Squeee! This makes me so very happy! I loved Dale on last season's Top Chef and remember him being asked about his love life.
Go Dale!
Jack's comments: "It's very baby steps. I really like him a lot. And geography is a bit of an issue, but we'll see where it goes. I like him a lot. I assume he likes me a lot. Unless he's lying...(laughter)... He's adorable. I like keeping it incestuous, keep it in the Bravo family."
Dale's comments: "Yeah, we randomly met over Myspace. And then we bumped into each other at the OUT100 party and clicked. He's hilarious. We're just gonna roll with it and see what happens. And he's cute as %&#@. We have the same sense of humor. We giggle a lot, and you know, anytime you end up going through the Bravo-reality-show...we just looked at each other and said, 'yeah...'"
I'm so happy for the two of them!
I am sad to say that I think tonight will be Jack's last night on Project Runway. The previews show him crying and making some announcement.
According to a source who spoke with [contestant Jack Mackenroth,] "He is saying he got kicked off not because he lost a challenge, but because he got a 'staph' infection and said his face blew up like the kid from 'Mask.'"
Yes you. Trust me. You need it in your life. I dare you to listen to this album and not become happy.
It's seriously the best album I've heard in 10 years. (Of course I have strange, sometimes lame, taste - so you'll just have to hear it for yourself). I love every single song on it, and there are only a handful of albums about which I can say that.
Mika is incredible! His whimiscal, yet lavish songs remind me so much of Freddy Mercury...with a little Elton John, some BeeGees, a lot of Scissor Sisters, some sugar and spice and everything nice.
Oh and did I mention that he's easy on the eyes?
Born in Beirut to an American father and a Lebanese mother, Mika lived a short time in Paris, before moving to London as a child. So he's an American-Lebanese Brit who speaks French. HOT.
So like you really should click on this link to his website. And while you're at it, be his friend on myspace.
Oooh, and check this out, this is Mika on a French show, he sings a few songs, but he speaks almost entirely in French. My French is rusty, so I can only make out about 80% of what they're saying, but it's sassy! He sings a bit of the classic, "Aux Champs Elys�es", which totally took me back to my high school French classes.
Well I think the boys outperformed the girls this week!
This week had a "dedication" theme to it.
BOYS Phil Stacey - �Missing You� - by John Waite: I liked the song choice and thought he did a good job. I do agree with Simon and think that Phil's voice isn't that original. However, I criticized Chris Daughtry of the same thing last year and (shhh, don't tell anyone) I love his new album and sound. So who knows, Phil could standout with better material.
Jared Cotter - �Let�s Get It On� by Marvin Gaye: This was very ehhh for me. Reminded me a bit of Ace with the silly sexy moves. I do like his personality though.
AJ Tabaldo - �Feeling Good� by Nina Simone: Eeeee, it's my little fey! I love Nina Simone and love his song choice. It gave him a different vibe and made him stand out a little. Also, I loved him in that green shirt, jeans and vest! I think vests look ridiculous on most men, but AJ looked great! Oh and STFU Simon!
Sanjaya Malakar - �Steppin� Out With My Baby�: I almost mentioned this last week, but Sanjaya really reminds me of Michael Jackson. The meekness, the lilting voice...and then he comes out this week with the Michael Jackson fedora! This was a mess. Very weak, very amateurish, he just didn't commit to the song. He better go bye bye this week. Or else.
Chris Sligh - �Trouble� by Ray LaMontagne: Great song choice, I love Ray LaMontagne so freaking much! I thought Chris did a good job vocally, but he looked awkward with his body.
Nick Pedro - �Fever�: I really like Nick's smoky voice and I think it suited the song. But I'm afraid if it weren't for his Napoleon Dynamite shout-out "Vote for Pedro" shtick, I don't think I would remember him. If he makes it through tonight, he really needs to do something amazing next week.
Blake Lewis - �Virtual Insanity� by Jamiroquai: My notes say: "AWESOME! Watch out Justin Timberlake!" I love Jamiroquai and was very pleased with Blake's choice. I'm not a huge fan of the beatboxing, but he kept it to a minimum and I think it enhanced the performance instead of detracting from it. I thought he looked great, loved his outfit, loved his ass in those pants. Blake is a breath of fresh air to the American Idol competition. I've never understood why the majority of the young contestants pick old tired songs that we've all heard a million times. Sure they may be some of the American public's favorites, but then again what's the chance you're going to make us love your version more than the original one we fell in love with? I'm very excited for this season mostly becuase of Blake.
