Madonna‘s “Express Yourself” was a bold new chapter for the Material Girl, as it changed her musical style and persona. The Queen of Pop said she included “extreme” images of herself in the music video. This caused controversy, and the “Like a Virgin” singer elaborated on what was going through her head when he made the clip.
Madonnas’ ‘Express Yourself’ music video is based on a classic movie
“Express Yourself” is an important milestone in Madonna’s career for two reasons. First, it was the “Holiday” singer‘s first feminist anthem. As time went on, feminism became a huge part of her image. Second, it was her most extravagant music video yet, with sets modeled on the epic science fiction film Metropolis. Even today, the special effects look impressive.
In the video, Madonna plays the empowered leader of a futuristic city. At one point, she is chained nude to...
Madonnas’ ‘Express Yourself’ music video is based on a classic movie
“Express Yourself” is an important milestone in Madonna’s career for two reasons. First, it was the “Holiday” singer‘s first feminist anthem. As time went on, feminism became a huge part of her image. Second, it was her most extravagant music video yet, with sets modeled on the epic science fiction film Metropolis. Even today, the special effects look impressive.
In the video, Madonna plays the empowered leader of a futuristic city. At one point, she is chained nude to...
- 5/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna‘s worst songs are, at least, bizarrely awful. They’re the sort of bad tunes that could only come from someone with the Material Girl’s ambition. One of them is possibly the only pop song to include the word “spanky.”
1. ‘Hanky Panky’
Writing a jazz tune called “Hanky Panky” is a horribly kitschy move. Madonna makes “Hanky Panky” even worse by rhyming “hanky panky” with “spanky.” Yes, this is a pop tune about erotic spanking. The fact that this hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 is mind-boggling.
For her movie Dick Tracy, Madonna went retro and released an album of retro jazz tunes. Going retro would be another artist’s excuse to be innocent and sweet, but Madonna instead had to find a way to write a dirty song for a children’s movie. It’s no wonder this embarrassing novelty has been forgotten.
2. ‘American Life’
Madonna took...
1. ‘Hanky Panky’
Writing a jazz tune called “Hanky Panky” is a horribly kitschy move. Madonna makes “Hanky Panky” even worse by rhyming “hanky panky” with “spanky.” Yes, this is a pop tune about erotic spanking. The fact that this hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 is mind-boggling.
For her movie Dick Tracy, Madonna went retro and released an album of retro jazz tunes. Going retro would be another artist’s excuse to be innocent and sweet, but Madonna instead had to find a way to write a dirty song for a children’s movie. It’s no wonder this embarrassing novelty has been forgotten.
2. ‘American Life’
Madonna took...
- 5/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In more recent times, the first medical drama that seems to come to everybody’s mind is Grey’s Anatomy. It is now airing its 20th season, and, although not many people consider it to be as good as it was in the 2000s, there are still enough viewers to keep the show going and renewed for more years.
There are also such series as Chicago Med, or The Good Doctor, which nears its ending after becoming an internet phenomenon. However, none of them are coming close to the greatness of a scandal that prompted ABC to get rid of its 2000 medical show Wonderland.
Why Was the TV Show Wonderland Canceled?
Like almost every other TV show that isn't renewed on the network, Wonderland was officially canceled due to low ratings. What's so peculiar about this show, however, is that it wasn't canceled after just one unsuccessful season, as is often the case.
There are also such series as Chicago Med, or The Good Doctor, which nears its ending after becoming an internet phenomenon. However, none of them are coming close to the greatness of a scandal that prompted ABC to get rid of its 2000 medical show Wonderland.
Why Was the TV Show Wonderland Canceled?
Like almost every other TV show that isn't renewed on the network, Wonderland was officially canceled due to low ratings. What's so peculiar about this show, however, is that it wasn't canceled after just one unsuccessful season, as is often the case.
- 5/26/2024
- by virginia-singh@startefacts.com (Virginia Singh)
- STartefacts.com
Madonna released songs across numerous genres, so it’s no wonder the Material Girl has worked with so many other superstars. Rock stars, big-name rappers, and indie music darlings all lined up to collaborate with the Queen of Pop. One of the most beloved rock stars of the 1990s even wrote a No. 1 single for Madonna.
1. ‘Beat Goes On’
With that title, fans might assume Sonny & Cher wrote Madonna’s “Beat Goes On,” but it was actually co-written by Madonna, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West. Interestingly, Pharrell and Kanye wrote a disco song with Madonna rather than a hip-hop song. With star power like that, it’s surprising “Beat Goes On” was never a single.
In a way, “Beat Goes On” is a return to the Queen of Pop’s roots. She was one of the artists who kept disco alive when many had proudly proclaimed its death. Fascinatingly, the...
1. ‘Beat Goes On’
With that title, fans might assume Sonny & Cher wrote Madonna’s “Beat Goes On,” but it was actually co-written by Madonna, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West. Interestingly, Pharrell and Kanye wrote a disco song with Madonna rather than a hip-hop song. With star power like that, it’s surprising “Beat Goes On” was never a single.
In a way, “Beat Goes On” is a return to the Queen of Pop’s roots. She was one of the artists who kept disco alive when many had proudly proclaimed its death. Fascinatingly, the...
- 5/26/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Bridgerton” Season 3 is here, and with it comes a new collection of string covers of iconic pop songs. The Shondaland Netflix series made a mark with its first season by packing the regency-era period story with string quartet covers of modern pop songs, and the trend continues in the new season that puts the focus on a romance between Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton).
“Bridgerton” Season 3 Part 1 also features the Netflix show’s first-ever original song: “All I Want” is written by Rogét Chahayed (Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More”), Wesley Singerman (Jennifer Lopez’s “Butterfly”), Taylor Dexter (Joji’s “Die for You”) and Nicole Cohen (Meghan Trainor’s “Sensitive”). Tori Kelly performs the song on the soundtrack, and the orchestral version was arranged by “Bridgerton” composer Kris Bowers.
