Television strangely silent as Berlusconi faces test in regional vote

THE Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, faces a real test of his popularity this week.

In the drink

Alcohol companies are creating music events to promote their brands to young music lovers, writes Sarah Thomas.

William McInnes

The tv heart-throb, author and family man talks about raising kids, doing what you love and surviving life's challenges.

Beauty and the geek

Little Boots gives synth-pop a clever retro spin, writes George Palathingal.

Time to deliver when it counts ... finals football One stellar performance in September can cement a player's reputation

If you were in any doubt just cast your eye over the dominant performers in week one of this year's finals series.

Swing in public mood shocks jock

KYLE SANDILANDS is the Malcolm Turnbull of entertainment. Turnbull is the Sandilands of politics. Both are so on the nose they are perceived to taint any brand they are associated with, which makes it impossible for them to perform their functions (Opposition Leader and shock jock).

Rape row puts Idol judge's job at risk

THE Ten Network is considering dropping the shock jock Kyle Sandilands from its flagship show Australian Idol in response to this week's lie-detector scandal involving a 14-year-old rape victim on his radio show.

Import sings praises of a football oasis

IF ALL else fails for Central Coast Mariners signing Nicky Travis, at least he might be able to make it in an Oasis cover band somewhere.

TV mojo back

AT THE climax of the cultural tsunami known as MasterChef Australia, the victory of Everywoman, Julie Goodwin, the quintessential mother who loved "Aussie" cuisine, and who kept flirting with disaster but cooked like a master when it counted, was a victory for the ordinary becoming the exceptional. When the pressure was highest and the need greatest, she shone. Yet the close run from Poh Ling Yeow, drawing on the cuisine of her Malaysian-Chinese background, also showed the growing diversity of our tastes.

Talent Of Band Seen Nationally

A LAKE Munmorah High School student and his band, 3 Stripe Avenue, made the semifinals of national television talent quest Australia's Got Talent.

Highlights

AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT Prime, 7.30pm DANNII Minogue, pictured, Red Symons and Tom Burlinson return as judges of this second series of Australia's Got Talent a televised talent quest where anything goes.

When

TODAY Kangaroo Valley Show - Includes children's dog obstacle race, talent quest, circus, FYRE Youth Stage. At Kangaroo Valley Showground, 1-6pm. Free entry.

Fame Beckons Band After Us Talent Quest Win

ILLAWARRA rock outfit Through the Eyes of Eve are on the cusp of international fame and fortune after winning a United States-based talent quest.

Talent Quest Lures Ageing Crooners

The producers of the talent quest The X-Factor, which premieres on Channel Ten in February, are poised for their biggest TV talent windfall in the 25-plus category. People of all ages, skills and talent levels turned up for auditions in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney (held last weekend), but insiders say the 25-plus category yielded the most interesting results.