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Tag: Good Morning America

  • Ginger Zee Returns to “GMA,” Prepares for “Dancing With the Stars”

    Ginger Zee Returns to “GMA,” Prepares for “Dancing With the Stars”

    Ginger Zee is one very busy new mom. She returned to her job as Good Morning America’s chief meteorologist on Monday, following her maternity leave–and she is preparing for the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. That’s a lot for a new mom to handle.

    Fortunately for Ginger Zee, husband Ben Aaron is ready and willing to take over her duties whenever she’s unavailable. He changes Adrian Benjamin’s (born in December) diapers and puts in extra time when his wife flies back and forth from her job in New York to DWTS in L.A.

    “I knew I was going to hit the ground running,” Ginger Zee says in a recent interview with People magazine. “I think the schedule’s going to be pretty grueling, but not in the way that I can’t handle it.

    Fans will no doubt love watching Ginger Zee compete on season 22 of Dancing With the Stars. Paired with pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, she will learn how to perform on the ballroom floor from one of the best.

    Starting next week fans can see Ginger Zee on both GMA and Dancing With the Stars. Season 22 begins on March 21.

  • Miss Universe Dismisses Idea Of Sharing Her Crown With Miss Colombia

    Two weeks after pageant host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach broke her silence about the idea of sharing the win with first runner-up Miss Colombia, and the newly-crowned beauty queen thinks it would not be easy.

    Wurtzbach appeared on Good Morning America on January 4 to talk about the mixup and to discuss if she is willing to share the crown with Miss Colombia, who was stripped off the Miss Universe title a few moments after Harvey declared her the winner.

    “I think it would be a little bit difficult for two girls to share a crown,” Wurtzbach told show host Lara Spencer.

    “…but I have high hopes that this will give great opportunities for me and Miss Colombia and the rest of the contestants,” she continued.

    Wurtzbach received a lot of criticism after winning the title but said she is not taking it personally as she understands why fans of Miss Colombia are enraged by the embarrassing incident.

    During the interview, Wurtzbach also revealed that she took the initiative to reach out to Gutierrez and wished her a happy birthday on December 25. She said Miss Colombia “seems like she’s okay.”

    Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach Appears on Good Morning America

    The 26-year-old Miss Universe believes that more exciting opportunities await Miss Colombia in the future. “I know that she’s a beautiful young lady – very talented. I think that she’ll have a lot of other opportunities,” she said.

    Wurtzbach also thinks Harvey should be given another chance to host Miss Universe next year. She commended the comedian for making them feel at ease during the pageant.

    As for her Miss Universe duties, the Filipino-German actress will focus on a host of social causes which includes disaster relief and HIV awareness. She said she is excited to begin her mission as an ambassador of change and goodwill. “It’s surreal. I’m so happy,” she said.

  • Ginger Zee of “Good Morning America” and Hubby Ben Aaron Welcome Baby Boy

    Ginger Zee of Good Morning America fame and her husband Ben Aaron welcomed a baby boy on Sunday.

    The chief meteorologist announced the exciting news via Twitter, sharing a beautiful photo of the happy family.

    It was only two days before Adrian’s birth that Ginger Zee went out on maternity leave.

    “I feel like I’m lucky because I’ve had a really good pregnancy, everyone has been so supportive,” she said during her last appearance on Good Morning America. “Thanks to you guys … and now I’m going to get a little emotional. Oh my God.”

    Ginger Zee even admitted to being a little nervous about her impending labor and delivery–as well as about motherhood itself.

    “I’m staying up at night every once in a while…that’s been the hardest part,” she said. “I feel him move and I’m like, ‘There’s a real human in here. This is happening.’”

    Ben Aaron and Ginger Zee got married in a ceremony overlooking Lake Michigan in July of 2014. This is their first child.

    Congratulations are no doubt en route to Ginger Zee and Ben Aaron from all of her cast mates at Good Morning America–and from her fans, too.

