Live Wire

Jennifer Lopez,the new judge on American Idol,is a radiant presence. But while her hair and wardrobe budget must be 10 times her fellow judges and worth itthus far,shes appeared to be purposefully downplaying. With her seated in the center chair,Lopez is far more centered,and far more insightful. And measured too. Often she says little to contestants. But when she commits to a critique,its direct and refreshing,a combination of industry savvy and emotional comfort. On Wednesday nights show,the last audition episode of the season,Lopez was at her calm,thoughtful best. I love the way you were planted in the ground, she told Julie Zorrilla,one of the best singers. It says that you have confidence and youre a performer.

Lady Gaga wants her next album Born This Way to be the best of the decade. The performer tells the March issue of Vogue her fans deserve nothing less than that. She also doesnt want to record something trendy. The albums first single of the same name is described as a gay-pride anthem,which the singer tells the magazine she wrote in 10 minutes. Earlier this week,Lady Gaga wrote on Twitter the song would debut on U.S. radio on Friday. Lady Gaga is nominated for six awards at Sundays Grammy Awards including album of the year. The album Born This Way will hit stores in May.

Warner Brothers has had a nightmarish Oscar season. First,The Town ran out of gas. Clint Eastwoods Hereafter didnt seem to have any to begin with. Then Christopher Nolan failed to get a directing nomination for Inception. But none of that is stopping the studio from making another campaign push,doubling down on its dreamworld thriller. On Wednesday Warner released a new video for Inception,which has eight nominations,including best picture. At nearly five minutes in length,Inception: An Extended Special Look features comments from Nolan and lots of behind-the-scenes footage. Also included are a producer Emma Thomas and several of the films stars,including Leonardo DiCaprio. Many people may say Warner is dreaming if it thinks efforts like this will change voters minds at this late date. But never say never.