BuddyTV Podcast

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Why Danny Gokey Must Go Home

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:03:25 GMT

American Idol 8 is one week away from completion, at which point we will likely have a new champion named Adam Lambert. It feels like the judges and the producers want this to happen (which would be an about-face since the beginning of the season), and it would be a let-down if it didn't happen, given the excess media attention the man from San Diego has procured over the last few weeks and months. Nonetheless, there is a very real possibility that any of the three men left standing in the Idol Battle Royale could walk the green mile tonight. Dial Idol is predicting a dead heat, with all three potentially being eliminated. It shouldn't be this way, and in today's podcast John "Lemmiwinks" Kubicek and I hope upon hope that logic and justice will defeat idiocy and madness. We think (and desperately hope) that Danny Gokey will be eliminated.

Listen to the full mp3 of the podcast below. There's a 76.9% chance you will enjoy it.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Why Matt Giraud Will Be Eliminated

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:49:06 GMT

American Idol presented us with an impressive series of Rat Pack era performances last night, and the result was consistent competency. We are past the days of clear bottom feeders. Choosing who will be eliminated is no easy chore. The bizarre performance of Simon Cowell, everyone's favorite curmudgeon, complicates matters even more. Also, Dial Idol gives us little insight this week. All we are left with is logic which, as we all know, rarely has a place in the realm of American Idol. I, Oscar Dahl, and John "Slap Fight" Kubicek discussed the prescient matters of American Idol on this week's podcast and, unfortunately, came to the same conclusion - it is Matt Giraud's time to walk the plank.

Below you will find the mp3 audio of our podcast. Do enjoy. Feel free to ignore the early part where John nerds out and talks about Battlestar Galactica.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Why We Have No Idea Who's Going Home

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:42:57 GMT

Disco Night did nothing to change our minds on American Idol. In what was a microcosm of American Idol 8, the Top 7 contestants only reinforced (good and bad) the opinions we'd cultivated throughout the last three months. Looking forward to tonight's American Idol Results Show, it's difficult to know what to think. We know one person who should go home, though it's unclear if justice will actually be served. We know a few people who shouldn't be eliminated, but might be anyway. It would be downright foolish to say with any certainty who you believe will kick their American Idol bucket tonight, but in this week's podcast, we've attempted to do just that. Once again, I am joined by John "Colonel Sanders" Kubicek for a raucous American Idol discussion. If you end up checking out the podcast, I promise you total consciousness.

You will find the full mp3 of the podcast below.

'American Idol' Podcast: Talking Top 7 with Justin Guarini

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:38:30 GMT

Justin Guarini is a name that any American Idol fan is familiar with. The first season runner-up was integral in turning American Idol into the phenomenon it has become over the last decade, and even if his solo career hasn't reached the heights of his fellow season one competitor Kelly Clarkson, Justin remains ubiquitous in the realm of American Idol. You can see him on the TV Guide channel hosting about four dozen different American Idol talk shows, and he also currently blogs about Idol over at Fancast. You can check it out here:

Justin's Fancast Blog

Yesterday, Justin and I discussed all things American Idol, from the judges performance this season, to the changes in format to a comprehensive overview of the Top 7. Listen to the podcast below. You will enjoy it.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Why It's Lil or No One Going Home

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:41:03 GMT

American Idol 8 is at an important juncture. There is one contestant in the top 7 who clearly doesn't belong anymore (Lil Rounds), and everyone else is, at the very least, a competent performer. The Judges' Save has yet to be used and, if it is to be used at all, it has to be in the next two weeks. If Lil Rounds advances much further, it will be a grand travesty. Even the judges, who began the season preaching the Gospel of Lil, are now off the train and very obviously want her off the show. Which leads us to the very interesting part of tonight's American Idol Results Show - there's a very good chance that the Save will be used on anyone not named Lil Rounds. If the judges want to be fair, that's how they should approach tonight's American Idol. Unfortunately, fairness and American Idol are rarely synonymous.

