September 2007 Archives

I'm on vacation but I did relent and check my blackberry.

I read a press release from E! News trumpeting their Miley Cyrus red carpet interview tonight where she shoots down pregnancy rumors. WHAT????

What in God's great name has the world come to that a 14-year-old girl, no matter how famous she is, is not impervious to such grotesque slander.

Is anyone else outraged that the innocence of a 14-year-old girl can be so easily sacrificed?

I hit "reply all" to my people on stuff expressing my outrage...I called it shameful in every way...even covering it.

Then I got several emails back...."Billy, it’s our lead story tonight". Gulp.

I've only ever seen the show one time but thanks to magazines like US Weekly and Star, I'm always caught up on the latest feuds and fiascos of the girls from this MTV reality show. This week Heidi Montag is on the cover of US Weekly revealing that she did indeed have plastic surgery on her breasts and nose.

I was however horrified by the headline on the cover of the magazine that called it "Revenge Plastic Surgery." When Heidi arrived to the US Weekly Hot Hollywood party last night I congratulated her on the cover but told her I thought the headline was disgraceful and she agreed, " I saw that and I was like- I don't know what that's supposed to mean, but it's a headline and that's what sells magazines."

True. I still think it’s an irresponsible headline. The girls who watch "The Hills" look up to these women and the message it sends is that it's ok to change yourself to get back at others. Fortunately, that's not what the article inside is about. It's actually about a young girl who was so self-conscious about the way she looked she made a heartfelt decision to change it. Heidi says, "I'm not ashamed of what I do in my life. It's not like let's get plastic surgery for fun, it was something that was really painful and tormenting for me throughout my life."

Last night I received a few emails from some friends who informed me that I was, once again, the topic of conversation on Howard Stern.

Now, Howard is a buddy of mine. We met years ago on a flight from Los Angeles to New York.

It seems this time, Jamie Foxx was a guest on Howard's show and they were talking about Jamie's Sirius satellite radio show, The Foxx Hole.

I was actually a guest on Jamie's show about a month ago and boy, it was certainly an uncensored Jamie Foxx!

I adore Jamie - he's one of my favorite people to interview. This time, the tables were turned on he got to ask me the questions!

Miley Cyrus fans everywhere have even more reason to look up to the "Hannah Montana" star. Last night, she braved the red carpet at the US Weekly Hot Hollywood party. It can't be an easy decision to go to an event like that knowing everyone would want to ask her about the doctored J-14 pregnancy story. She did and she did it with her head held high and her mom, Leticia, by her side. Initially my boss thought it might not be appropriate to ask a 14-year-old about a pregnancy rumor but I knew from all the emails and comments I got that her fans wanted to hear Miley's reaction.

Miley says the whole incident effected her deeply and really hurt her feelings, "I don't really think that's cool of them to put out rumors like that because that is not what I believe in and that's not what I am going to tell other little girls that look up to me to do."

I've heard her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, speak about Miley being a role model and how he keeps her grounded all the time but I wanted to know what her mother thought about all this. So, I brought her over into the interview and was the only one to get the two of them together. Leticia says Miley actually brought the story to her, "She screamed and she was crying and you know very upset which made me even more infuriated. She has a purity ring and you know we're really strong in the beliefs of being pure until marriage and then have that rumor started was, it was really hard for our family.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony – once on the cover of all the tabloid magazines – are now out of the glare of the media spotlight. But, don’t take their low profile as a sign that the couple isn't as strong as ever.

When you are around the two of them, you feel their spark, their energy, their love.

I was very excited when I found I that I was flying to New York to interview the two of them. Marc and Jennifer had never done a sit-down interview together, so this was a big exclusive.

This was the couple who, when first married, wouldn't even pose for pictures together. I interviewed them while they rehearsed in New Jersey for their upcoming tour together, called, “En Concierto.” Surprisingly, this is the first time that Jennifer Lopez has ever been on tour. But, holding her hand every step of the way is her husband of 3 years who proudly sports a tattoo on his wrist that simply says, “Jennifer.”

Marc, who has a joke-a-minute, brings out the Jennifer’s funny, light-hearted side.

Okay, first question, who is going to kick off the show? The answer is a practical one, Jennifer says. Marc goes on stage first because it gives her more time to get ready. Marc says he wants to get on and off stage so he can sit back and chill for the rest of the show.

There may be a sibling rivalry on the dance floor between last season's DWTS champ Julianne Hough and her brother, Derek (who is partnering up with Jennie Garth this season). But off the floor seems to be another story. I caught the two out for drinks last night after the show taping along with fellow dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Cheryl Burke who had her boyfriend, Matthew Lawrence with her. There had been rumors about a possible relationship between Julianne and Apolo Anton Ohno, her last season dancing partner but judging from the fact that she walked in hand in hand with another guy this seems highly unlikely. After last night's performance it looks like Julianne could be on her way to another title.

