Tuning in to TV

Fallon tweets apology to Michele Bachmann

Jimmy Fallon has apologized to Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann for the introduction that was played when she appeared on his show Monday.

When the Minnesota congresswoman came out to greet Mr. Fallon, the “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” house band, the Roots, greeted her with a 1985 Fishbone song called “Lyin’ Ass Bitch.”

Mr. Fallon tweeted Tuesday, “I’m honored that @michelebachmann was on our show yesterday and I’m so sorry about the intro mess. I really hope she comes back.”

The song choice was criticized by many, including Fox News’ Todd Starnes, who wrote, “Could you imagine if the network had pulled a similar stunt with First Lady Michelle Obama or Secretary of State Hillary Clinton? NBC is not commenting and Fallon doesn’t appear to have the fortitude to respond. So allow me to fill in the blanks: NBC, you disgust me.”

Democratic Rep. Nita M. Lowey called the incident “insulting and inappropriate” in a statement Tuesday. “I do not share Michele Bachmann’s politics, but she deserves to be treated with respect,” she said.

The Roots’ drummer, Questlove, had alerted his Twitter followers of the pending song choice Monday. He told the Hollywood Reporter that Mr. Fallon and producers had not been told about it in advance.

J.R. Martinez claims trophy on ’Dancing With the Stars’

J.R. Martinez started out as the least-known member of the “Dancing With the Stars” cast, but as the season went on, America fell in love with the 28-year-old soldier-turned-soap opera star.

“Dancing” draws 18 million viewers a week who got a firsthand look at the Iraq War veteran with the infectious positive attitude. They heard his story: how he was severely burned on more than 40 percent of his body when the Humvee he was driving for the U.S. Army struck a land mine, how he underwent numerous surgeries over years of recovery. Then they saw him dancing like that had happened to somebody else.

Earlier this month, Mr. Martinez was chosen as grand marshal of the 123rd annual Tournament of Roses parade. He was on the cover of People magazine and named one of its “sexiest men” a few weeks later. And on Tuesday, he became the new “Dancing With the Stars” champion.

Mr. Martinez and professional partner Karina Smirnoff claimed the mirrorball trophy over fellow finalists Rob Kardashian and Ricki Lake.

“We’ve been able to create a lot of magical moments on the show and to top it off with this is amazing,” Mr. Martinez said, holding the glittery trophy.

Mr. Kardashian, who came into the season finale in first place with professional partner Cheryl Burke, said he didn’t mind finishing as a runner-up.

“I feel great. I literally did everything I could have asked myself to do and more,” the reality star said after the show. Still, he said Mr. Martinez “deserves that trophy more than anyone.”

It appears fans had the final say. Viewer votes combined with judges’ scores determine the winner, and Mr. Kardashian and Mr. Martinez were just a point apart when all the dancing was done. As the third-place finisher, Miss Lake was eliminated partway through the final episode.

“J.R. and Karina really deserved to win,” she said after the show. “And Rob and Cheryl, I’m so impressed with them both, so it’s great to be among the three best.”

Fla. woman missing after ’People’s Court’ appearance

More than a dozen detectives and hundreds of volunteers continued their search Tuesday for an Orlando woman who went missing after her episode of “The People’s Court” aired on television.

Orlando police said Michelle Parker, 33, was last seen Nov. 17, the day the episode aired. Her Hummer SUV was found the next day, causing family members to believe she was carjacked.

Family members last heard from her Thursday, when she sent a text message that indicated she was in an Orlando shopping area. They said it’s unlike Miss Parker to disappear because she has three children and a job as a bartender.

“If anyone knows anything, please do the right thing,” said Dustin Erickson, who choked up as he talked about his sister. “If anyone has any information, please come forward. If anyone has her, please let her go, please turn yourselves in, please do something so we can find her any way possible.”

Mr. Erickson said the TV show was probably “irrelevant” to her disappearance as it was taped three months ago. Miss Parker and her ex-boyfriend appeared on the show to resolve a dispute about a $5,000 engagement ring.

Her mother, Yvonne Stewart, told ABC News that her daughter said the show was “the most humiliating experience” of her life.

Sting, Vince Gill team for CMT’s ’Crossroads’

If you ever see Vince Gill shirtless at one of his concerts, you can likely place the blame on Sting.

Bare-chested singing is a regular affair for the rocker, and when Mr. Gill was asked if he’d go shirtless for the pair’s Country Music Television “Crossroads” special, Sting chimed in: “He will tonight. I’m going to encourage him.”

“What a thought. You know I haven’t eaten in six weeks preparing for this gig because of this yardstick over here,” said Mr. Gill, looking at Sting before laughing: “Going to look like Laurel and Hardy up there.”

The good vibes between the two translate onstage during the special, which was taped in September and airs at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. The rock and country veterans had worked together once before, at the 2004 Grammy Awards in tribute to the Beatles. Both said linking up musically was easy because they have “similar registers.”

“That’s always appealing — to find guys with guts enough to sing like girls,” said Mr. Gill, laughing again.

The “Crossroads” series has featured collaborations from James Taylor and the Dixie Chicks to John Mayer and Keith Urban. This one-hour concert will have Mr. Gill and Sting performing hits such as “Shape of My Heart,” “Every Breath You Take” and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away.”

Compiled from Web and wire reports.