Don’t forget to hit the play button below at 7pm ET/4pm PT today for the return of The Rosie O’Donnell Show LIVE! as she hosts a star-studded array of Broadway’s finest performing from their homes. The event will serve as a fund-raiser for The Actor’s Fund, which fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. According to Broadway.com, the special program will feature performances and appearances by some of the biggest names in entertainment, all participating live from the comfort of their own homes, including Sebastian Arcelus, Skylar Astin, Beth Behrs, Nate Berkus, Stephanie J. Block, Matthew Broderick, Tituss Burgess, Norbert Leo Butz, Kristin Chenoweth, Gavin Creel, Darren Criss, Gloria Estefan, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Harvey Fierstein, David Foster, Morgan Freeman, Neil Patrick Harris, Megan Hilty, Lorin Latarro, Judith Light, Barry Manilow, Rob McClure, Audra McDonald, Katharine McPhee, Alan Menken, Idina Menzel, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O’Hara, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lauren Patten, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Randy Rainbow, Andrew Rannells, Chita Rivera, Seth Rudetsky, Miranda Sings, Jordin Sparks, Ben Vereen, Adrienne Warren, James Wesley and more.
Hard to believe, but Madonna’s monster hit, “Vogue,” turns 30 this week. From my Instinct Magazine colleague Michael Cook:
Behind the scenes, Vogue was the highlight of her musical partnership with musical impresario and legendary musical architect Shep Pettibone. After remixing several of her other tracks, Pettibone was approached to create a brand new song for the Material Girl.
With vocals that he recalls Madonna laying down as “efficient” (with Madonna rapidly tracking all the verse and chorus vocals in order, in single takes). It was Pettibone that suggested the idea of a rap to fill the middle eight portion of the track. He suggested name-checking classic film stars, so he and Madonna came up with a list of names, recording it immediately. Pettibone also came up with the vocal coda (“Ooooh, you’ve got to, let your body move to the music”).
Madonna then returned to Los Angeles & Pettibone added both piano and altered the bassline to fit the vocals. Pettibone and Madonna continued an ultra-successful partnership through several songs (including “Rescue Me”) culminating in the critically acclaimed and Golden Globe-nominated ballad “This Used To Be My Playground.”
Say what you will, but if you’re out at a club and “Vogue” comes out of the sound system, the floor is about to fill up.
Look around, everywhere you turn is heartache / It’s everywhere that you go (look around)You try everything you can to escape / The pain of life that you know (life that you know)When all else fails and you long to be / Something better than you are todayI know a place where you can get away / It’s called the dance floor, and here’s what it’s for
As Randy Rainbow interviews “Vice President and dance captain of the coronavirus task force Mike Pence,” his thoughts turn to the COVID-19 road ahead. Riffing on the Alan Menken/David Zippel tune “Go the Distance” from the Disney animated feature Hercules, Randy reassures us we CAN “Social Distance.”
Superstar country singer Kenny Rogers, whose hits included “Lucille,” “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream,” died Friday night of natural causes at the age of 81. From The Hollywood Reporter:
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, Rogers sold more than 120 million records worldwide, racking up 17 No. 1 Hot Country Songs on the Billboard charts and another 10 among the top 10. With his sweet, husky voice and easygoing demeanor, he was hugely popular.
It didn’t take long for Rogers to find success after going solo. His eponymous second album topped the Country Album charts in 1977. For the next decade, he grew to be one of the most successful recording artists of all time. Eleven consecutive studio albums reached the top 10 on Billboard’s country chart, including a string of five No. 1s. Every release also charted on the Billboard 200, its overall ranking of the most popular U.S. albums.
With hit singles such as 1978’s “The Gambler” and “Love or Something Like It”; 1979’s “She Believes in Me,” “You Decorated My Life” and “Coward of the County”; 1982’s “Love Will Turn You Around”; and 1983’s “We’ve Got Tonight,” Rogers’ voice was constantly filling the radio airwaves.
In addition to his 21 #1 country hits, Rogers was a sometime actor thanks to TV movies inspired by his hit single, “The Gambler.”
