alrightokay

Hee, the cheese is strong with these Disney shows. Here's the clip. They sounded good, I thought, even if they didn't really blow everyone away. They also sang "Feel This Christmas" that day, but that performance won't air until tomorrow night as part of the Disney Channel Holiday Celebration (8:30 p.m. start). I agree with you that doing these kid/family-oriented shows isn't going to help IRL to break out. Hopefully, their TRL and Jingle Ball performances will bring them some attention. Also, here's the official acoustic "Eyes Closed." It's nice hearing the boys without autotune and good to have Sergio officially in the mix. I wonder why they kept the "Holy Smokes" rap, since Michael's revised rap was well-received. This was such an unnecessary release, though. I would have preferred to get the studio version of "Tattoo" as a fun surprise. (Maybe they didn't want their new single to compete with PrettyMuch's new single, "No More," which also dropped today. BTW, PM withdrew from the Jingle Ball because they had to travel to London to perform on The X Factor UK this Saturday.) I think the Disney connection is what's keeping them from speaking and performing more freely; they have to be so clean-cut and "safe." I mean, they had Chance wearing that stuffy-looking tie in that IBH performance--he truly looked like a "dad" there, rather than a "bro." It's not that I want them to be all "edgy," either; that would come off as forced (can you imagine Brady being "edgy"?). I just wish they could be themselves, even if they come across as quirky or dorky or weird; at least that'd be more interesting than the blandness they project most of the time. I also wish they were doing a lot more Jingle Ball shows around the country; that would really expose them to pop radio audiences and allow them to network with more seasoned performers. Since that doesn't seem to be happening, then I hope that the eventual "Tattoo" video is really fun, eye-catching, and intriguing. They have to learn from the missteps of the EC video (bad choreo, bad styling, bad lighting, no storyline to draw audiences in, and--the one I'll never forgive--really BAD HAIR for Drew, LOL). "Tattoo" is sort of a "fresh start" for them; I hope they make the most of it!

LOL, thanks for hanging in there! :) I'm on the West Coast, so it's not on here yet, and I'll just end up watching the clip that will get posted on IG or YT anyway. So thanks for putting up with the whole show--I'm eager to hear your thoughts on that performance and also how they did on TRL!

IRL carried themselves well on TRL. After a quick interview (swipe/click for two parts), they played a "Most Likely To" game and then performed a mashup of EC and their new song, "Tattoo." I hope they perform the whole "Tattoo" tomorrow at the Jingle Ball--I like it already! ETA: The MTV clip cut off before showing this, but the guys were so happy after their performance they did a sweet group hug. Also, in their IG Live last night, IRL confirmed that they will be on Good Morning America on Dec. 27.

IRL made a set of short documentary videos about their time in Orlando (I think the host is Johnny Wright's daughter?). ETA: I've only made it through 4 episodes so far--are they going to let the guys talk at ALL?

IRL Is KIISFM's Next Up Artist of the Week, just in time for their performance at the Jingle Ball Village this weekend. Here's the interview. I remember that IRL sang their two Christmas songs for KIIS that day, as well, but those videos haven't been posted yet. ETA: Another interview from the pre-AMAs press junket they did.

Yes, @soamused--I agree with everything you said in your post; you summed up their situation perfectly. IRL will be on TRL this Thursday, Nov. 30. They're also releasing an acoustic version of EC on Friday, Dec. 1. This makes me wonder what song(s) they'll perform on TRL--I'm not sure why they're still promoting EC when they still have the FTC video to release during this holiday season. I really wish they'd perform and release that new song they previewed in that IG snippet. I'm eager to hear a different sound from them....

Agreed--it'a time to move on from EC. Here's the video for "I'll Be Home." I have to admit that I'm underwhelmed by it. The guys look nice, but there isn't too much going on here....

IRL are going to release the video for "I'll Be Home for Christmas" tomorrow; here's a preview. Also, there's even more new choreo for EC. (SMH; they need to stop trying to "fix" this number. Just stop. Instead of enhancing the song, the choreo distracts both IRL and the audience. Let the guys focus on singing.)

This is a fantastic behind-the-scenes extra: Gabrielle Ruiz posted the extended selfie-camera footage of Heather and Valencia's argument. Interesting to see how self-aware Heather is about her own way of coping with Rebecca's trauma. And I'm surprised (impressed?) by the deal she made with Hector (and his smooth arms).

IRL did some pre-AMAs press yesterday. Here are a couple radio interviews: with B96 Chicago. with Westwood One. They also did an interview with ABC15 this morning to promote their performance at the Christmas tree lighting tonight. No full video yet, though. ETA: Interview with Xfinity. ETA 2: Clip of FTC from the Christmas tree lighting in Arizona. (LOL at Sergio's stage banter.)