Brandon Rogers - �Time After Time� by Cyndi Lauper: I love this song, but don't think it was a great choice for Brandon. His vocals were good, but he didn't wow me. I have a total crush on Brandon though, so I hope he doesn't go home tonight.
Chris Richardson - �Geek in the Pink� by Jason Mraz: LOVE IT! I really like Chris and am hoping that he will give Blake a run for his money. I hope they challenge each other to strive even harder. I wish Chris wouldn't bounce so much when he sings, I still find it terribly distracting, but I loved his dedication pakcage about his "Big Mama." Very cute.
Sundance Head - �Mustang Sally� by Wilson Pickett: Ugh, the American Idol execs really want Sundance Head on this show if they give him the pimp spot after his horrible performance last week. I do love this song, but no one can sing it like Andrew Strong (of the film "The Commitments"). Still Sundance did a decent job and he looks a smidge better...but I still think he's Scott Savol, II and can't wait to see him leave.
GIRLS Gina Glocksen - �Alone� by Heart: I missed most of this performance. I love this song, but I don't think it was the best choice for Gina. I kind of agree with Simon and would like to see her do something a little edgier, or perhaps just something more current. I don't think she's quite the rockerchick Simon think she is, but I think it would help her a bit. I'm afraid she's going to be the next Amy Adams/Jessica Sierra.
Alaina Alexander - �Not Ready to Make Nice� by Dixie Chicks: I love the song, like the girl, but not crazy about the voice. This wasn't a good soing choice for her. It was pushed and frantic.
LaKisha Jones - �Midnight Train to Georgia� by Gladys Knight: *yawn* It feels like someone has sung this song every single season! I actually like this song, but if you're going to sing it you need to knock it out of the park. Lakisha has an incredible voice and so she did well, but she didn't knock my socks off. I'd like to see Lakish sing songs we don't expect, something we never see coming.
Melinda Doolittle - �My Funny Valentine�: Good song. Grrreat job! Loved the phrasing, the timing. Really love this girl!!!
Antonella Barba - �Because You Loved Me� by Celine Dion: Kill me dead now. I hate this song and now I have to hear THIS GIRLWarning: not safe for work (or minors) sing that song! And in an ugly dress that looks like she got it at the store Rave!??? Hates her.
Jordin Sparks - �Reflections� by Christina Aguilera: This wasn't a great performance. Jordin was low and pitchy in spots. I'm not sure if it was the song or perhaps that she was choked up after listening to her dedication package about her brother. I love her though and she looks beautiful and man I really want her to do well!
Stephanie Edwards - �Dangerously in Love� by Beyonce: Stephanie has a great voice, but I wasn't crazy about this song choice. I love her hair though!
Leslie Hunt - �Feeling Good� by Nina Simone: Yay another Nina Simone song! I really like Leslie, she is a nice contrast to the rest of the girls who are either very poppy or R&B. I thought this was a good song choice even though she was weak in parts. I hope she makes it through!
Haley Scarnato - �Queen of the Night� by Whitney Huston: I cannot stand this girl. I hated the dancing, hated the clothes, the hair, the song...ugh! Again, she reminded me of a Miss American contestant. I'm not sure what it is that makes me feel as if I've switched channels...maybe she's too peppy or something or maybe she comes across as trying too hard to be liked, to please everyone.
Sabrina Sloan - �All the Man That I Need� by Whitney Huston: Grrr, another Whitney song. Hate this song choice. Sabrina has a good voice, but she bored me to tears with this, I started to switch the channel again on her! And she does that annoying Christina Aguilara finger tap on the microphone!
Since apparently America and I have very different opinions, I'm not holding out any hope that the people I dislike will go home tonight.
Instead I will pour all my hope into the finale of Nashville Star tonight and that my pick, Angela, will win! She is seriously awesome, like so good it's scary. Enough to make you cry and jump for joy. Angela Hacker is what I love about country music.