Helio Castroneves - I never heard of this guy until he signed up for DTWS but he sure did make people, outside of his Indy car racing fans, take notice last night with his Foxtrot. It helps that he has such an amazing partner in Julianne, who can surely bring out even more from him. If you'll recall, Apolo's first week out was good but not stellar. He only scored 21/30 while Helio earned a 25/30. So, he's on his way. Helio let slip to us a little secret that even Julianne didn't know. He was having secret rehearsals by himself the night before competition, "Three o clock in the morning I was in my bathroom. It was small but I was like one two three ok turn ok good."

Albert Reed - He didn't actually say it last night but this cutie model's late grandfather was a ballroom dancer. He seems to have picked up some of his moves and a few from watching old Elvis movies. Truthfully, during his taped piece I kind of thought he might be a goner but his very energetic, very funny dance just might have spared him a week or two. The open shirt showing off his hot body helped too. Expect to see more of that as Albert admitted to us why he did it, "Well, you know sex sells might as well use it to my advantage."

So, lets start with the bad news first. Two male hosts does not work for me. Drew Lachey did a great job filling in for Samantha Harris (who gave birth to a baby girl Sunday morning) backstage but he and Bergeron together on stage just seemed weird. On the opposite coin... hello Girl Power! Is it just me or is this the best group of female dancers right out of the gate? Quite an impressive bunch. Let's break it down and dish up some backstage dancing dirt.

Jane Seymour - This 56-year-old Bond girl proved she has still got it. Twirling around in her pink dress she really did look like an English Rose. She did a great job with the Foxtrot but it will be interesting to see how she handles those fast Latin dances and those skimpy outfits. I want to look that beautiful at her age and according to Jane it's all natural. She confessed to us backstage she contemplated going under the knife. Jane admitted, "Before I started this I thought oh god maybe I should do plastic surgery but I thought no. I'm gonna be the only honest woman out there. I'm going out with my own wrinkles and my own little tummy where the babies were. I'll just go and do it."

Jennie Garth - Is it just me or does little miss "Beverly Hills, 90210" still look exactly the same as when she played Kelly Taylor? Her Cha Cha was pretty darn good for a first effort and considering she was up first. Some of her facial expressions were painful to watch though. Her cute husband, Peter Facinelli, was in the audience and told us he had "David Hasslehoff crocodile tears" streaming down his face. He's also a fan of the new body dancing has given his wife, "I said it's like I got a new car!"

Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning and saw an email on my Blackberry that said, "Miley Cyrus Pregnant?" I skipped the other 45 emails and my eyes zoned right in on that one. At first I was shocked when I read it because it had what someone was claiming were actual quotes from Miley herself confirming, to J-14 magazine, the pregnancy. For about a split second I was actually fooled but then thought there was no way this could be true. In her quote (which as we know is now a fake) she claimed she had gained seven pounds. Access Hollywood just saw her at the Teen Vogue party this week and she looked super skinny, no signs of any extra weight.

Within minutes I was informed by someone at J-14 that it's not true. Apparently, the whole thing was a hoax. Someone had doctored an article from J-14's July issue. I informed everyone at the office and several mothers breathed a sigh of relief. One of my co-workers replied, "Thank goodness! Moms everywhere, of pre-teen girls, can now rest easy!" Another co-worker wrote, "Was about to give up all hope of wholesome tween role models --- horrible rumor."

The "Across The Universe" soundtrack is currently #3 on iTunes album charts behind Kanye West and Reba McEntire -- 50 Cent lingers at #6.

In fact, Eddie Vedder & Colbie Caillat also have albums ahead of Fiddy!

Albeit on the Billboard album chart, Fitty is resting comfortably at #2 behind Kanye, while "Across The Universe" is only at #49.

But the little Beatles album-that-could, very well could be picking up steam.

In celebration of the United Nations' International Day of Peace, cast members from "Across the Universe" will lead audience members in a sing-along with the film at the ArcLight Theatre in Hollywood tonight September 21, 2007. The event's open to the public, and cast members Evan Rachel Wood, Martin Luther, and Dana Fuchs will introduce the 8:00 pm show and lead audiences into the special sing-along presentation.

Finally yesterday a story came across our desk here at Access Hollywood that had everyone buzzing and finally for once it didn't involve scandal! It was the news that "Sex and the City" feature film had started production in New York City. Paparazzi swarmed the set the past two days and so lots of footage has found its way onto the internet and even our own show. My one complaint is that if this keeps up, by the time the movie comes out we will already have seen it all!

The chain of e-mails that have gone around about the SATC movie yesterday were so much fun reading and responding to I thought some of you might enjoy them. Names have been changed to protect my co-workers because lords knows we should have better things to do at work, except me of course this is part of my job. I was busy on the set of "Big Shots" so I only chime in at the end.
SPOILERS ALERT!