Impressive acting by everyone tonight and such a smart and sensitive episode. The writers were not only able to weave in the different ways Rebecca's friends processed her suicide attempt, they were also able to provide just enough background on Rebecca's diagnosis so that it didn't feel like it came out of left field. And I liked the thoughtful conversation Hector and Josh had, where Hector made it clear that it wasn't just one thing (not you, Josh!) that caused Rebecca to take those pills. I also enjoyed the following moments: George asking Nathaniel for money for the cupcake basket and then the presence of that huuuge cupcake basket in Rebecca's hospital room. The stuffed alligator being in Nathaniel's office and then its name later being revealed as "Ruth Gator Ginsberg." Aww at Paula, Valencia, and Heather having a "sleepover" right outside Rebecca's room. Poor Hector, having to be the outlet for Valencia's anger. (But Yay for Heather and Hector!) I can't decide which line was better: Valencia's "Bitch get out of my way, Bitch!" or Heather's "Heeyyyyyy, Girl! How was your pee?" This might be the most clichéd, simplistic way to tie up some loose ends, but maybe Josh could give the puppy to White Josh and Darryl (after they talk through all the issues they brought up in the yurt).

Andrew Butcher just dropped a single, "You Were There."

IRL, along with Asher Angel, are opening for Forever In Your Mind in L.A. on Dec. 17. (All three acts are with Disney/Hollywood.) ETA: OKAY--THIS IS PROMISING.

In an IG Live today, Chance confirmed that IRL are attending the AMAs but not performing (at 19:37, if the timestamp doesn't work. BTW, that's Drew singing/talking in the background). Also, not clear how legit this is (supposed to be from Brady's mom), but IRL might have some higher-profile appearances coming up. ETA: PrettyMuch is no longer performing at the KIIS Jingle Ball; not clear why they cancelled, but this is good news for IRL, because PM's tour performances have been so much more dynamic (the dance break during the rap in the last link is killer), IRL would have paled in comparison. (And I'm saying this as an IRL fan--they just aren't there yet!)

The guys added some new choreography to EC. You can see it again in this set of clips from the Christmas tree lighting yesterday.

I agree with everyone's points about Naomi's good intentions/problematic execution, how delightful Paula's family was in cheering her up, and Rachel Bloom's powerful acting in the final scene. I also agree that Audra Levine really "gets" Rebecca, maybe more than anyone else, because they've faced so many of the same influences and pressures. My favorite parts, though, were the scenes with Cornelia; bringing her in was a brilliant way to show how Rebecca's absence affected the rest of the office. I was worried that when Paula saw Nathaniel and Cornelia in bathing suits at the pool that she would jump to the wrong conclusion that they were having an affair, but I shouldn't have worried! I loved how Darryl, Maya, and Jim all showed up in their bathing suits to bring the office back together and confront their feelings (feels, I mean! :) ). This show is so good at making minor characters feel vivid and fully fleshed out. We had barely heard from Jim before, but in just a few scenes, we could imagine a whole history where he and Rebecca had their "moments" buying bowling shirts and comparing horoscopes. Last week, I grumbled that we hadn't seen enough of Rebecca being a good friend to others to warrant their sticking by her after her scathing rant. But this episode filled in all that backstory: off camera, she's listened to Darryl, been a mentor to Maya, been a "daughter" to Paula, and made Jim feel good about himself (I guess Mrs. Hernandez is the only one left out, and maybe that's why she's so grumpy!). What Cornelia said about going to HR to file complaints gave me an idea: maybe Rebecca should work in Human Resources; that's where her listening, planning, and problem-solving skills could all make a difference. And not just in making sure labor laws are followed and employees are treated fairly, but in doing the little things that improve office culture and make colleagues feel valued. Because what this episode revealed--that she hasn't realized yet--is that Rebecca is a resource who helps others feel human. Other great moments--all related to Cornelia, because I love her: How gingerly she patted Nathaniel's shoulder when he started crying. How she abruptly stopped heating up her burrito and said it was okay that it was still frozen, because she's "teething." (And then she immediately dumped the burrito in the trash.) Her song! So funny, with the smiley bartender dancing and singing along. Finally, the title of the next episode gives me hope that Rebecca will finally realize that Josh isn't the source of her problems and that she needs to (and can) "Move on, Dude."

Another Christmas tree lighting, this Sunday at the Grove in LA. IRL performed at two high schools in Colorado today and debuted a new cover, "Havana" by Camila Cabello. They also switched Brady and Sergio's parts in "Eyes Closed" (maybe because Brady's sick). No clear full videos yet, but here's a clip of "Havana"--Michael plays violin! ETA: Are my ears deceiving me, or is that Jaden's voice in the first line of this promo for American Idol? ETA2: Brady starred in a movie, The Rocket, before he did Boy Band. It's been in post-production and will be released in 2018; here's the film's Instagram, which provides links to various stills, clips, and BTS stuff (IRL pops up a couple times). ETA3: IRL visited the Colorado Springs radio station tonight; on their Facebook, the station posted a video of the guys singing TWIL, "Havana," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" as well as a video of their radio interview that includes all the during-the-song chatter. (Hmm, I think "Havana" still needs work....)

