MADAME TUSSAUDS ANNOUNCES AWARD-WINNING POP IDOL AND R&B STAR JUSTIN BIEBER IS THE NEWEST CELEBRITY TO BE IMMORTALIZED IN WAX
February 22, 2011 [New York, NY, London, UK, Amsterdam, ND] ― Following the release of the highly anticipated 3-D documentary Never Say Never, Madame Tussauds today announced that Grammy-nominated POP/R&B singing-sensation Justin Bieber will be the next celebrity to be immortalized in wax.
Bieber’s figure will make its world debut this March at three Madame Tussauds attractions—New York, London and Amsterdam. “I’m honored to be getting my own wax figures at Madame Tussauds New York, London and Amsterdam,” Bieber said. “To be immortalized in wax alongside some of my idols- Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyonce and my mentor, Usher- is incredibly exciting and very cool.”
Bieber was an enthusiastic participant of the four month-long figure creation process, spending time with a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists who took hundreds of precise measurements and photos of the singer to ensure the figure captures his signature style and of course, his signature locks.
“Justin Bieber is one of today’s biggest stars, and we are thrilled to be able to give his fans and our visitors – who have been requesting that we create Justin’s figure since he burst onto the scene – a preview of his wax likeness before its world premiere in March,” said Bret Pidgeon, General Manager Madame Tussauds New York. With over 9 million albums sold worldwide at just 16 years old, Justin Bieber’s star continues to rise. He has won four American Music Awards, including Artist of the Year; he was also nominated for two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist; published a New York Times best seller, First Step 2 Forever; and guest starred on “Shaq Vs.” and “CSI”.
With millions of fans that have caught “Bieber Fever,” Justin is admired for his talent, charm and generous support of charities such as Pencils of Promise.
About Madame Tussauds New York: Madame Tussauds New York is celebrating its 10th anniversary as the interactive “must do” attraction in the heart of Times Square, providing guests with unique opportunities to create memories with some of the world’s biggest icons. New wax additions include Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Robert Pattinson, the Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, as well as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Madame Tussauds’ interactive exhibits include Cinema 4D, now featuring the “Polar Express 4D Experience”; the “Bollywood Zone,” where visitors have the chance to re-create the experience of being on a Bollywood film set with Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan (or their wax figures, at least); and the “Sports Zone”, which allows guests to interact with some of the world’s most famous athletes, including Yao Ming, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter and David Wright. Prominently located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds New York is open 365 days a year at 10 a.m. Visit www.nycwax.com or call (800) 246-8872 for more information.
By: GiAnna Wyatt
For Richard Roeper, the Windy City’s frigid temperatures were too hard to handle. The esteemed film critic, TV host, and columnist took a quick flight to warm, sunny Orlando and with the Oscars right around the corner, I really wanted to get his choice for best picture.
Roeper has been writing for the Chicago Sun Times since 1987 – the year I was born. When I walked in, I told him how old I was – not sure how he was going to react, but he was delighted.
Richard Roeper
“I love that there are people out there who can look back their whole life and read my work, “ said Roeper.
Since his “thumbs up or down” days with Roger Ebert, he started his own website, where he critiques films, TV shows, and even Lady Gaga’s Grammy performance.
For the Academy Awards, Roper has made predictions for all 24 categories. Last year, he averaged 21 out of 24 predictions correct.
The major award predictions include: “The Social Network” for Best Picture, Natalie Portman’s “Black Swan” for Best Actress, and Colin Firth in “The Kings Speech,” for Best Actor.
What’s better than learning what movies I should definitely go see? Learning the films to avoid. Roeper claims that any film with Katherine Heigl and Jennifer Aniston are going to be the same over and over. For instance, he says that Aniston’s latest film “Just Go With It,” is not a film that you want to “go with.”
So what makes a good movie?
“A movie could include the film trifecta, but if the script is bad, it’s just bad,” said Roeper. He says that it’ not funeral scenes that really make him cry in films – it’s a bold gesture by the actors that really makes him tear up. As for laughing, he cracks-up with good one-liners, not physical comedy.
When I spoke with Roeper, he said that people shouldn’t take him too seriously.