Stephanie Edwards - �How Come You Don�t Call Me� by Alicia Keys: I guess Stephanie is my "hometown" girl since she's from Savannah. I LOVE her style, hair, dress. I didn't like the song, but I thought she did a fantastic job! Gave her 15 votes.
Amy Krebs - �I Can�t Make You Love Me� by Bonnie Raitt: Really bad song choice. It was very meh.
Leslie Hunt - �Natural Woman� by Aretha Franklin: Like the girl, like her voice, hate the song. I think Leslie's voice is very interesting and I actually like her awkwardness. She chose a terrible song though...not to mention one that isn't suited for her voice. I voted for her 10 times because I'm worried about her going home and I'd like her to have another chance.
Sabrina Sloan - �I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You� by Aretha Franklin: Another Aretha song...please God no! Sabrina Sloan can sing really well. Sabrina Sloan looks like Gloria Estefan. Sabrina Sloan still bored the hell out of me. Again, it probably had to do with the fact that I cannot stand this type of music, but I really wanted to flip over to the CW to check on the Beauty & The Geek Reunion during her performance.
Antonella Barba - �I Don�t Want Miss A Thing� by Aerosmith: I like this song, I just don't like Antonella singing it. Her voice is much too weak for this song. Antonella does look just like my cousin Kasey though - it's freaky!
Jordin Sparks - �Give Me One Reason� by Tracy Chapman: I love this girl! I cannot believe she is only 17! So poised, so funny, so beautiful, so great! Good song choice, something different, plus Tracy Chapman is a goddess! Jordin really brought the song home in the end. Love! Voted for her 25 times.
Nicole Tranquillo - �Stay� by Rufus and Chaka Khan: Really unexpected and unsual song choice. I can't say that I enjoyed it, but it was interesting and she seemed to give it her all. She can definitely sing though. I want to see her next week sing a different style. Like her personality. Gave her 5 votes.
Haley Scarnato - �It�s All Coming Back to Me Now� by Meatloaf: Oh my Jesus, why does it seem like everyone in this world likes this song but me! This song makes me totally nauseated. To me, Haley's performance was like watching a very talented Miss America performance. It was terribly pretty and fluffy.
Melinda Doolittle - �Since You Been Gone� by Aretha Franklin: I really like Melinda, she is a very sweet girl, and she is an alumnus of Belmont University (so are 2 of my cousins and I have another one who attends now!) I wasn't crazy about having to sit through a 3rd Aretha Franklin song, but I think Melinda has a great voice. Voted for her 15 times.
Alaina Alexander - Brass in Pocket by the Pretenders: This was a mess. And I'm not surprised because everything I saw of her in the auditions indicated she isn't one of the best singers they've got. It was way too breathy. She does have a cute personality though.
Gina Glocksen - �All By Myself� by Celine Dion: I thought Gina looked so great last night! She worried me with this song choice, but I thought she did well. Maybe not perfect, but she didn't mangle it. I love her mom. I gave her 30 votes last night because I really want her to stay in the competition.
Lakisha Jones - �And I Am Telling You� from the musical �Dreamgirls�: I really hate this song. Trust me, you would hate it too if you had attended the Honda Battle of the Bands this year in Atlanta. Geesh, this song was sung so many times that day that I never want to hear it ever again. That being said, Lakisha killed! I loved her dress, she looked beautiful, I loved her dancing! I love how soft spoken she is and then comes out onto the stage and throws you back with her vocal power. I voted her 5 times since I don't think she's any jeopardy.
I'm not so convinced just yet that she's going to run away this competition. I'll be interested to see how she does with the different genres. But bravo Lakisha! Just promise you'll never sing that song ever again. Ahh, who am I kidding, I bet money I'll have to hear it at the AI tour. *cough*bathroombreak*cough*
Rudy Cardenas - �Free Ride� by the Edgar Winter Group: Didn't get home in time and I missed him. When they showed his 5 second blip at the end of the show, I laughed hysterically at his dancing and therefore couldn't hear his voice. I think I would have been extremely uncomfortable and embarassed for him if I had seen the whole thing.
Brandon Rogers - �Rock with You� by Michael Jackson: boring! That song has been played out.
Sundance Head - �Nights in White Satin� by the Moody Blues: I cannot stand to look at this guy. To be fair, I tried to look away and just listen to him sing. It was a mess. Much like his body hair. And did I see some sort of weird seahorse-shaped lock of hair sticking out of the back of his head?
