She Likes Us, She Really Likes us
On Sunday, April 3, Ellen DeGeneres completed taping of two episodes of her hit daytime talk show at Universal Orlando Resort. Those who were lucky enough to get their hands on a much-coveted ticket to be in the audience were treated to appearances by LL Cool J, Kelly Clarkson and Duran Duran. This marks the fifth year that Ellen has filmed her show in sunny Orlando. The comedienne wasn't shy about her appreciation of the City Beautiful. “Let Oprah have Australia, I'll take Orlando,” she said. Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, who was in the audience, said she was honored by DeGeneres's endorsements for the city.
Fizzled Footlights
YouTour, a traveling entertainment event featuring several of the internet's biggest stars, which was to commence touring in January, has been abandoned. YouTour was the brainchild of Orlando resident and on screen host of StirfryTV.com, known to his many viewers simply as “River.” Michael Wanzie was set to direct the unique high energy variety show. According to Wanzie, “the tour was predicated on sponsorships which did not fully pan out due to the economy.”
Lascivious Liberation
Ricky Martin's “Musica + Soul + Sex” tour stopped in Orlando Friday April 8 with plenty of “sex.” Clad in black leather, the sultry singer strutted, shimmied and shook his bon bon to a nearly sold-out crowd at the Amway. The dynamic concert was packed with surprises both musical and visual. Martin's coming out was clearly evident in his performance. With a grin on his face, he cavorted with shirtless male dancers and at different points in the evening, voice-over interludes told stories about experiencing prejudice. One young man talked of searching for acceptance from his father for being gay. “Be yourself,” his voice urged, as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Drama Scream Queens
Last week, Scream veterans, Courtney Cox and David Arquette were spotted canoodling at the Grand Floridian Hotel in Orlando. It was reported that the two were here to spend some family time with their 6-year-old daughter Coco at Walt Disney World. The two also attended the Scream 4 premiere April 11 together. Could this mean they may get back together? “I don't know. We're not divorced,” Cox told reporters. “We couldn't be in a better place. It's better than before we were separated because we're getting to know each other in a different way.”
