I cried. I clapped. I even danced in my seat. Just natural reactions.

Yesterday I saw the Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It.”  I was touched, inspired, and so sad. If you are an MJ fan, I suggest that you see it.

I am a bit jaded when it comes to TV and movies. I know that 100-plus hours of footage could be edited together to show someone in the light the producer wishes.  But in my heart, I feel that this film captured Michael Jackson’s love and spirit. I think and hope that the film was honest and showed the true Jackson that so many love.  You could see how the crew adored him, and he them. You could see that he was a perfectionist.  And you could see that the comeback concert that should have been would have been an amazing production.  I loved how they planned to bring Jackson’s famous songs and videos to life on stage. In the film,  Michael sure could dance and sing.  He stressed that everything was done with love. And he said “god bless you” to members of his crew so much that director Kenny Ortega made a comment that the rehearsal was like the church of rock.  In what appeared to be the final concert rehearsal, MJ had the crew in a huddle and told them to “bring love back into the world.”  Those are the words that keep echoing in my head.

Although there was a touching tribute to the King of Pop and some great performances, sadly everyone is still talking about the Kanye controversy at MTV’s Video Music Awards on Sunday night.

Thanks to everyone who shared thoughts with me on my Facebook page. I love hearing what everyone has to say.

I covered the red carpet and got to see the stars before the show. It was packed. The reporters were shoulder to shoulder with our videographers squished in behind us. I was over the subway so I had stinky hot air blowing on me the whole time!  Fans lined 6th Avenue and all of the side streets around Radio City trying to get a glimpse of the stars. I knew when someone big was coming, because they screamed like crazy!

Most of the big stars of the show chose not to walk the media line,  arrived late and too close to show time, or only stopped for MTV’s pre-show.  We were inches away from some big stars when they walked by. Some of my favorites to see were Pink, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Lady GaGa, and Taylor Swift (she was sparkling).

The nominees, presenters, and guests we did speak to were a lot of fun. Everyone chatted about how happy they were that the VMAs were back in NYC (where the show started in 1984) and everyone looked forward to the tribute to the man credited with defining the standard for music videos and really putting MTV on the map.

Here’s some of the stars I spoke to….

Nominees for Best New Artists 3OH!3 bet me $100 that they would win … they are pinky swearing me in this photo. I didn’t want to bet against them, but now I am figuring out how I can collect (they lost to Lady GaGa)! These two have a lot of personality.

Keri Hilson … JLo’s Grammy dress doesn’t have much on this!

Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls. She said she had fun on tour with Britney Spears. She said Britney is really sweet. PCD is on a break, so she is enjoying her down time! Shhh… look for her in a new show on E! where celebs will dish cash out to people with great ideas!

There were a lot of reality show stars on the carpet. People from “The City” and “The Hills” including Lo Bosworth. She was also on reporter duty interviewing the stars for MTV.

“American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi says she’s psyched for the show’s new season. She thinks Ellen DeGeneres was the perfect choice as the fourth judge.

I interviewed Justin Bieber last month at Party 105’s Mega Jam. It’s amazing how he has blown up in one month! Everyone is talking about this kid — the tween girls are going crazy for him! He is a cutie and still so shy.

As you can see–I thought Jimmy Fallon was really funny!He reminded me that the best VMA show was the one he hosted!

Loved jay Sean! He has a charming accent and hit single (”Down”) — no wonder! Just wait– he will be a huge star soon!

He was adorable when he met Sean Paul on the carpet during our interview. Maybe they’ll work together!

Sean was excited to be back at the VMAs and was super sweet.

That’s Jack Black with fake muscles and a fake deep throat voice promoting his new video game. He was very funny, but would only answer questions in character.

I love interviewing new artists. Nominee for Breakthrough Artist Anjulie told me that if she won, her moonman would go to her Mom or go in her bathroom. I like the Mom idea better.

By the time Cobra Starship walked the red carpet, my feet were killing me so I sat on the gate ! They were really cool. They arrived with their fans on a NYC tour bus.

Jeremy Gumbs is shining star. He lights up the huge Broadway stage as young Simba in The Lion King. If you’ve seen the movie “The Perfect Holiday” or “And Then Came Love”you’ve seen him holding his own on screen opposite Hollywood heavyweights.   This 11 year old Lawrence resident has major star power. He can sing, dance, and act, but what really blew me away was his energetic personality and spirit. He has a million dollar smile and a contagious laugh. He is also wise beyond his years. He started acting at 3, so he’s been home schooled his whole life. He’s represented by Mollo Management based in Hewlett (they are credited with launching the careers of child stars like Lindsay Lohan, Michelle Trachtenberg and more).

