Video: Alabama loses to Wichita State in the NIT finals.

The Shockers zapped the Tide.

No. 4 Wichita State took down No. 1 Alabama 66-57 to win the National Invitation Tournament on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The champions finished 29-8 for the season.

Alabama, 25-12, has tied New York University and Notre Dame for the most NIT semifinal and final appearances — six — without winning a championship. For Wichita State, the victory marks the team’s first NIT title.

Also:

• NIT bracket
• More basketball coverage

Video: Alabama defeats Colorado 62-61 in the NIT semifinals.

The Alabama men’s basketball team faces its final challenge tonight: Beating Wichita State to win the National Invitation Tournament.

The top seed Tide (25-11) will face the No. 4 Shockers (28-8) after they crushed Washington State 75-44 in the semifinals. Alabama narrowly defeated Colorado 62-61 on Tuesday in the other semifinal match.

The game takes place at 6 tonight in Madison Square Garden in New York, airing on ESPN2.

Also:

• NIT bracket
• More basketball coverage

Video: Paul McDonald sings “Rocket Man”
for Elton John night.
[buy it on iTunes — aff. link]

If these 11 faces seem familiar …

As you may recall, Casey Abrams almost went home last week, but the judges used their only save to keep him on “American Idol.” And so, two contestants will be going home this week.

Legendary singer and pianist Elton John provides the hits for tonight’s show. Can Huntsville’s Paul McDonald continue his winning ways, with everyone facing double jeopardy this week?

• Song: “Rocket Man,” by Elton John

[buy Elton John’s “Rocket Man”
on iTunes, Amazon; buy Paul’s version — aff. links]

• Judges say: Randy: “A little pitch-y. When you get into that tender zone with that quiet soft voice, it’s very infectious. Allow yourself to go all the way.” J. Lo: “I wonder if you’re holding back, if there’s more to your voice than even you know. Push, push, push.” Steven: “When you start hitting every note, that’s the day I’m not gonna like you anymore.”

• We say: An interesting take, but not a compelling one. Where’s the intensity, the uplift?

Gone Hollywood: The magazine photo shoot.

Back in the day: Paul McDonald plays with his original band.

Audio: “Rocket Man,” Paul McDonald

“American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox 6.

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Update March 31: Paul landed in the Bottom Three, in a week in which two contestants would be eliminated. But he escaped, as Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia, “Idol’s” youngest contestant ever at age 15, were sent home.

Previous: Top 11 — Motown songs
Next: Top Nine

Video: “Rocket Man,” by Elton John

Video: “Rocket Man,” by William Shatner

Video: “Rocket Man,” by Stewie Griffin

Also:

• Buy Paul McDonald’s “Rocket Man” on iTunes [aff. link]

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

She went from fearing a villain, to bonding with a villain, to being dragged down by said villain.

After 14 days, Fairhope native Krista Klumpp exited “Survivor: Redemption Island” in 15th place.

What went wrong? How did she come into such a controversial alliance? And what didn’t get shown on television?

The Columbia, S.C., pharmaceutical sales rep dished on her 2 weeks in Nicaragua during a conference call.

On aligning with Russell Hantz, the three-time notorious contestant: “I have a tattoo on my foot that says, ‘Saved by grace.’ And (Hantz) said, ‘I like your tattoo.’ And I was like, ‘I like yours.’  That’s where our conversation started and where we got to know each other.”

(Hantz has an arm tattoo that reads, “Keep Hope Alive.”)

Klumpp and Hantz shared some things in common, including Christian beliefs, a love of SEC football (he attended LSU, she was head cheerleader at Auburn) and being Southerners. She was drawn to this side that wasn’t shown on television.

But having seen his cutthroat moves in two previous “Survivor” seasons, she feared he would just unload on her at any moment. Instead, she connected with him personally, leading to their ill-fated alliance on Zapatera that included Stephanie Valencia.

