Aly to CNN! A la Kiran?

Fox’s finest foxes have left the building: But, the vixens did it different ways. Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Kiran Chetry was unceremoniously escorted out of the FNC den sans her personal belongings according to NYMag.com whereas whilom F&FW co-anchor Alisyn Camerota was given an “emotional @FoxNews send-off” with her belongings packed by her colleagues. Happily for their respective fans, they both subsequently found a home–at CNN.

As long-time Fox News viewers may well remember, Kiran was a rising star at FNC as co-host of both Fox & Friends Weekend (and Fox & Friends First) in 2006 and she was widely expected by her phalanx of fans to take over for E.D. Hill whenever she left her center seat on the curvy couch: However, FNC Senior VP of Programming Bill Shine dashed her and their hopes when he selected the rather awkward and too oft solipsist Gretchen Carlson for the position on September 22, 2006. Later, in early  2007, Kiran negotiated for a new contract with a high-powered agent who, according to FNC, wanted a term for Kiran to replace Gretchen by a certain date: Conversely, purportedly, she simply wanted a provision that she could escape her contract if she were not awarded that position by a certain date. Consequently, FNC cut off contract negotiations with Kiran in a royal row, and eager CNN’s Prez Jonathan Klein hired the prized journalist that day within an hour of learning of the “extraordinary circumstances.” (According to NYMag.com, a less impressed FNC had the Nepalese lovely escorted out of the building without her personal effects in her office and hubby FNC weatherman Chris Knowles had to “raid her office” to get them–before being “released from his Fox News contract” the very next day.)

Similarly, Kiran’s former FNC colleague, Aly, has been a shining star in the Fox News constellation, deftly doing double duty as the captain of Fox & Friends Weekend and ably subbing for Gretchen on the F&F “A-Team” at the drop of a hat during even the most momentous moments. When Gretchen renegotiated her contract and received her own show, viewers naturally assumed Aly would finally be coronated as F&F weekday queen. Using the same “wisdom” that inanely snubbed Kiran seven years earlier, Shine chose The View‘s discarded damsel Elisabeth Hasselbeck for the role over fan fave Aly: Shortly thereafter, he sent Aly “out to “pasture” with Bill Hemmer for a short while on America’s Newsroom and replaced her on F&FW with his new hire, Anna Kooiman. Subsequently, with Kiran’s purportedly ill-conceived forced exit in mind, FNC and Aly crafted a happier meme: Aly Tweeted a pic of her in her office with her files (with a sweet note that @lauraingle, @JennRiveraTV, and @rickreichmuth had helped her pack) and another of her in the hallway hugging one of many in a gauntlet of FNC colleagues. To any doubting Thomas,  she returned to the building to guest on Kilmeade and Friends, telling her fans, “I left on great terms. I love everybody here: I think the feeling is mutual. And, it’s fun to be back in the building.” But, not for long: On Monday, CNN Worldwide Prez Jeff Zucker announced that he had grabbed the “seasoned journalist with a great curiosity and passion for the news…[that]…has a presence on camera…[that]…is very hard to find.”

Who knows? Maybe, Aly and Kiran fans will be treated to a double espresso of the arousing Aphrodites in the morning. When one Twitter follower Tweeted, “You and @kiranchetrytv should team up again. You two were great,” Aly answered, “That would be a blast.”

Indeed, it would. Vintage Fox & Friends Weekend on CNN? Aly and Kiran: A real “New Day”!

[Author’s aside: It may be no anomaly that Kiran (CNN’s former American Morning co-host) made her return to the CNN morn Sunday on Reliable Sources as a guest journalist in a segment entitled “Women, TV News, and Attractiveness.”]

 

Kiran: Chetrylicious Still?

K.C.: “Thanks for the honorable mention. i think.” Former FNC and CNN anchor Kiran Chetry may have exited cable news but she is far from forgotten. In “Sports Bank’s 1st Annual Hottest Female News Anchors” Top Ten list, the Nepalese beauty still earned an honorable mention even though she left “the building” almost a year and half ago. In fact, the “judge” indicated that otherwise she “would have easily made…[the]…Top 5.”

Accepting her “hotness” award with good humor, Kiran Tweeted, “Thanks for the honorable mention. i think. lol.” Raising hopes anew for her fervid votaries, Kiran continued, “I’ll be back soon. one year wiser, one year older.”

However, taking issue with Kiran’s list placement, hubby Chris Knowles aptly remarked, “@Kiranchetrytv honorable mention? Clearly blind men took part in this survey.” Following Chris’ cue, one Kiran Twitter follower payed his own homage, succinctly saying, “Namaste rani….” Meanwhile, another acolyte chimed, “You should be #1 on that list. You r the most beautiful and professional reporter I have come across.”

As long-time readers may recall, Carpe Diem coined the term “Chetrylicious” for Kiran over four years ago. Subsequently, American Morning EP Jamie Kraft seemed to embrace the moniker: E.g., during one AM, when the author suggested that he show Kiran dancing on camera, he did so forthwith to the tune of “Fergalicious.” Perhaps, taking that thought to heart a mite too much (about seven months later), “Richard Simmons literally salivated” over Kiran (and her feet) on that very memorable American Morning.

Chetrylicious still? If Kiran’s recent Twit pics are any indication (1,2), she certainly still definitely deserves that description. Nevertheless, Kiran’s fans may need much more proof–or, at least, assuredly want it!