Jane: Ohmigod huge dying to see carrie and big together again!!!

Jill: I know a little bit about the plot -- Big and Carrie are moving in together! And they are apartment hunting in NYC. I was also told that they are shooting some of the scenes around the corner from us here at the auction house- you'll remember that Charlotte used to work for an auction house.

Jane: This is great info!!!!

John: If we do any more plot stuff can we please (for the sake of all fans) put SPOILERS in header. And I still liked Aidan better than Big sorry. I can't be alone here surely. Thanks for your consideration.

Greg: Aiden was MUCH better!

Jane: Aiden was the best. Carrie shud have stayed w/him

Jill: Aidan was dull. She didn't love him enuf. Big is the man!

Jane: I can debate this all day. Big is the love of her life but he treated her like s--t.

Greg: Aiden was the hottest of McHotties -- sensitive, handsome, committed -- I don't get it .... Why did she EVER leave him?!

John: Because she like alot of women and MEN love the bad boys

By Alex Cook

“Kid Nation”, CBS' newest reality series, shared a few life lessons with those who tuned in (9 million of you in fact). The biggest of which was the simple fact that the quickest way to make a buck is to sell yourself.

Let us back up for a moment. “Kid Nation” is a show about just that, a bunch of kids thrown into a 'Lord of the Flies' scenario while America watches on. Each member of this tribe of adolescents is left to fend for themselves, with few tools to eek out their new existence and fewer guidelines.

Life lesson number one: You will get paid crap for dealing with crap.
A Town Council of four children, ranging in ages 10 to 14, watch these children as they go through their day to day tasks, deciding whom amongst them deserves the coveted 'Golden Star,' an star made of actual gold, worth twenty thousand dollars. On last nights premiere episode this Council divided the town up into four groups branded with a different color. Each group then competed in a challenge that would decide who was assigned what job, and the amount they would be paid for said task. Four teams, four tiers, each with a progressively lesser pay out. The top echelon was dubbed the 'Upper Class' and was paid a dollar each without a single job expected of them. Following them were the Merchants, managers of the stores and single saloon that came fully stocked ready for business, who earned fifty cents a day for their work. Next came the Cooks who were in charge of just that, cooking three meals a day for all the children. This arduous task was only worth twenty-five cents a day. Finally the lowest class, the rung of the ladder charged with cleaning toilets and doing laundry, earned an alarming ten cents a day.

Life lesson number two: There is always someone out there making more than you who does less.
This automatic caste system created an immediate division between the kids, forcing some to think they were better than others. The Upper Class was instantly reviled because they had the most money and had nothing to do in order to receive it. The note that this group could 'help when needed' meant little as they rarely felt they were needed for more than enjoying their free time. These children walked around with a pocket full of cash and lorded it over the others, simply because of the way the show is set up. Obviously this was done on purpose in order to engineer drama between the different camps, but to what end?

Another rough day at the office having to spend time with the very hot Michael Vartan and Dylan McDermott. Their new show "Big Shots" also starring Christopher Titus and Josh Malina has a prime time slot right after "Grey's Anatomy". So, if any show has a a chance to succeed this would be the one.

The show is about four New York CEO's at major corporations who are all friends. There is lots of testosterone and male bonding going on in this show that is part drama, part comedy. They each have their own "women problems" with the females in their lives all while running billion dollar corporations and of course making time for a round of golf. Think of it as "Sex and the City" meets "Barbarians at the Gate."

After hanging out on set all day what I learned is that the four stars of this show have great chemistry which according to Michael was instant, "I never met Christopher or Dylan and you know I think it took us about 37 seconds for us to start ripping each other and making fun of one another. So, from the first day we knew that this should be fun if nobody ends up being a diva."

by Dan Gomez, Access assistant research director

Well folks, it's unanimous, the critics love "Back to You"! The new FOX comedy starring "Frasier's" Kelsey Grammer and "Raymond's" Patricia Heaton as battling local news anchors is rocking the world of some of the industry's biggest quibblers.

The New York Times calls it "...witty in a fresh way." USA Today gives it their best Isaac (of "The Love" Boat" fame) impression saying its "...solid." And TV Guide put it on their top 10 Hot List of shows with buzz.

by Dan Gomez, Access assistant research director

Last night's third season premiere of "Deal or No Deal", with guest banker Donald Trump, was seen by 11.7 million viewers making it the number one show of the night. It is down from last season's premiere which was seen by 15.8 million.

9:00 -- Arrive to the Fox Emmy party. It’s a chilly 68 degrees which is cold for us wimps in Californa.

9:20 -- Talk to Wayne Brady who had taken his four-and-half-year-old daughter to the Emmys as his date. I asked where she is now. He says, "At home in bed. What kind of father would I be if I was out here rolling with my four-year-old at the Fox party. You don't roll with your kids. Britney Spears are you listening?".

