LeAnn Rimes Comes To N.C.

LeAnn Rimes performing "Blue" at Meymandi Concert Hall Thursday | Photo: Chris White

After having some bad experiences with personnel at the DPAC - in fact I may never go back to a show there but that's a story for another day - it's nice to go to Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh to see a superstar perform. Better yet? How about with the amazing N.C. Symphony?!?

This was the same setup as the Boyz II Men concert I went to a couple months ago and it was just as awesome.

LeAnn has now been in the music industry for 20 years and is releasing a new album this Tuesday entitled Spitfire. An album in which she wrote the majority of its tracks.

She performed new songs off the forthcoming album but also some of those classics that got her to where she's at today.

Songs like "How Do I Live," "Can't Fight The Moonlight," "Nothin' Better to Do" and - of course - "Blue." She also did covers of Sir Elton John's hit "Rocket Man," the Leonard Cohen classic "Hallelujah" and finished off with an acapella version of "Amazing Grace."

She talked a lot about her new album - which sounded like it'll be incredible - as most if not all the songs are extremely deep and heartfelt, tapping into events that happened in her own life.

Two Grammys, multiple accolades and acting credits to her name. She's definitely a star and I was so glad to see her live. If you've never seen her live, find a way to! You won't regret it!

P.S. It was nice to take my grandma along with me. For one, she's always loved LeAnn Rimes and remembers when she first started out in the industry. Plus, it was her husband - my grandpa's - birthday. He would've been 90 years old. It was good for her to go so she could get out of the house and her mind off that. I know my grandpa would loved to have gone as well.

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Why Get Rid Of It?

Photo: Garnier

I have seborrhoeic dermatitis.

I'm not contagious nor am I terminal. However, I do have a condition that really annoys me. This condition is dermatological in which the skin is inflamed and can be red, itchy and flaky.

Luckily for me, this only affects my scalp and not my face, etc. It's especially bad in the winter months when it's - obviously - a lot colder.

Why am I telling you this?

Over the past several years I've had to deal with this nuisance. I've tried and tried a fair share of shampoos to curb the itching and flakiness while, at the same time, making my hair smell good.

I've tried just about everything from T-Gel, to Head & Shoulders; even professional salon-grade tea tree shampoo from Great Clips. Both T-Gel and Head & Shoulders did an okay job but neither smelled all that great. The tea tree smelled good but didn't work well - plus it was really expensive.

Then, Garnier came out with its own anti-dandruff shampoo that also served as a conditioner, which was just what I needed.

I bought some, tried it and instantly loved it. It didn't smell like tar and pickles and it actually helped my hair better than anything I'd tried previously. In fact, after a couple uses, there was no sign of itching or flakiness! It was a big relief to go around and not have to worry about trying to hide the flakes in my hair - which is seriously what I had to do in public.

A few weeks ago, I learned that Garnier decided to discontinue this remarkable shampoo. I was pissed to say the least. I immediately called, emailed and Facebooked them to voice my concerns, telling them about my skin condition and everything as well.

Of course, it was to no avail as I received BS, copy-and-paste responses. I was told my comments would be passed along and that they were "sorry" but there was "not enough demand" to keep producing the product.

Let me tell you, there was enough demand in this household to keep it going. As I'm typing this, I have about six or seven bottles in my bathroom cabinet.

Now, I know what you're saying: why not check out Amazon or find a new shampoo? Amazon has many bottles for sale but most are double or even triple the regular selling price. Some are even going for $20 or more each. I shouldn't have to shell out that kind of money for something like this. It's ridiculous!

As I've said before, I've tried just about every shampoo out there. None of them have worked like this shampoo. I even tried to find what ingredient was different in the Garnier shampoo compared to others and search for a shampoo with that ingredient. No luck with that yet.

I found some bottles for $3.50 each at Big Lots which was great. Unfortunately, as with all its products, once Big Lots is out that's all it'll have.

So what can you do?

Well, the best thing is to just boycott Garnier altogether. I know that sounds silly but that's what I'm doing.  Just simply don't buy anymore Garnier products. For me, that'll be easy because the company mainly markets to women anyway. If you want you can also do like I did and write about this on Garnier's Facebook page and Twitter account.

One thing's for sure: Garnier has lost this customer.

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NMM: Dakota Bradley

Photo:  AristoMedia

Country newcomer Dakota Bradley released his debut single, “Somethin’ Like Somethin’,” to radio on April 29. The track is the lead single from his upcoming debut album, produced by Tim McGraw and Byron Gallimore. 