Past seasons featured hits by Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Nirvana, Madonna, Rihanna, Robyn and Harry Styles. For Season 3, the...
“Bridgerton” Season 3 Part 1 also features the Netflix show’s first-ever original song: “All I Want” is written by Rogét Chahayed (Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More”), Wesley Singerman (Jennifer Lopez’s “Butterfly”), Taylor Dexter (Joji’s “Die for You”) and Nicole Cohen (Meghan Trainor’s “Sensitive”). Tori Kelly performs the song on the soundtrack, and the orchestral version was arranged by “Bridgerton” composer Kris Bowers.
Past seasons featured hits by Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Nirvana, Madonna, Rihanna, Robyn and Harry Styles. For Season 3, the...
- 5/25/2024
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Madonna‘s Erotica was a bold new direction for the singer. It still includes a reference to one of her biggest hits: “Vogue.” The producer behind Erotica explained why he and Madonna included that reference.
The connection between Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ and ‘Erotica’
Shep Pettibone is a dance artist who produced Madonna’s “Vogue.” After that, he collaborated with the Material Girl on Erotica, her most daring album. One hit song from that album, “Deeper and Deeper,” almost sounds like a downbeat take on “Vogue.” It even reuses the lyrics “Let your body move to the music.”
During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone was asked if he and the Queen of Pop intentionally included the “Vogue” shoutout in “Deeper and Deeper.” “Oh yeah, definitely,” he said. “We got to that point and we’re like, ‘What the hell. Let’s have fun with it.’ We had a lot of fun doing that album.
The connection between Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ and ‘Erotica’
Shep Pettibone is a dance artist who produced Madonna’s “Vogue.” After that, he collaborated with the Material Girl on Erotica, her most daring album. One hit song from that album, “Deeper and Deeper,” almost sounds like a downbeat take on “Vogue.” It even reuses the lyrics “Let your body move to the music.”
During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone was asked if he and the Queen of Pop intentionally included the “Vogue” shoutout in “Deeper and Deeper.” “Oh yeah, definitely,” he said. “We got to that point and we’re like, ‘What the hell. Let’s have fun with it.’ We had a lot of fun doing that album.
- 5/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Few singers were as good at making music videos as Madonna. Madonna’s “Express Yourself” inspired one of her best clips but it has a major error. The video doesn’t totally sync with the music! One of Madonna’s most famous producers explained why this is the case.
The music video for Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ has nonsensical horns
Shep Pettibone is a dance music artist who is most known for his work on Madonna’s “Vogue,” as well as some of her lesser-known singles such as “Deeper and Deeper,” “This Used to Be My Playground,” and “Erotica.” Before that, he crafted remixes for the Material Girl. During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone explained how one of his remixes created an incongruity in the “Express Yourself” music video.
“[The ‘Express Yourself’ remix] was a total reproduction and I totally rewrote the music,” he recalled. “And I really started from scratch with ‘Express Yourself.
The music video for Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ has nonsensical horns
Shep Pettibone is a dance music artist who is most known for his work on Madonna’s “Vogue,” as well as some of her lesser-known singles such as “Deeper and Deeper,” “This Used to Be My Playground,” and “Erotica.” Before that, he crafted remixes for the Material Girl. During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone explained how one of his remixes created an incongruity in the “Express Yourself” music video.
“[The ‘Express Yourself’ remix] was a total reproduction and I totally rewrote the music,” he recalled. “And I really started from scratch with ‘Express Yourself.
- 5/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The main character of the new season of Bridgerton is Penelope Featherington. But there is no bright spot in Penelope's life. Both of her sisters have married, and the girl is forced to listen to their mockery of the fact that she will remain an old maid.
Pen has been a fan favorite for the past two seasons, but as the focus shifted to her, the audience's love for her grew even more. If you have already watched the first part of the third season of Bridgerton and were fascinated by Nicola Coughlan, who plays Pen, then you will definitely be interested in another project where she plays one of the main roles.
On Netflix, you can find one of the most critically acclaimed British dramedies of recent years (99% on Rotten Tomatoes) starring Nicola Coughlan — a historical series about the military conflict in Northern Ireland called Derry Girls.
What Is Derry Girls About?...
Pen has been a fan favorite for the past two seasons, but as the focus shifted to her, the audience's love for her grew even more. If you have already watched the first part of the third season of Bridgerton and were fascinated by Nicola Coughlan, who plays Pen, then you will definitely be interested in another project where she plays one of the main roles.
On Netflix, you can find one of the most critically acclaimed British dramedies of recent years (99% on Rotten Tomatoes) starring Nicola Coughlan — a historical series about the military conflict in Northern Ireland called Derry Girls.
What Is Derry Girls About?...
- 5/24/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
Move over, Kanye West.
The rapper and Kim Kardashian’s daughter North West will make her Hollywood Bowl singing debut Friday at the first of the two-night “The Lion King” concert event. She will perform “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”
As previously reported, West will join “Lion King” veterans Nathan Lane, Billy Eichner, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, Lebo M and Jason Weaver as well as Egot winner Jennifer Hudson.
A full orchestra is set to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning musical score led by conductor Sarah Hicks. The song list featured Elton John and Tim Rice classics such as “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” “Circle of Life,” “Be Prepared” and “Hakuna Matata.”
The shows will be filmed for later broadcast as “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl” on Disney+.
The celebration is presented by Disney Concerts, Fulwell 73 Productions, Amp Worldwide and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva.
The rapper and Kim Kardashian’s daughter North West will make her Hollywood Bowl singing debut Friday at the first of the two-night “The Lion King” concert event. She will perform “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”
As previously reported, West will join “Lion King” veterans Nathan Lane, Billy Eichner, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, Lebo M and Jason Weaver as well as Egot winner Jennifer Hudson.
