Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
2G with Merrill in Niagra
I hope Alex doesn't mind, but I took these from his Facebook album to share with all of you who might not be his friend on Facebook. These were from this past weekend at Niagra Falls in Canada.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
DonSense: Many congratulations to Dad
Monday night's performances kept the heat on the dance floor as the competition came to a close. Looking at the finalist lineup, all three were deserving of the coveted mirror-ball trophy, but for different reasons.
Throughout this season, Mya displayed continually her dancing prowess with grace and elegance. Her unwavering ability to execute sophisticated routines week after week proved what an amazing dancer she is. And, how could we forget ... how did judge Len Goodman put it? Her "Tutti-frutti what a booty" moves. She definitely proved to be a veritable opponent for Kelly and Donny -- both of whom have stories so different that they're nearly opposites.
MORE @ MORMONTIMES
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Donny Osmond takes the trophy in 'Dancing' final
Two years after his sister, Marie, finished third on the ABC show, Donny and his partner, Kym Johnson, took home the title on the series' ninth season.
When he was announced as the winner, a visibly overjoyed Osmond rushed into the audience, literally carrying his wife, Debbie, back on stage.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thanksgiving family reunions full of memories
Monday, Nov. 23, 2009
In case a holiday seems lost between Halloween and Christmas, may I remind you: Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Within a short eight-week time period, it's amazing how a holiday disappears in the shuffle of marketing attention. (But, we'll delve into the marketing foibles of commerce at a later date.)
Thanksgiving is a time for family reunions. A time to come together; sharing gratitude for one another, and the blessings we enjoy.
Family members arrive at their parent's home with side dishes to share. Cousins reunite to swap stories about what has happened since the last reunion.
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If Donny Osmond wins on Dancing with the Stars it could shine light on Las Vegas tourism
Donny Osmond is truly talented. At 51, he is competing in the ever popular ABC reality show Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) beating performers half is age.
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Utahns rally for Donny Osmond
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Marie Osmond's Special Gifts for the 'Dancing with the Stars' Semi-Finalists
"I picked certain bags for the different people left on 'Dancing with the Stars' -- there are three ladies and one guy -- my brother -- and I figured they needed a little pick-me-up [gift]," she tells ET of the uniquely designed, colorful quilted bags from her Marie Lifestyle Collection.
"Joanna [Krupa] has just done the cover of Playboy and she's red hot, so we picked the red color for her," says Marie.
Continue reading...
Country singer Nathan Osmond performs at Bozeman Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart shoppers in Bozeman were treated to a surprise Wednesday as country musician Nathan Osmond performed in the store.
Osmond, the son of entertainer Alan Osmond (and nephew of famed 70s duo Donny & Marie Osmond), has been touring the state the last few days, stopping in Great Falls, Helena, and Butte before making his way to Bozeman.
He's thanking Wal-Mart for its support of the Children's Miracle Network.
“My grandma Osmond is the one that had the dream, the vision back 27 years ago around our kitchen table, 'Let's do something that helps all these kids'. And Joe Lake was there, and Shannon, and they put something together. Thanks to these guys, since 1987 Wal-Mart has been a sponsor of Children's Miracle Network,” Osmond said.
Osmond's next stop is in Billings before he returns home on Thursday.
Chasing a (DWTS) star
I'm young and single; working all day and partying all night is status quo. So, keeping up with a 51-year-old is no problem, right? That is, of course, unless your dad is Donny Osmond.
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DonSense: Text message disconnect
Grammar-impaired text-based chats are much easier, and less evasive, especially if the conversation is heated. It's just too difficult to pick up the phone and confront those who have wronged, or frustrated us.
Dyadic dialog is a thing of the past. Never had that been so apparent to me than a few months ago when a friend sent me a text. It's the classic example of textual frustration.
"Just 2 let u know ... we're still fighting! :'("
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Inside Donny Osmond's Top-Secret 'DWTS' Rehearsal
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Still riding on "Cloud Ten," Donny Osmond knocked out the "Dancing with the Stars" judges this week with his Argentine Tango, drawing a personal best score of 29, the highest score of the season. Now, we're with Donny and pro partner Kym Johnson in their Las Vegas rehearsal studio to see what they're cooking up next!
"Still living on that cloud," says Donny of their victory. But now, Donny and Kym have to lock down the Jitterbug by Monday night, and Donny says, "It's kind of bittersweet -- we love the fact that we got 29, but we really are starting over. You're just starting from ground zero."
"We take it week by week," agrees Kym. "It feels really like a competition now to me. … I think we're in a good place -- hopefully they'll take us seriously."
"It doesn't matter where we are on the leader board, I just want to be a great contender," says Donny, adding with a sly grin, "But it sure feels good to be number one."
Jermaine: Michael’s Kids are Huge DWTS Fans
After a very special tribute to the late Michael Jackson on Tuesday’s Dancing with the Stars, his brother Jermaine told OK! the singing legend’s three children are doing well, watching the ABC show, and have picked their favorite celebrity competitor!
“They watch the show with my mother, religiously,” Jermaine revealed to OK!, and added that the kids and the entire Jackson clan was rooting for Donny Osmond, as the Jackson and Osmond families have been friends for years. “We all love Donny. We go way back. He’s a pro”
When asked if he’d like to see Donny win DWTS, Jermaine was emphatic: “Yes, I do. This is his world. He is going to win. Watch.”
Jermaine was basking in the glow backstage after the show’s pro dancers performed a well-received dance medley to Michael’s hit songs.
