TV News Page 603

On Thursday, March 19, Barack Obama made his visit to "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", speaking of variable topics from his economy strategy to his daughters to "American Idol". The U.S. President reveals that his office Washington "is a bit like 'American Idol' except everybody's Simon Cowell. Everybody's got an opinion."

Before admitting Obama in, Leno opened the session with his monologue, saying that the president has a big entourage surrounding him. The host then joked, "It's still less people than when we have Mariah Carey on."

Clipped from the upcoming episode of "Gossip Girl" is a scene involving a Chuck, Serena and Dorota. Blair is away to party with Carter and she specifically tells Dorota not to spill any clue to Serena and Chuck of her whereabouts. Worried that Blair is in with some bad people, Serena and Chuck force the maid to tell the truth.

In the March 23 episode, Blair is favoring wild and unpredictable lifestyle due to the recent plot twist in her life. From the previously-released preview, Blair will seek solace in her old flame Nate whom she asked to "stay".

Two renown rappers will up the ante for the return of VH1's "Behind the Music" that ceased from airing back in 2006. Executives for the music channel announced yesterday that the semi-documentary program will come back for a second round and it turns out that they have had a line of names that focus more on the current than the veterans.

In separate episodes, Lil Wayne and Kanye West will be featured in a bid to have more contemporary artists who are "on top of their game". Executive Vice President of the show, Rick Krim explained on the changing of the format, "We had to rethink a little bit and look at these current artists that are really big stars now, and maybe it isn't the classic rise and fall. ...And also, just because their big stars now doesn't mean they necessarily have a great 'Behind the Music' kind of story."

Freddie Prinze Jr. is making a return to the small screen with a new ABC deal. The star of the short-lived comedy "Freddie" is signed to join the main cast of a new comedy pilot called "No Heroics" which chronicles the life of four B-list superheroes.

Freddie's role will be different from his previous acting stints, as he is to fill in the role of a villain named Bradley aka Ultimatum. He is described as "handsome, cocky and egostical" and has the power to attract women and money easily. His A-list status is despised by the leader of the superheroes club, Pete aka Chillout.

An avid shooter hits his moving target right on the spot. In the next "CSI: NY" the CSIs must track down who can shoot in such precision while the fact are, the victim was inside a moving subway train and the bullet comes from the outside.

The episode's title "Communication Breakdown" refers to the difficulty the agents face in tracing the possible suspect. Apparently there are several foreign suspects that may have caused the death of the Native American chief. The episode airs March 25.

The question whether Amanda Woodward would return to "Melrose Place" through its spin-off is answered. In its report, Entertainment Weekly, wrote down that Heather Locklear who portrays the character in the original series has turned down the offer.

"There wasn't a way to bring her back that made sense," a source told EW. The studio however, has nothing to say about this. Amanda Woodward, an art director, was initially made a guest star in the '90s series but her cattiness and sharp one-liners have won the heart of the audience. While this character may not appear in The CW's revamped version, Taylor McBride may do. Lisa Rinna who played the character said that she is willing to reprise the role anytime.

Along with the cast 31 million votes, one more was yanked from "American Idol" season 8. After securely safe in the first round of elimination, Alexis Grace, the 21-year-old from Memphis ended her journey when the live results was read by Ryan Seacrest on the Wednesday, March 18 telecast.

Alexis stumbled on the Grand Ole Opry night when she sang "Jolene" by Dolly Parton. While the same song managed to save last season's contestant Brooke White from being axed, it unfortunately failed to make Alexis stay in the game. And although she was particularly impressive in the early rounds, the judges refused to spare her another week. "It was good," Simon Cowell said after Alexis reprised the song. "But it wasn't good enough."

"The Hills" has run for 4 seasons and has shrunk in size, but the MTV show has spawned longer career for its cast. Following the footsteps of Whitney Port who leaves the show on the fourth season to have her own, Audrina Patridge is also having a spin-off that will give the spotlight on her.

The roommate of Lauren Conrad has signed a new deal wit Mark Burnett Production, to have her life made into a brand new series. Similar to "The Hills", the not-yet-titled show will follow Patridge's personal and professional life. "We are truly pleased to have the chance to work with Audrina," Burnett said as quoted by THR. "She has already proved her star quality, and we can't wait to show her fans worldwide the next stage of her life and career."