A full orchestra is set to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning musical score led by conductor Sarah Hicks. The song list featured Elton John and Tim Rice classics such as “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” “Circle of Life,” “Be Prepared” and “Hakuna Matata.”
The shows will be filmed for later broadcast as “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl” on Disney+.
The celebration is presented by Disney Concerts, Fulwell 73 Productions, Amp Worldwide and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva.
- 5/24/2024
- by Marc Malkin and Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
For more than 60 years, Bob Mackie has reigned as the over-the-top couturier for Hollywood’s elite. After gaining attention as the costumer for The Carol Burnett Show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour and Cher’s solo variety show, the designer became the go-to choice for divas like Judy Garland, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Madonna and Elton John, and created clothes for 60 Barbies. In the process he won an impressive nine Emmys, a Tony and a Cfda lifetime achievement award, plus three Oscar nominations.
Now with a long-awaited documentary devoted to his life in showbiz, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, arriving this summer (a distribution deal has not yet been finalized), the so-called Sultan of Sequins, Rajah of Rhinestones and Guru of Glitter seems to be having yet another major moment, with his archival pieces worn today by the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy and Zendaya.
“It’s kind of weird,” the 85-year-old designer tells THR.
Now with a long-awaited documentary devoted to his life in showbiz, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, arriving this summer (a distribution deal has not yet been finalized), the so-called Sultan of Sequins, Rajah of Rhinestones and Guru of Glitter seems to be having yet another major moment, with his archival pieces worn today by the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy and Zendaya.
“It’s kind of weird,” the 85-year-old designer tells THR.
- 5/24/2024
- by Merle Ginsberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘If you see one movie this summer, see Star Wars. If you see a second, see Austin Powers.’ Thus spake trailer-man, in the teaser for Mike Myers’s upcoming comedy sequel, and to a great extent, that’s exactly what happened in the summer of 1999. Well, almost.
The 20th century was running out of time and that summer was impatiently filled with as many tantalising prospects as any big movie season in recent memory. It appeared to be the summer of comebacks. Following Terrence Malick’s long-awaited return to directing in the recently-released The Thin Red Line, Summer ’99 would see not only George Lucas but Stanley Kubrick making their much-delayed encores – though we knew by then that this was actually Kubrick’s swan song.
An exercise in peak-nostalgia seemed inevitable, but the season proved to be full of surprises. None more so than the success of that second Austin Powers film,...
The 20th century was running out of time and that summer was impatiently filled with as many tantalising prospects as any big movie season in recent memory. It appeared to be the summer of comebacks. Following Terrence Malick’s long-awaited return to directing in the recently-released The Thin Red Line, Summer ’99 would see not only George Lucas but Stanley Kubrick making their much-delayed encores – though we knew by then that this was actually Kubrick’s swan song.
An exercise in peak-nostalgia seemed inevitable, but the season proved to be full of surprises. None more so than the success of that second Austin Powers film,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Cai Ross
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Billy Eichner is finally getting to live out his childhood dream of a being in a major stage musical.
The “Bros” star is making his Hollywood Bowl singing debut this weekend during “The Lion King’s” 30th anniversary live-to-film concert.
“We just had our first official rehearsal all together this morning,” Eichner told me Wednesday afternoon. “The scope and size of it really knocked me out. If I can get through it, I think it’s going to be really fun.”
Eichner, who played Timon in the 2019 “Lion King” remake and reprises the role in the upcoming prequel film “Mufasa: The Lion King,” isn’t allowed to say what he’ll be performing. But it has already been announced that the two-night run — May 24 and 25 — will also feature “Lion King” veterans Nathan Lane, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, Lebo M and Jason Weaver, as well as Egot winner Jennifer Hudson,...
The “Bros” star is making his Hollywood Bowl singing debut this weekend during “The Lion King’s” 30th anniversary live-to-film concert.
“We just had our first official rehearsal all together this morning,” Eichner told me Wednesday afternoon. “The scope and size of it really knocked me out. If I can get through it, I think it’s going to be really fun.”
Eichner, who played Timon in the 2019 “Lion King” remake and reprises the role in the upcoming prequel film “Mufasa: The Lion King,” isn’t allowed to say what he’ll be performing. But it has already been announced that the two-night run — May 24 and 25 — will also feature “Lion King” veterans Nathan Lane, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, Lebo M and Jason Weaver, as well as Egot winner Jennifer Hudson,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The world should value consent. However, Madonna‘s “Erotica” was banned from MTV for depicting consensual roleplay. The Queen of Pop had a surprising reaction to this development. One of the musicians behind Madonna’s album Erotica also had some perceptive things to say about the controversy.
Madonna’s ‘Erotica’ was pulled from MTV for being ‘repellent’
Madonna’s music video for “Erotica” looks like a rediscovered print of a black-and-white silent film about the Folsom Street Fair. It’s grainy, disorientingly edited, and niche in a way that’s generally anathema to a mass-market pop offering. The video has a lot of images that nobody would want to watch with their grandma. The Material Girl had previously explored Bdsm in her music videos for “Express Yourself” and “Justify My Love,” but she took things to a new level of explicitness with “Erotica.” After all, the music video had to...
Madonna’s ‘Erotica’ was pulled from MTV for being ‘repellent’
Madonna’s music video for “Erotica” looks like a rediscovered print of a black-and-white silent film about the Folsom Street Fair. It’s grainy, disorientingly edited, and niche in a way that’s generally anathema to a mass-market pop offering. The video has a lot of images that nobody would want to watch with their grandma. The Material Girl had previously explored Bdsm in her music videos for “Express Yourself” and “Justify My Love,” but she took things to a new level of explicitness with “Erotica.” After all, the music video had to...
- 5/23/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
To most, Madonna‘s Like a Virgin was a fun slice of dance music. On the other hand, her father found it mortifying. He wasn’t any happier when pictures of his daughter appeared in Playboy. The “Express Yourself” singer once released a ballad about her father, and the picture it paints is not flattering.
