Javier Colon crowned winner of ’The Voice’
Soulful crooner Javier Colon was crowned the inaugural winner of “The Voice,” NBC’s new singing contest.
Mr. Colon triumphed over three other finalists when the audience vote was announced on Wednesday’s live season finale, according to the Associated Press. He will receive a $100,000 prize and a recording contract.
A slim 2 percent margin separated Mr. Colon from second-place finisher, Dia Frampton, 23, of St. George, Utah, host Carson Daly said. The other finalists were Vicci Martinez, 26, of Tacoma, Wash., and Beverly McClellan, 41, of Virginia and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“Wow, thank you,” a stunned-looking Mr. Colon said as confetti rained down on him. “The three women behind me are absolutely awesome, and it was a pleasure to be here with them.”
“The Voice” featured pop stars Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as “coaches” for the contestants. In a twist on the talent-show format, the contestants initially were picked sight unseen based on their voices.
Mr. Colon was coached by the frontman for Maroon 5, Mr. Levine, who lifted his arms in victory when Mr. Colon’s name was announced and then rushed onstage to hug him.
Based on a Dutch series, “The Voice” proved a much-needed ratings hit for NBC and will return to the network’s lineup. The next season’s casting call is under way at NBC’s website.
Sam Donaldson’s ranch burning in N.M. fires
A wildfire burning on part of a southern New Mexico ranch owned by veteran newsman Sam Donaldson is forcing residents to evacuate, the Associated Press reports.
The fire nearly tripled in size over the day Tuesday to more than 43,000 acres Wednesday and is burning in steep terrain.
Lincoln County sheriff’s deputies and staff with the New Mexico Livestock Board are helping residents and their animals evacuate the Alamo Canyon area. Residents were advised the day before to be prepared to leave.
The wildfire is believed to have been caused by lightning.
’Sex and the City’s’ Cattrall making return to Broadway
Kim Cattrall soon will be sipping cocktails on a Broadway stage.
The “Sex and the City” star is reprising her role in Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” when the comedy hits New York this fall following a run in London last year, the Associated Press reports.
It’s the tale of a divorced couple who discover they have adjoining rooms while honeymooning with their new spouses.
Miss Cattrall, who made her Broadway debut in “Wild Honey” with Sir Ian McKellen, will be joined by Paul Gross, star of the TV shows “Due South” and “Slings and Arrows.”
Tracy Morgan’s routine puts him in hot water again
Yet another group is demanding an apology from comedian Tracy Morgan, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The “30 Rock” actor returned to the stage Saturday night for his first stand-up performance since going on an anti-gay tirade June 3 in Nashville, Tenn., over which he was forced to apologize.
During Saturday’s show at Carolines Comedy Club in New York, Mr. Morgan quipped: “Don’t ever mess with women who have retarded kids. Them young retarded males is strong. They’re strong like chimps.”
The remark earned him groans and shouts of “uh-oh” from the audience.
He then launched into a bit about hooking up with a girl he referred to as a “cripple.”
Now the Arc, a nonprofit advocacy group that works on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is demanding an apology.
“Tracy Morgan should apologize immediately,” the Arc CEO Peter Berns told E! News. “This quote is far too offensive to be excused as comedy, and it is very hurtful to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.”
There reportedly were no audience walkouts at the New York event as there had been at the Nashville show, where Mr. Morgan said he would “pull out a knife and stab” his own son if he were gay.
Mr. Morgan has since apologized for that rant, saying, “I know how bad bullying can hurt. I was bullied when I was a kid. I’m sorry for what I said.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.