Poolparty - Global Music & Pop Culture

Spoken By Someone Who Knows

“A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That's why they don't get what they want.”

Madonna

What a Drag

"I won’t even dignify that revolting scenario with one of my award-winning, hilarious comebacks!"

Jackie Beat

Tyra Nearly Put Down After Dog Fight

The creature that is Tyra Banks slid down the slippery slope to extinction recently after a run in with a wild dog. Tests indicated the dog had rabies, though it is unclear from the video who first gave rabies to whom. Ty Ty went bug-eyed crazy foaming at the mouth, while her handlers ran for the exits. At least one audience member was bitten by the former supermodel, while the rest of the audience screamed in horror. Just another day on the set of The Tyra Banks Show.

"Raaaarrrrggghh! Ruff! Ruff!"

Tyra Banks

Rabid Tyra

X-Tina Resurrected For "Not Myself Tonight" Video

While Christina Aguilera has been promoting the sound of her new album, "Bionic" as "futuristic," the imagery from her new video "Not Myself Tonight" is clearly an homage to the past.  The Hype Williams directed video contains elements of Madonna's "Express Yourself," "Human Nature," George Michael's "Freedom," and just to stay current, a dash of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance."  Aside from looking fabulous, X-Tina really didn't bring much to the table creatively for the video.  This is especially disappointing considering that this is the lead video off her first album in four years.  The video isn't terrible, it's just that more is expected from the legendary Miss Aguilera.  "Not Myself Tonight" dropped to No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week.

X-Tina "Not Myself Tonight"

Madonna Ready To Make Music After 'Glee' Success

The success of Madonna's "Glee" episode has the Queen of Pop considering a return to the recording studio.  The following quote is taken directly from M's official website.

“I’m thrilled to be Number One.. It’s such an honor. It makes me want to go back into the studio and write more songs."
Madonna

Madonna "Like A Prayer" (Sticky & Sweet Tour)

Why American Idol is Becoming Unhinged

We watched the debut of American Idol on June 11, 2002 and were mesmerized. The show used the time-tested format of a talent contest within the fresh backdrop of a reality show. We got to know the contestants and their families, while the show's live format presented plenty of 'water cooler' moments. The judges added their own flavor, particularly Paula Abdul's loopy behavior and kooky remarks and Simon Cowell's razor sharp wit. All those ingredients combined to make a tasty treat and the television audience gobbled it up.

But in its 9th season, the old girl is showing some wear and tear. The judging panel has been expanded to 4, but is no longer the source for many of those 'water cooler' moments. Simon Cowell is just phoning in his comments this season, appearing disengaged or otherwise distracted from the contest. Ellen adds some desperately needed comedic relief, but Randy and Kara provide commentary with the same 50 words each week. After reaching #1 in the ratings for more than 5 years straight, the show has lost momentum in both an absolute and relative sense.

Much has been written about this season's lackluster contestants. One might say that is the luck of the draw, but really it is a direct result of the voting rules. The voting rules have been undermined by sites such as Vote for the Worst and radio's Howard Stern. An easy fix would be to weigh in the popular vote along with the judge's votes and iTunes sales of the performers' records. Ironically, Idol's main competition, Dancing with the Stars, does just that by incorporating both the popular audience and judging panel's voting scores.

This season, many of the interesting characters on the show, like Alex Lambert and Siobhan Magnus, have now been kicked out. Where are Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Kellie Pickler and the like when you need them? Why is it that many of the most successful contestants did not win American Idol? Would Elton John, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears or Lady Gaga win American Idol?

American Idol Parody

See SNL with Betty White and Party all Night

Well, let's not get crazy. I'm sure she will need to call it a night by 6 AM. But you can count on getting two tickets to the much hyped Betty While SNL appearance, as well as two after-party passes through an auction on Charitybuzz. All this frivolity will occur on May 8th. So pack your party hats and defibulators, and be prepared for this much anticipated event. [Bid Here]

Betty White on Larry King

M.I.A.'s "Born Free" Banned From YouTube

M.I.A. is no stranger to controversy, but her latest video "Born Free" certainly ups the ante.  While the video contains both nudity and graphic violence, it's really the clip's timely subject matter that proves to be the most compelling reason to watch.

M.I.A. "Born Free"

Whitney Houston Looks for Help from Above

Superstar songstress Whitney Houston may have named her world tour 'Nothing But Love' but it's not quite working out that way. In her first concert tour in over 10 years, the response has been mixed at best. The beginning of the Australian leg of the tour attracted scathing reviews from critics and fans alike. She managed to finish the tour and depart from Australia in one piece, but more disappointment was to follow in London. Poor performances led fans to leave the performance early, while those critics paid to be there put their rage to the page. While some suggest drugs are the culprit, insiders suggest her smoking habit may be the culprit. Fans have been told to contact the show's promoters if they want a refund.

"She don't want to come, my soprano friend Sometimes the old girl sings, but not tonight. I want to do it, but she doesn't want to. She's getting a little - temperamental, even."

'If the good Lord wants me to be attacked and ridiculed that's the road I have to go down.'

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston live at O2 Dublin

Cockroaches and Cher

Cher has purportedly let it slip that she plans to tour after her stint at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace is done. One might say Cher is shameless for announcing a new tour after spending 2 years on the road with her "Farewell Tour." Well, some divas just take longer to say goodbye, and for that we are grateful.

Cher 'Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves'

All Eyes On Madonna's "Glee" Episode

Glee hit a home run with its highly-anticapted all Madonna episode on Tuesday.  13.5 million viewers tuned in so they could hum along to the strains of "Borderline" and "Like A Prayer."  The soundtrack for the episode titled, "The Power of Madonna," currently sits atop the iTunes album charts and is expected to debut at No. 1 next week on the Billboard 200.  In fact, everyone involved was so happy with the results that a sequel to the episode is being planned for season two.  You can catch an encore performance of the show tonight on Fox.  

"Glee" Cast "Like A Prayer"

Carry That Weight

 

"Being a sex symbol is a heavy load to carry, especially when one is tired, hurt and bewildered."

Marilyn Monroe