Friday, December 25, 2009
Nick signed Ipod charity auction
Bid on a Nick Lachey autographed i-Pod auction for Charity. This year Nick Lachey has autographed his iPod, loaded onto it his favorite songs, and donated it to the auction. It's a great gift for any Nick Lachey fan not only because they will receive a personalized iPod, but also because 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Music Rising. The auction will launch on December 17, 2009, and end on Monday, December 21, 2009, so that fans can receive their iPods in time for the holidays. Simply follow the eBay link below, and let the bidding begin! We want every Nick Lachey fan to have the opportunity to bid on this one-of-a-kind item. ~Rachel @Tonic.com
Bid on this Ebay item and win - proceeds go to charity
The Sing-Off's Nick Lachey on GDLA
Los Angeles - Singer Nick Lachey hosts the a cappella singing competition " The Sing-Off ", in which groups have been competing for $100,000 and a recording contract from Epic Records/Sony.
Not bad, huh?
Nick came by to talk about the show, the finale, and what's coming next.
"The Sing-Off" finale airs tonight (Monday, 12/21) on NBC.
Woman buys date with Nick Lachey for heartbroken sister
SOURCE
by DONNA WEAVER, Staff Writer | Posted: Friday, December 25, 2009
Jacquelyn Dunphy, of Mount Holly, Burlington County, may be having the best Christmas ever after a dinner date earlier this month with heart throb Nick Lachey that cost $10,600.
OK, well, she didn't pay to take him out to a swanky Los Angeles restaurant. Her sister, Jill Stare, bid on the date through MyWorkButterfly, an online community for working and returning-to-work moms of which Dunphy is a member. Bidding took place over a 10-day period this fall. Proceeds went to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation of which Lachey is an ambassador.
The founders of MyWorkButterfly call Dunphy's win a love story between two sisters.
Stare, of Harrisburg, Pa., bid on the date with Lachey after Dunphy's husband, Patrick T. Perinchief, died from a heart attack in October 2007. He was just 36 years old and left behind two small children, said Bradi Nathan, co-founder of MyWorkButterfly. Perinchief was a lifelong resident of Mount Holly, and worked as a sixth-generation funeral director in the family funeral home, Perinchief Chapels.
Stare wanted to give Jacquie something to look forward to, a reason to get dressed up and to perhaps begin anew, said Nathan, of Livingston, Essex County. Nathan said earlier this month that Dunphy was whisked away to Los Angeles, checked into the W in Westwood, sent to be dressed by Club Monaco and then off to Mastro's restaurant for an evening like no other with Lachey. Surprise - Mario Lopez was dining next to Lachey and Dunphy at Mastros.
"It was amazing. He (Lachey) was wonderful," Dunphy said. "We had so much fun. It was a great night for Save the Music. It's going to be a hard first date to follow."
Nathan said she couldn't have picked a more perfect winner than Dunphy. The widow's story touched the hearts of Nathan, MyWorkButterfly co-founder Terry Starr, and Lachey, Nathan said.
"It had a different impact than someone just doing it for the prospect of meeting a celebrity, and Nick went above and beyond and invited her out afterwards. It was a great way to change someone's life that had been distraught for two years over the death of her husband," Nathan said.
We may be talking about A-list celebrities like Lachey, and jet setting to L.A., but Dunphy, 36, shares something in common with fellow Jersey Girl 38-year-old Nathan. Both working moms call Long Beach Island their second home where their families have vacation homes - albeit on opposite ends of the island. Dunphy said as she grew up vacationing in Beach Haven her friends worked in the Long Beach Township coffee shop Caf� Bacio owned by Nathan's parents.
"We had people entering this contest from all over the world, and we have this LBI connection. It's crazy," Nathan said.
Both women say they are hoping their paths cross again this summer, perhaps this time on LBI.
One Wish (This Christmas Time) Feat. Jeff Timmons (Charity Holiday Bundle) by Brian A
SOURCE
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030IGBG6/ref=cm_sw_r_ms...
Hey Guys - AMAZON.COM just posted my new CHRISTMAS SONG up at the AMAZON STORE! Please go and DOWNLOAD it as a portion of the proceeds of this bundle are going to www.one.org (irradicate poverty), www.amfar.org (fight AIDS), and www.redcross.org (help fallen soldier's families fr IRAQ War who may not see xmas this year!) Thanks! Brian
Merry Christmas From Jeff!
Merry Christmas everyone. Free Christmas download at http://lnk.ms/0TbM1. Hope everyone has a wonderful day with their families!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
‘The Sing Off’ Host Nick Lachey Arrives In LA
Nick Lachey was all smiles as he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday (December 11). The singer is lined up to host NBC’s ‘The Sing Off’, which premieres tonight. As for chances we’ll see a 98 Degrees reunion, Lachey says, “I think there’s always a chance of that. We’ve always kept that door wide open.”