Kiran Chetry: A Year Later

Kiran’s “very special opportunity” realized? Yesterday marked the first anniversary of Kiran Chetry‘s departure from CNN’s American Morning and from cable news in general. In her emotional namaskaar to her AM fans on July 29, 2011, she tearfully declared, “I’m terrible at goodbyes. I’m not going to say goodbye. I’m going to say, ‘See you soon.'” Approximately six months later (January 26), Kiran finally did return to television as a special E! correspondent: In that capacity, she facilely covered the NY premier of NBC series Smash then and about two weeks later deftly interviewed country music singer Dierks Bentley in an exclusive.* To the author’s knowledge, Kiran has not been back on television since then.

However, Kiran has reemerged for brief stints in other media forms. She guest-anchored GBTV’s Internet show “Real News from the Blaze” on April 20; guest-hosted news talk radio WABC’s “John Batchelor Show” on May 12; and penned a personal piece for Recessionista.com on June 8.

Even though her media appearances have been far too scant for her fans’ taste, Kiran has maintained her presence on Twitter with personal Tweets and photos. E.g., she has shared her experiences as a judge for Miss Nepal USA 2011; a Yoga goddess; a tennis champ; a celeb hobnobber; and, most importantly, the mommy of Maya (6) and Chris (4). In so doing, she has shown that she has seized a “very special opportunity” for herself this past year.

Nevertheless, Kiran’s acolytes are eagerly awaiting another “very special opportunity” for her professionally. Kiran certainly has the “it factor” when it comes to beauty, brains, and charisma on the news screen. Hopefully, she will get that chance very soon.

[Author’s aside: For those CD readers who have inquired about her marital status, Kiran and her hubby Chris Knowles may possibly be in transition: Their connubial bands do seem to have disappeared lately in their photos and they reportedly have moved from their Westchester residence. Regardless, best wishes to both of them!]

*E! News (Dierks exclusive) – 02/08/12 (@ 7:35 p.m. ET)

Ali: “Miss You” Still, Kiran

Velshi (August 2011): “Miss @KiranChetryTV every morning.”  Today, CNN anchor Ali Velshi almost echoed those very words that he had shared with his former American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry‘s hubby Chris Knowles after Kiran left the show almost a year ago. And, in his sweet missive to Kiran, he said what many CNN morning viewers assuredly have been thinking lately, i.e., “Miss you.”

Earlier, Aly had received a Tweet from a former AM viewer yesterday, fondly reminiscing, “Those were the days I used to watch @cnn in the morning cc/ @AliVelshi @kiranchetrytv pic.twitter.com/6wkzOPSx. Somewhat awkwardly, Ali answered, “Ahh, memories of my old friend!” Not surprisingly, a “piqued” Kiran playfully interjected, “@AliVelshi hey who are you calling old mr??” Aptly apologetic, Ali responded, “Long time! I meant my ‘long time’ friend!’ Miss you.”

Indeed. If the paltry ratings of Early Start and Starting Point are any indication, so do many more of Kiran’s American Morning fans. Without doubt, TV cable news needs its “ray of light” again.

AM’s Christine Romans: “Our Chris Knowles”

American Morning co-anchor Christine Romans appears to have adopted her former co-host Kiran Chetry‘s hubby, meteorologist Chris Knowles—at least, on air. As Kiran’s bad boy made yet another appearance (in three of six AM shows from 12/07-14/11) sans wedding ring or a reference to his better half, Christine introduced him, saying, “Our Chris Knowles.”* Whether she was simply embracing Chris personally or signally a new working relationship was not immediately clear.

However, it would be rather ironic if Chris has signed on to the moribund AM in its final hour. After all, less than five months ago, his Nepalese beauty signed off the show as she bid her fervid fans a tearful namaskaar with a pledge to “see ya soon.” Perchance, Chris is trying to convince his wifey’s fans to stay tuned in the interim.

If so, welcome aboard, Chris!

[Author’s aside: “Our Chris Knowles.” Christine, almost exactly a year ago, another AM co-host enigmatically uttered those very same words. AM‘s erstwhile Aphrodite herself.]

*American Morning – 12/14/11 (@ 6:16 a.m. ET)

AM: Kiran’s Bad Boy Back [Updated]

Sans wedding ring. Today, former American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry‘s hubby Chris Knowles appeared twice on the CNN morning news show today–without his connubial band and with nary a word of his beloved beauty.* Sitting in the very seat of his “wifey” in his first appearance on the AM divan (i.e., screen right of both AM  co-hosts Christine Romans and Carol Costello), Chris ably reported on an OWS protester who had crossed over to “the enemy” and procured a job with a Wall Street financial firm. However, the viewer could be forgiven if s/he were somewhat distracted during Chris’ story: As he conversed with Kiran’s former CNN colleagues, Chris made no mention of his lovely lady, AM‘s erstwhile Aphrodite, and his ring finger seemed brazenly bare.

Fogiveable forgetfulness or playful payback? If the latter, not nice, Chris. Remember, Kiran was just “kidding.”

*American Morning – 12/07/11 (@ 6:46 a.m. ET and 8:58 a.m. ET)

Update: Unfortunately, Chris “forgot” to wear his wedding band yet again the very next day (Thursday) in his two AM appearances.**  Still forgiveable? Only Nepal’s delectable devi can decide.

