry every time I see The Nutcracker. Those vertiginous harp cadenzas, the longing sigh of Clara's pas de deux with Hans-Peter and the brooding B minor in the cellos during the Waltz of the Flowers get me every time. But Tchaikovsky initially loathed the idea of the ballet and found it impossible to commit any musical thoughts to paper. But something radically changed and, like The Queen of Spades and the 'Pathétique' Symphony, the shadow of death hangs over the score. While it's important not to forget the surface, Tchaikovsky's soaring melodies demand further attention.

It's the basis of my article in the Review section of today's Guardian. You can read it on page 15 of the review section. Or you can click here to read it online.

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

Tchaikovsky's 'In Memoriam'

To contact us Click HERE
There's always something more lurking beneath the surface. There must be some reason, other than me being emotionally unstable, that I cry every time I see The Nutcracker. Those vertiginous harp cadenzas, the longing sigh of Clara's pas de deux with Hans-Peter and the brooding B minor in the cellos during the Waltz of the Flowers get me every time. But Tchaikovsky initially loathed the idea of the ballet and found it impossible to commit any musical thoughts to paper. But something radically changed and, like The Queen of Spades and the 'Pathétique' Symphony, the shadow of death hangs over the score. While it's important not to forget the surface, Tchaikovsky's soaring melodies demand further attention.

It's the basis of my article in the Review section of today's Guardian. You can read it on page 15 of the review section. Or you can click here to read it online.

ABC Entertainment President: We'd Love to Have Paula Abdul on 'DWTS'

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Could Paula Abdul end up on "Dancing with the Stars"? Stephen McPherson, the president of ABC Entertainment Group, dished on Saturday about the possibility of it happening.

"I was a little stunned by the decision. We would love to have her on 'Dancing.' As a contestant, as a participant, as a judge," McPherson told reporters. "I think she's a huge talent. There's a sensitivity and emotion in her that balances out 'American Idol' and we'd love to get a piece of that."

He continues, "I have definitely reached out to her. We are friends from way back. I gave her a call to say I was sorry about the situation and we want to see her on ABC. She said, 'Great.' She was traveling and she is going to be back in town and we will sit down."

McPherson and Abdul met years ago when he was with Buena Vista and Abdul pitched him projects. As to what the former "American Idol" judge would do on "Dancing with the Stars," McPherson says, "We have no formal plans. Len Goodman travels back and forth and it is tough on him. We had to have some guest judges. I think all possibilities are open. We will look at it. It will probably depend on where her head is at."

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

Tchaikovsky's 'In Memoriam'

To contact us Click HERE
There's always something more lurking beneath the surface. There must be some reason, other than me being emotionally unstable, that I cry every time I see The Nutcracker. Those vertiginous harp cadenzas, the longing sigh of Clara's pas de deux with Hans-Peter and the brooding B minor in the cellos during the Waltz of the Flowers get me every time. But Tchaikovsky initially loathed the idea of the ballet and found it impossible to commit any musical thoughts to paper. But something radically changed and, like The Queen of Spades and the 'Pathétique' Symphony, the shadow of death hangs over the score. While it's important not to forget the surface, Tchaikovsky's soaring melodies demand further attention.

It's the basis of my article in the Review section of today's Guardian. You can read it on page 15 of the review section. Or you can click here to read it online.

ABC Entertainment President: We'd Love to Have Paula Abdul on 'DWTS'

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Could Paula Abdul end up on "Dancing with the Stars"? Stephen McPherson, the president of ABC Entertainment Group, dished on Saturday about the possibility of it happening.

"I was a little stunned by the decision. We would love to have her on 'Dancing.' As a contestant, as a participant, as a judge," McPherson told reporters. "I think she's a huge talent. There's a sensitivity and emotion in her that balances out 'American Idol' and we'd love to get a piece of that."

He continues, "I have definitely reached out to her. We are friends from way back. I gave her a call to say I was sorry about the situation and we want to see her on ABC. She said, 'Great.' She was traveling and she is going to be back in town and we will sit down."

McPherson and Abdul met years ago when he was with Buena Vista and Abdul pitched him projects. As to what the former "American Idol" judge would do on "Dancing with the Stars," McPherson says, "We have no formal plans. Len Goodman travels back and forth and it is tough on him. We had to have some guest judges. I think all possibilities are open. We will look at it. It will probably depend on where her head is at."

