Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried star as John Tyree and Savannah Curtis in the new film Dear John out in theaters Feb. 5. It tells the story of a solider who falls in love with a college student while he’s at home on leave. I have met Channing before and knew he was a very down to earth guy, but wasn’t sure what to expect from Amanda when I walked into my interview with them at a Chicago hotel.

When introduced to her, she was knitting. Imagine, a 23-year-old woman knitting during a press interview. When I asked her what it was, she told me it was a hat but, it wasn’t anywhere near finished. She seemed a bit shy at first but got more comfortable as she started to explain how easy knitting is and her plans to finish the hat for herself. When Channing entered the room, Amanda tried to convince him that he, too, should take up knitting saying, “When you connect to your inner feminine side, that’s the sexiest thing.” To which Channing replied with a laugh, “Always teaching John, that’s how it is.”

In real life, Amanda is dating her former co-star Dominic Cooper from the film Mamma Mia! Channing is also dating a former co-star from Step Up, Jenna Dewan. Here’s what the twosome had to say about their chemistry in Dear John and what their plans are for Valentine’s Day.

Is this a good date movie?

Channing: “I don’t think me and my boys are all going to see it together; it’s not one of those types of films, but I do think guys who are going to go see it will appreciate it maybe a little more than a normal chick flick because there’s a beautiful father-son story and a love story told through the perspective of that.”

Was this character weird for you to play since it was such a lovey-dovey film?

Channing: “I’ve been in love. I am in love so you get to explore our relationship in a very safe way. It’s a character study in a way and you just go off on this journey with these two people and you can totally pull from things in your life and things you’re going to go through and that you haven’t been through.”

Amanda: “Especially for us, we can connect so well to how our characters are feeling. Also we’re playing versions of ourselves so it wasn’t as scary especially when we knew we were going to be working together. After I signed on it was pretty easy especially because of our rapport.”

Where did the amazing chemistry you have in the film come from?

Amanda: “Mutual respect I think. He’s a good guy. He’s really successful and yet he’s so grounded to the most important things in life and that’s what you look for in a co-star, friend, director, anything. You just want someone to have that connection to the ground.”

Channing: “Yea. When you go through one of these journeys together you want to have somebody that’s a buddy, that’s a friend.

Amanda: “That trusts you.”

Channing: “You can explore these characters in a very safe way in a safety net of that we’re really good friends. We know that no lines are going to be crossed and that we’re there for each other, to help each other.”

Did your significant others come onto set and watch you guys?

Both: “Yea.”

Was it weird?

Channing: “It was probably more weird for them than it would be for us because we’re just happy they’re there and experiencing it with us. But they definitely weren’t there for the sex scene.”

Amanda: “No. I know none of us would want to be there for the other’s love scenes. It gets so twisted and unnatural but then again they both understood because they do it themselves. We’re all actors, all four of us.”

Channing: “I think I was just more intimidated about her boyfriend being around because he’s a really good actor. And I was thinking, ‘I hope he doesn’t think I’m a clown.’”

Amanda: “I think that’s so funny you thought that.”

What are your Valentine’s Day plans in real life?

Amanda: “I’m going to Malta.”

Channing: “I wish I was going to Malta. I don’t even know what it is. I’ve never heard of it.”

Amanda: “I feel it’s my duty as a girlfriend to go. What are you going to be doing (looking at Channing).

Channing: “I don’t know what I’m going to be doing. Not quite sure yet.”

Amanda: “You should go to Hawaii because that’s where you guys go all the time. Isn’t it?”

Channing: “Yea. Hawaii’s always good. There’s never really a season where it’s bad.”

Why should people go see this movie?

Amanda: “Dear Chicago, you should see this movie because it’s as real as it can possibly be. Everybody — no matter who you are, where you’re from, how old you are — can relate to something real in this movie. I think it’s going to leave you feeling inspired, at least in regards to love.”

Channing: “[Chicago] is a beautiful city. I love Chi-town. I have a lot of friends that are from here. It’s a great mix of people in general. There’s all different types of love here and great art and everything, so I just hope people enjoy it.”

Afterwards, the two were nice enough to offer me a slice of their Gino’s East Pizza they had bought to hold them over for their long press day.

