Throwback Thursday: It's American Idol Time! Let's Go Back LA for Season 12's Finale & Red Carpet Coverage!

Media outlets swarm Country Superstar Keith Urban at the American Idol Finale & Red Carpet. 

Red Carpet Action with Jessica Sanchez!

Alice@Large with American Idol Winner Candice Glover.  

 Anyone else psyched JLO is back on board with American Idol? No-Just me (Oh and the tra-billion Jenny from the block lovers!) I'm digging the new judges. I really like the dynamics between the three. Harry Connick Jr., who was a guest coach last season, keeps it brutally honest. (I think we may have found our new Simon!) Country crooner superstar Keith Urban charms again. He seems to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate those true artists who lay it all on the line for that AI title. Jennifer of course brings the fashion, and keeps the business side on top! The team hit the Motor City, Detroit for a little action in last nights episode. Next week their search for the next American Idol takes them to Georgia! Home state for host Ryan Seacrest.  A few months ago, my guest reporter duties with FOX Japan had me @Large in Los Angeles, California for the Season 12 American Idol Finale & Red Carpet! It was such an exciting time, as I interviewed and got to know all top 12 sweethearts! I cannot tell you my fave, but I can tell you who SAAAANG! Ms. Candice Glover! She tried out three times, finally winning the coveted title for Season 12.  Talk about never giving up! Although I didn't get a chance to speak to my favorite diva of all time, Mariah Carey, I will tell you that from where I was sitting during the viewing of the results show, I could see her up close and personal. Being the true fan that I am, I was star struck! Almost in tears...yeah, that was me. She looked immaculate, skin like a porcelain doll! Much, much smaller of course in person.  

With the Legedary Ray Chew.

Judge Niki Minaj gave her two cents as Mr. Urban gives a shout out to our Japanese friends on the red carpet.  My face beat red after he said to me "Your  beautiful, baby!" in that super sexy Australian accent! Again, that charm thing I mentioned, he does so well. So many of your favorite stars also walked the red carpet, including past AI winners, Scott McCreery and Taylor Hicks. Even silver screen legend Anthony Hopkins made a quick appearance! Who knew?  A very pregnant Tamar Braxton, arrived a little late, but looked gorgeous!  She was adorable, waving to everyone as she scurried in. See our American Idol Special Coverage Footage where I speak to Ms. Minaj, Keith, Anthony and many others!  Link below!

Enjoying the lights of LA Live after Day 1 of the American Idol Finale.

View More American Idol Coverage Pictures on my Facebook! 

Day 1: https://www.facebook.com/#!/alicesidaii/media_set?set=a.10151625455796539.1073741831.627421538&type=3

Day 2: https://www.facebook.com/#!/alicesidaii/media_set?set=a.10151625280246539.1073741829.627421538&type=3

VIDEO!!See the awesome two-day coverage
FOX Japan American Idol Red Carpet & Finale Special hosted by me at:

http://www.youtube.com/Aliceatlargeevents

Get Candice new Single "Cried" out now!

Special Shout Outs: 

Make Up Artist Carmen Diane of www.carmendianne.com for the glam! 

Celebrity Stylist Kemar Jones of Hair Jones Celebrity Salon for the hair! 

                                          

                                                Hair Jones Celebrity Salon 

www.carmendianne.com

Hot Spot: PUR LUX Lounge with Grammy Nominated Artist & Actor Mack Wilds

Grammy Nominated Artist & Actor Mack Wilds.

Always in search of the next HOT SPOT; my Alice@Large adventures brought me to PUR LUX Lounge, located in Newport News, Virginia! In addition, Grammy Nominated Artist and Actor Mack Wilds was also in town, so you know my goal was trying to find out some scoop on his rise from Staten Island to Hollywood!

Performing "Own It" at PUR LUX Lounge

Pur Lux Loung Newport News, VA 

Well it's safe to say, that he is one talented and focused young man! What astonishes me is his ability to cross so many borders at a young age! Very impressive! Let me give you a little list of where you many know him from? Most notable for work on "The Wire" & "90210" (definitely post code envy!) He has also appeared on "Cold Case" and "Law & Order."  "Half Nelson" was Mack's film debut, but my favorite role thus far has to be Lt. Ray Gannon, from "Red Tails."  A true story about the Tuskegee Airmen. I was honored to meet a few, so this role hit close to home for me!  George Lucas invested 58 million of his own money to bring this American story to life! Nice!

So, Yeah. About those power moves! Of course the next phase would be music? Which he has already shown to be a contender!  For his debut album "New York: A Love Story" Mack received a Grammy Nomination for  "Best Urban Contemporary Album." I was lucky enough to witness his live performance at PUR LUX Lounge, the boy's got lungs! Right before he hit the stage, we had a little small talk about his visit to Virginia and the possibility of going to Japan!  "I cannot wait to go! I am very excited!"  My response, was "Well, looks like there definitely is a tour in order!" He was in great spirits  and had a very personable air about him! Very sweet! Nothing but big smiles as he hugged and took pictures with fans. Although I didn't get to pick his brain, I was very happy to meet such a grounded, down to earth, talented young man! Very polite and very well mannered! Very much a cutie as well!

