Behind The Red Carpet Live: Hank Chen

Tonight's Behind the Red Carpet Live on Spreecast was filled with hot topics so I knew I had to have my guest, YouTube personality, Hank Chen, come on with me.  I wrote an article, "Coming Out In Hollywood", that was syndicated by several sites.  We broke down why TV stars are more apt to come out versus movie stars.  Is it any of our business or do they owe it to the younger generation to come out?  Watch the show and let me know what you think.

Hit me up on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments below.

The Friday Five: The 2012 London Olympics Edition

I cannot wait for the Opening Ceremony tonight.  I love everything about the Olympics from my favorite event to the heated rivalries to those fabulous "fluff" pieces that NBC produces about each athlete.  My Twitter feed will probably be flooded with references of Gabby and Ryan over the next two weeks, so I am dedicating this edition of The Friday Five to the things I'm looking forward to the most this week:

1.  Women's Gymnastics:  I've been obsessed with this sport since Mary Lou Retton vaulted to a perfect 10 and the Women's All-Around Gold Medal.  This year, I am rooting for Gabby Douglas to take the title.  She's lived away from her family over the last 18 months to achieve her dream, her dad has been overseas fighting for our country, and that girl is full of sass and strut with a smile during her floor exercise routine.  In the immortal words of Bela Karolyi, "You can do it!" (Try not to weep while watching the above video.)

2.  Lochte versus Phelps:  Michael Phelps is going to try to become the most decorated Olympian ever, but I am rooting for Ryan Lochte to be the hot one of the Games.  Oh wait, he's already hot....completely drool-worthy. (Rumor is that he is already hooking up with Australian swimmer, Blair  Evans.  Yep, I provide Olympic gossip too!) Regardless, this matchup is going to be one for the history books.  Go, USA Swimming!

3.  Opening Ceremony: In my dreams, I am an Olympian and I walk into that stadium carrying the American flag.  Can you imagine the pride and overwhelming feelings you would have realizing you are an Olympian?  Enough said.

4. Lolo Jones:  I love the athlete who is back to erase the bad memories of the prior Olympics:  enter Lolo Jones.  She's trying to win the gold after narrowly missing it in the 100-meter hurdles in Beijing after she stumbled on the 9th of 10 hurdles.  She's favored to win and she's on a mission. Watch her race in Beijing and hear how she's ready for redemption.

5.  Olympic Village:  I always want to know the inside scoop on what happens in the athlete's village.  When I met Olympic Swimmer, Aaron Peirsol, in Las Vegas a month after the 2008 Summer Olympics, I cornered him for about two hours while I peppered him with questions about what really went on after everyone's events were over.  It's exactly what you think.....drinking, hot bodies, and a lot of sex.  In fact, ESPN wrote a fascinating article about this exact topic.  You don't want to miss it.

 Have a great Olympic weekend!  I will be donning my red, white, and blue tonight so join me on Instagram for a photo or two: @KristynBurtt.  

My Behind The Red Carpet Live will again happen on Monday, July 30th at 6:30PM PT/9:30 PM ET here.  I would love for you to join me because we had so much fun last week!  I have already started gathering scoop, so feel free to contact me here with your burning entertainment news questions!

Behind The Red Carpet: Get Your Celebrity Drink On!

We are hitting Episode 2 of Behind The Red Carpet and I tweaked the show a bit.....a tad shorter and one less question.  I pulled one question from my Facebook page and one question from my blog that came out of my live chat on Spreecast the other day.  So, a big thanks to Eric and Emmy for helping me out this week.  I talk about the hottest place to spot celebrities and what reporters/publications do when they have a hot story on their hands. If you have questions or comments for next week's episode, hit me up in the comments below.

If you missed my Spreecast from Monday, you can check out the show here.  We will be doing it again on Monday, July 30th at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET at Spreecast.  

The Friday Five: July 20, 2012

I skipped my Friday Five last week since I was recovering from Comic Con, but it's back this week with a lot of fun things to check out while you are wasting time on the internet instead of paying bills, doing laundry, or making your bed. (Don't worry, I love to procrastinate too!)