Celebrity Watching Schedule

* Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with Mariah Carey who is scheduled to be at the Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.) Feb. 13-14. The Black Eyed Peas come to the United Center March 13 and Jay-Z will be there March 18. And hope all you teeny boppers got your Justin Bieber tickets. He’ll be performing at the Rosemont Theatre March 24 and 25, but tickets already are sold out. For more ticket information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

* Mariah Carey’s hubby, Nick Cannon will be doing a live DJ set at The Underground (56 W. Illinois) February 13th. Brody Jenner will be in town Valentine’s Day weekend as well. “The Hills” star will be hosting a party at Enclave (220 W. Chicago Ave.).

* Cast members from MTV’s hit TV show Jersey Shore are scheduled to be in town over the next few weeks. Be on the lookout for JWOWW at Joe’s Bar on Feb. 19 and Mike “The Situation” and Pauly D. at Joe’s Bar on March 6.

For more exclusive interviews, pictures and video click on www.B96.com or www.ShowbizShelly.com. Showbiz Shelly can be heard 5:30-10am on the J. and Julian Morning Show on B96, 96.3 FM. Try beating her at pop culture trivia 7:15am every morning with the Showbiz Shelly Smackdown You can also catch her on You and Me This Morning on WCIU-TV.

Hey everyone! Summer is finally here which means it’s time for the beach, barbecues and the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash, of course! Huge stars were in town for this year’s show including the Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Akon, Flo Rida, Asher Roth, LMFAO and Kid Cudi. I had the opportunity to speak to all of them and here’s what the ladies of the Bash had to say. Also, I asked Flo Rida (for all of you PoorLittleRichGirls out there) if $100 is a lot of money to him now given his success. Check it out!

Fergie

Q: What’s it like working with all guys?

A: “It’s horrible,” she says with a laugh. “No, no it’s good. We’re like brothers and sister. We’re like one big, crazy family. Just going, running around the world, waking up in different countries. We make sure we go out to clubs together — that’s one of our favorite past times. We have a lot of old, silly memories from going out and we’re making new ones for this run.”

Q: How’s Fergie’s man, actor Josh Duhamel?

A: “He’s good. He’s out promoting Transformers 2 right now, so we’re both in work mode, so it’s good.”

Q: Babies on the way?

A: “Not right now. Not right now.”

Kelly Clarkson

Q: On her favorite dance move:

A: “When I get drunk I generally like the booty shake. We call it the booty quake, the butt. Which kind of naturally happens when I walk because it’s kind of a big butt. I love it! I love my butt. I shake it even more. I love it.”

Q: On people talking about her weight:

A: “Seven year later, really no. I honestly just don’t think there’s a whole lot to talk about. I’m not in the tabloids for anything. I live in Texas so I’m not really in the paparazzi world, so I think people are just running dry! The well has run dry. They have nothing to talk about.”

Q: On the lesbian rumors:

A: “They’ve been saying that forever. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’re gay. Let’s just point that out. Not that it’s an insult, but it’s just one of those things when people ask me all the time, we’ve heard you’re a lesbian. I’m like, ‘No.’ I do get hit on by women and I think it’s cool because it makes you feel attractive obviously. But I like boys…unfortunately. Sometimes I wish I did swing the other way.”

Flo Rida

Q: Worst job he ever had:

A: “I recall living in Las Vegas where I worked at the MGM Grand. I was trying to go to school out there but the music was always just calling me. It was like a night job where there was a conveyor belt where they would throw all the trash onto it, and I would have to dig through it for silverware and things like that, so it was very nasty. I always kept my eye on the music versus what I was really doing because I felt like sometimes you have to struggle to get to where you want to go in life.”

Q: Is $100 a lot of money to you?

A: “Yea, it’s a lot of money. I know where you’re coming from but at the same time if you add up a penny that could make a million dollars…if you have $999,999.99, one penny will make a million.”

Speaking of a lot of money, Johnny Depp made headlines these past few weeks after his visit to Chicago. The superstar was in town recently for the premiere of his new film “Public Enemies” which is in theaters now. Depp had dinner at Gibson’s Steakhouse and left the waiter a $4,000 tip. Also, while at the premiere, which took place at the AMC River East theaters downtown, Johnny spent an hour signing autographs for his fans. Some had been waiting outside since the early morning. Such a nice guy! Go to my page on B96.com to see the video of what the actor said when I asked how he liked Chicago and see pictures from the event on my website.

