Flashback: American Idol “Connects”

So with the 2012 American Idol finale airing tonight…I got to thinking, do I have any connections to Idol?? People often ask me what are the coolest interviews I’ve done and who’ve been the most interesting (celebs) I’ve met…and honestly, most of the time I don’t have a great answer. Anyway, I do believe when I spent a week freelancing for E! News, Ryan Seacrest may’ve tossed to my segment…and I was a former pro NBA dancer, so that connects me to Paula Abdul (I know, reaching). However, when it comes to the current judges, I’m bringing it back to the 2007 archives!! I have nothing to tie me into JLo, except that I live in Miami and she had/has a place here too?? LOL But when it comes to the 2 dudes on the panel I found legit connects!! Like, this LIVE interview I did on Deco Drive with Steven Tyler and Richie Supa at the Seminole Hard Rock >> press play!

That was long before Steven’s AI judge days… Then, I found some pictures, also from 2007 when I celebrated my birthday at Cameo nightclub on Miami Beach! Sitting in the VIP booth adjacent to ours was none other than Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. I can’t quite recall I if actually took pictures with them, but I did find these photos from the night…

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Me with a couple of my Deco Drivers … Simon hanging out “next door,” and this one with Randy in the booth with DJ Irie. It was cool…but after a while we wanted Randy to stop DJ-ing because he was playing a bunch of Paula’s songs (if I remember clearly) and it was killing the vibe! haha Ah, the memories!!

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Nonetheless, kinda fun to do this flashback and take a trip down memory lane!! Tonight me and my sis, bologna, are pulling for Jessica Sanchez to be our Idol…represent girl!! #TeamJay

OTF Santa Monica

After some procrastination and a re-shoot…my newest edition of On The Flipside is online! The location for this show is at the Santa Monica Pier, and my cousin Marie helped me get it done. This episode feature “The Summer Groove” hosted by Zo and Dwade at the Seminole Hard Rock, WBC Champ Andre Berto and his Maserati as well as DJ Irie’s “Irie Weekend” and San Francisco Gold Rush dancer Chris! Watch it and all the other episodes at http://ontheflipsidetv.com

The Summer Groove…

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I hit the red carpet at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino this past weekend for The Summer Groove “Comedy Jam.”

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The annual event is hosted by Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade…

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DWade hit the carpet with Gaby Union … a first public appearance as a couple!
*Note I was the first to “tweet” it! 🙂

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AND – Boston Celtic Rajon Rondo came through for his very first “Summer Groove!”

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The Comedy Jam is highlighted by a who’s who list of comedians…here’s a shot of Gary Owen who made a back to back appearance coming off his performance from last year’s event.

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Look out for all the video highlights and interviews coming soon On The Flipside!

Shouts to Magical Photos for the shots…

Hard Rock’s Got Talent

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This week I had the pleasure of judging a talent show featuring employees at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Fl at “Paradise Live”…I was the guest “celebrity” judge! At any rate, I had a great time…lots of singers and a comedian. They really went all out with costuming and props and what I learned is that the Hard Rock helps all the particpants out with whatever they need to make their act as best they can…costumes, props, music, etc…

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I think I was the “simon” of the bunch went it came to scoring…lol But, I think after judging and hosting, even participating in numerous dance/cheer competitions, pageants, etc… I definitely have high standards…and I think my judgement is right on!
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Anyway, the productionwas well-organized, they even had “Beetlejuice” as a co-host.

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From here,  the winners of each of the regional Hard Rock’s will all come back in a couple weeks to compete for a grand prize..yes it’s CASH!!! Not bad, sort of makes me want to work at the Hard Rock, although I probaly wouldn’t be entering a talent show, but it is such a nice thing that they do for their employees.

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Anyhow, I’ll be hosting the next competition..it’s probably better because deciding who wins the big bucks can be stressful! BTW..that’s me and Carlos – Hard Rock Sacurrrrrity!!