Madonna’s father didn’t want to talk about ‘Like a Virgin’
During a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna was asked about how her father, Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone, reacted to a risque performance from her film Madonna: Truth or Dare. She avoided the question. “I don’t know if he’s seen all the other things I’ve done,” she said. “I’m sure when the nude pictures in Playboy and the album Like a Virgin came out, he went through a period of extreme shock.” While tame today, nude pictures and Like a...
Madonna’s father didn’t want to talk about ‘Like a Virgin’
During a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna was asked about how her father, Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone, reacted to a risque performance from her film Madonna: Truth or Dare. She avoided the question. “I don’t know if he’s seen all the other things I’ve done,” she said. “I’m sure when the nude pictures in Playboy and the album Like a Virgin came out, he went through a period of extreme shock.” While tame today, nude pictures and Like a...
- 5/23/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna is the sort of fiercely driven artist who usually seems to get her way. On the other hand, Madonna’s producer told her he would change part of “Vogue” whether she liked it or not. Here is how that turned out.
Madonna battled her producer over the ‘Vogue’ bass lines
Shep Pettibone is a dance artist who worked with the Queen of Pop on tunes like “Deeper and Deeper,” “Rain,” “This Used to Be My Playground,” and, of course, “Vogue.” During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone discussed how “Vogue” came together.
“Um … the piano was added, for instance, after she sang the song,” he said. “The bass lines in the verses were changed to make them go with the verse better. Before that I think it’d just been like a two-bar loop of the bass line throughout the entire song — which she liked.
“She didn’t want me to change it,...
Madonna battled her producer over the ‘Vogue’ bass lines
Shep Pettibone is a dance artist who worked with the Queen of Pop on tunes like “Deeper and Deeper,” “Rain,” “This Used to Be My Playground,” and, of course, “Vogue.” During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone discussed how “Vogue” came together.
“Um … the piano was added, for instance, after she sang the song,” he said. “The bass lines in the verses were changed to make them go with the verse better. Before that I think it’d just been like a two-bar loop of the bass line throughout the entire song — which she liked.
“She didn’t want me to change it,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna‘s songs have provoked many controversies over the years, but only one was accused of promoting violence against women. The Material Girl interpreted the track differently. Notably, the tune in question was from a hit movie that starred Madonna and a major movie star she was dating at the time.
Madonna wrote a controversial song at the request of Warren Beatty
One of Madonna’s most famous movie roles was the femme fatale Breathless Mahoney in the comic book adventure Dick Tracy. In that film, Madonna’s then-boyfriend Warren Beatty played the title character. The film inspired the album I’m Breathless, which is most known for the house song “Vogue.” I’m Breathless also included another hit single: the jazz tune “Hanky Panky.” “Hanky Panky” is a rather risque paen to … spanking.
Madonna co-wrote the tune with Patrick Leonard. During a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, she said she...
Madonna wrote a controversial song at the request of Warren Beatty
One of Madonna’s most famous movie roles was the femme fatale Breathless Mahoney in the comic book adventure Dick Tracy. In that film, Madonna’s then-boyfriend Warren Beatty played the title character. The film inspired the album I’m Breathless, which is most known for the house song “Vogue.” I’m Breathless also included another hit single: the jazz tune “Hanky Panky.” “Hanky Panky” is a rather risque paen to … spanking.
Madonna co-wrote the tune with Patrick Leonard. During a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, she said she...
- 5/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tickets for Deadpool & Wolverine went on sale earlier today and, if what we're seeing on social media is any indication, they're selling out fast.
Now, in what we'd imagine is the first of many tongue-in-cheek promos, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman come together to remind fans that tickets are currently available.
There's a cheeky shot at the latter's Tony Awards success before things get awkward as both actors reflect on a brutal fight scene between the movie's title characters. Oh, and the whole thing kicks off with Reynolds slowly peeling a banana to Madonna's "Like A Prayer."
While we're pretty sure there are at least a few snippets of new footage in there, that familiar shot of Logan sinking his claws into the Merc with the Mouth's crotch doesn't get any easier to watch!
Talking to Fandango earlier today, Reynolds shared his take on why fans need to experience...
Now, in what we'd imagine is the first of many tongue-in-cheek promos, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman come together to remind fans that tickets are currently available.
There's a cheeky shot at the latter's Tony Awards success before things get awkward as both actors reflect on a brutal fight scene between the movie's title characters. Oh, and the whole thing kicks off with Reynolds slowly peeling a banana to Madonna's "Like A Prayer."
While we're pretty sure there are at least a few snippets of new footage in there, that familiar shot of Logan sinking his claws into the Merc with the Mouth's crotch doesn't get any easier to watch!
Talking to Fandango earlier today, Reynolds shared his take on why fans need to experience...
- 5/20/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Boy band songs aren’t the most widely respected examples of popular music. Regardless, Michael Jackson’s boy band, The Jackson 5, gave us some of the best pop songs of all time. Rolling Stone named a Jackson 5 tune the best boy band song ever. Here’s a look at what the magazine had to say about it.
Rolling Stone praised boy band songs by The Jackson 5, One Direction, and others
Back in the day, boy bands were often dismissed as frivolous music for young girls. Critics usually had similar opinions about pop music as a whole. A new movement in the press called “poptimism” changed many hearts and minds, and now the latest boy band release will inspire just as much analysis as the latest Boy Genius album.
In 2020, Rolling Stone released a list of the 75 best boy band songs. It includes hits like The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer,” One...
Rolling Stone praised boy band songs by The Jackson 5, One Direction, and others
Back in the day, boy bands were often dismissed as frivolous music for young girls. Critics usually had similar opinions about pop music as a whole. A new movement in the press called “poptimism” changed many hearts and minds, and now the latest boy band release will inspire just as much analysis as the latest Boy Genius album.
In 2020, Rolling Stone released a list of the 75 best boy band songs. It includes hits like The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer,” One...