“The tribute was wonderful because the dancers did a great job; they were very confident and entertaining. We were watching for all of those things,” said Jermaine, who sat in the audience to watch the performance with mom Katherine, sister LaToya, and other Jackson relatives. “The dancers understood what it takes to do Michael Jackson and they did it. We were watching to see if they just weren’t dancing by numbers, but really feeling it. They were feeling it. It’s all about the feeling. He achieved that, and to watch these dancers tonight shows you what the influence can be.”
When asked if he thought Michael was looking down and smiling, Jermaine said, “Yeah, because he used to watch this show all the time. He was in the room while they were doing the routine.”
The DWTS pros, such as Maks Chmerkovskiy, who choreographed the “Man in the Mirror” portion of the tribute medley, hailed Michael as an inspiration to them, a fact that makes Jermaine very proud. “It feels great because Michael worked so hard, wanting to be the best. When you work hard, you achieve, you influence others.”
As previously announced, Jermaine is currently working on an A & E reality show, set to air in December, about the Jackson brothers’ families. He told OK! Michael’s children definitely won’t be a part of the show and that had never been planned.
Meanwhile, a couple of the DWTS celebrities who had a close connection to Michael spoke to OK! about it after the show.
Donny, who dances with OK! blogger Kym Johnson said, for him, the TV dance tribute was “kind of bittersweet. It was a tribute to a genius, but what made it bitter was that the family was sitting right there and he wasn’t with us. We certainly miss him.”
And Aaron Carter said Michael “taught me the Moonwalk in 2003. It was amazing the time I spent with him in the studio. He was teaching me how to sing! He invited a bunch of people to be part of the charity song for him, ‘What More Can I Give,’ and he hand-picked everybody he felt deserved to be on it, and I was one of those people. He was a great friend of mine and I haven’t spoken about him [until] now.”
Aaron told OK! he keeps in touch with Michael’s children: “They’re really great, a little confused, but for the most part they’re okay. If I could say anything, [it would be] that he loved his kids very much. He worked hard to get them. He worked really hard to go through his life, all the pressures, to be able to have his own children.”
The singer, who dances with partner Karina Smirnoff, said he doesn’t personally think Michael’s kids should go into show business, but added, “they should pursue what[ever] their heart’s passion is.”
Donny Osmond: 'We're beating each other up!'
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New video: ET is with Donny Osmond as he prepares for this week's "Dancing with the Stars" challenge, where the question is -- will he make it to the show unharmed?
He and partner Kym Johnson are doing the Argentine tango, which is very fast -- and dangerous! "She's beating me up again," Donny says with a laugh. "We're beating each other up!"
"It's really fast footwork, Kym says. "We've had a few misses. I scratched [Donny's] eyeball."
Oh yeah," Donny jokes. "I thought I was going to lose my eye yesterday."
All kidding aside, this dance could be their biggest challenge yet! Watch the video to see Kym's bruises as proof this is more difficult than anything they've done before.
DonSense: More than a backstage pass
But, even though I'm issued a backstage pass at every concert, that pass isn't a license to do, or go, wherever I want. It takes time to build a rapport with the crew before they'll let me hang around. There's a lot going on, and I don't want to get in the way.
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Marie Osmond's Big Fashion Doll Reveal!
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ET was exclusively with Marie Osmond as the star revealed her very own fashion doll!
Surrounded by fans, Marie unveiled the Grand Finale Fashion Doll at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.
"The last time I was a fashion doll I was about 15 or 16 or something like that, and it was really my daughter's idea --she's 20, Rachel -- to come out with a new Marie fashion doll," Marie tells ET. "And so, she's dressed in the dance outfit I wear at the end of our show here at the Flamingo, and so we're unveiling her tonight."
Marie also reveals to ET just how much she participates in the creation of her dolls, saying, "I do everything. This is my hobby. This is the way I relax and have fun."
The dolls will be available in retail stores in November and on QVC on October 26.
Watch the video for your sneak peek!
Marie Osmond Gets a 5-0 at 'Dancing With the Stars'
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The highest score may have been 28 out of 30 on Monday night's "Dancing with the Stars," but ET's special correspondent Marie Osmond celebrated her big 5-0 backstage.
The birthday girl, who celebrated one day early, must believe it is better to give than to receive. Instead of getting a present from her brother Donny, she gave him a doll replica of himself. She told him to give it to judge Bruno Tonioli so he can remember their impromptu smooch on last Monday's show. Donny responded, "I want to forget about that thing. This is just going to perpetuate it."
Melissa Joan Hart and partner Mark Ballas were awarded their first perfect scores of the season, tying them with Mya atop the scoreboard with 28 points. Melissa is "over the moon" with their score. The couple truly got into character for their 1920s inspired Charleston routine. Mark said his fake mustache is "itchy," but he was determined to sell his role through and through.
The competition is getting fierce and the celebs reveal which of their competitors they most want to sabotage. Watch the video for more and don't forget to tune in Tuesday night to find out which couple will be sent home on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." For a complete recap of Monday's performance show, click here.
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson Pictures: Millions of Milkshakes West Hollywood Launch Photos
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson unveil their signature milkshakes at Millions of Milkshakes on October 11, 2009 in West Hollywood, California.
Donny's Decadence incorporates his all-time favorite milkshake ingredients — vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips, almonds and caramel sauce topped off with a Kit Kat bar. Kym Johnson's Java Jive includes a little caffeine kick to keep her Jive grooving. It combines vanilla ice cream, coffee and crushed Kit Kat.