“Sometimes, people go see my movies for the bad reviews just as much as they do for the good.” He made a point saying that some people just enjoy watching good-bad movies to make them laugh and take them away from reality.
Unfortunately for Roeper, he had to fly right back to Chicago after his stop in Orlando. That’s too bad – I started working on my tan this week!
By: Amy Wadyka
While New York has been subject to ferocious wintery conditions one usually only sees in the artic, I looked to Everything Under the Sun, the sophomore album by the quirky indie-pop band Jukebox the Ghost to ease my winter blues.
Jukebox the Ghost is comprised of Ben Thornewill on piano, Tommy Siegel on guitar, and Jesse Kristin on drums and have been working together since they met in college developing their sound, writing contemplative songs, and telling stories. While a relatively new band, only releasing their first album Live and Let Ghost in 2008 pretty much on their own during downtime ‘over Christmas break’ in college, they already have an impressive tour resume after playing with acts including Jenny Owen Youngs, Barenaked Ladies, Guster, and coming up in February- Hellogoodbye, and are absolutely a band to watch in the future.
I was lucky enough to meet with JTG after their sound check at Amsterdam Billiards for some good old fashion hanging-out. The guys were excited to open for The Dismemberment Plan, a band that JTG says not only “might be one of their favorites… and opening on their reunion tour is a dream come true”, but one that they had also already bought tickets to the show before being recruited as opening act because they are such fans. Even though this was a big show for the guys- both as the opening act and as fans, JTG non-chalantly set up shop in front of the dart board killing time before the show, talking to other patrons and ironing out the rules of the game, while I asked them about their new album.
What the band attributes to their new sound on Everything Under the Sun which came out June 2010 is “a lot more resources so [they’ve] spent a lot more time in the studio, more instruments and experimentation” which translates into a more polished version of the earlier Live and Let Ghost, and introduces a slew of new sounds and opens many doors for future development. At the sold-out Webster Hall show on January 30th, JTG came on and delivered a booming pop rock show drenched in a rainbow of lights matching their piano filled pop songs perfectly. Their playful set inspired the audience to join the fun and was delightful to watch as drummer Jesse would fling his drumsticks and opt for a tambourine seamlessly multiple times throughout songs. The synchronized head bopping during the chorus of their song “Empire” summarizes the show- it was just plain fun to watch. And for their finale, they played a poppy rendition of The Cure’s “Close to Me”- a perfect transition to The Dismemberment Plan’s powerful set with their starry backdrop.
So what is next for the guys of Jukebox the Ghost? A lot according to guitarist Tommy Siegel. “This latest album has made us a lot itchier to put out music, all the time in a way…All of the pressure is kind off now that we have gotten the ‘sophomore slump’ out of the way”. They are also planning a series of concerts college campus based on “getting people to voice where they want us to go”, where at the landing page of their website, students from all across the country can enter their emails for a chance to have JTG play at the their university. “We had about 500 submissions the first afternoon” and that the school with the most email submissions so far has been SUNY Binghamton with 100 plus submissions says Jesse Kristin. It is apparent that these hardworking guys love to tour because after their stint with The Dismemberment Plan, they immediately start playing with Hellogoodbye, saying “the best part of touring, is touring”- so don’t expect them to slowdown any time soon.
Herve Leger by Max Azria IS hardcore glamour. And today, it turned out all over the runway… decked in gold hardware, no less!
Backstage and under the weather, the ever-smiling Mr. Azria shared press duties with wife Lubov. While, on the runway, the models let the glitzy get-ups do the talking. Simple top-teased, side-slicked ponies and natural make-up kept the focus on the supersexy edge now synonymous with the brand.
One by one, out came the iconic curve-hugging dresses in creamy neutrals and, of course, glam-friendly black. Straps, slats and cut-outs galore! Every piece worked geometric patterns, ranging from a subtle shape here, to a sophisto-bondage criss-cross there.
