State Champ Radio TV/Film
Page: 216
Robin Thicke grew up on TV sets. His beloved late father, Alan Thicke, played everyone’s favorite TV dad, Dr. Jason Seaver, on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, as well as hosting game shows and talk shows and producing and writing the iconic theme songs to a number of sitcoms (Diff’rent Strokes) and game shows (Wheel of Fortune).
But after deciding early on to focus on music and releasing eight studio albums — including 2013’s multi-platinum Blurred Lines, which featured the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping title track — Thicke took what he thought would be a brief detour into prime-time TV when he joined the panel of The Masked Singer.
Fast-forward more than four years, and Thicke is gearing up for Wednesday night’s (Sept. 27) launch of the reality singing competition’s 10th season and marveling at how much joy he takes from the guessing games he gets to play with fellow panelists Ken Jeong, Nicole Scherzinger and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg every week.
Before the season 10 debut, Thicke sat down with Billboard for a chat about this year’s new format; whether he really, seriously has no idea who is under those masks; his opinion on why the show has struck such a chord with viewers during a wild few years; and his plans for the follow-up to his 2021 album On Earth, and in Heaven.
Your dad spent seven years in prime time on Growing Pains and logged hundreds of episodes on game shows. Did you ever imagine you’d follow in his footsteps and put up 10 seasons on a prime-time show?
There was a moment when I never saw myself as a TV guy. I loved and idolized my father — he was my Greek God — but I definitely wanted to pave my own way and be an artist and I didn’t see myself as a TV guy. Then, this opportunity came and when we finished the first season and T-Pain was the winner as Monster… I came home and said, “This could be a hit show!” I looked up at the sky and said, “My dad would love this.” He loved prime-time TV and he loved hosting all kinds of shows and would have been jealous of [Masked Singer host] Nick Cannon. He loved every day of work and always joked that he was the affordable [season 8 Masked contestant and Star Trek star] William Shatner.
This season will really mix it up, taking the best styles from previous seasons, using the Wild Card, Battle Royale and Ding Dong Keep It bell and all kinds of themed nights (Elton John, Harry Potter, Trolls Night). How do you keep things fresh after this many seasons?
Any time a show gets around season 7, it starts to stale out and you have to rejuvenate it. The last few seasons the theme nights have been so fun — Elton John, the disco night we did last season was amazing — and I think what’s great about season 10 bringing back favorite contestants (Jewel, Bret Michaels, Le’Veon Bell) and the fan-favorite elements from previous seasons [will keep it fun].
Do you have any say in the theme nights? This year’s sounds fun: NFL, One Hit Wonders…
It gives us a chance to dress silly like we’re going to a themed birthday party. It’s a blast to dress up. We are so in love with each other from the beginning. I had never met Ken, but I knew Jenny from a couple parties and Nicole and I were both on Interscope at the same time… Nick and I knew each other from the Real Husbands of Hollywood. In fact, Nick was the one who suggested me [for the panel], so I have to thank him for. When we first started I didn’t know if it was my thing, but then I kind of fell in love with it and it was a blessing.
Readers ask all the time, so I have to ask: Do you really have no idea who the singers are?
Absolutely not. We’re not near them and we don’t hear them warming up. Most of the time, up until the last second [I don’t know who they are]. It’s only when I hear a familiar voice that I’ve listened to a million times and know the voice in my head [that I can guess it]. The amount of times when one of us thought we were 100% sure and were wrong…
I am a bit bummed that he’s never tweeted at me about it — since I have consistently referred to him as “Always Wrong Ken Jeong” — but, seriously, how does the good Doctor always get it so wrong?
He’s starting to take it more seriously lately. But he’s the court jester and he loves to have fun and nobody has more fun than Ken. He brings the drama and energizes the crowd.
Have there ever been ones that you figured out right away because they had a tell only you would know?
I used to watch the Ricki Lake show as a teenager in school, and when she was touching her heart when she was speaking [during season 1], I was like, “That’s Ricki Lake!” And when [fellow season 1 contestant and NFL great] Terry Bradshaw laughs, his shoulders pump up and down, so as soon as he started talking I was like, “That’s Terry! I know that laugh!”
