My Top 3 Interviews of 2011

With 10 days left in the year, I am going to start doing a few "Best of 2011" posts to highlight some of my favorite moments of the year.  Today's feature is my favorite Top 3 interviews of 2011.  This was a hard one to whittle down since I had everything from the Oscars to the Tonys to countless other red carpets and gifting suites to choose from.  The interviews were chosen for particular reasons, whether they were funny or poignant, they just resonated with me this year.  Here are the Top 3:

1.  Joel Grey from Anything Goes at the Tony Awards:  I spoke about this interview at length in this post, but nothing was ever better than having the opportunity to speak to someone who was one of your childhood heroes.  I know, I know, I was a musical theatre geek, so I wasn't looking up to Molly Ringwald, it was Joel Grey.  Here is the unedited footage so you can see how it all went down at the Tony Awards while I was working for Starpulse:



2.  Josh Sussman from Glee at GBK Productions MTV Movie Awards Gifting Suite:  I think this was easily my funniest interview of the year, no one made me laugh more on camera than Josh.  He's just quick with a quip and he and his super cute girlfriend, Tess, are incredibly nice......even though he still owes me a Justin Bieber movie viewing! You can see it all here on Red Carpet Report:



3.  Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds at the press junket for The Change-Up:  I don't know if your day can get any better when you walk into a room and two really good-looking guys are waiting for you to sit down.  I thought my heart was going to belong to Ryan that day, but Jason was a big flirt who won me over.  I should have known better, I loved him on Silver Spoons. Here's my interview for iVillage:



So, there you have it, my Top 3 Interviews for 2011!  Who was your favorite out of my Top 3 or is there another interview I missed?  I would love to hear from you, so don't forget to leave a comment below.

New Year's Eve With Zac Efron

At the press junket for the film, New Year's Eve.

I had a pretty amazing birthday this year.  I had the opportunity to spend the day with Michelle Pfeiffer, Abigail Breslin, Hector Elizondo, Lea Michele, and Zac Efron from the movie, New Year's Eve.  Not a bad day on the job at all.  I headed over to the Beverly Hilton Hotel to ask the cast about their experiences on the set and if they believed in New Year's resolutions.  Not surprisingly, most did not share their New Year's resolutions because I think we all make a list each year and often fail or forget about the list.  If a celebrity makes that resolution public, I'm sure the tabloids would love to hold them accountable for it. I expected everyone to be excited about the Lea Michele interview, but I found out on Twitter that Zac Efron has some fervent fans.  So fervent, they call themselves "Zanessa" fans.

Now, let's talk about this for a moment: Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens met and dated during their High School Musical years.  They were a very cute couple and they lived in my neighborhood, so I saw them quite a bit with the paparazzi constantly on their trail.  Like many first loves, they broke up.  This happened about a year ago.  Well, the Zanessa fans relentlessly hounded me on Twitter to ask Zac about Vanessa when I'm supposed to be asking about New Year's Eve.  They called me a bad reporter.  Giggle and sigh.  I understand when fans get excited about their favorite stars, I think that is why it is so enjoyable to interview the Disney Channel stars.  However, at a certain point, you have to understand that these stars have a life and feelings and sometimes things should just be private.  Zac hasn't ever discussed the Vanessa break-up and I doubt he will beyond saying it was a lovely time in his life, she's a sweet girl, etc. (You know, the standard answers to the press.  So, foolish me for thinking everyone wanted to hear a Glee interview, they wanted a Zac interview.  I definitely learned something that day and it convinced me that having enthusiastic fans is pretty powerful in Hollywood these days.  I should have remembered that from my Angie Harmon Twangels encounter......maybe that's my New Year's resolution? Remember the fans, KB, remember the fans!!



Anyway, enjoy my interviews for iVillage with Zac and Michelle Pfeiffer, who is perhaps the most stunning celebrity I have ever interviewed and so NICE to boot,  as well as Lea Michele, who gave a great answer to her red carpet/Twitter disagreement with Modern Family star Sarah Hyland.



What's your New Year's resolution?  Let me know in the comments below.

Don't forget to enter my Holiday Giveaway!  You have until Sunday, December 18th to enter.

UN POCO DE MI

Si, si, si! Al fin un opi en mis manos!! Había ido a comprar las entradas para la creamfields, y derrepente veo un cartel enorme de opi

 me fui contra la vidriera y no pude evitarlo entré y mi chico vio mi cara de emoción y automáticamente 

me preguntó si lo quería, no pude negarme, fue una pregunta a la que uno no puede decir, NO.

