Watching New Celebs

The promise of a flourishing career in the American TV landscape seems all lost on Michelle Ryan after her show, the updated version of Bionic Woman, got canceled. But that does not mean you’ll see the last of her on US Television, because Michelle Ryan will be back. She has signed on the BBC production of Merlin, which will air in the UK first, before it comes to NBC one Sunday night this winter.

Details of this special is right after the cut…

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Veteran boy bands are making a comeback.

It’s been reported that New Kids on The Block has teamed with another 80’s group, New Edition, to release their new song together as groups called Full Service. The song will supposedly appear on NKTOB’s planned album and it was co-written by Donnie Wahlberg.

The reunion, according to People.com, "went smoothly. There were no egos or attitudes. It felt like they’d been friends forever." But reports also said Bobby Brown, the front runner of New Edition, wasn’t in the recording.

New Kids On The Block and New Edition were rumored to be at odds as a boy band group back in their time. But this collaboration should put that rumor to rest.

But what is your take on this current trend, with former music sensations making a comeback?

Are you a fan of the group? Are you a fan of this current trend? Is it great to see these former teen heartthrobs, now more mature men, back and performing?

For her planned comeback in the music scene, reports are saying Whitney Houston is planning to team up with new comer and new singing sensation, British singer Leona Lewis.

Houston, the legendary diva who broke records and rose to fame in the 80’s is planning to stage a concert, after battling alleged drug abuse and a series of personal domestic problems. The singer is also planning on a release of a new album later this year.

Leona Lewis on the other hand is this season’s Whitney Houston, who is actually one of Lewis’ singing idols. Her singing style has been also compared to Mariah Carey. Lewis’ hit songs are currently topping the UK and US music charts.

The planned team up is orchestrated by Clive Davis, the music executive who has been responsible for making Whitney Houston’s record hits and who is also grooming Leona Lewis.

I think I’m the last to know that Whitney Houston is making a comeback but learning about this now, I think it would be great to hear these two together. I grew up listening to Whitney Houston and while I’m not a fan of Leona Lewis, I do think she has a pure and solid voice and can easily match up to the diva. Her career is really taking off. And I wish success for both these ladies and their collaboration. I have an inkling this will be a big hit.

Listen to the ladies sing I Have Nothing, a fan made compilation I found on YouTube, which by the way showcases why Whitney Houston is who she is in the music industry and why Leona Lewis can follow in her footsteps:

Leona Lewis, Whitney Houston, I Have Nothing, Clive Davis

Robert Downey Jr. is this week’s Man of the Hour. His summer action flick, Iron man, holds one of the biggest record for an opening weekend of all time. The critics love it and the critics love him. And it wasn’t so much the case in previous years.

Although I believe Robert Downey Jr. to be one brilliant actor, he once did lose his shine (and a career) when he was heavily into substance abuse. Robert has been in and out of rehab and jail from 1996 to 2001, claiming that his addiction has started even before he hit puberty.

But that is hopefully all in the past now. After 2001 and staying pretty much sober and drug free, Robert tries to revive his career via Elton John’s music video — “I Want To Love”.

Eventually he released his own album, The Futurist and then starred in critically acclaimed movies like Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang and Goodnight and Goodluck. Robert was well on the right track. He also found new love in producer Susan Levin, while working in Gothika. They were married in 2005. I saw them appearing on Oprah in those days and they were a picture of a very happy and very romantic couple.

But his biggest break to date is this movie Iron Man, which frankly, I didn’t think was gonna be a huge hit. I had a difficult time reconciling his persona as a superhero character. I haven’t seen the movie yet but everyone I know who’ve seen it say it’s one helluva ride and that Robert proves once again — he is a great actor. As it is this week’s most celebrated event in Hollywood, I’m looking forward to watching.

Robert Downey Jr is back in a big way now. I do hope he stays awhile and becomes the bigger star he is destined.

Robert Downey Jr, Ironman