As the mom of a pre-’tween, we just finished watching HSM2. Troy and Gabriella have “grown up” after 5 months of Mrs. Darvis. The music was fun (more solos this time) and the setting offered a little more freedom (other than the boss on Sharpay’s leash).

It was nice to hear Zac Efron’s real voice. Although it was difficult to tell in the group songs, the subtle difference between Drew Seeley’s and Zac’s voice was more evident in his solo piece “Bet on it”.

I’m sure with the Wildcat Chat and Sing-a-long version later this weekend, we’ll have the songs memorized!

I’ve looked for a “good” version of the finale song’s (All for One) music video, but it looks like there won’t be as many pirated videos. Darn.

Did you watch it? What did you think?

By TVJunkie Jenn | Comments Off

Lacey, Neil, Danny, Sabra

Who is your favorite? It’s difficult to choose! I like each dancer for different reasons. I think Danny is the best technical dancer, but Neil has the “screaming girl” vote. (Can’t say that I blame them.) Lacey and Sabra have been favorites throughout the season. I don’t know who to vote for!

Of all the night’s performances, I thought Lacey was consistently at the top of her game. She lucked out with extremely good choreography to showcase her personality and talents. I agreed with Nigel (or Dan? can’t remember) who said she knows how to work it. She is a true performer and works the camera, her partner, and her performance to woo her audience. Her energy was amazing to the end.

For the hip hop routine, I thought Lauren would have done awesome and I missed seeing her perform. Neil and Sabra were good, but it didn’t seem up to their normal performance. I realize they all had a busy week learning new routines with very little rest. While this may be the norm for a dancer, it does the top dancers a disservice because they can’t perform at their best.

Lacey and Danny’s Viennese Waltz was so enjoyable, the lines were simply beautiful.

Neil and Danny’s contemporary performance was so dramatic! Loved to see their personalities and athletics really shine. Meanwhile, Lacey and Sabra’s number was imaginative. The sharpness of Lacey’s moves stood out to me.

Of the solos, Danny completely took it up a level and danced for his life. It was worthy of the standing ovation he received from the judges and many in the audience.

Lacey’s solos have never stood out to me. I’ve attributed it to her genre being one that is typically done with a partner. She excels in every other area.

They finally played the full clip of Sabra hitting her head on the stage floor. That had to leave a mark! Ouch! (@ 1:40 into the interview below)

The final two dance arrangements looked so difficult as they were showing the studio clips. The Lindy Hop was my favorite of the two, but I thought Sabra and Danny were a great pair with fun chemistry.

I’m looking forward to the final show. I hope it is full of good performances and not just a variety show with the top 20. It will be fun to see those familiar faces again! I can’t believe it’s the end of the season!

Who are you voting for??? Be sure to vote and leave a comment on your thoughts from the final performances!

By TVJunkie Jenn | Comments Off

Before tonight’s finale, I caught up on the previous episode of The Next Food Network Star. My husband said it had a surprising twist at the end, but wouldn’t confirm or deny any of my guesses.

After the challenge du jour on Rachael Ray’s show, I wasn’t sure who to pick as my favorite out of Amy, Rory and JAG. I find Amy down-to-earth and relate-able as a fellow mom. I like Rory’s food style and her spunky personality. JAG, although rough around the edges, reminded me of another Food Network star (Bam!) with his larger-than-life spot on Rachael’s show.

After the Iron Chef challenge, I thought Amy excelled as a commentator and worked well along side of Alton. Then, she spoke positively and with a level-head during her radio interview. (The bagel sandwiches weren’t that creative though LOL)

I thought Amy’s speaking and culinary skills might give her an advantage, but they choose to send her home.

Then, I was further surprised to hear JAG’s confession that he had falsified his information which explained why he was worried about discussing his past during the radio challenge. (That would have made for interesting TV if he had been exposed during that challenge.) JAG was not a culinary school graduate or ever deployed to Afghanistan as he originally stated to The Food Network.

The taped “confession” from JAG felt contrived but necessary to clear the network.

I’m not sure why anyone applying for a reality TV show would choose to disclose false information. There’s always someone somewhere who is willing to blow the whistle. Unfortunately for JAG, this choice cost him a spot on the finals and tarnished his integrity on national TV.

Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to tonight’s showdown between Rory and Amy!

Do you have a favorite between the two finalists? What did you think of The Next Food Network Star finale? Do you agree with the winner they chose?

By TVJunkie Jenn | 1 Comment »