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'Sopranos' wins best drama, '30 Rock' best comedy at Emmys
BY VERNE GAY | [email protected] 11:35 PM EDT, September 16, 2007
Well, whadya expect?
The best drama in American TV history was awarded an Emmy for best TV drama for the year 2006-07 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles last night. "The Sopranos" victory at the 59th Emmys was wonderful, joyous, expected and certainly fitting but - because this is the Emmys - hardly a lock. Any of the nominees could have won, and no one would have been particularly surprised if any of the others had.
The full cast and crew gathered on the circular stage at around 11:10 last night, and the stage was indeed packed, with many familiar (and beloved) faces. It was the best moment of the night.
Meanwhile, "30 Rock" - Tina Fey's brilliant satire on 30 Rock won for best comedy.
The night was brisk, but bland. And after 10:30, the surprises - and there actually were a few of those - started piling up.
America Ferrera won as best actress in a comedy - Betty Suarez AKA "Ugly Betty" - in a category stuffed with favorites, of which she was not one. James Spader's best actor/drama victory was hardly a shockeroo (he won in 2004 for "The Practice" and 2005 for "Boston Legal") but last night it sure was with presumptive favorite James Gandolfini sitting a foot away.
Foremost, Sally Field won best actress in a drama series (as Nora Walker in "Brothers & Sisters") in a category where the formidable frontrunners in that category were Edie Falco and Kyra Sedgwick. Field also starred in the greatest technical glitch of the night: In a boisterous and disorganized acceptance speech, she was about to make an anti-war statement - "if the mothers of the world... !" - when, BLIP!, the cameras unexpectedly switched off.
As a result, Field had the oddest and most memorable speech of the entire night, which was something to cheer.
Also, Ricky Gervais won for best actor in a comedy series. But Gervais's win for his role as the luckless Andy Millman was a surprise only to non-fans because the role (and show) is priceless.
And if you were of a mind to look for omens, or fair winds, then those started to blow around 9 p.m., when two key awards were handed out. Veteran "Sopranos" director Alan Taylor got the statue for best directing in a drama, and then just a few minutes after that: David Chase, one of the few if not only household names in the ranks of TV production, won the prestigious best writing in a drama award.
The night began well for "Entourage" and Jeremy Piven, who won his second consecutive award for supporting actor in a comedy series. A short time later, Jaime Pressly - Joy Turner of "My Name is Earl" - gave an emotional and totally out-of-character thank you speech; the Emmy was her first.
Terry O'Quinn - John Locke, "Lost" - nabbed his first award (best supporting actor/drama), while establishing that he even had better material than either Ray Romano, a presenter, or Ryan Seacrest: He explained that when he was out in the Hawaiian jungles, in the mud and filming a show, "I wonder what it would be like to bake up a sheet of cookies on Wisteria Lane and get one of their checks."
That was followed a bit later by the best supporting actress/drama award, and in a field stacked with "Grey's Anatomy" nominees, Katherine Heigl - Isobel 'Izzie' Stevens - was yet another first-timer nominee/and/winner. "My own mother said I didn't have a shot in hell of winning, so I didn't have anything prepared," she said. (Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show" - who else and what else? - won yet again for outstanding variety, music or comedy series. "Obviously, any show in that category could win," he said, but obviously that was almost certainly not true. The show won for the sixth time in seven years, making it the "Frasier" of best variety/comedy series.
Oh, and speaking of shows and categories that have become as wacky and improbable as the rising sun: "The Amazing Race" won again for outstanding reality-competition program. That's the fifth win in a row.
Meanwhile, AMC's "Broken Trail," had a good night. It won best miniseries, while Robert Duvall got best miniseries actor in the category and Thomas Haden Church best supporting actor.
Helen Mirren, who has become something of a perennial Emmy fave, won for best actress in a miniseries/movie for "Prime Suspect: The Final Act," the very franchise that has showered so much Emmy largesse on her over the years.
BY VERNE GAY | [email protected] 11:35 PM EDT, September 16, 2007
Well, whadya expect?
The best drama in American TV history was awarded an Emmy for best TV drama for the year 2006-07 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles last night. "The Sopranos" victory at the 59th Emmys was wonderful, joyous, expected and certainly fitting but - because this is the Emmys - hardly a lock. Any of the nominees could have won, and no one would have been particularly surprised if any of the others had.