** American Morning – 12/08/11 (6:16 a.m. ET and 8:32 a.m. ET)

A.M.: Kiran Back–Almost

Black Friday. Former American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry returned to her CNN morning program Friday–or, at least, her other half did. In a surprise appearance, Kiran’s hubby, meteorologist Chris Knowles, appeared thrice on AM as a correspondent on the Black Friday shopping mania at Macy.* Somewhat strangely, the AM co-hosts, Carol Costello and Alina Cho made no mention of their former colleague in their collegial chats with Chris.

Not surpisingly, the whilom FNC meteorologist and WPIX weekend weatherman was his usual winsome, witty self. In a rave review of her hubby’s reporting, Kiran Tweeted, “He was fantastic wasn’t he?!” Yes, he was good: But, in the author’s opinion, Kiran is definitely his better half.

As to Kiran’s real return to television, the Nepalese beauty assured her fans earlier this month that she will be back “very soon.”

* American Morning – 11/25/11 (6:02 a.m. ET; 7:02 a.m. ET; and 8:01 a.m. ET)

Ali Velshi: [I] Miss Kiran Chetry Every Morning

Yesterday American Morning co-host Ali Velshi pined for Kiran Chetry, his  gorgeous, exotic former AM co-host. After her hubby, meteorologist Chris Knowles, appeared anew on A.M.: Wake-Up Call for a weather segment, Ali Tweeted, “@chrisknowlestv nice to see you on our air. Miss @KiranChetryTV every morning.” And who could blame him?

After Kiran tearfully left AM for a mysterious “very special opportunity” on July 29, he has co-hosted the program with Christine Romans and Carol Costello. For the cosmopolitan Kenyan-born Canadian, his two former Iowa farm girls may seem a mite too plain and prosaic in comparison–especially, if the lovely ladies’ recent dress and mien are any indication. On one hand, Christine, overly cloaked in her high-collared tops and school marm midis, appears determined to play the earnest advocate: On the other, Carol, too oft in her Kyra Phillips slacks and/or Mary Jane shoes, seems to strive to be the studied cynic.

Unfortunately for Ali, AM‘s Aphrodite has left the the Time Warner Center: And, the sexy Nepalese beauty has not been replaced. Only Kiran’s personally dubbed “resident fashionista” Alina Cho may have come somewhat close. But, alas, Ali was gone that day.

Missing Kiran, Ali? So do your American Morning viewers!

Poppy: “If Kiran Wants to Sell Her Wedding Ring”

Kiran: No, I don’t! I’m teasing, Honey! American Morning Kiran Chetry gave her hubby a sportive scare Wednesday. After appearing to have forgotten her wedding ring again Tuesday,* Kiran had her connubial bond conspicuously back on her ring finger yesterday. However, it was not on permanent display.

During an AM report entitled “What’s Your Gold Worth?” by CNNMoney.com host Poppy Harlow,” Kiran playfully reminded her hubby not to take her for granted. After Poppy had aired a clip of people getting their gold assayed (for Kiran and her co-hosts Christine Romans and Ali Velshi), she remarked, “If you are thinking about selling your gold now, we are an all-time high.” In response, an puckish Kiran took off her wedding ring and presented it to Poppy, saying, “Here you go!”

Clapping her hands in laughter, Poppy proclaimed, “That’s your wedding ring!” As Christine guffawed, “Kiran!,” a grinning Kiran exclaimed, “I’m kidding!”

Facetiously, Poppy proffered, “If Kiran wants to sell her wedding ring.” Before she could continue, Kiran interjected, “No, I don’t! I’m teasing, Honey.” Somewhat reassuringly, Poppy concurred, “But, she doesn’t Chris.”

Kiran: Keeping hubby honest!

*Kiran sans wedding ring [American Morning – 07/27/10 (@ 6:01)] and less than five minutes later with one (single band with larger rock) that appeared different than her own (two banded one – joined wedding and engagement rings) less than five minutes later. Comparative closeup (brief) – 6:47 a.m. ET.

Kiran Parties Hard in London

Chetry: “Last standing.” With her hubby and kids safely ensconced across the Pond in Larchmont (NY), American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry showed her  male colleagues in London that she’s no dull girl. After CNN’s hard-working royal wedding anchor told a Twitter follower Monday that she had not tried the pubs yet, Kiran remedied that in no short measure the very next day. According to “Page Six” of the New York Post, AM‘s Aphrodite joined her colleagues, CNN’s Piers Morgan, ABC’s Chris Cuomo, and ABC’s News Prez Ben Sherwood Tuesday night at Morgan’s London pub, Hansom Cab. Reportedly, the Nepalese beauty not only “threw back quite a few drinks” with the boys but also “was the last anchor standing” when the party ended at 11 p.m.

Whether Kiran was seen “last standing”–or, perhaps, dancing–atop a Hansom Cab table is not now known. However, if CNN chief Ken Jautz wants real ratings for AM, stills and footage will soon follow.

Calling all iReporters! Kiran?

Update: Morgan Tweets photo of Kiran in her Royal Wedding “sexy wellies.”