9:44 -- An e-mail comes in from our producer Felidette at the DirecTV party. "Just got Mel B... didn't see the show... has early ‘DWT’S rehearsals in the morning... came to party for a little bit... wearing Herve Leger."

10:15 -- No one has shown up in thirty minutes. Murphy's Law... my camera guy goes to the bathroom and people start arriving. Nigel Lythgoe runs in and ignores the press. He probably doesn't want to be asked about Seacrest.

10:17 -- A gut-wrenching decision for me. Seth McFarlane, the creator of "Family Guy" or Kiefer Sutherland? I love "24" but I love "Family Guy" more. Fans are going to love the "Star Wars" episode, which I got a sneak peek at. Kiefer gets ignored.

10:22 -- Brad Garrett arrives sporting a tan, which is very odd for such a large man.

10:24 -- Joely Fisher describes how she nearly had a boob pop out before she went on stage tonight.

10:34 -- Denis Leary arrives with his wife. I ask him about how he told me on Friday, James Gandolfini was gonna take the Emmy for sure. He says, "What do you want me to say"? Admit you were wrong and say something witty. Ten minutes after arriving he exits the party smoking a cigarette and leaves. I guess it was boring?

10:36 -- Patricia Heaton arrives and poses with her husband and the creator of "Project Runway." The photographers ask her to pose alone and she jokingly throws out her hands to the other two and goes, "step aside!" She looks tired and not surprisingly tells me she is exahusted.

8:08 PM -- Helen Mirren presenting the final award for outstanding drama series.

Winner: "The Sopranos" (Mirren holds up the envelope with the winner written inside, and spins a 360 to the whole audience to show them before saying it out loud). Standing ovation from the crowd, although I think there are actually more people on stage than off. David Chase thanks the Academy and HBO, and esp Gandolfini, Falco, Imperioli and Turturro. Says he also always wanted to thank the musicians who licensed their music to the show, including Little Steven. Jokes that if the world was run by gangsters... 'oh wait, maybe it is.'

Fin.

8:02 PM -- Crawling into hour four...

Placed like product, nearly-end-of-show presenters are Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton (starring in a new Fox show!). Presenting noms for outstanding comedy series.

Winner: "30 Rock." Tina Fey thanks Jeff Zucker & Kevin Reilly for letting their show on the air, and jokingly thanks Ben Silverman in advance for leaving them on the air "for the next six years." Thanks the whole team, their families, and "our dozens and dozens of viewers."

7:51 -- William Shatner and Debra Messing presenting together. Shatner jokes that their musical number was cancelled. Debra says its because she refused to carry his love child. Announcing noms for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.

Winner: America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty" (big cheer from crowd). Gracious speech about hoping she and the show can help inspire people.

Jimmy Smits and Kate Walsh come out to introduce the nominees for lead actor in a drama series. They joke about how they're not going to use their time to promote their new shows (which they then do. Yuk yuk.)

Winner: James Spader, "Boston Legal." ("The Sopranos," RIP). Spader won an Emmy previously for playing this character on "The Practice." Spader jokes that he feels like he just stole a pile of money from the Mob. Jokes that he's been to thousands of concerts ever, "and these are the worst seats I've ever had." Thanks and blows a kiss (presumably to his wife).

6:11 -- Jeremy Piven in the press room is asked about keeping his character human. I zone out while he answers. Calls himself a softie, character actor from Chicago and he bores people. Right now this seems true until someone asks this strange question, "is it strange to receive an award for work you did a year ago?" Jeremy cracks everyone up when he replies, "I would receive something for something I did in junior high school. Do you know what actors do?"

6:43 -- The cast of Roots enters the press room. Someone asks what projects they are all doing. Leslie Uggams answers. Then another reporter asks a question and the rest of the cast jokingly complains they didn't get to talk about their upcoming projects. They spent the next five minutes regaling us with information that I zone out on until Cicely Tyson says she is looking for a job and is currently unemployed. LeVar Burton and Cicely Tyson begin to fight over whether or not "Roots" was the first ever mini-series. LeVar says it wasn't the first. Cicely says it was. Somebody google this and find out so they don't start a brawl.

6:54 -- Thomas Haden Church enters the press room. Bizarre question from someone in the back..."where do you get your inner strength"? Church jokes, "Um, fiber." Ask a stupid question. Get a stupid answer.

7:00 -- Tried to wait for Katherine Heigl to come back to press room but its taking way too long. Gotta go feed the dogs and head to the Fox post party. More to come from there.

1:00 -- Just arrived to the Shrine. It's pretty hot here but not as bad as last year. I'm still on a high from the Rascal Flatts concert I went to last night. In my sixth row center seat I felt like Gary LeVox was singing right to me. It was great except for the two drunk girls in front of me making out with random guys. Not cool. Have some respect for yourself.