Mack Wilds you better work! You better "Own It!" I will for sure keep him on my radar as we hit Grammy Season in a few weeks!

Throwback Thursday! Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 My NY Adventure!

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013 just wrapped up! Due to air in December! Last year I had the honor of covering the event as a Guest Reporter for FOX International Channels Japan & FOX Backstage Pass! A dream gig!

Ready to tackle the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 PINK Carpet 

Two lucky ladies from Tokyo won a trip to New York City that included a make-over, tickets to the show and a chance to meet their favorite Angel with me!

Interviewing Angel Miranda Kerr for FOX Japan

Us media & press folks had our chance to interview the Angels during their Hair & Make-Up Session! Talk about fast pace! There were cameras flashing, a billion reporters lined up with their questions and mics! Make-Up brushes and lip gloss everywhere! Models, Make Up Artists & Hair Stylists galore! So many Angels wrapped in their signature pink satin robes, milling about, eating, laughing, lounging.   My mind is literally in heaven! We had about 20 minutes, to get as many interviews with the Super models. Oh, about 25 other media outlets are in the same predicament. You can image the tug of war!

Alesandria & the 2.5 Million Dollar Bra.

My first interview was with Illinois native Erin Heatheton, who dated everyone's favorite bachelor, Gatsby star Leonardo Di Caprio. She was such an American Beauty!  I shared that we were born in  the same state, and that she has come along way from being a Vikings Basketball player in High School. After a chuckle,  she shared what it feels like to gear up for probably the most famous runway show! She was cooler than a fan, really. Laid back and super nice!

Waiting right behind Inside Edition for my turn with Miranda Kerr!

My favorite interview was with the super gorgeous Miranda Kerr! She was literally getting her hair rolled, and done while we talked. She shared her "Secret" & what prep work goes into the big dance! We also talked about her new Organic skin care line KORA that recently launched in Japan. She was gracious enough to meet the lucky winners. Of course we caught it all on film! She was amazing! True beauty! Weird how both our now NOT with their significant others.  If you didn't know, she gave birth last year to a beautiful baby boy with hubby Orlando Bloom. Another True beauty!  Off topic. That bejeweled 2.5 Million dollar bra! AMAZE! I was scared to look at it. Its super powers mesmerize you! Angel Alessandria donned the spectacular set! Werk honey!

I really wanted one of these!!! 

 We were in the middle of like the worst winter storm, right after Sandy. That didn't stop us from toughing it out for the Pink Carpet! Seeing RihRih, Justin B, Bruno Mars and few other super stars, made it worth while! Rih rocked the house by the way! Loved her performances and she got cheeky with the models! I was side by side with E! Next to one of my favorite TV personalities Alicia Quarles and AJ, former BET fame. That alone, had me on cloud nine! There were so many parts of this trip that really, were moments I took in and will cherish for the rest of my life!  Check out the FOX Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 special below!

View beautiful NY by way of FOX Japan & my clips with the gorgeous gals on the FOX Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 Special here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7_pTAjalUM&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLjV2ufx5xAAMZ_UijpjgRqnxeIMkJkVW4

View behind the runways pictures on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alicesidaii/media_set?set=a.10151281272326539.512262.627421538&type=1

Hair Stylist: Kemar Jones Hair Jones Celebrity Salon

World War Z Red Carpet Premiere in Tokyo! Who's Hotter? Brad or Angie?

 So-I am obviously a Brad Pitt fan! It's hard not to be! World War Z hits the Red Carpet as the successful Zombie flick premiered in Tokyo.  Host Ako with FOX Japan & FOX Backstage Pass gets up close with all that handsomeness, while the stunning first lady-well technically 2nd (Sorry Jen, but I love you too!) takes pictures and interacts with the crowd! I must say--they look gooooooood! Oh-that guy cheesing hard in the pic--it's just Dad--Executive Producer of Fox Backstage Pass and Fox International Channels Japan.....He too, obviously a BIG fan! For more "Red Carpet" action visit The Dan Smith Diaries on Facebook! 

Brad Pitt on the Red Carpet for World War Z in Tokyo!

Dad taking a Brad Pitt "Selfie"

Host Ako gets up close with Mr. Pitt!

Brad--will you be expanding the Jolie-Pitt gang this year!? (Well,  I would ask!) 

Love that Angelina is having fun! Taking pics, showing us that side-that we know is all there!!

Angelina Jolie
Photo Credit: Daniel Smith FOX Japan