1.  Live Chat:  Okay, it's about time I did something like this.  Spreecast invited me to do a weekly live chat to discuss the latest in entertainment news.  We are going to do a Beta test on Monday, July 23rd at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET of Behind The Red Carpet. (If you missed my Wednesday taped segment, click here.) I will do a live chat for 30 minutes before I roll into my weekly appearance on Driving with Gass at 7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET.  I will do a hot topics segment of current stories and I know I have a few Jennifer Aniston fans eager to ask questions since I haven't been able to get to all of your comments.  You can RSVP here and ask questions ahead of time by logging in with your Facebook or Twitter accounts.  If you are too shy to post a public question, feel free to contact me here.  This live chat will be archived, so you can watch the rebroadcast if the time/day isn't convenient for you.

2.  They Called It Rock:  This one is for my SYTYCD fans, take a look at the incredible show created by my talented friends, Nancy Paris and Charles Yurick:  They Called It Rock. The show takes you back to 1978 with hot moves and a pulsating soundtrack from the likes of Bowie, The Who, and Led Zepplin. For SYTYCD Canada followers, Season 10 winner, Denys Drozdyuk can even be seen in the video on their Facebook fan page.  Like their page or click here for more information on the show.  You won't be disappointed!

Jenny bear c/o TG Bears

3.  TG Bears:  If you are looking for a cute gift idea, check out TG Bears.  I came across these cute little bears at the GBK Productions Gifting Suites during Oscars Week as a part of The Artisan Group.  I was lucky enough to have a Jenny bear gifted to me with a little KB placed on the paw and I love the articulated arms and legs.  So, head on over and check out these little guys for a sweet birthday, baby, or shower gift.  Tell Monica that KB sent you!

4.  The Radio Dish:  I heard a sneak preview of my new segment with the fun ladies over at The Radio Dish in Kansas City and I cannot wait to share it with you.  I am excited to announce that I will be doing bimonthly segments on the show giving you the hottest stories of the week.  This week we discuss the Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes saga and the revolving judges chairs over at American Idol.  You can listen to the show live on Saturday, July 21st at 10AM PT/1PM ET here.



5.  Moonrise Kingdom:  It's been a few weeks since I have passed along a film recommendation, so here is one to check out on those hot summer nights when you need to get out of the heat. This is the perfect antidote to all of the superhero movies we've seen this summer.  This flick comes from director, Wes Anderson, who is well known for his quirky films like The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore.  The movie is odd, sweet, and reminds me of simpler days gone by.  Don't miss this one.  (It's also the perfect date movie.)


Have a great weekend.  I have a very lazy weekend planned.  If you want to join my weekend adventures, find me on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt or check out a few photos I posted on Facebook only or enjoy my incessant chatter on Twitter.  See you on Monday!

So You Think You Can Dance Receives 6 Emmy Nominations

It was a big morning for So You Think You Can Dance as the Emmy nominations were announced.  The show walked away with 6 nominations including Best Reality-Competition Show and finally one for Cat Deeley for Host, Reality or Reality-Competition Show.  In addition, here are the choreography nominees:

Choreographer: Stacey Tookey: 
In This Shirt
Turning Tables  
Heart Asks for Pleasure First

Choreographer:  Christopher Scott:
Misty Blue
Velocity

Choreographer:  Spencer Liff
Whatever Lola Wants
Please Mr. Jailer
Where Do I Begin

The show also received a nomination for Lighting Design/Direction, Variety, Music, or Comedy Series.

I've been having such a blast hosting the after show of SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV, so I hope you will take a look at last night's episode where we got the inside scoop from Season 7's Ashley Galvan.  She told us about the differences between her season and what is happening to the contestants this year.  If you are a fan of the show, you will definitely want to watch.  If you prefer to listen while you workout, download the show from iTunes here.

To see a photo from our show last night, click here.




