News
2009 Critics Choices Picks Announced! OLTL wins big!
As we say goodbye to the decade and usher in a new year, On-Air On-Soaps wants to pay tribute to the men and women who daily and weekly have brought to soap fans and the daytime industry a place to gather their news, views, interviews, column, and blogs on the genre. Each has a unique voice and stamp that they bring to you, the online community. If we truly look at 2009, it was this online community of passionate and dedicated journalists and reporters who hoped for the best in daytime and called out it’s worst. So with that said, we asked the best of the best –TV Guide Canada’s, Nelson Branco, Daytime Confidential’s, Jamey Giddens and Luke Kerr, We Love Soaps, Roger Newcomb and Damon Jacobs, Fancast’s, Sara Bibel, AfterElton.com’s, Anthony Langford, On-Air On-Soaps, Michael Fairman and Soap Central’s, Dan Kroll, who were their picks for 2009 for Best Soap, Worst Soap, Best Performance Male and Female. Then we asked the pundits their thoughts on the Worst Mistake in Soaps, Most Disappointing, Most Shocking , and finally their Soap Wish for 2010.
In almost a sweep, One Life to Live was the choice for 2009’s Best Soap, while All My Children was almost a uninamous choice for Worst Soap. And in the Best Performance, Female- Crystal Chappell continued her amazing year end accolades by picking up the most votes from the panel. View the entire picks and year end comments, after the jump!
2009 ON-AIR ON-SOAPS CRITICS CHOICES CATEGORIES
| Best Male | Best Female | |||
| Best Soap | Worst Soap | Performance | Performance | |
| Dan Kroll | One Life | All My | Drew Garrett | Crystal Chappell |
| Soap Central | to Live | Children | GH | GL & DAYS |
| Sara Bibel | One Life | All My | David Canary | Robin Strasser |
| Fancast | To Live | Children | AMC | OLTL |
| Nelson Branco | One Life | All My | James Scott | Crystal Chappell |
| TV Guide Canada | to Live | Children | DAYS | GL |
| Jamey Giddens | One Life | All My | Billy Miller | Crystal Chappell |
| Daytime | to Live | Children | Y&R | |
| Confidential | ||||
| Luke Kerr | One Life | All My | Billy Miller | Stacy Haiduk |
| Daytime | to Live | Children | Y&R | Y&R |
| Confidential | ||||
| Damon Jacobs | Days of | All My | Don Hastings | Crystal Chappell |
| We Love Soaps | our Lives | Children | ATWT | (for all her roles) |
| Roger Newcomb | One Life | All My | Grant Aleksander | Crystal Chappell |
| We Love Soaps | to Live | Children | GL | GL |
| Anthony Langford | One Life | The Young & | Brett Claywell | Arianne Zuker |
| AfterElton.com | To Live | The Restless | OLTL | DAYS |
| MIchael Fairman | One Life | All My | Justin Deas | Crystal Chappell |
| On-Air On-Soaps | to Live | Children | GL | GL |
Worst Mistakes in Soaps of 2009
Dan Kroll – Soap Central
Phillip Chancellor III was believed to have been dead for 20 years, but he returned to town to announce that he’d only faked his death because he didn’t want anyone to know that he was gay. Speaking of gay, Adam Newman pretended to be gay in order to keep his dirty deeds a secret, dirty deeds that included injecting Botox into his eyes so that he could feign blindness.
Sara Bibel – Fancast
Cancelling As The World Turns.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Nelson Branco – TV Guide Canada
Canceling World Turns too early.
Jamey Giddens – Daytime Confidential
Not firing Chuck Pratt much earlier.
Luke Kerr – Daytime Confidential
Not firing Chuck Pratt much earlier.
Damon Jacobs – We Love Soaps
Phillip’s return on Y&R/Thom Biertz’s acting/the horrible writing for this story. Everything to do with this fiasco on and off screen was WRONG.
Roger Newcomb – We Love Soaps
P&G not cashing in on the Otalia phenomenon by spinning them off into a P&G produced web series.
Anthony Langford – AfterElton.com
Young and The Restless’ offensive, insulting and homophobic handling of their ‘gay’ storylines.
Michael Fairman – On-Air On-Soaps
CBS canceling ATWT just as it was getting its groove back.
Most Disappointing in Soaps of 2009
Dan Kroll – Soap Central
CBS didn’t just cancel one soap in 2009 – it pulled the plug on two shows- ATWT & GL!