Nick Lachey, Sports Talk Host?
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December 14th, 2009, 10:18 am 
Nick Lachey 1992 SCPA
Lachey, who hosts “The Sing-Off” a cappella competition on NBC starting today (8-10 p.m., Chs 5, 2, through Weds, and next Monday too), told a group of us on a conference call that he someday wants to host a sports talk show. The 1992 SCPA grad, and huge Bengals/Reds/UC Bearcats fan, said:
“Aside from music, sports is my other passion. I could talk about that (sports) for hours on end. So to get paid to do that for hours would be kind of a dream come true at some point.”
With the Bengals headed for the playoffs, and UC going to the Sugar Bowl, and WLW-AM needing some folks to fill in during vacations over the holidays, why not ask Nick to host “SportsTalk” one night? I’m sure he could do it from a Clear Channel studio in Los Angeles.
Some other comments from Lachey:
–He began singing a cappella at SCPA, and then worked two summers at Kings Island singing in a barbershop quartet. (Does anyone remember him from that? To help jog your memory, the above photo is his SCPA senior picture. ) “I sang my share of ‘Lida Rose’ back in the day (at Kings Island)… and had a lot of fun. It (a cappella) is always something I’ve enjoyed.”
–Will there ever be a 98 Degrees reunion? ”There’s always a chance of that. We’ve always… kept that door wide open.”
Hey, Lance McAlister — you need a co-host on “Sports Talk” one night the next two weeks? Or want to take a night off and let Lachey host the show? What fun!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
10 Questions with The Sing-Off's Nick Lachey
Fans mourning Glee's winter hiatus have something to look forward to: NBC's The Sing-Off (premiering Monday at 8/7c). Nick Lachey hosts the four-night a cappella singing competition that features eight groups battling for a $100,000 prize and an Epic Records/Sony recording contract. Judging The Sing-Off are Ben Folds of Ben Folds Five, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger. TVGuide.com spoke to Lachey about the show and why his hosting gig has made him miss 98 Degrees.
TVGuide.com: What sets The Sing-Off apart from the rest of the singing shows out there?
Nick Lachey: This is an a cappella competition so there's no band, no background music — it's just about the human voice. There's a lot of extra pressure that goes along with that, but at the same time when it's done well it's even that much more impressive to hear a great a cappella performance.
TVGuide.com: Why do you think shows like Idol, Glee and Sing-Off strike such a chord with viewers?
Lachey: People loved to be entertained; love to recognize true talent. People at home are going to be blown away by the performances they see and hear [and] to think that these performances are done only with the voice, I think people are going to find that hard to believe but it's absolutely true.
TVGuide.com: What are your duties as host?
Lachey: My role as a host is to walk everyone through the show and be the M.C. of sorts, but at the same time I try to be a real support system for these guys. These groups are under a lot of pressure and I try to encourage them to have a good time, try and keep them loose where I can and just be supportive.
TVGuide.com: Do you have a favorite of the groups?
Lachey: I like them all; they're like all my children. We've got barbershop quartets, we've got more Latin-flavored groups, glee club-type groups, all female groups. They're all very different, but at the same time the talent is very consistent so I know that no matter who wins it's going to be a very deserving group.
TVGuide.com: What advice do you have for the competitors?
Lachey: My advice is kind of the same for all performers. When you get on that stage it's your one shot to give it all you got and so don't have any regrets. Don't leave anything behind; lay it all out on the line. As long as you gave it your all, you can't look at it and never regret something you didn't do.
TVGuide.com: Do you miss performing in a group?
Lachey: Being a part of this show has definitely made me miss the group performance and made me miss a cappella singing because in 98 Degrees we did a lot of that. It's definitely rekindled the fire for group harmony.
TVGuide.com: Any surprises we can look forward to?
Lachey: Well, you've got to tune in to find out! I can say they'll be some great guests as part of the show and aside from the guests just the groups. The performances are phenomenal and everyone is going to really enjoy it, I have no doubt about that.
TVGuide.com: What's up next after The Sing-Off?
Lachey: I'm a producer of a show I created called Taking the Stage on MTV that's going into its second season here in January, and actually working on my own music at the same time.
TVGuide.com: Is there anything you'd like to do that you haven't?
Lachey: At some point the only other thing I'd like to do is host a sports talk radio show.
TVGuide.com: Any chance you'll return to One Tree Hill?
Lachey: I don't know. When you play yourself on a show it's kind of difficult to reprise that role. I don't know that it makes sense to come back and pay another visit to One Tree Hill but I had great times, great cast and great show. It was a lot of fun.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Nick Looking Forward To Turning His Kid Page Like Brother Drew
SOURCE
Nick Lachey was a guest on Bonnie today.
