Access Hollywood

Why Tiger Should Take A Break

2009-12-12T17:50:51Z

I am not suggesting by any means that Tiger Woods' indefinite leave from golf is a tactical "move" in the court of public opinion, but it's a strong move nonetheless.

Tiger is sending the crucial message that his marriage and family supersede his globally massive image and profession. To walk away from ALL of that, means whatever you're walking towards is uniquely important. ]]>
Like Howard Stern was good for ALL radio and "American Idol" is great for the TV industry, in that it feeds a lot of ancillary programs and TV interest in general, Woods is essential to golf. Crucial. In fact, I imagine a lot of people will be nervously watching to see if the game goes on life support without him.

And finally, if America loves a comeback, be sure that the field has just been set for the "Masters" of comebacks. Woods' eventual return will be messianic in scope.

Semantics aside, let's be compassionate enough to pray for the man, definitely his wife and their family. Nobody can wish emotional pain like this on anyone, anywhere.

Reading Between The Lines Of Tiger Woods' Apology

2009-12-12T00:57:28Z

People from all over the worlds of sports, entertainment, publicity, imaging, computer science, coal mining, urban development, yes, just about everybody, has been opining over 'what Tiger needs to do.' In case you missed it, Tiger has released a follow up statement:

Tiger Woods taking hiatus from golf By Tiger Woods

I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.

]]> I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.

He quit golf for the time being. I assume he quit side action too.

In an attempt to read between the lines, does this mean Elin is going to actually give him a legitimate shot at re-building their family and marriage? If so, she is one forgiving, selfless and loving person. Either that or desperate. Or stubborn. Or so in love she can't help herself.

One thing is for sure as far as I'm concerned, Tiger's emotional issues run deep. He seems to be that breed of guy called a "compartmentalizer" - where two worlds co-exist within one man and are treated as unrelated. It's cold and dark and I know some guys like this.

For Woods to pull this off, quitting golf is the first step. Intense therapy and faith building could be helpful, not to mention the construction of a conscience from scratch. Tall order, but maybe this Tiger has many different stripes of greatness. Maybe.

'This Is It' Review

2009-10-28T15:18:39Z

I just saw 'It.' And 'It' was sad and amazing.

The film makes you feel like what Michael set out to do in London was really important and, I'll add, overdue.

Let's be honest, there were more than enough occasions in the post-2003 MJ era that we could have used some real doses of his harmless nature, masterful talent and love of the process and its people.

]]> In 'This Is It,' Michael reminds me of James Cameron the director without the ego and bravado, but with all the perfection and genius. His attention to detail... he feels the music and everything is innate. His gut is the conductor.

Kenny Ortega handles Michael with grace and humor in this movie and sometimes their interaction is laugh out loud funny. Perhaps Kenny's genius is he gets what he needs from MJ without ever taking the wheel.

Kenny has long been Michael's staunch co-creator, defender and friend, but here he gives Michael the ultimate gift: by reminding the audience of the greatness and gifts, Kenny opens the door to Michael's legacy wider at a time when people want only good.

The grieving begins anew now because people have seen the best of Michael Jackson again.

Ten Best TV Themed Halloween Costumes Of 2009

2009-10-23T16:24:37Z

Just one week until Halloween and I'm sure most of us haven't gotten together our costumes yet. Well, your resident TV expert is here to help. I have scoured the channels up and down from reality TV to dramas and sitcoms to find the ten best TV-themed Halloween costumes of 2009. Happy haunting.

#10 Barney Stinson/Don Draper

Its a tie for No. 10 as it's all about the suit for this spiffy Halloween look. For Barney you'll be the most legendary person at the party and all you need to do is 'suit-up' to play the "How I Met Your Mother" womanizer. For Don just look for a vintage 1960s suit and slick some dark hair back to play the suave "Mad Men" ad man. Some scotch in a glass and a lit cigarette complete the look. Just don't take a puff because unlike the ' 60s, we now know smoking is bad for you!