- 5/20/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ken Jennings was a Jeopardy! champion before he started hosting the show. This might explain why he is getting frustrated lately with some of the contestant’s guesses on the show. This was evident in a recent episode where one contestant went home with $0 and another lost in Final Jeopardy! by dropping below $1,000.
However, there was another episode where multiple triple stumpers caused him to show great disappointment.
Jeopardy! Contestants Struggling More Often Lately
Ken Jennings isn’t the only person to watch in shock as more contestants don’t know the answer to the board’s clues lately. Many viewers watch from home and don’t understand how the contestants are missing what is said to be “easy” clues.
Jeopardy! posted some triple stumpers to its Instagram page. This is a case where none of the contestants know the answer. What is amazing is that some of these are rather easy clues,...
However, there was another episode where multiple triple stumpers caused him to show great disappointment.
Jeopardy! Contestants Struggling More Often Lately
Ken Jennings isn’t the only person to watch in shock as more contestants don’t know the answer to the board’s clues lately. Many viewers watch from home and don’t understand how the contestants are missing what is said to be “easy” clues.
Jeopardy! posted some triple stumpers to its Instagram page. This is a case where none of the contestants know the answer. What is amazing is that some of these are rather easy clues,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Shawn Lealos
- TV Shows Ace
Oddly enough, Marilyn Monroe and Madonna became part of each other’s mythos — Monroe paved the way for Madonna, while Madonna made sure Monroe was still a big part of American popular culture. Madonna explained why she mimicked Monroe in the “Material Girl” music video. Interestingly, Monroe was not the only star from the 1950s and 1960s to inspire the “Like a Prayer” singer’s style.
‘Material Girl’ era Madonna said she was ‘attracted to’ aspects of Marilyn Monroe
The “Material Girl” music video is a recreation of Monroe singing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the campy musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. According to the book Madonna: An Intimate Biography, Madonna explained her idea for the clip. “Marilyn was made into something not human in a way, and I can relate to that,” she said. “Her sexuality was something everyone was obsessed with, and that I can relate to.
‘Material Girl’ era Madonna said she was ‘attracted to’ aspects of Marilyn Monroe
The “Material Girl” music video is a recreation of Monroe singing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the campy musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. According to the book Madonna: An Intimate Biography, Madonna explained her idea for the clip. “Marilyn was made into something not human in a way, and I can relate to that,” she said. “Her sexuality was something everyone was obsessed with, and that I can relate to.
- 5/19/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you think of the word “frozen” today, a certain Disney movie and the song “Let It Go” come to mind. If you thought of that word in 1998, Madonna’s ballad “Frozen” would have come to mind. While “Let It Go” is a fun show tune for little kids, “Frozen” is the superior song for many reasons. The Queen of Pop explained what she thought of “Frozen” in retrospect.
The difference between ‘Let It Go’ and Madonna’s ‘Frozen’
“Let It Go” has a fun Broadway melody reminiscent of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. Its message is great for little kids who want to rebel against their parents by staying up past their bedtime. However, it’s not the sort of rebel song that works for anyone over the age of seven. It’s a little too tame and, well, Disneyesque for that. Walt Disney probably would have loved it but...
The difference between ‘Let It Go’ and Madonna’s ‘Frozen’
“Let It Go” has a fun Broadway melody reminiscent of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. Its message is great for little kids who want to rebel against their parents by staying up past their bedtime. However, it’s not the sort of rebel song that works for anyone over the age of seven. It’s a little too tame and, well, Disneyesque for that. Walt Disney probably would have loved it but...
- 5/19/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
To most people, Michael Jackson‘s “Bad” is simply a cool pop song. Meanwhile, Quincy Jones felt it was divinely inspired. He discussed the creative process behind one of the King of Pop’s greatest albums.
Quincy Jones said he didn’t work on Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ for the money
During a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Jones was asked if he had a vision for the songs from Jackson’s Bad. “That’s not the way it works,” he replied. “You go song by song. The songs are the power. They take it home.
“From what I learned, the melody is the voice of God,” he added. That’s what you look for. I have never ever made records for money or fame. That’s how you blow it. ‘Cause God walks out of the room if you’re going after money. And you don’t know how to...
Quincy Jones said he didn’t work on Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ for the money
During a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Jones was asked if he had a vision for the songs from Jackson’s Bad. “That’s not the way it works,” he replied. “You go song by song. The songs are the power. They take it home.
“From what I learned, the melody is the voice of God,” he added. That’s what you look for. I have never ever made records for money or fame. That’s how you blow it. ‘Cause God walks out of the room if you’re going after money. And you don’t know how to...
- 5/19/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Material Girl” by Madonna isn’t actually about being materialistic. The music video for the song makes that abundantly clear. Madonna wasn’t happy when people took the song the wrong way.
Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’ led to an annoying nickname
Madonna broke into the mainstream with her self-titled album, which includes the hits “Holiday,” “Borderline,” and “Lucky Star.” Of course, this impressive trio of songs didn’t convince everyone that Madonna was here to stay. “In the beginning, I was called everything from a Disco Dolly to a one-hit wonder,” Madonna said in 1999. Everyone agreed that I was sexy, but no one would agree that I had any talent, which really irritated me.”
“Material Girl” was one of the hits from Madonna’s second album, Like a Virgin. It proved Madonna was no one-album wonder, but the Queen of Pop didn’t like when the press started calling her “the Material Girl.
Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’ led to an annoying nickname
Madonna broke into the mainstream with her self-titled album, which includes the hits “Holiday,” “Borderline,” and “Lucky Star.” Of course, this impressive trio of songs didn’t convince everyone that Madonna was here to stay. “In the beginning, I was called everything from a Disco Dolly to a one-hit wonder,” Madonna said in 1999. Everyone agreed that I was sexy, but no one would agree that I had any talent, which really irritated me.”