Kiran: But, We’re Happily Married

“Did we look like idiots?” Limitless star Bradley Cooper turned American Morning co-hosts Kiran Chetry and Christine Romans into “two school girls” this morning (as Kiran aptly noted). Not only did he have them giggling, blushing, and almost ruing their wedding bands for almost thirty minutes, he rendered them speechless–literally.

The fun began during the final half hour of AM today when Christine started to promo Cooper’s upcoming segment before a commercial: Stopping suddenly, she turned to Ali, saying, “Why don’t you take this lead?”* Amused, Ali read, “Sure, he’s got a sexy smile…but Bradley Cooper sure can act: His new slick thriller Limitless is number one at the box office, catapulting him into Hollywood’s big leagues. Bradley is here.” As Kiran and Christine giggled and Cooper grinned and waved back at them, Ali ribbed, “My two married co-anchors are having some difficulty spitting this all out.”

Turning to Ali, Kiran playfully protested, “Married?” Chiming in, a similarly piqued Christine queried, “Why did you have to bring that up? Ah!” Slipping out of her anchor seat in her bare feet, Kiran bent over and began to slip on her high heels, muttering, “Thanks a lot, Ali.”

When AM returned from ad break, the frivolity returned as Kiran and Christine joyfully interviewed a dapper Cooper who looked like he had just climbed out of bed with his scruffy beard, mussed hair, and loosened tie.** Initially, Christine and Kiran appeared on terra firma as they asked Cooper about his hit Limitless and his older cine Hangover. However, as the interview went on, they appeared to get lost in Cooper’s clear blue eyes as this handsome hunk answered their queries with an attentive eye, quick wit, and seductive smile.

Rarely taking their eyes off their dreamboat, Christine and Kiran seemed to lose track of time. As the interview progressed, the questions turned personal. When Christine asked him how it felt to be a “megastar” and Cooper self-deprecatingly scoffed at the idea, Kiran intently intoned, “People have an intensive interest in your life….People want to know about your personal life. Are you back on the market now?”

As Cooper looked back at Kiran and chuckled, she quickly added, “We’re married. We don’t want to know but we’re asking for our friends.” Even less convincingly, Christine chimed, “Oh, yes. This is important for the people to know.”

Evading Kiran’s question about his love life deftly, Cooper suddenly answered Christine’s query about being a “megastar,” explaining that his “life has not changed, honestly.” Joking, Kiran riposted, “So, you don’t have somebody to carry an umbrella around if it’s sunny.” Cooper chuckled, “Of course, I do. That’s normal, right?” Joining in the mirth, Christine jested, “And then somebody else to count the money, too.”

Then, abruptly, the colloquy ended as Christine looked over at Kiran. “What!” exclaimed Kiran. As the two sat befuddled, Cooper interposed, “So what are we going to talk about?” Shrugging, Kiran replied, “Nothing else. Um.” Looking back at Ali in disbelief, a smiling Cooper exclaimed, “Wow! Total dead space. That was amazing! That was amazing!”

Chagrined, Kiran pointed to Ali, saying, “Ali’s making fun of us. This never happens: we interview ambassadors, interview ex-Presidents. We never run out of things to say but now we’re like two school girls in a bar. This is terrible!” Still somewhat shocked, Cooper exclaimed, “That was incredible!”

As Kiran and Christine mocked themselves, feigning a feverish search through their papers for one last question, an amused Aly patiently waited in the background for the toss. Fanning her flushed face with her hand, Kiran exclaimed, “Get us out of here!” Ali teased, “He’s pretty dreamy, huh?”

Then, reading out the segment, Aly declared, “It’s hot in here but it cold’s outside….Rob Marciano’s got your weekend travel forecast next.”

When AM returned from break, it was still “hot” in the AM studio as Kiran, Christine, and Aly sat behind the AM desk.*** When Kiran started to toss to Rob for his report, Christine whimsically interjected, “I don’t mean to name drop but my mike is falling off because we just were hugging Bradley Cooper, Rob, and we’re going to have to get the weather so we can get everything all settled here.” Before Rob could reply, Kiran queried, “What do you think? Did we act like idiots?”

Responding indirectly, Rob gibed, “Ali, are they trying to make us jealous? It’s not working you know. We professionally respect what he does as an actor.” Agreeing, Ali asserted, “I was fine sitting here being ignored for several minutes that continued to go on and on and on.” Seemingly, still somewhat slighted, Rob humorously bristled, “It was a nice break, you know, watching them abuse somebody else for a change. God love them. Poor Bradley!”

Howling in laughter, a flattered Kiran answered, “Rob, I know. You’re still our favorite. Don’t worry.” Concurring, Christine declared, “We objectify you everyday, three times an hour. You know.” Affirmed, Rob riposted, “An entertaining segment, nonetheless.” He got no argument from Kiran: she simply raised her eyebrows and suggestively smiled.

Subsequently, when Rob had given his report and had segued back to Kiran, Christine, and Aly, Aly jested, “I’ll take it to break. My co-hosts are still recovering.”

Later, as AM‘s final segment concluded, Kiran, at least, had still not yet fully recovered. Segueing to CNN Newsroom guest host Carol Costello, she coyly commented, “Carol, from a fellow happily married woman, me and Christine.”**** Looking down, a weary Aly pleaded, “Oh, don’t start!” Undeterred, Kiran continued, “We can blush and giggle over Bradley Cooper, right? Because he’s just a, he’s just a beautiful man to look at.” But, we’re happily married.”