Bonnie introduced Nick by saying “our first guest is a member of 98 Degrees. Tonight we can see him as the host of a new show, “The Sing Off.” At that point Bonnie played a clip of Nick hosting the show which arrives just in time since Glee is now in hiatus until next season.
(THE SING OFF — Episode 101 — Pictured: Nick Lachey — NBC Photo: Chris Hasto
Nick arrived on Bonnie’s stage by jumping onto her firehouse poll and did an amazing glide down to the first floor. He looked hot with tight jeans, a dark jacket and a lighter blue shirt opened at the neck. His hair was perfectly coiffed into a tasteful subdued spikey hairstyle.
He got a huge round of applause from the audience. Obviously Nick still has a ton of fans. Of course he looked sizzling, so no surprise.
Bonnie teased Nick about sliding down the poll because he walked over to her couch holding his stomach while waving to the cheering audience and said “you gotta watch that poll.”
Bonnie laughed “I know, I thought sparks were going to fly when you came down” off the poll. Nick teased her back about the snowman that had been on the show a few minutes earlier “I may be wrong but I’m pretty sure that snowman was hitting on you” and Bonnie said “I know, what are you going to do, I take my compliments where I can get them.” Nick said “well snow people are people too.”
Bonnie laughed and said “Hey that’s right, you know it was fun seeing that clip we just had JShaw on the show singing that song” Nick said “you know the groups on the show are unbelievably talented.”
Bonnie “I love to see that kind of talent where it’s not over produced yet, you know what I mean, and you can really hear the people sing and see what’s really going on. It’s really joyful.”
Nick “yeah, I think that’s the great thing about acapella music is there’s really no where to hide. I mean it really comes down to the talent these groups have and some of the arrangements and the way they’re doing these songs are so creative and innovative that I think people are just going to be blown away by them.”
Bonnie “did you know when you were a kid you wanted to be a performer? Because when I was growing up it was like guys didn’t really do that kinda stuff, even if they really wanted to like hard rock and roll.”
Nick “you know, when I was a little kid I always had this vision in my head that I’d be a football player. That was what I always wanted to do and my mom, I don’t know if it was my pediatrician, but someone told my mom that if I played football my growth plates or something in my body would be damaged. And so she said ‘when you get to 9th grade and you are a freshman, you can play football.’”
He continued “but in the meantime I ended up going to this performing arts school and fell in love with singing.”
Bonnie “well Drew went their first, didn’t he, your brother?”
Nick “he did, yes, he auditioned for the school and my whole family’s making this big todo about how talented Drew is and how he’s going to be the next Mickey Rooney and he’s going to be a big star.
Bonnie “awwwww”
Nick “so literally I got pissed off. Really, it all came down to sibling rivalry and I was going to go and prove to the family that I’m talented too. I can do it too.”
Bonnie “this is so typical of families.”
Bonnie “but how do you decide to do that? Were you guys singing around the house and your parents were, wow, you guys can sing? How does that start?”
Nick “we were in church choir and stuff like that and I was going to go to a different school, a college prep school and play football, but I ended up auditioning for this school and fell in love with it and it’s kinda never left. It stayed there.”
Bonnie “you know I always enjoyed when you and Jessica were doing those Christmas specials. My favorite part was when 98 Degrees was there and singing around the piano or something. What were those days like? Do you miss those times and the guys?”
Nick shook his head yes and said “yes, some of my best times, best memories were back in those days.
Bonnie showed photos of 98 Degrees together in red coats.
Nick “oh boy, look at those outfits. Those (the red coats) were never in style right there. WOW”
Bonnie “you guys were fixing cars in between.”
Nick “yeah we moonlite as mechanics and stuff. You know in some of the early days, in the early early days where we were really struggling and weren’t signed yet.”
Bonnie “What does struggling mean? You guys got together and were a singing group. You guys knew each other? You grew up together?”
Nick “three of us went to the same high school and met the fourth guy through a friend and we just all moved to LA. And just kinda sang around. We’d sing at Taco Bell, we’d sing for food, we’d sing at Fat Burgers. And literally we’d go up to Citywalk and pass the hat around. Until finally someone noticed and said well ‘make a demo’ and we did and we finally got signed.”
Bonnie “where did you guys stay during all that time. Did you all live together?”
Nick “we lived in a wonderful place called North Hollywood. Which should never be confused with Hollywood, Hollywood. Two very different things. But yes, we had a little two bedroom apartment. And literally we were so poor my brother and I pulled a king size mattress out of the trash and literally slept on it.”