The Brentwood, TN native is currently on a nationwide radio tour promoting his single and made a stop at 94.7 QDR in Raleigh on Tuesday.

"Somethin' Like Somethin'" is one of those feel good songs that you'll definitely tap your toes and clap your hands to. I'm really looking forward to hearing more from Dakota in the future!

Below is a video from Cody Clark of 94.7 QDR of Dakota's performance at the station.

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Undisputed Champs

The ACC Champion Tar Heels! | Photo: TheACC.com

I always had a feeling North Carolina was going to win the ACC Baseball Tournament. I just didn't know how crazy the journey would be.

The Heels started off with a convincing 10-0 win in eight innings over Miami on Thursday. But the craziness would all begin Friday when the Heels played Clemson.

The Tigers held a three run lead heading into the ninth. It looked like Carolina was going to lose. But UNC's Brian Holberton became a hero and hit a game tying homer to send it into extra innings. The two teams went back and forth for an additional five innings before the Heels came out on top 12-7 in the 14th. 

Then it all came down to Saturday night. A "Tobacco Road Rivalry" to boot as Carolina played N.C. State for a trip to the title game.

After outstanding pitching throughout by both teams the game - only naturally - went into extra innings. Try  nine extra innings to be exact. In the end, the Heels outplayed the Pack and won 2-1 in 18.

With virtually no rest - playing 40 innings in just three days - Carolina had one last game to win in order to clinch the ACC Title. The opponent? Virginia Tech who hadn't played an inning in two days. 

The Heels never showed fatigue as the Hokies were put away, 4-1.

And I was proud to say I was there to watch the team's triumph in person!

To all the sore losers, haters and naysayers...

BAZINGA!!!!

Colin Moran | Photo: Chris White

After the game, I was able to go out to the team bus to congratulate the players and coaches. 

I was right at the bus door and was able to shake hands and fist bump ACC Player of the Year, Colin Moran, star freshman, Skye Bolt, and Head Coach Mike Fox, among others!

Great seats, great food, great weather and amazing games. You couldn't have asked for a better weekend! I always have a blast going to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to see a game anyway, but being able to see this UNC team show incredible determination and heart to win the title was something I'll remember for the rest of my life!

Way to go Tar Heels! Such a well deserved championship!

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'DWTS' Recap: Was Zendaya Robbed?

Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy dancing their Instant Jive during the Finals | Photo: ABC

Last night Kellie Pickler and her partner, Derek Hough, were crowned champions of Dancing With the Stars while Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy came in second. This was the lowest rated Dancing finale show ever, down 21 percent according to Entertainment Weekly.

Even if no other media outlet reports on this Reflections will: there have been some strange happenings on the show this season.

First off, I found it odd how the producers decided to throw in that immunity scenario, where the couple who earned the highest cumulative score couldn't be voted off the show that week.

Surprisingly, it was Kellie and Derek who got immunity. The show had never done that before and it was only available for that one week, giving no chance to the other couples.

The very next week, head judge Len Goodman went berserk after Kellie and Derek performed a Paso Doble in the trio round on May 6, sparking outrage on social media and causing many to sympathize with the couple.

The final weird happening was just this week when voting on ABC.com conveniently went down and was caught by show producers, who decided not to count online votes in the final tally.

That left viewers with only three methods of voting - two if you weren't an AT&T customer. Plus, the show put a five-vote limit on the phone and Facebook methods instead of it being unlimited as I believe the show had done in finales past.

The stars later took to Twitter saying that online voting was back up. Fans normally have until 11am EST the next day to vote via this method. However, I tried periodically up to the 11am deadline and was redirected to Facebook each time, where I'd already hit my voting limit.

No disrespect to Kellie or Derek but something is fishy here. It reminds me of the time Roshon Fegan, who I thought was going to win two seasons ago, was eliminated midway through after finishing near the top of the leaderboard that week.

Zendaya and Val were amazing from week one. The couple never received a score below eight all season and won each of the additional challenges which gave them extra points. They also received a perfect 95 points, getting three sets of 30s and winning the Cha-Cha Relay during the Finals. Yet they came in second place?

Well, I did my part and voted for them -albeit only 10 times given the snafu and voting limits - but I smell BS.

I don't know if I'll be watching next season.

P.S. There have been many people questioning why Zendaya was on the show to begin with. If you don't already know, she's a trained dancer and stars in Disney's Shake It Up, which focuses on a lot of choreographed routines. 

