E!: The Seinfeld reunion has begun. Julia Louis-Dreyfus says that she and her famous costars—Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander and Michael Richards—began shooting their multiple-episode appearance on Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm last month. "It was really fun to get together with everybody," Louis-Dreyfus told me today. "Frankly, it was as if we never left." And there’s more fun to come. "We're shooting again this month and in May," she said. "We have a lot more work to do." No surprise, everyone has been sworn to secrecy... Louis-Dreyfus can't even reveal if they're riffing on their legendary Seinfeld characters. "I really can’t say," she said. "I'm sorry. I would if I could, but I’m not allowed."
Lauren, it's so great to chat with you today on Geno's World.
You, too. Thanks for having me.
I see that your nickname is Hildy. Can I call you Lauren?
No, how dare you call me by my real name. Just kidding, of course. Most people do call me Lauren.
I am a big fan of yours and LOVE your debut CD "Not Really a Waitress." How much work went into writing and recording this album?
It took close to a year and a half. Lots of people were involved in the project from Atlanta, LA, Scottsdale. Mostly it was because of scheduling problems due to my waitressing jobs and the long hours that made it difficult to spend time in the studio.
Why are you calling it "Not Really a Waitress?"
Because a lot of people can relate to having to work at something while pursuing a dream...not just artists and actors in LA but students, mothers and others working to make ends meet. When you wait tables, people see you as just a servant and don't care what's inside or underneath...just how quickly they can get their order. I felt invisible in my uniform that covered up who I really was. But every table and every tip help pay for another track.
Geno's World LOVES your music video for BOYSHORTS. Very sexy stuff! What was shooting the video like for you?
So much fun! A whole two days centered on me and I loved the attention...ha ha. I love making videos because seeing the visual helps people relate to the song. I want fans to relate to me and have something memorable. Gotta give a shout out to Andrew Will, the director, and his crew for an incredible video.
Do you have any "behind-the-scenes" stories from the shoot?
The scenes with me dancing in a black dress with a light shining through were shot in my parent's garage! Also, we didn't realize we needed a permit for the beach scene with Thor (my love interest). The lifeguards came just as we were finishing. They were cool about it and let us continue for the last 15 minutes because they said it was okay to shoot our 'student' film.
You were on Debbie Allen's "Fame" on NBC and lasted until the finals as a "triple-threat." Did appearing on that show help you in Hollywood?
Not really. Hollywood doesn't care about triple threats -- Broadway does.
Shannon Bex from Danity Kane came in Second Place on "Fame." You have any dirt on her for us?
No dirt. Shannon is one of the sweetest girls ever. She is a motivated, talented girl and I was so happy to see her success in Danity Kane because she deserved it.
What do you think of Lady Gaga, who seems to be trend setting everywhere she goes these days?
I love Lady Gaga. Her style is different and her image is out there. I love her theatrical background and musicality that makes her such a unique performer.
What designers are you currently working with?
None...please come forward and dress me! Actually, I just worked with the talented Erin Hirsch, who designed 2 costumes for my shows. But I'd love to meet some up and coming designer who wants to dress me for the red carpet.
Have to ask, are you a natural blonde?
I feel like one. But Ashley Livesay, my hairdresser at Chromo in Hollywood, reminds me every 4 weeks how dark my hair really is, especially when I want her to make me even blonder.
Do you have any celebrity crushes?
Zac Efron. Come on, he has great hair and he did such an awesome job on SNL and who doesn't love "High School Musical" movies. Wish I went to his high school. Also, Penn Badgley. I'm a huge fan of "Gossip Girls" and I'm not sure if I have a crush on him or his character, but definitely a crush. Last, Justin Timberlake....doesn't everyone?
I heard somewhere that you were possibly going to record a duet with Nick Carter. What is going on with that?
Growing up, I always loved the Back Street Boys. We've reached out to Nick and hope to get something going.
What can we expect to see from Lauren "Hildy" Hildebrandt in the coming months?
A few performances back East and then into the studio to work with a few different producers. I'm in talks to duet with a few people as well as do another single that is a bit different from those on my album. I love being in the studio.
Best of luck to you! It's been a pleasure to chat with you. Come back to Geno's World anytime!
Thanks, Geno. Love your blog and all the best to you!!