Sara Bibel – Fancast
(tie) the ultimate lack of consequences for so many characters that committed vile acts — from Todd’s kidnapping and raping Marty to Victor unleashing Patty on Jack and OLTL’s ratings woes.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Nelson Branco – TV Guide Canada
GL’s sloppy series finale!
Jamey Giddens – Daytime Confidential
Cancellation of Procter and Gamble soap operas.
Luke Kerr – Daytime Confidential
As the World Turns’ Cancellation
Damon Jacobs – We Love Soaps
Canceling GL and ATWT
Roger Newcomb – We Love Soaps
ATWT’s GH actor fixation instead of using a history (including veteran actors) deeper than any other soap. I love Lynn Herring and Stuart Damon but Audrey and Ralph instead of Lisa and Tom? If there is a soap God, ATWT will fix this problem before going off the air.
Anthony Langford – AfterElton.com
that As The World Turns was canceled just as it was improving creatively.
MIchael Fairman – On-Air On-Soaps
Guiding Light’s boring finale!
Soap Moment that shocked you the most in 2009
Dan Kroll – Soap Central
ABC’s decision to move production of All My Children from New York to Los Angeles.
Sara Bibel – Fancast
(tie) Adam in drag on Y&R and Nash’s decomposing corpse’s reappearance on One Life To Live.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Nelson Branco – TV Guide Canada
Phillip Chancellor is alive and Adam and Rafe have sex on Y&R.
Jamey Giddens – Daytime Confidential
Finding out it was true that James Franco was doing General Hospital.
Luke Kerr – Daytime Confidential
James Franco guesting on General Hospital.
Damon Jacobs – We Love Soaps
Crystal Chappell and Louise Sorel returning to DAYS.
Roger Newcomb – We Love Soaps
Phillip III’s return from the dead on Y&R.
Anthony Langford – AfterElton.com
That OLTL showed two men being intimate in bed as if it happened on every soap opera every day.
MIchael Fairman – On-Air On-Soaps
Adam and Rafe have sex.
Your Soap Wish for 2010
Dan Kroll – Soap Central
Quite simply, my wish is that no more fans have to endure the pain of losing their favorite soap. For so many viewers, the soaps have become part of their daily routine. I’d like to see the networks strive to ramp up storylines and get viewers back to their stories. Maybe then more advertisers will pour money into these shows and allow them to continue.
Sara Bibel – Fancast
That the genre will stop being so dark and mean spirited and rediscover love stories and family sagas focusing on flawed but rootable characters resulting in an improbable ratings resurgence insuring that soaps will still be on the air in 2050.
Nelson Branco – TV Guide Canada
One Life to Live escapes cancellation and increases in the ratings.
Jamey Giddens – Daytime Confidential
I wish the showrunners, head writers, network executives, etc. that work with each of the remaining soaps would take a long, hard look at the history of their respective soaps, and the genre as whole, to get a proper understanding of when soaps were on fire (ratings-wise and creatively) and why. Then, I wish they would take this information with them into their writing rooms as they attempt to create television that, first and foremost, rewards the diehard fans who have stuck with the soaps for generations, as well as aggressively attempts to bring back lapsed viewers.
Luke Kerr – Daytime Confidential
No soaps get cancelled in 2010.
Damon Jacobs – We Love Soaps
NO CANCELLATIONS. That all current shows look at DAYS as an example of how to make a product that is consistent, respectful of viewer’s intelligence, written to their actor’s strengths.
Roger Newcomb – We Love Soaps
One or more web soaps find huge sponsorships leading to a golden new era for the genre -online.
Anthony Langford – AfterElton.com
Besides OLTL not getting the axe, I wish that ATWT begin to write Luke and Noah as adult, sexually realized gay men and give their long suffering fans what they want and deserve before the show ends.
Michael Fairman – On-Air On-Soaps
One Life soars in the ratings and captivates new viewers, and does not get cancelled!
James Franco was a surprise and not a particularly well-received one on General Hospital. But, at least, GH was given a nod because of Franco. I love General Hospital but I must be the only person. I can’t believe there was no recognition of actors such as Maurice Benard, Nancy Lee Grahn, Steve Burton, Tony Geary, Laura Wright, Jane Elliot, LisaLoCicero, Brandon Barash, Bradford Anderson, Rebecca Herbst and many of the recurring actors. I’ll continue to watch GH in 2010…even if I’m all alone.
