By Cindy Elavsky
Q: I am thrilled that Fox’s “Glee” is doing so well in the ratings, as well as bringing great “older” music back into the public eye. I was wondering how Steve Perry felt about the show’s rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” from the season premiere. — Randi T., via e-mail
A: Steve Perry told AOL Music’s online blog, Popeater, that he definitely approved of the “Glee” kids’ version of his famous 1980s power ballad. Steve said: “I would give it an A. They did a really nice, heartfelt high-school interpretation of the song.”
Steve remains hands-on in choosing which projects can use his music. Before approving the song’s use in the show, he saw a rough cut of the “Glee” episode that featured his song and said, “I thought it was edgy writing, and I was impressed.”
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Q: Like you, I am big fan of ABC’s “V” and was wondering if you could give me a little background information on the actress who plays Anna. — Larry E., Deltona, Fla.
A: Morena Baccarin, 30, plays the beautiful and seductive Anna, the leader of the alien race of reptilian-like “Visitors” who have come to Earth with not-so-nice plans for its inhabitants. Morena has co-starred in other sci-fi series, including “Firefly” and “Stargate SG1,” as well as guest starring in “Numb3rs,” “Dirt” and “Medium.” She was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was raised in New York City and attended the Juilliard School.
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Q: I am a sucker for anything related to boy bands and was wondering what Jeff Timmons (formerly of 98 Degrees) has been up to lately. — Katrina R., via e-mail
A: Timmons, 36, is putting the finishing touches on his sophomore solo album, which is tentatively titled “Emotional High,” and is offering it to his fans for free. I asked Jeff why he is giving his album away, and he explained: “I love this new music, and I want people to be able to get their hands on it.
“We sold almost 11 million records with 98 Degrees,” he said, “and I don’t know if all the fans out there are aware that I do music myself. They don’t know what my music is going to sound like, and I can’t expect them to just go out and buy it, spend 10 or 15 bucks. I thought, I’ll give it away.” Go to jefftimmons.com for more details and to sign up to receive your free copy of “Emotional High.”
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Q: I am really jonesing for some “American Idol.” When will the new season premiere? — Trista F., San Antonio
A: Fox recently announced that “American Idol” will return with a two-hour episode on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The show’s regular timeslots will be 8/7c on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. While I always look forward to the audition shows, I also can’t wait to see how well Ellen DeGeneres meshes with fellow judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi.
Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at [email protected] For more news and extended interviews, visit www.celebrityextraonline.com and twitter.com/Celebrity_Extra.
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.