Video: Second chances come at a cost, starting
tonight on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”
“Survivor” has had at least one predictable outcome in its previous 21 seasons: The first out — whether 20th place or 16th place — was only memorable as a possible trivia answer.
Francesca Hogi, the first one voted out, and Matt Elrod, the latest castaway cast away, will battle head to head. The loser goes home, finally. The winner gets to stay in isolation for another few days until the next loser stumbles into camp.
Hmm …
Meanwhile, the Zapatera alliance of Russell Hantz, Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp looks to pull off the “biggest blindside ever.” Hmm again, I thought that was the one they pulled over on the audience bringing back the tired old villains.
Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.
Video: preview of Jail Break Duel,
the first battle in Redemption Arena.
Jeff Probst: “Once again, the gold star of the episode does go to … Philip. … The explanation of his two tattoos was so good I had to watch it three times.”
“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.
Video: Russell Russell Russell! Rob Rob Rob!
on tonight’s “Survivor: Redemption Island.”
Who’s really in charge, Boston Rob or Russell? Or does anyone really care?
The supervillians are featured front and center as “Survivor: Redemption Island” speeds into the second episode tonight.
Fairhope native Krista Klumpp is on Russell Hantz’s Zapatera tribe and seems to be under the radar so far. Meanwhile, Rob Mariano has his hands full with renegade former federal agent Phillip Sheppard at Ometepe. Plus, Francesca Hogi begins her stay on fun-filled Redemption Island.
Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.
Video: Get the ball of power. No, really.
Preview of tonight’s challenge, Smash, Grab, Smash.
Lost in the shuffle was Krista Klumpp, the Fairhope native and pharmaceutical sales rep. Little screen time could mean she’s deadly dull, safe for weeks or who knows? Even host Jeff Probst called her a question mark.
Krista Klumpp served as head cheerleader at
Auburn before graduating in 2008.
Video: Host Jeff Probst sizes up Krista Klumpp
on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”
Returning losers! Players that won’t get sent home! Twists galore!
Welcome to season 22 of “Survivor.”
Joining the crew of “Survivor: Redemption Island” is Krista Klumpp. Tonight, her televised adventure in Nicaragua begins.
Host Jeff Probst rated the contestants (try to forget he already knows the winner) and said about the Fairhope native:
“Krista is a question mark. If she folds, it won’t surprise me. And if she turns out to be this strong pillar on her tribe, it won’t surprise me either.”
At left, Krista Klumpp was Miss Smiths Station and Miss
Phenix City, as well as fourth runner-up in
Miss Alabama USA. At right, in Nicaragua
for “Survivor: Redemption Island.”
As previously announced, eliminated players will have an opportunity to win their way back into the game from Redemption Island. Speaking of returning players, Russell Hantz and Rob Mariano, who squared off before in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” get yet another shot at the $1 million grand prize.
Can Klumpp oust the other 17 contestants before they oust her? The journey begins tonight.
Video: What’s the big twist this season?
We kinda already told you above.
Video: a look at the first challenge, Push It Uphill
Also:
Meet Krista Klumpp, pharmaceutical sales rep and former Auburn head cheerleader.
Opelika-Auburn News: “She said her two desired luxury items were an Auburn blanket and her Bible, but could not say whether she actually got to take those items with her.”
The War Eagle Reader: “The thing that most worried me about going into the show was the food aspect. I’m OK with eating whatever there is around … but being from the South, I love always having the best food ever.”
“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42, starting tonight. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.
But could the football team do it in jungles of Nicaragua? As solo contestants? For 39 days?
No, Cam Newton isn’t running away to be a reality TV star. But former Auburn head cheerleader Krista Klumpp will compete on CBS’ “Survivor: Redemption Island.” The 25-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep lives in Columbia, S.C., but grew up in Fairhope.
She graduated from Auburn University in 2008 with a degree in mass communications. Klumpp was also Miss Phenix City, making it to fourth runner-up for Miss Alabama USA in 2007 and 2009.