My first episode of Behind the Red Carpet launched yesterday as I give you the inside scoop on what is happening in Hollywood behind the scenes.  I would love your feedback as I grow my little show!  View it here.

Behind The Red Carpet: I Went Commando!

It's here, it's here!  My first episode of Behind The Red Carpet is live.....finally!  You asked the questions and I delivered the juicy answers, so keep asking each and every week so I can give you the inside scoop on Hollywood.  This is a work in progress, so I hope each and every episode gets better and better.  This week, we talk about:

1.  Keeping your naughty bits under wraps on the red carpet.
2.  Revealing the secrets to becoming a star.
3.  Finding out if the grass is really greener for celebrities.



Join the conversation in the comments below and on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Google +.  I want your feedback!

JJ, Shannon, and Leanne, contact me here, so I can send you a gift from the prize closet.  Thanks for your questions on my first episode of Behind The Red Carpet.

Behind The Red Carpet: I Need Your Questions!

I've been writing a lot about what happens behind the scenes in Hollywood from sources to press junkets to reality that isn't reality.  I've decided to take this series to video form and answer your questions.  I'll be doing a short video each and every Wednesday to give you an up-close and exclusive look at Hollywood. I will take a look at urban myths and find out whether they are true or false, but I can't do it without you!

Send me your questions in the comments section below or on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, or if you are shy and want to keep your question private, contact me here.

If your question is used in my first episode, I will send you a fun gift from the prize closet.  So start sending me your questions.........NOW!  I can't wait to see what you have in store for me.

If you want today's inside scoop and entertainment news, I will be on Driving with Gass tonight at 7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET.  You can listen in at 106.7FM in Arizona or online at KWSS.org.

Behind The Red Carpet: Sources In Hollywood

Often times when I provide insider scoop on entertainment topics and state that it came from one of my "sources", I will receive comments asking, "Who is your source?" or "Who told you?"  I always chuckle because if the person wanted to be named, I would definitely name them.  In most cases, the information was slipped to me by someone who is in the inner circle of that celebrity which means I cannot reveal the source.  I try my best to deliver honest and reliable information from quality sources.  I have been fairly successful with scoop like this and this, however, this story continues to stump me.  I may just call off that Baby Bump Watch, but the real question is who are these sources?

In Hollywood, the information comes from personal assistants, stylists, makeup artists, publicists, chiropractors, fitness instructors, valets, hotel staff, waiters......well, you get the idea.  The juiciest stories tend to come from the nannies because they often reveal the struggle of being a working parent, a celebrity, and trying to balance the public versus private image.  It isn't easy.

If you work at a high end property or business, chances are you are going to encounter many celebrities.  Some places like Chateau Marmont are known for their discretion with its no photo/Tweeting policy, but almost everywhere else, it is open season for celebs.  Staff members at hotels supplement their income by selling their stories to the tabloids or provide tips to the paparazzi as to who is staying at the property. There is very little privacy when you are in the public eye. (How do  you think the paparazzi know about flight schedules at LAX?  Yep, some airline staff member sold that celebrity out.)

For someone like me, I develop relationships with people from all different sectors of the industry since I cover entertainment, fashion, events, and more.  I find that the more people know about my job, the more they dish.  Everyone wants to be on the inside and have information, so they like to share what they know.  I hear it all.  From a tabloid love triangle that constantly makes the press due to the Twitter war between the two women to the sweaty and gross film director who is rude to just about everyone he encounters, people love to talk. The worse the star's behavior, the more dish you get.

How do stars protect themselves? Well, the bigger the celeb, the more likely they are to make their household staff sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).  Employees of A-Listers often have to sign binding confidentiality agreements because the actors need to trust those that are a part of their daily lives.  They do it to protect their reputation, their children, and most importantly, their safety and privacy.  While I am sure some staff members find loopholes in these agreements and sell off a story to TMZ (Have you noticed how accurate their stories usually are?  Remember, Harvey Levin is a lawyer, he's not messing around.), most staff members will take an NDA seriously. In fact, I have a friend who worked for one of the biggest stars of our lifetime and she still doesn't dish on the star. That NDA has kept her mouth shut for years and she had an enjoyable experience working for this person.  So, the next time you read People and they quote a "source", remember this article, you can guess who the source actually was.