The Dancing With the Stars pair also revealed a joint milkshake, The Tango Fruit Twist, which includes vanilla ice cream, strawberries, peaches, raspberries and mandarin oranges.
Donny Dancing with the Stars Photos
Donny Osmond has been in front of the camera for the majority of his life. Performing on stage with his sister Marie Osmond who is also a former Dancing With The Stars contestant at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel through 2012. Donny Osmond is married to Debbie Glenn and the couple have five sons and two grandchildren.
Source
DonSense: Remembering 9/11
Upon arriving at work, I was informed by my supervisor that an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Because we were unclear about the situation's gravity, we made the assumption that a small plane must have veered off course, causing the accident.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Donny Osmond: I'm Going to Kiss Carrie Ann Next!
Donny Osmond knows the 7 Bruno Tonioli gave him on Monday's Dancing with the Stars was not the score for their make-out session. "That was just for the rumba," Osmond tells TVGuide.com. "When I walked out at the beginning of Tuesday's show, he waved his hand at me and I waved right back." Hand-waving may be all Tonioli gets these days since the 51-year-old entertainer has his eyes on another judge. Learn why Osmond's gunning for Carrie Ann Inaba, whether sister Marie — with whom he headlines a Las Vegas show— has given him advice, and more.
Donny Osmond is 'Dancing' for Your Dollars
Donny Osmond is asking his fans and his "Dancing with the Stars" supporters to take it one step further and lend their support to a cause close to his heart.
Donny has launched "Dancing for Miracles," an online fundraising campaign for Children's Miracle Network, an international non-profit that raises funds for children's hospitals. The fundraising campaign will last as long as Donny remains in the competition with his professional partner, Kym Johnson.
"Children's Miracle Network is an organization I have always believed in," Donny said. "I know my supporters will be willing to help a cause that reaches children in every community. I'll keep dancing, if they'll keep raising funds for the 17 million children treated each year at Children's Miracle Network hospitals."
Supporters are asked to visit Donny.com, where they can make a one-time donation, or pledge an amount for every week Donny continues to dance. All of the money raised will benefit Children's Miracle Network hospitals across the United States.
The Osmonds have been involved with the Children's Miracle Network since its inception in 1983. The charity, which began as a telethon broadcast from the Osmond Studios, has since grown into an international non-profit organization, which has raised more than $3.8 billion for children's hospitals over the past 26 years.
But donors get more than the joy of giving. There is also the possibility of winning a trip for two to Las Vegas, NV, to see Donny and Marie perform at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Complete rules and regulations are available at Donny.com. No purchase or donation is necessary to enter or win.
"Dancing with the Stars" airs Monday and Tuesday nights on ABC.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Don’s ‘Dancing’ Debrief
I kinda find it funny that they’ve even got my picture plastered up on the radio’s Web site. I suppose this is a regular gig now. (That’s the reasoning behind the picture attached to this blog posting.)
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Paula Abdul Judges 'Dancing with the Stars' From the Sidelines
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Paula Abdul may not be on the judging panel, but that won't stop her from voicing her opinion. She had a front row seat next to Lance Bass Monday night at "Dancing with the Stars." ET's special correspondent Marie Osmond caught up with the former "American Idol" judge after the show to chat about her favorite performance of the night.
Her days of criticizing Simon Cowell are behind her, but the "Dancing" panel is fresh blood for Paula. She told Marie, "I don't understand the scoring system. I think things were a little blurry and out of whack tonight."
She expressed her support for Mark Dacascos and his partner Lacey Schwimmer. She said, "I think to set the stage, this was one of the best numbers I've seen and I'm going on record saying that."
Is Paula interested in competing on a future season of "Dancing with the Stars?" She expressed concern that if she were partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, he would make fun of her dance technique from her background in cheerleading.
The singer and dancer called Donny Osmond "delusional" after witnessing his on-camera smooch with judge Bruno Tonioli. She said of the duo, they "were like peanut butter and jelly tonight."
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
DonSense: If at first you don't succeed ...
...then skydiving is definitely not for you. But, if you choose other adventures, go for it!
For the past few months, I competed in a worldwide blogger's competition to become the official blogger for an Antarctica expedition. Talk about the chance of a lifetime! I've never been that far south.
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Monday, October 05, 2009
Olive Osmond's Cabin & New Family History Book Released
To see Olive's cabin which will be ready to dedicate May 2-3rd, 2010, in Samaria, Idaho, visit:
http://getnoiz.ning.com/video/
JUST RELEASED: "A THOUSAND YEARS OF OSMOND HISTORY." Get your copy now!
http://www.amazon.com/
f=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=
Soon the color booklet called "Davis. . . the Other Half of the Osmond Family" will be available for purchase on AMAZON.COM. We'll post details as they become available.
JUST RELEASED IS ; "A THOUSAND YEARS OF OSMOND HISTORY"!
GET IT NOW!
http://www.amazon.com/
f=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=
Friday, October 02, 2009
Chris is going on a mission...
Chris is going on a mission... Part II
He received his call and he is going to be serving for the next two years in the Belgium Brussels/Netherlands mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Uncle Jay's CD Cover
Hearing-impaired conference set - Justin Osmond
WILKES-BARRE – On Oct. 22, Genetti Hotel & Convention Center will again become the noisy hub championing the needs of those who live in silence, as the Luzerne Intermediate Unit holds its second large-scale conference for professionals and family who deal with the hearing impaired.
