Photo by Michael Becker, FOX
Didi Benami, "American Idol" contestant and former Knoxvillian
Photo by Michael Becker, FOX
Didi Benami, "American Idol" contestant and former Knoxvillian
Singer Didi Benami is helping boost “American Idol” in the Knoxville market.
On Feb. 23, the first night of Knoxville-bred Benami’s performance for votes, “Idol” received a 17.0 rating in the Knoxville market, a huge number, especially for this relatively early time in the season. On Thursday, when the first eliminations were announced, “Idol” earned an 11.8 — good enough for second place in its time period.
Maybe we were confident Benami would not be booted off, despite the judges being critical of that first performance.
“Idol” airs 8 tonight on WTNZ, Channel 43. The next elimination installment is set for Thursday night.
Crazy. A bit part in “The Crazies” is played by local resident Mike Hickman.
He plays the first resident of a small town to go loco. In his scene, near the beginning of the horror film, he is seen walking onto a baseball field with a rifle. The town’s sheriff confronts him, setting the tone for the rest of the film.
Hickman grew up in Cookeville, Tenn., and now lives in Walland.
His other credits include Judas in the Passion Play in Townsend and as Saul in “Damascus Road” at the same theater.
Later he played Birdseye Taylor in the TV series “Christy.”
In fact, it was through the Passion Play that he got the part in “Christy.” When the Passion Play closed he stayed on to care for the animals used in the drama.
Surprise. Knoxville resident Missy May got a huge surprise from Ellen DeGeneres on the Feb. 24 edition of her talk show “Ellen.”
May was called down from the audience to play a game and ended up receiving $20,000 for her and her family, who lost their home and are trying to get out of debt.
Dancers. With less than a month away before the show is put on, “Dancing with the Knoxville Stars” is still assembling its cast. Tearsa Smith of WATE, Channel 6, and Abby Ham of WBIR, Channel 10, are part of the lineup, and other offers are being thrown out there.
The biggest problem? The lack of male celebrity dancers, organizers say.
Talker. The return of Jay Leno to 11:35 p.m. sits well for Knoxville viewers. His return Monday on “The Tonight Show” yielded a 4.3 rating, almost double the audience of competitors.
Terry Morrow may be reached at morrowt@knoxville.com or 865-342-6445. His blog can be found at http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/telebuddy/. He contributes to “Live At Five At Four” on WBIR, Channel 10, and “The Marc & Kim & Frank Show” on WWST-FM, 102.1.
© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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