Sighing like a school girl herself in the retinue of Justine Bieber, Carol responded, “He’s hot! I’m happily married, too. But, he’s hot!”***** Smiling and raising her eyebrows, Kiran nodded her ardent agreement.

“Did we look like idiots?” No, Kiran. Happily, more like Fox & Friends. Hopefully,  AM executive producer Jim McGinnis finally did remember CNN chief Ken Jautz’s sage advice.

[Author’s aside: Jim, if you are indeed beginning to make AM “more compelling and engaging…more fun…[and]…livelier,” you may also want to ditch the distancing desk for a cozy couch (and close those doors again behind that odious AM desk).]

*American Morning – 03/25/11 (@ 6:34 a.m.)

**Ibid at 8:37 a.m. ET.

***Ibid at 8:47 a.m. ET

****Ibid at 9:00 a.m. ET

*****Kiran, Christine, and Carol are married to meteorologist Chris Knowles, Rueters reporter Ed Tobin, and Loyola College Maryland’s Veep for Academic Affairs Timothy Law Snyder, respectively.

“MIA” Kiran: “Two Days!”

Mediaite.com’s Christopher: Two Stories! Did American Morning‘s Valentine, co-host Kiran Chetry, make Mediaite columnist Tommy Christopher go weak in the knees–or, perhaps, mushy in the mind? During this month of Amor, Christopher has penned two articles on Kiran and her  “unusually devoted fan base” (“who had a little panic attack” when she took an unannounced five-day vacation in the Dominican Republic barely a month after her former co-anchor John Roberts was axed on Christmas Eve). Even though Christopher got his conclusion right about Kiran, unfortunately, he got the facts wrong about her and her fans–twice.

In his first column (February 1), “Fans of CNN’s Kiran Chetry Rejoice! She Will Be Back on the Air Wednesday Morning (February 2),” Christopher rightly declared that the “real story…is [Kiran’s] dedicated fans.” However, he erroneously elaborated that they were so worried about Kiran after her “two-day absence” from American Morning that they spiked traffic to a “four-month-old post” so high that it hit the number 5 position on Mediaite in a “very unusual occurrence.” [Underscoring added for emphasis.] In awe, Christopher marveled, “Such grassroots fandom is the stuff that superstars are made of.”

In his followup piece, entitled “CNN’s Kiran Chetry Talks American Morning, John Roberts, and Journalism with Mediaite,” Christopher interviewed Kiran about the reaction of her “unusually devoted fan base” to her absence. Perhaps, hedging on her time away, he began, “Your fans, you took a few days off and your fans”: Before he could finish, Chetry inexplicably and incorrectly interjected, “Two days!” Echoing her error, Christopher continued, “Two days and your fans got all worried about you. How did that make you feel?…I’ve never seen that before.” Kiran answered that “it was very flattering that people wondered where I was” and that part of the interest probably pertained to John Robert’s recent low-key departure from AM.

As Kiran seemed to suggest, her American Morning fans probably did wonder where she was and were concerned that she may have been canned like Roberts as she frolicked in the Dominican Republic with her hubby Chris Knowles. Also, undoubtedly, Christopher was correct that Kiran has “super-devoted fans” who may “have had a little panic attack when she took…off.” However, they did not have that “little panic attack” Tuesday after Kiran had been off for only the second day in a row as Christopher claimed: rather, they grew concerned after she had been gone for five straight days. (Apparently, Christopher, did not realize that Kiran had also been off the Friday beforehand.)

Nevertheless, Christopher can not necessarily be blamed for being a bit discombobulated by the allure of AM‘s Aphrodite. Others, including Kiran’s former AM co-anchor John Roberts (twice), her current interim co-host T. J. Holmes, and her guest Richard Simmons have swooned in her presence. In fact, even the author from afar.

[Author’s aside: Kiran was off January 28-February 1. Kate Bouldan substituted for Kiran on January 28 (Friday); January 31 (Monday) and February 1 (Tuesday).]

Kiran: “Living the Teenage Dream” With TJ

T. J.: “What are you trying to say?” Rowrrr! American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry took her onscreen flirting with interim co-anchor T. J. Holmes to a whole new level on AM this morning. When the show returned from commercial break for its final ten minutes to the lilt of “Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry was heard singing “You and I will be young forever: you make me feel like I’m living a teenage dream the way you turn me on.”* As if on cue, Kiran coquettishly commented, “Katy Perry, you gotta love her: Um, I’m living the teenage dream today sitting here by T.J.”

Uncertain of her meaning, T.J. queried, “You [sic] saying I’m young? What are you trying to say?” Laughing, Kiran answered, “I don’t know. You got to listen to the lyrics to find out.” Chuckling, T. J. concurred, “Okay.”

Later, if recently wed T. J. finally does indeed listen to those lyrics, he may well get more than a little flushed (as he remembers Kiran’s siren tease this morning). Yes, Perry’s pop hit does open rather  innocently, viz., “You think I’m pretty without any make-up on; You think I’m funny when I tell the punch line wrong.” However, Perry’s paean to youthful passion does get steamier with passages such as “I’m a [sic] get your heart racing in my skin-tight jeans; be your teenage dream tonight.” Not to mention, the dirty ditty culminates with the comely chanteuse’s carnal call,” viz., “Let’s go all the way tonight; no regrets, just love; we can dance until we die; you and I, we’ll be young forever.”