However, what the naysayers fail to mention is the style of dancing on that show is very different than the ballroom style on Dancing With the Stars. Let's get that fact straight people!

How this isn't a championship-caliber dance I'll never know!

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Microsoft Debuts New Console

The new Xbox One console | Photo: Nick Adams / Reuters

Microsoft unveiled a new Xbox console Tuesday which it thinks is "the one."

The new system, named "Xbox One," will not only be a gaming console, according to its developers. The system will use advanced technologies to offer consumers unique ways to play games while providing services to compete with tablets and smartphones.

The system has many new capabilities and is touted to even replace household cable set-top boxes, having its own guide and ability for users to change channels with voice command. A "new and improved" Kinect sensor was also introduced and will be necessary for proper use of the One system.  

I've always been an Xbox fan since buying my first one many moons ago (remember the original system?) I was forced into buying the new (white) Xbox 360 system because Microsoft stopped making games for the old system. Then I got the newest 360 system this past Christmas when my old system began to not work properly.

Now, just five months after the fact, it looks like I'm going to be in the same predicament as before. Microsoft developers said that games on the "old 360" - the current system - will not be compatible with the Xbox One. However, they did say that games will still be made for the old system. That begs the question: will those games even be worth buying?

I know that I won't be spending another $300+ on a new system after my "old" one still has that "fresh out of the box" smell.

Check out the full story here.

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'Dancing' To Crown 16th Champ

The final four couples | Photo: Dancing With the Stars

Tonight is the two hour grand finale of ABC's hit show Dancing With the Stars. But who will win the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy?

First off, I found it intriguing when the show announced that online voting on ABC.com was down, eliminating one of the four voting methods (the others being phone, text and Facebook). Given that voting by text is only open to AT&T customers I, along with many others, were limited to just two methods.

Throughout the night, I constantly checked back to see if online voting was working. Each time I clicked the link, it just sent me to the show's Facebook voting app, in which I'd already hit my voting limit for the night. All in all, I only got to vote 10 times for my favorite. 

How convenient.

Okay, that being said, let's move on to the actual performances. The four remaining couples had three dances each: Judges' Pick, Cha-Cha Relay and Freestyle. 

Disney star, Zendaya, and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, were at the top of the leaderboard with a perfect 65 points. NFL player, Jacoby Jones, and his partner, Karina Smirnoff, were in fourth place with 56 points. Olympic gymnast, Aly Raisman, placed third while Country star and Idol alum, Kellie Pickler, came in second garnering 61 and 64 points respectively. 

Tonight, the couples will have an "instant" dance they must learn and perform in under an hour for additional points.

So who will be the champ?

I'd be shocked if either Jacoby or Aly won the top prize. Neither did themselves any favors in the Cha-Cha Relay and their other two performances were just okay to me.

It should come down to Zendaya and Kellie who've been the best dancers this entire season. I really like both of them but I think Zendaya should win the title. She's really been amazing from day one and has a lot of personality and charisma when she dances. She also seems to have connected more with the audience from day one, which took a bit longer for Kellie to do.

Honestly, I think she won the competition with her hip-hop routine to Chris Brown's "Fine China" last week (not to discredit her perfect dances this week). It was smooth, funny and just downright awesome. It would also be neat to see a younger person win (not saying Pickler isn't young) especially after Roshon Fegan got royally screwed over a couple seasons ago, being eliminated after placing second on the leaderboard that week.

I say #TeamValdaya for the win!

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NMM: Demi Lovato

Photo: Fanpop

This amazing actress and musician, who I had the pleasure of seeing in person as a judge at the X-Factor auditions in Greensboro last summer, just released a new album simply titled Demi.

The album has many great songs on it - including her smash hit "Heart Attack" - but I want to point out the very last song on the album called "Warrior." The song, in my opinion, is Lovato's best work to date. It's very simple musically but has a powerful message. 

I can actually relate some aspects of the song to recent events in my own life, where I felt like I was broken and bruised but triumphed and am now better than I ever was.

It's truly an amazing song and should be played on every radio station across America.

It's just that good!

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Saving 'American Idol'

This season's judges and Ryan Seacrest | Photo: JustJared

I was reading an article in the latest Entertainment Weekly by Dalton Ross entitled "How to Save 'American Idol' (Someone Has To!)" and was led to write a response - of sorts - to it.