Paul Kim - �Careless Whisper� by Wham!: I want to like him...I have been having quite a thing for Korean boys this year...but he didn't give me anything to like.
Chris Richardson - �I Don�t Want To Be� by Gavin Degraw: I thought he did a good job, but his bouncing was very distracting. I really like his dad. I threw a couple of votes his way.
Nick Pedro - �Now and Forever� by Richard Marx: I thought he did a beautiful job! Sure the song wasn't the best choice...too slow and all that...but I thought his voice was great. Totally disagree with the judges. Voted for him several times.
Blake Lewis - �Somewhere Only We Know� by Keane: To me he's the love child of Jason Mraz and Travis from SYTYCD. I thought I wasn't going to like him as much as I did because the whole R&B beatbox thing had me worried. Thought he made a great song choice and he stood out. Voted for him a few times.
Sanjaya Malakar- �Knocks Me Off My Feet� by Stevie Wonder: I thought sweet Sanjaya was going to be my little token fey boy this season. He could not have chosen a worse song! You're 17 Sanjaya! Sing something 17 year olds like, not some grocery store shit! (I can't stand Stevie Wonder's music, btw.) Simon was right though, I do like his hair. I voted for him 1 time only because I want him to have another chance. And I do love Indian boys.
Chris Sligh- �Typical� by Mute Math: I really do love this boy. I thought he did a good job, but I wasn't totally in love with this performance. I still voted about 10 times for him because unless he totally screws up, this is my Idol: Season 6.
Jared Cotter - �Back at One� by Brian McKnight: He's cute, has a solid voice, but chose a tired song.
AJ Tabaldo - �Never Too Much� Luther Vandross: Ahh, this is my token fey! I'm so freaking sick of that Luther song, but I loved his energy. I loved his dancing. Loved his smile. Voted for him a few.
Phil Stacey - �I Could Not Ask For More� by Edwin McCain: He should always wear hats. When he's wearing hats, I find him attractive...although I'm much more attracted to his wife. I love his eyes. But without the hats, he looks like an alien, he's so super tall (at least compared to Ryan) and thin. He's almost a Conehead. Oh God, the beginning of his song was some of the worst singing I've ever heard...but when the song kicked in, he blew me away! I had no idea he could sing that well. I've always thought his audition sucked. However, he earned major points with me last night with his humble response to the judges' comments. I voted for him a few times.
However, I gotta say, hearing "I Could Not Ask For More" sung on American Idol again...only made me pine to hear Clay's version when he sung it on the show.
I'm super pumped for the 2 hour premiere tonight of Beauty & The Geek (third season).
Beauty & The Geek airs on CW Wednesdays at 8pm.
If you never watched an episode of Beauty & The Geek before you may think it's a contrived silly show, but don't let the fact that Ashton Kutcher's produces it fool you. This show is actually really smart and touching. After looking at all the new contestants, I'm pre-selecting Sanjay and Scooter as my favorite boys. I hope they do well (like my little Josh did last year).
Also tonight we will finally get new episodes of Top Chef! I'm completely in love with Ilan and have been missing him terribly.
Top Chef airs on Bravo Wednesdays at 10pm.
Several new reality shows are starting this month. Instead of listing them all here (click on that link if you're interested), I'm just going to note the ones I plan to check out.
I'm From Rolling Stone Six aspiring writers will compete for the chance to become the new contributing editor at the famed magazine. Premieres Sunday, January 7th at 10pm on MTV.
Gay, Straight or Taken? In each episode, one woman will go on a series of dates with three men and has to correctly identify who is gay, straight or taken. Keep score at home, this could get confusing. Yes, we at home can actually play along! Premieres Monday, January 8th at 8pm on Lifetime.
Grease: You're The One That I Want America will choose two best Danny and Sandy for the production's June opening on Broadway production in this talent competition. Premieres Sunday, January 7th at 8pm on NBC. I highly doubt I'll make it past more than one episode of this show, but since I watch nothing on Mondays, I may give it a try.
Nashville Star 5 USA Network's American Idol-like country music competition is back for a fifth season, Jewel will host this year. Premieres Thursday, January 11th at 10pm on USA. I'm not really a fan of country music, but I enjoy watching the show.