Doubtlessly, Kiran’s colorful exchange with T. J. was probably little more than playful, bawdy banter between colleagues–albeit AM‘s Nepalese Aphrodite and CNN’s ebony Adonis. Nevertheless, even if Kiran’s hubby of ten years does not mind the on-camera coquetting, T.J.’s new bride may be less understanding. I.e., if T.J. is not careful, his “‘interim’ period” at AM may be shorter than he had hoped.

*American Morning – 01/20/11 (8:50 a.m. ET)

Kiran Takes Her Hubby To Work Today! Sssh!

Fox & Friends Weekend Revisited! Today American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry’s hubby, Chris Knowles, appeared thrice as CNN’s brand new meteorologist on AM with Kiran. Strangely, neither acknowledged their relationship to the AM audience. For the author, who is a long-time Fox & Friends viewer, it was a case of deja vu: I.e., Kiran and Chris similarly kept their marriage secret when they worked together on CNN rival FNC’s morning cable news show initially.

Seemingly, Kiran may have smoothed the way for hubby Chris during any of her negotiations with CNN chief Ken Jautz as he seemingly revamps his cable news morning program AM around her. Since her failed 2007 contract negotiations with Fox News probably precipitated Chris’ own departure from FNC and his consequent sojourn to his personal Moab as a parochial NYC WPIX weekend weatherman, Chris’ “power wife” probably has felt a tinge of guilt at his fate. After Chris was unceremoniously sacked in October, Kiran must now be especially elated to have been able to aid his return to national prominence at CNN, her “gold standard.”

Welcome, Chris! And, watch yourself, TJ!

Update 1: Mediabistro.com’s Fishbowl reported, “It’s uncertain whether this was a one-time appearance for Knowles or if he was auditioning for a larger role at CNN.” In its own update, Fishbowl adds, “Knowles tell FishbowlNY that he also was scheduled to do live weather updates at 10:30 and 11 a.m. this morning.”

Author’s remarks: Actually, Chris Knowles appeared thrice on AM (6:06 a.m. ET, 7:05 a.m. ET; and 8:01 a.m. ET) with his CNN microphone. In his third AM appearance, Kiran introduced Chris saying, “Our Chris Knowles, meteorologist.” Unless “our” suggests a CNN/Client 9 relationship, Chris is more than a one-day stand.

Update 2: Chris returned the next day Wednesday on AM. However, he was referred to as “meteorologist Chris Knowles.” The “our” was absent this time: However, Kiran seemed to begin to say “our” but stopped abruptly (@ 6:27 a.m. ET).

Update 3: According to a trusted source, Chris is uncertain of his CNN future but hopes that his stint pans out into a permanent position.

Johns: “Rob, Where’s Your Thong?”

Chetry: “We all know where your thong is.” American Morning co-hosts Joe Johns and Kiran Chetry decided to saucily jazz (or “Jautz”) things up yesterday morning with their CNN colleague Rob Marciano. And, their hunky meteorologist was more than happy to play along.

Before Rob’s weather segment, Kiran reported on the annual Toronto Santa Speedo Run. As footage ran of the girls and guys in their Santa skivvies, Joe interjected, “That’s so wrong!”* Not completely concurring, Kiran racily remarked, “Actually, everybody looks in pretty good shape, I gotta say. If you’re gonna wear a Speedo, rock on!” When Joe sarcastically answered, “Yeah, right. That’s the front of the line,” the clip showed the rear–and rears–of the final three athletic male Santas: risquely, Kiran responded, “Uh, now the back of the line doesn’t look that bad either!” As she concluded the story, Kiran laughed, “It’s all about generating body heat.” Wanting the final word, Joe commented, “Yeah, right. Just no thongs!”

Subsequently, as Joe segued to the weather forecast, he jauntily jested, “Rob Marciano in the Extreme Weather Center. Rob, where’s your thong?” Before Rob could answer, Kiran burst out in laughter, exclaiming, “That’s not what I was going to say!” Straight-faced, Rob replied, “Well, it’s, come on, Joe! It’s on, of course, silly.” Interposing racily, Kiran commented, “I was going to say, ‘Where’s your chicken costume?’ We all know where your thong is.” A salty Rob answered, “Exactly! It’s not red. Just so you know.”

Too bad, Rob: one of Kiran’s favorite colors is red. Also, she happens to know of, at least, one guy who sports a red thong–in fact, his “lucky” one.** Of course, hubby Chris may have one, too.

Alas, AM viewer, to purge your mind of such frightful sights, you may prefer to envision Kiran in her very own red Christmas thong. Happy thoughts!

* American Morning – 12/13/10 (@ 6:47 a.m. ET)

**American Morning – 10/28/10 (Kiran’s read remarks on San Francisco Giant Aubrey Huff.)

AM: All Ms. (Bristol Palin)

Five features for the Dancing with the Stars finalist! In one of the strangest American Morning shows yet, co-host Kiran Chetry and CNN correspondent Carol Costello elevated Bristol Palin, former governor Sarah Palin‘s daughter, almost to the status of America’s Princess. On a day when AM celebrated Great Britain’s Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton extensively, it likewise covered America’s Tea Party Princess Bristol Palin albeit with more caustic commentary.