Bonnie “Don’t say this to me, I’m horrified. I’m horrified.” Nick “it’s true.” Bonnie “Nick, there’s no way, nooooo” Nick “it was either the dirty carpet that hadn’t been cleaned or the dirty mattress.
Bonnie “dirty carpet, dirty carpet.” Nick “really?” Bonnie “yep trust me, trust me on this.”
Nick “well you know what it was? It was a great motivating tool to get signed because you’re like ‘man I can’t sleep on this mattress much longer. It really, it motivated you to work.”
Bonnie “well sure, you have so much gratitude now. You remember that.
Nick “yeah, but some of those memories are my best because it’s all about bonding and working together for a struggle. Yeah, it was good.”
Bonnie “the struggle is always what defines you.”
Bonnie “Drew has a little girl, Isabella, you’re the godfather.
Nick “I am, I am.”
Bonnie “Look how far you guys have all come. You’re all grown up.”
Nick “yeah, somehow he’s passed me up, I’m not sure what happened there. But now he’s got kids, and he’s married and all this stuff’s happening and I’m just playing catchup. But she’s the best thing that has happened to our family.”
Bonnie said “well are you motivated. I’m not saying you’re motivated to just go out and have a baby because somebody else did. But I don’t believe.”
Nick “that’s pretty much it.”
Bonnie “But it does happen you know? Well you and Vanessa have been together a long time. Do you think that, I mean? You guys are a really cute couple (Bonnie showed a photo of Nick and Vanessa Minello).”
Nick said “thank you, thank you. You know what?”
Bonnie “you’ve taken a lot of time to get to know each other. Right?”
Nick “Ahhh, yeah, yeah. She’s a great girl and I know at some point the kid page will get turned and for me that’s always something I always looked forward to do. But you know, this is a great kinda training period, being an uncle and take care of the neice. And actually he’s about to have another baby here. So I get to be an uncle all over again.”
Bonnie “ohhh, I didn’t know that.”
Nick “yeah, yeah, awesome.”
Bonnie “well it’s so nice to see you. I met you once awhile ago.”
Nick “Yeah, when was that, I remember we met years ago.”
Bonnie “uh huh We met at a party and we left and you never called me again.”
Nick “Reallllllyyy. It was the mattress, wasn’t it?
Bonnie “nice, very nice. You can see Nick at 8 pm on NBC.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
One World One Voice is having an Ask Jeff Timmons contest
One World One Voice is having an Ask Jeff Timmons contest. Send your question to ravenkstarr@gmail.com Top 5 questions will be asked on-air with Jeff January 9th 2010. All winners will be notified by email. Good luck!!!!
According to RavenStarr on Jeff's FB page: The Prize for the contest :One winner will be chosen to co-host the show with us. Submit your question today!
Drew & Lea expecting a son
Tuesday, December 15th 2009, 2:44 PM
Drew Lachey is going to be a dad – again.
The former 98 Degrees member and wife Lea are expecting their second child, People.com reports.
"I get to be an uncle all over again," Lachey’s older brother, Nick, boasted on Monday’s episode of "The Bonnie Hunt Show."
A rep for the proud papa later confirmed that the couple will welcome a baby boy this spring.
The couple, both 33, wed in 2000 and had daughter Isabella Claire in 2006, the same year Lachey took home the trophy for winning the second season of "Dancing with the Stars."
98 Degrees founder talks music with jitZul
Click the SOURCE button for the phone Interview!!
Remember 98 Degrees, the boyband who recorded hits such as Because of You, I Do (Cherish You), and The Hardest Thing? Well, if you do then you must remember Jeff Timmons, who founded the band and was one of the members. Since embarking on a successful solo career, Jeff has taken his love for music and the industry up a level. Now he's writing, recording, and producing music, working his magic behind the scenes.
Jeff was kind enough to sit down with jitZul and do an interview over the phone. To learn more about him, please visit Jeff's MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, and his Official Website, where you can sign up to receive his newest album for FREE!!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
NICK LACHEY THE SING OFF NOT YOUR AVERAGE TV SINGING
OK, lets do the math. The Sing Off has contestants competing for a singing title, complete with a panel of three industry professionals as the judges. And America controls the votes. But, the show is still different than any other reality singing series weve seen before says The Sing Off host, Nick Lashey. Really?
What separates The Sing Off from other singing competition series is that the performances are all a cappella so there is no margin for error Lashey claims. And The Sing Off is just the competition hes aching to see.
What does the winner receive? An Epic Records/Sony Music recording contract. Not a bad deal for four night's work.
Click onto video for Nick Lasheys thoughts on how The Sing Off separates itself from the other singing reality competition series on television.