On what she wish had been aired: “I did a lot of behind-the-scenes work for our alliance.

“Being an alliance with Stephanie and Russell, they’re such big personalities and so dramatic, (so the footage focused on them). I was a big part of a lot of our decisions that we made and a lot of the strategic conversations.

“I did a lot of mediating between Stephanie and Russell. Me being a mediator, me calming Stephanie and Russell down to not be so brash to the others is not as entertaining.”

On the Redemption Island duel with Matt Elrod: “I was doing really well staying focused, and I thought I was way ahead of Matt. I thought I had it by a long shot.

“To hear Jeff (Probst) say that Matt wins, it was like, ‘No way.’ I thought for sure that I had won it. It was over, very emotional for many reasons.”

On looking back at her alliance with Hantz: “I really feel like that was my only choice. None of the others were there to play the game like I wanted to.

“I knew I had to be aggressive from the beginning. I had to come in ready to play, and the only people ready to do that were Stephanie and Russell.

“When you’re approached by Russell to get in an alliance, I don’t believe there are many choices that you have.” (laughs)

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 6 — So it is written

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Video: Alabama’s Senario Hillman with the dunk after a 3-pointer
miss. The Tide defeated Miami to advance to the NIT semifinals.

The post-season continues for Alabama. The No. 1 Tide defeated No. 2 Miami 79-64 Wednesday in Tuscaloosa to advance in the National Invitation Tournament. The win marked a school record 19 wins at home, undefeated in Coleman Coliseum all season.

Next stop: New York’s Madison Square Garden to face fellow top seed Colorado on Tuesday. The game airs at 6 p.m. on ESPN2.

The winner will face the victor in the following game, No. 2 Washington State vs. No. 4 Wichita State.

The NIT championship game will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, also on ESPN2.

Alabama’s Ben Eblem tries to get past a Miami defender.

Also:

• NIT bracket
• More basketball coverage

Photo: Kent Gidley, Alabama Athletics

Video: Paul McDonald sings “The Tracks of My Tears”
for Motown night.
[buy it on iTunes — aff. link]

Motown never dies. At least, not on “American Idol.”

The Top 11 pick their favorite hits from the label, including Huntsville’s Paul McDonald, complete with guitar.

• Song: “The Tracks of My Tears,” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

[buy Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ “The Tracks of My Tears”
on iTunes, Amazon; buy Paul’s version — aff. links]

• Judges say: Randy: “You have a distinctive voice. You took it to a Rod Stewart level. When you sing tender, you’ve definitely got that husky, quirky voice quality. Bring more of that out.” Steven: “Like (Bob) Dylan, Willie Nelson, your voice is that different. I love it.” J. Lo: “You’re the most seasoned performer we have. You’re the complete package.”

• We say: The uptempo version charmed the audience and the judges, but where’s the sorrow, the longing, the true emotion of a classic? And yet, he’s growing on us.

Behold the power of the trucker hat.

Rehearsing for Motown night.

Audio: “The Tracks of My Tears,” Paul McDonald

“American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox 6.

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Update March 24: Casey Abrams was almost sent home, but the judges unanimously decided to use their one “save” to keep him on the show.

Previous: Top 12 — Songs from Your Birth Year
Next: Top 10 Top 11 again

Video: “The Tracks of My Tears,” by the Miracles

Also:

• Buy Paul McDonald’s “The Tracks of My Tears” on iTunes [aff. link]

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Episode 6 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Against the grains: Matt Elrod and Krista Klumpp share
a meal on Redemption Island.

Does Krista Klumpp have what it takes to defeat the three-time champion of Redemption Island?

For the Fairhope native, that’s the only question that matters in tonight’s “Survivor.”

Matt Elrod has sent other competitors packing, including one of the toughest players of three seasons, Russell Hantz.

And before they duel, will Krista and Matt connect on other level?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 6 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview of tonight’s episode.