2:30 -- I've just gotten up to the Tower where I have a bird’s eye view of all the action down below. The red carpet is officially open and ready for stars to start showing off the hard work they put into getting ready. Hair, makeup, trainer, botox.

2:36 -- Eva Longoria arrives in a short metallic dress. This is shocking to me because she is normally one who comes much later.

2:38 -- Can anyone tell me who Phoebe Price is? I spotted her at several Emmy suites this week borrowing diamonds and stuff. Everyone was sucking up to her but I have no clue who she is.

2:39 -- Entourage star Rex Lee arrives. He goes to the opening of an envelope. Seriously I see this guy at every event.

2:40 -- Lisa Rinna arrives looking stunning in white. Billy Bush claps for how beautiful she looks.

2:45 -- Becki Newton is standing right here next to me on Tower with her cute husband. I'm trying to get her to talk to me after she does E's live pre-show which is right next to me.

Denied! It's tough here up on the tower.

3:02 -- The mafia are here. Tony Sirico, Paulie from the Sopranos arrives followed by some hitmen. I kid.

3:02 -- Entourage star Perrey Reeves is among the first ladies down the red carpet. She's wearing a low cut white dress and stripper looking heels. On a side note, nearly two hours later she was still working the red carpet winning the award for celebrity who spent the most time shilling on the red carpet.

3:11 -- Poor Conchata Ferrell from "Two and a Half men." She told me on Friday night she is always terrified of the Emmys because she feels like the girl at the prom nobody talks too. Fortunately, a few people do talk to her but not many.

3:29 -- So, I'm obsessed with this woman who I think is Mariska Hargitay. I saw Mariska on Friday night and she had super short hair. This gal ended up being the date of the dad from "Ugly Betty." Either I need more Lasik or this tower is way too high up.

By Ryan Patterson, Supervising Producer

Unlike last week's MTV VMA awards, there was no Britney Spears caliber fashion disaster at the Emmys. For the most part, the stars played it safe and looked classy.

Wonderful White
“Grey's” star Katherine Heigl looked ravishing in satin white Zac Posen gown accentuated by one of the nights big makeup trends - red lips. Mommy-to-Be Christina Aguilera wore white satin with black accents and yes, red lips. Others in white included Debra Messing in a white strapless gown with black accents, which was snatched off of Ralph Lauren's Spring runway show at NY's Fashion Week just last week.

Back in Black
"My Name is Earl" star Jaime Pressly sparkled in her embellished St. John Couture gown with Jimmy Choo shoes. The new mom, who gave birth just four months ago and got back in the gym 10 days after having baby Dezi, looked amazing. Jennifer Love Hewitt chose black strapless Reem Acra, Sandra Oh wore a black strapless gown with white detailing by Bottega Veneta. She finished the look with fierce Bottega studded heels. Michelle Pfeiffer (Gosh, does this woman ever age?) looked beautiful in black sequin pencil cocktail dress with velvet Swarovski embellished straps by Pamela Dennis. Ellen Pompeo worked a black strapless Michael Kors gown with very bold big gold jewelry and very bold big hair, which I didn't think quite worked.

Lady In Red
Newlywed Kate Walsh was retro chic in a ruby satin crepe cowl neck and back bias slip gown by Pamela Dennis. She had crimson lips and nails to match, and accessorized her look with Jimmy Choo heels and Neil Lane jewels...including her gorgeous wedding ring. Other crimson loving stars- Queen Latifah, Ali Larter and Mary-Louise Parker, who wore a form fitting satin Dolce & Gabbana.

Bold Jewel tones also ruled. America Ferrera dazzled in her flattering royal blue strapless Monique Lhuillier gown with embellished belt, which showed off her waistline. Helen Mirren and Julia Louis-Dreyfus both wore purple. Felicity Huffman worked a VERY low cut fuchsia draped jersey halter gown by David Meister. Heidi Klum was retro-licious in a berry colored strapless Dior and Sally Field wore a strapless berry colored Valentino.

6:52 -- Lewis Black from "The Daily Show" doing his apoplectic rant bit, lecturing TV execs to tell stories, not to interrupt to tell us what's coming up next, or premiering in two weeks. Also takes them to task for "cluttering up the screen" during the end credits, says the people who worked on the show deserve to be able to read their names. Then tells the heads of news channels to "lose the crawls, already."

Katherine Morris (disappearing under her Gibson Girl hair) and Danny Pino from "Cold Case" presenting noms for outstanding direction in a miniseries, movie or dramatic special.

Winner: Philip Martin, "Prime Suspect".

The "Cold Case" kids are also presenting outstanding writing for miniseries, movie or dramatic special.

Winner: Frank Deasy, "Prime Suspect".

6:49 -- Sally Field and Patrick Dempsey, telling each other they look lovely. Presenting noms for best lead actress in a miniseries or movie.