John "The Albino Rhino" Kubicek and I recorded another in our long line of glorious podcasts this morning, and discussed last night's bizarre performance show and gave our predictions for who will be going home. Listen below, and let the soothing tones of our voices warm your soul.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Why Scott MacIntyre Will Go Home

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:45:46 GMT

All reasonable humans agree - it is time for Scott MacIntyre to go home. The blind man from Arizona has done nothing to deserve his spot in the final eight of American Idol. His performances have left audiences baffled and woozy, the judges have finally turned on him, and he believes that punk music is synonymous with crappy pop songs from the mid-80's. It's time to put the man is put out of his misery. In today's podcast, John "Fraggle Rock" Kubicek and I take our anger out on FOX for constantly running way overtime with their broadcasts, discuss the relative merits of Adam Lambert and are jointly disgusted with America's lack of support for Kris Allen. We also make our predictions for elimination, which are, unfortunately, one and the same. Oh, well, I guess I'll have to regain my Fantasy TV lead on Ol' Kubers next week. Please take a listen to the below podcast. I promise at least a moderate level of enjoyment for any American Idol fan.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 9 Elimination Predictions

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:17:41 GMT

American Idol gave us a confusing smattering of Top 40 performances last night. It didn't help that the judges were frustratingly schizophrenic. When it comes to predicting the American Idol eliminated contestant, there are myriad aspects to consider. Will any of the judges' harsh criticism make a fan base rise up and unite in voting glory? Was anyone completely forgettable? How much of an effect will performance order have? At what point do the viewers ignore the judges' comments and vote with their brains? I, Oscar Dahl, and my loyal colleague John "Walkin' on Sunshine" Kubicek broke down last night's American Idol performance episode in an exciting and jubilant podcast this morning. Once again, John and I disagree on who is going home, which should allow me to overtake Ol' Kubes in American Idol's Fantasy TV league.

Check out the full mp3 of the podcast below. You will not be disappointed. We make fun of the judges quite a bit.

Casting 'American Idol 8: The Movie'
American Idol 8: Top 9 Performance Rankings
American Idol 8: Top 9 - Episode in Review

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 10 Elimination Predictions

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:52:09 GMT

Last week, my colleague John "The Truth" Kubicek took the American Idol Fantasy TV lead on me by correctly predicting Alexis Grace to go home. I will admit that it was a very shrewd prediction, and I should have seen it coming. This week, however, will be different. Once again, we have chosen different contestants for elimination on American Idol, and after tonight I will retake my rightful place atop the Fantasy Idol mountain. Kubicek doesn't stand a chance. This week's John vs. Oscar podcast covers a wide array of topics, as we discuss every performance from last night and make our elimination predictions. Oh, and John attempts to offend everyone person living in the middle part of the country. Listen to the podcast below. You will enjoy it.

American Idol 8: Motown Week Song Choice Predictions
American Idol 8: Top 10 Performance Rankings

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 11 Elimination Predictions

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:48:01 GMT

The Grand Ole Opry theme proved a mild success in a lot of ways. It gave us a good feel for how creative the Top 11 on American Idol can be with their song choices and arrangements. It allowed a couple of singers to really emerge and show us that they're better than what we've seen previously. And, perhaps most importantly, it made clear the distinction between the contenders and the pretenders. There is a very apparent line between who can win American Idol this season, and who has very little chance to do so. My colleague John "The Drobber" Kubicek and I discuss the events of Grand Ole Opry night in today's John vs. Oscar podcast. We also make our predictions for who will be eliminated. If I could toot my own horn here for a second - I dominated John last week, predicting both eliminated contestants correctly. This week, our predictions differ once more.

American Idol 8: Top 11 Performance Rankings
American Idol 8: Top 11 Perform - Episode in Review

You can hear the full audio of the podcast below. You will like it, especially if you watch American Idol.

Exclusive Interview: Brande Roderick, From 'The Celebrity Apprentice 2'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:00:17 GMT

Brande Roderick led her team to victory this week on The Celebrity Apprentice. The women's team beat the men in every way possible. They got along well, their store was beautiful and they raised a lot more money. Roderick was a surprisingly strong competitor from the start and every player is starting to take her very seriously.

Although she initially clashed with Annie Duke, things have been smooth sailing for Roderick and the women's team. They've won three weeks in a row and show no signs of stopping. She alludes to the fact that the men's team might win once before the teams get shook up. I also gather that Brande and Melissa Rivers will be on opposite teams once the change happens, but as of right now, that's purely speculation. Check out the audio/transcript of the interview below to find out who Brande thinks are her biggest competitors and what the rest of this season has in store for us

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 13 Elimination Predictions

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:19:20 GMT

John Kubicek, you will be vanquished this season. You are the Washington Generals and I am the Harlem Globetrotters. You are eyes and I am mace. You are cookies and I am the Cookie Monster. Our American Idol 8 Elimination Predictions begin in full force today, as the Top 13 will soon become the Top 11. In our latest edition of the John vs. Oscar Podcast, we talked in length about the Top 13 Performance Episode that aired last night, who impressed us, who didn't, and who we believe will be sent eliminated and sent home to a life of devastating anonymity.