You have four kids, and contestants often tell me they do the show because their kids love it or they love watching with their kids. How do yours feel about it?
They love it. Because of COVID restrictions, I finally just brought the three young ones to their first full shoot during season 10, and they had the time of their lives. Their eyes were glued to the stage and they asked all kinds of questions later. I think it’s kind of a surreal, magic land experience with crazy characters and beautiful scenery and amazing music and dancing.
I know Nicole is still around this season [before sitting out season 11 during her current run as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard in London], but how do you feel about Rita Ora stepping in for the next one?
Nicole is part of the OG four, so she’s on Mount Rushmore. We’re so lucky to have Rita, who is just a pro and so lovable and funny. … She blended in perfectly and is also a ham like the rest of us. We blend in like a nice smoothie.
Why do you think this show has struck such a chord with viewers? Is there something about this crazy time we’re living in that has made it so popular?
You can do everything by yourself now with streaming [and phones]. The warmth of community and brotherhood and sisterhood is dwindling, so I think it’s important any opportunities we have to go to a ball game or go with a bunch of friends to a concert where everyone puts their phone down to watch the show. That’s rare in these days and the bond we bring is meaningful.
This show has kept you busy for years, do you have any music you’re working on to give you a break from your day job?
My home burned down in the [2018] Malibu fires, so I’ve been on the road for four years and having children, so I have a big vault of unreleased music. Since we moved back to the Malibu house, the past eight or nine months have been the most productive I’ve been for years. I’m excited for new music at the top of 2024… I have 75% of the album done.
Move over, Peppa Pig! It’s time to make some room for Ms. Leopard. On Wednesday (Sept. 27), Hasbro announced that Billboard chart-topping superstar Katy Perry is set to join the Peppa Pig show in 2024. The “Harleys In Hawaii” singer will voice a new character in an episode from a three-part Peppa Pig Wedding Party […]
Get ready for a bumper car of monologue jokes about how they spent their summer. The four hosts of the major networks’ late-night talk shows will all be back in the saddle on Monday (Oct. 2) following the resolution this week of the 146-day strike by Hollywood writers. NBC announced in a statement that The […]
Just in time for Spooky Season, Disney’s latest stop-motion special Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats is floating to a screen near you. In the new special — which premieres Sunday on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD and hits streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu — Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and […]
It turns out, Jason Mraz just wants to dance.
The 46-year-old artist has enjoyed an impressive recording career, yielding two Grammy Awards across two-plus decades, and earning the Hal David Songwriters Hall of Fame Award. Nine of his songs have impacted the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including two top 10s.
On Tuesday night (Sept. 26), Mraz showed off his other talents on the season 32 premiere episode of Dancing With The Stars, when he strutted his stuff with a Cha Cha.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Mraz and his dance partner Daniella Karagach danced to one of his own songs, “I Feel Like Dancing,” and landed a hattrick of sevens – placing the pair equal second, just one point from the top of the early leaderboard.
This hidden skill, Mraz pointed out, might have something to do with an unusual physical feature; he claims to have an extra vertebra in his spine.
Veep star Matt Walsh won’t be around to dance another day. After his own cha cha with Koko Iwasaki was bracketed in the bottom three, fans voted, the judges weighed in and Walsh was walking.
Mraz is competing for the Mirrorball Trophy, now renamed in honor of the late head judge Len Goodman.
Mraz will hope his DWTS run goes deep. On Sept. 22, Atlantic/Rhino will release the 15-year anniversary edition of We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. We Deluxe Edition.
The forthcoming collection will be available as a three-LP, two-CD set, and digitally. We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things originally peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, following its release in 2008, and is one of his five top 10 appearances on the albums chart. In June, Mraz released his eighth studio album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.
Watch Mraz’s first-up dance on DWTS below.
[embedded content]
When Putri Ariani performs, jaws drop, tears fall.