This Friday, IRL have a radio interview/performance in Colorado Springs as well as a separate meet and greet in Denver (on Chance's birthday, so they should expect to load lots of gifts into the van!). You put it perfectly; what a vivid (and poignant) analogy. I'm rooting for them, too, but it's getting harder to these days, when they don't seem to be improving in their interviews or their performances. The best I can say about them is that they're "nice"--they're very earnest and eager to please, and they try very hard to do things "correctly". But as a result, they also come across as timid and stilted. And it seems like they've tried to "tame" the randomness/goofiness that Brady and Drew sometimes showed in their earliest interviews, so there's very little energy now when they answer questions. They just seem to be robotically going through the "everyone must speak at least once" routine. It could be that they feel stifled by their Disney image. In any case, they need media training so they're smoother and more confident and engaging (it's not clear if they got any media training during this "boot camp"). Let's see how they do in this next round of promo.

These TJ Martell videos keep cropping up! Here's one where the guys are asked about what they like to do with their families and how they resolve family conflicts. The video is time-stamped at 2:03 to show IRL's part, but earlier, Hudson Yang from Fresh Off the Boat is interviewed; I wonder if he and Brady got to catch up that day? :) ETA: The gushy interviewer ("mesmerizing!" "extraordinary!") spoke with IRL at the Latin AMAs.

Interview with Scott Michael Foster, from Vulture. Interesting to think about the "what if" if he had gotten the role he originally auditioned for....

I was thinking the same thing--EC seems to be done, but the Christmas single isn't appropriate for the AMAs. I don't see them dropping another single before the 19th (they still haven't released the FTC video), so that's why I'm dubious that they're performing, unless they're singing someone else's song as part of a "celebration" or "tribute" of some sort. The WEGMusic post tried to make a connection between NSYNC and IRL, so maybe there's some boy band celebration/medley happening? Who knows? ETA: Here's iHeartRadio's announcement about the Jingle Ball Tour. It does say in the middle of the page that the KIIS concert will be live streamed on CWTV.com and then broadcast on the CW on Dec. 14th at 8 p.m. I don't know if that broadcast will include IRL, though, because they're performing at the Jingle Ball Village, which is the pre-show concert. It's also not clear if IRL (or PrettyMuch) will be performing at any of the other Jingle Ball tour stops (ideally, they would, to reach out to different parts of the country). However, Why Don't We is listed as performing at each tour stop. Hopefully IRL will be a late add to more of those cities. ETA2: This is sweet. An IRL superfan won tickets to the KIIS Jingle Ball and got a phone call from Ryan Seacrest and Sergio. ETA3: IRL's been added to the Columbus, Ohio WNCI Jingle Jam.

IRL will perform at the KIISfm Jingle Ball Village on 12/1, which is basically going to be boy band central (the lineup is all boy bands and an ex-boy bander, James Maslow from Big Time Rush). Let's hope IRL can stand out (heck, maybe Michael should bring out his violin to play the opening of FTC).

IRL performed again at DisneyWorld last night; this time, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" for the Disney Christmas special. Here's a little preview. They sound really good here! ETA: Update on when these performances will air. (Chance's sparkly shirt here is making me LOL). ETA2: A cryptic tweet from WEGMusic (Johnny Wright's firm): does this mean IRL are attending the AMAs, or are they performing? Maybe they're presenting? ETA3: Okay, CNCO's coming on strong (I know that CNCO's been together longer, so they've had time to polish their act, but it's hard to see IRL ever performing like this; their songs and image are too cute and sedate).