#9 Kim Zolciak

Sure "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta's" Nene is a trip and fun to watch but Kim's signature looks screams Halloween. Just grab a Barbie doll blonde wig, some trashy looking (but designer, of course) duds and a huge fake diamond for your ring finger to show everyone how you are now engaged to Big Poppa. Walk around all night singing "Don't Be Tardy For The Party" and getting into cat fights and you are officially a Real Housewife!

#8 Adam Lambert

The "American Idol" runner-up's signature look has Halloween written all over it from the jet black dark hair to the guyliner. Throw a streak of blue in the hair, find your best sexy rock and roll duds, add some KISS style boots and you're all set.

]]> #7 "Biggest Loser" contestant

It might seem mean but everyone will know exactly who you are if you grab some spandex shorts and make one of those colorful t-shirts with the words Biggest Loser in black plastered on the front. The only question will be which team to be on - red, blue, green, purple, etc...

#6 Sookie Stackhouse

Vampires are by far the hottest thing going right now. So expect to see lots of Edwards and Bellas on All Hollow's Eve. In TV land though we've got "True Blood's" Sookie and Bill. Nothing says Sookie more than a Merlotte's waitressing uniform. Throw a little fake blood on your neck for good measure.

#5 "Dancing With The Stars" professional dancer

Everyone knows the ladies love to dress sexy on Halloween and the sexiest gals on TV right now are the "Dancing With The Stars" female pros. Some dance shoes and a sequined, sparkly, midriff-baring leotard should do....hot body not included. (Of course, this would also make a hilarious costume for a daring man).

#4 The Kardashians

If "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" is your thing then grab two friends and make the ultimate brunette trio - Khloe, Kourtney and Kim. Find a long brunette wig, your best designer duds, throw on a push up bra, cake a ton of makeup on your face (heavy on the black eyeliner and mascara) then add some butt padding for Kim's juicy derriere, some pregnancy padding for mom-to-be Kourtney and bring along a cardboard cut out of Lamar Odom... just don't forget the pre-nup!

#3 Sheldon Cooper

An Emmy win for "The Big Bang Theory's" Jim Parsons (he lost to Alec Baldwin) would have given this costume a golden touch but even without a statue in hand it's certainly an easy one. To transform into a nerdy physicist all you need is a "Star Trek" t-shirt overtop of a long sleeve henley shirt, a bowl cut wig...and to learn just a little bit about quantum physics.

#2 Sue Sylvester

You'll have to channel your inner over-confident side to get into character but the costume part is simple for the cheerleading coach with a heart of stone on "Glee." Just grab a colorful track suit, a short cropped blonde wig, a bull horn... and your best scowl.

# 1 - Jon & Kate Gosselin

Every year one newsmaker story dominates the Halloween scene. Last year it was Sarah Palin. This year it will be this ' Won't they please just go away' couple. Of course, this costume also works great if you're solo now that the couple is divorcing. For Kate just grab some designer mom jeans and a reverse mullet wig. For Jon? An Ed Hardy shirt, of course.

A Vampirific Night At The 'Scream 2009' Awards

2009-10-19T19:08:28Z

Well, you need only to have been at the Greek Theater in LA on Saturday night to know that vampires are Hollywood's hottest commodity. The Spike TV "Scream 2009" awards brought together bloodsuckers and mortals from every hot vamp property in one venue. Various cast members from CW's "The Vampire Diaries", HBO's "True Blood" and the highly anticipated "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," as well as the upcoming "Vampire Assistant," all came together for one night to celebrate all things horror, sci-fi, fantasy and comic book. Let me tell you it was a bloody good time!

This was my first time ever covering the Scream Awards and it was certainly an experience. When I arrived to the Greek Theater it was like Halloween had come early. Fans were lined up waiting to head into their seats dressed in the most elaborate costumes I've seen since Comic Con - everything from sexy vampires to undead pirates and mutilated corpses.

The celebrities on the red carpet of course kept it more tame in typical designer duds (while I tried rocking a faux leather, spiked mini). Stars from all the good gory shows, as well as other fan boy favorites were on hand. Julie Benz from "Dexter" was the first to arrive. Both she and her co-star Jennifer Carpenter informed me that the season finale is going to be unbelievable, and according to Jennifer, "will change Dexter forever." The script was missing the last five pages and Jennifer was so curious to see what was going to happen, that she headed down to the set to watch even though she wasn't in the scene. You'll have to wait until December though for it.

