Likes or Yikes? 'X Factor' Star Liliana Rose, 'Real Housewives' Drama and Disney Goes 3D

This week iVillage.com's Pat Sandora and Jacki Garfinkel give their humorous opinions on what's buzzing in entertainment.


It's been a crazy few weeks in the world of The Real Housewives. Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, Cindy Barshop and Alex McCord were all fired from the New York City edition, Peggy Tanous from Orange County announced she was leaving her show this week and Jacqueline Laurita and Teresa Guidice had an all-out Twitter war after Teresa allegedly set up her sister-in-law Melissa Gorga. Drama!

After the success of The Lion King's re-release in 3D Disney announced it will be releasing other classic animated films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Finding Nemo in 3D, too.

And X Factor contestant Liliana Rose Andreano stops by to talk about her amazing audition (where she sang "You Are My Sunshine") and what it was like to get a "yes" from Simon Cowell. Get more of her music on iTunes.


Liliana Rose and Pat Sandora
Chime in on the week's hottest entertainment stories with iVillage's Pat Sandora and Jacki Garfinkel at iVillage.com/LikesorYikes

Watch the Video for "Countdown" by Beyonce

Beyonce may have debuted her baby bump at the 2011 Video Music Awards, but she is putting that babeyonce to work in the new video for her song "Countdown" from her album 4.

Watch Beyonce channel Audrey Hepburn and she gorgeously twirls, vamps and bats her eyelashes in this stylized clip.

Get More: Beyoncé, Music, More Music Videos

Sorry, but Beyonce can do no wrong in my book. Love everything she does!



What do you think of the video for "Countdown?" Leave a comment!

The Models Channel Michael Jackson for 'ANTM All-Stars' Shoot

The concepts for the photo shoots on America's Next Top Model All-Stars are getting more and more interesting... and kinda strange!

In the next episode the models get guidance from LaToya Jackson, sister of Michael Jackson, where they channel different evolutions of the King of Pop.

Check them out after the jump (click to enlarge):

'America's Next Top Model All-Stars' Episode 4 Recap

In this week's episode of America's Next Top Model the All-Stars audition for a role on popular television show CSI (see the photos below) in front of creator of the franchise, Anthony Zuiker. At a photo shoot modeling Express fashions with male models, a few of the women struggle in front of the client. Andre Leon Tally and Nigel Barker join guest judge Anthony Zuiker and Tyra Banks on the judges’ panel for the elimination.

Keep reading for the recap and to see the panel order and photos!

'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 18: US Versus UK?

The All-Star Cycle of America's Next Top Model is only a few episodes into the season, but details about the next cycle have been leaked to A Blog About Things! A reader sent us the details from a special "Fierce Parade and Fashion Show" that presumably unveiled the girls of ANTM Cycle 18 and a very unexpected twist: The next season will feature models from the United States versus models from the United Kingdom!


Tyra Banks to pit US models against UK models?
According to the insider, attendees of the event were encouraged to wear red, white and blue or stars and stripes to the show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles. The stage in the venue formed a V with two runways jutting out from the stage to a center point. At the sides were two large floats; One with the Statue of Liberty and the other with Big Ben.

Jay Manuel was the emcee for the reveal. To keep with the US vs. UK theme Brit Nigel Barker rolled up in a Mini Cooper convertible that was painted as a Union Jack. Miss J. pulled up in a red and gold Ford Mustang.

Next came the float with Big Ben carrying seven British models, followed by the float with the Statue of Liberty, the American models and a bunch of shirtless guys with American flags and white flags that said "America's Next Top Model." How patriotic!

The invite stated that the models were all wearing clothes by designer Oliver Tolentino, which looked "high fashion military" according to the source. The UK girls were wearing red with gold, blue, silver accents and the US girls wore blue in different pseudo-patriotic colors.