Of course summer also means vacation time, family and friends and a lot going on in Chicago. Here’s an overview of what’s happening around the city over the next few weeks:

• Venetian Night is July 25. Monroe Harbor (100 S. Lake Shore Drive).

• Don’t forget about Lollapalooza, August 7-9, featuring Depeche Mode, The Killers and Beastie Boys. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive.

• Chicago Air and Water Show is August 15-16 (North Ave. Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive).

• If you’re a movie buff, check out the 6th Annual International Summer Screenings Program at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph, 2nd Floor). They are hosting free public film screenings Wednesday evenings running through September 16th. Fifteen films from around the world will be showcased. Click HERE for more info.

• If you have a chance this summer you might also want to stop by the new “Ledge” attraction at the Sears Tower. Visitors of the Skydeck can now stand on an enclosed glass ledge that juts out from the Sears’ 103rd floor. You’ll see Chicago as you’ve never seen it before, including a view 1,353 feet straight down. 

Lastly, on a sad note, the death of Michael Jackson has touched all of his fans in Chicago and around the world. Officials in his hometown of Gary, Indiana, have proposed a Jackson 5 museum be built. The King of Pop will be missed.

For more, check out www.B96.com or www.ShowbizShelly.com

Welcome to my column! Seeing as this month is the “Hot Issue,” I asked singer and actor Harry Connick, Jr. about as many “hot” questions as I could think of. I recently sat down with him to talk about his film, “New in Town,” also starring Renee Zellweger. You can catch it in theaters now.

Why did “New In Town” seem like a hot script?
It’s sweet. And Renee is just great in everything she does. That’s really the reason I wanted to do it — was to work with her and I knew she was attached to it when I read the script. I thought this looks like a fun movie to do because a lot of times she does things of a heavier nature, and I’ve done some things like that in the past, so this was nice to just lighten up and do something fun.

Behind the scenes moments that were not hot:
The whole movie was goofy and crazy….it takes place in Minnesota but we shot it in Winnipeg and it was just so unbelievably cold. I had to have a beard in the movie and a lot of times we’d be shooting outside. Just from the condensation from your breath, you’d have these like little icicles all over your face and she’d [Renee] be the first to kind of point that stuff out. It would be a little bit embarrassing. Nostricles, beardscicles were huge on the set because it got down to 50 below. It was crazy.

Which is hotter: music or movies?
I’m just glad I can do both. If I’ve been on the road for six months, it’s nice to remain creative off the road. If I had to pick, I’d pick music but fortunately I haven’t had to so far.

On his kids getting all hot and bothered with anticipation waiting to see the film:
Yea, they’re excited to see this one. This is definitely one they can see and they’re looking forward to it. In fact, to my youngest, my six year old, I probably had to explain the story about six times the other night because every time I got to the end she said tell me again, I want to know about it again. She’s really excited about it. My oldest is 12 so it was interesting to see my daughter in the movie have her first date come to the house to pick her up because these are things that are right around the corner for me. It was kind of interesting to test the waters a little bit. My oldest will be 13 in a couple months and so far she’s not really dating, but I’m sure when she does there may be some talks down the road that I’m going to have to have with some of these young guys. She’s got a “boyfriend” now and he’s a great kid and it’s been real cool. Of course, what boyfriend means now is a lot different than what a boyfriend means at 18, so there’s not a whole lot to worry about right now. I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it. I hope she chooses wisely.

On celebrating Valentine’s Day with his hot wife, model Jill Goodacre:
We’ve never been big Valentine’s Day people. We’ve always kind of blown it off because it forces you to throw attention on something you kind of should be doing anyway. We’ve never been big candy or flowers kind of folks. I’m just glad we both aren’t into it. That would suck if she was really into it. If she were, I would go along with it, but I’m just glad she’s not. Could you imagine if I was really into it? That would be worse (he says laughing).

On hot ladies throwing their panties on stage:
That usually happens in the dressing room.

On seeing himself as a hot sex symbol:
No. Just talk to my wife about that. She’ll tell you. We laugh about it. It’s a nice thing that people say that when they occasionally do, but we don’t spend much time thinking about it.