The full cast and crew gathered on the circular stage at around 11:10 last night, and the stage was indeed packed, with many familiar (and beloved) faces. It was the best moment of the night.
Meanwhile, "30 Rock" - Tina Fey's brilliant satire on 30 Rock won for best comedy.
The night was brisk, but bland. And after 10:30, the surprises - and there actually were a few of those - started piling up.
America Ferrera won as best actress in a comedy - Betty Suarez AKA "Ugly Betty" - in a category stuffed with favorites, of which she was not one. James Spader's best actor/drama victory was hardly a shockeroo (he won in 2004 for "The Practice" and 2005 for "Boston Legal") but last night it sure was with presumptive favorite James Gandolfini sitting a foot away.
Foremost, Sally Field won best actress in a drama series (as Nora Walker in "Brothers & Sisters") in a category where the formidable frontrunners in that category were Edie Falco and Kyra Sedgwick. Field also starred in the greatest technical glitch of the night: In a boisterous and disorganized acceptance speech, she was about to make an anti-war statement - "if the mothers of the world... !" - when, BLIP!, the cameras unexpectedly switched off.
As a result, Field had the oddest and most memorable speech of the entire night, which was something to cheer.
Also, Ricky Gervais won for best actor in a comedy series. But Gervais's win for his role as the luckless Andy Millman was a surprise only to non-fans because the role (and show) is priceless.
And if you were of a mind to look for omens, or fair winds, then those started to blow around 9 p.m., when two key awards were handed out. Veteran "Sopranos" director Alan Taylor got the statue for best directing in a drama, and then just a few minutes after that: David Chase, one of the few if not only household names in the ranks of TV production, won the prestigious best writing in a drama award.
The night began well for "Entourage" and Jeremy Piven, who won his second consecutive award for supporting actor in a comedy series. A short time later, Jaime Pressly - Joy Turner of "My Name is Earl" - gave an emotional and totally out-of-character thank you speech; the Emmy was her first.
Terry O'Quinn - John Locke, "Lost" - nabbed his first award (best supporting actor/drama), while establishing that he even had better material than either Ray Romano, a presenter, or Ryan Seacrest: He explained that when he was out in the Hawaiian jungles, in the mud and filming a show, "I wonder what it would be like to bake up a sheet of cookies on Wisteria Lane and get one of their checks."
That was followed a bit later by the best supporting actress/drama award, and in a field stacked with "Grey's Anatomy" nominees, Katherine Heigl - Isobel 'Izzie' Stevens - was yet another first-timer nominee/and/winner. "My own mother said I didn't have a shot in hell of winning, so I didn't have anything prepared," she said. (Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show" - who else and what else? - won yet again for outstanding variety, music or comedy series. "Obviously, any show in that category could win," he said, but obviously that was almost certainly not true. The show won for the sixth time in seven years, making it the "Frasier" of best variety/comedy series.
Oh, and speaking of shows and categories that have become as wacky and improbable as the rising sun: "The Amazing Race" won again for outstanding reality-competition program. That's the fifth win in a row.
Meanwhile, AMC's "Broken Trail," had a good night. It won best miniseries, while Robert Duvall got best miniseries actor in the category and Thomas Haden Church best supporting actor.
Helen Mirren, who has become something of a perennial Emmy fave, won for best actress in a miniseries/movie for "Prime Suspect: The Final Act," the very franchise that has showered so much Emmy largesse on her over the years.
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Hello, does anyone have Jeannie's CD? She was a freestyle artist from San Antonio, TX in the late '90s. She's best known for the classic "Runaway" but had other nice songs too. Thanks.
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If you grew up in the late 80s and early 90s, you already know the vibe. You can practically hear the Roland TR 808 drum machine firing up the second I mention the word freestyle. We're talking about a genre that didn't just climb the Billboard charts - it defined an entire era of youth culture. From the streets of New York City and Miami to roller rinks across the country, freestyle dance music was the ultimate soundtrack for a generation. It wasn't just music. It was the clothes, the big hair, the attitude, and the unbridled emotion of teenage heartbreak packed into a heavy bass line.