Espero que les haya gustado el color que elegi de base. Es el "pink explosion" de colorama Maybelline.

 He aquí mi entrada para la creamfields, david guetta te amo. Esta vez no me la pierdo por nada.

 Anoche después de juntarme con mi chico compramos el Alaska XL de sushipop, estamos cenando
bastante seguido, el finde pasado fuimos a DF comida mexicana en puerto madero, tengo fotos pero son
del celu, no salieron muy lindas además por que era a la luz de las velas.

Disculpen que hacia casi 1 mes que no actualizaba el blog, con el tema de que empeze la facu y el trabajo,
se me estaba complicando y volvía super cansada a casa, lamentablemente por tema de tiempos tuve que
dejar el trabajo.  Por lo tanto van a ver que me pongo de vuelta las pilas con el blog.

Empezó la nueva temporada de 90210 (martes pasado) y Glee (hoy). ¿Los vieron? ¿Qué les pareció?

Photos from the 2nd Annual Thirst Project Gala

Seth Maxwell, founder of the Thirst Project, addressing the crowd.

Approximately 3 years ago, my fellow Kodak Theatre co-worker, Seth Maxwell talked about a charity he wanted to start to create solutions for the world water crisis.  I kept thinking back to that moment in our break room and just nodding my head.  The plans sounded grand and ambitious.  Now, fast forward to June 28, 2011 as I sit in the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton.  The charity has raised over a million dollars and has created a clean water solution for over 50,000 people.  It makes me so proud to call Seth a friend.

My incredible red carpet producer, Leilani Gushiken

He inspired me to donate money to help build a well in Niger where children regularly drink dirty and contaminated water by their school.  It's hard to imagine, especially since I have a cat who drinks filtered water.  Does that seem fair?  Clean water is a right and if you are moved to donate, feel free to visit the Thirst Project page.

You will find the footage from the red carpet below.  It truly was an honor to host the live stream of the red carpet.

The Pioneering Spirit honoree, Michael Welch from the Twilight Saga.  He gave an incredibly moving speech.

 A few of my Glee pals presenting an award.  Josh Sussman is my favorite.  Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

My hot date, Byron Bryson.  Okay, we both came alone, but he kindly agreed to be my date after we were seated next to each other.  Isn't he cute?

The Thirst Project Gala

Tonight, I am honored to be hosting the red carpet portion of the live stream for the 2nd Annual Thirst Project Gala.  I hope you all have an opportunity to join me and the incredible celebrity hosts of the evening, Chyler Leigh of Grey's Anatomy and JR Bourne of Teen Wolf as The Thirst Project brings awareness to the plight of close to 1 billion people not having access to clean, safe drinking water.  Here are some of the stats:

1 in 8: The number of people who do not have access to clean drinking water

4500:  The number of children who die every day from diseases caused by contaminated water. (Approximately 1 child every 15 seconds.)

3.75 Miles:  The average distance a woman walks to collect water.  This task often falls upon young girls leaving them no time or energy for an education.

So, join me on this important evening as we honor Michael Welch from The Twilight Saga for his time, energy, and dedication to such a wonderful cause.

Live Stream Begins at 5PM PT/8PM ET on UStream.

You are welcome to tweet me questions for any of the celebs expected to attend (lots of Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Teen Wolf, and American Idol peeps are on the list.) on Twitter or leave a question in the comments below.


Chyler Leigh and JR Bourne host the 2nd Annual Thirst Gala from The Thirst Project on Vimeo.

GBK Productions Gifting Suites: MTV Movie Awards

I hit the GBK Productions Gifting Suite on Friday in honor of the MTV Movie Awards for Red Carpet Report on Mingle Media TV.  I arrived with a bit of a margarita hangover, so I wasn't sure how the day was going to go.  Luckily, I ran into some friendly celebs who made my job easy and the day extremely fun.  I kicked off the afternoon with an interview with Ross Matthews from The Tonight Show ("Ross the Intern") and Chelsea Lately.  I just love him. He's fun, he's cute, and you just want to hug him.  Other notables included Layla Kayleigh from America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC) who made me bust a move on camera which was only slightly embarrassing.  Finally, be sure to check out my interview with Josh Sussman from Glee.  He's my newest and unexpected crush and he asked me out on camera.....in front of his adorable girlfriend, so I guess it was scripted reality. Sigh.

