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By Michael Lopez

Rah! Rah! Rah! The sports blog Bleacher Report has organized its list of the "50 Hottest Cheerleading Teams" and we couldn't be happier with the results. The Top 20 squads alone include a ton of Latin pom pom girls hand-picked from all across the country.

Topping Bleacher Report’s "Cheerleader" list was (surprise, surprise) the Dallas Cowboys' squad. Perhaps the most legendary rah rah girls in the world of sports, they are talented, gorgeous, and often times go on to illustrious Hollywood careers. One of our favorite blue and white alums is Sarah Shahi. The part-Spanish beauty danced for the team in the late 90’s and is now the star of her own USA Network series.

The #2 squad on the "Hottest Cheerleader" list is chock full of Hispanic beauties. Miami's Dolphins Girls' roster has a ton of talented Latinas and a few notable alumni too. The current host of Primer Impacto, Pamela Silva Conde, once danced for the squad, as did popular south Florida DJ, Suzy Tavarez.

In the basketball realm, the Laker Girls made #5 on the list. And this ranking wasn't just for their looks, it was also for their signature moves. Once headed by dance queen Paula Abdul, this legendary squad has one of the most diverse rosters in the league, with gorgeous ladies of African-American, Asian, and Spanish descent. Contrary to popular belief, Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa was never on the team, but did meet her hubby dancing at a music video shoot.

The Miami Heat Dancers may not have any famous faces at the moment, but they definitely have one of the best cheerleading sites on the web. Bleacher Report’s #8 ranking is right on the money, especially after watching the videos and photo galleries these ladies are starring in. Click over and you can even peruse clips of the squad's sexy bikini shoot in Barbados!

And, in the soccer world, L.A.’s Chivas Girls are tough to beat. They placed higher than any other fútbol cheerleading squad and it’s easy to see why. The Chivas Girls are primarily Latina and have an amazing tight-fitting uniform! Browse on over to their site and you can access wallpapers, videos, and tons of interesting tidbits about the girls. What's Brittney R.’s favorite food? Why homemade Mexican cuisine of course!

Kudos to Bleacher Report for prepping such an incredible list and thanks again the lovely ladies on the field, who deserve a lot of the credit for keeping the crowds on their feet!

Which sports team do you think has the sexiest cheerleader squad? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 50 Hottest Cheerleaders, Bleacher Report, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cheerleaders, Hot Stuff, Pamela Silva Conde, Paula Abdul, Sarah Shahi, Sports, Suzy Tavarez

By Simone Hilliard

We now know what Jennifer Lopez looks like alongside Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson at the American Idol judges' table. But how does she feel about judging the would-be talent? Well, don't expect Lopez to be as harsh on the contestants as former "Idol" judge Simon Cowell.

Image: Frank Micelotta / PictureGroup for FOX

La Lopez told the New York Daily News at an audition stop in New Jersey:

"I don't want to let anybody really great [not make it through] because they're nervous, and not get to see what they could have did. They're going to come in here and be a little bit nervous in the beginning, and then you realize, 'Wow, that person is really talented.' So we work them a little bit more than maybe you've seen in the past. We've given them more of a chance."

Describing her judging style as "tough, easy and fair," JLo said she understands the emotions that go through auditioners' heads.

"We know what it's like to be out there. I was energized by all of their spirit when they come in here, and they're so hopeful about what could happen and how it could be."

Lopez said she is also looking for a singer's sense of style.

"It's definitely part of the package when you're going to be an artist.  [It's important] that you have your own image, and that it's very unique. What we're looking for, I don't know. It's individual for each person."

Sounds like JLO's reign as reina of the judging table will mirror Paula Abdul's position. Is this what you expected from the Bronx-born critic?

Weigh in on Lopez's judging style below or @MTV3.

Tags American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Steven Tyler

By Sharmaine Jones

After a series of blown calls in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA may be feeling the pressure to introduce instant replay. Its one thing to blow a call during preliminary rounds, as was done to the U.S. against Slovenia earlier in the tournament, but its a lot more significant when done in the knock-out Round of 16!

At least FIFA president Sepp Blatter is acknowledging it this time. According to NBC Sports, he recently apologized to England and Mexico for the latest blunders. “Naturally we deplore when you see the evidence of refereeing mistakes,” Blatter said in an apology to England and Mexico team officials at Sunday's matches. "The English said 'thank you.' The Mexicans, they just go with the head," Blatter said, indicating that they nodded. "I understand that they are not happy. It was not a five-star game for refereeing."

