RIP Michael Jackson

Like millions of others, I was extremely saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of Michael Jackson.

Quite simply, Michael Jackson changed my life.

An icon, a musical genius, and consummate performer, Michael has always been one of my favorite artists and is a huge part of how strongly I connect to music.

Last night, I attended several MJ Tributes in Union and Times Square with my good friend Kaleb. But instead of having crying and candles, these gatherings had speakers and dance parties. A perfectly fitting send-off.

Here are some photos:

UNION SQUARE




TIMES SQUARE

MJ on the big screen in Times Square




In addition, we did a special episode of The Rory Show dedicated to MJ.

My Cover of Michael Jackson's "Butterflies"

My Cover of Fantasia's "When I See U"

I just wanna start by saying thank you SO much for all the positive feedback on the "My Way" cover. A lot of you hit me up on facebook and email and said some really nice, encouraging things and I really appreciate it.

So since I got such a good response on the first cover, I thought I might post another.

This one is a bit different. I thought it might be interesting to switch it up and cover a song that was originally sung by a female to offer the male's perspective on the subject. The song is "When I See U" that was originally recorded by Fantasia in 2006.

Here is my version...

My Cover of Usher's "My Way"

Check out my cover of Usher's "My Way"

Hey Check this out

PM Live is where it's at.

PM LIVE Launches June 1st, 2009 from PM LIVE on Vimeo.

My Response To Chris Brown

While I may like Kris Allen, a Chris/Kris I do dislike is Chris Brown.

Some of you may remember my post about Chris summer, entitled "Chris Brown Is Good At... Dancing?" (to read it, click HERE), which became the most commented on post in the history of The Rory Blog. In it, I harshly criticized Chris Brown for what I perceived as his lack of talent and excessive douche-baginess.

Well, then the Rihanna thing happened.

And today, Chris Brown posted a video on YouTube to address his "HATERS" and proclaim that he's not a monster. (watch the video below)

Yeah hey Chris Brown, those are called people who don't like watching women get the shit beat out of them. Its not about you kid.

He aggravates me a great deal. Is he really unable of articulating himself in a SLIGHTLY more sophisticated way?

What an idiot.

Saw Kris Allen on my way to work

This morning, as I was walking to work down 5th Ave, I walked past Kris Allen being interviewed outside on the Early Show. The kids were going crazy and being loud and yelling.
He's a little guy in real life! Looking quite sharp though.
He was my pick for Idol by the way.

This makes the third American Idol I've accidently bumped into on the street.
Last fall, I was in the elevator with David Cook.
And last June, Jennifer Hudson and I crossed paths on 49th St and 6th Ave.

Blogging at Work

I have not been blogging much lately for several reasons.
First, I talk about a lot of stuff on The Rory Show that I would normally blog about.
Secondly, I've had a massively busy May, which has included classes winding up, finals, and then traveling home for a week.

Currently I'm at work at Columbia Records (where I will be for the summer).

So we had a big 75th birthday party for my Grandma (who we refer to as "Gram")
at my house last weekend.
What great fun.
Check out this most wholesome family photo of my fam and Gram....

Check Out This Rory Show Ep

So, as you know, all epsidoes of The Rory Show are posted on www.theroryshow.com
However, I wanted to post Monday's show here as well because I think it is a riot.
Especially the first 14 seconds.

Hey Look, I'm in a movie!

Well, it's not like a MOVIE MOVIE that you wait in line to see at the theater and you have to buy tickets in advance cuz theyll be sold out. It's a short film called "Sum Total." And while it may not be a big-budget, wide-release blockbuster, it IS about a hitman! And I'm the hitman! So that's kinda fun.

Now I'm one step closer to achieving one of my life goals of playing Bruce Willis' son in Die Hard 5.

Anyway, here is "Sum Total." It's pretty deep and artsy but I think it's pretty good.

Sum Total
Written & Directed by Molly Wedgwood
Starring: Rory Arnold, Kala Cuerington