For those of you unfamiliar with Miss Mary Murphy or luck of the Irish, let me introduce you to them both. For us here at Fox. They are one in the same: a stroke of good luck.
I had the good fortune of interviewing and then be-friending Mary at her Ballroom Dance Academy in San Diego. And, for this year's season finale in December, she extended her welcome mat to all our viewers by granting us unprecedented access to her hit show "So You Think You Can Dance." She literally was our all access pass. And while the rest of the world press were holed up in a room awaiting the stars after the show...we were in her trailer, on stage, back stage and ambushing (ever so kindly) Adam Lambert by the elevators. It was nothing short of fantastic.
She was so genuine, open and fearlessly fun, allowing us to shoot her getting glammed up with all her hair and makeup. (She even let us in on her gown selection process). I found it so refreshing considering most stars are so guarded. Nigel Lithgowe even hung out with us, relaxed and bubbly thanks to Mary.
We interviewed Mary J. Blige, shot exclusive video of Leona Lewis and Adam Lambert during rehearsals. It was simply a journalists dream. In fact, I rarely let my kids watch our newscasts, due to the nature of the content. But, I made a point right before my live shot to call and tell them to watch. As "American Idol" fans as well, I thought they'd be impressed I interviewed Adam Lambert and I thought my coolness factor might actually escalate!! Speaking of dreams, right?
Now, they DID think it was cool. But my son, thought Adam's outfit was weird and didn't like his hairdo. I chuckled, because Adam was my pick last year, my son loved Danny Gokey, so he's still a bit sore. I then spoke to my daughter and she thought it was neat. Then, just as I was about to hang up, my son popped back on the phone and said: "Mom, don't tell Adam I said that." I laughed and said: "I won't."
But I will say, between Mary's hospitality and my son's innocent charms...these Irish eyes are still smiling.
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