There is a new wrinkle - you all can now play along with John vs. Oscar. Our American Idol Fantasy TV League is under way. Make your predictions for who you believe will be eliminated from American Idol 8 tonight. Points will be tabulated by us, and automatically updated in the league after every elimination. So, now, not only can I lose to John, I can lose to everyone else. I'm an equal-opportunity idiot. The podcast can be listened to below in mp3 form. It's good one. I crush John.

American Idol 8: Top 13 Performance Rankings
American Idol 8: Top 13 Perform - Episode in Review

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: Watching the 'Watchmen'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:01:22 GMT

BuddyTV Senior Writer Oscar Dahl and movie buff Matt Knudsen discuss the film Watchmen.

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons brought a graphic novel into the world over twenty years ago, forever changing the way the comic book medium was viewed by the general public. The graphic novel, which portrayed superheroes as sociopaths living in an alternate universe, where the US won the war in Vietnam and Richard Nixon was serving his fifth-term as President, was called Watchmen. After twenty years of Watchmen almost getting made into a film, constantly cycling through studios and directors, it finally hit the big screen last weekend. Zack Snyder (“300”) directed a cast of niche actors – Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Supernatural), Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Carla Gugino, Matthew Goode – in the $150 million adaptation. The film opened to slightly disappointing numbers, grossing roughly $50 million, and has inspired a cacophony of debate in the fan community.

In today's BuddyTV Podcast, I talk to friend/movie expert Matt Knudsen about Watchmen, whether it can be considered a success, how it compared to the graphic novel, how Watchmen will effect the future of comic book films, and much more. You can listen to the full mp3 audio below.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Predicting the Wild Cards

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:35:42 GMT

John Kubicek and Oscar Dahl discuss the previous night's results show and share their thoughts and predictions in anticipation of the American Idol 8 Wild Card Round.

American Idol 8 will finally get on with it tonight, and name the final three entrants to the Top 12. It's been a long time coming, and after taking three weeks to slowly fill out the Top 12, three singers at a time, the judges will name the last three contestants in one fell swoop. Tonight, on American Idol's Wild Card show, eight singers will perform and, from them, the judges will choose three to move on. The decision will be completely up to the judges, with no influence taken from America's votes. I don't particularly mind the system, but I (like my colleague John "Bon Jovi" Kubicek) do have some qualms with how the Idol producers have executed it. In our final podcast of the week, John and I discuss the final Top 36 results show and preview tonight's wild card round. We also make our predictions for who will ultimately be selected for the Top 12.

You can listen to the full mp3 audio of the podcast below.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 36, Final 12

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:01:32 GMT

BuddyTV's John Kubicek and Oscar Dahl make their predictions for who will make the Top 12 from the final group of 36.

I watched a young man wearing god-knows-what sing Meatloaf. I watched a tentative teenage girl sing Abba. I watched a native of Puerto Rican treated like a cartoon character by Paula Abdul (who has experience with cartoon characters, remember), and then cry on national television. It's been a bizarre season of American Idol so far, with last night's two-hour performance episode no exception. Thankfully, we are a mere two days away from knowing who the Top 12 will be, at which point the real game can begin. Until then, it's time for another installment of John vs. Oscar, in which my colleague John “The Body” Kubicek discuss the performances and make our predictions for who will make it into the Top 12 from the last night's group. Podcasts are the wave of the future, America, so start listening now. We demand it. Your American Idol well-being depends on it.

You can listen to the full mp3 audio of the podcast below.

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: 'American Idol' Results, Previewing the Final 12

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:16:46 GMT

BuddyTV's John Kubicek and Oscar Dahl analyze American Idol's Week 2 Results, and preview next week's Final 12 and the upcoming Wild Card round.

Three more spots have been filled in American Idol 8's Top 12, and none of the entrants were all that surprising. For the most part, America sided with the best performances when placing Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen into the Top 12. Although, personally, I would have liked to have seen Megan Corkrey sitting in one of those Martian stools instead of Kris Allen, at least none of last night's top three was a Michael Sarver type. Today, John Kubicek and I discuss the results, what they might mean, and who of the nine eliminated contestants have a shot in the Wild Card round. We also preview next week's final batch of twelve singers, and make our early predictions for who will emege from that group into the final 12.