In the article, Ross addresses the obvious problem of declining ratings for the show. I definitely agree with him that the rest of the judging panel - Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey - should all be cut and a fresh panel be brought in (any votes for MEEEEE?!?) 

This year's panel had the most interesting dynamics of any judging panel on the show. I mean, you had Nicki and Mariah rolling their eyes and clawing at each other, Keith Urban's hair swaying back and forth (wonder how many chairs he broke from leaning back in them too much) and Randy Jackson overusing "Yo" and the infamous "In it to win it."

That being said, Fox shouldn't just cancel Idol altogether as Ross suggests. The show is a huge cash cow for Fox. In fact, Idol still ranks at or near the top in ad revenue. Lynn Elber of the Associated Press points out that Idol raked in an industry-leading $836 million in ad revenue during its 2011-12 season - which was still a down year in viewer ratings for the show. In other words, Idol is still a valuable show to Fox despite its ho-hum ratings performance.

One suggestion Ross makes is for Fox to cancel Simon Cowell's The X-Factor instead on the grounds that there's basically singing competition overload and the network should give all of its attention to just one show - in this case Idol. 

Although it's nice to watch The X-Factor when I have Idol withdrawals, I do see this as a more viable option for the network. It could, perhaps, allow for The X-Factor to move to another network and for Fox to pour more of its heart and soul into Idol as it once did.

Ross also calls for Idol to follow in the footsteps of So You Think You Can Dance and, most recently, Dancing With The Stars and drop its results shows. Yes sometimes the group numbers and Ford product placement packages on Idol can get cheesy and boring but I like the suspense factor you get with the shows. 

I know I wouldn't like the idea of Idol announcing its latest eliminated finalist on the following week's show, right before the performances. In my opinion, that's really stupid. I guess I'm a stickler for the performances and then the classic results shows the night after. Maybe Idol results shows can be cut to just a half-hour? That would lend itself to less (if any) cheesy group performances, etc.

Ross makes one final - and very intriguing I might add - suggestion for the show: a "Fans vs. Favorites" concept. The format, according to Ross, would be to still hold auditions but only seek out the best six or so "new contestants" to be matched up against past Idol alums who were voted off (Ross suggests Tamyra Gray, Melinda Doolittle and David Archuleta for example). 

This would be an interesting concept. However, would any of the "favorites" agree to do it? Would the selected "favorites" be popular enough for viewers to tune in? It's a great idea but leaves room for a lot of questions.

I'll always be an Idol fan. It's the show that started it all. Sorry but The Voice and others (yes even The X-Factor) don't come close the what Idol is. Not to mention, winners on The Voice and The X-Factor - the U.S. version - have gone on to do little to nothing after leaving, as opposed to Idol (although The X-Factor's Tate Stevens looks promising). 

For now, it's all just a waiting game.  

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An Open Letter To Mike Jeffries

By now, you have probably heard about the firestorm Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries, has caused over comments he made about what customers his company markets to.

The controversy has stemmed from a 2006 interview Jeffries did with Salon which has resurfaced and gone viral.

In it, Jeffries said, “Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.”

Here is my open letter to Mike Jeffries:

Mr. Jeffries,

You are a world class jerk. I could call you something worse than that but I will keep it classy, unlike yourself and your "brand."

Yea, I am not the most popular kid on the block and I don't have the best looks or washboard abs but I am entitled to have "cool" clothes like everyone else.

In your mind, Mr. Jeffries, where should I or the "uncool and fat" people get our clothes? Goodwill? Wally-World (the "uncool" person's way of saying Wal-Mart, just in case you were not sure what that meant)?

By your definition, I guess because I play the clarinet and am a band geek I am an "Uncool Kid." Because I go to college and have a 3.5 GPA I am an "Uncool Kid." Because I love to volunteer in my community I am an "Uncool Kid." 

NO WAY!

Every one should be entitled to shop and buy clothes from whomever or wherever they choose. You have no right to dictate who can shop in your stores.

Well, Mr. Jeffries, you will not have to worry about a single penny coming from this "Uncool Kid." 

Instead, I will spend my hard earned money at American Eagle or some of those other "uncool" and "failing" stores defined by your delusional belief. If more people like me follow suit, we will see who will be on the short end of the stick.

At least I have more class than you and your vain, plastic models.

Regards,

Chris White

An "Uncool Kid" (and proud of it)

P.S. You should focus more on getting rid of that horrid parfum odor coming from your stores. It smells like butt crack and I am pretty sure it is a choking hazard.