Jeremy has performed 4 shows a week on Broadway since March. Before that he performed in the Lion King tour which took him around the world for almost 2 years. When I asked if he felt like he’s missing out on anything that other kids get to do– he confidently told me no. He said he loves  being in the show,  and that he makes time for his  karate, playing outside, church and swimming. He looks up to his big brother Justin (14) who is also an actor starring in a number of commercials. He also recognizes that it takes teamwork and sacrifice from his family.  I accompanied Jeremy on an audition and had the opportunity to chat with his mom Deborah. She’s a single mom and is constantly shuttling her two sons into and out of the city for call times and auditions. She is the exact opposite of what I imagined a stage mom would be. She is totally grounded and appreciative of these opportunities. She told me how she is committed to keeping her boys well rounded and polite. That they are. They greeted and thanked everyone– from the people mopping the floors on up– they were such kind and respectful young men.    She also told me that they have family talks every night before bed.  She makes sure that they are happy performing and auditioning and makes sure that they know that they can stop at any time.

Jeremy sure seemed happy to me. He introduced me to his Lion King cast mates. We hung out in his dressing room for a bit where he told me how he is only allowed to play video games on the weekend. I accompanied him to hair and make-up. He has to wear a wig in the show. The whole hair/ make-up process takes about 20 minutes, which I could see was tough for this energetic 11 year old. Then we went backstage where he explained all of the props and how the magic happens. The stage itself was huge! There is a numbered grid, so that’s how Jeremy knows precisely where to stand during each moment of the show. I don’t know how these actors remember everything! He told me that he’s still overwhelmed when he sees people stand up and clap, sing, and even cry.

Jeremy’s last performance is September 27th. He’s not sure what he’ll do next, but is open to more theatre, movies or television. Whatever his next role may be, I am sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the years to come.

Thanks to Long Island Parent Magazine for introducing me to the Gumbs family. Read their article here.

Watch my interview with Jeremy today. You can also see my interview with his mom Deborah on Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box. Click on iO extra.

I don’t get nervous interviewing people. Animals, however, are a different story!

This summer I have been traveling Long Island looking for the best vacation spots, best outdoor restaurants, best vineyards, and best places to take your kids. Of course, kids love animals, so I found myself at the Game Farm and Atlantis Marine World.  They are two great places where you can see some amazing creatures. I enjoy seeing animals and marine mammals from around the world– through glass– but up close… well…

Some people get “beer muscles”.  I get “camera muscles”. When that camera light turns on, I suddenly become brave and am willing to do (almost) anything! At the Game Farm I got way too close to the lions and tigers. I was okay until they started roaring and licking their chops! Next I thought it was a good idea to go inside of the lemur cage. At first I was nervous because you don’t know where they are going to jump. But, I offered them some bananas and we quickly became friends. I found out that Jack the Giraffe is also a fan of bananas as well as carrots. His tongue is 18 inches and felt like sandpaper. Lovely. I fell in love with a baby zebra and had the opportunity to feed her a bottle. I also fed the baby goats– which is something the general public is allowed to do. I noticed a little girl who couldn’t have been older than 1 1/2 wandering around behind me when we were taping. When I went back and watched the footage I saw her reach into the wooden crate where they keep the finished goat bottles, reach in, grab one and start sucking on it. Yum. It took a few moments, but her mother noticed and removed it from her mouth. So… keep an eye on your kids! I also went into the alligator swamp. I was nervous in there, especially when it looked like the alligator specialist didn’t quite have control for a moment. After I calmed down, I did feel his tail. It felt exactly how you would think an alligator’s tail would feel.

I thought that gator was big… until I met the gators at Atlantis Marine World. The gator there is huge! This time I volunteered to go in the pen with the big gator and hold the baby gator. Moments earlier I watched the little gator urinate all over when the trainer held him- so I think I was most nervous about that happening to me! But, the camera started rolling and I did it anyway. It was okay until he started wiggling a lot and then I was done!

The penguins were more pleasant! They were each named after a Seinfeld character, based on their personality. I bonded with George. He was the only one who would take fish from me! The penguins are picky and would only take food from their trainer. I tried so hard to feed them the cold slimy fish. Feeding the sting ray was a bit easier. They couldn’t get enough! They were actually really cute. I got a nice wet kiss from a sea lion. And I even came face to face with the ocean’s biggest predator. I squeezed into 2 wet suits (the water was cold), went into a cage, and was immersed into a huge shark filled tank. They are amazing to see up close. They were huge. Their teeth were huge. My mind kept flashing to all of the Shark Week specials I’ve watched… like the one where they break through the cage..  I tried to stay calm and enjoy this rare experience. I didn’t realize that there were speakers outside of the tank where the people watched– so they heard me singing “I’m scared la la la… I hope they aren’t hungry la la la… get me out of here….!!!” . They sure did get a show!

So I finally joined the Twitter-nation!

It’s really funny to read some of the tweets. I think Donnie Walhberg is the funniest. He is so into the fans and the New Kids tour. I’ve never “read” such enthusiasm! I just went to their concert. In fact, I had my birthday party there! I thought it would be funny to get all of my girlfriends together, dress like we did in the late 80s, crimp our hair (yep, I saved my crimping iron) and just have a good time. It was so much fun! They still have the right stuff to make their fans go wild– even though most are  in their late 20s and 30s! I was right up at the stage and I witnessed two women in their 30s get into a fight over a sweaty towel that Donnie threw into the crowd. Security had to step in!