That happened again, when Ariani delivered her last performance Tuesday night (Sept. 26) for the 18th season finale of America’s Got Talent.
Hailing from Indonesia, the gifted singer and pianist scored Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer during the audition phase, the judges remarking that she sounded like, or indeed was, an angel. On that occasion, she performed two songs, the second of which was “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word.”
For the finale, Ariani performed another Elton John and Bernie Taupin classic, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”. Sat at a sparkling grand piano, and complemented with a gospel choir, Ariani had the room on its feet — including all four judges.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Last time, Cowell was left “speechless.” On this occasion, the Brit found his words.
“It’s got nothing to do with the fact I gave her the Golden Buzzer,” he remarked afterwards, “I think any one of us would have given Putri the Golden Buzzer. It’s just that you are one of those rare little diamonds we come across every few years. Who is naturally born to do this.”
The teenage contestant is blind, an obstacle she overcomes when performing. “You’ve overcome so much in your life, to hopefully fulfill your dream on this show,” Cowell added. “And boy, after that do you deserve it.”
Fellow judge Howie Mandel remarked that, every time, in every round, Putri “hit it out of the park.” Her voice and her talent, “perfection.” If this was just a singing competition, she had it in the bag, he remarked. AGT, however, is broader than that, with dancers, magicians, comedians and more lining up in the 11-strong final.
Heidi Klum said it was a “moving” performance. “You could’ve not done it any better.”
Ariani had the final word. “I believe we are able, we are capable and we are equal. So, don’t be afraid to keep reaching for your dreams. Your dream will come true if you believe it.”
The winner will be announced Wednesday (Sept. 28) in the second of the two-part final on NBC.
Watch Putri Ariani’s performance below.
[embedded content]
Yodeling is an artform so difficult to master, it ought to come with a warning — “only try this at home.”
Ruby Leigh is an exception. The 16-year-old from Foley, Missouri stopped by NBC’s The Voice on Tuesday (Sept. 26) for a Blind Audition that was both brave, unexpected and fabulously executed.
Looking the part of a golden-era country star and wielding an acoustic guitar, Leigh hit a cover of Patsy Montana’s 1935 “I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” said to be the first country song by a female artist to sell more than one million copies. The youngster’s rendition was soaked in thigh-slapping country and western. And yes, yodeling.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From the opening bounce, the coaches realized they were in for something different. All four turned.
“I truly never heard anything like what you just did,” John Legend explained. “I loved how clear and precise and piercing and beautiful your tone was. And then when you started doing the yodeling, it was like, how was a human being able to do the things that you’re doing? You could win the voice, honestly.”
Gwen Stefani revealed her own secret talents at yodeling, though admitted they were nothing when stacked against the superior Leigh.
The contestant’s energy was “just insane,” remarked Niall Horan. “You got a four chair for a reason.” This kid is “exciting,” he added.
Reba McEntire, the country icon, spoke last. “Being as young as you are, and being a fan of Patsy Montana, I’m a third generation rodeo brat, so Patsy Montana, a country western singer, not just country – there is a difference – I’m very flattered, very proud of my heritage that you’re singing this song.”
McEntire’s mom taught the country legend to yodel, which she duly gave an example of. It was a thinly-veiled sales pitch. Was it a winning one?
Of course it was. Leigh steps into Team Reba.
“Ruby could be a star and have a huge following,” Reba told the cameras afterwards.
The 24th season of The Voice premiered Monday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Watch below.
[embedded content]
Sinéad O’Connor died unexpectedly on July 26 at age 56, but two months later, there’s a new song for fans to enjoy. The previously unreleased track titled “The Magdalene Song” made its debut in the BBC’s mystery drama series The Woman in the Wall during its finale on Monday (Sept. 25).
The six-part series follows Lorna Brady (Ruth Wilson), who wakes up one morning to find a woman’s corpse in her house and doubts her actions due to a history of sleepwalking that once landed her in Ireland’s Magdalene laundries (institutions for “fallen women”).
