africa

We all know the worst phrase an aspiring singer can hear is "alta fakedem," which we all know, since we speak fluent Amharic, means, "you didn't make it." While I still haven't figured out why people are so drawn to American Idol, its popularity is not to be questioned, and "copy cats" of the program have been popping up across the globe. Of course, American Idol itself was based on the British show Pop Idol. Anyway, a version is currently airing in Ethiopia, titled, naturally, Ethiopian Idol. The production values are a bit lower than its American inspiration. The show takes place in a hotel restaurant where singers must compete against noise, power failures, and nosey waiters. Also, the Simon Cowell equivalent sometimes tells the contestants they sing like donkeys, which is apparently an insult in Ethiopia.

 

This Tuesday VH1 will be airing a 90-minute, commercial-free documentary titled Tracking the Monster, which will focus on the AIDS epidemic which has been ravaging Africa for many years. The movie will focus on two celebrities, actress Ashley Judd and singer India.Arie, as they venture into separate parts of the continent to speak with people both infected and affected by the virus.

OK, so I was actually going to watch the hour long PrimeTime Live interview with Brad Pitt last night, but I had laundry to do. Hey, I don't mind Brad Pitt. He seems like a cool enough guy, but I just don't know if I could take an hour long interview (an hour) with Diane Sawyer giving him that half flirtatious/half "tell us the real story" expression. Luckily, Slate's Dana Stevens gives us a blow by blow of the show at the link below.