Winner: Helen Mirren, for "Prime Suspect". Her fourth win, second in a row, and tenth nom. Still the Queen! Says she has a lot to say, and will keep talking until "that very dramatic music comes in". Says Americans are wonderfully generous, "and other things as well, some good, some bad" (joke). "Come on, music, I'm going on and on!" she jokes impatiently.

6:43 PM -- The 'cast' (seemingly everyone who ever appeared) of "The Sopranos" takes the stage, with Gandolfini, Falco, and the kids coming up from below stage. Has any TV show gotten so much acclaim on an Emmy broadcast?

6:41 -- Oh wait, it's still going on. Cuz nothing goes with a Frankie Valli song than watching Adriana get whacked again. Gandolfini must be praying the camera doesn't find him for a reax shot.

6:38 PM -- Joe Mantegna (Mandy Pantinkin, this could have been you!) intros a special tribute to "The Sopranos" -- with a performance by the Broadway cast of "Jersey Boys". Where's a hitman when you need one?

6:35 PM -- Glenn Close, Kyra Sedgwick and Mary Louise Parker in a phalanx of flounce & shine pay tribute to women on television, and present noms for outstanding television movie.

Winner: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". Dick Wolf gives thank you speech, including "my very pregnant wife, who did not go into labor today!"

From The Access Hollywood News Desk

5:58 PM -- Ryan jokes about the ABC employees blogging live from the Shrine, as a setup to a joke about the FOX blogger actually just looking at pics of Vanessa Hudgens on his Blackberry.

5:55 PM -- Ali Larter and Kiefer Sutherland rapidly presenting nominees for outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or movie as though they've a bus to catch.

Winner: Robert Duvall (fourth nom, first win ever) for "Broken Trail". Says every actor wants to do a Western. Says he knew "BT" would be a hit by the second or third day of shooting. Says the Western is here to stay (despite the musical attempts to play him off).

Ryan blathers about how 'green' the non-set is. Jokes they're using the cast of "Kid Nation" on treadmills to provide electricity. Intros Tony Bennett and Christina Aguilera (who is neither lip-synching nor drunk/stoned) performing "Steppin' Out with My Baby". Xtina in a pepto-pink gown that is very flowy, but not enough to hide her growing bump, bravely ascends and descends stairs to stand on top of the piano.

5:50 -- Alec Baldwin (in white dinner jacket - which is not slimming, Alec) presenting noms for directing in variety, music or comedy series.

Winner: Rob Marshall for "Tony Bennett: An American Classic". Rob calls the show a labor of love. And gets thru his speech without crying.

5:41 PM -- Jon Cryer and Jennifer Love Hewitt presenting noms for outstanding writing in variety, music or comedy program.

Winner(s): writers for "Late Night with Conan O'Brien". Writer jokes that he has a speech "because Katherine Heigl's mother said we would win." Jokes that they have a show tomorrow, thanks to OJ.

Coming up after break, performance by Tony Bennett and Christina Aguilera.

5:33 PM -- Ellen DeGeneres introduces a montage of topical one liners from the late night talk shows that rolls into a montage of said talk show hosts honoring the late Tom Synder

The Entourage boys and Eva Longoria present the best supporting actress for a drama series

Winner: Katherine Heigl - her 1st win

She mouths the word Sh*t after hearing her name being called. is a bit choked up...calling her fellow nominees an inspiration...the Emmy is for her mother.

I get e-mails all the time with people asking me about the business. They think working in entertainment news is "fun", "interesting" and "glamorous" and they want to know all about how they can break into this type of journalism. Sometimes it is all those things. Many times it's not. I like to tell it like it is which I why I write this blog. It's part information, part opinion and all real. Here's a story about the downside of being an entertainment "journalist."

So, this afternoon I was sent out to one of the Emmy Suites. This is where celebrities are invited to events all over town where companies gift them with samples of their products... everything from jeans, sunglasses, shoes, makeup, skincare, jewelry and clothing. The point being that they give out free stuff so that hopefully celebrities will be photographed wearing their products. The companies can then boast about their "celebrity clients." The problem being is that most of the time the people that you see in these suites are the furthest thing from celebrities. Think as D-, no make that F-list as you can get. I digress, that's not the point of this story. Just something that irritates me.

Moving on. So, I went to the Kate Somerville Spa in West Hollywood where Kate Walsh was scheduled to be. Kate is a client and friend of Kate Somerville. She was scheduled to come in for some pre-Emmy treatments and we were told we could get an interview with her. Walsh recently got married over Labor Day weekend and this would be the first time that we have seen her. So, my job was to ask about her wedding details. Walsh glides into the spa with not a stitch of makeup on and in a great mood. Let me say for 39-years-old and no makeup she really looked absolutely beautiful and glowing. I was actually at this point, though, wondering if with no makeup she still wanted to do the interview. She was game and I was impressed. I've only ever interviewed two other celebrities who were OK being shot without makeup... Oprah at a charity 3K walk and Lisa Rinna at "Dancing With The Stars" rehearsals.