Blatter was referring to England's match against Germany, where England was denied a goal by midfielder Frank Lampard that clearly crossed the line by a foot and would have tied the score 2-2 at the half.

England went on to lose the match 4-1 but the goal that was called off could have significantly altered the momentum and changed the match. England is now eliminated from the tournament as Germany moves on to face Argentina in the next round (July 3).

Speaking of Argentina, they were also the benefactors of a blown call by referees. In their match against Mexico – which they won 3-1 – Argentinian player Carlos Tevez was offside when he headed in a pass from Lionel Messi to take the lead. Referee Roberto Rosetti awarded the goal after consulting with his linesman. The loss eliminates Mexico from the tournament.

Read more...

Tags 2010 World Cup, Ashton Kutcher, FIFA, instant replay, Paula Abdul, Soccer, World Cup

Tuesday (January 12) night's "American Idol" season nine kick-off had everything we've come to expect from the series' early audition episodes: Sob stories, delusional wannabes and Alicia Keys covers. Everything, of course, except Paula Abdul.

Producers shrewdly addressed the Paula Issue with the very first audition of the season: A walking Boston stereotype named Janet McNamara whose sole purpose — aside from saying "wicked" and conveniently promoting the "American Idol" video game — was confusing "new" judge Kara DioGuardi with Paula. "See?" the TV show said to its devoted fanbase. "This random girl who can't sing didn't notice Paula was gone. Neither should you."

Well, okay then!

Guest judge PoshBot-2000 (also known as Victoria Beckham) was on hand to play the role of Pop Culture Relic Who Wears Funny Clothes, and she did a fine job of sitting in a chair and blinking. Based on that criteria alone, she's already proven to be a more efficient judge than Paula circa season six. Four points to you, PoshBot-2000!

Overall, as an "Idol" junkie who generally dislikes the heavily-produced audition shows, the "Idol" premiere was a pleasant experience. We met a few contestants who will be fun to root for (I'm looking at you Leah Laurenti, the girl who grew up fifteen minutes away from my childhood home yet somehow lived in "Footloose" because she wasn't allowed to listen to secular music). We saw a lot more of the behind-the-scenes setup in the audition room, and we discovered that Posh Spice had a hard time remembering the lyrics, "I really really really wanna zigazigah." (Seriously. She legit consoled a nervous singer who spaced on the words by saying, "That happened to me all the time." Amazing.)

But since the show is supposed to be all about the contestants, let's take a look at some of the stand-outs — both good and bad — from the Boston auditions.

Maddy Curtis was a well-spoken 16-year-old with eleven siblings, three of whom have Down Syndrome. (The Curtis Family will have a TLC reality show by the time my recap is published.) While Maddy's performance jitters during Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" were endearing, she should get that in check before the live shows begin. Simon liked her quiet confidence and her rich, deep voice, but I give it two more performances before he starts complaining that she's not happy-go-lucky enough.

Because this was a two hour extra-long premiere, we were treated to not one but two husky-voiced 16-year-olds with a heavy home life. Connecticut native Katie Stevens opened up about her Portuguese grandmother struggling with Alzheimer's. After impressing the judges with a Fiona Apple-esque "At Last," Katie got the chance to call her ailing grandma with good news. Lucky for the producers, Grandma Stevens was in a particularly lucid frame of mind that day. It would have been really awkward if Katie had called and grandma responded with a pizza order.

"Idol" also gave us Justin Williams. But it wasn't his fashion sense (or his confusing "alternative pop soul" aspirations) that had me weeping — it was his "I survived cancer" story. Even more of a bummer? Despite the judges treating Justin like a newbie, he made it to Hollywood week last season. In fact, he was in "White Chocolate," the group number alongside Matt Giraud and Kris Allen. Whoops! Apparently, "Idol" assumed viewers had the memory of Grandma Stevens. (Too soon?)

That scenario was far less harrowing for Amadeo DiRocco. The only obstacle Amadeo ever faced was being painted as an Italian stereotype by "American Idol" producers. Perhaps I'm biased, but the way "Idol" portrayed DiRocco and his homemade-wine-and-sausage-and-cheese-consuming family was far more problematic than anything broadcast on MTV's "Jersey Shore."

Amadeo seemed like a nice enough guy, but the dude's "Hoochie Coochie Man" was so offensively loud that even Danny Gokey would ask for ear plugs. Shockingly, the judges dug him, with Simon saying, "I like the idea that a show like this can give people like you a break."