  • Lara Spencer Had No Business Being On Donald Trump’s Lap, Journalist Faces Backlash

    Another lesson in social media responsibility came, albeit inadvertently, at the expense of Good Morning America anchor, Lara Spencer.

    On Tuesday, November 3rd, the TV journalist posted a photo on Instagram showing a rather close-up shot of herself and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, all smiles and looking rather friendly with Spencer’s arm wrapped around Trump’s shoulder and wrapped around her waist.

    Spencer accompanied the photo with the caption, “Can’t beat having the REAL DonaldJTrump on,” which she changed following the backlash that ensued.

    Since only the upper half of their bodies are shown in the photo, people immediately speculated that Spencer was sitting on Trump’s lap, which she vehemently denied.

    In an effort to clarify the alleged misunderstanding, Spencer changed the caption of the same photo to “Let’s clear this up – I’m standing next to Donald Trump. Said a quick hello and welcomed him to the GMA studio for first time since he announced his candidacy.”

    Comments on the photo were actually a mixture of criticism and support. One person commented, “You wouldn’t catch anyone on @todayshow doing this,” while another one posted, “Good on you and ignore the haters. Fun photos that you will remember for years.”

    More serious reactions about Spencer’s ambiguous photo were heard from various groups. Her credibility as a journalist is currently being scrutinized, not because of her personal relationships and political inclinations, but because of her decision to post something that would give the public a reason to think that she is not impartial.

    Media Ethics professor Aly Colon said that Spencer’s photo “gives the impression that these people are close to each other in some way” and that it “puts her in a position where people might question whether as a journalist she is representing the public or Donald Trump.”

    Interestingly, Lara Spencer appeared on GMA’s Halloween special as none other than… Donald Trump. She did a skit in which she mimicked Trump’s speech during his book launch, and repeatedly “firing” ABC employees in the building.

  • Lara Spencer Comes Under Fire for Allegedly Sitting on Donald Trump’s Lap

    Lara Spencer came under fire Tuesday after posting what most believed was a picture of herself sitting on Donald Trump’s lap to her Instagram account.

    It didn’t take long for the comments to commence.

    Some told Lara Spencer she was behaving in an unprofessional manner. Others said she was “gross.”

    Later that same day, Lara Spencer added a new caption to photo in question.

    “Let’s clear this up–I’m standing next to Donald Trump. Said a quick hello and welcomed him to the GMA studio for first time since he announced his candidacy,” the Good Morning America co-anchor wrote.

    A photo posted by Lara Spencer (@laraspencerabc) on

    Everyone loves to jump on people when they’ve seemingly made big mistakes. Do you suppose anyone who commented on Lara Spencer’s photo before she clarified the situation has ever done anything wrong?

    Of course they haven’t.

    How quickly people jump to the wrong conclusions. Some even gloat as they point fingers.

    There is another entire year of campaigning before a new president is elected. How many times between now and then will someone make a gaffe?

    Hopefully they will roll with the punches–the way Lara Spencer did this week.

  • Ginger Zee: “GMA” Meteorologist Uses Baby Bump to Full Advantage for Halloween

    Ginger Zee, Good Morning America’s meteorologist is using her baby bump for all it’s worth. After all, she has to wait until December for her bundle of joy to arrive.

    On Friday, Ginger Zee turned that bump into a few Halloween costume options–and her fans completely enjoyed her sense of creativity.

    For her first option, Ginger Zee dressed her baby bump up like Mr. Potato Head.

    Next, Zee dressed up as the Pillsbury Doughboy.

    One of the more unusual ideas Ginger Zee came up with was to use her belly as an avocado pit. Just because it’s unusual, however, doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve high marks for being clever.

    Then, of course, there was the sporty side to Ginger Zee. She dressed her baby bump up as a basketball.

    Have you ever seen a baby bump dressed up in so many creative ways? Ginger Zee definitely outdid herself this Halloween.