Here's a short highlight video of all of the interviews where I dance, utter the word "poo", and find out whom everyone was rooting for at the show. For individual interviews, see the captions under each photo and click on the celeb's name.  Let me know what you thought of last night's MTV Movie Awards--a total hit or a total miss?

Layla Kayleigh liked my moves.  She's expecting me to join ABDC next season with my geriatric crew. 

Ernie Hudson had me at Ghostbusters.  He was so kind and lovely.

Steve-O.  Uh....he staples his balls to his thigh.  Yep, I said balls.  

I can't get enough of Glimmer Body Art.  I am never getting a real tattoo, so I am happy with my glittery stars.  Thanks for the kit, ladies! 

Frankie Muniz and I talked Indy Light racing where I managed to drop the Toyota name.  I'm a good spokesperson.  

Josh Sussman from Glee has a lot of hardcore fans on Twitter.  They started chatting with me en masse yesterday and they adore Josh as much as I do.

Amber Stevens from Greek was on trend with her color blocking orange and green.  I'm not sure I could get away with that outfit, but it looked great with her tall, long legs. 

Tyler Blackburn from Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family.  Are you ready for Season 2? 

The GQ/Glee Controversy

Well, the controversy of the week belongs to GQ Magazine and the cast of Glee.  Someone has to be a part of a media's salacious story of the week and I imagine Lea Michele and Dianna Agron are wishing it would go away or that the cast of Hellcats would do something tabloid-worthy.  If you missed all of the controversy, the Parents Television Council "denounced the makers of the TV show 'Glee' for a hyper-sexualized GQ photo shoot that will be featured in the November issue.”  Words like "pedophilia" have been thrown around in the press and Dianna Agron took to her blog and apologized to those that are offended by the shoot. 

Many people have weighed in on the photos adding that the cast members involved in the shoot are all in their 20's and that Glee really isn't a show for the young set.  I think what people are failing to realize is that they are missing the real point of this controversy.  We get it:  GQ is a men's magazine, Glee is a hot, and sometimes racy, show, and parents to need monitor what their kids are watching on TV or reading in magazines.  The real tragedy is the handlers for these young stars.  I am sure there was a network publicist or an agent/assistant/manager to one of these young stars on set that day.  Who decided that Lea Michele posing with her crotch open to the camera in white panties would be great for her career?  I realize at 24 years of age, she is an adult, but she has been thrust into the spotlight and things are happening around her quickly.  That is when you need a strong advocate on your team and they failed the young stars of Glee that day.  

Look, I think that the Dianna Agron pictures aren't that bad. She is dressed like every video vixen from the 1980's and Cory Monteith gets off easy because he is a guy.  It's Lea Michele who really gets stuck.  Her body looks amazing, but she really needed someone in her corner that day.  Unless you have a contract to pose for Playboy or Penthouse, you should never spread eagle in front of the camera.  I actually feel bad for her.  If you want to know what happens to young Hollywood, it starts with all of the handlers saying "yes" to everything for fear jeopardizing their young star's career and the cash flow that is coming in so quickly.  When people learn to say "no", you have a career like Anne Hathaway, not Lindsay Lohan.  The bottom line, young actors have to start understanding show business is just that:  a business that is dying for you to put on a show.  

Take a look at more of the photos from the November issue of GQ.  Weigh in. I want to know what you think:

**All photos are property of GQ Magazine.

Emmys 2010: Part 1

Oh, what a weekend!  I have a lot of photos to share with you and hopefully a few stories behind some of the interviews.  The interviews from Mingle Media TV will be posted in the next few days, but here's a head start on what happened this weekend at some of the pre-Emmys gifting suites, parties, and events. I was trying to put them all in one post, but it was too overwhelming, so here is the start of my Emmys weekend:

Reality Cares Benefit: Friday night I was at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive for the Love Hope & Healing Cancer Benefit.

With the band, Honor Society, who played that night.  They are cute, sweet, very Disney, and friends with the Jonas Brothers.

Max Adler from Glee.  Even though he plays a non-singing role in the show, Max revealed he was a member of show choir back in high school....sequins and all!

Patrick Gallagher of True Blood and Glee.  Is he looking at my boobs?

Guillermo Diaz from Weeds told me his favorite TV character is Mork from Mork and Mindy.  Here we are doing a little  "Nanu Nanu" on the red carpet.

Lots of web series fans will recognize Lauren Mayhew from Private High Musical.  She  couldn't remember who created her dress.  We had to do a little tag checking during the interview.