In other "People I Would Rather Hang With Than Hear Sing Again" news, 18-year-old chin-strap-facial-hair-afficinado Mike Davis worked on a stunt/tour boat called Codzilla.  His otherwise uninspiring audition was noteworthy because he not only asked DioGuardi out on a steak dinner but also inspired Simon Cowell to sigh, "I'm gonna take a break. I say yes," while strolling off the set. Given the news that has transpired in the past two days, watching Simon dismiss "Idol" on the air was a sad reminder that the dude checked out years ago.

For a big chunk of the viewing audience, the "Idol" audition shows are good for one thing and one thing only: Freak shows! So far, the ninth season has delivered plenty. Hyperactive teen Pat Ford spasmed his way through an odd "Womanizer."  Cocky Lisa Olivero (who sniffed, "I think I'm better than most people on this show," before butchering Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love") sounded like a mangled audiotape recording. Playing at the wrong speed. Underwater.

Perhaps the most buzzed-about reject was Andrew Felton. Part evil Clark Kent, part Rain Man when "The People's Court" is on, Felton walked into the "Idol" room pissed that he had to wait all day for his moment in the sun. In a flare-up called "Showdown in Beantown" by producers, Kara DioGuardi stepped up her game with an angry tongue-lashing. "You just told me that you're a little bit annoyed that you had to wait three hours to come in here and get your shot when there are people who would wait years to do so. So I am now angry. At you. Who I don't like. At all." Go Kara! Too bad she ruined it by flirtatiously threatening him with spanks moments later. (Ugh!) It's even more of a shame that his attitude got him booted because his "House of the Rising Sun" wasn't half-bad.

For those of us who enjoy following the actual competition, I'm not sure we've met any breakout stars just yet. The only contestant I can picture in the Top 24 is Tyler Grady, the dude who broke his wrists after falling out of a tree.  His soulful-but-slightly-skeevy "Let's Get It On" was quirky enough to work.

Do you think any of tonight's auditioning contestants will make it to the finale? Did you miss Paula last night? How did Poshbot-2000 do? (MTVNews)

Photo via Google Images

Tags Alicia Keys, American Idol, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Victoria Beckham

Just two days after "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell's brother Tony announced that the notoriously prickly British judge will leave the talent show at the end of his contract in 2010, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the Fox network is close to a deal that would keep the #1 show on American television on the air for at least three more seasons, whether Cowell is onboard or not.

Fox's current deal with the producers of "Idol" runs through the end of 2011, but the network is reportedly hashing out a new arrangement that could include three more seasons of the star-making program. Neither "Idol" producers nor Cowell have officially commented on the rumors of the judge's plans to leave the show.

Cowell, who makes $35 million a year to judge "Idol," is reportedly keen to bring his U.K. hit music competition "The X Factor" to the U.S. The show, a huge hit in England, is similar to "Idol," with the added twist of celebrity mentors who coach their protégés. Should Cowell defect, "Idol" would be left with only one of its original three judges, musician/producer Randy Jackson, following the surprise departure of Paula Abdul at the end of the most recent season. Abdul will be replaced by talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres this season, who will sit alongside returning second-year judge, songwriter Kara DioGuardi.

Though often booed and taunted by the crowd, Cowell is the show's most trusted voice when it comes to giving unvarnished advice and criticism to the contestants. According to the Reporter, Fox was originally planning to bring "Factor" for the fall of 2010, but delays have pushed it back to a likely 2011 debut. Cowell quitting "Idol" at the end of the upcoming season could give the "Factor" debut added attention, which is why Fox is considering having him take a smaller role on "Idol" in 2011, such as judging the Hollywood rounds but not auditions, in order to keep the franchise strong. (MTVNews)

Photos Via Getty Images

Tags American Idol, Paula Abdul

The premiere for Michael Jackson documentary 'This Is It' went down in Los Angeles Tuesday night and was chock full of our favorite red-carpet ready Latinos! The roster included Jennifer Lopez, Roselyn Sanchez, Mario Lopez, Rosie Perez, and even former MTV VJ, Daisy Fuentes. Will Smith and Katy Perry also attended, as well as Paris Hilton and Paula Abdul. 'This Is It' hit theaters yesterday and will run for two and weeks.  The film follows Jackson during the concert rehearsals leading up to his untimely death.

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Daisy Fuentes, documentary, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Los-Angeles, Mario Lopez, michael jackson, Paris Hilton, Paula Abdul, Premiere, Red Carpet, Roselyn Sanchez, Rosie Perez, This Is It, Will Smith