Bandage dress lined with gold
Lubov Azria
Leigh Lezark loves Leger
By: Amy Sego
Closing out Saturday night with Charlotte Ronson’s show, and all we can say is that bellbottoms are making a comeback. Not only backstage, but on the runway as well. Charlotte’s sister Samantha made an appearance at the DJ booth to get the capacity crowd hyped, while Annabel Dexter Jones took a turn on the runway to make it a complete family affair.
I’d been lucky enough to grab a seat at every show, but I was out of luck for Ronson – and my feet were KILLING me.
Standing room only!
Loved the punky braids and buns!
Punky. Brewster.
Backstage was a madhouse before the show. People were coming to verbal fisticuffs to get a piece of Charlotte – must have been all the free Pepsi and vodka being passed around. We got her long enough for her to tell us that the “must have” for fall will be a leather bomber jacket. But isn’t it always??
Good night all. Time for a drink and some sleep before Derek Lam!
By: Amy Sego
Good Morning Lovelies.
I’m here at the stage tent at Lincoln Center and I have to say, the music at the Jill Stuart show is ALMOST making up for my miserable Q Train experience this morning. They are running through the show right now – with Jill looking on from the front row.
Walk you pretty pretty ponies!! Walk I say!
Going to have to find some benevolent fashionista to tell me what is in the pretty pink gift bags.
Earlier we were at Binetti, here we are chatting with the man himself. He’ll be featuring Silhouette eyewear in his show.
Binetti might be the friendliest designer on the planet. I almost asked him to bring me some coffee. He would have done it.
Here’s Jill Stuart backstage. I think I was creeping her out a little.
Cute dress!
Hair at Binetti was all cute little top knots with very glowy, golden make up. Tiny little smudges of smoke at the corner of the eyes.
Top Knot? Top notch!
More to come. We’re here all day. Feel free to bring me a frap!
By Amy Sego
It’s been absolutely frigid for New York Fashion Week, but that hasn’t stopped us or the glitterati from coming out to see what designers have in mind for Spring.
Tinsley Mortimer came out in tights – nothing stops her from getting to fashion week. We’ve seen her there every season, no matter what the weather.
Tinsley warms our hearts - our freezing cold hearts.
Also bumped in Ashanti. My very first summer in New York City, Ashanti was all over the radio – so she always reminds me of long, hot summer days. Also, little known fact about Ashanti: She can fit in your pocket. She’s that tiny.
Ashanti with Maz Azria. Not JaRule.
Stay with us dear readers. We’re going to have lots more from Lincoln Center, including backstage beauty and models looking super enthusiastic about their jobs.
Things get pretty crazy around here in Spring. Between fashion week, the SAG Awards, Golden Globes, Oscars, and all the amazing premiers in art, music, and movies – we’re spent. Enter our newest blogging intern GiAnna Wyatt. A journalism student from Orlando, this southern girl will be bringing her take on life to our blog each week.
A Little About Me
By GiAnna Wyatt
It’s amazing how we do it. To obtain society’s definition of “professional success”, a young-woman must go to college and get a degree. Many of us are also working part-time while in class, and interning to get on-the-job experience while doing so. In life, to be a “success”, a girl is expected to wake up at the crack-of-dawn and run five miles, cook a meal, have impeccable looks, and keep up with a group of girlfriends and a boyfriend. In reality, this isn’t the piece of cake that pop culture makes it all out to be.
For me, I am a young woman who just hit her mid-twenties. I go to school, intern at a magazine, and wait tables. For anyone who has ever done this, you know it’s a job and a half. It’s exhausting to know that after all of this running, we really don’t get that much further (or thinner for that matter – especially if we are running in heels!).
So what gives? How are we supposed to be “successful” when all we want to do is stop running through life and start living life? My blogs will be a guide for how to maintain a fabulous lifestyle despite busy schedules. This is the time of our lives where we really can have it all, and it’s all about how to keep you looking, feeling, and being better.
XOXO
By: Amy Sego
I have been known to run in to H&M between work and a date to pick up a cute top or accessory to take my outfit from day to night. It’s nice to know that even celebrities are prone to popping in for a thrifty piece to punch up their wardrobe. Take a look at Kourtney Kardashian in this H&M secretary top, paired with skinny jeans.
And little Hailee Steinfeld, the star from True Grit, looks so sweet in her capped sleeves and red clutch – another H&M grab! Love!