'Work of Art: The Next Great Artist' Returns for Season 2

When Bravo premiered the first season of their art competition series Work of Art: The Next Great Artist -- executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker -- last year I was very skeptical as to how a show about all kinds of art would translate onto TV. After watching the show I was very pleasantly surprised with how the series turned out, which is why I am excited that season two is premiere next Wednesday, October 1 at 9pm.


Host China Chow and the Contestants
Bravo's Work of Art: The Next Great Artist is a creative competition series that seeks to discover new talent and shed light on the artistic process the typically occurs behind closed doors. Assembled in New York City under the watchful eye of art world elites, fourteen up-and-coming artists are ready to make their mark on the industry and battle it out for a solo show at the Brooklyn Museum and a cash prize of $100,000.

Returning to the show is host China Chow, along with judges Bill Powers, a New York Gallery owner and literary art contributor and Jerry Saltz, senior art critic for New York Magazine. World-renowned art auctioneer Simon de Pury adds his voice of expertise as a mentor to the contestants.

Each week, the contestants are tasked to create an original artwork in the medium of their choice, including - but not limited to, painting, sculpture, photography, collage, industrial design and performance art.

Keep reading to meet the contestants looking to take home the title of "the next great artist:"

Quick Things 10.1.11

Some quick links that are worth checking out...

• Kelly Cutrone to Replace Andre Leon Talley on ANTM
• 9 Fake SNL Products We'd Actually Buy
• A Collection of People Saying, "Hey, It's the 90s"
• Photos: The Evolution of the Telephone
• A Guide to Women in Movies, Written by Mindy Kaling
• Fashimals: The Most Stylish Creatures on Tumblr
• The 10 Dirtiest Things You Touch Every Day

Likes or Yikes? Rihanna Is Fat, Kim K. Is Annoying and Bravo's Chris March

This week iVillage.com's Pat Sandora and Jacki Garfinkel give their humorous opinions on what's buzzing in entertainment.


Kim Kardashian was voted the Most Annoying Celebrity of 2011 by a poll conducted by Parade magazine. She beat out other annoying stars like Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen and Snooki.

Rihanna was called fat by one of her fans on twitter, and the pop star agreed! Rihanna tweeted back, "I peeped that too *puts down donut*

And in a special interview Jacki talks with designer Chris March of Bravo's new show Mad Fashion about some famous celebrity laughs from Anderson Cooper, Kendra Wilkinson and even Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

Chime in on the week's hottest entertainment stories with iVillage's Pat Sandora and Jacki Garfinkel at iVillage.com/LikesorYikes

The Models Express Themselves in the Latest 'ANTM All-Stars' Shoot

In the newest episode of America's Next Top Model All-Stars the girls participate in a photo shoot modeling Express fashions with male models, a few of the women struggle in front of the client. A campaign with Express is one of the final prizes, so which girl will make the best impression with the judges?

Keep reading to see the girls' best shots (click to enlarge):

Raise a Cup for National Coffee Day

Just like, um, everyone in the world I enjoy a good cup of coffee to start my day. My drink of choice is usually an iced grande coffee in a venti cup, unsweetened, from Starbucks every morning (I even bought a reusable iced coffee cup that I never use) , but really any ol' cup a' joe will do for me.

I am by no means a coffee snob and couldn't tell you what half of the drinks in this coffee glossary mean, but in honor of National Coffee Day I thought I would share a few of my choice brands.


I really enjoy Cafe Bustelo coffee. It's rich and flavorful and is available in basically every store everywhere. It's a little richer than say, Folgers or Maxwell House, and the cans are neat.


I was recently given a sample of Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company coffee to try at home and it is delish! While it's not available everywhere just yet, the company is dedicated to helping out the planet. They boast a teeny tiny carbon footprint and give a portion of their sales back to local eco-initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay area.


Just this past week I discovered Trader Joe's gigantic coffee selection. After staring at the different blends for a good minute or so I decided to pick up the French roast. It's strong, smooth and smoky and was only $3.99!