    Just imagine when this baby is old enough to check out all these fantastic Halloween options. He–Ginger Zee and hubby Ben Aaron are having a boy–will enjoy lots of laughs during a future Halloween, a few years down the road.

  • Megyn Kelly, ‘Good Morning America’ Land Formal Interviews With Embattled Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis

    Megyn Kelly of Fox News Channel’s The Kelly File and ABC’s Good Morning America have landed coveted Kim Davis interviews.

    After spending nearly a month in the public eye, Kim Davis has agreed to her first formal interviews, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The embattled Kentucky county clerk appeared on the Sept. 22 episode of Good Morning America and will appear with Megan Kelly on Sept. 23.

    ABC News teased its Kentucky visit on Monday’s World News Tonight. Kim Davis traveled to New York for her sit-down with Kelly, where the reporter will question Davis on whether she disobeyed a federal judge’s order regarding altering the marriage license forms of same-sex couples.

    Davis made headlines earlier in September, several months after the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of gay marriage prompted her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples on account of her religious beliefs. She was held in contempt of court in September, spending five days in jail.

    Upon her release, Kim Davis altered marriage licenses, removing Rowan County from the forms, as well as the names of deputies in her office.

    According to NBC News, the American Civil Liberties Union said that Davis was interfering with deputies who were issuing wedding licenses to same-sex couples, despite her promise to comply with the judges ruling.

    After returning to her job on Sept. 14 as the Rowan County clerk, the filing said, Davis “immediately” began altering licenses that the office’s deputy clerk, Brian Mason, was issuing.

    Davis, who has not been shy about giving press conferences, has yet to speak at length with any national news organization.

    Do you think the interviews with Megyn Kelly and Good Morning America shed some light on Kim Davis’ motives?

  • Briana Jungwirth: One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson Speaks Out on Baby News

    Brian Jungwirth’s baby daddy, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, broke his silence on the impending birth of his first child.

    In an appearance on Good Morning America on Wednesday, Tomlinson spoke on the news that broke several weeks ago. His comments came before the group performed on the morning news show.

    It was ABC’s Michael Strahan, who got the singer to open up about fatherhood.

    “Louis, from one father to another I want to congratulate you on your upcoming fatherhood. So how are you feeling?” asked Strahan.

    Tomlinson looked as if that line of questioning about having a baby with stylist Briana Jungwirth came as a surprise and was cautious as he responded to Strahan’s question.

    “Thank you, yeah,” Tomlinson said. “Obviously it’s a very exciting time, so I’m buzzing. Thank you.”

    And that was it. Moving on.

    News broke that

    Liam Payne confirms Louis Tomlinson is expecting a baby, says Briana Jungwirth is 'lovely' http://t.co/XOFCZIIFJy pic.twitter.com/61XaN6zoSs

    — Irish Daily Mirror (@IrishMirror) August 3, 2015

    “>Tomlinson and Briana Jungwirth were expecting in mid-July. Sources confirmed to Billboard magazine that the news was true.

    Wednesday’s response was the first time the singer said anything about the baby.

    After the Q&A, One Direction performed new single Drag Me Down, as well as Steal My Girl and Story of my Life. Click here for a full recap of the performance.

  • Ginger Zee, Meteorologist for ‘Good Morning America,’ Forecasts The Arrival of Her First Child For December

    Ginger Zee, meteorologist for Good Morning America, is pregnant.

    The popular weather gal announced the big news on air Monday that she and her husband, NBC correspondent Ben Aaron, are expecting their first child around Christmas this year.

    “This is the most nervous I’ve been in a while,” Ginger Zee said after telling her viewers the big news. “The forecast for delivery is in December.”

    Zee, 34, and Aaron were married last June in a Michigan beachside wedding near her hometown.

    The mom-to-be seemed pretty anxious and excited during Monday’s broadcast, which is so out of character for Ginger Zee, who seems fearless most of the time.