Dubbed “Hear Now and Forever 2009,” the conference will run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature keynote speaker Kris English, author and president of the American Academy of Audiology. Also appearing will be guest speaker Kathy Buckley, who has acted on TV and off-Broadway and is billed as “America’s first hearing impaired comedienne.”
“We’ll have over 200 people coming,” said Sue Zerfoss, LIU oral/auditory program director. “We held the last one in spring and missed the college students. This time we’re holding it in fall.”
Bloomsburg University has already signed up to bring about 50 students, and Misericordia University is also sending a group.
Zerfoss and the LIU began the conference idea with a mini-version of the upcoming one back in 2005 at Dallas Middle School with guest speaker Sue Thomas, a short, silver-haired woman who was profoundly deaf since she was 18 months old and had built a successful career as a motivational speaker.
In May 2008, the idea grew up as the conference moved to Genetti’s and included more exhibitors and some workshops. Justin Osmond, the severely hearing-impaired son of singer Merrill Osmond from the Osmond Brothers, was guest speaker and set out to prove not being able to hear doesn’t mean you can’t perform music, as he played a song on his violin.
Zerfoss said the change from spring to autumn has made a big difference in the diversity of those registering this year, with more college students and professors signing up.
Continuing Professional Development Credits for state-certified teachers – more commonly known as “Act 48 credits” – are also available upon request.
The full conference on Oct. 22 will include more than 20 exhibitors who sell products or provide services or training in the field. Cost for the whole day is $75, but those interested in only hearing Buckley can get in from noon to 3 p.m. for $30.
Registration deadline is Oct. 12. Forms are available online at www.liu18.org, or by calling (570) 718-4692
It’s ‘Dancing With the Scars’ for Donny and Kym
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson
Photo: Jana Cruder/ABC TV
After two weeks of live telecasts and six weeks of preliminary rehearsals, our Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond describes the experience of dancing with professional partner Kym Johnson as “a roller coaster of emotion and excitement.”
So much so that he’s retitled the ABC hit “Dancing With the Scars,” and he revealed: “I’ve used that line on more than one occasion, but with the reality of it being oh-so-true, I can’t count how many times Kym and I have been injured on the dance floor.”
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
To read the remainder of this story, go to VegasDeLuxe.com
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Famous Family Nights #1
Famous Family Nights contains essays by Alan, Amy, our blog editor Lu Ann Staheli, and over 60 other well-known artists, authors, musicians, etc. from the LDS community and is filled with great ideas for ALL families.
To see the #1 status and to learn more about the book, follow this link:
http://deseretbook.com/store/browse/20
Kym Johnson’s DWTS Diary: How I Got Donny Osmond to Wear Velvet
Monday night, we just wanted to have fun after working really hard for three days on the dance. Donny was drained by the end of rehearsals because it’s such a fast dance and of course he still had to do his Las Vegas show this week as usual. We did the hard work in rehearsals, and then came to the ballroom to enjoy it. It really paid off. I wasn’t sure what the judges were going to say, though. We had a guest judge in Baz 
I decided to have Donny wear a velvet suit for the dance, which was a bit of a gamble. I mean, doing the most energetic dance there is in velvet? Donny thought I made the right decision because he looked smart, but backstage, he admitted he was sweating bullets because it doesn’t breathe very well. Meanwhile, I loved my towering white boots, which were custom-made by the
While I chose our costumes, the producers selected our music, “Secret Agent Man.” We originally were going to go for more of an Austin Powers theme, but since the judges criticized us a little for being too theatrical last week, we decided to tone it down and do more of a straight jive—but with a little ‘60s throwback vibe.
Me and Donny in Dress Rehearsal
I put together some 1960s choreography, and then in one of the rehearsals, Donny’s son Don suggested we put in that John Travolta, Pulp Fiction inspired V-sign move. Don looks like the spitting image of his father and he can take credit for that, as judge Bruno Tonioli praised us for the Travolta touch!
We weren’t disappointed at being behind Mya and Aaron, because we improved and the show is about improving each week.
I enjoyed having a fellow Aussie, Baz Luhrmann, as a guest judge this week. He’s one of the best things to come out of Australia. Of course he wouldn’t know this because my part was so small, but I was actually a dancing “extra” on his movie Strictly Ballroom when I was just 13 years old. I didn’t know at the time it would become such a huge hit movie—and there we both were again on Dancing with the Stars.
Me, LaToya and Donny!
Last week, as my blog photo shows, it was cool meeting LaToya
Well, hope you all keep watching and voting and I’ll talk to you next week!
Dancing with the Stars pro Kym Johnson has teamed up with OK! to update you every week on the triumphs and travails as she attempts to turn her celeb partner Donny Osmond into a ballroom champion!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Vegas Love - Donny & Marie
Here's the link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/
Don Osmond on MormonTimes.com: Life's war on a road hog
I love my motorcycle. Maybe that's why I'm still single — I already have the love of my life. It'll be hard to put it away when the snow falls. Of course, that's why I bobsled. There is always a need for speed.
I digress, but there's a reason for all this.
Have you ever watched a conversation between two passing motorcyclists on the road? Don't blink, because you could miss it. Almost in unison, the two will drop their left hands as a cordial salutation. The intended greeting can mean a myriad of things depending on the riders, but the overarching message is, "I see ya."
'Dancing with the Stars'' Donny Osmond: I Am Going to Dance Like a Teenager
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Even though Donny Osmond did well -- finishing second in combined judges' scores on last Monday's "Dancing with the Stars"' men's competition -- he says his sister Marie is keeping the sibling rivalry going!