For Fairhope native Krista Klumpp, her journey on “Survivor: Redemption Island” has come to an end.

Or has it?

Tonight, she faces the formidable Matt Elrod, the three-time champion at Redemption Island. She stays only if she defeats him, and every other castoff after him.

Last week, Zapatera booted her over her ally Stephanie Valencia. The question is: Does Krista have what it takes to beat all challengers from here on out?

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Episode 5 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Jeff Probst: “Krista is a farm girl and is a legitimate threat to beat Matt in a challenge.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Samford’s Ruth Ketcham drives against Florida State
in the first round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

The post-season hopes grow ever dimmer with each passing game for Alabama teams.

In the National Invitation Tournament, No. 1 Alabama managed to defeat No. 4 New Mexico 74-67 on Monday. So far, Alabama is 18-0 at Coleman Coliseum.

The Tide earns one more home game, this time against No. 2 Miami, 8 p.m. Wednesday, airing on ESPN2. Tickets — $8, $4 for students and age 18 and younger — are available online, by calling (877) TIDE-TIX (877-843-3849) and at the door. [NIT bracket]

Should Alabama win, the team will head to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York against Colorado or Kent State.

Samford‘s first trip to the NCAA Women’s Tournament ended abruptly Sunday. The No. 14 Lady Bulldogs lost to No. 3 Florida State 76-46 in the opening round at Auburn. Samford ends the season at 25-8.

Also:

• More basketball coverage

Alabama’s Chris Hines takes the leap against New Mexico.

Photo (bottom): Kent Gidley, Alabama Athletics

Samford Lady Bulldogs prepare for NCAA Women’s Tournament

Alabama’s Senario Hillman, left, and Trevor Releford play defense
against Coastal Carolina. The Tide won 68-44 in the NIT opening round.

It’s been somewhat of a downer post-season so far for Alabama men’s basketball teams.

The bright spot is No. 1 Alabama‘s win Tuesday over No. 8 Coastal Carolina 68-44 in Tuscaloosa in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament. The Tide faces No. 4 New Mexico at 8 p.m. Monday, also in Tuscaloosa. The game will air on ESPN. Tickets — $8, $4 for students and age 18 and younger — are available online and at the door. [NIT bracket]

UAB fell to fellow No. 12 seed Clemson 70-52 Tuesday in the new NCAA First Four round in Dayton, Ohio. The Blazers end the season 22-9.

And Alabama State lost to Texas-San Antonio 70-61 Wednesday in a battle of the No. 16 seeds, also in Dayton. The Hornets finish 17-18.

Meanwhile, the Samford Lady Bulldogs won the Southern Conference Tournament Championship earlier this month, earning their first trip to the NCAA Women’s Tournament. No. 14 Samford faces No. 3 Florida State at 4 p.m. Sunday in Auburn, to air on ESPN2, WVSU (91.1 FM) and streaming online. [NCAA bracket]

Also:

• Men’s teams announced for tournaments

Photo: Kent Gidley, Alabama Athletics

Episode 5 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Fan tribute to Krista Klumpp

Two against the world. That’s how Fairhope native Krista Klumpp and ally Stephanie Valencia feel at Zapatera.

But if the tribe keeps winning, they have nothing to fear, especially with their new backup plan.

Alliances are always in motion on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Meanwhile, has the Zapatera tribe become too cocky? Has Ometepe relied too much on “Boston Rob” Mariano?

And can Matt Elrod continue his win streak at Redemption Island?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

The buddy system: Stephanie Valencia, left,
and Krista Klumpp work out a plan.

(more…)

Video: Paul McDonald sings “I Guess That’s Why They
Call It the Blues,” a song from his birth year, 1984.
[buy it on iTunes — aff. link]

The Top 12 are on deck on “American Idol,” with a retro theme this week, “Songs From Your Birth Year.” Will a cold slow down Huntsville’s Paul McDonald?