    According to the Los Angeles Times, Zee has hiked in Nepal, chased tornadoes, para-glided over the Andes and flew a drone into a volcano in Iceland, but she said motherhood is her “most extreme adventure” yet.

    “In all the other adventures, a promise you will return home. This is like, when you get home, the adventure is there and that’s the big difference and why it is so emotional for me. I’ll do anything but this scares me,” Ginger Zee admitted.

    Later on in the day, Ginger tweeted a photo of her sonogram, with the caption, “We can’t wait! Baby Zee/Aaron is forecast to join us in December. @ben_aaron.”

    Congratulations to Ginger Zee and Ben Andrews on the biggest adventure of their lives!

  • Lara Spencer of ‘Good Morning America’ Getting Divorce

    Lara Spencer of Good Morning America fame and her husband David Haffenreffer are calling it quits after 15 years of marriage. Their road to divorce is said to be an amicable one.

    “After a lot of thought, care and consideration, we have decided to end our marriage,” the couple said in a statement to Page Six. “It’s a sad decision that did not come easily, especially because we respect and love each other and our children. They remain our top priority. We will raise them and care for them together.”

    David Haffenreffer and Lara Spencer are clearly people of their word, as they are reportedly out of town on vacation with children Duff and Kate this weekend.

    It was back in 2000 when Lara Spencer married David Haffenreffer. The two tied the knot in Southampton. She was a contributor for GMA at the time, as well as a reporter for WABC-TV. Haffenreffer was a contributor to a morning show on CNN.

    David Haffenreffer now works as a broker at Houlihan Lawrence in Greenwich. Lara Spencer has renovated a number of homes, including a 1960s-era spread she and Haffenreffer shared in Beverly Hills, as well as her Manhattan studio.

    Spencer has also turned her love of flea-market shopping into several books. She hosted Antiques Roadshow and ­created shows for HGTV, including Flea Market Flip and I Brake for Yard Sales.

    It was last April when Lara Spencer was named cohost of Good Morning America. Prior to that she served as lifestyle anchor for the morning show. Before that she served as host of The Insider.

    It’s hard for everyone when a divorce tears a family apart–even in the most amicable of situations. Hopefully Lara Spencer and David Haffenreffer continue to put their children first in this situation, and help them through what will no doubt be a very difficult time.

  • Paula Patton On Life Since Robin Thicke Split

    Paula Patton filed for divorce from Robin Thicke back in October, and for the first time since then she spoke publicly of what life without him is like. Patton spoke with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America Friday.

    “I mean, the honest truth is it has been challenging, but it’s been a year of growth–lots of healing, learning about all new things. But, I’ve come out of it stronger, and my son’s happy, and I’m very, you know, I feel like everything happens for a reason. And then you have to move on and grow from there,” Paula Patton said.

    Roberts was surprised to see how positive Paula Patton is these days, in spite of the pain her split from Robin Thicke–and the events leading up to that split.

    “The truth is, it’s hard for me to say this, because I don’t always do this, but it’s being grateful for what you have. I mean, it’s so easy for all of us to focus on the negative things, but usually the positive in your life outweighs that, and you have to just be thankful for what you have right now. That’s what I try to work on. My son also helps me with that. The thing is you can’t wallow in sadness or stay in bed when you have a child. And they’re so full of life and wonder, and he brings me so much joy,” Patton explained.

    Paula Patton and Robin Thicke have remained friendly since their split. He didn’t want to give Paula up without a fight, however. He even wrote a song about winning her back, that was a flop. It didn’t draw Paula Patton any nearer to him either.

    It’s good to see that Paula Patton is doing so well since her split from the ‘Blurred Lines’ singer. Do you think he is doing nearly as well?