"After it was all over, Marie turned to me, really excited about everything, and she said, 'I'm still a better dancer than you,'" Donny tells ET, who is exclusively with him at his Las Vegas rehearsal with partner Kym Johnson. He adds, "Thanks, Marie. I really appreciate that."
At 51 years old, Donny says his biggest competition is 21-year-old Aaron Carter and 30-year-old Joanna Krupa.
"Aaron has got energy for days, but I am going to dance like a teenager. I am. You watch," says Donny, who will be on the ballroom floor jive dancing tonight.
"There's so much energy in the jive and that is what we are going to bring across … just non-stop energy from beginning till end," he continues. "That is what the judges want to see. That is what I want the audience to see."
One thing that Kym and Donny won't be doing this week is theatrics, because judge Len Goodman criticized them for that aspect of their dance last week.
"We have three days to learn a new dance and this is what is going to happen, hopefully, until the finale if we are lucky enough to make it that far," Kym says. "We can't get lazy or look heavy in the legs, so I am going to be a drill sergeant."
Donny will have his own rooting section tonight with his wife Debbie, who viewers saw last Monday, and son Joshua, who will make his first appearance, in the audience.
"My little 11-year-old Joshua called me [last week] and said, 'Dad, you're cool,'" Donny says. "After the first dance, I had to go over there and kiss my wife. I had to do that because she's getting me through this whole thing, but Joshua is really looking forward to being there tonight."
"Dancing with the Stars" airs Mondays and Tuesdays on ABC.
ETOnline.com
Donny on Handy Manny for Disney
In “Handy Manny Motorcycle Adventure,” Manny and his tools — Felipe, Pat, Turner, Stretch, Squeeze, Dusty, Rusty and Flicker — head off on Manny’s motorcycle to his family reunion, but Pat gets separated from the group when he sets out, with Squeeze and Flicker, to find his own family. As Manny and the other tools work to find them, they are helped by a farmer (played by Donny Osmond) and gas station owner (played by Kris Kristofferson). In the end, Pat learns the importance of his family.
In addition to the songs by Los Lobos and Valderrama, the special also features the new song “Somebody Somewhere (Just Like Me),” written by Tom Kenny and Andy Paley and performed by Kenny’s character, Pat, and his sidekick Squeeze.
Donny Osmond launches online fundraiser to support children’s hospitals during dancing competition
The fundraising campaign will last as long as Osmond remains on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” a reality show that has him competing through dance against other celebrities.
Supporters are asked to visit Donny.com, where they can make a one-time donation or pledge an amount for every week Donny continues competing with his dance partner via national television.
All of the money raised will benefit Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the United States.
“Children’s Miracle Network is an organization I have always believed in,” said Osmond. “I know my supporters will be willing to help a cause that reaches children in every community.
“I’ll keep dancing, if they’ll keep raising funds for the 17 million children treated each year at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.”
The Osmond family has been involved with Children’s Miracle Network since its inception in 1983. The charity, which began as a telethon housed in the Osmond studio, has since grown into an international nonprofit organization, which has raised more than $3.8 billion for children’s hospitals in the past 26 years.
In addition to the intrinsic benefits of donating to a children’s charity, donors and others that enter are given the chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas, Nev., with tickets to see Donny and Marie perform at the Flamingo.
Complete rules and regulations are available at www.Donny.com.
Does Donny Have an Unfair Advantage?
It didn’t take Access Hollywood’s “Dancing With the Stars” guest correspondent La Toya Jackson long to uncover some dirt on this year’s new crop of “Stars.”
Following Tuesday night’s show, when the ladies took the ballroom floor for the first time, La Toya spoke with several of the contestants, including Donny Osmond, who had danced the night before.
And as it turns out, Donny may have an unfair advantage over the competition this season, as a source has told Access that Donny has been using a dance coach in Utah for the past year.
“Rumor has it that you’ve been rehearsing for a year with a private trainer in Utah. Is that true?” La Toya asked him on Tuesday night.
“No, that’s not true,” Donny initially replied.
However, the Osmond brother then changed his tune about his ballroom background.
“I will clarify because I have been taking dancing lessons to learn ballroom for the dances that we do in Vegas,” he continued, referring to his Las Vegas show with sister Marie, who previously competed on the show. “That’s part of the choreography, but it’s a whole different thing than what we’re doing here.”
When contacted by Access Hollywood, producers for the show were not immediately available for comment on Donny’s ballroom training.
On Monday night’s show, when the men made their “Dancing” debut, Donny earned a 20 out of 30 points with partner Kym Johnson, third highest total among the male competitors.
Waltzing Women of 'Dancing with the Stars'' Talk to Marie Osmond after Their Debut
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The women embarked on the long road leading to the mirror ball trophy in part two of the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars." ET's special correspondent Marie Osmond spoke to all of the dancers backstage after the show.
Singer Macy Gray won over the hearts of the audience--and Marie--with her debut routine and personality. She brought the audience, even her male opponents, to their feet. Lost in the whirlwind of emotions, Macy didn't even realize the response she had earned. She appreciates the commitment of her partner Jonathan Roberts, saying, "The thing about Jonathan is…he loves dancing, so it's really infectious and you kinda get excited about it with him."
One-time rocker chic Kelly Osbourne morphed into an elegant ballroom dancer. She told Marie, "If you would have seen the person that I was a year ago compared to now, I don't even think I was capable of doing anything like this or becoming this. That's what's so great about this show. It allows you to become this person that you've always been frightened to be."