Click here to sign this DoSomething.org petition against Abercrombie & Fitch.

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Candice vs. Kree - Who Will Win?

(L-R): Candice Glover and Kree Harrison | Photo: Michael Becker / FOX

Last night was part one of an all-girls Idol finale since 2004, pitting Candice Glover against Kree Harrison. It had its ups and downs.

First off, let me say I think this was the quickest finale performance show in 12 seasons. It lasted an hour but everything seemed to be rushed. I could hardly keep up with who was doing what. Not to mention a performance by Carly Rae Jepsen, which could've waited until the two hour results extravaganza, was sandwiched in the middle of it all. 

I believe this was the first time there's been an additional performance on night one of the finale, other than those by the contestants themselves. If you were not really into the show and didn't know who Carly Rae Jepsen was, you probably would've confused her for a contestant!

Now, onto the performances.

Round One: Simon Fuller's Picks

Idol creator, Simon Fuller, was in charge of choosing the first round of songs. You'd think he'd want to choose great opening numbers for Candice and Kree - that didn't happen.

Kree opened the show with Sarah McLachlan's "Angel." It was good but there's not a lot you can do with a song like that. Plus, it's yet another sad, slow song which seems to be a prominent theme in this year's competition. 

I would've rather her sing a song like "Nothin' Better to Do" by Leann Rimes. Why? The song is fast paced and has a tremendous vocal. It would've fit perfectly with the country crooning Harrison and would've been a booming start for her, which was what she needed. It's the finale, so you've got to take chances. This was just a safe performance for her.

Fuller's pick for Candice was, like Kree's song, sleepy at best. The song was "Chasing Pavements" by Adele. She did try to, at least, make the song entertaining but it just wasn't a finale-caliber song - neither of them were. 

Despite that, both did their best to make something out of, well, nothing. Not a great start to the finale.

Round Two: The Winning Singles

As traditional with the finale, Kree and Candice performed their would-be winning singles, although both will probably release their respective singles win or lose. As always, the songs were cheesy but not bad.

Kree's song was called "All Cried Out" and it was a nice fit. This performance displayed the most passion I've seen from her all season.

Candice's single was "I Am Beautiful." This was a very nice song and it really fit her style as well. As always, she did a great job with it and I could see this song getting more radio time.

Round Three: Favorite Performances

The final round showcased Kree and Candice's favorite peformances from this season.

Kree made a smart choice of "Up to the Mountain" which she performed during Vegas week. This performance was her best one of the night by far. It had soul and power which brought her right back into the thick of the competition.

Candice also made a great choice with "I (Who Have Nothing)" which she performed during Top 10 week. She changed it up by starting out acapella, with only one or two spotlights on and fog billowing all around her. Then the orchestra kicked in and took the performance to "another level" as Randy Jackson put it.

Honestly, I almost fell of the couch when I heard both of these performances. I think Kree and Candice poured out everything they had into their third round performances and this was the best round of the night.

So, who will win? Based on the course of the season, I'd say it's Candice's to lose.

Find out the results in an amazing two hour grand finale TONIGHT at 8/7c on FOX.

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Great Moments In 'Idol' Performances

Photos: American Idol

In the spirit of the Idol finale - which begins tonight - I've compiled my TOP 10 all time favorite performances from the past 12 seasons of the show. It was very tough to rank these performances because they were all so ridiculously good.

In fact, the two top ranked performances - yes it was a tie for first place - almost threw me off the couch when I heard them both on the show.

Hope you enjoy...

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Show Changes The Best Move?

Photo: Getty Images

Although this happened about three days ago, I've just now learned that ABC's comedy Malibu Country and NBC's two comedies, Go On and The New Normal, have been axed by their respective networks.

What a bad idea. I personally watched and enjoyed all of these shows.

Malibu Country starred country music legend, Reba McEntire, alongside seasoned actress Lily Tomlin. The show was funny yet classy. It wasn't a raunchy show - like what much of ABC's new shows are nowadays. Not to mention, it has performed pretty well in the ratings garnering a respectable 7 million viewers and a 1.7 rating among people under 50 in its freshmen run. 

Despite that, ABC decided to pull the plug. Now, the only show I truly watch on the network is Castle which I'm waiting any day for the cancel-happy ABC to get rid of even though it's Monday night's most watched scripted TV show.