On this surreal American Morning, Bristol appeared thrice in “Morning Talkers” (Kiran/John Roberts’ confab) as to her PSA with the Jersey Shore‘s Situation in an abstinence/safe-sex spot and twice in “Gut Check” (Carol’s report) as to her advancement to the final on ABC’s DWTS. However, this American Morning princess was not well received by either Kiran or Carol.

In the “Morning Talkers” segments, Kiran appeared loaded for bear, or the Mama Grizzly’s cub, at least. In the very first one, Kiran laughed that the single mom’s paean to abstinence was “jaw-dropping” and “painful to watch…(that’s why I wanted to bring it to you guys).”* In the next one, Kiran noted, that Bristol’s words were “cringe inducing” immediately before joyfully announcing that Michael Vick, convicted felon and animal abuser–incidentally,  the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, her husband Chris Knowles’ favorite team–appeared possibly headed for redemption as the NFL’s MVP this year.** Then, in the third and final one, Kiran scoffed at Bristol, saying, “Some fine acting….I think that people should practice what they preach about that.”***

[After Kiran made that acerbic remark about Bristol, co-anchor John Roberts told Kiran that her microphone was off. In reply Kiran replied, “Maybe, my mike was off for a reason: I couldn’t put my foot in my mouth.” Unfortunately for Kiran, she could: her audience was still able to hear her.]

In Carol’s “Gut Check” story (which aired twice),**** Bristol fared no better. When John segued to Carol’s report, he declared, “While the judges may not exactly love her moves, the television audience keeps pushing Palin through, leaving some people to wonder if, maybe, we’re witnessing a vast conservative conspiracy.” Leaving little doubt as to where she stood, Carol replied, “If Bristol Palin’s presence on Dancing with the Stars proves anything, it proves just how partisan we’ve become as a nation.” Darkly, she added, “I’m sure you’ve heard this: some believe the only reason Bristol Palin remains on Dancing with the Stars is because of the Tea Party/Republican conspiracy.”

AM‘s Bristol Palin: no common, ordinary girl.

*American Morning – 11/17/10 (@ 6:24 a.m. ET)

**American Morning – 11/17/10 (@ 7:25 a.m. ET)

***American Morning – 11/17/10 (@ 8:21 a.m. ET)

****American Morning – 11/17/10 (@ 6:32 a.m. ET)

****American Morning – 11/17/10 (@ 8:31 a.m. ET)

A.M.: American Mourning?

“Boo!” or “Boo Hoo!”  American Morning co-hosts John Roberts and Kiran Chetry must have felt a pang of fear or sadness as they read the New York Post’s “Changes Could Be Coming to ‘American Morning'” published late Halloween night. According to the report, “big changes” could soon be afoot for American Morning. “Insiders” indicated that CNN’s new chief Ken Jautz would likely soon “dismantle” the “lowest rated cable morning show” as he tries to jump-start the flagging ratings of his anemic daytime programming.

Furthermore, New York Post sources said that the AM staff have become disenchanted with both co-hosts. Purportedly, they stated that “John [was] a tyrant, freaking out over stories and guests” and still had “a chip on his shoulder because he [had been] considered the heir apparent to Dan Rather at CBS.” Also, they allegedly asserted that “Kiran [was] dumb as a rock.”

With the CNN dirks apparently out for blood, The New York Post columnist opined that John would likely join his CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips, his affianced gravid with twins, in Atlanta. As for Kiran who the writer warned “could be the first to go,” she would seem to be in a much more difficult position as she would presumably continue to live with her husband Chris Knowles, who himself was recently relieved of his duties as weekend weatherman at New York City’s CW station WPIX, in Larchmont, New York.

If John and Kiran are both canned by CNN, an interesting scenario may emerge. According to the New York Post, CNN is interested in signing CBS’ Katie Couric whose contract ends in May of 2011: And, if CBS lets Couric go, the AM co-anchors may be vying for the very same job, i.e., Couric’s CBS Evening News anchor position. Ironically, John would have a second chance to win Dan Rather’s throne whereas Kiran could follow in the steps of her mentor (and older sorority sister) Katie Couric.

[Author’s aside: Of course, if Kiran listens to her faithful Fox & Friends fans, she may simply go home again.]

H/t: J$.

Missing: Kiran’s Wedding Ring

Lost and found? Merely a week to the day after celebrating ten years of marriage to Chris Knowles, New York’s WPIX-TV weekend weather anchor, American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry surprisingly started her AM day without her wedding ring. Noticing its absence and not wanting to read too much into it, the author reached out to Kiran for comment. Although she offered none, she did seem to suddenly remember her missing wedding ring shortly thereafter: As AM’s second half of the first hour began (6:30 a.m. ET), Kiran wore anew her connubial bond for the remainder of the show.

Hopefully, the initial absence of Kiran’s ring today does not portend ill for her as she begins a new decade of marriage. Although men are sometimes wont to forget their wedding bands, women rarely, if ever, do. Apparently, today, Kiran did, and, unfortunately, offered no explanation to her AM fans–leaving them more than free to idly speculate.

Unless Kiran cares to share, only time will tell.