"Lost" is peeling off the mystery one by one, with the changes within the characters. Through a preview of the March 25 episode, it is known that Sayid is a different man after knowing his purpose of being on the island. The character is also seen opening fire and having altercation with Sawyer.

A flashback to Sayid's childhood is also possible in this episode since an actor named Anthony Keyvan has been cast to be the younger version of him. Meanwhile, the official synopsis for the episode called "He's Our You" is read: "Things begin to unravel when one of the survivors goes rogue and takes matters into their own hands- risking the lives of everyone on the island."

A clip is released to give a sneak peek to the next week's episode of "One Tree Hill". It takes on the scene where Haley is called to the principal room to be offered two options, public apology to the school or get fired.

Spoiler alert! Found in the synopsis of the next two week's episode is: "Sam and Jack take a stand against the principal who fired Haley." Beside dealing with her career jeopardy, Haley in the March 23 episode will help Mia with her new single along with Peyton.

Bravo TV's reality show "The Millionaire Matchmaker" continues with its dating game and this week Patti Stranger takes on another Millionairess who she dubs a "superficialist" after she states that she wants a "model-gorgeous" guy. A clip entitled "Dorian Gray Syndrome" captures her insulting Pattin in a video interview, saying that Patti needs to get rid of her bangs and abrasive attitude.

Also, notorious bachelor Dave returns, enlisting Patti's help to find him yet another "perfect" mate. Frustrated with his expectations of the "Holy Grail" of a woman, Patti goes over to Dave's condo to put him in his place. When Patti realizes that he doesn't want to get rid of his at-home stripper pole and wants a woman who's comfortable with the Swinger lifestyle, she gives him a final ultimatum, "my way or the highway".

A new set of housewives are cashing in on the success of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" and its spin-off "The Real Housewives of New York City". Five socialites, ranging from a cosmetologist to a single mom will have cameras following them in Bravo TV's "The Real Housewives of New Jersey".

In left to right order, are Jacqueline Laurita, Teresa Giudice, Danielle Staub, Dina Manzo, and Caroline Manzo. This show's line-up is almost a whole set of family affair. Two sisters marry brothers, and their brother is married to one of the housewives. Dina and Caroline are siblings who marry Tommy and Albert Manzo respectively. Jacqueline, is the sister in law for both Dina and Caroline since she marries their brother, Chris. The other two are second degrees, with Teresa being a friend of Dina and Caroline, and Danielle being Jacqueline's pal.

More shock value are added in the next "The Mentalist". The CBI are scouring a dessert when suddenly a heavy object lands in front of their feet. Turns out, it is the personnel director of Carnelian, Inc who plummets to his death during a skydiving exercise.

In the March 24 episode, Patrick Jane takes on corporate America when the CBI investigates a series of murders at a financial firm's retreat. The story of greed and betrayal pits Patrick against a group of financiers at a corporate retreat in the wilds of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

"J.O.N.A.S!", the brand new TV series by Jonas Brothers has received a new promo on Disney Channel, although the premiere date is still a couple of months away. The promo gives none of the plot but rather the three boys, Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas, descending the firefighter pole with "JONAS" shirt on.

In the original production of Disney Channel, the brothers will play as themselves, a teen band trying to live a normal life in a regular high school. They often encounter their fans, mostly tween girls, and have to run to save themselves. Their brother in real life, Frankie Jonas, is also in the show as their youngest brother.

An extended trailer of "Gossip Girl" 2.19 has been released, giving more on Blair's fallout in the family. The preview highlights on the "bright day" that Nate has and the "dark night" that Blair experiences when she turns her back on the predictable Waldorf existence.

Devastated by the recent plot twist in her life, Blair turns her back in favor of a wild, unpredictable lifestyle that includes Carter, causing Serena and Chuck to have serious concerns about their friend. Vanessa convinces Nate that it may be time to forgive and forget when it comes to his mother's Kennedyesque family, The Vanderbilts, who abandoned Nate and his mother when they needed them most.