I interviewed the guys when they put out their comeback album in the fall. I even found my 1987 authentic New Kids tee shirt to wear! In my 4 years of doing celebrity interviews, they win for the craziest! It was hard to stay in control when you are bombarded by 5 guys– I felt like I was monkey in the middle! Donnie kept touching my head, Joey Joe starts eating M&Ms, Jordan was scoping out the ladies! Jon stayed in the background and Danny was best behaved! Here’s an unedited clip…

How disappointing! We got a glimpse of Tiger and then the rain roared and turned our beautiful green into a muddy mess.

I have my fingers crossed that tomorrow is not a wash out. I have my rain boots ready just in case.

They really did a beautiful job on the grounds, in the Carlyle on the Green, and with the Tents.

I explored a bit last Friday while Justin Timberlake (yes, so much cuter in person) and Michael Jordan played in the US Open Challenge.

I tried to convince the physical therapist massage masters to let me hang around for JT’s rubdown, but no luck!

First Footloose, now the Karate Kid. My childhood favorites being remade! What’s next? Maybe Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

When I spoke to Kevin Bacon about Footloose (see past blog) he couldn’t believe it was old enough to be re-made! I can’t believe it either! “Kung-Fu Kid” is about to start shooting in China. Its stars Jaden Smith– the son of Will and Jada who will produce.

Ralph Twittered :

“Just wrote young J Smith a good luck note as they head off 2 shoot. Felt very Obi-Wan to Skywalker. I’m no longer 1 of the ’2 youts’ haha.”

See, he’s funny! Get the My Cousin Vinny joke?

Here’s what he told me about the remake.

Doesn’t he look great! He doesn’t age. He was so sweet. Fresh Prince, give the original kid a cameo!!!!

What a night! The red carpet was packed. The crowd was crazy! Screaming fans of all ages, trying get a glimpse of their favorite stars. There was a lot to see! Last night the Tony Awards were more like the Oscars with a hint of the Grammys. Anne Hathaway, Dolly Parton, Poison, John Stamos, Edie Falco, Allison Janney, Jane Fonda, Will Ferrell, Gina Gershon, Angela Lansbury, Chandra Wilson, Piper Perabo, Liza Minnelli, Marcia Gay Harden, Constantine Maroulis and the list goes on. Although there were huge names on the carpet- the one name I kept hearing over and over was Billy Elliot. Everyone wanted to interview the 3 boys who share the role. Anyone who scored an interview with the adorable trio was in luck this morning– they took home one of the biggest prizes of the night– Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Of course their musical was a big winner t00 & named the best of the year!

They made Tony history as the youngest actors to win that award– and they made what was perhaps the most adorable acceptance speech ever! Their performances were powerful. It was endearing that they referred to Sir Elton John simply as “Elton”. They didn’t forget to thank their teachers, families and even their sisters!

I had a chance to go backstage with the boys last week. They were even cuter in person — if that’s possible! And humble. So humble. My focus was on Trent Kowalik– a Long Island native. Trent’s 14. The role of Billy Elliot was his acting debut! He was the Billy with the intense solo number last night. He is amazing. An old soul. I just loved him. When they announced his name, I let out a scream and then teared up. I can’t wait to see what Trent’s future holds. My goodness, I sound so old!

A few other notes on some of my red carpet favorites–

John Stamos does not age. I can’t wait to see him in Bye Bye Birdie! But he’s still more Conrad than Albert in my eyes!

Allison Janney is hilarious. And can laugh at herself.

Constantine was just so cool and collected. More confident and mature than the last time I interviewed him a year ago back stage at Jingle Ball.

Brett Michaels and Poison didn’t seem to care that they were the last ones strolling down the red carpet and talking to all the ladies…. even though he was in the first number! Rock stars. BTW- did you see Brett get smacked in the head by part of the set in that opening number?!? Besides the Billys– that was the most talked about topic in the Press Room.

Angela Lansbury is stunning, gracious, and so humble. She kept saying she was blessed to have this honor and opportunity at her age and at this point in her life. She was glowing.

Chandra Wilson couldn’t be sweeter and was truly so excited to be there. I hope to see her as Mama Morton. She didn’t give away any Grey’s secrets — trust me, I tried–she said she doesn’t know what’s going to happen yet.

Keep an eye on…

Josephina Scaglione. She’s Maria in West Side Story. She is stunning. Once the gentlemen get a glimpse of her big green eyes- they are going to be seeing a lot of West Side Story! She has an adorable personality and will be a big star!

Frank Dolce. He shares the role of Michael in Billy Elliot but did not share David Bologna’s Tony nomination. This kid was way beyond his years. Very well spoken, clever, stylish and quite funny. He’ll star in upcoming TV series “Sons of Tuscan”.

I can’t wait to go see a show…. after I get some much needed sleep!

How disappointing! We got a glimpse of Tiger and then the rain roared and turned our beautiful green into a muddy mess.

I have my fingers crossed that tomorrow is not a wash out. I have my rain boots ready just in case.

They really did a beautiful job on the grounds, in the Carlyle on the Green, and with the Tents.

I explored a bit last Friday while Justin Timberlake (yes, so much cuter in person) and Michael Jordan played in the US Open Challenge.

I tried to convince the physical therapist massage masters to let me hang around for JT’s rubdown, but no luck!