The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25PM at the age of 81. Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family. https://t.co/adxAgiMW2spic.twitter.com/nggWiiotMT
You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone. I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend. pic.twitter.com/hIQLIvt8pr
Gary Beals (press photo) Former Canadian Idol artist Gary Beals drops his first new music in over a decade today, a soulful, emotionally raw track titled “Me for Me.” The single, co-written with fellow Toronto-based artist Terrell Morris and produced by Losh, is a study in contrasts as Beals’ vocals range from quiet intimacy to a soaring, gospel-tinged roar. Imagine some old-school Luther Vandross with a touch of Billy Porter realness and you get an idea of the depth and power of Beals’ talent. Following his time on Canadian Idol (Season One runner-up in 2004), Beals released two studio albums, his self-titled 2005 release followed by The Rebirth Of… Along the way, he earned widespread praise and a Juno Award nomination for “Best R&B/Soul Recording.” In an exclusive interview, Beals shares that he spent a majority of the years since Idol trying to hide his true self, and hide who he truly loved. Performing for the masses, unable to identify with stereotypical boy/girl love songs, Beals says he felt confined by those constructs. But after stepping away from the spotlight for some intense reflection and personal growth, he did what artists do and translated that journey into a new collection of songs, Bleed My Truth, set for release this June. “I had to expose my pain, hurt and disappointment and channel it in a way that allowed me to heal and watch life take form,” says the 37-year-old. Take a listen to “Me for Me,” and then check out my exclusive interview with the handsome Mr. Beals below. https://soundcloud.com/garybealsmusic/meforme/s-NqzMH The Randy Report: Your new single, “Me For Me,” is a rich, raw bluesy piece of soul. What was the inspiration for the song? Gary Beals: To create a piece of work where I could finally show up as ‘Gary’. Expose myself and be vulnerable enough to put pen to paper where I no longer had to hide parts of myself because I was so used to protecting pieces of myself. I wanted to speak about my experiences of love (whether romantic or platonic) where I found myself questioning ‘How could you not take me for me?’ after giving myself so freely. ”Me For Me” is about the great lengths we will go to, all for the sake of love. It’s about risk vs reward. In the end, is it worth it? “Me For Me” is also about embracing everything that I am; loving ”Me for Me.” It’s about individuality and embracing my sexuality after years of struggle. It’s been 10 years since my last release but this time I show up as my full self and that in itself feels amazing! TRR: It’s been over a decade since your last release. What happened that led you to step out of the spotlight? Was there a revelation that sparked your return? GB: It was very important for me to understand who I was. I had lost parts of myself because I wasn’t being myself. I didn’t know who I was. I was covered in layers of expectations and culture and those thoughts and opinions controlled me. I had to find the core of who I was so I had to step back out of the spotlight. I distanced myself from music for a bit which was very hard to do. I lived, I experienced, I traveled and I took the necessary time to get to know who Gary Beals was. I did some soul searching, alone. Today, I feel grounded more than ever in my being. I embrace everything about myself inclusive of my sexuality. The sum of all my parts makes up this beautiful human being. I now live on my own terms and have been given a second chance. Music has never left me. It dimmed a bit but it was crucial for me to take this journey and so here I am with a single and soon to be released album. I’m excited to share!
TRR: The new track is from your upcoming album, Bleed My Truth. That’s a strong title that indicates some spiritual healing. Tell me about the new collection.
GB: I love the album! Extremely proud of it! The title speaks for itself which is some of what I’ve already touched on. Vulnerability can be a scary thing but it can also be a beautiful destination. The album exposes who I am, hence why I called it ‘Bleed My Truth’. It’s about my journey. Over the course of years, I’ve done a lot of spiritual healing and I’m still healing but I’m at a different awareness level. The album is an eclectic work of art. Without going into depth, each song represents a different side of me. I give reference sometimes in a subtle way to my childhood because during my journey of self-discovery I had to remember that child who I once was. So I draw inspiration from my younger self. You’ll experience my fun side. The album is about love: romantic, platonic and self-love. I’ve shed so many tears writing this album which was so therapeutic and liberating in itself, and I think people will feel that when they listen to the album.
TRR: What do you do outside of music that contributes to your creativity? GB: I travel. I love to travel. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences traveling which has contributed to my growth. I love being around my friends who are such a support system for me. We have enlightening and very in-depth conversations, which has been a major asset to my creativity. I want my music to tell stories that people can relate to and sometimes that inspiration comes from others. I also take in other forms of art from dance to theatre, to watching other artists and musicians perform. I love being around nature which definitely spikes my creativity. TRR: What advice would 2020 Gary Beals give 2004 Gary Beals today? GB: Give little to no fucks about the thoughts and opinions of others, haha. Be respectful but live your life on your own terms. Embrace your fears. It’s ok to not know. Take time for yourself. Be kind and be the absolute best version of yourself that you can be. Never play small and go take the world by storm!
“Me for Me” is available now on iTunes here, Amazon here, and can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music. Look for Bleed My Truth to be released in June right on time for Pride Month.
(image via OMG Blog) Some news items you might have missed: • OMG Blog: This dog (above) recreated Madonna’s iconic photos to hilarious results. • Reuters: A pill containing two HIV drugs that was touted as a potential treatment for the novel coronavirus was not effective, according to a study released late on Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. • Slate: The Coronavirus Diaries – “The guys are wild on Grindr right now.” • The Recount: As Trump pivots to coronavirus crisis mode (finally), let’s take a look at the months of downplaying and denial.