What are your thoughts on Hollywood sources?  Does it change the way you think about fame and Hollywood?  Join the conversation in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook.

I plan on moving the Behind the Red Carpet series to video, so I will be answering your insider questions each and every Wednesday.  Let me know what you want answered!  Leave it in the comments below and I will give you the insider scoop on how it all works.....Behind the Red Carpet!

Hot Topic Tuesday: Coming Out in Hollywood

Yesterday, The Wrap wrote a really insightful article about the celebrities coming out publicly with ease yet there are certain industries where it is still taboo to be out of the closet, namely big movie stars.  It seems so easy to be Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer, and Anderson Cooper, all big television personalities, who came out in their own way whether it was a press release, a significant other acknowledgment in a speech, or a letter to the editor of an online publication.  The news made the headlines for a day and then we all moved on.  Living in Hollywood, I hear the rumors all of the time from the stars hiding behind the religion of Scientology to the actor in two huge summer action films to the Academy Award nominated actor who almost came out, but chickened out at the last minute. (Google Toothy Tile for a hint.) Are the rumors true?  I certainly don't hang out in celebrities' bedrooms, but with certain stars, where there is smoke, there is fire.

If telling the public has been so easy for television stars, why is it so difficult for big box office stars?  Here are some of the reasons:

1.  Box Office Dollars:  There is a lot more at stake for an actor who carries the weight of a $200 million budgeted film on their shoulders.  If audiences cannot separate a celeb's public life from their personal life, the celeb runs the risk of a slimmer bank account and a dwindling career.  In narcissistic Hollywood, people fear a dead career as much as aging in this town.  Rupert Everett has talked on record about how his open sexuality affected his career.  You can argue that he has made some bad movie choices, but only he and his agent know the type of offers that came in before and after he came out.

2. Politics:  As open-minded as cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are, there are plenty of cities and states that do their best to say anyone who is homosexual is "less than".  This is often your core movie-going audience and the heart of your fans, so this factor is taken into consideration for many stars and movie studios. Politics like California's Prop 8 (Or the antidote I support, NOH8) or the current power of the Christian right, play more into decision-making than you would think.  

3.  Image:  When you reach the stratosphere of superstardom like Brad and Angie, George Clooney, or Tom Cruise, so much of your image is controlled--from what you wear to whom you hang out with. If you buy into the system, part of your life will be ruled by this Hollywood image. (I will get into this more with in an upcoming Behind the Red Carpet post on certain behaviors of the A-Listers. )  So, if you remember back in the day when Rock Hudson married his secretary to keep his sexuality a secret, you better believe that there are a few marriages in this town that are arranged still to this day.  If I hear the excuse that "But they are married and have kids!" one more time, I might scream.  Hollywood is smoke and mirrors, things are arranged, people have a family, it's life and believe it or not, even in real life this happens too.

Will we see a major movie star come out soon?  I don't think so.  Like the country music, sports, and the hip hop industry, it's still tough for people to live their own truths.  Is it any of our business? Yes and no.  Yes, in that it is important to set a precedent for the next generation letting people know that it is okay to be who you are.  No, in that it is their private life and they should have the right to live as publicly or as privately as they want.  It's not a simple issue and it is one that won't be answered overnight.

What are your thoughts on this Hot Topic?  Do you think we will see a major movie star come out any time soon?  Chime in the comments below or join me on Facebook or Twitter.


Don't forget to join me tomorrow night on AfterBuzz TV for the So You Think You Can Dance after show with our special guest, Alexie Agdeppa from Season 7.  Check us out at 10PM PT on AfterBuzz TV. 

