When I got up this morning, I started listening to Susan Boyle and it seems I’m not the only one. Her debut album has taken the world by storm topping the charts with 700,000 copies sold to date, beating out Rihanna, Shakira, Lady Gaga and Adam GLAMbert. There is no doubt she is a true talent, but I think we love her story as much as we love her voice.
You see, she didn’t have the makings of the typical headliners nowadays, but someone (Simon Cowell) saw incredible potential, gave her the opportunity and the rest is history. It’s safe to say, she was the underdog and rose above. And who doesn’t love a story like that? It’s pretty great when you think about it and I think it inspires a lot of people. It inspires me.
On this big night ahead of us, all five of us, Courtney, Matt, Naomi, Ben and I want to win but only one can.
No matter what, its been one of the best experiences of my live and one I will cherish forever.
It’s always good to have friends, especially ones that support you and want to help you out. My friends are no exception and wanted to get involved with the blogs to help you know a little bit more about me.
On this Thanksgiving day, many of my family and friends have been asking me about the competition. The number one question being, “Why are you losing in the votes?”
It’s an answer I don’t have and something I can’t explain. It’s no secret in the fan poll, I am the “underdog”. So I tell people, “I may be down…but I’m certainly not out!.” Instead, I am so positive, so happy and lucky to know people who have so much faith and confidence in me and I think each one of us feels good when someone believes in us. I am lucky to have people like that in my life.
For everyone out there trying to reach a goal, I would say the same to you. Keep reaching, keeping going. Even though your dream my seem far… it may just be a step away.
In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend and take a little time to visit foxprovidence.com, explore the site and vote for me to be the next host of…”The Rhode Show”.
This weekend I’m heading home for the holidays. But it’s odd because I’ve had two homes over the past few months. The place where I grew up, Queens and the place where I’ve spent most if not all of my time, Rhode Island. As I head to New York, I’m excited to catch up with friends, help my mom cook and secretly sample some of her delicious food in the process but I’ll miss this great state I’ve fallen in love with. Both are near and dear to my heart and I can’t wait to get back!
Thanksgiving for my family means lots of good food, lot of laughs, togetherness and giving thanks for all of the blessings we have: living life healthy and happy.
Whether you’re celebrating with a huge gala with out of town guests,
Or reuniting with people near and dear to your hearts in a special way…
AS I went into my biggest challenge of this competition, I decided to channel Tina Turner: Fierce, Fabulous and on Fire! My experience co-hosting the The Rhode Show today was all of those things! Check it out!
Now that you saw me rock it out like Tina would have done, vote for me to be the next co-host of The Rhode Show on foxprovidence.com!
As Michael would say in his high pitched voice…”This is IT!”.
This really is it guys! Mark your calendars because this Monday, November 16th I WILL BE CO-HOSTING THE RHODE SHOW!!!!!”. So holla at your girl!!!!
Now, I feel ready. I’ve been ready. The only thing left I had to do was find an oufit. And only one word applied: FASHION!
So grab your coffee, make your breakfast, get dressed so you are nice, comfy and ready to tune into my debut on The Rhode Show this Monday morning at 8am on Fox Providence. For all of my people in New York and beyond you can watch it streaming live on foxprovidence.com at 8am sharp!
The Top 5 Finalists have been dropping in on the good people at 92 Pro FM in Providence all week. For me, it was a day of many firsts. My first time being a guest on a hit radio show. What a great experience! The whole crew welcomed me with open arms. We were having such a good time we decided to celebrate in dance with a souuuuuuul train line. Another first! Check it out.
Thanks Kim, Jessica, Giovanni and Will for being you!
Each weekend I spend a lot of time getting to know Providence. Friday night I visited Warwick and downtown. On Saturday I spent a little time in Newport. Then Sunday rolled around and I decided to take on Federal Hill.
Friday night I attended two amazing charity events around town. First, dinner and dancing at RIPIN’s (Rhode Island Parent Information Network) annual fundraiser. The event honored those who help families get involved with education, health and economic issues in the community. WPRI’s own Nneka Nwosu emceed the event and she did a great job!
Nneka hosting the RIPIN event
The Rhode Show was also well represented there and I got the chance to promote the show and talk to fans.
Rhode Show representing!
Next stop, the Rhode Island Convention Center for the 3rd annual Wine Tasting Gala which benefits the Jarvis Green Foundation. The organization founded by New England Patriots Green supports single working mothers living in disadvantaged areas who have been struck by personal tragedy. We met the great Jarvis Green and his beautiful wife, Kia.
Us with the New England Patriots Jarvis Green
Mrs. Green
I also got to taste my very first famous Olneyville New York Systems hot wiener. It was soooooo good!
In the middle of all of our Rhode Show excitement, I’m also thrilled that Oscar season is upon us. You see, years ago, I used to watch the Academy Awards and think, “Wow, I haven’t seen or heard of any of these movies”. So a few years ago I took it upon myself to start looking beyond summer blockbusters to seek out the films with the real meat and potatoes. The ones that make you think, see something old in a new light or downright shake you to your core.
If you’re into movies as much as I am, November is the perfect time to get involved. But getting started can be challenging, so I compiled this list of must see movies. And I’m willing to bet this list will pay off so that YOU are not out of the loop come Oscar night.
Check it out:
My Movie List
Precious - The story is incredible and Oprah and Tyler Perry produce.
Up in the Air- Stars the ever timeless George Clooney… enough said.
An Education- A life lesson for women
A Serious Man- Directed by our favorite brother duo, the Coen brothers who are behind the 2008 Best Picture winner “No Country for Old Men” and one of my favorite movies, “Fargo”.
Broken Embraces- Stars our favorite Latin import Penelope Cruz with director Pedro Almodovar
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee- An all star cast: Robin Wright Penn, Keanu Reeves, Blake Lively
Nine- Another all star cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman & Penelope Cruz to name a few.
Invictus- Directed by Clint Eastwood. With the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, this soccer film with Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela couldn’t be timelier.
District 9- (I couldn’t explain this if I tried but if you haven’t seen it… please do.)
It’s a toss up between: Amelia, Its Complicated , Young Victoria and The Lovely Bones
Okay, so I cheated. I couldn’t pick just 10. They just all look so good. Also, for a younger demographic we can’t leave out two films:
1. New Moon-The Twilight Saga
2. The Princess and the Frog- (Disney’s first African American princess. You can’t beat that!)
**Be sure to mark your calendars for the 82nd annual Academy Awards on March 7, 2010. **
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:54 am by Mariah Sparks under The Rhode Show
Mariah's on Fire