• Song: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” by Elton John

[buy Elton John’s “I Guess That’s Why They
Call It the Blues” on iTunes, Amazon; buy Paul’s version — aff. links]

• Judges say: J. Lo: “I feel you. I know you felt like you were struggling, You have so much soul and star quality that it overcame that. You made it happen.” Randy: “I’m not gonna give you a pass because you have a cold. The first half was pitchy. The thing I like: You’re the ingenue, you find a way to make it your own. You put the Paul spin on it. But get the notes right.” Steven: “You define a cool dude and loose mood. Your swagger is way cool. It’s a very distinctive voice — that’s what you’re turning into.”

• We say: We’re still not feeling it, but maybe he’ll grow on us over time. Overall, a weak performance. And is he too Paul for America?

Audio: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” Paul McDonald

“American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox 6.

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Previous: Top 13 — Songs By Your Musical Idol
Next: Top 11

Video: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” by Elton John
[buy this song on iTunes, Amazon— aff. links]

Too mean?

Update March 17: Karen Rodriguez of New York was eliminated.

Also:

• Contestant Stefano Langone has a DUI on his record
• Burning questions about this season of “American Idol”
• Buy Paul McDonald’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” on iTunes [aff. link]

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 5 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview of tonight’s episode.

One villain down, one to go.

Russell Hantz went down fighting in his duel, but still ended up in second-to-last place overall. Next!

Meanwhile, his allies Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp are on still their own in a hostile Zapatera tribe. Will either make it very far into “Survivor: Redemption Island”?

Over at Ometepe, “Boston Rob” Mariano may have his hands full with screwball Phillip Sheppard. Can the tribal king handle the court jester?

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: Back on Day 7, Russell Hantz and his allies
Stephanie Valencia and Krista Klumpp raided the rice
while the rest of Zapatera was away in this unaired scene.

Episode 4 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Jeff Probst: “Russell will go down in history as one of the most notorious contestants of all time. Maybe THE most notorious.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Alabama top seed in NIT

Video: A look at the biggest surprises in the tourney field.

The college basketball post-season has a possible bright spot or two for state teams, depending on a couple of first-round games this week. UAB (22-8) faces Clemson in a battle of 12th seeds at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio, in the NCAA Men’s Tournament. The winner becomes the actual No. 12 East seed to play No. 5 West Virginia on Thursday in Tampa in the second round, which used to be the first round. Really.

UAB advanced one round in the 2010 National Invitation Tournament before losing to North Carolina at Bartow Arena.

Meanwhile, Alabama State (17-17) plays Texas-San Antonio at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Dayton to be the No. 16 East seed. The winner faces top seed Ohio State on Friday in Cleveland. In all, four play-in games — airing on truTV — have expanded the tournament to a field of 68 teams overall.

UAB’s inclusion was not without some controversy, especially after the Blazers’ early exit in the Conference USA Tournament on Thursday.

Alabama won’t be sitting out. The Crimson Tide (21-11), a top seed in the National Invitation Tournament, will welcome No. 8 Coastal Carolina to campus at 6 p.m. Tuesday, airing on ESPNU.

Brackets:

• NCAA Men’s Tournament
• NIT [PDF]

Video: NCAA selection committee chairman Gene
Smith defends the picks, including UAB.

Episode 4 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Beach bunnies: Krista Klumpp, foreground, and Stephanie Valencia
enjoy their moment in the sun on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Krista Klumpp is in trouble with capital “trouble.”

The Fairhope native aligned with returning villain Russell Hantz early on “Survivor: Redemption Island.” Now, she and her ally Stephanie Valencia face a hostile majority on their own Zapatera tribe.

Meanwhile, Russell has his hands full at Redemption Island against defending loser Matt Elrod.

Who’s testing their alliance? Who has a new hidden immunity idol? And who’s crying now?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

We are not above running multiple bikini shots.

(more…)