I’d agree with all these selections and comments, though my choice for Best Female Performance would be Florencia Lozano, who has been hypnotic as Téa Delgado, even if she’s still involved with the dreaded Todd.
I’m a little disappointed that there weren’t more women among the critics–Melodie or Jillian from DC or Soap Opera Weekly’s Mala Bhattacharjee– or Dawn or Allison from Soap Central. Not sure it would’ve changed the overall results, but it would’ve been nice to have a more diverse set of voices.
Where is the diversity in the panel? The last time I checked most soap fans are women. Some of these men haven’t been watching soaps for very long either.
I’m very disappointed that AfterElton was selected as a legitimate representation. Last time I checked, most of the soap audience would not follow this publication for soap news. It’s a niche publication and not one that serves the general population. I’d much rather hear from Mala, Gabrielle Winkel from one of the main soap magazines.
There is only one actress to vote for, she is exceptional, brilliant, georgeous and her acting talent and range have no boundries…She makes everyone around her look better…CRYSTAL CHAPPELL!!!
I agree that Crystal Chappell’s performance of Olivia Spencer in love with Natalia Rivera was mesmerizing this year. CC was able to completely transform her character from a seemingly selfish woman to a wonderful, compassionate, and giving person. Her scenes at the grave yard in April where breathe taking and for that she deserves not one Emmy but several. Kudo’s to you Crystal Chappell you really stepped up your game this year and DOOL must be over the moon to have you!!!!!
The panel is correct, when the writers realize that soaps are “HISTORY” and quit re-writing it, GH learned this lesson the hard way “BUT” do they listen “NO”, they continue this travesty that will wind up with GH going down the tubes of cancellation. I began listening to soaps as a third grader with my aunt as the radio played Guilding Light, to this day I remember Dick & Kathy, a love story that still rings true, everytime I watch James Lipton on the Actors Studio he is still Dr Dick Grant. Mr Guza of GH has “NO” respect for history the backbone of soaps, first he destroys the Luke & Laura story, Now he is changing the Sonny & Kate story with the lude and non chemistry of Olivia & Sonny, the ratings since they broke them up has gone so far down, then he turns on the very people that kept GH up there by ignoring the Jason & Elizabeth s/l to bring back the Jasam story, I ‘am sorry to say that I as many others have left GH only checking in to see when Megan Ward is on a really good actress who brought out the best in Maurice Benard, daily GH get’s darker and darker, daily Anthony Geary becomes so sad to watch he needs to take Luke away to save the show, he need’s to bring back what made GH “FAMILY” and not “THE MOB”, James Franco has proved one thing you cannot bring in an actor that no one cares about, as for Marcell her time is over to, Mr Guza needs to front burner a woman that can “IGNORE” Sonny, instead of the “FOOLS” that go limp when he speaks the mob s/l needs to show redemtion instead of being made the hero’s, Give the viewers what made soaps indure, Strong, Intelligent, Sensative women, Kate, Aleis, Monica, Diane, Robin, and also give us the women we “LOVE” to hate, Carly, Tracy, Sam, when Mr Guza “FINALLY” admits he has been wrong, then there is “HOPE” for GH, if not the handwriting is on the wall for GH, also, OLTL has gone back to family, the return of Kevin, the “Intelligent Gay S/L”, the only thing missing is kill Mitch and “NEVER” let him come back, Tood & Blair great coupling and acting, John I could do without the actor is boring, Brody & Jessica a real soap couple, Gigi & Rex gettting boring, Scott Clifton getting loveable, OLTL knew what was wrong kudos to the wrinting staff for giving the viewrs what they want.
Why didnt any one put Tea Delgado as best of 2009. Tea had powerful performances in 2009 when she and Todd were in jail when and many other things. Maybe Victor Newman just alone when he made that video for hope it was good.