On why a beard is not hot:
I’m not a beard guy. My dad has a great beard when he’s worn it a couple of times in his life, and he looks great with it. But I just don’t have a very good one so I’m happy to shave it off. If I don’t have to shave, I don’t shave, but letting it grow for a month is just never becoming.

Hot Topics This Month!

Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson made her first public appearance Feb. 1 at the Superbowl since the October slayings of her mother, brother and nephew. The American Idol alum belted out the National Anthem. However, she was lip synching because according to the executive producer, “There are too many variables to go live…the slightest glitch would devastate the performance.” According to Entertainment Weekly, Hudson will be going on a six-week tour later this spring.

Everyone has been chattering this month about Jessica Simpson’s weight gain. She looked a little bit heavier while performing at a concert in Florida. Now everyone’s speaking out on it from the ladies of “The View” to her ex, Nick Lachey.

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps got caught with a bong. A picture from a University of South Carolina party hit the internet of Phelps smoking from a marijuana pipe. Not only may the athlete face criminal charges, but USA Swimming has banned him from competing for the next three months. His sponsor, Kellogg’s, also announced they will not be renewing the Olympian’s contract.

On Christian Bale. Tapes were leaked online of a tirade the actor had while filming his movie Terminator: Salvation. Bale let loose on the director of photography after he stepped into a shot. Go to my page on www.B96.com and click on my February 3rd podcasts to hear the audio.

Chicagoan Vince Vaughn was anything but hot last week on a chilly Chicago day. He was seen filming scenes at O’Hare airport for his upcoming movie “Couples Retreat.” Last time I spoke to Vince he said he loves coming back to Chicago because “the people are nice, there’s great architecture and the food doesn’t hurt either.” He also said there isn’t one thing that makes Chicago great, “It’s all things.” Check out my video interview with him on my page at www.B96.com.

It’s the “Hot Issue” but try splurging on a cool treat. Check out the new, one-of-a-kind ice cream shop, iCream, opening on Milwaukee Avenue Saturday, February 21st. It’s America’s first custom-made ice cream café. You pick all the ingredients, including the type of milk base, flavor, etc. and it’s made on the spot. More than 100,000 different combinations are possible. The secret ingredient: liquid nitrogen. Also enjoy coffee, espresso, Italian sodas and more.
iCream
Feb. 21, 2009
10am-10pm
1537 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60622
www.icreamcafe.com

If you missed the Grammy’s, then don’t forget to check out the Oscars this month! It will feature all the hottest stars in movie entertainment. Plus, see the only “Meet the Oscars” exhibit in the country this year in Chicago. You can have the opportunity to grasp a genuine Oscar statuette. Admission is free.

“Meet the Oscars, Chicago”
Feb. 13-22
The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Ave.
312-327-2300

81st Annual Academy Awardss
Feb. 22, 2009
7pm on ABC

Visit www.ShowbizShelly.com or www.B96.com for more info.

From Our Partner:

Business Cards for Professionals

Welcome to my holiday column!

Chris Brown. Rihanna. David Archuleta. Jesse McCartney. Just a few of the performers that put on an incredible show at the recent B96 Jingle Bash in Chicago recently. I caught up with the stars backstage and as a contributor to Poor Little Rich Girls, I asked them how the stars planned to spend their holidays and their hard-earned money this Christmas season.

David Archuleta on his birthday being three days after Christmas:

“I don’t get a whole lot of presents or anything because I never ask for anything really. A few years ago I asked for a phone. That was for my 15th birthday…I got a phone. I feel like when I ask for something and then get it, it’s like, ‘Oh I got it, now I want this.’”

I asked David what he wanted this year and he said he couldn’t think of anything that he really wanted. Check out the entire interview on www.B96.com where David talks about never having a girlfriend and still waiting for his first kiss.

Chris Brown on what he wants for Christmas this year:

“I think I’ve been blessed this year. Artist of the Year is more than what I could have ever asked for. Being nominated for Grammy’s is more than what I could have ever asked for. I think I’ve been blessed this year due to my fans and it’s always good to just give back so I don’t really want anything.”

Chris Brown was just nominated for two Grammys: Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “No Air” with Jordin Sparks and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Take You Down.” He also was named Billboard’s Top Artist for 2008.