“Material Girl” was one of the hits from Madonna’s second album, Like a Virgin. It proved Madonna was no one-album wonder, but the Queen of Pop didn’t like when the press started calling her “the Material Girl.
- 5/19/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Leguizamo is quite a well-known name in Hollywood. He has established himself as a true talent, having starred in projects of all genres. From working in John Wick to Ice Age, and even The Menu, he has definitely explored the range that the film industry has to offer. However, every actor must start somewhere.
John Leguizamo in John Wick [Credit: Lionsgate]Although he first gained attention for his work as a standup comedian as well as his work in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, these were not the start of his career in show business. During an interview, the actor revealed that during his first acting gig, he was horribly let down.
John Leguizamo’s Wanted to Romance Madonna
According to IMDb, John Leguizamo’s first acting credit was for the iconic singer, Madonna. The actor was a part of her 1984 music video for Borderline. During an interview with The Av Club,...
John Leguizamo in John Wick [Credit: Lionsgate]Although he first gained attention for his work as a standup comedian as well as his work in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, these were not the start of his career in show business. During an interview, the actor revealed that during his first acting gig, he was horribly let down.
John Leguizamo’s Wanted to Romance Madonna
According to IMDb, John Leguizamo’s first acting credit was for the iconic singer, Madonna. The actor was a part of her 1984 music video for Borderline. During an interview with The Av Club,...
- 5/18/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Local Choir’s Version Of ‘Music’ Gets Tick Of Approval From Madonna, Sharing It With 19.8M Followers
Madonna has made a country choir’s dreams come true, sharing their video performing one of her hits with her 19.8 million followers on Instagram.
The choir from Northampton in the middle of the UK had sung their own version of Madonna’s 2000 hit Music and shared it on social media – where the BBC reports it was spotted by the pop superstar and re-posted it on her own Instagram Stories.
The Northants Sings Out choir had previously appeared on the UK’s Britain’s Got Talent, but the choirmaster Gareth Fuller told the BBC receiving this tick of approval from Madonna was “just unreal.”
Their version of Music was part of a montage which included the hymn All is Well and also Show Me Love by Robin S. So far, the BBC reports that 280,000 viewers have watched the clip on YouTube, but this number will no doubt rocket as a result of Madonna’s endorsement.
The choir from Northampton in the middle of the UK had sung their own version of Madonna’s 2000 hit Music and shared it on social media – where the BBC reports it was spotted by the pop superstar and re-posted it on her own Instagram Stories.
The Northants Sings Out choir had previously appeared on the UK’s Britain’s Got Talent, but the choirmaster Gareth Fuller told the BBC receiving this tick of approval from Madonna was “just unreal.”
Their version of Music was part of a montage which included the hymn All is Well and also Show Me Love by Robin S. So far, the BBC reports that 280,000 viewers have watched the clip on YouTube, but this number will no doubt rocket as a result of Madonna’s endorsement.
- 5/18/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Madonna‘s “Into the Groove” is one of the best dance songs of the 1980s if not all time. The Material Girl said that a certain ex-boyfriend of hers made the song work. She also revealed why she doesn’t like singing “Into the Groove.”
Madonna doesn’t like ‘Into the Groove’ and some of her other hits
“Into the Groove” encapsulates Madonna’s early catalog like few other songs. It’s a catchy slice of post-disco music that seems innocent enough at first glance. However, upon repeat listens, it’s clear that the tune might be a metaphor for risque behavior. It straddles the line between innocence and innuendo in a way that made Madonna’s first two albums (Madonna and Like a Virgin) irresistible.
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Material Girl said she didn’t have much faith in “Into the Groove.” “I’ve never been...
Madonna doesn’t like ‘Into the Groove’ and some of her other hits
“Into the Groove” encapsulates Madonna’s early catalog like few other songs. It’s a catchy slice of post-disco music that seems innocent enough at first glance. However, upon repeat listens, it’s clear that the tune might be a metaphor for risque behavior. It straddles the line between innocence and innuendo in a way that made Madonna’s first two albums (Madonna and Like a Virgin) irresistible.
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Material Girl said she didn’t have much faith in “Into the Groove.” “I’ve never been...
- 5/17/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna and Marilyn Monroe would be compared to each other no matter what, simply because they are two of the biggest female celebrities ever. On the other hand, some fans claim that the similarity between the Material Girl and the Some Like It Hot star goes deeper than that. Madonna’s brother, Christopher Ciccone, had a different take on the situation.
Madonna’s brother said she’s not ‘self-destructive’ like Marilyn Monroe
Monroe’s influence can be seen throughout Madonna’s career. The “Like a Virgin” singer based her video for “Material Girl” on a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, one of Monroe’s most famous films. Monroe is also one of several Hollywood stars mentioned in the lyrics of “Vogue.” The cover of Madonna’s greatest hits album Celebration is also based on Monroe, and the singer appropriated a famous sequence from The Seven Year Itch for her “Give Me All Your Luvin'” clip.
Madonna’s brother said she’s not ‘self-destructive’ like Marilyn Monroe
Monroe’s influence can be seen throughout Madonna’s career. The “Like a Virgin” singer based her video for “Material Girl” on a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, one of Monroe’s most famous films. Monroe is also one of several Hollywood stars mentioned in the lyrics of “Vogue.” The cover of Madonna’s greatest hits album Celebration is also based on Monroe, and the singer appropriated a famous sequence from The Seven Year Itch for her “Give Me All Your Luvin'” clip.
- 5/17/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Founded in 1993 by singer-songwriter Victoria Williams, the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.
How you can help
To learn more and get involved please visit www.sweetrelief.org.