Below you will find the full mp3 audio of the podcast.

American Idol 8: Top 36, Second 12 - Performance Rankings
American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 36, Second 12

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 36, Second 12

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:46:43 GMT

BuddyTV's John Kubicek and Oscar Dahl discuss last night's American Idol performance episode and predict who will advance to the Top 12.

While American Idol's 8 second performance episode wasn't stellar by any means, it was far and away an improvement over the first one, and featured a handful of solid performances that were surrounded by inoffensive mediocrity. Not high praise, but at least American Idol is on an upward swing. John Kubicek and I, Oscar Dahl, had a somewhat contentious debate this morning in the second John vs. Oscar podcast of the season. Our favorites differed greatly, but if there's one thing we agree on it's that Norman Gentle is a national treasure. He won't be making the Top 12, not in a million years, but he sure puts on a hell of a show, and I believe this season is better off for his presence, regardless of what the curmudgeonly Simon Cowell might say. Take a listen to the podcast below - if you enjoy American Idol, I suspect you'll enjoy what we had to say.

Below you will find the full mp3 audio of the podcast.

American Idol 8: Top 36, Second 12 - Performance Rankings
American Idol 8: Top 36, Second 12 - Scouting Report

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: Analysis of 'American Idol' Week 1 Results

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:00:18 GMT

The first three finalists for American Idol have been chosen, and two out of three ain't bad. On today's Podcast and Glory featuring BuddyTV's Idol experts Oscar Dahl and myself, John Kubicek, we discussed the merits of Danny Gokey, the depressing fact of Michael Sarver, who might still have a shot for the judges' wild card round, and what we think of next week's round of 12.

Continue reading for more highlights and to listen to BuddyTV's American Idol Podcast of Glory!

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: Oscar Predictions and the Films of 2008

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:15:15 GMT

The Academy Awards airs this Sunday on ABC, and we thought it was about time to bring some movie talk to BuddyTV. The show will be hosted this year by Aussie actor Hugh Jackman, the first non-funny person to take the reins of the Oscars in years. I do not have high hopes. In terms of the actual awards, the smart money appears to be on Danny Boyle's Dickensian coming-of-age story Slumdog MIllionaire, an at once heartbreaking and uplifting film set in Mumbai, India. The dark horse for many of the top honors, and seemingly the only film capable of challenging Slumdog for Best Picture, is Milk, Gus Van Sant's biopic of San Francisco political activist Harvey Milk. These are two of the many films we discuss in today's special movie edition of the BuddyTV Podcast of Glory.

You can listen to the entire mp3 audio of the podcast below.

American Idol 8: John vs. Oscar Podcast - Top 36, First 12

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:26:52 GMT

The epic competition begins once more. John vs. Oscar, a battle of heavyweights, lords of the American Idol arena, begins today in earnest. Today marks the release of the first John vs. Oscar podcast of the season. We have reviewed the tapes, researched all the sociological iterations involved with America's votes, and come to out own conclusions regarding who will make it into American Idol's Top 12 from the first heat of the Final 36. In the below podcast, John and I cover a wide swath of issues by discussing each and every performance of the night and culminating in out potentially earth-shattering predictions.

Below you will find the full mp3 audio of the podcast.

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: Talking 'American Idol' with Justin Guarini

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:10:38 GMT

BuddyTV discusses the new season of American Idol with season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini.

We have our first special guest of the season on BuddyTV's Podcast of Glory! Justin Guarini stopped by earlier today to talk about what he's up to currently (he's pretty busy), but mostly we discussed the current season of American Idol. Justin, obviously, is uniquely qualified to discuss American Idol as the first ever runner-up on the show. The Top 36 kicks off tonight with the first batch of twelve singers performing on a special two-hour episode. Justin and I previewed the night, and we talked about who we're looking out for and who our early favorites are.

Below you will find the full mp3 audio of the podcast.

American Idol 8: Top 36 Power Rankings Slideshow

Exclusive Interview with Blaine of 'The Biggest Loser: Couples'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:09:46 GMT

Last week, the nation was shocked to see one of the strongest teams on The Biggest Loser fall below the yellow line. After weeks and weeks of shedding double-digit pounds, the Black Team hit their plateau and wound up in last place. The teams were then told they'd have to vote of one of the two members of the Black Team; either Dane or Blaine.

Due to his requests, the cast eliminated Blaine from The Biggest Loser ranch. His wife had just had a baby and he wanted to be home with his family. I was able to chat with Blaine about his Biggest Loser experiences and his life after the ranch. He gives us the low-down on the much-debated Joelle/Damian elimination and his hopes for the outcome of the show.