The Sing Off begins tonight and continues Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, with the finale scheduled for Monday, December 21st, beginning 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
Nick Lachey ('The Sing Off') *the interview*
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 5:34am EST
By Lara Martin, News Editor
NBC
What's the show about?
"This is a reality competition about a capella music, so it's unlike some competitive shows that we've seen in the past which have background bands and music. This is all about the human voice and doing great arrangements of the song using only the human voice."
How did you get involved with it?
"In 98 Degrees we did a lot of a capella singing so it's always been a real passion of mine. When I heard they were doing a show about it, I really wanted to be a part of it and thankfully I was able to be the host, so it's very exciting and I think everybody out there is going to love the performances they will see."
What sets this apart from other singing competitions like American Idol?
"The biggest thing that sets it apart is that there is no safety net, no band, no background music. It's all about a capella. If these groups make a mistake it's going to be glaring, there is nowhere to hide. I think that definitely raises the stakes and certainly creates a lot more pressure, but at the same time, when it's done well, it's that more impressive."
What are you looking for in the winning group?
"It's everything from stage presence to performance to harmonies to blend and pitch - there's a lot of things that go into a great performance. These groups are all talented and that's why they are here but I think it's the group that combines all the elements together in a great performance that will win the competition."
You're hosting The Sing Off, but could you ever see yourself judging a talent competition?
"I'm actually thankful that I'm not a judge because it's going to be incredibly hard to pick just one group! I'm happy just to be the host and root for everybody! I'm not a brutally honest kind of guy so I think I'm better served as the host! Most of my stuff is on stage, acting as the emcee and bringing the audience in. Backstage I try to act as a support system for them and encourage them to have a great time and do a great show."
The judging panel includes Ben Folds, Shawn Stockman and Nicole Scherzinger - what do they bring to the table?
"They are all very accomplished in their own careers and own rights so they bring a lot of great wisdom and experience to the panel and it's great for these groups to get this feedback from them."
If this show had been around when 98 Degrees were just starting out do you think you would have entered?
"If we were an unsigned group at the time we would have done anything we could! We certainly would have been a part of it if we could have done!"
What would have been your killer audition song?
"Probably 'It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday' or 'In The Still Of The Night'."
Does being around all these a capella groups make you nostalgic for the days of 98 Degrees?
"It does, yeah. Seeing these groups performing together and doing the a capella definitely does make me reminisce for our days in the group, so I kind of got the itch a little bit."
So a reunion could be on the cards one day?
"You never know! We always kept that door wide open so we'll see!"
What else are you working on at the moment?
"I'm just putting the finishing touches on my next solo record which will come out next year and I'm working on my TV series Taking The Stage, which is going into its second season in mid-January. I have a lot of stuff going on, I'm trying to stay busy and I'm just enjoying my time here with The Sing Off."
Finally, any plans for Christmas and the New Year?
"I'm just spending the holidays with family. I think that's what the holidays are all about, being with the people you love and care about and for me, that's my family."
The Sing Off continues tonight and tomorrow night on NBC
Lachey: 'Door open for 98 Degrees'
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 9:53am EST
By Lara Martin, News Editor
NBC
Nick Lachey has claimed that there is always a chance that 98 Degrees could reform in the future.
The singer and reality star, who is currently fronting NBC's The Sing Off, launched his career as a member of the 1990s band, who sold more than ten million records before deciding to take a break in 2002.
Speaking to Digital Spy, he said: "You never know! We always kept that door wide open so we'll see!"
Lachey went on to admit that hosting the a capella competition had made him nostalgic for his old band: "Seeing these groups performing together and doing the a capella definitely does make me reminisce for our days in the group, so I kind of got the itch a little bit."
He added that if the programme had been around when 98 Degrees was starting they "would have been a part of it" if they could.
The Sing Off continues tonight on NBC.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Nick Lachey at LAX 12/11/09
SOURCE
Nick Lachey is all smiles as he arrives at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Celebrity Extra w/ Jeff
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Q: I am a sucker for anything related to boy bands and was wondering what Jeff Timmons (formerly of 98 Degrees) has been up to lately. — Katrina R., via e-mail
A: Timmons, 36, is putting the finishing touches on his sophomore solo album, which is tentatively titled “Emotional High,” and is offering it to his fans for free. I asked Jeff why he is giving his album away, and he explained: “I love this new music, and I want people to be able to get their hands on it.
“We sold almost 11 million records with 98 Degrees,” he said, “and I don’t know if all the fans out there are aware that I do music myself. They don’t know what my music is going to sound like, and I can’t expect them to just go out and buy it, spend 10 or 15 bucks. I thought, I’ll give it away.” Go to jefftimmons.com for more details and to sign up to receive your free copy of “Emotional High.”* * *
Nick And Vanessa At Beso, Asked About Jessica's New Man
Watch this video on VideoSurf or see more Nick Lachey Videos or Billy Corgan Videos
Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo’s Date Night
Enjoying an evening out together, Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo were spotted leaving Beso restaurant on Friday night (December 11).