Celebrity supporters
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has 28 known supporters, including Sting, Madonna, and Justin Timberlake
Areas of work Creative ArtsEconomic/Business SupportUnemployment/Career Support Read more about Sweet Relief Musicians Fund's work and celebrity supporters. Related articles Smashing Pumpkins Release Charity SingleSweet Relief for Musicians in NeedSpend A Day On The Set Of Castle With Nathan FillionOnline Auction Gives Sweet Relief To Musicians In NeedMusicians To Celebrate Music Of Tom Petty For Charity
Feature your company alongside thousands of celebrities, charities & causes →
Copyright © 2024 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are...
How you can help
To learn more and get involved please visit www.sweetrelief.org.
Celebrity supporters
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has 28 known supporters, including Sting, Madonna, and Justin Timberlake
Areas of work Creative ArtsEconomic/Business SupportUnemployment/Career Support Read more about Sweet Relief Musicians Fund's work and celebrity supporters. Related articles Smashing Pumpkins Release Charity SingleSweet Relief for Musicians in NeedSpend A Day On The Set Of Castle With Nathan FillionOnline Auction Gives Sweet Relief To Musicians In NeedMusicians To Celebrate Music Of Tom Petty For Charity
Feature your company alongside thousands of celebrities, charities & causes →
Copyright © 2024 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are...
- 5/16/2024
- Look to the Stars
Madonna‘s “Material Girl” music video helped her meet Sean Penn. It also caused fans to compare her to another famous blonde. The Queen of Pop’s brother said that Madonna’s fans drew false conclusions from that music video.
Madonna met Sean Penn on the set of ‘Material Girl’
In his 2008 book Life With My Sister Madonna, Christopher Ciccone gave fans some fascinating insight into the “Material Girl” video shoot. “On the LA set of the ‘Material Girl’ video, as Madonna is sashaying down a staircase, decked out in a fuchsia satin replica of the Travilla gown Marilyn wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she comes face-to-face with hot actor Sean Penn,” he wrote. “He is 24, she is 26, their birthdays are just one day apart, and — for both of them — it is love at first sight.
“Afterward, she will claim that Sean reminds her of pictures she’s seen of...
Madonna met Sean Penn on the set of ‘Material Girl’
In his 2008 book Life With My Sister Madonna, Christopher Ciccone gave fans some fascinating insight into the “Material Girl” video shoot. “On the LA set of the ‘Material Girl’ video, as Madonna is sashaying down a staircase, decked out in a fuchsia satin replica of the Travilla gown Marilyn wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she comes face-to-face with hot actor Sean Penn,” he wrote. “He is 24, she is 26, their birthdays are just one day apart, and — for both of them — it is love at first sight.
“Afterward, she will claim that Sean reminds her of pictures she’s seen of...
- 5/16/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Bridgerton” Season 3 promises plenty of balls and other social events, and music supervisor Justin Kamps pulled string song covers of several big-name artists for the orchestral pop music signature to the Netflix show. The needle drops heighten the luxurious social moments as well as more intimate and emotional ones.
Season 1 included orchestral versions of songs like Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams,” Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You,” Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood,” Billie Eilish’s “bad guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” and Sufjan Stevens’ “Love Yourself (Short Reprise).” Season 2 featured renditions of Nirvana’s “Stay Away,” Madonna’s “Material Girl,” Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own,” Alanis Morisette’s “You Oughta Know,” Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times,” Kris Bowers’ cover of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham,” P!nk’s “What About Us” Calvin Harris & the Disciples’ “How Deep Is Your Love” and Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking...
Season 1 included orchestral versions of songs like Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams,” Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You,” Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood,” Billie Eilish’s “bad guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” and Sufjan Stevens’ “Love Yourself (Short Reprise).” Season 2 featured renditions of Nirvana’s “Stay Away,” Madonna’s “Material Girl,” Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own,” Alanis Morisette’s “You Oughta Know,” Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times,” Kris Bowers’ cover of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham,” P!nk’s “What About Us” Calvin Harris & the Disciples’ “How Deep Is Your Love” and Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking...
- 5/16/2024
- by Dessi Gomez
- Deadline Film + TV
Whether you love or hate power ballads, they defined classic rock music during the 1980s. Reo Speedwagon’s “Keep On Loving You” is one of the most famous examples of this trend. Judging from that title, it would be a good song to play at weddings. A member of the band contests that interpretation.
A member of Reo Speedwagon feels some fans misunderstand ‘Keep On Loving You’
“Keep On Loving You” was written and co-produced by Reo Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin. During a 2017 interview with Songfacts, Cronin gave fans insight into “Keep On Loving You.”
“It’s funny, because a lot of people over the years have told me how they played that song at their wedding and it was the first dance at their wedding, or it’s ‘their song’ with their boyfriend or girlfriend,” he said. “My first thought is always, ‘Wait. Did you listen to the verses of the song?...
A member of Reo Speedwagon feels some fans misunderstand ‘Keep On Loving You’
“Keep On Loving You” was written and co-produced by Reo Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin. During a 2017 interview with Songfacts, Cronin gave fans insight into “Keep On Loving You.”
“It’s funny, because a lot of people over the years have told me how they played that song at their wedding and it was the first dance at their wedding, or it’s ‘their song’ with their boyfriend or girlfriend,” he said. “My first thought is always, ‘Wait. Did you listen to the verses of the song?...
- 5/15/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Quentin Tarantino‘s movies are wildly different from Disney movies. They’re violent, transgressive, and narratively complex. Despite this, one Disney film had a huge impact on him as a child. The Pulp Fiction director said an infamous scene from the movie scared him as much as a horror film by Wes Craven.
2 scenes from a Disney movie disturbed Quentin Tarantino
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director recalled watching a number of violent and sexually explicit movies as a child. He rhetorically asked if there was a film he couldn’t handle as a kid. The movie that came to mind was Walt Disney’s Bambi.
“Bambi getting lost from his mother, her being shot by the hunter, and that horrifying forest fire upset me like nothing else I saw in the movies,” he said. “It wasn’t until 1974 when I saw Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left...