Many coffee houses and retailers are celebrating National Coffee Day with discounts and specials (here are a few), and if you want to get in on the action you can check out these coffee drink recipes. Enjoy!

'America's Next Top Model All-Stars' Episode 3 Recap

In this week's episode of America's Next Top Model the All-Stars meet reality star Kristin Cavallari, who tells them what it takes to be a celebrity personality in Hollywood. The women are tested on their interview skills when they head to entertainment newsmagazine EXTRA to meet with host Mario Lopez. During a photo shoot, the women are paired together and must handle the difficult challenge of modeling on stilts.

Keep reading for the recap and to see the panel order and photos!

Kelly Cutrone to Replace Andre Leon Talley as 'Top Model' Judge

Fans missing the brutal honesty of the Janice Dickinson-era of America's Next Top Model will enjoy this news: Tough-talking PR queen Kelly Cutrone will be joining as a judge for Cycle 18.


Andre Leon Talley is out, Kelly Cutrone is in for Cycle 18
Unfortunately, the addition of Cutrone means that current judge (and fancy man robe enthusiast) Andre Leon Talley is out.

Talley confirmed the news to the NY Post today, saying that his departure from ANTM was a joint decision between him and the show, and there is "no unhappiness at all" between him and show creator and overlord Tyra Banks.

Personally, I think having a respected name like Andre Leon Talley on the panel was a great addition to the show, especially since the last few cycles took the high-fashion route. But Andre's critiques have been mostly filler. He would give good critiques of the models' photos, but I'm not sure his Vogue-speak really left the contestants with any usable information to use in the next shoot.

Kelly Cutrone is an interesting addition. She's definitely a big name in the fashion world, but not for her designs or even outfit choices (hello, all-black!) She is an amazing media manipulator and fashion show producer, so that definitely gives her room to voice her opinion at panel. She's also never afraid to give her honest -- sometimes too honest -- feelings on anything and everything. Perhaps her stinging honesty is what's missing from judging? Plus, ANTM All-Stars is all about personal branding over straight modeling, so maybe that theme will continue into Cycle 18?

What do you think of Kelly Cutrone replacing Andre Leon Talley as a judge on America's Next Top Model? Leave a comment!

Get a First Look at the New Season of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'

The Real Housewives of Atlanta returns on Sunday, November 6 at 10pm on Bravo, and season 4 is all about about taking chances, as the Housewives embark on new ventures and return to their roots.


The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Kandi, Phaedra and Cynthia are exploring their entrepreneurial prowess. On the relationship front, NeNe and Kim remain estranged, but their personal love lives have changed drastically. Kim is madly in love, pregnant and building a home with Kroy, while NeNe’s now-official separation with Greg teeters on the brink of divorce. Sheree has grand plans for her own dream house, however the pieces aren’t coming together so smoothly.

Check out a sneak peek of season 4 and some promo photos of the Atlanta ladies after the jump!

Get Mesmerized by Slow-Motion Slinky and Water Balloon

If you read this blog regularly you know that I'm a huge fan of anything put in slow-motion (like a cupcake cannon for example), so when I was poking around on CBSNews.com's The Feed I was happy to find two new clips for me to creepily enjoy while watching alone.

The first clip shows up what happens when you drop a slinky not down a flight of stairs, but straight down. The slow-motion action is very interesting. Check it out:


The second clip is far less scientific, but still very entertaining to watch. Check out what happens when you throw a water balloon in someone's face and it fails to pop.


I hope your life was improved by watching these clips. You're welcome.

Watch the Video for "Mr. Know-It-All" by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson just released the video for her song "Mr. Know-It-All," the first single off her latest album Stronger (out October 24, 2011.) Check it out!


Any day we get a new song or video from Kelly Clarkson is a good day, but "Mr. Know-It-All" is not one of my favorites from Miss Independent. The song's good, and Kelly's voice is amazing as always, but to me the song and video just underwhelm. The tune slowly builds, but never really takes off.