DanceLife A reality series about the real world of dancers working to make it in Hollywood. Premieres Monday, January 15 at 10:30pm on MTV. OMG!!! Nolan is on this show! I know him! Okay so I don't really know him, but he danced in Clay Aiken's Christmas tour last year (2005) and choreographed all the other dancers (e.g. my boy John Dahlstrom)!
My BFF Lisa just reminded me of the fact that Nolan was also a dancer on the American Idol 2 Tour!
Also of note: Blake (from Season One of So You Think You Can Dance? will be on the show as well. I hated this boy, but I know some people *coughTracycough* loved him.
American Idol 6 If you don't know what this show is about, you must be new to the planet. Welcome, I hope you enjoy your stay! Premieres Wednesday, January 16th at 8pm on Fox. I absolutely hate the first several weeks of the show where they show lame and ridiculous auditions of attention whores that we will never see again...except in the 3 hour finale this Spring when they're trying to drag out the results. So I'll be watching Beauty & The Geek until the real American Idol starts with the second part of the audition process in Hollywood.
Engaged and Underaged Follow the married lives of couples who aren't even old enough to drink yet and must find other creative ways to deal with the stress of tying the knot. Premieres Monday, January 22nd at 9:30 pm on MTV
Top Design Twelve aspiring interior designers will vie for cash to start their own firm and also for a spot in one of New York's finest designer showcases. Premieres Wednesday, January 31st at 10pm on Bravo This should be similar to "Project Runway" and "Top Chef" and therefore FABULOUS!
More shows starting this winter.... Survivor: Fiji The Amazing Race: All-Star Edition America's Next Top Model, Cycle 8 The Bachelor 10 Austraila's Next Top Model That's right, VH1 is going to be airing episodes of this!
John Krasinski plays Tim on the NBC/American version of "The Office" which is the best sitcom ever created in the history of the universe.
Several years ago I became obsessed with the BBC version of the "The Office." I didn't think I could ever like the American version more than the British, but over time I have.
I'm in love with several of the characters. Pam, Oscar, Kelly (with whom I feel a kindred spirit), and of course Jim are my absolute favorites.
If you're not watching the second season of Top Chef on Bravo, you should be. (Wednesday/10pm) This reality/competitive cooking show is done by the same producers of Project Runway and it's supremely better than that ridiculous Hell's Kitchen that is run by that raging idiot asshole who subjectively decides the winner. Top Chef has a panel of accomplished judges and does a great job casting and keeping the show interesting.
And I've already found a new cutie to love and for whom I will be rooting.
Ilan Hall
Ilan is 24 and a line cook from from New York City.
He even won the first challenge!
Last season on Top Chef the contesant who won the first challenge ended up winning the entire competition! Yep, my first chef love, Harold Dieterle (there's something about him that reminds me of John Krasinski from The Office - watch for more on that new obsession in an upcoming blog)
They even brought Harold back this season as the guest judge for the first challenge, so it was double eye candy!
One more gratuitous Harold picture
So back to Ilan....
I love the boy's personality and his cooking style, and of course the glasses!
He's a little Rivers Cuomo
meets Ted Allen
with John Dahlstrom's hair circa 2004!
Oh and Ilan wore orange pants on the second episode last weekend! They made me think of Tyler from last season's The Amazing Race and that made me like him even more.
Unfortunately I couldn't find a screencap of Ilan in his fancy orange pants. But I did find this...
Ilan in bed!
So now that I've professed my love for him, he'll probably get kicked off tonight as is the case for every one I like on America's Next Top Model.
I took some video the other night at the So You Think You Can Dance Tour in Greenville, South Carolina.
I was using my sister's camera for the first time ever, so I didn't have time to perfect my skillz.
I also have a few pictures, but I don't have time to put those up now since I need to be getting on the interstate right about now.
Benji and Donyelle: Too Much Booty In Da Pants
Ivan and Allison: Argentine Tango
Benji and Heidi: West Coast Swing
Dmitry and Natalie: Samba
Ivan: Solo For me Ivan was a total surprise on tour. I thought he was just okay on the show, but he blew me away in person.
Benji and Travis: hip-hop TRANJI! This is one of my favorite and for some reason the quality of the video sucks the most. Maybe I was trembling for joy and that's why. And yes that is me screaming like a manzee.