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' controversy: Video production company says it was 'blindsided' by YouTube removal

To contact us Click HERE
by Tanner StranskyEWRebecca Black’s infamous music video for “Friday” remains pulled from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Black, as the saga surrounding the viral video continues to play out. ARK Music Factory, the company that helped Black create it, has fired back in a statement, claiming that they’re working to resolve a complaint from Black’s representatives.
The statement from ARK’s spokesperson is as follows: “We’re disappointed, having been in good faith negotiations with Rebecca Black and her representatives for months regarding any open issues. There’s been an ongoing, open dialogue with our company. So we were blindsided to get a Take Down Notice — with no notice — alleging copyright infringement instead of a call or email from Rebecca’s representatives.” The company also claims they have rights to the video. “Our use of the video has fully been authorized (as evidenced by four uninterrupted months and 160 million-plus viewings without objection) by both Ms. Black and the copyright holder,” the statement continued. “Regardless, we are going to continue to take the high road and work out the complaint as soon as possible so that the million-plus people who watch Friday for free each day can continue to enjoy the video.”
Finally, ARK ended their statement saying the company was “pleased to have been associated with Rebecca Black, and wish her continued success as she pursues her career,” and noting that company founder Patrice Wilson “discovered, defined, and delivered” the 13-year-old “sensation.”
Reps for Black have not responded to EW for comment, and Black herself has not yet written anything about the current controversy on her Twitter feed or her just-launched Facebook page.

New Voting System Announced for Oscar's Best Picture Category

To contact us Click HERE

ET
Jewel Samad / Getty Images
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that it will be using a new voting system. Read on for details...

The Academy will use a preferential voting system to determine which of its 10 nominees will win the award for the Best Picture category. In June, the Academy's Board of Governors announced that it was extending the Best Picture list of nominees from five to 10.

The new voting system is one that "best allows the collective judgment of all voting members to be most accurately represented," according to a statement released by the Academy.

"Instead of just marking an 'X' to indicate which one picture they believe to be the best, members will indicate their second, third and further preferences as well," Academy President Tom Sherak said of the new system. "PricewaterhouseCoopers will then be able to establish the Best Picture recipient with the strongest support of a majority of our electorate."

Nominees for The 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT -- and the awards will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

'American Idol' recap: Duel at the Nokia Theater

To contact us Click HERE
By Kate WardEarlier in the season, Randy Jackson told Lauren Alaina that the young contestant reminded him of a Carrie Underwood-Kelly Clarkson hybrid. And weeks later, during Tuesday night's finale, Idol did its darndest to remind us of this very comparison. Lauren sings a Carrie song! Carrie chooses a song for Lauren! Random precious footage of Carrie (and David Cook, but strangely, no other Idol winners) as a youngster just prior to precious footage of Lauren as a child! Vocal troubles, just like Kelly during season 1's finale! The comparison to the season 4 winner was so subliminal, I found myself several times accidentally typing "Carrie" in my notes instead of "Lauren." How to explain the sudden urge to watch Minute To Win It and buy a Filet-O-Fish -- that I can't quite explain.But it makes sense for Idol producers to push a Lauren win for season 10. After all, we're looking at a perfect reality show storyline here: Sweet Southern Belle who dreamed of winning Idol as a child grows up to nab the title of our American Idol -- but only after overcoming a health struggle that almost pushed her out of the competition. That's right: Just prior to the show, rumors hit the Web claiming that Haley would replace an ailing Lauren. (Oh, what a tease!) But according to Idol's resident doctor, after Lauren sprained a vocal cord while pushing her voice in rehearsals, she was deemed healthy enough to compete.

Good for you, America: You don't care about Paris Hilton anymore

To contact us Click HERE
by Darren FranichImage Credit: Ken Babolocsay/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comThere was a time when it seemed like Paris Hilton was one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She may not have invented the notion of “famous for being famous,” but she perfected it, running roughshod over the first decade of this brave new millennium. She was inescapable. She had a reality show, or two. She had a music career, and I use both terms loosely. She was on the cover of classy magazines and tabloid magazines, thus shattering the difference between the two, until the very definition of “quality” began to seem fuzzy. She was at the center of the Lohan-Spears-Hilton party girl continuum which threatened the very fabric of our nation, apparently. But time rolls ever on. Seasons pass. Things change. And, despite ourselves, we learn from our past mistakes. Thus, The World According to Paris — Hilton’s new reality show about the perils of being Paris Hilton — debuted to blessedly low ratings on Wednesday. Congratulations, America! It only took eight years, untold millions of dollars, a relentless onslaught of media gasbaggery (that’s us!), and the entire career of Nicole Richie, but you have successfully weaned yourself off of your Paris addiction. (Don’t worry about Ms. Hilton: Something tells me she’ll be just fine.)