Today, we're taking a deep dive into the undisputed royalty of freestyle. They're the artists who built the foundation, impacted millions of people, and paved the way for modern dance pop. And the craziest part? They're still selling out arenas today. Let's get into it.
Shannon: The Architect
You can't talk about freestyle without bowing down to Shannon. When "Let the Music Play" dropped, it completely shattered the mold. It gave us that heavily syncopated, hard hitting drum beat that became the blueprint for everything that followed. Shannon showed the world that dance music didn't have to be mindless - it could have soul, and it could make you feel something. Fans connected with her instantly. Today, Shannon's still gracing the stage, proving that her legendary voice hasn't lost a single step. If you catch a freestyle festival this year, there's a good chance you'll see her bringing the house down.
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam: The Crossover Legends
Lisa Lisa took the underground freestyle sound and forced the mainstream pop world to pay attention. "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and "Can You Feel the Beat" were absolute monsters on the radio. She had this incredibly unique, fierce delivery that made every young girl want to be her. Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam broke down barriers for Latino artists on mainstream radio. Their impact's immeasurable. Where's she now? Lisa Lisa's practically the reigning queen of the current Freestyle Explosion tours, packing massive venues in 2026 and showing a whole new generation exactly how it's done.
Stevie B: The Undisputed King
If there's a King of Freestyle, it's Stevie B. The man just couldn't miss. From party anthems like "Spring Love" and "Party Your Body" to the ultimate number one ballad "Because I Love You", Stevie B knew exactly what his fans wanted. His music was the backdrop to countless first dates, high school dances, and summer nights. He gave the genre a commercial viability that nobody expected. And guess what? He's still headlining enormous tours. If you look at the 2026 tour posters, Stevie B's name's right there at the top, delivering those classic hits to tens of thousands of screaming fans.
TKA: The High Energy Powerhouse
When TKA stepped onto a stage, you knew you were in for a masterclass in performance. K7 and the guys brought a raw, street level hip hop energy to freestyle. "One Way Love", "Maria", and "Tears May Fall" remain absolute anthems. They didn't just sing - they danced their hearts out and gave fans a visually stunning show. TKA became the best selling Latin freestyle group in history, and they heavily influenced boy bands and dance groups that came later. They're still performing as TKA, and their live shows today still pack the exact same electric punch as they did back in the day.
The Cover Girls: Glamour Meets the Beat
With tracks like "Show Me" and "Wishing on a Star", The Cover Girls brought a touch of glamour and pop polish to the freestyle world. They were fashion icons. Every girl wanted to dress like them, and every guy fell in love with them. They harmonized beautifully over those classic pounding beats, proving that freestyle could be both edgy and incredibly beautiful. The original lineup's seen some changes over the years, but The Cover Girls name still carries immense weight, and they're still out there touring the country.
Judy Torres: The Queen of Hearts
If you ever needed a shoulder to cry on after a bad breakup, Judy Torres was there for you. Songs like "No Reason to Cry" and "Come Into My Arms" still hit incredibly hard. Judy didn't just sing the lyrics - she bled them. Her fans feel an incredibly deep personal connection to her because her music's so relentlessly honest. Beyond music, Judy became an iconic radio personality in New York City, connecting with her fans on a daily basis. She's still a massively requested performer and a beloved figure in the freestyle community.
Sa-Fire: The Vocal Dynamo
Sa-Fire brought serious vocal chops to the table. "Boy I've Been Told" and "Love Is On Her Mind" showed an incredible range and a fierce independence. She wasn't just a singer - she was a writer and a creator who demanded respect in a very competitive music industry. Sa-Fire inspired countless young women to stand up for themselves. While she doesn't tour as relentlessly as some of the others today, her impact remains a foundational pillar of the genre.
George Lamond: The Voice
When "Bad of the Heart" hit the airwaves, it was game over. George Lamond possessed a voice that could rival the biggest pop stars on the planet. His vocal runs, his undeniable swagger, and his ability to convey deep emotion made him an instant superstar. He brought a sophisticated, incredibly polished sound to freestyle. Today, George's still out there crushing it on stage alongside his peers, and his voice sounds just as pristine as it did the day he recorded those classic tracks.