“I’m really proud to be from Alabama, growing up a true Southerner,” Klumpp says. “It might sound weird, but I’m real excited about not having to wash my hair for 39 days.”
Photo: Auburn Athletics
Krista Klumpp cheers for Auburn behind
ESPN commentator Lee Corso during “College GameDay.”
Her contestant bio on the “Survivor” website has a few more details …
Tribe: Zapatera
Current residence: Columbia, S.C.
Personal claim to fame: Being elected head cheerleader at Auburn University is my personal claim to fame. I then became a second generation Auburn University head cheerleader.
Inspiration in life: My grandparents who were married for 67 years.
Hobbies: Water sports, traveling and running.
Pet peeve: When people wear sunglasses inside.
Three words to describe you: Driven, competitive and approachable.
“Survivor” contestant you are most like: I thought I was most like Natalie White because we had such similar backgrounds, but I expect to play the game with a little more edge. [White won her season in Samoa by defeating the notorious Russell Hantz. Like Klumpp, is a Southerner, in this case from Arkansas and a pharmaceutical sales rep.]
Reason for being on “Survivor”: To prove that a former cheerleader and pageant girl can win the hardest game ever. Also, the money! If anyone says anything different, they are lying!
The 22nd season will take place in Nicaragua, like the preceding season. Eighteen contestants compete for the grand prize of $1 million. In a new twist this season, those voted off will not be sent home but instead to Redemption Island to continue on limited food and other supplies. That castaway will compete with the next eliminated contestant to remain.
While 16 contestants were revealed Wednesday, two mystery contestants were held back. [Spoiler alert: Do NOT read the next paragraph if you don’t want to know the other two contestants.]
Most online experts say that Russell Hantz will return for his third season and “Boston Rob” Mariano for his fourth. The two previously faced off in 2010’s “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” against previous winner James “J.T.” Thomas of Mobile. Mariano battled in his first season, “Survivor: Marquesas,” Birmingham native Paschal English and the eventual winner, Troy University alum Vecepia Towery. Neither Hantz nor Mariano has ever finished higher than second place.
Video: Krista Klumpp talks about her background
and sizes up the other contestants.
“Survivor: Redemption Island” will air at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42, starting Feb. 16.
Video: Auburn’s Gene Chizik and Cam Newton share
their post-game thoughts.
If it’s January in Alabama, it must mean BCS National Championship time.
The state can now lay claim to back-to-back titles, as Auburn defeated Oregon 22-19 Monday night. The winning field goal came as the game clock expired, a 28-yard boot from the Tigers’ Wes Byrum.
But the men of the hour were quarterback and Heisman winner Cam Newton, defensive tackle Nick Fairley and coach Gene Chizik. The game proved to be more of a defensive clash, as both teams sputtered through the first half.
Auburn finished a perfect 14-0, bringing home the school’s second national championship; the first in 1957 under coach Shug Jordan. The Tigers’ win marks the fifth consecutive BCS title win by an SEC team.
Earlier in the bowl season, Alabama demolished Michigan State 49-7 on New Year’s Day in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando. And way back on Dec. 18, Troy beat Ohio 48-21 in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
Video: With the winning field goal,
Auburn celebrates a national championship.
Committed beat Nashville’s Street Corner Symphony tonight to win “The Sing-Off.”
The results were announced live during tonight’s season finale of the NBC reality competition. The winning group receives $100,000 and a Sony recording contract.
California groups Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town and the Backbeats tied for third, having been eliminated earlier in the show.
The sextet closed out the evening with Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”
Committed, the a cappella group from Huntsville and Oakwood University, had started taping episodes back in August, surviving four rounds of eliminations by the celebrity judges.
On the show tonight, the group performed “Motownphilly” with judge Shawn Stockman’s group, Boyz II Men, among other songs.
Committed sang “Hold My Hand” by Michael Jackson and Akon before receiving the judges’ final evaluation. Alternative rocker Ben Folds said, “How can you be such nice guys and be that good? You’re really amazing. A total joy and inspiration to listen to.”
Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger said, while in tears, “I was really moved by that song. You have a very specific message, of a deep love in life, and the world is craving that right now.” Stockman said, “There’s no way you could have not made it to this point. You guys are awesome.”
Video: Committed performs “Let’s Stay Together”
by Al Green in Wednesday’s episode of “The Sing-Off.”
Huntsville singing group Committed is one step away from $100,000 and a Sony recording contract. On Wednesday’s penultimate episode of “The Sing-Off,” the NBC reality competition, only one group was eliminated, On the Rocks from the University of Oregon.
Also advancing to the finals are the Backbeats from Los Angeles, Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town from Oakland, Calif., and Street Corner Symphony from Nashville.
Groups performed medleys and judges’ picks in round No. 4. Committed sang hits by R&B star Usher, then “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green.
Alternative rocker Ben Folds called the medley “harmonically bad-ass,” while former Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman praised their rhythm and choreography. Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls said it was “awesome.”
For “Let’s Stay Together,” Stockman called their arrangement “perfect” and “smooth and relaxing.” Scherzinger likened it being in her favorite candy shop. Umm? Folds said it sounded “great” and that the passing of the vocals went “seamlessly.”
Although the producers announced three groups would advance, the judges kept four bands in the running. Audience voting, which will determine the winner, started Wednesday night and continues till 8 a.m. Sunday. Fans can vote online, by calling a special toll-free number or via texting.
The Backbeats
(877) 674-6403
Text 3 to 97979
Committed
(877) 674-6401
Text 1 to 97979
Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town
(877) 674-6404
Text 4 to 97979
Street Corner Symphony
(877) 674-6402
Text 2 to 97979
Scheduled to perform (a cappella?) during the live two-and-a-half-hour season finale are Sara Bareilles, Sheryl Crow and Neil Diamond, airing at 7 p.m. Monday on Alabama’s 13.
Video: Committed performs “Joy to the World” and a medley of
Usher hits, “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,” “U Got It Bad”
and “Love in this Club.”
Should On the Rocks still be in the finals? Did the judges cop out by leaving four groups safe? Let us know in the comments.
Video: Committed performs “I Want It That Way” by
Backstreet Boys on Monday’s episode of “The Sing-Off.”
Committed is one step closer to the grand prize on the NBC reality competition, “The Sing-Off.” The Huntsville a cappella group made it into the Top 5 on Monday’s episode as Groove for Thought was eliminated.
Remaining in the contest are the Backbeats, Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town, On the Rocks and Street Corner Symphony.
Two themes dictated song choices: rock and guilty pleasures. The Christian/jazz sextet performed “Every Breath You Take” by the Police and “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys. (For the record, the first song came out 27 years ago, the second, 11 years ago. Sigh.)
The judges liked Committed’s second performance more than the first one. Ben Folds said “Every Breath You Take” was sung well but didn’t rock. Shawn Stockman said the group’s arrangement missed the lonely mood of the original song.
But on “I Want It That Way,” Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger said, “Y’all took the girls to a whole ’nother kind of church,” while Stockman added that the Committed “kept it fun … fresh.”
The next round will also have two themes: superstar medley and judges’ choice. Two groups will be eliminated, and audience votes will select the winner from the remaining three.
The next episode will air from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with the live finale on Monday on Alabama’s 13.
Video: Committed performs “Every Breath You Take”
by the Police on Monday’s episode of “The Sing-Off.”
Have you been watching? What song should the judges pick for Committed to perform on Wednesday’s show? Let us know in the comments.
An undefeated season. An SEC championship. A spot in the BCS National Championship Game. And tonight, its junior quarterback Cam Newton has won the Heisman Trophy, college football’s highest individual honor.
This season, the Atlanta native threw for 2,589 yards, which includes 28 touchdowns and six interceptions. Oh, and he ran for 24 touchdowns, too. Newton had been the odds-on favorite this week leading up to the award presentation.
The runners-up were running back LaMichael James of Oregon and quarterbacks Andrew Luck of Stanford and Kellen Moore of Boise State. Newton and James will face each other again in the BCS game.