I noticed all the critics seem to be on a Gay fixation, while most of these shows don’t show minorities at all and the ones that do, show them every other Tuesday. OLTL has a bunch of African Americans but we see Layla and Cris every other week. Rachel is seen to prop up Bo and Nora, Destiny is there to prop up Matthew and Danielle. On Y & R (which is still the best because they have the higher ratings and apparently that is all that really matters, not a bunch of critics) the Winters family is hardly seen unless it is Lily and her Caucasian Husband. AMC probably has the strongest Black cast acting wise with Debbie Morgan and Co but you were right AMC is just tired. GH, you can’t find a minority if you wanted to especially a Black person. Days has Lexie and Abe yet they don’t do anything but support the White characters unless Lexie is cheating on Abe again (like Blacks folks don’t have other problems.) Are there any people of color on ATWT? I don’t know because you never see any. TBTB has one or two that we hardly ever see. So I am glad the see the critic are happy that Gay people are getting props on daytime. Minority groups especially Asians are not represented and while it is nice to see that White Gays are getting the respect that they deserve, how about you critics focus on the other minority groups not being represented. I am sure this will be deleted or not make it because I am speaking on things that I know mainstream wants to ignore.
News
Spencer Pratt, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Guest Star and Reality Show Notable, Holds Second Place and Poised for L.A. Mayor Runoff
As of Wednesday morning June 3, Spencer Pratt (Rich, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Hills et al), who is running for the mayor of Los Angeles, is firmly in second place behind incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the primary election. Pratt has a comfortable 30% of the vote, ahead of City Councilwoman Nithya Raman at 22%. Bass has 37% of the city’s vote.
In Los Angeles, if no candidate receives more than 50% of all votes cast in Tuesday’s primary, the top two finishers move on to a runoff on November 3rd. The Democratic Bass has already achieved enough votes for the run0ff. Now, it’s a formality to sit-back and wait for the Republican Pratt, till all the votes are counted before he can officially be the runoff.
Pratt told KTLA, “I literally could not be more excited. I got in this because as a citizen I felt like my city failed myself, my neighbors, my family. Mayor Bass has allowed the city to become covered in potholes. Then there’s the moms who want to be able to go to the parks and not see anybody shooting up fentanyl with their pants off.

Photo: JPI
PRATT CRITICAL OF MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES KAREN BASS
The reality star has been critical of Bass when she was MIA during the LA wildfires where he lost his Pacific Palisades home. It was back in January that Spencer made it clear of his intention to throw his hat into the ring in politics: Spencer expressed, “I’ve been in the public eye most of my life and there isn’t any dirt you can find on me that hasn’t already been aired. Seems like the only thing people don’t know is my voter registration, so here go: I registered Republican in 2020 and never changed it, and I wasn’t going to change it now just to check a different box. This is a non-partisan race – there will be no D or R next to my name. As Mayor, I will not serve either party. I will work with anyone who wants to help the City. No labels necessary.
FROM REALITY TO SOAP STAR TO AN LA MAYORAL CANDIDATE
Pratt rose to notoriety first appearing in 2005 as a friend of Brody Jenner on the reality series The Princes of Malibu, a series which Pratt, then co-created and executive produced. Later, in 2007, he joined the cast of The Hills, where he dated and eventually married Heidi Montag with whom he shared two children. Both he and Montag previously appeared on The Bold snd the Beautiful back in April of 2025, when they played guests at a Forrester fashion show.
B&B welcomed back reality star as Rich, when he appears on the January 28 episode in scenes with Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy Forrester) and Laneya Grace (Electra Forrester) as Steffy and Electra.
So, what do you think about Spencer Pratt’s bid to become the Mayor of Los Angeles? He would follow a long line of “celebrities” who eventually made into public office.
News
Peabo Bryson, Grammy Award-Winning Singer of Memorable ‘One Life to Live’ Theme Song, Passes Away at 75
One of the great vocalists of our time, Peabo Bryson died on Tuesday night, June 2 at the age of 75, following reports over the weekend he had suffered a stroke.
In a statement to Variety, Bryson’s family wrote, in part, “With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing, He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
They added, “For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song. This deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage.”

Photo:ABC
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family continued, “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AND OTHER TOP HITS
Bryson is best-known for his vocal performances and string of hits including his duets with Celine Dion of the title track of Disney’s 1991 Beauty and the Beast, and his solo vocal work in the film version of Aladdin’s 1992 “A Whole New World.” Peabo had a slew of R&B hits throughout his career including: “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” with the late Roberta Flack, “Feel the Fire,” to his top hit “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” to “Can You Stop the Rain,” and many more.
“TONIGHT I CELEBRATE MY LOVE” BECAME BO AND HOPE’S THEME
In fact, “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” became the iconic theme song of the enduring romance between Days of Our Lives super couple, Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso) for years. The moment occurred in 1983, when Hope turned 18 at her party she danced the night away with Bo to the memorable song. “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” also went to number #1 on the Billboard charts.