Kelly has grown into just that person. She goes on to explain, "I was named after Grace Kelly. I've watched women like Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, wanted to emulate Marilyn Monroe and I've never been girly enough."
The experience was very emotional for Kelly and she is grateful she was able to share it with her "mum" and dad, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne who were sitting on the edge of the dance floor.
Kathy Ireland, joined by partner Tony Dovolani, said that participating in this competition is "right up there with childbirth. It's so hard." However, it is all worth it for the new skill of dancing that she is acquiring.
She said, "How many people in their life get to learn how to dance from a world champion?" Modeling has taught her to accept rejection, so she is ready to take the harsh criticism that the judges may send her way.
The boys crashed the girl's night on the dance floor and joined them for the post-show interviews. Aaron Carter, with partner Karina Smirnoff, joined their fellow scoreboard toppers Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough as they spoke to Marie. He even expressed adoration for the skills of pro-dancer Derek. Aaron said, "I look up to him. I have a lot of respect for you on the dance floor." But he warned, "I'm coming to get you."
The final installment of the "Dancing with the Stars" season premiere is Wednesday night. The lowest scoring male and lowest scoring female will be eliminated after the judge's scores and viewer's scores are combined. For a complete recap of Tuesday's dances, click here.
Donny DWTS Week #1
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson had good chemistry on the floor and Osmond has been performing since he can remember. He's determined to finish higher than Marie Osmond's third. Their foxtrot was more showy than stately.
- 2009 Dancing With the Stars - Main Page, including bios, pre-show analysis, and predictions
- Additional DWTS 2009 Coverage
Performing to "All That Jazz" from the musical "Chicago," Osmond was in a white shirt with long sleeves and a black vest and black tie. Despite his "Osmond slouch," he looked like he was having fun, hammed it up a bit and played to the audience.
Bruno said, "Donny you can play an audience like a master" but your "shoulders were bad," and "your posture wasn't as good as your theatricality."
Carrie Ann said because this is ballroom, we want to see the hold.
Len, of course, didn't like the theatricality. He commented, "What you did you did very well," but the performance was "too theatrical," and had too much razzmatazz.
Osmond's score was 7-6-7. Osmond was third before the relay dance.
(These are the results of week #1)
DonSense: Same beat, different song
Nothing! These days, publicity sells us anything from the garbage heap.
Music is no longer about talent; it's about marketing.
Oh, the irony. "Don't worry; we can Milli Vanilli the voice if they're really bad." (It's funny how that has become the standard.)
This is the reason why I don't go to concerts. Listening to the real voice of some artists just ruins the music -- yes, I'm guilty of liking cookie-cutter, overproduced, synthesized beats. We all embrace the facade of MP3s.
Music is fun to listen to, but only because it is digitally mastered to the point where no flaw can be heard.
So, where is the real talent? You know, the concerts we walk away from in awe after witnessing the most amazing show -- not the "wow" factor of lights, crowd surfing and deafening noise levels.
Or, have we all become so desensitized to the point of pathetic passiveness that we can't differentiate between real talent from a marketing overhaul?
Truth be told, I've got music in my iPod that is too embarrassing to even write on this blog for fear of ridicule. Why? 'Cuz it ain't cool.
Isn't that unfortunate. It's a shame we can't appreciate talent for talent's sake. We're a society purchased by the ploys of marketing and spin doctors who create the appearance of talent-laden celebrities.
Maybe the next time we are about to turn our backs on uncool music, we'll take a second look (or another listen) and consider the talent therein.
We may just open our mind to a new genre of music, or dare I say -- the ballet?
Nah!
Mormon Times
Branson's Osmond Show
Jay, Jimmy and Wayne kicking the show off.
If ever God has ordained that two entities should meet somewhere in the great Cosmos of his creation it has to be the Osmond Brothers and Branson. Both symbolize family and entertainment and both are celebrating their 50th anniversary of entertaining America. They are together again as the Osmond Brothers return to the Osmonds Theatre in Branson for the rest of Branson’s 50th year celebration season.
The Osmond Brothers, Jimmy, Jay and Wayne are back from a world tour and just wowed the crowd at their September 11th show. They have the ability to relate to their audience and get them involved in the show. How do you not love the Osmonds? They are “entertainment” and their Branson show and audience reaction is proof positive of why they have been so successful for so many years.
As one would expect the singing and their harmonies are great. The program features the brothers singing audience favorites like “Old Man Auctioneer,” “It’s Going To Be A Heartache Tonight,” “Down By the Lazy River,” “One Bad Apple” “Yo-Yo” and many more. One musical highlight was when the brothers did a medley of songs made famous by other “Brother” acts such the Gatlin Brothers, Righteous Brothers and the Blues Brothers.
The featured female singer on the show is Babbette Young has been singing with the Osmonds ever since they came to Branson. It becomes very evident why she has been selected as “Branson’s Female Vocalist of the Year” when she sang “That Will Be the Day” and worked with Jimmy through two sets of songs. The first set was a rock and roll versus country duel with Jimmy and Babbette competing against each other trying to win the audiences approval. The second was a medley of famous duets.
The shows band, “The Dropouts,” is made up Gene Puckett, guitar; Bryan Lawson, bass; Greg Frazier, guitar and percussion; Scott Taylor, Keyboard and Steve Mason, drums and percussion. They travel with Jimmy all over the country, did a great job playing throughout the show and wowed the audience with their rendition of “Lonesome Loser.” Jimmy introduced Tamara Tinoco who, along with her husband Joe, headlines the other show in the Osmonds Theatre, “The Magnificent Variety Show.” Tamara did a wonderful job on the old Ray Charles standard, “Cry.”