Kelly looks beautiful, too, but does anyone else think she's secretly getting the Adele treatment? She's always shot from very close up or very far away. Or she's sitting down. Just an observation.

Side note! iTunes is offering Kelly Clarkson's first four albums at a bundled price! You can download Kelly Clarkson: The Collection (50 songs!) for only $19.99



Kelly Clarkson is amazing, so I hope we get to hear more jams when Stronger is released on October 24. What do you think of the video for "Mr. Know-It-All?" Leave a comment!

Not Sure How to Say a Word? Let Pronunciation Book Help

We all know that YouTube is composed of 95% cat videos, 4% of random crap from users (like vlogs about ANTM, for example) and about 1% actual helpful information.

A few weeks ago when shooting one a segment for Likes or Yikes? I needed to know how to pronounce the designer Lanvin. I thought I knew how to say it, but I couldn't get anyone in the office around me to confirm that I was correct. After some quick research online my coworker, Michele, stumbled upon the YouTube channel Pronunciation Book, which gives simple, spoken pronunciations for common words that may be a little confusing to say. Luckily for me, Lanvin was one of the words!


Were you saying it correctly? I mean, do you ever actually need to say this word aloud in your everyday life?

Four of the top six most-viewed videos on the channel are beauty/fashion related that may be tricky to the English-speaking individual, like Givenchy, L'Occitane and Hermes. Also up at the top is the berry acai, and the name of pop star Ke$ha, whose dollar sign may confuse those learning English for the first time (or anyone with a brain.)

But speaker, beware! There is also a spoof channel out there called Pronunciation Manual which gives incorrect -- albeit humorous -- pronunciations of commonly misspoken words. Try Onomatopoeia for example:


Rude.

Quick Things 9.24.11

Some quick links that are worth checking out...

• Dear Photograph: A Wonderful Trip Down Memory Lane
• The Oatmeal Explains Why Netflix Is Splitting in Two
• Sick of the New Facebook? Find Extensions to Make It Personalized
• The Best Hats of Fall TV
• 5 Terrible Situations for Socially Awkward Men
• Cinemagraphs: The Animated GIF's Sophisticated Cousin
• 10 Funniest Tech Blogs on Tumblr
• Infographic: What if Social Media Sites Were Neighbors?

Pat and Jacki Play 'Likes or Yikes?' with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman

iVillage.com's Pat Sandora and Jacki Garfinkel talk with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman from NBC's Parks and Recreation about the show's new season, Amy rushing the stage at the Emmys, their celebrity couple names and Nick's fine mustache.

Later, they dish on Brad Pitt standing up for Jennifer Aniston -- and Angelina Jolie. Plus, Scarlett Johansson's rumored relationship with actor Kieran Culkin.

Chime in on the week's hottest entertainment stories with iVillage's Pat Sandora and Jacki Garfinkel at iVillage.com/LikesorYikes

The 'ANTM' All-Stars Step It Up in This Week's Photo Shoot

Twelve girls remain in the competition towards becoming the winner of America's Next Top Model All-Stars, and in the next episode the models are reaching new heights!

During a photo shoot, the women are paired up and must handle the difficult challenge of modeling on stilts. The pairs are Dominique and Kayla, Angelea and Allison, Lisa and Bianca, Camille and Isis, Bre and Laura and Alexandria and Shannon.

Keep reading to see the girls' best shots (click to enlarge!):

'America's Next Top Model All-Stars' Episode 2 Recap

In this week's episode the All-Stars receive make-overs and many of them melt down during the process. During a challenge and photo shoot about branding, the women must create a new hot dog for the world-famous Pink’s restaurant. Andre Leon Tally and Nigel Barker join guest judge Ashlee Simpson and Tyra Banks on the judges' panel for the second elimination.

Keep reading for the recap and to see the panel order and photos!