Sonia Harmon

The Reader Interview: Reba McEntire

October 1, 2012 at 9:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

Every month an LHJ reader will get the chance to interview one of their favorite celebrities. This month, Michelle Broussard of Missouri City, Texas quizzes McEntire about her new show (Malibu Country), what it means to be a southern belle, and more.

I can’t wait for Malibu Country. What’s your character like?
I play an ex-country singer, whose husband, a very famous country singer, cheats on her. She gets a divorce and moves to Nashville from Malibu to restart her career so she can support her kids.

What makes you a true southern belle?
Southern principles, morals and a good sense of humor. Respecting my elders. I don’t take some things as seriously as other folks.

Do you have any hidden talents?
Not that I know of! I’ve recently taken fly fishing lessons so I think I’m hooked on that.

I’m a redhead too, and my skin is sensitive to the sun. How do you keep your complexion so flawless?
I try to stay out of the sun as much as I can, cleanse my face daily and moisturize a lot! I always look for new products that will erase brown spots and get rid of wrinkles.

When can we expect a new album from you?
I started recording in the studio over the summer so new music will be out soon. Some of the music I’m recording will be for the TV show too.

What’s one food you could live off of for the rest of your life?
Red beans and cornbread—I love that. But one food? Beef stew!

What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?
Enjoy life. Love yourself. Have fun. Don’t get so nervous. Practice more. Take better care of your body—exercise more and quit picking up 50-pound sacks of cattle feed!

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The Reader Interview: Carrie Ann Inaba

August 30, 2012 at 9:30 am , by Sonia Harmon

Every month an LHJ reader will get the chance to interview one of their favorite celebrities. This month, Linda Jacob of Prince George, Virginia quizzes Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba about grading the dancers, her BFF Bruno, and more.

Has the audience reaction ever made you change your opinion of a performance?

There are so many elements that go into a score, and the audience’s response is a big one. After all, a performance is for the audience, so if the audience doesn’t like it, I can’t give it a great score. The other elements that go into my scoring include technique, musicality, their chemistry and the way it all looks.

Who would be your dream partner if you were competing on DWTS?

My dream partner would, of course, be none other than Len Goodman himself. He’s the king of ballroom, and I would settle for nothing less than the best, and that would be Mr. Len Goodman.

Most people don’t know you started off as a singer. What is your singing style like?

I have a voice that’s like Sinéad O’Connor and Karen Carpenter mixed together. And when I write music my style is country/folk, kind of like Tracy Chapman. I like simple ballads and songs that tell stories because I was raised in Hawaii, and in Hawaii all the songs are like folk tales and tell stories. I’m actually getting back into writing again, so it’s nice. I play the piano and the ukulele and I’m learning how to play the guitar.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Read more

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In My Words: Susan Sarandon (Part Two!)

August 30, 2012 at 9:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

If you enjoyed our In My Words interview with Susan Sarandon from the October 2012 issue, you’ll love these Sarandon soundbites where she talks about her most memorable movies. Which of her films is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

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The Reader Interview: Ricki Lake

August 2, 2012 at 9:30 am , by Sonia Harmon

Every month an LHJ reader will get the chance to interview one of their favorite celebrities. This month, Karen McCrea of Atlanta quizzes Ricki Lake about her new talk show (The Ricki Lake Show) how she maintains her weight loss, and more.

How will your new talk show be different from your old one?

My new show is entirely different because I’m a more evolved Ricki now. I’ve been through so much—marriage, kids, divorce, balancing work and family—but I still have quite a bit to learn. I want to get into the audience and, with them, learn from the experts and guests who all have invaluable perspectives on topics like personal relationships and raising children.

How do you maintain your weight loss?

I’ve tried it all. I have done all of the diets and all of the exercise programs. They all work, basically. The key is being realistic about your body type and goals and sticking to a way of eating and working out that fits into your schedule. I’m conscious of what I eat but I don’t deprive myself of treats. And, whenever possible, I choose to be more active than less active, whether that means taking a walk after dinner or taking a nighttime swim rather than sitting on the couch and watching a movie. Read more

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Win The Hunger Games on DVD!