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The last to arrive on the red carpet was the hot trio from "The Vampire Diaries" - Stefan/Damon/Elena - aka Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder. The photographers went absolutely nuts for them. Nina explained that this was her first trip to LA since filming began in Atlanta and this was her very first red carpet experience since the show became a hit. I have to say she is an absolute doll and actually remembered me from interviewing her at Comic Con!

After the red carpet, I headed backstage to hang outside the green room where all the celebrities would be milling about. I spotted Megan Fox looking hot in red with boyfriend Brian Austin Green in tow. Kate Bosworth walked by looking super skinny in a crème colored dress. Harrison Ford breezed by at one point as well as Elijah Wood.

Then the big moment... Taylor Lautner arrived with quite the posse in town that looked like it included a bodyguard. I remember interviewing him at Comic Con in summer of 2008. I was one of just a few reporters to interview him. Not many people in the media had figured out that "Twilight" was the biggest teen sensation in decades At this point the "Twilight" hype hadn't yet reached its fever pitch. (Fans were still figuring out if they truly even like the casting of Robert Pattinson at this point!) I hadn't read the books yet but Taylor explained to me how his character Jacob would become a big deal in the series. He had just landed a role playing Christian Slater's son on "My Own Worst Enemy" (now cancelled) and told me about that as well. At the "Twilight" premiere last year Taylor was funny and charming. So, it was strange to see this once sweet, naive kid surrounded by his "people" now. In fact, I was warned I could only ask him two questions in our interview and even told what they had to be about! He still seemed like a sweet guy when I spoke to him, but somehow he is now reserved when he speaks. He's lost much of that warm, innocent glint newcomers have when they first get into the spotlight. Unfortunately, that sometimes is what way too much tabloid exposure can do to someone. He's still a cutie pie though.

Later I spotted "True Blood's" Stephen Moyer walking with a cane. Liv Tyler presented an award to him on stage and told me she heard he had knee surgery.

I nearly missed Johnny Depp walking right by me as he headed to stage to present an award to Rolling Stone legend Keith Richards. Of course you hear all the stories about Keith and how he talks but when I interviewed him backstage I actually understood every word he said. He was playful about how people think he's a vampire and immortal!

My last interview of the night was with my one of my favorite casts, the gang from "The Big Bang Theory." We all discussed how it might be funny to do a ripped from the headlines type story on their show about balloon boy. That contraption they built is so something the fabulous nerd foursome could build. So, if you ever see that storyline on the show it was my idea!

The "Scream 2009" Awards air October 27th on Spike TV.

ABC Puts Jake Pavelka In 'The Bachelor' Pilot Seat

2009-10-15T02:10:33Z

"Hot Dork" - remember that term. I'm going to take credit for coining it to best describe Jake Pavelka, who has officially been chosen as ABC's new "Bachelor." I'm not sure what it is about this guy that rubs me the wrong way. Oh wait. Yes I do. He's got Eddie Haskell syndrome -- a phrase my brothers used to describe my boyfriend the year I graduated college.

Remember how on "Leave It To Beaver" every time that troublemaker Eddie would come over to the Cleavers' house, he would totally kiss a** to Ward and June and make it look like he was mister goody two shoes. "Golly gee Mrs. Cleaver, you look quite lovely today and those cookies you are baking sure do smell delicious."

I don't know if that was actual dialogue from the show, but that's about how it went. Jake is the goody two shoes without the trouble. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that he was a quiet, shy dorky kid in high school who never got the girl. Then all of sudden, he woke up in his late twenties and turned out to be a pretty good looking dude. Unfortunately, it was too late to morph out of the dorky guy he always was and into a confident, suave player. OK, OK, I know someone is reading this and thinking how mean it sounds. I'd bet my favorite pair of Manolo Blahniks I'm right on the money though... hence why I will forever refer to Jake as a "Hot Dork." This is not to be confused with a "Hot Nerd," a much better breed of hot guy.

]]> The question is why did ABC choose Jake in the first place?