• Washington Post: Breaking with tradition, more than 80 career national security professionals have signed an open letter of support for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, saying that President Trump “has created an existential danger to the United States.” • Las Vegas Review-Journal: Little Darlings strip club in Las Vegas will begin offering drive-through strip shows for those who want to indulge in some adult entertainment, but do not want to enter the building, per the CDC’s recommendations that people keep 6 feet in distance between themselves and others. Ten minutes shows will cost $100 plus tip. • CBS News: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has announced the end to her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination after consistently low rankings in national polls and dismal finishes in primary contests. Making her announcement, she endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president. • KIT212: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo chatting with his brother, CNN host Chris Cuomo is pretty funny as the bros fight on-air about who was their mom’s favorite child, calling their parents, and breaking curfew growing up.
This video of brothers Andrew and Chris Cuomo fighting ON AIR about their mom’s favorite child, calling their parents, and breaking curfew growing up is better than anything Shakespeare ever wrote pic.twitter.com/h7KF6pOdun
Caesars Entertainment has announced all of the shows on their properties will suspend performances beginning today through the end of March:
“All ticketed live entertainment held in Caesars Entertainment venues company-wide will suspend performances beginning this evening, Sunday, March 15, through March 31, 2020.
“Refunds and exchanges for affected dates are available at the point of purchase.
“We are taking these bold measures now and look forward to welcoming guests back to enjoy world-class entertainment experiences as soon as we are able. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these challenging circumstances.”
Leave it to political satirist Randy Rainbow to bring some musical theater levity to the ongoing crisis that is coronavirus. God knows we can use it. To the strains of “Adelaide’s Lament” from Frank Loesser’s evergreen musical hit Guys and Dolls, Rainbow expounds on the stultifying misses and missteps of the Trump administration in regard to the worldwide pandemic. Rainbow’s lyrics are, as usual, on point with snap, crackle, and pop. Hit play and enjoy.
Sherry Pie (image via World of Wonder) And the scandal that is Sherry Pie continues to unwind. As I previously reported, my Instinct Magazine colleague Mickey Keating was first to bring to light the odd catfishing allegations against current RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, Sherry Pie (aka Joey Gugliemelli). After Mickey’s exclusive interview with the initial accuser, actor Ben Shimkus, several more aspiring actors chimed in alleging that Gugliemelli had “connected them” with a “casting director” named ‘Alison Mossey’ who requested sexually charged audition videos in order to be considered for a role in a new play at the prestigious Playwrights Horizon theater company in New York City. As you may know, it eventually led to the revelation that Gugliemelli was the faux casting director. Just hours before Sherry Pie’s debut on RPDR a week ago, Gugliemelli issued an “apology” via social media saying he was “horribly embarrassed” and “disgusted” with himself for what he had done, and blamed the behavior on mental health issues. Shortly before airtime, the producers at RPDR announced that, in light of recent revelations, Sherry Pie had been disqualified from the competition and would not be participating in the season’s yet-to-be filmed finale.
That said, out of respect for the work already filmed by the other contestants, the season would air. But it’s clear from watching Sherry Pie’s two episodes thus far that the powers that be are minimizing screen time for the drag queen via editing by keeping confessional moments and camera time to a minimum. [Warning – spoilers for RuPaul’s Drag Race coming] Shimkus went public with his allegations upon hearing that Sherry Pie apparently does very well in the new season and may reach the top four in the competition wherein she would compete in the grand finale where the season’s winner will be crowned. For example, Sherry Pie won the most recent episode thanks to her improv abilities. And for the win, she was awarded $5,000 in cash. But in a disclaimer at the end of the show, it was announced that VH1 and World of Wonder had $5,000 was donated to The Trevor Project, the nation’s leading organization for providing suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people. It’s unclear if that was Sherry Pie’s prize money or an additional amount donated to TTP. RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 airs Fridays at 8/7c on VH1.
I’m floored by this extraordinary ribbon routine by Ekaterina Vedeneeva at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships last fall. Happy Friday, everyone! (h/t Corey Andrew)
Don’t forget to hit the play button below at 7pm ET/4pm PT today for the return of The Rosie O’Donnell Show LIVE! as she hosts a star-studded array of Broadway’s finest performing from their homes. The event will serve as a fund-raiser for The Actor’s Fund, which fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. According to Broadway.com, the special program will feature performances and appearances by some of the biggest names in entertainment, all participating live from the comfort of their own homes, including Sebastian Arcelus, Skylar Astin, Beth Behrs, Nate Berkus, Stephanie J. Block, Matthew Broderick, Tituss Burgess, Norbert Leo Butz, Kristin Chenoweth, Gavin Creel, Darren Criss, Gloria Estefan, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Harvey Fierstein, David Foster, Morgan Freeman, Neil Patrick Harris, Megan Hilty, Lorin Latarro, Judith Light, Barry Manilow, Rob McClure, Audra McDonald, Katharine McPhee, Alan Menken, Idina Menzel, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O’Hara, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lauren Patten, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Randy Rainbow, Andrew Rannells, Chita Rivera, Seth Rudetsky, Miranda Sings, Jordin Sparks, Ben Vereen, Adrienne Warren, James Wesley and more. 
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 airs Fridays at 8/7c on VH1.
