VH1 Announces “RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race”

Via Variety:

VH1 and World of Wonder Productions are providing you with an extension of the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” franchise in “RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race,” a new event series set to launch April 24 at 9:30 pm.

Each episode in the four-part event series will feature a trio of celebrities opening up their hearts and minds to the transformative power of drag.

After getting some help from beloved past contestants — deemed “Queen Supremes” — Alyssa Edwards, Asia O’Hara, Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi, Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Nina West, Trinity the Tuck, Trixie Mattel and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, the celebrity contestants will compete in fan-favorite challenges and step onto the runway in their new looks.

At the end of each episode, one of that week’s three celebrity contestants will win the title of “America’s Next Celebrity Drag Race Superstar” and prize money for a charity of their choice.

The new “Celebrity Drag Race” limited series will follow new episodes of Season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” which air Fridays at 8 p.m. on VH1.

VH1’s “Daytime Divas” Premieres Tonight

Vanessa Williams in “Daytime Divas”

Can’t wait for the series premiere of Daytime Divas tonight!

There’s only one “I” in Diva!

And who better to be head diva than Vanessa Williams?

Based on former The View host Star Jones’ novel, Satan’s Sisters, Williams stars as the tough creator and host of a daytime talk show. The TV talker features five women who aren’t afraid to bare their claws when the cameras are off.

NewNowNext has a terrific interview with the Ugly Betty/Desperate Housewives star which includes questions about strong women and LGBT storylines.

You’re an outspoken LGBT rights advocate. Does Daytime Divas have any LGBT characters or storylines?

One of the co-hosts of The Lunch Hour, the show within our show, is sexually fluid with no apologies. And I think one of our strongest episodes is when Janet Mock comes on as a guest co-host. Our conservative evangelist co-host has a son who’s trans, and you’d think she would be judgmental, but she’s actually his champion and calls him by the name he wants. She asks Janet some really interesting questions, and Janet answers them in the most beautiful, sensitive way. I’ve never seen anything quite like it on an hour-long dramedy.

Maxine isn’t your first diva. Why are you so drawn to strong, powerful women with impeccable style?

Well, it’s how people see me, and it’s something people know that I can do believably, not broadly. I played a diva in Kiss of the Spider Woman, my first Broadway show, but I’ve been doing those types of roles since high school. Maybe my dancing background gives my gait and stature something that signifies power and elegance.

Is America not ready to see you as an average woman who wears flats?

I don’t know, but it might be fun to take on that challenge. Right now, by the way, I’m wearing very comfy, sensible shoes. But there’s a certain ease about playing Maxine because she is aging, and it’s great to be able to play a woman who actually looks her age. I’m 54 and proud of it, so it was a luxury to not have to get all pumped and pulled for a change.

Watch the first 8 minutes of the pilot below, and catch the full episodes on VH1 Mondays at 10PM ET.

Teaser: VH1’s “Daytime Divas” Starring Vanessa Williams

VH1’s new scripted series, DaytimeDivas, starring Vanessa Williams, premieres Monday, June 5 at 10/9c on VH1.

Inspired by Star Jones’ book Satan’s Sisters, Williams plays the creator and star of a daytime talk show with co-hosts who think they can make the moves to bring her down.

Sound familiar?

Check the little music vid ditty below as V asserts her dominance among young co-hosts:

“I don’t care who tries to get in my way, it’s up to you to memorize my name,
Looking sexy/famous I slay, cuz I’m a mother*cking D-I-V-A!”

I’m thinking summer hit series here…

VH1’s “Hit The Floor” heats up with bisexual storyline

Brent Antonello and Adam Senn heat up the new VH1 series "Hit The Floor" in new bisexual storyline
Brent Antonello (L) and Adam Senn (R) from VH1’s “Hit The Floor”

The sophomore season of VH1’s pro-basketball drama “Hit The Floor” is ending with some surprise heat as a bisexual storyline is kicking into gear:

The star player is named Zero and is played by an often shirtless Adam Senn. The agent, Jude, is played by Brent Antonello. Jude also happens to be the son of the team’s owner.

Since Zero had been involved in an affair with a scheming cheerleader, the relationship with Jude came as a bit of a surprise.

But a flirtation begins after Jude kisses Zero and is initially rebuffed. But when Jude becomes interested in a photographer’s assistant (played by openly gay actor Scott Evans, the brother of Chris Evans), the player cannot contain his jealousy.

The final episode of Season 2 airs August 11th, with the third season beginning sometime in May 2015.

You can see all the related storyline scenes below. I like the tribal drums as things heat up in the last scene.

A shirtless Adam Senn gets ready to hit the court

Brent Antonello in “Hit The Floor”

(via Gay Star News)

Promo video: “Dancing Naked”

Promoting the new reality series Dating Naked, VH1 shot this cute video (don’t worry – private bits are blurred) of couples shedding their clothes in downtown Los Angeles and dancing “fancy free” through the streets.

Apparently the new show is about folks who lose their clothes and go on dates naked. Yes, naked I tell you.

Hmm,…. I might have to tune in at least once 🙂

By the way, according to the guys at Queerty, today is National Nude Day. Good timing for a naked video, right?

(h/t Queerty)