Cynthia & Johnny O: The Ultimate Duo
I've got to group Cynthia and Johnny O together, even though they had massive solo careers. Cynthia gave us huge hits like "Change on Me", and Johnny O gave us "Fantasy Girl". But when they teamed up for "Dreamboy/Dreamgirl", they created what's arguably the greatest freestyle duet of all time. It's the ultimate tale of star crossed lovers set to a frantic, irresistible beat. They gave a voice to every teenager who felt hopelessly in love. Both Cynthia and Johnny O still draw huge crowds on the live circuit, frequently performing together to the absolute delight of their lifelong fans.
Debbie Deb: The Weekend Warrior
If you ever stepped foot in a roller rink on a Friday night, you know Debbie Deb. "When I Hear Music" and "Lookout Weekend" remain the ultimate party starters. Her music was heavily electro influenced, with those bouncy, infectious beats that made it impossible to sit still. Hip hop and EDM artists today still heavily sample Debbie Deb's tracks, proving just how forward thinking her sound really was. She remains a beloved figure, occasionally popping up at retro shows to remind everyone who started the party.
How They Changed the Game
Freestyle dance music wasn't just a passing fad - it was a cultural revolution. Before freestyle, mainstream radio was incredibly segregated. These artists, many of them incredibly talented kids from Puerto Rican and Italian neighborhoods, forced the door open. They created a hybrid sound that blended the energy of hip hop, the melodies of pop, and the relentless pulse of electronic dance music. They laid the groundwork for the massive EDM festivals we see today.
But their real impact was on the people. For the fans, this music's a time machine. It takes them right back to their first car, their first kiss, their first heartbreak. The freestyle community's like a massive family. When you go to a Freestyle Explosion concert today, you aren't just watching a retro act - you're experiencing a beautiful, chaotic reunion. The fans know every single lyric, the artists still give it everything they've got, and the energy in the room's purely electric.
These artists proved that you don't need a massive corporate machine to make a lasting impact. You just need a heavy beat, a synthesizer, and a whole lot of heart. And that's why, all these years later, the music still plays on.
Who are your favorite freestyle artists - and what are your favorite freestyle songs?
Today, we're taking a deep dive into the undisputed royalty of freestyle. They're the artists who built the foundation, impacted millions of people, and paved the way for modern dance pop. And the craziest part? They're still selling out arenas today. Let's get into it.
Shannon: The Architect
You can't talk about freestyle without bowing down to Shannon. When "Let the Music Play" dropped, it completely shattered the mold. It gave us that heavily syncopated, hard hitting drum beat that became the blueprint for everything that followed. Shannon showed the world that dance music didn't have to be mindless - it could have soul, and it could make you feel something. Fans connected with her instantly. Today, Shannon's still gracing the stage, proving that her legendary voice hasn't lost a single step. If you catch a freestyle festival this year, there's a good chance you'll see her bringing the house down.
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam: The Crossover Legends
Lisa Lisa took the underground freestyle sound and forced the mainstream pop world to pay attention. "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and "Can You Feel the Beat" were absolute monsters on the radio. She had this incredibly unique, fierce delivery that made every young girl want to be her. Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam broke down barriers for Latino artists on mainstream radio. Their impact's immeasurable. Where's she now? Lisa Lisa's practically the reigning queen of the current Freestyle Explosion tours, packing massive venues in 2026 and showing a whole new generation exactly how it's done.
Stevie B: The Undisputed King
If there's a King of Freestyle, it's Stevie B. The man just couldn't miss. From party anthems like "Spring Love" and "Party Your Body" to the ultimate number one ballad "Because I Love You", Stevie B knew exactly what his fans wanted. His music was the backdrop to countless first dates, high school dances, and summer nights. He gave the genre a commercial viability that nobody expected. And guess what? He's still headlining enormous tours. If you look at the 2026 tour posters, Stevie B's name's right there at the top, delivering those classic hits to tens of thousands of screaming fans.
TKA: The High Energy Powerhouse
When TKA stepped onto a stage, you knew you were in for a masterclass in performance. K7 and the guys brought a raw, street level hip hop energy to freestyle. "One Way Love", "Maria", and "Tears May Fall" remain absolute anthems. They didn't just sing - they danced their hearts out and gave fans a visually stunning show. TKA became the best selling Latin freestyle group in history, and they heavily influenced boy bands and dance groups that came later. They're still performing as TKA, and their live shows today still pack the exact same electric punch as they did back in the day.