  • Charlotte McKinney, Sexy Carl’s Jr. Model, Joins Cast of ‘Dancing With the Stars’

    Charlotte McKinney, the model known for her sexy appearance the Carl’s Jr. ad aired during this year’s Super Bowl, is headed to the 20th season of Dancing With the Stars. The list of this season’s cast members was announced earlier on Tuesday during the Good Morning America broadcast.

    Charlotte McKinney has made a name for herself in the modeling world. She dropped out of high school at the age of 17 because of bullying, and also had learning challenges because of dyslexia. There is likely no one making fun of the famous model now.

    McKinney claims she had to eat eight burgers while making the Carl’s Jr. ad for the Super Bowl, and jokes that appearing on Dancing With the Stars will allow her to work off the weight she gained.

    Also competing on season 20, which is the show’s 10th year anniversary, are singer Patti LaBelle, actress Suzanne Somers, Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank, singer/rapper Redfoo, actress Rumer Willis, former Glee actor and singer Riker Lynch, Hunger Games actress Willow Shields, Army veteran Noah Galloway, and the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL, Michael Sam.

    Charlotte McKinney is paired with dance pro Keo Motsepe for her run on Dancing With the Stars. She will no doubt give some of these other competitors quite a run–at least in the beauty department.

    If the Carl’s Jr. ad made Charlotte McKinney famous during the Super Bowl, perhaps DWTS will simply add to her fame. And if the girl can dance, then she’ll surely up her fan base during her time on the show.

  • Katherine Webb Shames Body Shamers Who Wrote Nasty Comments On Her Bikini Pic

    Katherine Webb posted a pic of her in a black bikini recently that drew tons of mean and nasty comments.

    Katherine Webb didn’t call her friends crying or dive headfirst into a tub of rocky road and a Netflix binge.

    Katherine Webb fought back.

    The 5’11” brunette former Miss Alabama, who is married to quarterback A.J. McCarron, called out the bullies by posting their own hateful comments to her Instagram.

    Katherine Webb intended it to prompt the rude commentators to face their own words.

    Getting ready for swimsuit season on the west coast Love my team @betsyatwilly @shekarchian @wilhelmina_La

    A photo posted by Katherine Webb-McCarron (@_katherinewebb) on


    World News Videos | US News Videos

    Katherine Webb said on Good Morning America that she was surprised at the “disgust” that was thrown her way.

    Katherine Webb said she had a message for the bullies that posted hateful things on her pic.

    She said, “Can you imagine if someone said that to you?”

    Do you think Katherine Webb’s retaliation will make cyber trolls think twice before posting hateful comments?

  • Karina Smirnoff Not Returning to ‘Dancing With the Stars’

    Karina Smirnoff won’t be returning to the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. The show recently announced those dance pros who would be returning for season 20 of the popular show, but Karina Smirnoff was noticeably absent from that list.

    Smirnoff has danced and coached on Dancing With the Stars since its third season. She was the mirror ball trophy winner for season 12. So why isn’t she coming back?

    As with dance pro Cheryl Burke, it was Karina Smirnoff’s decision not to return this season. She shared that decision with her fans via Instagram.

    “Many of you have been asking if I will be back for season 20 of DWTS and I wanted all of my incredible family to hear it directly from me. After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to focus my energies on some other exciting endeavors including adding author to my resume. I have absolutely loved dancing for all of you for all these years and feel blessed to have been given a platform to put my passion for dance, choreography and creativity on display. DWTS has been a huge part of my life for the last 10 years and i will always have a special place in my heart for it. I am thrilled that now you will be seeing more of me in new arenas in the days and weeks to come. My first book We’re Just Not That Into You – Dating Disasters From the Trenches was released today and I look forward to hearing from you as you read it! I love all of you so very much and couldn’t feel more grateful for your support in all that I do! #werejustnotthatintoyou,” Karina Smirnoff captioned her post.

    So who is coming back to Dancing With the Stars?