David Holmes, the show’s composer, who has also produced for the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer in recent years (including on her 11th studio album), confirmed that she gave her permission for the track to be used in The Woman in the Wall before her death.
“The first half of the track is completely heartbreaking, and the second half is pure defiance,” he said in a Sunday (Sept. 24) interview with The Guardian prior to the finale airing on BBC.
“I stripped the song away to just Sinéad’s voice and then let the full power come in for the second half,” Holmes added. “It’s incredible how the meaning of the song came together with this story. It was just meant to be. There’s a certain magic when you bring music to an emotive story.”
The series has personal ties to the late singer. Though Holmes said O’Connor did not detail the meaning of the song to Holmes, she previously shared her own experiences as a teenager within the Magdalene laundries in a 2010 essay for The Washington Post.
“When I was a young girl, my mother — an abusive, less-than-perfect parent — encouraged me to shoplift,” the singer wrote. “After being caught once too often, I spent 18 months in An Grianán Training Centre, an institution in Dublin for girls with behavioural problems, at the recommendation of a social worker.”
She continued, “An Grianán was one of the now-infamous church-sponsored ‘Magdalene laundries,’ which housed pregnant teenagers and uncooperative young women. We worked in the basement, washing priests’ clothes in sinks with cold water and bars of soap. We studied math and typing. We had limited contact with our families. We earned no wages. One of the nuns, at least, was kind to me and gave me my first guitar.”
The Woman in the Wall is slated to premiere soon on Paramount+ with Showtime.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Jeff Probst is back again for the 45th season of Survivor, and this time, he’s welcoming a new group of castaways to Fiji. The season is set to air on Wednesday (Sept. 27) on CBS at 8 p.m. ET and the next day on Paramount+, but there are a few ways for you to stream the new season online without cable.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Season 45 will see 18 competitors divided into three tribes of six people each as they form mini societies and compete to win advantages and outsmart their competitors. Unlike previous seasons, this one will start with 90-minute episodes giving fans a more in-depth look at the competition.
Castaways will be brought to new limits as the series states it’s amped up the challenges and advantages, making it one of its most “exciting” seasons yet. New episodes are set to drop every Wednesday, so make sure to clear you schedule!
Keep reading to learn the streaming options to tune in from.
How to Watch Survivor Season 45
CBS is home to Survivor and if you have cable you can just turn to the CBS channel found within your cable provider’s channel guide. If you don’t have cable you might be able to watch the show online with an HD antenna.
For cable cutters, Paramount+ is where you’ll be able to watch episodes of the survival reality show the next day. The streamer has access to every season of the show, which means superfans or those just starting to watch the show can start from the beginning. If you’re already a subscriber, just log into your account to gain access to the show for no additional cost.
Not a subscriber? Paramount+ offers a free week trial for new users when you sign up. You can choose from two plans: Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported for $6.99/month) or Paramount+ with Showtime (ad-free for $11.99/month). If you want to watch the show live, then we suggest Paramount+ with Showtime as it includes everything in the ad-supported plan such as access to the hundreds of shows and movies, CBS News, NFL and UEFA Champions League as well as live TV with CBS.
‘Survivor’ on Paramount+
$6.99/month after 7 days free
Besides Survivor, you’ll also be able to indulge in original shows and movies such as Fatal Attraction, Rabbit Hole, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, 1923, iCarly,The Good Fight, Mayor of Kingstown, Seal Team, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, Why Women Kill and Before I Forget.
Paramount+ is also on Prime Video for those with an Amazon Prime account. Not a Prime member?Launch your free 30-day trial here.
Looking for additional savings? Take advantage of live TV streamers like Hulu + Live TV, which offers everything in the Hulu library in addition to hundreds of live channel options such as CBS. New users can enjoy a 30-day free trial when you sign up here.
If you’re watching from outside the U.S., you can still watch Survivor through ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which gives you access to Paramount+, Prime Video and other platforms.
Check below for a preview of the new season.
