Tattle: Upper Darby's 'smart kid' Tina Fey named AP entertainer of the year

UPPER DARBY's own

Tina Fey

has been chosen as the Associated Press entertainer of the year.

Voted on by newspaper editors and broadcast producers across the country (no, Tattle doesn't get a vote), the annual award goes to the performer who had the greatest impact on culture and entertainment in 2008.

Fey beat out Robert Downey Jr., whose comeback was capped with the blockbuster smash "Iron Man," and Heath Ledger, who posthumously wowed audiences as the Joker in "The Dark Knight." (Ledger's death was the AP's biggest entertainment story of the year.)

What tipped it for Tina, however, was her impression of Gov. Sarah Palin on "Saturday Night Live."

"Tina Fey is such an obvious choice," said Sharon Eberson, entertainment editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "She gave us funny when we really needed it and, in a year when women in politics were making huge strides, Fey stood out in the world of entertainment."

And while becoming a key satirist in a national election might be enough for an entertainer from, let's say, Drexel Hill, the Upper Darby gal also debuted as a movie star in "Baby Mama" ($60 million box office) and won three Emmys for her NBC sitcom "30 Rock," which she created, stars in and writes.

"Their Christmas episode was the funniest half hour of TV this year," said Tattle. "And Tina has lots of local relatives who read our paper."

Scott Shive, assistant features editor at the Lexington Herald-Leader, said: "She simultaneously entertained us with her wit and put a mirror up to the nation during the election and made us think about what was going on. She is the epitome of the smart kid coming out on top for once."

"From the winks to the nods to the accent, she nailed it," said Marc Bona, assistant entertainment editor of the Plain Dealer in Cleveland, of Tina's Sarah. "And she did so at a time when it seemed the whole country was tuned in - both to the presidential race, as well as 'Saturday Night Live.' "

Tina was also nominated for a Golden Globe (for best performance by an actress in a TV series, comedy or musical), and a Screen Actors Guild award.

Objecting to all this fawning over Tina is last year's winner . . . Stephen Colbert.

Tattle's recent contest winners

These are folks who enjoyed a little extra holiday cheer courtesy of Tattle:

Winners of the "Usher" Sony Ericsson phones were Kedar Jengo, Marchelle Davis-Bailey, Paul Kirby, Jose Lopez and Robin Summers.

The winner of dinner for two at the tasty, Cajun restaurant Le Bons Temps was Dolores Kingston.

Winners of two tickets to "Yesterday," the Beatles tribute show at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City were Judy Clements, Diane Screnci, Joan Carter, Joanna M. McGinn, Mark Parrish, Chris Giangrasso, Theresa Navarro, Tom Norton, Dean Helm and Diane D. Evanitsky.

The winners of a case of HINT flavored water were Kathleen Nolte, Dan McGinn, John Bates, Agnes Jonczak and Shavawn D Briley.

Congrats to all.

Tattbits

* Britney Spears' father has gotten

a raise.

For helping Britney get through the crazy, Jamie Spears on Monday was awarded an additional $51,000 payout, reflecting an increase in his monthly payments since he took over his daughter's affairs in February.

That's her monetary affairs.

He's not test-driving her boyfriends.

Jamie had been receiving $10,000 a month for his work, but L.A. Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz increased that amount to approximately $16,000 per month and agreed to give him backpay.

He was also granted an additional $1,200 monthly payment so he can maintain an office.

Who knew there could be such profit in having your daughter screw up?

* Kelly Clarkson

will have a new single out mid-January, "My Life Would Suck Without You."

How very Cole Porter.

* Billboard.com reports that Wal-Mart will be the exclusive U.S. retailer for Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band's "Greatest Hits," arriving Jan. 13.

Really, Bruce? Wal-Mart? You think Woody Guthrie would have made an exclusive deal with Wal-Mart?

* May all the bold-faced names who typically populate this column enjoy a relaxing and quiet holiday season. More importantly, best wishes to all of Tattle's readers, especially those of you who plunk down the three quarters for this newspaper. Both your kind words and hate mail are appreciated.

Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas and Happy 2009. See you Jan. 5. *

Daily News wire services contributed to this report.

E-mail gensleh@phillynews.com