LGBTQ news and entertainment
Madonna’s personal message for MDNA SKIN, which was launched in Japan this past February in collaboration with MTG, Japan’s leading beauty company.
Madge whispers in voiceover: “I’ve spent hours on it. Months on it. Years on it. Creation. Essence. Alchemy. Transformation. Substance. Connections. Revolutions. Magic. Immortal.”
For more info, visit www.mdnaskin.jp
Madonna introduced Russian protest-punk band Pussy Riot at Amnesty International’s Bringing Human Rights Home concert in Brooklyn, praising the band’s courage and conviction for standing up for LGBT rights in Russia.
Madge spoke of her own experience performing in Russia: being told to “tone down” her show (she didn’t), being sued for millions of dollars for her show being “pro-gay,” seeing 87 audience members arrested during her concert for behavior that was “too gay.”
And she spoke about members of Pussy Riot being imprisoned for staging a protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin inside a Moscow cathedral.
Watch the queen of pop’s introduction below:
Eternal gay favorite and over the top 1967 film Valley of the Dolls” – based on the 1966 novel by Jaqueline Susann – looks to be headed back to the big screen in a remake by 20th Century Fox.
While big names are being bandied about for the three leads, Madonna has been mentioned to play the role of the “over the hill but still fabulous” star that “Neely” upstages.
The “new” Valley of the Dolls, will have a decidedly different “spin” on the original with L.A.’s music business being a big part of the story, particularly with the Neely O’Hara character (Patty Duke) the up and coming star who makes it big and has a major fall from grace. One of the writers of the new VOTD is Paul Rudnick, who did the “First Wives Club” and “In and Out” (such a funny Kevin Kline movie!) There will be a dark comedy aspect to the film.
Actresses on the “A List” for this movie are Anne Hathaway, perfect as the prim Anne Welles, Jennifer Lawrence as Jennifer North (the fallen Angel played by Sharon Tate) and Emmy Rossum as Neely O’ Hara (perfect casting!!) and producers are lobbying hard to get Madonna to play the aging Broadway star Helen Lawson, a role intended for Judy Garland in the original movie.
I think Madge would be perfection in the role. No one could do it like Madonna.
Please, oh please, let this happen.
(tip by TRR reader John)
Predictably, hate group leader Bryan Fischer was not happy about this year’s Grammy Awards show.
Regarding the Macklemore/Madonna/Queen Latifah “Same Love” segment near the end of the telecast, Fischer calls the marriage ceremony an “abomination.”
He goes on to say “If you care about children,” Fischer said, “this thing ought to appall you because gay marriage is bad for children. In fact, same-sex parenting – I’m going to be very direct here – same-sex parenting is a form of child abuse.”
(via Right Wing Watch)
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| Mary Lambert and Madonna at 2014 Grammy Awards |
So here’s how the moment went down on the Grammy’s tonight:
Queen Latifah introduced Macklemore & Ryan Lewis as they launched into their hit song “Same Love” at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. As the lyrics clearly state “No freedom till we’re equal, damn right I support it.”
Mary Lambert, who is featured in the song, joined Macklemore onstage.
Queen Latifah proceeded to officiate the marriages of 34 couples as Ryan Lewis and then Madonna walked out onstage as the 43-year-old actress screamed with excitement, “I now pronounce you married!”
Madonna begins singing her song “Open Your Heart,” as the newlywed couples – old, young gay, straight – embraced and showed off their love for one another as they smiled and waved to the camera.
Madge dueted with Lambert as the moving performance came to a close.
Predictably, while love and commitment were being celebrated at the Grammys, some howling was heard from the right-wing wildcats.
Fox News Radio reporter Todd Starnes posted a rant of tweets condemning the ceremony:
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| Macklemore and Ryan Lewis |
The big question on at the top of every Grammy nominee is “who will win?” Fans wonder who will give the biggest, splashiest performance. Who will make the most outrageous statement?
But I think the most talked about aspect of tonight’s awards show will be the real weddings of 34 couples – gay, straight, old, young, multi-racial – live on the air.
From the New York Times:
But the producers behind the program, which is to be broadcast live by CBS at 8 p.m., are hoping that the biggest show-stopper of the night will be a much more solemn event: an on-air wedding of 34 couples — gay, straight, old, young, of many races and many colors. The ceremony will be part of the hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s performance of their Grammy-nominated song “Same Love,” which became a marriage-equality anthem last year just as that issue was drawing intense national attention.
Yet as part of a televised awards show that works hard for its ratings, showbiz will also play a part in this sacrament. Queen Latifah will officiate at the nuptials, and Madonna will join the number with Macklemore, Mr. Lewis and the song’s featured vocalist, Mary Lambert.
Producers say they want the event to stand as a statement that all couples share and deserve the “same love.”
Madonna and Macklemore and his producer Ryan Lewis will perform the rap duo’s 2013 mega-hit “Same Love.”
“Same Love” is an has become an huge anthem for LGBT equality and same sex marriage.
The past year has been hugely successful year for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who won for both Favorite Rap/Hip-Hip Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hip Album at the 2013 American Music Awards last November. They have seven nominations this year — including Album of the Year for The Heist, Song of the Year for “Same Love,” and Best New Artist.
The “Material Girl” hinted earlier this week that she would be performing during the live show. “My lips are almost sealed! I can’t say anything more. #itsasecret,” she wrote on Friday, Jan. 24, with a picture of herself covered up in a thin black veil.
Get ready for the gays to have a big night watching our allies together onstage.
The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will air on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.
(via USWeekly)
When someone asks “who did it first – Madonna or Lady Gaga?”
While I’m a fan of both great artists, the answer is simple – Olivia Newton-John.
Any questions…?
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| Click image for more info to support Love Conquers Hate |
Madonna has graciously joined thousands of others from around the world to be part of our #LoveConquersHate campaign – standing in solidarity with LGBT people in Russia. Her inspiring note is below.
At this dangerous moment in Russian history, we as advocates have a responsibility to speak up and take our hopeful message global. That’s why I’m joining HRC’s Love Conquers Hate campaign, in hopes that more and more fair-minded people around the world will stand up and fight against the Russian government’s campaign of hate.
Right now, you can send that message directly to the Russian people and provide much-needed support to LGBT advocates in Russia by purchasing the Russian-language Love Conquers Hate t-shirt. And once you have your t-shirt, share a picture of yourself wearing it on social media using #LoveConquersHate. With your help, we can make this simple message go global.
Click here for more info on the campaign from Madonna and the HRC.