Behind The Red Carpet: Absurd Photo Edition

Beginning today, I will be doing a weekly series called, Behind the Red Carpet.  I am going to break down the myths of Hollywood because this town is nothing but smoke and mirrors.  I've done a few pieces like this before (See Kardashian House, Oscars Red Carpet, and What is a Press Junket?), but I think it is time to make this a regular feature on Red Carpet Closet.  So, if you have questions about how things operate in Hollywood, why certain celebrities are photographed more than others, or why this town is so darn crazy, contact me in the comments below, on Facebook, Twitter, or via email.  I look forward to hearing what you want to know about Hollywood.

Now, let's get cracking with three absurd Hollywood photos of the week:

1.  Leann Rimes Cibrian:  Um, who gives their husband a birthday cake with his favorite things including sexy bedtime and his two little boys (Watching? Listening in? Thinking about the therapy they are going to need?) on the front of the cake and then TWEETS it out to over 298,000 followers?  Awkward.  When I see things like this, I think Team Brandi.

2.  Ashley Olsen:  So our gal Ashley is dating an older man, Olivier Sarkozy, who happens to be the half brother of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy.  He's 43, she's 26.  Oh yeah, one of the girls in the photo is Olivier's daughter and the other one is his date.  It's hard to tell the two apart, no?

3.  Kim Kardashian:  Sigh.  I hate to give this gal more press, but I am going to call her out on this dress.  Kim was complaining on Twitter that the press was saying she was wearing Spanx under her Stella McCartney dress.  She set the record straight and said the dress came with nude panels.  I am setting the record straight to let her know that Spanx or nude panels, the dress is still ugly.  

Okay, it's your turn.  What do you think of this week's Behind the Red Carpet? What do you want to see next week?

Oscars Week: Day 1

It's the last year as the Kodak Theatre.  I wonder what the name will be next year?

It feels like Christmas to me and I am bouncing off of the walls.  I picked up my credentials today and received my official badge that will get me on the red carpet and in the press room on Sunday. Now, please don't ask to see a photo of my badge.  I can't do it.  Find out why and what to look for in today's edition of Behind the Red Carpet....

The day was filled with scoop as I sat to get my hair done. I cannot tell you where or who I sat near lest I break the sacred hair salon code, but oh boy, this person has their choice of Monique Lhuillier dress or Badgley Mischka for Sunday's activities and I cannot wait to see them on the red carpet.

Also, I think the producers are misleading us about not highlighting either of the two Best Original Song nominees....or they are featuring music in some way during the show.  I saw a group today that involves music roaming around Hollywood and Highland.  Mark my words.....we will hear some singing come Sunday night.  (And that is exclusive scoop.  If you look around, I named the group somewhere......did you find it yet?)

Now watch my one minute video and let me know what you are most excited about this week!

Oscars: Looking At the Best Original Song and Score

To tide you over until I finish up my insider's view of the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, check out my Behind The Red Carpet look at the nominees......

Let's look at the Best Original Song/Best Original Score Category.  There are so many controversies in both of these categories with the voting, the shortlist, who was eligible, and why there were only two nominees in the Best Original Song category.  I break it all down for you along with giving you a look at some of the rules at how the nominations happened in this category.



After shooting the video, I was able to interview two of the nominees for Best Original Song:  Sergio Mendes and Siedah Garrett for the movie, Rio, at the 39th Annual Annie Awards.  Here's what they had to say:

Riding on the Goodyear Blimp!

I fly all of the time for work, so I am accustomed to being "up in the air".  In fact, I've flown on United Airlines 22 times this year.  That doesn't include the additional flights I've taken with American, Southwest, Delta, Continental,  Spirit, and US Air this year.  So, as familiar as I am with the friendly skies, I was thrilled to try out a new form of transportation for a trip around LA, on The Spirit of America, the Goodyear Blimp.  We had the opportunity to fly in the airship as a part of our Behind the Scenes series with Mingle Media TV.  Captain Matt piloted us through the cloudy skies and I might have been a bit smitten with our "Captain Handsome".  (Yep, he had a nickname within the first 15 minutes of meeting him.)