He finished sixth on the show, the lowest on the totem pole of any former "Bachelorette" contestant turned "Bachelor." I'll tell you why -- because mister man tears truly believes in love and falling deeply, madly in it... quickly. This is ABC's chance to redeem itself by actually producing a "Bachelor" marriage. Based on his behavior with Jillian after their one and only one-on-one date and from listening to his interviews and talking to him on the phone, this is a guy who falls in love easily and frequently. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid to spill his guts, which I'm guessing has easily turned off many past flames. Girls like the bad boys who make them work for their affection, not the syrupy sweet ones who tell you how much they like you every five seconds. Of course, I'm a commitmentphobe with bad taste in men BUT I've heard through the grapevine from people who know Jake I'm not entirely off the mark here.

Plus, let's face it -- after he was so obviously coaxed by producers back into confronting poor Wes Hayden about his supposed girlfriend on Jillian's season, I'm betting they will have this guy wrapped around their little finger -- which hey, let's face it, makes for great TV. So, of course as usual I will be tuning in for yet another most dramatic, most romantic (most ridiculous, most overly produced) season of "The Bachelor" when it premieres in January. And I will make this prediction right now: Jake Pavelka will be the first Bachelor in history to actually marry whomever he chooses... and their will be a lot of man tears before he does it.

Melissa Joan Hart's 'Dancing' Blog: 'Every Monday Gets Better & Better' (10/12/09)

2009-10-12T22:04:30Z

By Melissa Joan Hart

Every Monday gets better and better!

I'm feeling so much more at home on this big stage, with this big band and with these fancy costumes.

This week I am a lucky girl and get to dance the good old-fashioned Charleston for all to see! I have always dreamt of being a flapper in the Roaring '20s and today I get to play that part. Our dance is fast and furious but so fun and silly that it totally suits my personality.

As for a little behind the scenes dirt, I have made an interesting observation about all the cast members involved in the show. Most often when you get a group of celebs, people that have had great success in a certain area of the arts, you have huge talent mixed with huge egos. But when people come together in an unfamiliar setting such as dancing (or even when I have done celebrity car races) they drop the ego and look for support and friendships. Celebrities are accustomed to being babied and spoiled but that's not the case here on "DWTS." Even though everyone here is competitive, I feel it is friendly and fun competition, not aggressive and hateful...

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Also in the results show this week, my baby boys Mason and Brady will be on camera as well as all the cast members' kids in a little sketch called "Dancing Daycare." I'm so excited to see their faces as they cheer me on!

Well I'm off to entertain! I hope my Charleston is the "bees-knees".

When it comes to the glitz and glamour of this show I have never heard a more appropriate quote then that of the always-fantastic Drew Barrymore when she said, " You know you are putting a good thing into the universe when you put on glitter!"

Donald Trump Jumping Into The Reality Dating World?

2009-10-07T21:45:38Z

Today I learned my lesson in 'Don't sit on a good idea' - courtesy of Donald Trump. You see, about a year ago, a couple of months after I had broken up with my last boyfriend, I was talking to young Billy Bush here about how I wanted to do a dating reality show. I said to him, "Maybe I should enlist the help of Donald Trump?" Trump has had some luck in reality TV finding good employees with "The Apprentice" so maybe he would have some luck finding me a good man. Perhaps I could pitch him a reality show where I use his money and influence to find my future husband? I recall Billy thinking it was a pretty good idea, but after I walked away from him I did nothing. I sat on the idea and went on with my life. Well, this morning (as I sit here still single) I was perusing the reality casting sites and find this casting notice looking for bachelors 21 and over.

'THE ULTIMATE MERGER'
'THE ULTIMATE MERGER' Donald Trump Productions (NBC's The Apprentice) and Juma Entertainment (ABC's The Superstars) are casting a new reality dating show, The Ultimate Merger, in which Donald Trump takes on the role of matchmaker to help a well known bachelorette achieve the "ultimate merger," a successful relationship. Donald Trump, prod. Bachelors will stay at Trump International Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas for the filming.