Entire Cast: Sexy Back OMG, watch Ivan! He's the first guy to walk the imaginary catwalk and he looks like a professional model strutting.
Most of the Cast: Rama Lama Bang Bang
Travis: Solo This was hotter at the Duluth, GA show, but I still enjoyed it.
Entire Cast: Disco This only a portion of the disco routine.
Benji: Solo Warning: more manzee screaming. This was also hotter in Atlanta because Benji actually ripped his shirt off as opposed to lifting it off in Greenville. And in Atlanta, he did right smack dab in front of me.
Ivan and Allison: Why
Entire cast: You Can't Stop the Beat, portion of the encore.
Wheee! Within 16 days, I met my two favorite boys in the entire world!!!
Of course I use the term "meet" very loosely. As you know from the video, my meeting with Clay barely consisted of anything more than "Hi! Bye!" But compared to my meeting Benji, you would think Clay and I had 3 hour conversation about the meaning AND origin of life. And made out afterwards.
Nevertheless, I saw Benji Schwimmer live and in person within a few feet of my being. I told him I loved him, I handed him my tickets, he signed them and handed them back to me. I MET HIM!!!
Last night I went to the So You Think You Can Dance tour in Duluth, GA. The show was beyond fantastic! It surpassed every expectation I had and they performed every routine I wanted to see, except for my favorite dance choreographed by Mia Michaels to Imogene Heap's "Hide and Seek."
But that's okay because the show was packed full of so much material that I almost felt as if I saw 2 shows. (There were 34 dances!) The dancers danced their asses off and looked fabulous! It was so much fun to be able to hoot and holler and scream during their performances unlike normal dance exhibitions where you just sit there and politely clap at the end.
This crowd last night was out of control for these dancers, even Benji said so himself.
"hahahaha...okay so we danced in Georgia tonight and it was bar none the best show we've done in terms of dancing. It was our biggest crowd, it was loud, it made us feel like michael jackson(late 80's style)...anywhoo...you guys are coolioso!!!!
Yay, I am coolioso!
Okay so everything about the show was amazing, exceptional, fun and sexy. I had a blast sitting between Amber and Robin going ga-ga over Benji Schwimmer.
After the show we were so hyped up that we all remarked that we wish we could go out dancing immediately after. Instead when we exited the arena we saw this area barricaded off with hundreds of fans circling it. We quickly learned that all of the dancers would be coming out to sign autographs. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Robin decided to go home since it was already past her bedtime, but Amber and I, and my mom, toughed it out.
Because we had been sitting in the 12th row on the floor, we were some of the last people to exit and therefore we were 3 people deep behind the barricade.
After what seemed like forever standing outside in the semi-chilly weather, the dancers arrived! They staggered them and therefore Benji (and Travis) were the last two. By the time Benji made it to us, we had been waiting for a little more than an hour. But it was totally worth it. Each dancer took the time to stand there and sign everything that was handed to them and some even took pictures with the fans. Especially Benji!
Amber was the only one who had brought a camera, but her battery was dead, so I had to rely on my cellphone again to document a once in a lifetime experience.
And I took a little bit of video, too.
The girls to my right were all dressed up like the Tranji (nerdy with suspenders and big glasses with tape). They were very cute. We had seen them before the show outside and told them how cute they looked. Once Benji saw them he died laughing. Then he stood up on the barricade and posed with them for a picture.
Then Benji moved on to our group. I didn't buy a tour book because I didn't like the picture they used of Benji (the old one from the SYTYCD website) and all of the merchandise (t-shirts, boxers, keychains, etc.) were generic So You Think You Can Dance stuff. No Benji anything! Boooo! Therefore the only thing I had for Benji to sign was my ticket. So I reached over the heads in front of me and he signed my tickets!
Amber hands Benji her ticket and says to him, "Benji, tu eres muy fantastico!"
Benji's face lights up and he says to her in Spanish, "Oh you speak Spanish!"
Amber tells him that she served her mission in Chile. He asks where in Chile. She tells him, I believe I heard Concepcion. At this moment, I cannot believe my ears, Amber is having an entire conversation with Benji Schwimmer! On top of me freaking out that (1) Benji is standing right there in front of us, (2) that, OMG, he's real, and (3) he is even more beautiful in person....I'm trying to pull the 2 years of high school Spanish I had (on top of my 4 years of French) out of my ass so that I can understand what they are saying to one another.