The boy band stud and his reality TV star beauty held hands as they made their way through the crowd at Eva Longoria’s restaurant and into to the parking lot, doing their best to ignore the on-hand paparazzi.
Coming up next week, Lachey’s upcoming capella show, “The Sing Off” will be airing on NBC for four night beginning December 14th.Of a capella performances, Nick says, “When it all comes together, I think there is no better sound in the world,” he added. “On the flipside, if it doesn’t come together successfully, it can come off not so impressively, which is what these groups are challenged with. It’s blend, tone, timing, feeling. You have to sing with one voice and that’s the challenge of it.”
SOURCE
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Lachey Giving Back To Local Schools
CINCINNATI -- Nick Lachey has teamed up with Abbott Nutrition to give back to local schools.
They will present a $150,000 grant to Cincinnati Public Schools Friday at Shroder Paideia College Prep Academy.
The grant is part of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
Lachey will present the check personally at 11:15 a.m.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Nick Lachey cements his status as a musical star of reality TV
SOURCE
December 4, 2:48 PM
Celebrity Q&A ExaminerCarla Hay
Nick Lachey became famous for being a singer, but in the last several years, he’s reinvented himself as a TV star in addition to being a recording artist. He had a recurring role in "Charmed," and he has starred in reality TV shows on MTV and NBC. His latest reality show is "The Sing-Off," a mini-series talent contest featuring unsigned a capella groups competing to win $100,000 and a contract with Sony Music Entertainment’s Epic Records. Lachey is the host of the four-episode "Sing-Off" series, which premieres December 14 on NBC at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific Time. The remaining episodes air at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific Time on December 15, December 16, and December 21. Joining host Lachey in "The Sing-Off" are judges Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, and Ben Folds of Ben Folds Five fame.
In a telephone conference call that took place the day before Scherzinger’s participation in the show was announced, Lachey chatted with journalists about "The Sing-Off," his advice for aspiring musical artists, and the possibility of reuniting with his former vocal group 98 Degrees. But one thing he didn’t talk about was his personal life, since journalists were told before the interview that personal questions weren’t allowed and that anyone who asked a personal question would be cut off from the conference call. So don’t expect Lachey to comment in this interview on his ex-wife Jessica Simpson or his relationship with on-again/off-again girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo. (And considering all the tacky and often-erroneous tabloid stories about his love life, it’s understandable that Lachey wants to keep quiet to the media about it.) But if you want to see an in-depth discussion with Lachey about music, then read on.
Can you kind of talk about your hosting duties for "The Sing-Off" and what the format of the show is going to be?
I think obviously it's all about a cappella music, which is exciting to me, because it's kind of a forum that no one's really explored on television before and it's something that's really a passion for me having grown up singing a cappella music. In 98 Degrees, we always really took a lot of pride in being able to sing a cappella and sing live a cappella.
So I think my responsibility here is kind of one part to move the show along and kind of act as the emcee and keep things moving and kind of keep that organization in play. And I think, secondly, to really be kind of a support system to these groups and encourage them as they go through this process. It's certainly a daunting task to take on a cappella performance on live television. So I'm excited to be a part of it and excited to hear what these guys have to offer. It should be a lot of fun.
Nick Lachey in "The Sing-Off"
Are you a fan of "American Idol" and would you ever have Paula Abdul as a guest judge?
I have to be honest with you. I have not been the most avid watcher of "American Idol" as a series but have always been a fan of a cappella music, and I think that's what's so intriguing about this particular show is that with a cappella music — unlike other shows where you have a band behind you — there's really nowhere to hide. It's all about the talent and it's all about the performance and the preparation which is why, again, I'm so excited to be a part of this series.
Who is your favorite group or singer right now?
Favorite group or singer now would be probably Kings of Leon, but I grew up a huge fan of Boyz II Men, which is obviously why I'm so excited that Shawn [Stockman of Boyz II Men] is one of our judges. And in addition to that, groups like Take 6 … A cappella groups were always an inspiration for myself and for my group, 98 Degrees.
How has your music has changed over the years?
Yeah, [it has] just become more mature, I think as I become more mature. The sound in the pop music as a whole has kind of changed and, hopefully, I've been able to evolve along with it.
There are so many a cappella groups out there. So what do you think sets one group apart from the rest as being really outstanding?