]]> Seems someone else had my good idea too, which lets face it is par for the course in Hollywood. Are there really any original ideas out there that no one else has thought of? Do we all really think that someone sipping on coffee at Starbucks hasn't also thought of our genius ideas?

I could just kick myself though for not bringing the idea to his attention first! I tried to get some info about the show but have not heard back from his production company. Who is this well-known bachelorette? Has she already been cast? Because Mr. Trump... I am available. Call me.

I'll be sitting at my desk writing down all my other good ideas and pondering how to pitch them.

Take The 'Glee' Quiz!

2009-10-06T20:39:46Z

I love when cute boys come visit me in the Access Hollywood offices - especially when I'm feeling under the weather! This morning "Glee's" Cory Monteith, who plays jock-turned-lead-male-glee-club-singer Finn, cheered me up by swinging by for a chat after he hit Billy Bush's radio show studio.

"Glee" is the first of this fall's crop of new shows to get a full season pick-up but they won't go back into production until January as they have already finished shooting the first 13 episodes. So, the cast has some time on their hands, which is how I got so lucky to have a visit from Cory.

Rather than chat about a show he's not currently taping I decided to put his skills to the test and see if he has learned anything about his co-stars while filming and promoting the show. Take the quiz along with Cory and then watch the interview to see if you knew the answers. Good luck!

THE CORY MONTEITH "HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR 'GLEE' CO-STARS" QUIZ:

1. WHAT HIGH SCHOOL DID CHRIS COLFER ATTEND?

]]> 2. WHERE DID CHRIS WORK BEFORE SCHOOL HOURS?

3. MY BIRTHDAY IS JULY 15. WHICH OF YOUR CO-STARS BIRTHDAY'S IS JULY 14TH?

4. AND WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS ONE DAY AFTER MINE?

5. PRIOR TO 'GLEE,' LEA MICHELE HAS ONLY APPEARED IN ONE OTHER PRIMETIME SHOW (IN 2000). WHICH DRAMA WAS IT?

6. AMBER RILEY TRIED OUT FOR WHICH MEGA POPULAR REALITY SHOW?

7. WHICH ONE OF YOUR CO-STARS PLAYED A CHARACTER NAMED CHARLIE IN TWO DIFFERENT PRIMETIME TV SHOWS... AND WHICH SHOWS WERE THEY?

8. FOR WHICH TWO BROADWAY SHOWS WERE MATTHEW MORRISON NOMINATED FOR A TONY?

9. WHICH OF YOUR OTHER CO-STARS (LIKE YOU) IS FROM CANADA?

10. WHAT IS LEA MICHELLE'S REAL LAST NAME?

Melissa Joan Hart's 'Dancing' Blog: 'Here We Go Again'

2009-10-05T18:30:22Z

By Melissa Joan Hart

Here we are again, in the glam trailer getting beautified. Today being Latin day at DWTS, the spray tans and big hair are intense. The atmosphere here seems more playful and I think there are numerous reasons for that. We are forming friendships, which makes it nicer to be here, especially since we are all away from family and friends for long hours at a time, and it has given us a common ground to form a bond.

The nerves have turned to excitement, as we grow more comfy on the dance floor and with our abilities. I can't help but think that with all the fatigue we are all experiencing, it helps you relax and be a bit more carefree.

Don't get me wrong, I am still terrified to stand in my opening pose and hear the scary announcer call out my name! My heart pounds like crazy when I even just imagine walking out on that stage. It's a fine balance of feeling strong and respecting the dance floor all while relaxing and enjoying every moment.

Tonight I dance the Samba and will shake my hips in ways no camera has ever caught before! Acting sexy is not something I'm comfortable showing so it's going to be more of an acting lesson for me tonight than dancing. My hips will move if I can relax and for once take myself seriously and channel my inner sex goddess!

And The Oscar Goes To: Up In The Air'

2009-10-03T01:16:44Z

I was disappointed to hear that George Clooney's upcoming film, "Up in the Air," was moved back from November 13 to December 4. The release date was changed so that it wouldn't conflict with Clooney's other film, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" - a quirky military satire that Clooney also produced (Overture Films is releasing it on November 6).