By: Amy Sego
My husband and I differ greatly on our views of New York City. While there are moments it still captures my heart, I find myself increasingly exhausted by the throngs of people and ever increasing expense of living. Not even living well – just living. Mr. Sego, however, is still a full on NYCphile. He loves the twenty-four hour life, all the little dive bars and secret hidden streets that take you back in time. He goes to nine hour marathon readings of F. Scott Fitzgerald books and returns home with sighs of “Only in New York!” I answer from the couch, warm in my pajamas, that I will happily read him “The Great Gatsby” cover-to-cover and not charge $100 for the experience. He only shakes his head and wonders how a former student of art history and theatre could have become so jaded. Hey – it’s New York. If you’re not jaded, you haven’t lived here long enough. (Or, you’re wealthy and life here is easy.)
As Valentine’s Day approaches, perhaps it’s time I fall back in love with my city, and there’s no better place to start than in the Flatiron District.
Flatiron Building circa 1903
The Flatiron District, designated as such due to the presence of the Flatiron Building, lies below 25th street, and stops short of Union Square. While there are other areas of Manhattan more rich in history, the Flatiron District has become home to many shops and restaurants that make it the perfect place for a date with your husband, wife, lover, or self.
Step One: Get Pretty
I love to treat myself to a mani/pedi once a month. Valentine’s Day allows me to indulge in a little more pampering before meeting up with my dinner date. I stop off at Dyanna Spa at 40 e. 21st Street for a mani/pedi and massage under $100. They’ve been in business for more than 23 years and really know how to get in you in and out if you’re in a rush or take the time to give you some respite from the world outside.
Step Two: Get Sensual
Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate and few people take their chocolate as seriously as the chocolatiers at Chocolate Moderne. Head chocolatier and CEO Joan Coukos fell in love with old world Belgian style chocolate after a trip to Brussels in 2000. After studying with world renowned chocolatiers for five years, Coukos began making her own delectable confections. Chocolate hearts are lovingly hand painted in soft pastels, and filled with knee-knocking notes of caramel and cardamom. You can order anything online OR you can swing by an open house and actually watch the chocolate being made. If you’re nice, they might even let you have a sample. There’s an open house this weekend, Februrary 12th – 13th from 11am until 6pm.
Hand painted hearts are only the beginning at Chocolat Moderne.
Step Three: Get Fed
We had our honeymoon in Spain, so I gravitate towards Spanish food when I’m feeling romantic. But really, what’s more romantic than sharing several small plates of tapas and some paella with your Valentine? I love love love Sala One Nine on 19th street because it’s great Spanish food and I can usually get out of there without spending a fortune. The paella de marisco is a favorite, while my husband always craves the chorizo frito or any of the quesos on offer. The atmosphere is also super romantic. Need proof? Check out this super sweet wedding reception.
Step Four: Get Classy
Perhaps my favorite part of any romantic meal is the after dinner drink. When I am in the Flatiron district, you can find me at the Flatiron Lounge (just down the street from Sala One Nine fyi!). In my opinion, it has the BEST martinis and cocktails in the city. Hands down. No contest. These aren’t your rinky-dink Sex and the City toy-tinis (please leave your cosmopolitan orders outside). We’re talking old school, classic mixology like the New York Sour or the Flatiron Original, Juniper Breeze. And what girl or boy wouldn’t feel like Marilyn Monroe when they saddle up to the 30ft mahogany bar? Built for the Manhattan Club in 1927, restored, and moved to it’s new home at 37 w. 19th in 2003. The space is quite magical, with soft cobalt lights and dimpled booths that lend themselves to flirty eyes and accidental touches. (I also can’t get enough of the little snack mix they serve, which is kind of embarrassing and not romantic, but I’m a sucker for salty treats.)
When it was in the Manhattan Club, Frank Sintra himself used to woo the ladies at the Flatiron's 30 foot bar.
So those are my plans for Valentine’s Day 2011, and I’m pretty sure they’ll have me back on speaking terms with this City. Even after all that snow. What about you? Any favorite romantic venues for the 14th?