Kate sees me and gives me a warm greeting. I started out asking her about Kate Somerville and why she is such a fan and then breezed into talk about the Emmys. She revealed she is wearing a red dress to the event. Here is my perfect opportunity to ask about the wedding. I ask if she will walk the carpet with her new husband, Alex Young. She answers "yes" and then I bust out with the wedding questions. All of a sudden her demeanor changes. Now, I've interviewed Kate before and she is always very sweet when she is talking about a topic she likes and as soon as she doesn't want to talk she gives you short little answers and gives you a look that says "OK, move on now."

It seems a nice little romance blossomed behind the scenes at "So You Think You Can Dance." There have been rumors circling around the internet about whether or not dancers Lacey Schwimmer and Hok Konishi were more than just friends, after they were spotted together looking cozy at The Grove mall here in Los Angeles. Now, I can confirm that Lacey and Hok are in fact a couple.

On Friday during rehearsals for the "So You Think You Can Dance" Tour, which kicks off September 21st in Albany, NY, dancer Lauren Gottlieb let this information slip out when I asked about any love connections behind the scenes, "actually there is Hok and Lacey, I think they are official and I think they have been official."

This information was backed up by other dancers to me including season three winner Sabra Johnson and finalist Neil Haskell.

So here I am thinking, since I only watch the show sporadically, that this is old news. However, when I approached this newly anointed couple with the information about their dating they were 100 percent shocked that I knew. Lacey shouted out, "What? Wait. Wait. Where did you get that information from?"

The time has come for me to return to work at Access after my maternity leave...going back to the studio, the lights, the makeup and hair, the deadlines, the voice-overs and all the amazing people I have considered my friends and a joy with whom to work. So, as I start to think about my return to the Hollywood race, I think about how my life has changed in the past 3 months...how something comes into your life and not only makes you happy, but makes you a completely different and better person. And it is in ways that are almost inconceivable.

My husband told me before we had our baby in June that life would be different. He told me my priorities would change, my perspective on life would change and that I would never again be the same. I didn't fully understand what he meant, but now I do...

See, I wake up in the mornings now as if I am 5 years old and it is Christmas. Forget reading the newspaper, returning every single morning email, or getting that extra bit of sleep. I can't wait to see the beautiful face of my little girl and when I see that toothless grin, it is just the best thing ever!!

by Mike Marson, Access Hollywood Supervising Producer

My assignment: to be Access Hollywood's lone eyewitness sitting inside the Palms Hotel “VMA” venue to report on what really was happening during the show... after the letdown of watching Britney [which you all probably saw better at home thanks to the close-ups and many cameras], I settled in to my not-so-great seat for what I felt was a hit-and-miss show... one of the hits: Alicia's performance -- but wait, why is everybody looking away from Miss Keys? ... perhaps a surprise guest!!! Could it be Michael Jackson is entering from the wings?... Nope, Alicia kept singing solo, and the attention returned to her... then came the mumbling, the whispers, very similar to how word travels on a schoolyard ... fight? Did you see that? Who was it?... Though we couldn't see it from our angle, Jamie Foxx confirms it on air... now it's time to leap into action, bye bye cheap seats, hello roving detective...

by Access Hollywood staffer Sunni Fleetwood
Poor Brit Brit. At 25 years old she has won and lost everything a person could want -- fame, fortune, love and her six pack abs.

Up until tonight's "performance" I was so ready to jump right back on the Britney bandwagon, and now Ms. Spears has lost me forever.

by Access Hollywood's Tony Potts
I stayed away from Vegas and the MTV VMA’s (look, I feel I dodged a bullet or two in surviving NBA All-Star Weekend in Vegas last February) and thought I’d safely check it out 300-miles away on my 63-inch HD television here in LA.

It’s now 9:10PM Pacific, on Sunday night and I can tell you I have never watched a more painful 10-minutes of an award show in my life. I’ve seen some debacles, but THIS is a DEBACLE.

by Ryan Patterson, Fashion Week Bloganista

My, oh, my. So this is what it's like in the closet. It's so good I don't want to come out of the closet- the Marie Claire Fashion closet, that is.

Here in town for New York Fashion Week, MC's lovely Style Director Cleo Glyde gave me a VIP tour of the offices including that most sacred of hallowed ground in the world of magazines "The Closet." First things first- how many apartments, let alone closets boast amazing floor-to-ceiling views of NY from the 34th floor?

It was 10:40am yesterday when an email was forwarded from our news desk from a website called D-Listed. It was the very first time I had heard of the story about Vanessa Hudgens.