Bo Jackson won the previous Heisman for Auburn in 1985, and Pat Sullivan won it in 1971.
The state of Alabama has seen two Heisman winners in a row: Alabama running back Mark Ingram won the school’s first trophy in 2009. The Crimson Tide at the time last year was also undefeated and headed for the national championship game.
Auburn is currently No. 1 in the BCS and plays Oregon on Jan. 10
Video: Committed performs “Apologize” by OneRepublic
on Wednesday’s episode of “The Sing-Off.”
Huntsville a cappella group Committed has made it into the Top Six on the NBC reality competition, “The Sing-Off.” In Wednesday’s show, Eleventh Hour and the Whiffenpoofs were eliminated.
The celebrity judges had nothing but praise for the group: Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman said, “That’s what it’s about, man!” and alternative rocker Ben Folds called it “amazing.” Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer for the Pussycat Dolls, said she “had a musical climax” (don’t ask).
Committed flew to Los Angeles today to tape more episodes. This week’s episodes were filmed in August.
The remaining shows will air from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, with the live finale on Dec. 20, all on Alabama’s 13.
Video: Huntsville’s Committed performs “This Love”
by Maroon 5 on the season premiere of “The Sing-Off.”
Huntsville has something to sing about. The a cappella Christian/jazz group Committed made its national debut on Monday’s premiere of “The Sing-Off.” The NBC reality competition returned for its second season, offering the winning group a $100,000 cash prize and a Sony recording contract.
Committed performed last, singing Maroon 5’s “This Love” to the delight of the celebrity judges. Two of the 10 groups were eliminated: Men of Note and Pitch Slapped.
The group formed as a quartet in an Orlando high school, adding members after starting at Oakwood University in Huntsville. Members Dennis “DJ” Baptiste, Alain “Tommy” Gervais, Geston Pierre, Robert “Robbie” Pressley Jr., Maurice Staple and Theron “Therry” Thomas sing gospel and jazz, and four members can play instruments.
The remaining shows will air from 7 to 9 tonight, Monday, Dec. 15 and 20 (live finale) on Alabama’s 13.
Other state teams headed to bowls; high school champions crowned
Video: Auburn coach Gene Chizik and Oregon coach
Chip Kelly look ahead to the big game.
Auburn has had a perfect season, looking to cap it with a couple of important victories.
• First, Heisman Trophy finalists will be announced at 5 tonight, and quarterback Cam Newton is considered the one to beat this year. The winner will be announced at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. Should Newton succeed, he’ll be Auburn’s third Heisman winner after QB Pat Sullivan in 1971 and running back Bo Jackson in 1985. It would also move Auburn up to a five-way tie for fourth place among all-time Heismans by school. Update:Newton is one of four Heisman finalists, along with LaMichael James, running back for Oregon.
• Second, the No. 1 Tigers head to Glendale, Ariz., to take on No. 2 Oregon on Jan. 10 in the BCS National Championship Game. Auburn earned its trip after crushing South Carolina 56-17 in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday. This marks the Tigers’ first appearance in the BCS title game and the school’s shot at a second national championship, the first in 1957. The game airs at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN and in 3D where available.
Other bowl games announced Sunday (all airing on ESPN):
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Troy (7-5) takes on Ohio (8-4) at 8 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Superdome. It’s the Trojans’ third trip to the New Orleans Bowl.
Capital One Bowl: BCS No. 16 Alabama (9-3) faces BCS No. 9 Michigan State (11-1) at noon on New Year’s Day in Orlando. Alabama’s Nick Saban coached at Michigan State from 1995 to 1999; the Spartans’ coach, Mark Dantonio, was an assistant coach under Saban at that time. The two teams have not played against each other, and are scheduled for games in 2016 and 2017.
BBVA Compass Bowl: Kentucky (6-6) meets Pittsburgh (7-5) at 11 a.m. Jan. 8 at Legion Field. The Wildcats make their fifth straight bowl appearance, with just two SEC wins this season.
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Tonight’s episode of “Survivor: Redemption Island” will scramble that notion forever.
An undefeated season. An SEC championship. A 