AM Amnesia: Kiran & John’s “Bad Dream”

Nothing happened between us: really! Today American Morning co-hosts Kiran Chetry and John Roberts treated their viewers as if they had been slipped an extra powerful “roofie” and could not recall not only last night but also almost the entire two full weeks earlier. Back together for the first time since the video of Roberts sniping at Chetry on camera truly went viral, both co-hosts acted as if John’s odd behavior had been merely a bad dream (a la Dallas). But, for the AM acolytes suffering from that “amorous amnesia,” Carpe Diem is happy to jog their memory.

As the author first reported almost two weeks ago (September 8), Roberts appeared to brusquely rebuke Chetry on air while he was doing an interview with David Axelrod, President Obama’s senior adviser. The very next day everything seemed to be reasonably civil between Roberts and Chetry but thereafter both of them did not appear together again on AM until today. In the meantime, the strange episode went viral as Mediaite‘s Steve Krakauer seized the story and it consequently reverberated throughout the media outlets, e.g., Huffington Post, Gawker, and, yes, even the staid TV Guide.

Giving the story even more prominence, Chetry’s former Fox News colleague Juliet Huddy added her two cents on Red Eye. When asked by host Greg Gutfeld about the incident, Huddy opined, “I knew Kiran; we used to work together; [and] I like Kiran a lot. She is a very energetic, hyper girl. She was probably either texting or something like that because she’s very hyper.”* Not wanting to appear malevolent, Juliet animatedly concluded, “And, I love her. I do love her.” Then taking a stab at Roberts, Huddy exclaimed, “I can’t believe he did that. Unprofessional!”

Perhaps, most notably, Chetry’s husband, Chris Knowles, weighed in on the matter. When a Twitter follower asked, “Did you catch JR snapping at your wife this morning?,” Knowles tersely responded, “Noticed and no comment.”

Carpe Diem noticed, too, but did comment. And, now, so have many of the other media watchers. Apparently, AM, like Chetry’s spouse, remains mulishly mute, too timorous to remember more.

*Red Eye – 09/17/10 (@3:18 a.m. ET)

A.M.: Alpha Male 2 Beta Boy?

Is CNN/USA prez Jon Klein cutting John Roberts in favor of Jim Acosta? As Campbell Brown departs from her eight o’clock “no-bias-no-bull” perch because of low ratings, Klein seems to be promoting AM co-hosts Roberts and Kiran Chetry’s “open marriage” with Acosta as Chetry’s current courter. Perhaps, he is trying to confect the perfect solution to cure both American Morning abysmal ratings and those of Campbell Brown. I.e., he may want to rejigger the AM format by sending the seasoned news veteran (and CB guest anchor) Roberts to a straight news substitute for CB and replace him with a younger version on AM.

However, such a move may imperil the CNN’s anemic morning news program even further, especially, if Klein replaces alpha male Roberts with a proverbial albeit talented eunuch. As viewers of AM know, Roberts is the MAN on AM. Even weatherstud Rob Marciano cedes the preeminent role to Roberts albeit with an occasional obligatory nip at his elder’s heels. Roberts is CNN’s real silver-haired rogue who loves the ladies, knows his facts, and can still effortlessly play it cool with his AM audience, guests, and co-horts. To boot, he can keep co-host Kiran Chetry in awe at the same time with ease. Without him, AM becomes merely a bevy of beauties, beta boys, and choral castratos.

Even though his departure may well leave AM in the lurch, Roberts would probably be the perfect fit for a CB substitute as the “voice of Olympus” who bellows the”impartial truth” from the throne at Ted Turner’s erstwhile crown jewel. CNN would get their version of “fair and balanced” news and Roberts could finally pontificate in the evening a la Uncle Walter. Not to mention, Roberts also has the hip MuchMusic veejay JD persona to potentially draw in the prized A25-54 demo.

Even if Klein does solve his CB problem with Roberts, he may exacerbate the aforementioned AM one, especially, if he picks Jim Acosta. Yes, Acosta is from the valued Hispanic demographic but he seems to lack the needed machismo as CNN colleague Carol Costello has indicated and Acosta has appeared to acknowledge. To make matters worse, potential co-host Kiran Chetry seems to patronize Acosta by maternally putting up with his incessant interruptions and inane ad libs while charitably comparing him to George Clooney.

If Klein sends Roberts packing to his CB replacement, he should turn to his stable of young stallions like Rob Marciano or T.J. Holmes. Both of those young bucks seem eager to take their place at the helm as ruddy, randy roues ready to regale Kiran and the AM audience. Of course, Kiran’s hubby might prefer the more sedate and effete Acota, but the AM audience would probably continue to decline with such a flaccid fellow.

When will Klein finally face reality? He needs to connect with his vast vibrant audience of the American Everyman rather than his preferred incestuous elitist Manhattan socialites (who tow the politically correct line and massage one another’s egos). If he would embrace the egalitarianism of FNC’s Roger Ailes, CNN/USA’s top suit might realize that he did not need to feign disdain at ratings but rather could actually appreciate them fully if he followed suit.

Ergo, Klein, talk with your audience not down to them. Raze the trappings of hubris that you have embraced and walk among the people. Do away with AM’s distancing desk and the imperious palaver: rather, pull up a few chairs and converse with your viewers intelligently but not pedantically. I.e., get off your high horse a la Marie Antoinette before you meet a similar fate.