But I was sad because it means that moviegoers will have to wait a little longer to see it. No question that it will be worth the wait, because it's a terrific film that, mark my words, will win the Oscar for Best Picture. A bold statement to be sure, but one that I stand by 100%. Here's why...

...The third film directed by Jason Reitman is a quantum leap of maturity over his previous efforts, 2005's well-crafted "Thank You for Smoking" and 2007's excellent "Juno." Clooney plays a jet-setting executive who travels around the country to fire people from corporations whose CEOs are too scared to do it themselves. It's a powerful, profound and very funny movie, and Clooney - a Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner for 2005's "Syrianna" - has never been better.

Barring any unforeseen cinematic masterpieces that may be unleashed in November or December (which is when the real Oscar contenders usually come out), I think the Oscar race basically comes down to three movies: "The Hurt Locker," "Precious" and "Up in the Air."

"The Hurt Locker" is the first Iraq War movie to break through to the masses after a number of box office failures failed to connect with moviegoers - like "Stop-Loss," "The Lucky Ones," "In the Valley of Elah" and "Lions for Lambs," just to name a few. But "The Hurt Locker" isn't just a great Iraq War movie; it's a great movie period - a visceral and exceptionally well-directed movie that captures the perils of combat better than any film since 1987's "Platoon."
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"Precious" is a powerful movie about an obese 16-year-old girl who's pregnant with her second child. She suffers at the hands of her physically and verbally abusive mother (Mo'Nique, in an Oscar-worthy performance), and her living conditions in Harlem are beyond disturbing. But the miracle is that despite all the depressing conditions, it's an uplifting story that's filled with hope. It's also a gritty indie that may find trouble connecting with a mainstream audience.

"Up in the Air" is a great story about one man's crisis of conscience. All of the actors are at the top of their game (including "Twilight's" Anna Kendrick, who holds her own with Clooney and gives a breakout performance), and Reitman's screenplay is incredibly well-written and profound. For those reasons alone it deserves to be nominated for Best Picture.

But it will win because it deals with a very major issue that is affecting Americans where they are hurting the most right now: the economy. People have either lost their jobs, are in the process of losing their jobs, or they know someone affected by both. While job loss is not the sole focus of "Up in the Air," it is part of it, and everyone who sees it - and everyone will, since its distributor, Paramount Pictures, is going to give it all she's got - will be moved by it.

It's a movie for our times, and after being nominated for Best Picture for "Juno," Jason Reitman's time will come when "Up in the Air" wins - that's right, wins - Best Picture next March.

Melissa Joan Hart's 'Dancing' Blog: Getting Ready To 'Shake My Maracas' For Week 3

2009-10-02T23:44:23Z

By Melissa Joan Hart

Sore is the best way to describe this week so far.

The week started out great with what I thought was a great jive, but after the judges deflated my bubble with low scores I felt defeated. The only time in my life that I've ever been under pressure and had to be scored immediately afterward was probably on state exams and I used to ace those. So this is all new and alien to me.

It's so exciting to take the floor and deliver what feels like a flawless performance and then have to take that long walk to the judges' table only to be criticized. But that's what I signed on for, right?

This next week is going to be interesting in a whole new way. While the jive was fast and furious and the audience got to see the all-American girl in me, this week I have to become a sultry, sexy Brazilian with hips that can turn on a dime. That is a side I haven't often shared with the public; a few sassy magazine photos aside. But still shots are a far cry from moving ones!

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While this is a dance competition I also try to remember that it's all about the fans' votes. I have enormous confidence that I have one of the most broad and loyal fan bases out there and I have faith that they will keep me alive for a few more weeks to help me get to the finale. I will continue to work hard in rehearsal to make all of you proud.

Well, that's all for now. Off to try on lots of fringe and shake my maracas. Stay tuned to see what Monday brings both on my blog here, on "Ellen" during the day and of course, don't miss the show at night!!!

Ashley Tisdale Pays A Visit To 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'

2009-10-02T19:30:17Z

"High School Musical" star Ashley Tisdale pays a visit to a deserving family in this Sunday's episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The teen (and tween) favorite is the next celebrity to take part in the show's "Get On The Bus" program, for which stars volunteer to take part in the home building process.