  

The flight was pretty incredible despite a bit of marine layer and the blimp engines were a bit nosier than I expected.  Captain Matt even had a little fun with a us with a blimp trick or two that I managed to catch on video.  I will post our behind the scenes video early next week.  In the meantime, enjoy the photos up in the air and on the ground.  It truly was an opportunity of a lifetime....... 

Any chance to advertise Godspell is a good one.....even in a blimp!

 Love my hair sticking straight up while JD mugs for the camera.

Me and Captain Handsome post-flight.

A happy leap after a fun day.  Thanks, Goodyear!

Photos are property of Kristyn Burtt and Mingle Media TV.  

The Tale of the iPhone Case

This weekend, a few of you may be stopping by Red Carpet Closet because of this post by my friend, Ken Davenport.  Yep, I love my iPhone and I thought it was wasted advertising space lately.  I am currently using my own case, but in the past I have utilized cases given to my by PR agencies to advertise certain products.  I thought, why don't I advertise for Godspell?  (By the way, it's no secret that I am an investor in the show.)

Photo Courtesy of Ken Davenport.

Just to prove that my iPhone is with me at all times, here are a few photos from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in February. I will be sure to take a picture on the red carpet with my new Godspell iPhone case once it reaches the Left Coast. Be sure to leave a comment below, so I can learn more about you.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Get your Godspell iPhone case here.

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Taking video with my iPhone of the cute kids from PS 22 walking the red carpet.

 Showing Mr. Brainwash the photo I took alongside his artwork.  

2011 Oscars, Day 2

Oscar diet?  What Oscar diet?

Today, was a busy day filled with a beauty suite, Oscar wardrobe pickup, and a final stop to my esthetician so my skin looks good on Sunday.  It takes a village to put me together for an event like this.  I cannot tell you how many people I have to thank next Monday from my chiropractor to my stylist to my makeup artist.  It's not an easy task.

The day started at the L'Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills at the Style Hollywood Academy Awards Ultimate Beauty Suite.  This event promised the unveiling of an exclusive handbag created in honor of the Oscar nominated film, Black Swan, and the world's most expensive baby cake by Hansen's Cakes and dedicated to Natalie Portman's new baby.  The bag is set to go down the red carpet with an unnamed celeb on Sunday, not Natalie Portman, and then auctioned off to charity with proceeds going to a ballet foundation and a schizophrenia center.  Remember, Natalie's character suffered from multi-personalities, see all of the connections here?  All of this was presented by the designer, Timmy Woods, two ballet school heads, Kristy Swanson, and jeweler, Amyn.  It was a bit chaotic and a little unfocused when it came to the presentation.

The bag was unveiled, not before Kristy and the two ballet heads almost knocked it off of the table, but it was gorgeous.  All of Timmy's designs are handmade using sustainable woods and delicate beadwork all while being assembled in the United States.  You may recognize her Eiffel Tower purse from Sex and the City, the movie.  Immediately after they presented the purse, they revealed the cake.  Now the cake was a beautifully decorated Hansen's Cake, but that was not what made it so expensive.  It was the topper:  a diamond encrusted baby safety pin and charm created for Natalie's upcoming bundle of joy.  This is where it got a bit awkward.  The beautiful jewelry was tiny, so it was hard to photograph.  The jeweler took it off of the cake, frosting and all, so the photographers could get a closer look.  Because the piece was silver, it was even harder to see in his hand.  Kristy Swanson swooped in and saved the day by holding it against a black background, the wrap she was wearing.  She was a total champ because that poor jeweler was flop sweating through the entire press conference.  Everyone then toasted to Natalie's unborn baby and her Oscar nomination in absentia.  Hooray!  Kids, you just can't manufacture moments like this.

Interviewing the super cool, Kristy Swanson.

I'll post the video of our Day 1, Behind the Red Carpet for Mingle Media TV here once it is ready, but I wanted to give you the backstory on the morning.  It will give you even more insight once you see me interview Kristy Swanson who is funny, pretty, and definitely someone with a great sense of humor.

Did you miss all of yesterday's Oscar fun?  Click here.

All photos courtesy of Mingle Media TV.