Chris’ Christmas plans:

“We don’t have as much snow as out here [in Virginia]. I wish the snow came right on Christmas in Virginia where I’m from. I’m probably going to go home, I’m actually doing a toy drive back where I’m originally from to people who can’t afford different stuff so we’ll give them a whole bunch of toys, have fun with all the kids for the holidays, and then all my family is going to come over to the house, cook, and hopefully open gifts hopefully I’m not giving all the gifts away and receiving a little bit. Everybody thinks I’m gonna get them something….I think I’m going to put Christmas cards together, I think that’s the best bet.”

On what he’s giving Rihanna:

“If I don’t get anything, I’m not giving anything,” he said laughing.

Jesse McCartney’s loud parties at his Los Angeles home are notorious and his neighbors reportedly haven’t been too pleased. I asked him if he plans to get any of his neighbors gifts this Christmas:

“I think the biggest gift for them would be for me to just move at this point which is something I’m thinking about quite frankly. But I don’t know I probably won’t be home actually for a while, they’ll get a little break. I’m going to be traveling and touring and there’s some film prospects happening in 2009 as well….there’s a few neighbors I’ll probably get a gift for, some of them are really cool.”

Gabrielle Union was in town not too long ago to promote the work she’s doing with Ronald McDonald House charities. Her splurge:

“My car. I bought my house eight years ago way under market and I’m going to hold on to it probably forever. I bargained-shopped for my house and pretty much everything else. But with my car, I waited. Each job I was like I’m gonna get my dream car, and each job I saved and saved and saved until finally about four years ago I got my dream car….it’s an [Mercedes Benz] SL 500. I get the new one delivered when I get home so I’m very excited. It’s my baby and the only thing I splurge on. Everything else I’m really frugal with.”

Robert Pattinson from the new film “Twilight” on his splurge:

“I haven’t made enough money to splurge on anything. Actually, I did buy some recording stuff the other day. Which is quite good because I wanted to record some music a few months ago. I was recording in LA and I bought a whole set up for that. That was probably the biggest thing I bought.”

To check out all these interviews and more go to www.B96.com and www.ShowbizShelly.com.

Showbiz Tips

If you’re planning on cooking this holiday season…check out Gwyneth Paltrow’s website www.GOOP.com.  She has several recipes under the MAKE section.

If you enjoy Holiday Music you may want to pick up these albums this season:

My Kind of Holiday, Elliott Yamin
Joy to the World, Faith Hill
Sounds of the Season: The Julianne Hough Collection
Home for Christmas, Sheryl Crow

As summer turns into fall, the air gets cooler, the days get shorter and our skin gets paler. Lately it seems like our summer glow is fading away faster than those skinny b%tches from the new 90210. So, we turned to Chicago based Celebrity Skin Couture Air Tan for a Fall touch up.

The beauty of Celebrity Skin is that the “tanning” comes to you. An in-home airbrush tan service, the technician brings along everything necessary for you to achieve that perfect faux glow. It is so convenient, we were able to have owner, Becky Tures stop by last Thursday, get a tan and have our weekly meeting all in a matter of hours!

We prepped our skin the night before, according to the directions listed on the Celebrity Skin website and made sure to wear loose dark clothing. Becky arrived and set up shop in Eryn’s kitchen (she brings with her a pop-up dressing room of sorts, so no damage done to the least used room in Eryn’s home). First thing’s first- the decision to bare all or to keep panties on- we ask Becky for her advice. “Well, if you don’t see tan lines than of course you look like you have a very natural tan all over.” she replies. “But, then you don’t get as dramatic an effect when you can see the difference between the dark and the light.” she finishes. We decide to go with underwear on, because what’s the fun of a tan if you can’t compare it with your former ghostly self?

We take turns in the booth, each time Becky makes sure to apply the tan evenly, meticulously covering us head to toe. About 20 minutes later, so an hour for all three of us, she dusts us with a little shimmer powder to brighten us up and help the product dry and we are all finished. It was quick, easy and much more efficient than a day spent laying out (and safer for your skin too)! The dyes are all natural and Becky likes to go with Level 1 color for most people, so the results look natural and not orange or fake. “For people that have darker skin sometimes I will put a dash of the darker color in, but the goal is for it to look natural.” she says.

The pricing is very reasonable, and can be a downright steal if you are able to get some girlfriends together and tan as a group. It can be as low as $35 per person if you have a group of 4 or more. A great idea for parties or if you just want to make sure you all look hot in the pics you take next weekend!