YAAAS at Hector/Heather. Go Heather, you GO get Hector and his "sweet, sweet ass." YES. I've always admired Rachel Bloom for being fearless in making Rebecca so unlikable; but wow, the way Rebecca spoke to her friends in the beginning makes me wonder--what do they see in her? Seriously, when has she ever been a good friend to them? People have always been there for her, and I know the show is focused on her, but as wonderful as it is to see Paula, Valencia, Heather, and Darryl love her for who she is, I have to ask: apart from the excitement she brings to their life (especially Paula's), what has she done to reciprocate their love for her? I know she's really smart, funny, energetic, creative, etc.--but all of those strengths have been directed at winning Josh, claiming Josh, and now avenging herself against Josh. Again, I admire Bloom for making it clear how damaged and desperate Rebecca is; I can understand intellectually why she's lashing out at her friends, but emotionally, I've always wondered why these people are sticking with such a single-minded friend, coworker, and employee. What she said about each of her friends was true, and her words have gotten them to do some good soul-searching, but I think the show has "rushed" those moments where we were supposed to see her being a good person who would inspire so much loyalty (LOL, now I'm remembering "I'm a Good Person"). I think that as a viewer, I root for Rachel more than for Rebecca--I can see how Rachel Bloom inspires dedication and loyalty. Her and Aline Brosh McKenna's vision as writers and show runners is truly impressive--there's a joy and wisdom in their work that ultimately makes me care about this show more than I care for Rebecca. Case in point: the song Josh Groban sings at the end is just brilliant: it's delightful and devastating, and it's true. Life "doesn't make narrative sense"--it's messy and hard, and in the end, we won't know if it had any meaning. What the show (and really, Rachel/Aline) seems to be saying is that it's important to create stuff (music, dances, jokes, music videos) to make life bearable. That act of creating will allow you to connect with others, not just your audience, but those you collaborate with. So instead of seeing her own life as a story/fairytale/movie, Rebecca needs to create something outside of herself (outside of her head) that will speak to and for others, not just to her own obsessions. I think the last time we saw her do this (and the last time she was truly happy) was when she won that water case against the city (I might not be remembering the details right). I'm not saying the show needs to end in a sentimental/touchy-feely way where Rebecca "earns" her happiness and is magically healed by saving others--it's a little more nuanced than that ;) -- but I have a feeling this show about mental illness, gender issues, diversity issues, and love in all its forms (romantic, family, friends, community) is also about the way art empowers us to work through all these issues, and not just "high art" but "low art" as well (how many poop jokes has this show made?). Other moments i loved (besides the Heather/Hector hook-up!): Jarl! Don't we all need a Danish tourist to listen to our problems and share in our love of revenge movies? Penny and George--hope they got the lava cake delivered! Nathaniel and his alligator--I know the show has really accelerated the changes in his character, but I love him and hope that now that the sex is out of the way (they've done it TWICE, as he proudly announced), he and Rebecca will really get to know each other and ultimately help each other.

Right, none of the many boy bands out there (Forever in Your Mind, Why Don't We, Citizen Four, etc.) are really "breaking out" on the radio right now, but I think PrettyMuch is doing a good job making connections in the industry and building their fan base. They've already released three songs and videos, and while the videos are low-budget, the music is more current and radio-friendly than IRL's, and the band exudes much more charisma. Plus, PM has been out on the road, doing way more radio performances than IRL and even touring with another teen-oriented band (Jack and Jack), so they're getting their music out there. Finally, it just seems like PM has gotten more high-profile gigs than IRL--they've performed at the Teen Choice Awards and on MTV's TRL, so they've gotten more national exposure than IRL. While IRL has attended awards shows, they have yet to perform on a really big platform to show off their talents (I don't think the Jump, Jive, and Thrive show got that big of an audience, and the upcoming Christmas tree lightings they're doing aren't going to help much). PM's done enough to catch the attention of the pop critic at the NYTimes, who gave them a brief but favorable mention in an article on TRL. Having Simon Cowell's backing already puts them in a good position, since Simon was the mastermind behind 1D and CNCO (who are huge in Latin America and are trying to break into the U.S market). So in the crowded field of boy bands, PM is starting to stand out, while IRL seems to be losing momentum. Right now, it seems like IRL really only has the Disney market and hardcore fans from the Boy Band show (LOL, like me). So IRL really needs GOOD mainstream music to make it big, and unfortunately, so far, their music seems mediocre. I know it's still early in their career, but given how short audiences' attention spans are, they need to do something soon to grab the spotlight. While the Christmas songs can get them some airplay on those stations that switch to Christmas music for the whole holiday season, I'm not sure they'll get airplay for their own music on the big pop stations. Let's see what happens when KIISfm (the biggest pop radio station in L.A.) publishes the videos of them singing the Christmas songs at their station; maybe that will get other stations to come on board. Hopefully, IRL will go back to NYC and visit Z100. In fact, let's hope they get to do a bunch of radio station Jingle Balls this winter--that'll help. Finally, I'm not sure how much attention Disney can bring them, since they have a whole roster of acts that are also releasing Christmas songs (Jordan Fisher, country act Temecula Road). Note how the cover art for all these songs looks the same--eventually, they'll probably all be bundled up into a Disney Christmas album, so IRL won't get to stand out as their own act. IRL really needs Johnny Wright to work the same magic he did for NSYNC all those years ago.... ETA: If you want a preview of IRL's performance on the Disney Christmas special, here are a couple clips from the taping today, showing the choreography (still pretty basic, though I guess Christmas songs don't usually need intricate choreo. But then what the heck are they learning at boot camp?!). ETA2: Interview with Justine Magazine, recapping what's happened since becoming a band and talking about what makes "Feel this Christmas" special. Scroll down for an acoustic version of "Eyes Closed."