Jay Osmond, in addition to being a singer, is a world class drummer and was “named one of the top drummers in the country during the 1970s. During the second half of the show, Jay took off his jacket, got behind the drums and beat out a demonstration of his drumming prowess that delighted the audience.
Then there’s Wayne Osmond. What can one say about Wayne, who, in addition to singing, adds the comedy to the show? Wayne’s is a constant comfortable comedy which is a mixture of one liners and short jokes, expressions, and interaction with the brothers during the performance that just keeps the audience laughing and wondering what he’s going to come up with next. Wayne also does a serious magic trick that is funny and will just bowl you over.
To this writer, at least from the entertainment perspective of this show, it is Wayne who personifies the Osmond personality. In addition to his jokes, his interaction with Jimmy and Jay during the show is the innate ingredient evoking the audience involvement in their performance that makes the Osmonds show the extraordinary entertainment experience it is.
Except for the October 23 through October 3, the Osmonds will be performing in the Osmonds Theatre in Branson, Missouri Monday through Saturday until December 12. For additional information or tickets on the Osmonds Show or other Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourisimCenter.com.
Don Osmond: Irresponsible accountability
Although I agree with half of that statement, lucky is hardly the word I would have chosen to describe "no responsibility."
However, he's right. Single people are accountable to no one but themselves. If we want to make a large purchase, we buy -- even on credit. If we want to travel to Europe, we set the e-mail auto-response message to "away." Sky's the limit.
Unfortunately, a lack of outward accountability creates a problem. There is no definitive sense of consequence, not necessarily to be taken as a negative connotation.
Accountability creates drive and reason for projects we set out to do. For example, when starting a new business, that person reports to investors to make sure the business is profitable.
Changing pace, and without getting too personal... a couple months ago, I set goals for myself: bobsledding, personal finance, self improvement. I kept these goals to myself, and didn't share them with anyone, figuring I could do it on my own.
Unfortunately, those deadlines are coming to term at the end of this month, and it's looking like most of my goals will not come to fruition.
The only person to blame is myself.
If I had only informed a friend or family member of my intentions, a better sense of accountability could have encouraged me to work harder on obtaining my goals.
Oops! Lesson learned.
So, to my married friend, even the irresponsible need to be accountable. It's by those "small and simple things... great things" can be accomplished.
OSMOND DANCES THROUGH THE PAIN FOR TV TALENT SHOW
DONNY OSMOND is putting himself through hell in the run-up to his stint on DANCING WITH THE STARS - he is rehearsing his moves on a fractured bone.
The Puppy Love crooner is following in the footsteps of his sister Marie by appearing on the hit U.S. celebrity talent contest's forthcoming season.
But the rehearsal period has not been easy - the singer is pushing himself to the limits to ensure he is ready to cause a stir on the dancefloor.
He tells Britain's Daily Express newspaper, "I'm dancing on kind of a fractured bone. I was doing some knee turns and hurt my right knee. All my body is in pain. Like last night I did a show in Vegas. After six hours of rehearsals I could barely get through the show."
And the star admits it's been hard taking advice from his sister, who was on the show in 2007.
He jokes, "Marie will be my toughest critic because she said, 'I've been there, you've got to do this, you've got to do that.' I said, 'Marie will you just shut up? Shut up.'"
Don Osmond: Musical medicine
Can life get any better than this? I submit that it cannot!
However, four hours earlier, my day was ... well, let's just say it's what Daniel Powter calls a Bad Day. Too many thoughts weighed heavily on my mind; burdened with projects needing to get done, and dealing with life's expectations.
On top of all that, a friend called me up just to say he heard a song that reminded him of me -- "Desperado" by The Eagles.
Thanks! I needed a reminder. (sarcasm intended)
Despite feeling sorry for myself, the radio provided musical medicine that helped rebuild the sense of optimism that had previously left me.
It's obvious that music runs deep in my blood, and that I have an affinity toward it. Music reverberates deep within the soul and is a powerful instigator of emotion.
We all experience different songs throughout life. Sometimes all we need is to sing to a good song -- just let it all out.
Now, if you don't mind, I've gotta get back to singing in my car ...
"Life is a highway; I want to ride it..."
Mormon Times
Marie's New Album
Marie Osmond's Inspirational New Album
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ET's with Marie Osmond for the dish on her upcoming album of inspirational music.
"I'm turning 50 this year, and so I wanted to celebrate," Marie tells ET about recording her latest collection of songs.
"I've been so blessed. To be a woman in my business for over 40 years and to still be here -- and to be working consistently for that time -- is a great blessing," she says.
What kinds of music can fans expect on the album? And what inspires Marie? Click the video find out!
DonSense: Role reversal
Between soccer practices, band performances and extracurricular activities, parents cheer along the sidelines and lose themselves by living vicariously through their kids.
Even within my family, my parents are extremely supportive of my ventures -- including the worldwide Antarctica blogger's competition; my mother thinks I'm crazy.
The point is, when we are supported by our parents, we have a stronger sense of perseverance and dedication in everything we do. As a result, we feel as though success is more obtainable.
But, what about our parents? Who supports them in their endeavors? It seems odd to have the roles reversed. Just picture a youth soccer match with the parents playing the game, and the youths cheering while capturing the moment with cameras.