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: 'American Idol' Top 36

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:12:48 GMT

The Top 36 of American Idol 8 has been revealed, but has arrived with some controversy. Joanna Pacitti, the ringer, former recording artist and judges' favorite, has been ejected from the competition under suspicious circumstances, FOX quietly explaining in a press release that Ms. Pacitti had been replaced by the anonymous Felicia Barton, who we saw very little of during the first month of the season. In the past 24 hours, it has also been revealed that Pacitti may have had an “inappropriate” relationship with an executive at 19 Entertainment, the company that runs American Idol. Ooh, scandal. This is one of the many topics that I, Oscar Dahl, and my colleague John “Kris Kringle” Kubicek discuss in today's American Idol podcast. Listen, will you? If you like American Idol, frankly, you owe it to yourself.

You can listen to the full mp3 audio of the podcast below.

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: Braving the Waters of 'American Idol' and 'Lost'

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:19:52 GMT

Another week, another excellent episode of Lost. Another week, another two episodes of American Idol worthy of intense discussion. Idol and Lost are the two most water-cooler appropriate series on TV these days, and it's really not even close. While some Lost fans might completely disregard American Idol as a mess of trifling silliness, they shouldn't. Even if you don't like the types of music on display, even if you can't stand the oppressive Seacrestian reign, even if Paula Abdul rankles you to the core, American Idol is worth watching if only for the pure spectacle of the proceedings. It is a monstrous endeavor, full of real human drama, rags to riches stories, underdogs triumphing in a grand forum, and chock full of inspiring performances. When it comes to quality, however, Lost triumphs all these days. After watching the first four episodes of the season, all you can really do is throw your hands up in the air and scream, “Uncle! You win, Darlton.”

Once again, I, Oscar Dahl, have joined fellow BuddyTV savant John "Kubla Khan" Kubicek for another round of the BuddyTV Podcast of Glory. Please listen to the soothing sounds of two TV fans discussing the pressing matters of Bikini Girl, time travel, Noop Dog, and French scientists. Enjoy.

You can listen to the full podcast below.

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: Time-Traveling with 'Lost' and 'American Idol'

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:47:34 GMT

John Kubicek and Oscar Dahl from BuddyTV podcast about Lost and American Idol.

American Idol and Lost might seem like a peculiar pair, but really, they fit the same bill. Both are shows with devoted fan bases, both are shows which spark much debate. Fortunately, my colleague John Kubicek and I faithfully watch both programs and, for better or worse, fancy ourselves experts on them. In our second Podcast of Glory (podcast title is still in limbo), John and I discuss the on going American Idol auditions and last night's eye-opening episode of Lost, “Jughead.” Although we aren't really competing at this point, it certainly felt like I took John to the ol' woodshed during our debate, but that's a determination you can make on your own.

You can find the full mp3 audio of the podcast below.

BuddyTV Podcast of Glory: John vs. Oscar, 'American Idol,' 'Lost,' Top 100 Shows

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:40:43 GMT

It's 2009, which means it is time to unveil the BuddyTV Podcast of Glory. Every week, on Thursday, you the BuddyTV reader will be treated to audio goodness, in the form of BuddyTV personalities bickering and waxing poetic about your favorite shows. Today, we talk about the first two weeks of American Idol, last night's two-hour premiere of Lost and debate the merits of out Top 100 Shows of the Past 20 Years list. You can listen to the mp3 audio below, or sign up to our podcast feed and have our podcasts automatically downloaded into your iTunes.

Exclusive Interview with 'Supernatural' Writer Ben Edlund

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:08:25 GMT

Ben Edlund is exactly who you'd expect him to be. He created The Tick. He wrote and directed “Smile Time,” the puppet episode of Angel. And he's penned some of Supernatural's most off-the-wall episodes like “Monster Movie” and “Wishful Thinking,” with the suicidal alcoholic teddy bear. He's an insane genius, a master of the absurd whose brain operates in an entirely different way than normal people's.

BuddyTV spoke to Edlund about where his wacky Supernatural ideas come from, though getting a straight answer from him isn't easy since he seems as amused by his brilliantly off-beat mind as the rest of us are. In between fits of laughter, Edlund talked about his upcoming serious episode of Supernatural, the show's use of religion, ghost bees and man-eating cookies. Continue reading for the full transcript and to listen to the interview.