Ashley traveled to Green County, Missouri to help the Hampton family move out of their 800 square foot cramped cottage, where eight of them had been living together after the parents graciously agreed to take in their four nieces and nephews rather than let them go to foster care.

"When I saw the family and the reaction to the house I just, like, started tearing up," she admitted. "It's like this really great deserving family and then also you see like all these volunteers and their family members and their friends just all getting together helping them. It's just such a great feeling to be part of that."

]]> Ashley said she was thrilled when she got the call to come on the show because she watches it with her family every Sunday night. Plus, she's got a leg up on some of the other celebrities who have participated in the show as her dad, Mike, is in the construction business. He tagged along as well, making this the first time she and her dad have worked together in front of the camera, "We definitely had some bonding and some squabbles," she giggled. "He would be like, 'No, do it this way,' and I'm like, 'Well, I'm gonna do it this way!'"

Of course, they worked it out, and in the end Ashley got very hands-on in the home building process. "I helped out a lot around the house. I did the floors in the entryway. I did a little of the designing of Hannah's room, which is the little girl who was super excited to meet me. I also worked a little bit on the chicken coop in the back and the barn house as well."

Ashley herself moved into her own new home recently, which, not surprisingly, was built by her dad - with an eco-friendly flare. "We went green. We did solar panels. We recycled the windows and the cabinets. It's an amazing house. It's done. It's beautiful. It's really great. I love it."

Fortunately, for this 24-year-old, her dad is never far away. "He still comes over every morning because they still have little things, putting in stuff. They are down the street from my house. It's not like they are far!"

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" airs Sunday nights on ABC.

Melissa Joan Hart's 'Dancing' Blog: Ready For Week 2!

2009-09-28T22:46:07Z

By Melissa Joan Hart

Here we are again in Week 2! This week feels different in a number of ways. Everyone around is a bit more relaxed after getting the first week out of the way. It's going to be tough to go out and try to remember every move after only four days.

Last week our dances were ingrained in our heads after five weeks of practice and now we only have days to learn and polish. But despite that, the atmosphere here backstage is definitely a lot more laid back and fun than last week. Especially as we are all creating bonds and friendships behind the scenes.

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I'm sure they enjoy the pro dances on the show when they get the chance to dance with a partner that is at the level they are. I've learned that even the pros get nervous first week out. They almost all put on their game faces and get serious until we make it through the routine. I'm sure it's got to rattle them a bit not knowing how their partner will handle the pressure of a live audience. But once they make it through the first routine and get to size up the competition a bit they can relax knowing what they need to do for the next few weeks. I have to hand it to them, they have tough jobs with little recognition.

I'm so excited to go out there today and be a dancer for a day. It's like a childhood dream come true. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it for as long as it lasts; nerves and all.

Melissa Joan Hart's 'Dancing' Blog:

2009-09-25T16:07:02Z

1 week down, 9 to go!

What a crazy week it was. The nerves backstage were out of control.

It's so funny how every different human handles high-pressure situations. Debi and Kelly and I like to have nervous chatter while Kathy and Natalie really like to focus and stay calm it seems. Even the pros each handle it a little different. Derek gets silly while Mark gets very internal and serious.

It was such a thrill to survive week one. I feel so proud of myself for going out there and getting through both routines without missing a step. There is such a huge level of expectation from the audience but also from you. In all my rehearsals on stage or in front of people I could not stop the uncontrollable shaking from the adrenaline my body was over producing.

But as the scary announcer man said my name and I knew it was show time, my body became relaxed and I was able to dance like never before. As we got into our hold for the middle of the dance and did our natural waltz steps all around the floor I could feel my costume whipping around from our movement and it felt like I was floating on air. INCREDIBLE FEELING!
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Next up, I have the jive, which is awesome. We are doing some great tricks in the routine and it is Mark Ballas' favorite dance, which makes the rehearsals a blast. I have three days to perfect what I only learned yesterday if I want to survive another week. With my family flying in tomorrow to help me through the next show, I just hope I won't be distracted by the beautiful faces of all my boys and that I can make them proud of me with my fancy sausage roll and flicking feet.