The National Enquirer apparently was claiming that she had taken some nude photos for her boyfriend Zac Efron. The photos had now been leaked on the internet and were circulating. Stuff like this is always awkward for me. Being in the news media we are always the first to see this stuff. I don’t want to look at it. I find it completely reprehensible when private photos and so called "sex tapes" find their way into unsavory hands. Unfortunately, being part of the media means we have to cover the story when it does blow up.

So, inevitably I get stuck looking at this crap. So, yes I saw the photo. I didn’t study it. I looked at it, closed the email and deleted it. I instantly knew it was the real deal. Voices were flying all over the office saying no way it was her but I knew in my heart it was her. All I felt was complete humiliation for her and sadness for her millions of young fans who look at her as a role model. I've never taken a photo like that but I can't imagine how I would feel if something so personal and private were to be seen like that.

by Ryan Patterson, Fashion Week Bloganista

No surprise that Teri Hatcher was front and center with the Badgley Mischka boys at their show today - after all- she is the high profile new "face" of their sexy ad campaign.

What WAS surprising?

Teri told us it was her very first fashion show! She looked great, as did Emmy Rossum, who wore a richly-colored deep purple BM gown.

Love that these two stars- one in her 20's the other in her 40's, can both look fabulous wearing the same line. The spring collection had plenty for ladies of all ages.

Working in this town called "Hollywood" for the past ten years, I'm constantly surrounded in the world of movies and TV. I've met literally thousands of celebrities. The first few years were pretty exciting. I never in a million years thought I would not only get to meet but also interview these people who I thought were so unattainable. The first time you are surrounded by the presence of someone like Tom Cruise or Madonna is pretty incredible. Cut to six or seven years later and all of a sudden it no longer gives me the same feeling of giddy joy. It's more like nervous tension until I can suss out whether someone is real and relatable or not. Most of the time I'm disappointed when I realize that fame has gone to their heads and I have publicists breathing down my neck to make sure I don't ask too invasive of a question. It sort of sucks the joy right out of it.

Nowadays there are only a few types of interviews that get me excited...anyone from "American Idol" or "Dancing With the Stars" and of course my favorite teenage pals at anything on the "Disney Channel." (Actually, come to think of it maybe I should have really kept the Disney thing a secret all these years.) Instead I'm harboring a different one. I love country music. There I said it. You see, around here at "Access Hollywood," 'country music' always seems like a dirty word unless you were Nancy O'Dell who grew up in the south. I grew up in Pennsylvania where pop music and classic rock reign supreme. No one expects me to be a fan. So, I always kept it on the down low to avoid the inevitable questions and snickering.

Our web team has been doing a great job of web site genesis. I've been lax in contributing to it. They've even given me my own category and that comes with certain obligation. So I'm blogging now.

A lot's happening, including ~

by Ryan Patterson, Fashion Week Bloganista

New York Fashion Week kicks off today and Hollywood's style mavens got their dose of fashion candy at the BCBG show.

Ashlee Simpson looking adorable backstage in black satin with big gold hoop earrings and loose waves...I was having major hair envy. Of course, my hair would look pretty fab too if I had extensions and Ken Paves on speed dial. Ciara rocking a tres chic gray ensemble with a funky take on the beret...and Sophia Bush, so sophisticated in her floaty BCBG frock told us she's a big fan of the line.

Just two short weeks until the Fall TV Season is back in full swing. It can't come soon enough because frankly I'm bored to tears now that the summer shows have ended. It's been 110 degrees the past week here in Los Angeles which doesn't exactly make you want to rush outside for some end of summer activities. Instead, I braved the heat and spent my Friday night at a taping of "Two and a Half Men." In all the years I have been in this business I've been on probably fifty or so TV sets. I've never actually sat in the audience for a taping though. So, in the interest of this blog, I decided to give it a try.

I was told that I had to be on the Warner Brothers lot by 4pm, no exceptions or I would not get my seat. Oh and also I was told that once in my seat, I could not leave for any reason. So, as usual I was running late and as usual I had to use the bathroom. I had about 2 minutes to get to the set. So, I run into the restroom (which was empty) and set my purse down in the sink. You know, one of those sinks with an automatic faucet! All of a sudden I hear the water turn on, as my open purse is filling up with water I turn back to grab it out of the sink. Thank goodness my camera was in a case and my blackberry and cell phone I had placed in the front pockets knowing security would probably take it away when I got to set and I wanted to hide it. Crisis slightly averted (although I still have wet sticky gum on the bottom of my purse even as I write this). So, I walk to the set and make it just at 4pm where I realize that I am not late. There is an entire line of people waiting to get in. I'm ushered off to the side to wait for an escort as I'm told I'm a VIP guest. The entire line of people stare at me. I'm wondering if they stare at me because they want to know who I am and why I didn't get shuttled here on a bus like they did or probably more so because my pink purse is dripping water out of it all over the blacktop.