I was really hoping we’d all forget about Paris Hilton.

Really. After her trail / jail fiasco was recorded on every news station in America (even CNN covered it…although every time they did the anchors looked uncomfortable), I honestly thought the overexposure was going to be enough to make us finally not care about what Paris Hilton does, says, or cries about.

But just like the time I bought those designer jeans that didn’t quite fit and convinced myself I’d lose the weight—I was wrong.

Not only has Paris been interviewed via telephone by E! (Right. She’s not getting special treatment. Just conducting a major interview with a major television channel while she sits in jail…) she’s also in talks to appear on a primetime NBC show as soon as she’s released. And how much will the boring blond get for the trying ordeal of appearing on a nationally syndicated TV show? $1 million dollars.

“You know my gratitude has gone up so much and I just realize that the media used me to make fun of and be mean about it” Paris whined to Ryan Seacrest on his E! show on Thursday. “Frankly [I’m] sick of it and I want to use my fame in a good way.” Read More »

The big American Idol benefit show—Idol Gives Back—was on last night, and it was quite a spectacle! The build up surrounding the show was unbelievable, and I’m not sure if it lived up to the hype, but it was totally entertaining. Except for Il Divo who I could do without ever seeing again for the rest of my life.

It might seem corny to say, but I thought the energy exuded by Ryan, Ellen (who, as always, was hilarious—“what’s the big surprise? I mean, am I being kicked off”), all the performers, and the contestants was tangible. I felt like they were proud to be a part of what was going on. And maybe I just fell for a great act, but I would like to believe they were.

I know there has been a lot of controversy about Idol Gives Back—whether they really do care, or is it a publicity stunt? Is the money actually going to end up where it should? But a friend of mine works at the food bank featured at the end of Tuesday’s show, and she said that when Simon showed up he was extremely humble and kind, and was genuinely touched by what the people there were doing. I think, whether they went into this or not with good intentions, they certainly left with a changed perspective.

Anyway, back to the show. In terms of celebrity performers—Kelly Clarkson, to me, owned it. It was great to see legends like Earth Wind and Fire, and Annie Lennox, but Kelly—our original American Idol—sounded incredible. Live the dream, Kelly! Read More »