    Witney Carson is coming back, alongside fan favorite (and two-time champion) Mark Ballas. Seasoned pros and fellow mirrorball winners Tony Dovolani, Peta Murgatroyd, and Kym Johnson are back on the dance floor, too. Newer dance pros Val Chmerkovskiy, Sharna Burgess, Allison Holker, Emma Slater and Artem Chigvintsev are also joining the group for season 20.

    Are you disappointed to learn that Karina Smirnoff isn’t returning to Dancing With the Stars for season 20?

    The cast for season 20 of DWTS will be announced on Good Morning America on February 24th.

  • Anna Kendrick Not Interested In Prince Charming

    Anna Kendrick steps into gold slippers to play Cinderella in the movie Into the Woods, and subsequently nails it.

    But the real-life Anna Kendrick isn’t so keen on finding her Prince Charming.

    On a recent airing of Good Morning America, the Pitch Perfect starlet dished on her views of true love and fairy tale endings.

    “I’ve never really gone for the razzle-dazzle types, no quarterbacks, no flashy guys and no Prince Charmings. Chris Pine’s version of Prince Charming is so funny, and so on-point, and very much all style and no substance,” she said of her co-star.

    Anna Kendrick continued, “A [date] once picked me up in a Mustang and he was leaning on the hood of it. He was waiting for me and I was inside my apartment, looking out the window, thinking ‘Oh, this is going to go terribly.’”

    Like kids at Disneyland. Photo cred: the great Chris Pine. #OneDayToIntoTheWoods

    Una foto pubblicata da Anna Kendrick (@annakendrick47) in data:

    And I’m sure it did.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSNA6-hpKOo

    Anna Kendrick then proceeded to lay down some sage advice to those looking for love in this mixed-up world.

    “The wrong kind of guy to fall in love with is the guy who will let go of the steering wheel as a joke. A guy who finds it amusing to make you uncomfortable, which is more common that you’d think, is someone you want to avoid.”

    Truer words of advice were never spoken.

    As far as love goes, she isn’t taking any advice from her divorced parents.

    The ITW wardrobe team painted some sneakers gold for stunt shots. I loved them so much. #FiveDaysToIntoTheWoods

    Una foto publicada por Anna Kendrick (@annakendrick47) el

    “They taught me that staying together for the kids is the wrong approach. It perpetuates this warped idea of what a healthy relationship looks like,” she said of their broken marriage.

    Oh, well. I’m sure Anna Kendrick will find love someday!

    What do you think about her outlook on love and relationships? Agree or disagree?

  • Ginger Zee Dispels Social Media Fashion Criticism With Kindness and Class

    Ginger Zee, the weather anchor for Good Morning America, decided to take the high road Wednesday by responding with kindness to a woman who posted a message on her Facebook page blasting her fashion choices.

    Zee shared a screenshot of the woman’s post, in which the “hater” bashed the meteorologist’s sense of style, saying she looks “ridiculous,” should “take a hint from Robin (Givens) … she always dresses with CLASS” and doesn’t dress appropriately for her position on television. The woman then went on to suggest Zee hire a fashion manager, ask the network for a clothing allowance and get some “Help.”

    Zee took it all in, and instead of taking offense or returning the negative comments with some equally negative comeback of her own, the 33-year-old meteorologist thanked the woman for sharing her thoughts and said, “No clothing allowance.”

    A photo posted by ginger_zee (@ginger_zee) on

    She went on to say everyone should take the opportunity to stop bashing each other and turn to kindness instead.

    “I agree haters gonna hate but this is a good way to inspire us all to say something kind to someone else- you never know what they are going through,” Zee wrote on her Facebook page. “Let’s all be kind to each other and have a happy Wednesday!”

    Her comeback seems to have struck a chord with her Facebook followers and even some who went to her page after hearing about the exchange, earning her thousands of likes on a followup post, hundreds of shares and countless posts on her wall commending her for her “classy” response to the criticism.

  • Cheryl Burke Hanging Up Her DWTS Dancing Shoes?