Next up is the ever so struggling NBC who can't seem to be successful at anything lately. This other cancel-happy network decided to axe its hyped up Go On and The New Normal despite both fairing pretty well in their freshmen seasons. 

The Matthew Perry comedy, Go On, was on my "must watch" list and was very funny in my opinion. Most of America tended to agree, with nearly 10 million tuning in. Apparently that wasn't enough for axe-loving NBC, who yanked it. 

And finally, The New Normal. The show was critically acclaimed and popular but I guess the issues it dealt with were too much for TV - although ABC is airing a show this summer about some sleazy women who apparently can't stay out of the bedroom. Expect that one to not last either.

The New Normal centers around a homosexual couple, their friend - who is their surrogate mother - and her young daughter. I, for one, thought it was a witty comedy but also addressed some very real issues in our society today. Once again, despite my opinion and the opinions of others, NBC wiped it out.

I was, obviously, upset to learn of these cancellations. I liked all three shows. And, let me tell you, the new fall shows ABC and NBC are putting out aren't promising either. I, for one, won't be watching any of them.

AND IN OTHER NEWS: I've just learned that NBC's only real hit show - other than The Voice - Revolution, is moving production from North Carolina to Austin, TX in conjunction with moving to a new day and time - Wednesdays 8/7c. I really liked this show but am highly upset and disappointed by the move. That may be the end for me with this show as well!

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NMM: Lauren Alaina

Lauren Alaina performing her new single on "American Idol" | Photo: Billboard

In the spirit of the "American Idol" finale this week, my New Music Monday artist is Lauren Alaina.

You probably remember her being runner-up on Season 10 of the show when Garner's hometown boy, Scotty McCreery, won. Being the runner-up didn't stop Alaina from having a great start to her music career.

After "Idol" Alaina released her first studio album, Wildflower, which sold 69,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number five on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

She opened for Jason Aldean and Sugarland on their respective tours and headlined an 18-city tour of her own, which raised money for various charities. She's also been a regular guest performer on the Grand Ole Opry.

Alaina is working on her sophomore album and has released a new single called "Barefoot and Buckwild." This song definitely shows how much she's matured as an artist and shows her sassy side as well. It's a toe-tapping - maybe even head banging - fun song that's sure to be a hit!

I had the opportunity to meet her when the American Idols LIVE! Tour made a stop in Raleigh (pictured right) in 2011. Of course that was right after the show's finale, so it's amazing to see how much Lauren has grown as an artist over the past couple years.

Check out her awesome new single "Barefoot and Buckwild" down below. With songs like this, Lauren Alaina is sticking around for good! It'll be interesting to see what else she has up her sleeve for the rest of her album, which should be released sometime later this year!

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Nuclear Blood Bath For 'Idol?'

Photo: TheWrap

UPDATE: Just breaking a few minutes ago, Randy Jackson has announced he's leaving the show after this season, according to mutiple sources. He made it like it was his own decision but one can only speculate if this "cleaning house" process has started. This is a developing situation and you can count on Reflections to keep you up to date with the latest!

Fox's still popular but struggling reality singing competition, American Idol is going to make major changes, according to what a source close to Fox told TheWrap.

The rumored plans call for axing all four judges, including Randy Jackson, who's been there since the beginning. The move will also get rid of long time producer, Nigel Lythgoe.

"All four are gone," the insider told TheWrap. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."

In addition to personnel changes, the show's format will change. Although no specifics were given, the source said the dated tribute nights will be a thing of the past. The show will maintain its popular audition episodes however.

Idol has struggled as of late, being down 22 percent in the ratings this year. The show hit a series low for ratings last Thursday, managing to attract a mere 11 million viewers and a 2.4/7 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic, according to TheWrap. Compare that to its height of viewership in Season 6, when the show attracted 30 million viewers per episode. 

There's no word if longtime host, Ryan Seacrest, will return. Odds are he'll decide for himself and will not be axed by network execs. TheWrap also reported there was a rumor that the network could ask Jennifer Lopez to return. The source said that wasn't a possibility.

Representatives for Fox, Idol and the judges declined comment or didn't return requests for comment.

Quite honestly, I wouldn't mind the changes. They may hurt the show even more but it's worth a shot. I kind of knew at the beginning of the season this judging panel would not go past a second season and it looks like that prediction has come true.

Of course, another big problem is NBC's The Voice who is the "king" of reality singing competitions right now. I'm sorry but I don't like it and will never watch it. I don't know what it is but there's something about it that doesn't appeal to me. 

