1. Alicia Keys ‘As I Am’
This soulful songstress delivers her third album after a three-year hiatus, with songs like “No One” reaching the top of the charts. Keys was a last minute fill-in at this year’s VMA awards after Amy Winehouse called in drunk. The stage was set for the night to be known as Britney’s comeback, but Keys stole the show with her talent and class. Her new album features the piano ballads Keys is known for, and a song featuring John Mayer. Download this: “Lesson Learned.”
2. ‘A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila’
After last night’s episode in which the four finalists brought Tila home to meet their families, next week’s episode brings out the worst in Dani and Bobby when Tila and Amanda come to breakfast in the same clothes they were wearing during their date the night before. This show has become a guilty pleasure among young viewers and a nail biter to see which team Tila will go to bat for.
3. Katherine Heigl
The star was recently named one of Entertainment Weekly’s Top 25 Stars of the year, not to mention she’s pretty easy on the eyes. Heigl has earned a name as Dr. Izzie Stevens on “Grey’s Anatomy” and proven that she is here to stay with a break into the Hollywood film industry with films like “Knocked Up.” Heigl won an Emmy in September for her best supporting actress role on “Grey’s” and has stirred things up this season with an affair with George (T.R. Knight). Unfortunately for us all, Heigl is set to tie the knot with singer Josh Kelley in late December.
4. ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Helio Castroneves and professional partner Julianne Hough won the coveted “Dancing With the Stars” trophy star Tuesday night against Spice Girl Melanie Brown. Two time Indy 500 winner Castroneves reportedly split from fiancé Aliette Vasquez. The couple had previously postponed their marriage due to conflicts with the show. Incidentally, Hough also postponed her marriage to dancer Zach Wilson due to scheduling conflicts.
5. Christmas Cartoons
As the holidays quickly approach classic cartoons and new animations are hitting primetime to spread some holiday joy. After ABC broadcasted “A Charlie Brown Christmas” earlier this week and original cartoon “Shrek the Halls” last night, there is still a chance to catch the the Academy and Golden Globe nominated film “The Polar Express” on Friday at 7 p.m.
6. ‘America’s Next Top Model’
“America’s Next Top Model” continues to film in Shanghai as the show is down to its final five contestants. The girls go under the critical eye of Chinese designers as they walk down the runway to compete for a high-stakes photo shoot. The show made entertainment headlines Monday, announcing that trailblazing veteran model Twiggy would not stay on to be a judge for next season. International supermodel Paulina Porizkova, 42, will fill her spot on the judges’ panel. Porizkova was recently the first star to be voted off the fourth season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
7. YouTube goes political
CNN and YouTube held a Republican debate Wednesday night in which YouTube viewers could record questions and send them in to be answered live by the ever-growing list of republican candidates. This type of interactive debate made for an entertaining way to learn about candidates’ positions and would most likely attract younger viewers. The video integration is sign of the times in the political process, and, besides, Chuck Norris was seen in the audience.
8. ‘The Office’
Since “Grey’s Anatomy” is replaying its first episode of the season Thursday, turn on NBC and watch the cast of “The Office” prepare for a night of inventory. Michael recently got back from vacation so he is still in island mode, but then again when is he not? This season has been nothing short of satisfying with elaborate plans like Michael’s Rabies Race for a Cure. The staff always has something quirky to prevent them from actually doing doing business.