[embedded content]
The Golden Globes announced two new categories on Tuesday (Sept. 26) recognizing cinematic and box office achievement in motion pictures, and best stand-up comedian on television. Winners will be announced live at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
The Golden Globe for cinematic and box office achievement will include nominees from among the year’s highest earning and/or most viewed films that have gained extensive global audience support and produced exceptional creative content. The award for best performance in stand-up comedy on television recognizes outstanding work by a comedic performer.
“We are proud to recognize the hard work and innovation that goes into making a film that is both a blockbuster and artistically exceptional,” said Helen Hoehne, Golden Globes president.
“The new cinematic and box office achievement award is more than just rewarding the year’s top earning and most viewed motion pictures,” said Tim Gray, Golden Globes executive vice president. “These films have typically not been recognized among industry awards, but they should be.”
The category is reminiscent of one the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced five years ago — outstanding achievement in popular film. Announced on Aug. 8, 2018, it was the first new category at the Oscars since best animated feature film in 2001. The category was not well-received by the media or by some Academy members, with many saying it appeared to be transparent attempt to pander to mainstream audiences in an effort to boost the ratings of the annual telecast.
Some worried that having a separate category for blockbusters could diminish those films’ chances of being nominated for best picture (even though the Academy had said they would still be eligible in that category). The name of the category was also criticized, with some arguing that using the word “popular” implied that films nominated in other categories were not popular or were not of interest to mainstream audiences.
The following month, the Academy announced that the award would not be presented at the 91st Academy Awards as planned. It would be postponed to “examine and seek additional input regarding the new category.” The Academy appears to have shelved the category.
The Golden Globes, of course, are not the Oscars, and what was widely seen as misstep for that show might not be seen in the same light here. Also, they are not using the word “popular” in the name of the new category.
The Golden Globes’ submission website for motion picture and television entries will open on Oct. 2. Nominations are set to be announced on Monday, Dec. 11.
Multi-Emmy Award-winning producing duo Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment will serve as executive-producing showrunners for the 81st Golden Globe Awards, with Weiss also set to direct. Dick Clark Productions will plan, host and produce the annual show.
Here are more details on the two new Golden Globe categories.
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
The cinematic and box office achievement award will recognize the year’s most acclaimed, highest-earning and/or most viewed films that have garnered extensive global audience support and attained cinematic excellence. A total of eight nominees will be named in this category.
Eligibility:
Motion pictures are eligible for the cinematic and box office achievement award if they achieve a box office receipt total/gross of $150 million, of which $100 million must come from the U.S. domestic box office, and/or obtain commensurate digital streaming viewership recognized by trusted industry sources.
Films that are released after Nov. 22 up until the end of the year may qualify based on projected box office performance and/or digital streaming views from trusted industry sources.
Cinematic and box office achievement contenders can also be considered for best motion picture in their respective categories, i.e., drama, comedy or musical, animated or non-English language if they meet the eligibility requirements for each of those awards.
Box office and streaming views will determine eligibility; once a film meets the box office-related qualifying criteria or streaming criteria, Golden Globes voters will determine the nominees and winner based on excellence.
Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television
This new category, also known as best stand-up comedian on television, gives standups a dedicated award for an individual performance or as part of a comedy group/ensemble. A total of six nominees will be named in this category.
“The Golden Globes has a rich history of supporting and celebrating the work of comedians, and we’re thrilled to honor their brilliance alongside outstanding motion picture and television performances of the year,” said Hoehne.
Eligibility:
Traditional stand-up comedy performances of at least 30 minutes, other than roles in television series, limited series, anthology series or motion pictures made for television, are eligible for this award.
Television includes works released by broadcast, basic and premium cable, streaming, and pay-per-view cable. To be eligible for Golden Globe awards, television programs must be released on a recognized media platform (individual social media accounts do not qualify).
Only programs first aired (or made available for viewing on demand) in the U.S. during the qualifying calendar year are eligible.
Penske Media Corporation, Billboard‘s parent company, is a part-owner of dick clark productions and has a partnership with Eldridge.