Okay, here we go.  Vienna Girardi from The Bachelor.  She was the host of the evening and I have to say, she is sweet and much prettier and softer in person.  I don't know what her career plans are in LA, but I think she got screwed with a little Mike Fleiss editing on the show.  I am glad she is away from Jake because I think he is crazy.  Yep, I said it.  Crazy.

Lots of goofing around on the red carpet with my producer, JD Piche, behind the camera.

The wardrobe rundown:

Dress by:  Born Crucial

Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman, Winter 2007 Collection

Necklace/Earrings/Floral Ring:  Roni B.

Smoky Quartz Ring: Rachel Zoe, QVC

Nails:  "Suzi Says Da!", OPI

Clutch:  Target Clearance Sale! $7.98

I will be back with more photos tomorrow and I have lots of good stories from the GBK Gifting Suite with your favorite celebs from The Office, 30 Rock, Mad Men, and Desperate Housewives.  I will also be doing an Emmys event gift bag giveaway, so come back and join me at Red Carpet Closet tomorrow!                          

                                  

   Photos Courtesy of Mingle Media TV and Kristyn Burtt.  May not be used without linking back to the proper sites.  

   

Mad Men Monday

I know, I know, Mondays are not usually anyone's favorite day of the week, but I have a full week of excitement planned.  First of all, it's Emmys Week here in LA.  This weekend, I will be covering some of the gifting suites and Emmys festivities with Mingle Media TV.  I haven't been to a gifting suite before, so I want to see how elaborate these events are.  Can you imagine being a celebrity who just has to walk in and pick out whatever they want?  Free vacation to Cabo?  Okay, it's yours.  Free Ray-Bans?  If I must.  New Marc Jacobs boots for free?  Sign me up!  So, look for that video footage after the Emmys as we go behind the scenes of what they are really like.  I received my tip sheet for one of them (Tip Sheet:  A list of celeb faces/quick bio for media so they know who is attending the event.) and I was thrilled to see that Bryan Batt from Mad Men is on the list.  If you are a fan of the show, you know that he played Salvatore Romano for the first three seasons.  I really don't understand why they didn't continue with his storyline since I consider it to be an important one.  Being gay in the early 60's was a huge taboo and I wanted to see how that issue played out in his marriage and at work.  So, I am officially starting my campaign to bring Sal back to the show and I just might let Mr. Batt know on Saturday.

Bryan Batt AKA Salvatore Romano on Mad Men

If you are watching Mad Men, you know this season has been a big one for Kiernan Shipka who plays Sally Draper.  I was fortunate enough to have interviewed her at the Saturn Awards earlier this summer.  She is just as amazing in person as she is onscreen.   Since I work the red carpet often, it's nice to see kids be able to speak without having memorized lines about their show, role, and what they like to do. Sometimes the publicists give them little "speeches" and they sound like robots (I'm talking to you, Disney!).

For those of you in LA, be sure to see the FREE exhibit at FIDM where they are honoring some of the best in costume design from the shows Glee, The Tudors, and Mad Men.  You will be able to see a retrospective of the Emmy-nominated costumes through September 4th.  It is a stop you must make if you are interested in the incredible work that is being done with wardrobe on screen these days.  The exhibit is open from 10AM-4PM, Tuesday-Saturday.

Mad Men Collection by Janie Bryant on QVC , September 29th.

Finally, if you want to take Mad Men to a whole other level and wear those fashions, Mad Men designs are coming to QVC in September. Emmy-nominated costume designer, Katherine Jane Bryant AKA Janie Bryant, will bring viewers her inspirations from the show to the home retailing giant on September 29th.  It should be a great way to style up your fall wardrobe with a vintage look derived from the show.  According to InStyle Magazine, you will find "The 20-piece collection, which reflects the 1960s era, includes a reversible coat, leopard-print purse and faux fur boleros and capelets. Prices range from $26 for jewelry to $138 for coats."  I don't know about you, but I am anxious to take a closer look at the collection.  If you think home shopping channels aren't for you, then you might want to head on over to QVC.com  and see what they are offering these days.  I think you might recognize a few designers......Isaac Mizrahi, BCBG, Jessica Simpson (Her shoe line is to die for lately!), Marc Bouwer, and Erica Davies (I wore her dress to the Oscars in 2007.)  Maybe I am biased, but QVC isn't such a bad place to shop.


Have a great week, everyone.  Let me know what questions you have about gifting suites in the comment section below.  I will try and get those questions answered for you this weekend.