(I later found out that Benji told Amber that he's going to Chile to a telethon of some sort.)
Then it dawns on me that I could be videotaping this, too! I whip my phone/camera back out and start taping it. I only caught the very last thing Amber said to him - which was when she switched to English. Amber tells him that he's going to love Chile and its people so much.
Benji was getting politely mobbed and so we moved to the back and eeeeeeee'd together. The waiting was so worth the experience of seeing him up close and interacting with him.
Here's my sad attempt at having my picture taken with Benji.
I can't even begin to express how much he reminds me of Clay Aiken. The heart, the drive, the talent, the snark, the wit, the intelligence, the charm. Amber and I agreed:
Benji Schwimmer is the Dancing Clay Aiken.
We stood around for a few minutes just watching him interact with the fans. It was so hard to turn and leave knowing that we would probably never have that kind of opportunity again. But we all had to be at work at the crack of dawn the next day (yes even me - I was up at 6am the next day and at work at 7:30 am!)
I did call my BFF Lisa on the way home so that I could squeeeeee some more. She and I shared the Benji love all summer and I couldn't wait to tell her!
I am actually driving up to Greenville, South Carolina on Wednesday after work to see the So You Think You Can Dance tour again! It can't possibly be better than the Duluth show, but I do have seats in the 3rd row! Since my sister (who is accompanying me on this crazy SC trip) and I have to run out of the arena and drive back home all night to get up and go to work the next day, I won't be able to stay after and "meet Benji" again. But I'm honestly surprised and grateful for the brief opportunity I had Thursday night. I'm still amazed that these dancers were so generous to spend their time meeting and greeting their fans.
I didn't take any pictures at the Duluth show because I just wanted to enjoy every moment, but I have borrowed some pictures from fellow fans (at the Idolforums) who attended previous shows and snapped some amazing photographs. Enjoy!
southinkucan...dance.dance.dance.dance
opening number
Allison and Travis, I love them both!
squeee! OMG, it's him!
Each dancer took turns introducing the other dancers between each dance, but it seemed to me that Benji was the real Master of Ceremonies for the night. He was a real natural and so complimentary to everyone.
One of my favorites from the season...Too Much Booty In Da Pants
Too much something else in da pants, as well.
Awww, I love the Benjelle!
The Dancing Kimmie Gibbler!
Ivan and Allison dancing
The Argentine Tango
Ryan's solo Travis and Natalie danced a routine that Travis choregraphed. Wow.
Benji and Heidi actually get to dance their speciality, West Coast Swing, on the tour.
Six dances later...here it comes.....
THE TRANJI!
Shake it boys.
This blows
my mind.
I don't know how they do that, but I like it!
3 dances later, it's Chicago!
OMG, Ivan was so freaking hot in this "Sexy Back" number! Yes, Ivan! He worked the runway.
Such a stud.
Benji channeling Zoolander!
Intermission
Ramalama band bang!!!
The costumes and wigs were even more fabulous in person. I leaned over and told Robin, "if I could wear any kind of clothes and wear my hair kind of way, I'd probably walk around like this."
Robin said she might do this for Halloween. I said, "Yes! You would make a hot dead slutty pirate woman!" I hope she does.
I love Natalie's hair with the red in it.
Dmitry. Allergic to shirts.
The Viennese Waltz. Not the Vietnamese Waltz.
I'm not crazy about this Statute of Liberty crown of spikes he's currently sporting, but I love that he enjoys changing his hairstyle frequently.
Travis' solo was amazing. He danced to Gavin DeGraw's version of "Let's Get It On" and it was hawt!
3 dances later, it was time to Black Mambo.
Then disco time!
Benji's solo was incredibly entertaining. But when he ripped off his shirt at the very end, I gasped and jumped up to my feet!
He can be such a naughty little thing.
I promise there was a lot more to his solo than the last second, but that didn't involve Benji Schwimmer's nipples, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
I wasn't a huge Ivan fan until I saw him perform live.
Hairspray! Love those plaid pants.
The whole ensemble came out and joined them for the encore.
The entire show was brilliant. I can't wait to see it again on Wednesday!