The Cover Girls: Glamour Meets the Beat
With tracks like "Show Me" and "Wishing on a Star", The Cover Girls brought a touch of glamour and pop polish to the freestyle world. They were fashion icons. Every girl wanted to dress like them, and every guy fell in love with them. They harmonized beautifully over those classic pounding beats, proving that freestyle could be both edgy and incredibly beautiful. The original lineup's seen some changes over the years, but The Cover Girls name still carries immense weight, and they're still out there touring the country.
Judy Torres: The Queen of Hearts
If you ever needed a shoulder to cry on after a bad breakup, Judy Torres was there for you. Songs like "No Reason to Cry" and "Come Into My Arms" still hit incredibly hard. Judy didn't just sing the lyrics - she bled them. Her fans feel an incredibly deep personal connection to her because her music's so relentlessly honest. Beyond music, Judy became an iconic radio personality in New York City, connecting with her fans on a daily basis. She's still a massively requested performer and a beloved figure in the freestyle community.
Sa-Fire: The Vocal Dynamo
Sa-Fire brought serious vocal chops to the table. "Boy I've Been Told" and "Love Is On Her Mind" showed an incredible range and a fierce independence. She wasn't just a singer - she was a writer and a creator who demanded respect in a very competitive music industry. Sa-Fire inspired countless young women to stand up for themselves. While she doesn't tour as relentlessly as some of the others today, her impact remains a foundational pillar of the genre.
George Lamond: The Voice
When "Bad of the Heart" hit the airwaves, it was game over. George Lamond possessed a voice that could rival the biggest pop stars on the planet. His vocal runs, his undeniable swagger, and his ability to convey deep emotion made him an instant superstar. He brought a sophisticated, incredibly polished sound to freestyle. Today, George's still out there crushing it on stage alongside his peers, and his voice sounds just as pristine as it did the day he recorded those classic tracks.
Cynthia & Johnny O: The Ultimate Duo
I've got to group Cynthia and Johnny O together, even though they had massive solo careers. Cynthia gave us huge hits like "Change on Me", and Johnny O gave us "Fantasy Girl". But when they teamed up for "Dreamboy/Dreamgirl", they created what's arguably the greatest freestyle duet of all time. It's the ultimate tale of star crossed lovers set to a frantic, irresistible beat. They gave a voice to every teenager who felt hopelessly in love. Both Cynthia and Johnny O still draw huge crowds on the live circuit, frequently performing together to the absolute delight of their lifelong fans.
Debbie Deb: The Weekend Warrior
If you ever stepped foot in a roller rink on a Friday night, you know Debbie Deb. "When I Hear Music" and "Lookout Weekend" remain the ultimate party starters. Her music was heavily electro influenced, with those bouncy, infectious beats that made it impossible to sit still. Hip hop and EDM artists today still heavily sample Debbie Deb's tracks, proving just how forward thinking her sound really was. She remains a beloved figure, occasionally popping up at retro shows to remind everyone who started the party.
How They Changed the Game
Freestyle dance music wasn't just a passing fad - it was a cultural revolution. Before freestyle, mainstream radio was incredibly segregated. These artists, many of them incredibly talented kids from Puerto Rican and Italian neighborhoods, forced the door open. They created a hybrid sound that blended the energy of hip hop, the melodies of pop, and the relentless pulse of electronic dance music. They laid the groundwork for the massive EDM festivals we see today.
But their real impact was on the people. For the fans, this music's a time machine. It takes them right back to their first car, their first kiss, their first heartbreak. The freestyle community's like a massive family. When you go to a Freestyle Explosion concert today, you aren't just watching a retro act - you're experiencing a beautiful, chaotic reunion. The fans know every single lyric, the artists still give it everything they've got, and the energy in the room's purely electric.
These artists proved that you don't need a massive corporate machine to make a lasting impact. You just need a heavy beat, a synthesizer, and a whole lot of heart. And that's why, all these years later, the music still plays on.
Who are your favorite freestyle artists - and what are your favorite freestyle songs?
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