For one, I've always thought Carson Daly can't host and that's especially true with his stint on The Voice. He's not as charasmatic as Ryan Seacrest. I'd even say he's not in the same league as Seacrest.

Just like Idol, The Voice will have its heyday then sturggle, if it even lasts as long as Idol has. 

Regardless of what happens, my heart will always be with Idol. I've watched each of its 12 seasons and no other show will come close to it.

With regard to the judges...LET ME DO IT! I have enough knowledge about music to judge talented singers. Talking about an awesome job to have!

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Internet Shows Drop Some 'Fs' - And Get An 'F'

Amazon's TV pilots Alpha House and Browsers | Photos: Amazon/Google Images

I read about some of the Internet TV Pilots Amazon has put out for free on its streaming service in an issue of Entertainment Weekly so I thought, why not check them out?

Let's just say, these shows will make you miss your regular 'ol TV.

The first show I watched was Alpha House starring John Goodman. The show follows four U.S. Senators who live together in a house in Washington, D.C. Right off the bat, one of the characters - who was suppose to turn himself in to the Department of Justice - shouts about 15 'F' words and phrases after realizing he apparently overslept or something. 

Another aspect I didn't like was Goodman's character is a senator from N.C. and the fact that the creators picked on N.C. by making Goodman's character one who apparently loves to eat and sleep - at least in the opening credits of the show. Between that and Goodman's horrible impersonation of a N.C. accent, it was a joke.

I watched all of about three or four minutes of this 25 minute episode and turned it off.

The next show I tried was called Browsers. This show is about four interns who get their "dream job" working at an online news company. The four have the job of browsing the Internet to pick up stories to be included (or "copied and pasted") on the company's website.

The show included too many musical numbers - well one was too many - but, luckily, didn't drop as many 'F'-bombs as the previous. Despite that, it was lackluster to say the least. I'd even go as far as to say I'd rather have my teeth pulled than to watch it.

These are only pilots but Amazon and the shows' creators are going to have to do alot more to sway this TV fan.

There's something to be said for curling up on the couch and watching your favorite regular TV show. These just don't cut it.

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NMM: Jake Miller

Photo: Jake Miller

Jake Miller, a rapper/singer/songwriter, began his career by putting out a few YouTube vids that created a buzz. His first live performance was an opening gig on March 2011 for Snoop Dogg in Pompano Beach, FL.

After seeing some success with his previous singles and EPs, Jake has released a fresh new EP called "The Road Less Traveled" and it's awesome! The EP includes an amazing song called "A Million Lives" which is inspiring to say the least.

Watch out for this guy. He's doing big things!

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Save The Film Industry

One of the Full Frame Documentary Festival theaters in Durham | Photo: Chris White

An industry that brought us “Bull Durham,” “Forrest Gump,” “Dirty Dancing” and “The Color Purple” could soon be dealt a devastating blow.

WRAL reports that some lawmakers in the N.C. General Assembly want to change a tax policy that entices film and TV production companies by insisting they make money in the state before getting any credits.

The current policy allows film and TV companies that spend more than $250,000 in the state to claim a 25 percent tax credit – up to $20 million, according to WRAL.

If it’s passed, the bill would eliminate the tax credit and waive any tax liability the company accrues over the next five years up to an equivalent amount.

Wilmington Regional Film Commission Director, Johnny Griffin, has spoken out to various news and media outlets, saying that only N.C.-based companies would reap benefits from the new law because those companies would be the only ones paying the waived taxes.

In other words, the majority of those film companies who come into the state would be discouraged from even doing business here because of these changes.

This is a huge problem.

As with any state, N.C. should be focused on encouraging films and TV shows to produce in the state rather than running them off. The film and TV industry can bring in many new jobs– whether part or full time. 

This comes at such a bad time, when the industry is booming. Last year, companies spent a record $376 million in N.C. and created 4,100 film crew positions, according to the N.C. Department of Revenue.

Just recently, the blockbuster film, The Hunger Games, shot a big portion of its scenes in the western part of the state. Iron Man 3, another blockbuster film due out Friday, filmed many of its scenes in the Wilmington area and in Cary.

That’s not all. Many other films and TV shows have been produced on N.C. soil. NBC’s hit TV series, “Revolution,” and CBS’s new series, “Under the Dome,” have both been shooting in Wilmington.

In the past, popular series such as “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” were filmed in the Wilmington area.