Peter Reckell took to X on Tuesday, June 2upon learning the news of Bryson’s death and expressed, “They say a song can immediately bring you back to emotions and memories. ‘Celebrate my love’ does exactly that! So sorry to hear the loss of Peabo Bryson. Love and support goes out to family and friends!”
The official Days of Our Lives Instagram account also acknowledged Bryon’s passing, sharing, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Peabo Bryson, whose unforgettable voice helped soundtrack one of Days of our Lives’ most beloved love stories. His duet with Roberta Flack, ‘Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,’ became the theme song for Bo Brady and Hope Williams, and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Days fans. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who loved his music.”

Photo: JPI
ONE LIFE TO LIVE MAIN THEME SONG WITH VOCALS
However, One Life to Live fans remember Bryson’s voice as the singer on the the 1985 new modern theme song, (since many of the soaps of that time were going to more vocals in their opening title sequences), where they took the previous instrumental version of their title sequence and adapted it as the main theme. That theme song ran for seven years on the ABC daytime drama series from 1985-1991. In fact, Bryson appeared on One Life to Live in 1985 to perform the main theme song.
In addition, Peabo returned to ABC daytime when he appeared on All My Children in 1992, Bryson’s song “I Found Love” was used to for the love story of Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) and Dimitri Marick (Michael Nader) and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1993 for Best Original Song.
That same year, Bryson would make a guest appearance in Pine Valley, where he performing a rendition of “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” with Tonya Perkins (Livia Frye), at Livia’s and Tom Cudahy’s (Richard Shoberg) wedding reception.
Share your condolences and remembrances of Peabo Bryson and take a look and listen to his vocals from the One Life to Live theme song of the mid 80s to early 90s. Was Peabo’s One Life to Live theme song your favorite over the years, or did you have other favorites? Let us know in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
In General Hospital casting news, none other than Scout Cain just grew up right before our eyes! In a case of SORAS (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome) the daughter of Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam McCall (formerly played by Kelly Monaco) has been recast.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Kayden Brenna Tokarski takes over the role from Cosette Abinante who has played Scout since 2022. If you caught yesterday’s GH 16,000 episode on set cast celebration video, you may have witnessed Kayden at the festivities. The young actress will make her debut in July since GH tapes about six weeks ahead of air.
Taking to her Instagram on Tuesday, June 2, Kayden confirmed her casting by posting: “A DREAM COME TRUE. So honored to be joining the General Hospital family!! Biggest thanks to Mark Teschner (casting director, GH) and Frank Valentini (EP, GH) for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to work on this iconic show.”

Courtesy/ABC
The decision to make a sharp turn with the age of the character was for upcoming story purposes, and to open up Scout for more teenaged and young adult storylines; especially since Drew Cain is eventually going to come out of his locked-in state and perhaps Scout can go at war with Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) for what she did to her father? Stay tuned.
SCOUT CAIN READY FOR TEENAGE ROMANCE?
As General Hospital viewers know, Scout was born in 2017, which makes her about 9 before the SORAS occurred. Some rumors are circulating that a more teenaged Scout could become a love interest fo Finn Carr’s Rocco Falonceri? Previously, the two characters bonded over Sam’s death, since at the time Rocco’s father, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) was engaged to Sam, and the two, along with Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), tried to stick together as “brothers and sister,” after her mom passed. But will that relationship dynamic change?
Tokarski who is 16, has an impressive acting resume which includes: Gaslit on Starz. Lifetime’s My Professor’s Deadly Secret, where she played Lauren the on-screen daughter of Passions and Y&R alum James Hyde (ex-Sam and ex-Jeremy Stark, respectively) character of John, and another Lifetime thriller, Killer in the Woods.
More recently, Kayden completed production on the indie thriller Quads & the Kicker, and can be seen in the upcoming Curse of Vandor starring Dee Wallace (ex-Pat Spencer, GH). The actress has also appeared in numerous national ad and branding campaigns including being featured opposite Joey Fantone in a Red Lobster commercial and voicing the part of “Wednesday Addams” in a Wendy’s commercial as a tie-in to the Netflix series Wednesday.
So, what do you think of General Hospital casting Kayden Brenna Tokarski as the new Scout Cain? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
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