August 2, 2012 at 8:00 am , by Sonia Harmon

On August 18th, The Hunger Games comes to DVD, meaning we can finally watch Katniss (played by Jennifer Lawrence) shoot arrows, climb trees and just be generally awesome as much as we want. So what if The Hunger Games is based on a book for young adults? We know we weren’t the only ones clamoring to catch up on the series before the movie was released in March. The next movie based on the second book, Catching Fire, isn’t due in theaters until November 2013, so in the meantime you can watch the special features on The Hunger Games DVD including three hours of behind-the-scenes footage and featurettes on the making of the film. Want to win the DVD for yourself? We’re giving away 10 copies! Just leave a comment on this blog post and you’re entered to win. Only one entry per person, per email address. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Official Rules

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The Reader Interview: Bethenny Frankel

May 31, 2012 at 8:30 am , by Sonia Harmon

Every month an LHJ reader will get the chance to interview one of their favorite celebrities. This month, super-fan Jeannie Crofts of Chicago quizzes reality star and businesswoman Bethenny Frankel about her new talk show (Bethenny), married life and sky-high heels.

How will your new show stand out?
I like to speak honestly to the audience. The show is about discussing what women talk about when they’re out having cocktails with friends. We’re going to talk about sex, money, religion, family, shopping, and so much more. I’m not a big fan of the teleprompter or cue cards.

What’s it been like working with your producer, Ellen DeGeneres?
Ellen appreciates me for who I am and for how different we are. She knows I’m like a mustang and you just have to let me run! She likes that you never know what’s going to come out of my mouth. I’ve been on almost every talk show there is and I’ve been interviewed by the best, but the god’s honest truth is that no one listens like she does. No one else reacts truthfully and off the cuff like Ellen, and there isn’t anyone on this planet whose stamp of approval means more in this space.

You’re always so great about bringing your personal life and experiences to your shows. Will you be as open with this talk show?
As long as I am committed to being on television connecting to an audience, I will be honest about every area of my life. My fans have inspired me and given me the success that people only dream of. I have a responsibility to them even if it means exposing my personal life and mistakes.

Your life has changed tremendously in a fairly short amount of time. How do you stay so grounded?
I really haven’t changed because I don’t comprehend the success the way others do. I just do what I do every day to the best of my ability. Good enough simply isn’t good enough. I’m also lucky to have such interactive fans. They keep me grounded because they are very much so.

Just like your husband Jason [Hoppy], my husband Mike is a good-looking man who gets a lot of attention from women. How do you deal?
I’m not a jealous person. I don’t even know if Jason gets attention from women—I don’t really see it and he doesn’t tell me. Looks are the least interesting thing about Jason to me, so that isn’t on my radar.

Your shoes are gorgeous. What’s the secret to walking around in such high heels without falling over?
I love them so I just suck it up! What’s funny is that I have a very defined arch in my feet, so wearing flats is more uncomfortable for me at times.

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Jillian Harris Blogs The Bachelorette: Episode 3

May 29, 2012 at 3:45 pm , by Sonia Harmon

Finally! I was starting to worry about this season of The Bachelorette but this week’s episode certainly didn’t disappoint. Things are really starting to pick up—three guys were sent home, Dolly Parton made a surprise appearance, and some of the guys started showing their true colors. I’m glad we got less cheesy moments and more raw personalities!

I was so impressed by both Chris and Arie, the lucky guys who scored one-on-one dates this episode. But I have to say I am leaning towards team Arie right now and I’m pretty sure he hit a home run last night. Go Arie!

It was so adorable watching the guys play at the park with the kids, but I suspect that a few of them were putting on a show for Emily. Speaking of…is it just me or does Ryan give you guys the heebie-jeebies too?

Poor Tony! I think Emily made the right decision to send him home sooner rather than later. It was nice to see Doug there to support Tony since he’s a single dad too. After tonight Doug definitely earned a spot in my good book.

I was so confused by Kalon’s moves; I have no clue what he’s thinking. This dude is walking on thin ice. I’m pretty sure he’ll be firing up his chopper next week to head back home.

I also must say, it was great to see some fire in Emily—I didn’t think she had it in her. These guys are going get put through the ringer, and rightfully so. She deserves the world! I remember during my journey on The Bachelorette, that this was around the time when I started to get fed up with the guys who I knew weren’t there for the right reasons, so I started to get a bit feisty. And I think that’s a good thing, because it means Emily knows what she’s looking for! It looks like Bermuda is on tap for next week…and that means more boys with less clothes, hehe!

Until next week,

Jillian

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