A cappella can cover so many different styles. And I think we're going to see a lot of those different styles represented in the different kinds of groups that we have on the show I think that aside from the stylistic differences, what really sets a group apart is their preparation. As I said before, there's really nowhere to hide when doing a cappella. So how much you put into it and how much you prepared and practiced I think is really going to be one of the really telling things that shines through on the show.
Shawn Stockman, Nick Lachey, Nicole Scherzinger and Ben Folds of "The Sing-Off"
What do you think Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman will bring to the table as judges for the show?
Well, clearly, both are incredibly respected and talented musicians who have been in the business a long, long time and both very familiar with what it means to be an a cappella performer and have a real passion for a cappella music. So I can't think of two better-suited people to be on that panel and I think they're going to bring a real expertise and a real knowledge of what it means to be really good at singing and performing a cappella music.
How are you’re a capella skills? Did you kind of grow up in your family singing a cappella like maybe around the holidays or anything like that?
I wish I had a great family holiday a cappella story for you but I don't. Just having gone to performing arts school, I was in a couple different groups that we really loved singing a cappella. One was a six-part male group that I used to meet with before school and we did a lot of Take 6 music which is six-person harmony which is really, really intricate and challenging stuff. And then I was also in a barbershop quartet that performed at King's Island Amusement Park so that was kind of my summer gig in high school.
Did you ever have dreams of being in a barbershop quartet?
Yeah, I sang my share of "Lida Rose" back in the day and just did all that stuff and had a lot of fun. So yeah, it's always something I've enjoyed.
Nick Lachey in "The Sing-Off"
What do you think are the challenges of a cappella music?
Well, it really encompasses so many things. You have to be a good individual singer but more importantly than that, it's when it all comes together. And when it comes together successfully, I think there's no better sound in the world. But on the flip side of that, if it doesn't come together successfully, it can not come off so impressively, which is what these groups are going to be challenged with. But it's everything from blend and tone and timing and feel and you have to really sing as one voice so to speak — and that's the challenge of it.
Did you ever have like a singing remedy, like lemon tea, that you used to kind of get your voice in tip-top shape?
I think the best remedy is to practice and keeping your voice in shape. But I think tea and honey and all that stuff and warming up and really preparing [are] all good ways to go about being ready to perform.
Jerry Rice and Nick Lachey at the Madden NFL 10 Pigskin Pro-Am in Malibu, California, July 2009
Can you talk more about a cappella, as far as competing will be like, as opposed to just performing? What changes in the aspect of the competition?
I think there are so many different ways you can treat a song creatively, a cappella wise … I think it's going to be their arrangement and their renditions and the ways that they creatively use their voices, you know, that's going to set them apart from one another. So I'm excited to hear it because there's just so many different ways you can go about it. And I think that the more creative you are — so to speak — the more impressive it's going to be and that's what's great about a cappella.
Out of all the jobs you've done in the entertainment industry which one was your favorite?
I think singing is always for me kind of my passion and really the way I broke into the business. And it will always be, I think for me, first and foremost in my heart. It's what I love to do and love to be a part of, so obviously it's why I'm excited about this show.
And is there anything that you want to do entertainment or not that you haven't done yet that you would like to do?
One thing I'd like to host [is] a sports talk-radio show. Aside from music, sports is my other passion, I could talk about that for hours on end. So to get paid to do that for hours would be kind of a dream come true at some point.
Nick Lachey and his younger brother, Drew Lachey, at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 in Homestead, Florida, November 2009
Is there any hope for a 98 Degrees reunion?
I think there's always a chance of that. We've always kept that door wide open.
And you said you always liked a cappella, but how'd you all come up with the idea for this show?
It's an interesting story, actually. It really started with a film [with the working title "A Capella"] that was being developed by Sony Pictures. There is a movie script that was being developed around the whole a cappella world especially around colleges and universities. And the way I understand it Amy Pascal, the chairman of Sony Pictures, was reading the script and of course not only was responding to how good the idea was for a movie, she immediately I think contacted the television division of Sony and said, "You guys should try to turn this into a sort of reality competition show." And that's sort of when it started. And then the Sony television people contacted me and I came in and we sort of all developed it together. And several months later here we are with "The Sing-Off."
What’s one of your favorite a cappella performances that you've done in the past?
I'd say one that really sticks out to me was when I was in 98 Degrees and we had a chance to do the "Christmas at the White House" special when President Clinton was in office and a chance to sing "Ave Maria." We had a great a cappella rendition of "Ave Maria" that we had a chance to sing for the President and quite a few other dignitaries at that event so that stands out as probably one of the most exciting.
Nick Lachey in "The Sing-Off"
Did you sing, baritone, tenor, bass?
I was the second tenor so I was the second highest in the foursome.
What would be some of the songs you'd love to see performed a cappella on the show?