According to Star News Online, the proposed legislation would also make film incentive credits non-refundable retroactively to Jan. 1, impacting many of the current productions – like “Revolution” and “Under the Dome.”

And, to much surprise, this is not just a Republican-Democrat issue.

The bill was drafted by Rep. Paul Luebke, D-Durham, and is supported by quite a few lawmakers in the General Assembly.

The proposed legislation is dangerous for the local industry. It’s mind boggling and downright absurd that the General Assembly would even think about hurting the industry when it’s doing so well.

With numerous top-notch productions being filmed here, the state has returned to the glory days of its filmmaking history when Bull Durham and Dirty Dancing were filmed.

Many more productions are coming to N.C. because of the competitive tax incentives the state provides. Not to mention, productions don’t just come to the state, shoot their shows and leave. The economic impact goes way beyond employing skilled professionals to work the sets. The film and TV industry boosts the local economy.

From having Hollywood actors stay in hotels to wardrobe, props and even the sets themselves.

Passing this bill would be detrimental to the industry and the cities and towns where productions happen as well.

The proposal has sent the local industry into a frenzy and rightly so. Many fear their entire livelihoods are being threatened and some local crews fear they will be forced to work far away from home instead of right in their own backyard.

Many are getting wind of this proposal and are lashing out in opposition to it. There are already plans in place to demonstrate in support of the local industry. Numerous actors and crew members have taken to social media to protest the changes as well.

When legislators came to “work” in Raleigh, it was almost a foregone conclusion that they would try to change this credit. This is a selfish act on the part of the legislature when there are more pressing issues at hand.

Glad to see where their priorities are at.

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Review: Admission

(L-R): Tina Fey, Nat Wolff and Paul Rudd in Admission | Photo: Hollywood Reporter

Remember Nat Wolff? From Nickelodeon's "The Naked Brothers Band" TV show? Well, he's all grown up and stars alongside Tina Fey and Paul Rudd in this great film adaptation of the novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz.

What To Know

Director: Paul Weitz

Writers: Karen Croner (screenplay) and Jean Hanff Korelitz (novel)

Stars: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Nat Wolff and Lily Tomlin

Rating: PG-13 for language and some sexual material. Parents Guide

Plot: The story centers on an admissions officer at Princeton, Portia Nathan (Tina Fey), and the tough as nails process to get into the school as most prospective students get denied admission.

Portia travels to an alternative high school overseen by her former college classmate, the freewilling John Pressman (Paul Rudd). Pressman surmised that Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), his very gifted and unconventional student, might be the son Portia secretly gave up for adoption at birth. Suddenly, she finds herself bending the rules and sacrificing the life she thought she always dreamed of for Jeremiah to get in to Princeton. But was it all for nothing?

Family Friendly? It's not really something young children would be interested in but I would say teens would definitely enjoy it. It's a fairly lighthearted film and has some positive messages in it.

Should You See It? Yes! When it first started, I was kind of unsure if I'd like it. But my mind was quickly changed as it turned out to be a great film. Tina Fey was hilarious as always and it was cool to see Nat Wolff after watching The Naked Brothers Band show when I was younger. I really liked how it was a comedy but had a great storyline and a very nice ending as well.

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Continuing The Fight

Photo: Google Images

As you know by now many, including myself, have lashed out against the Republican regime in North Carolina for proposed cuts to higher education and many more issues.

In protest, I effectively shut down Reflections and wore red yesterday in support of higher education. Some of my fellow students took to the streets of Raleigh and protested the various issues; a few even being arrested by police.

I know probably none of you actually give a rat's ass about this issue (if you do great) but I'm very concerned with the path Gov. McCrory and the General Assembly is taking this state on. I predicted this sort of thing was going to happen. Now, bill by bill, I'm watching the state I love go down the toilet.

But you know what? 

I want to say thank you. Thank you to those of you who voted for these people. Without you, I wouldn't be worried that I won't get a complete college education. Without you, I wouldn't be second guessing whether I should go to graudate school. Without you I wouldn't be concerned about how I'm going to pay off a $10k+ debt for my valuable education while others don't have to suffer.

I'm sick and tired of the government not listening to the student voice and making us suffer with these cuts. It's like we're two year olds or something. Why don't we get rich snobs to cough up a little more moola at tax time, huh? Bet that won't even be a passing thought in the minds of these "government officials" now will it?

This fight is far from over. If you don't agree with me, fine, but just think about my future every time you think I'm wrong.

See you down the "I told you so" road.

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