    Dancing With the Stars dance pro Cheryl Burke dropped a bombshell Monday on Good Morning America when she announced that this will be her last season on the popular ABC dancing competition.

    Say it isn’t so!

    “As of now, this is probably going to be my last season,” the two-time champion said on the day of the first live performance with her season 19 star partner, Antonio Sebato Jr.

    For a decade, the dancing star has been a fixture on the hit ABC series for 18 out of the show’s 19 seasons.

    “I started when was 20. I’m 30. I want to try new things and just see what’s out there,” she explained.

    The two-time mirror ball winner has appeared in the finals seven times and the semi-finals 10 times.

    The complete Dancing With The Stars celebrity roster for tonight’s premiere looks like this:

    Olympian Lolo Jones; partnered with Keo Motsepe
    Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong; partnered with Peta Murgatroyd
    Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson; partnered with Mark Ballas
    Actor Antonio Sabato Jr.; partnered with Cheryl Burke
    YouTube star Bethany Mota; partnered with Derek hugh
    Actor Jonathan Bennett; partnered with Allison Holker
    MMA Champion Randy Couture; partnered with Karina Smirnoff
    Pretty Little Liars star Janel Parrish; partnered with Val Chmerkoskiy
    Fresh prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribiero; partnered with Witney Carson
    Designer Betsey Johnson; partnered with Tony Dovolani
    Race car driver Michael Waltrip; partnered with Emma Slater
    Actress Lea Thompson; partnered with Artem Chigvintsev

    One of these teams will be eliminated tonight. Who do you think will have to turn in their dancing shoes?

    Dancing With the Stars airs 8 p.m. every Monday on ABC.

  • Robin Roberts Launches Production Company

    Robin Roberts Launches Production Company

    On Wednesday’s edition of Good Morning America, co-anchor Robin Roberts detailed her plans to launch a production company called Rock’n Robin Productions.

    According to Deadline, the company’s current projects include news-driven documentaries, a digital series for espnW, two reality show pilots, and a Thanksgiving special for ABC.

    Robin will serve as the president of the company, but will continue to co-host Good Morning America.

    “I’m blessed to be able to do even more of what I love to do and now reach an even broader audience with programming that will inspire, inform and entertain people,” Roberts said in a statement.

    “I’m very excited to get involved in the business and development side of production, and will spend a lot of time working with the team on the creative. I’m so grateful to my ABC and GMA family for supporting the launch of the company.”

    Roberts named ABC News Executive John R. Green as executive vice president of programming and development

    “Robin is an extraordinarily gifted journalist. I am honored to work with her on this new adventure,” Green said. “The programming we create will, in many ways, reflect who Robin is: smart, inspiring, and fun. Robin’s enthusiasm is infectious. Working with her is a true labor of love.”

    The company’s website, http://rocknrobin.tv/, was up and running as of Wednesday, September 3, and will give viewers a look behind the scenes and exclusive footage.

  • Robin Roberts Launches Rock’n Robin Productions

    Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, 53, announced the launch of her new production company on Wednesday.

    According to an ABC News press release, Rock’n Robin Productions will include news-driven documentaries, a digital series for espnW, two reality show pilots and a Thanksgiving special for ABC. And no, Roberts will not be leaving GMA but will continue to co-anchor the morning show while she oversees her new company.

    “I’m blessed to be able to do even more of what I love to do and now reach an even broader audience with programming that will inspire, inform and entertain people,” said Roberts. “I’m very excited to get involved in the business and development side of production, and will spend a lot of time working with the team on the creative. I’m so grateful to my ABC and GMA family for supporting the launch of the company.”

    On Wednesday, Rock’n Robin Production went live with its rocknrobin.tv website, which will feature behind the scenes video and photos from the various projects in the making. It will also feature a blog, N’Courage, which will feature individuals who overcome overwhelming odds and inspire others to overcome challenges.