I think that's what's going to be so exciting about the show: The range of the repertoire is going to be pretty extensive. And to hear the approach that these groups take in taking the song — maybe not at first listen which seemed like you'd hear it a cappella — but being able to take that song and make it a cappella and do a great creative rendition of it is what's going to make the show so fun to be a part of.
Now the hosting gig sounds pretty cool. What would you have said if they asked you to be a judge?
You know what? I wouldn't have been opposed to being a judge. But that said, I enjoy the opportunity to not have to play that role and just the friend to the groups and the support system. That's something I enjoy. But at the same time I think having been in music in the business for about 13 years now, you kind of learn over that course of time what is good and what sounds good and so it puts you in a position to be able to hopefully be able to be an effective judge. But I'm happy to be the host in this case.
98 Degrees, pictured from left to right: Jeff Timmons, Nick Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Drew Lachey
How do you think 98 Degrees would have done in the competition like this?
I'd like to think we would have done pretty well. I mean, a cappella is pretty much the way we got signed and the reason we were in the business to begin with. So I think we'd have held our own.
What's the latest on Season 2 of "Taking the Stage"?
It's coming back in late January [2010].
What advice would you give to the upcoming groups?
Be as creative as you can. And practice as much as you can. I think preparation is a huge component of a cappella singing. And just what I tell every performer before they go out is, "Just leave it all on the stage, go for it and have fun with it and be an entertainer." That's what it all comes down to. So I'm sure they'll be great and they'll have a lot of time to get their stuff together. It should be a lot of fun.
Nick Lachey at the Greater Boston Food Bank, October 2009
You do a lot of charity work. Why is that so important to you?
I feel very blessed in life. I've been fortunate enough to be in the business for a long time and I've had a lot of great things happen for me. And I think a part of that is realizing your position and having perspective enough to use that position to try and do some good and give back so I've tried to do that whenever I can.
You were involved in a reality show called "Clash of the Choirs" a couple years ago on NBC. What did you learn from that that you can tell these kids?
I think it's similar in a sense that … these people don't do this for a living. These are people who have jobs and have families and their passion is singing a cappella. And we saw that passion in "Clash of the Choirs" as well but I think, you know, I think this, you know, it really comes down to the performance.
You know, what was so great about "Clash of the Choirs" when we did "The Flight of the Bumblebee," that was the only a cappella song you heard on that show, so it kind of stood out for that reason and there's really nowhere to hide. And I think that's what's going to be so great about the show is that we have nothing but a cappella performances. And just the level of talent, the level of skill is going to be phenomenal. So I'm very excited to be a part of it.
Have you seen the groups yet? Have you met them yet?
I have not, so I'll get into that here shortly and like I said I can't wait to hear them. There's so many talented singers across the country and … they went through a very extensive process to find the best of the best so it should be fantastic.
Nick Lachey at the Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic in Lutz, Florida, January 2009
And how many summers did you sing barbershop at King's Island?
Two. It was in 1990 and '91 or '91, '92, somewhere in there.
How much do you interact with Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman on "The Sing-Off"?
I think they will be a judge panel and their decisions and their judgments will be exclusively theirs. I won't have anything to do with that. I think my role is purely to kind of create that synergy between the artists and the groups and the judges and keep the show moving along. So in terms of what they do and their jobs on the show and mine is, mine is separate from that.
What kind of tips or advice would you give to the group that wins on handling the success moving forward and just kind of staying together and being strong as a group?
I think that the most important thing to remember in success is just to remember how it felt before you were successful and remember why you started singing together to begin with and that's because you loved the music and you loved performing with one another. As long as you keep I think all that really relevant in your lives and you remember what got you there then you'll be in good shape.
Brandy and Nick Lachey at Z100's 2008 Jingle Ball in New York City
Were you surprised by some of the song choices and will we be surprised by some of the song choices?
Yeah, I think both. I think it's again that's one of the things I'm most excited about is the opportunity to take some repertoire, some songs that maybe at first glance you wouldn't think of as being done in an a cappella format. But that's the challenge is to take those songs and to make them a cappella and make them a cappella in a very creative and interesting way. So I think there will be some surprises, some of the choices which is great. I think that's one of the most exciting things about this whole [contest].
Which contemporary song would you like to do an a cappella version of?
Gosh you know, I always enjoy taking something that's really like out of left field … There was a group that just did Kanye [West's] "Heartless" and did like a whole scaled-back, almost acoustic musical version of that song. So it's like songs that are completely unexpected. You take a rap song and you somehow turn it into a melodic song. If you're able to do that and do it successfully and do it well, I think it's incredibly impressive. So I think again the choices of songs is going to be a huge part of it and the creative approach that these groups bring to adapting those in their own way is going to be a huge part what sets them apart from one another.
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