Well, as funny as that sounds, this fall is looking to be a lot like that scenario. This week, my father, Donny Osmond, announced that he will be on the upcoming season of "Dancing With The Stars."
Because of this, I've received a few e-mails asking if I'll be watching the show, voting, or even going to the tapings.
Of course! This is exciting. I don't want to miss it.
This time, it's my turn to cheer for him along the sidelines.
Sure, I'll get a little over-zealous about voting for my father, but I'll do my best to curb enthusiasm and keep the excitement on Facebook ... and Twitter ... and my blog.
Best of luck, Dad! I'll bring the water cooler with the after-the-game treats.
Disney Cashes In On the Osmonds Family Act Formula!
Disney, the empire that Walt Disney built back in the early 1940's-50's has really hit its stride lately. With the success of their Disney cable channels and hit shows to boot (That's So Raven, Hannah Montana, The Wizards of Waverly Place, The Jonas Brothers) they've been knocking them out of the park for the past ten years or more now. but what's really surprising is the success of their radio stations Disney radio and recording artists to boot. With Hannah Montana, The Jonas Brothers, and Zack Ephron just to name a few Disney is raking in millions of dollars annually throug their record sales. A lot of the credit goes to their formula in packaging good clean family entertainment while keeping up with the current trends in fashion and music. They've done very well at it for a while now but I can't help drawing comparisons to an older act that Disney helped to laung onto the world-stage a while ago; and they were the Osmonds.
Back in the 70's the Osmonds featuring Donny Osmond were touted as the white version of the Jacksons but they had been in the business for a long time paying their own dues in Utah even as Michael Jackson and his brothers were paying theirs in Indiana. They worked as hard as the Jacksons to develop their own unique family act that finally hit pay-dirt in the early 70's. With a string of hits under their belt they were popular and known for their sunny disposition, wholesomeness, and family oriented entertainment (all the things Disney demands of its music acts now). Oh and I forgot those Osmond smiles! yes, they should have done lots of toothpaste commercials for they were famous for their pearly whites! But also there was no dnying they had talent for they danced, sang, and played all their own instruments. Me and my friends always enjoyed watching them (though many of them would never admit it) for they always put on a really good show. Disney was responsible for giving them their first bit of national exposure in the 50's on the Mickey Mouse Club when they were just kids and from there they grew into a great self-styled family act. In them I see the prototype for the current milieu of pop and tv stars coming out of Disney lately a formula with which Disney has achieved great success.
Hannah Montana, Raven Symone, The Jonas Brothers, Corbin Bleu, Zack Efron, and Vanessa Gomez remind me so much of the original Osmond brothers act it ain't funny. For the Osmonds have always maintained a fairly positive public image staying away from the Hollywood scene opting instead to live in their homestate of Utah and all as far as I know are still practicing Mormons, something that keeps them grounded I believe. Their music reflects their sunny disposition even as they passed it on to I believe Alan Osmond's sons who formed a music group and had a lot of success overseas as the new Osmond Brothers in the 90's. I saw them a couple of times and they were really good too. Eitherway, all of those mentioned above Disney acts also seem to have for the most part avoided a lot of negative controversy (Disney demands it!) and most of them dance and sing songs you're not afraid to let your kids listen to. I believe the Osmonds had a big influence on that.
Now the Osmonds have been dismissed in so-called 'serious' music circles as a fluff act and purveyors of mediocre pop music in their heyday but that's truly an unfair assessment. Just because they didn't court scandal and sing the blues didn't mean that they weren't serious or talented musicians and performers. Everytime I saw them perform in the 70's I can honestly say I enjoyed the show and so did thousands of others who LOVED their music. They still draw crowds to Branson with their country act (now I don't like their country show) and Donny continually tours drawing fans from all over the world to see him. But the Osmonds legacy is set for they left their mark on just about every Disney act you can think of as well as performers like New Kids on the Block, N'Sync, the Backstreet Boys, Dream Street, and others who dared to be a boy-band. Like the Jacksons the Osmonds can look back with pride and know honestly that they were the first and that without them as the prototype for Disney's acts their house of music would have never gotten off the ground or would have fallen a long time ago.
DonSense: License, registration, autograph, please ...
I was pulled over for speeding through BYU campus the other day. Seeing those blue-and-red flashing lights in the rear view mirror conjures up one of the most gut-sinking feelings on the planet.
A husky figure got out of his tailgating patrol car, and from my mirror, I watched him adjust his sunglasses as he prepped himself to deliver the standard lecture.
"License and registration, son."
As if being pulled over is not humiliating enough, he assumed an overbearing fatherly disposition to put me in my place.
"Do you know how fast you were going?"
I sat there thinking snidely ... Fast enough to get your attention.
Knowing better than to mouth off, I politely responded, "It was a little too fast. I apologize, officer."
After gathering my effects, he moseyed back to his squad car, still flashing lights in a blaze of glory. The victor was waving his banner for all to see as he basked in the grandeur of his afternoon kill.
Five minutes later, the conversation became interesting.
He loomed over the driver's side window and asked, "Are you related to THE Osmonds?"
Hmmm, do I lie and get this over with, or ...
"Yes, I am."
"Really? Can you get me an autographed picture of Marie?"
I considered this an opportunity to barter my way out of getting a ticket, but knew the officer wouldn't budge.
He kept me there for a solid 15 minutes where I answered trivial questions about purple socks, white teeth and puppy love.
That afternoon, we both left the side of the road disappointed; me with my ticket, the officer without an autograph.
He wasn't seriously thinking about scoring an autograph, was he?
Mormon Times