    ABC News Executive John R. Green was named Executive Vice President of Programming and Development and will run the day to day operations of the new production company. Like Roberts, Green will maintain his position at ABC News as Executive Producer of Special Programming.

    “We have known each other for 15 years and worked on dozens of primetime specials together. I’m thrilled to be partnering with him once again,” Roberts said in Wednesday’s announcement.

    “Robin is an extraordinarily gifted journalist. I am honored to work with her on this new adventure,” said Green. “The programming we create will, in many ways, reflect who Robin is: smart, inspiring, and fun. Robin’s enthusiasm is infectious. Working with her is a true labor of love.”

    Wasting little time, Roberts’ first production, In the Game With Robin Roberts, will premiere on espnW today. Roberts will interview Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team.

  • ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch Phil Robertson Talks Killing ISIS

    Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson told Fox News during a recent interview that the only two ways to respond to ISIS are to “convert them or kill them.”

    It was while talking with Sean Hannity that the Duck Dynasty star made his remarks as the two talked about the brutal tactics ISIS is using, including demanding that communities convert to Islam or die.

    “In this case, you either have to convert them, which I think would be next to impossible,” Robertson told Hannity. “I’m just saying convert them or kill them — one or the other.”

    The Duck Dynasty patriarch added that he’d much prefer converting them to Christianity–participating in a Bible study with the members of the militant group so he could “show them the errors of their ways.”

    Phil Robertson added that he wouldn’t hesitate to kill the ISIS militants if engaged in a gun fight with its members.

    Anyone who follows Duck Dynasty and the Duck Commander crew knows this isn’t the first time Phil Robertson has been outspoken about controversial matters. It was back in December when he made blatantly homophobic comments during an interview with GQ magazine that was published in their January issue. In fact, A&E temporarily suspended Duck Dynasty for a while following his remarks.

    Phil Robertson appeared in a Good Morning America interview on Tuesday saying “I don’t hate anybody,” with regard to those homophobic comments.

    The Duck Dynasty star appeared on GMA in an effort to promote his new book, unPHILtered: The Way I See It, that went on sale Tuesday.

    Do you suppose Phil Robertson’s comments about killing or converting members of ISIS will spark the kind of controversy that his comments about gays did? Or do you think people will simply disregard what he said, since he now has a reputation for ‘spouting off?’

  • Elizabeth Vargas: Return to Rehab and Divorce

    Elizabeth Vargas not only returned to rehab this past week, she and her husband Marc Cohn have decided to get a divorce as well. The 20/20 anchor and Good Morning America news reporter is seeking treatment for alcohol addiction. It was Marc Cohn who urged Vargas to go to rehab the first time around.

    “You have a problem. You’re an alcoholic,” the ‘Walking in Memphis’ songwriter told his wife.

    “It made me really angry, really angry. But he was right,” Elizabeth Vargas said following her first stint in a rehab facility.

    Elizabeth Vargas issued a statement last weekend about her decision to return to rehab.

    “While on vacation this weekend, I decided to return to a recovery center. As so many other recovering alcoholics know, overcoming the disease can be a long and incredibly difficult process. I feel I have let myself, my co-workers and most importantly my family down, and for that I am ashamed and sorry,” she said. “I am committed to battling and addressing this debilitating disease and want to thank everyone who has offered their unwavering support during this trying time.”

    Elizabeth Vargas and Marc Cohn married on July 20, 2002 after dating for three years. They have two children. Zachary is eleven and Samuel is eight. Marc Cohn released a statement addressing the couple’s decision to divorce and the support he has pledged to her regardless of their marital status.

    “On behalf of Elizabeth’s family,” Cohn said. ”we are in total support of her recovery and want her to be well.”

    Hopefully Marc Cohn’s support of Elizabeth Vargas will make her time away as well as their divorce a bit easier for their two boys. When life hands kids a double whammy like these kids have just received, they need all the love and support they can get.