Here is an AP interview with Vanessa Williams about the upcoming season of Ugly Betty (premiering this Friday, October 16).
 

First off, there are some scenes from the new season interspersed with the interview. 
Vanessa talks about the physical changes in Betty, and gives some specifics (I like the phrase “her silhouette is changing”).  She says the socks are going to go (I guess that will be later this season) and that we’ll see Betty’s legs for the first time.
She hints about “a couple of relationships from her past” – these are Connor and Nico, I’m guessing.  She says that Grant …read more

The stars of Ugly Betty had a busy time yesterday, traveling to two different events:  A Special Evening With Ugly Betty, hosted by Times Talks, and a fundraiser for Save the Children, hosted by Esquire and America Ferrera.  Here are some pics from the latter.

America looks GREAT, and she’s really got this red carpet thing down (thanks to time and Vanessa Williams).  America is wearing a black Moshino safety pin-embellished crepe dress paired with gold peep-toes.
Speaking of Vanessa:

The lady can still bring it in this LBD.  Check out the two-toned shoes!
Becki Newton was there.  She wears this …read more

Although most of the buzz about Ugly Betty lately has been about the October 9 season premiere or the November sweeps Bahamas episode, the show is still filming other episodes.  Here are some photos of recent shooting in New York City.  This is a scene with Vanessa Williams and Michael Urie.

You’ll notice in some of these pics that Marc (Urie) looks worried or hard-pressed, and Wilhelmina (Williams) seems angry.  In a way, this is a good thing.  If Wilhelmina looked happy and cheerful, something would definitely be wrong.  The last thing we need is a contented or happy Willi.
In …read more

It would be incredibly wrong of me to go one more minute without posting a couple of pics of Ugly Betty’s Vanessa Williams at the Emmys this past Sunday.

Wow – what an absolutely beautiful, classic dress.  It’s from Rafael Cennamo, and this color is not only daring, but quite perfect for Vanessa.
But, what absolutely makes this look work is the incredible makeup by Sam Fine.  For an in-depth look at how Fine worked around the challenge of not only a very hot day, but this wonderful dress as well, check out this post.
“Because Vanessa’s dress choice was such a …read more

Here is the wonderful opening number Ugly Betty’s Vanessa Williams performed at the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards last night.

 
Basically, Vanessa sang a re-worked version of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”, with new lyrics singing the praises of various daytime stars.
The coolest part was the video playing simultaneously that inserted Vanessa into all of the shows she was singing about.  Some of the video work was VERY good, in others it was obvious that Williams was inserted.
The best line (and scene) was probably “I know that Ellen approves”.  Vanessa really showed of her comedic skills at …read more

 Ugly Betty’s Vanessa Williams will be hosting the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards from the Orpheum Theatre in Hollywood this Sunday.
I normally skip the Daytime Emmys, but I’m not going to miss this one.
Vanessa is going to dance with Dancing With The Stars runner up Gilles Marini.  Also, in addition to introducing guests who will hand out 17 awards, she will open the telecast with a parody number.  Vanessa has become quite the comedienne.
On top of that, the award ceremonies have moved from the Kodak Theatre to the downtown historic landmark, where Judy Garland performed her vaudeville act in the …read more

Vanessa Williams is quite exited about Ugly Betty’s long-awaited musical episode.  She mentioned it on Wendy Williams’ show last week, and now tells TV Guide some very pertinent details!
“Our musical episode is back on!," Vanessa tells Guide’s William Keck. “I think it’s going to be our 16th episode of the season."
This episode may or may not be a Valentine’s episode (as was originally planned in Season 2).  3.16 Things Fall Apart aired Feb 26,2009.  Episode 1.16, Derailed, aired on Feb 16, 2007.
2.16 aired in May because of the WGA strike, so using the air date of that one …read more

The Emmy nominations came out today, and they weren’t too kind to Ugly Betty.  I’ll say it right now: this wasn’t totally unexpected.
First, the good news.  Vanessa Williams was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.  She has been nominated in this category for each of Ugly Betty’s 3 seasons.  Maybe the third time will be a charm for her. 
"I’m thrilled and honored to be nominated again this year," Williams told Insider. "I love my show and my character, Wilhelmina, and this recognition is truly icing on the cake."
Nominated alongside Vanessa in the Supporting …read more

Here are some photos of Ugly Betty’s Vanessa Williams and her daughter Jillian at last week’s New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

I love Vanessa’s casual look. She always looks fabulous in jeans – that vigorous workout of hers really pays off with this look.
And Jillian?  To paraphrase Herman’s Hermits:  Miss Williams, you have a lovely daughter.  She (Jillian) is 20 years old, and takes after her mother in the beauty department.

Jillian (Hervey) is Vanessa’s daughter, along with sister Melanie (22) and brother Devin (16), from Vanessa’s former marriage to then-manager …read more

It’s that time of year again; everyone seems to be doing some early handicapping the Emmys.  The latest entry is Michael Slezak’s prognostication in Entertainment Weekly.  And he seems to like Ugly Betty.  A lot.  (Hey, so do I!)
He doesn’t give an entire list, but Slezak is operating under the assumption that Vanessa Williams is a hands-down favorite for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her portrayal of Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty.  And, although I agree (she’s shown some incredible range in season 3), we Vanessa Williams fans have been burned before when it comes to television’s …read more