ABOUT LAUREN "HILDY" HILDEBANDT Lauren Hildebrandt first rose to celebrity when she competed on Debbie Allen's triple-threat reality series "Fame". Hildy made it all the way to the top twelve appearing on national television week-after-week and winning fans nationally. Hildebrandt made a huge splash in the dance world with her debut single titled "Burnin' Out," which hit #5 on the Billboard club play chart which led to a coveted nomination as "Best New Dance Artist" in 2006 against Rihanna and Cascada at the International Dance Music Awards. Soon after, Lauren released the Top 20 Billboard club hits "Dance With You" and "My Life Again" in succession. Today, Hildy's poised to make her splash on the mainstream scene with her first pop single titled "Boyshorts," from her forthcoming debut album "Not Really a Waitress," released on Red Wallet Records. The full album drops mid March 2009. Watch out for Lauren "Hildy" Hildebrandt as she tours internationally to support her new release. With her sassy edge, stunning glam look and legs to give Tina Turner a run for her money, Hildy's got the talent, drive and ambition to hit the big time. For more information: http://www.laurenhildebrandt.com or http://www.myspace.com/hildymusic
MTV: Perry wrote "Hook Up" with new "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi and producer Greg Wells and "Long Shot" with noted songwriter/producer Glen Ballard and Relient-K frontman Matt Thiessen. So how did a pair of her songs end up on Clarkson's album? "Kara and I and one of my producers, Greg Wells — when I was writing for this record that took five years and [encompassed] all these songs — we got together in a studio and we wrote a song for my record called 'I Do Not Hook Up,' but it didn't make it on my record," Perry said. "Just because there were so many different songs and there were only 12 slots allotted for the record, so ... it was kind of one of those songs that was just, like, still there. And Kelly Clarkson heard it. I guess she liked it, and she recorded it — and another song too." So does Perry harbor any hard feelings toward Clarkson for snatching the songs away from her? Not exactly. Seems things have worked out pretty well for all parties involved. "I'm so excited," Perry laughed, pumping her fist. "House in Malibu! Thank you, Kelly!"
Interesting pair of MSNBC articles debate the future career of Adam Lambert. In my opinion, Adam will be a huge star for years to come. The guy has mad talent and likability.....
MSNBC: Adam Lambert is the guy who everyone wants to see, because he is willing to take risks and able to make them pay off. Every week, he walks that high-wire, and every week he emerges as the star of the night.
MSNBC: Adam Lambert will probably win "American Idol," will probably get a ton of attention, and then will probably not become a huge star. There is a reason why melodramatic cast albums do not generally top the charts.
Having a chance to see a powerhouse band like this in a small venue should not be missed! Melodic Rock: Chickenfoot will take the stage for a limited number of live shows, featuring music from their self-titled debut album, Chickenfoot, set for a June 9th release.Playing a series of intimate venues, this initial tour is set to launch on May 14th at the El Corazon in Seattle, WA. The shows will conclude at TLA in Philadelphia, PA on May 29th, with tickets prices throughout averaging $50 per show. The new album will be released through major retailers and digitally on June 9th and will be available for pre-sale through Best Buy beginning April 19th at www.bestbuy.com/chickenfoot."We spent a lot of time together in the recording studio working long hours to make Chickenfoot live up to expectations," said Satriani. "We really feel like we've mastered it and recorded a great album but now we're especially excited to take the show on the road and see how the fans react to it live. I think we are really going to feed off of the fan's energy. We're really that type of band."Upcoming North American DatesMay 14 El Corazon Seattle, WA On Sale 4/18May 15 Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, BC On Sale 4/17May 17 The Fillmore San Francisco, CA On Sale 4/19May 19 The Roxy Theatre West Hollywood, CA On Sale 4/18May 22 Park West Chicago, IL On Sale 4/17May 24 The Mod Club Theatre Toronto, ON On Sale 4/18May 26 Middle East Upstairs Cambridge, MA On Sale 4/18May 28 The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza New York, NY On Sale 4/17May 29 TLA Philadelphia, PA On Sale 4/18
Underwear, Ugg boots and lunch? That sounds like a good photo shoot opportunity. Allure: ALLURE: Are you comfortable with nudity?ELIZA DUSHKU: "I grew up with three brothers, and I was never shy about covering up. It got to the point where my mom was like, 'OK, honey, it's time to put some clothes on now.'" ALLURE: What about these days?ED: "I'll strip down to my underwear and my Ugg boots when I eat lunch in my trailer." ALLURE: How would you compare this to filming a love scene?ED: "Love scenes are much more multidimensional, because often you have two people who have just met and you're rolling around, and it's more awkward than when you're posing alone."