2 scenes from a Disney movie disturbed Quentin Tarantino
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director recalled watching a number of violent and sexually explicit movies as a child. He rhetorically asked if there was a film he couldn’t handle as a kid. The movie that came to mind was Walt Disney’s Bambi.
“Bambi getting lost from his mother, her being shot by the hunter, and that horrifying forest fire upset me like nothing else I saw in the movies,” he said. “It wasn’t until 1974 when I saw Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left...
- 5/14/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
BTS, Taylor Swift, and more artists are getting the 1800s-style orchestral treatment. On Monday, Netflix announced the list of songs — including ones by Billie Eilish, Sia, and Nick Jonas — set to receive orchestral covers on Bridgerton Season Three’s Part One.
For the new season, Bridgerton will feature Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey’s “Snow on the Beach” covered by the Atwood Quartet, Nick Jonas’ “Jealous” covered by Shimmer, and Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” and BTS’ “Dynamite,” covered by Vitamin String Quartet.
Episode One will feature a cover of Gayle’s “Abcdefu,...
For the new season, Bridgerton will feature Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey’s “Snow on the Beach” covered by the Atwood Quartet, Nick Jonas’ “Jealous” covered by Shimmer, and Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” and BTS’ “Dynamite,” covered by Vitamin String Quartet.
Episode One will feature a cover of Gayle’s “Abcdefu,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
With “Bridgerton” Season 3 set to launch this week, prepare to be swept away with more orchestral pop covers from artists including the Vitamin String Quartet, which delivered covers of Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” and Madonna’s “Material Girl” in previous seasons of the Netflix drama.
This time, Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” BTS’ “Dynamite” and Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” are among the songs reimagined by the quartet on the Part 1 soundtrack.
Nick Jonas’ “Jealous” is covered by Shimmer, an Los Angeles based band. And Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey’s “Snow On The Beach” is covered by Atwood Quartet, set to feature in Episode 4 of the show.
“Bridgerton” Season 3 will include a total of eight episodes that are split into two parts. The first four episodes premiere on May 16 on Netflix, and the next four debut on June 13. The soundtrack will also be released in two parts,...
This time, Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” BTS’ “Dynamite” and Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” are among the songs reimagined by the quartet on the Part 1 soundtrack.
Nick Jonas’ “Jealous” is covered by Shimmer, an Los Angeles based band. And Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey’s “Snow On The Beach” is covered by Atwood Quartet, set to feature in Episode 4 of the show.
“Bridgerton” Season 3 will include a total of eight episodes that are split into two parts. The first four episodes premiere on May 16 on Netflix, and the next four debut on June 13. The soundtrack will also be released in two parts,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Saturday Night Live celebrated Mother’s Day by declaring what we already knew: Maya Rudolph is mother.
In her monologue to kick off this week’s SNL, the former cast member admitted that hosting the episode before Mother’s Day is a special honor because she has four kids of her own. Then Bowen Yang and Sarah Sherman came out to tell her: “You’re not just a mom. You’re mother.” In fact, she has “achieved extraterrestrial mother status,” they raved, and Rudolph just laughed it off before getting deadly serious: “You’re right.” That kicked off a glamorous,...
In her monologue to kick off this week’s SNL, the former cast member admitted that hosting the episode before Mother’s Day is a special honor because she has four kids of her own. Then Bowen Yang and Sarah Sherman came out to tell her: “You’re not just a mom. You’re mother.” In fact, she has “achieved extraterrestrial mother status,” they raved, and Rudolph just laughed it off before getting deadly serious: “You’re right.” That kicked off a glamorous,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Maya Rudolph opened the Mother’s Day episode of “Saturday Night Live” with a tribute to mothers — in every sense of the term.
Hosting the sketch show’s penultimate episode of the season, Rudolph began her monologue by noting she’s a four-time mom herself. “But Maya, look — you’re not just a mom,” cast member Bowen Yang reminded her. “You’re mother,” invoking the term’s use in queer slang to describe powerful, aspirational women. “You were the first to slay the house down boots, queen!”
“Who me, mother?” Rudolph asked, feigning shock. “You’re right!” The host then launched into a propulsive dance number, strutting through Studio 8H — also known as “House of Rockefeller” — in a reflective bodysuit while delivering lyrics like “Oops, I made you dance / Remember in that movie when I pooped my pants?” Other lines played on the many meanings of “mother”: “Who’s...
Hosting the sketch show’s penultimate episode of the season, Rudolph began her monologue by noting she’s a four-time mom herself. “But Maya, look — you’re not just a mom,” cast member Bowen Yang reminded her. “You’re mother,” invoking the term’s use in queer slang to describe powerful, aspirational women. “You were the first to slay the house down boots, queen!”
“Who me, mother?” Rudolph asked, feigning shock. “You’re right!” The host then launched into a propulsive dance number, strutting through Studio 8H — also known as “House of Rockefeller” — in a reflective bodysuit while delivering lyrics like “Oops, I made you dance / Remember in that movie when I pooped my pants?” Other lines played on the many meanings of “mother”: “Who’s...
- 5/12/2024
- by Alison Herman
- Variety Film + TV
Quentin Tarantino felt that he could have directed Wes Craven’s Scream. He took some shots at Craven’s version of the story. However, Tarantino admitted that he was terrified by one of Craven’s earlier films when he was a child.
Quentin Tarantino felt Wes Craven stopped ‘Scream’ from achieving its potential
During a 2015 interview with Vulture, Tarantino was asked if he wanted to direct any franchise movies. “I could have imagined doing the first Scream,” he said. “The Weinsteins were trying to get Robert Rodriguez to do it. I don’t even think they thought I would be interested.” For context, Rodriguez has worked with Tarantino on multiple occasions. Most famously, they each directed a film from the double feature Grindhouse.
“I actually didn’t care for Wes Craven’s direction of it,” he said. “I thought he was the iron chain attached to its ankle that kept...
Quentin Tarantino felt Wes Craven stopped ‘Scream’ from achieving its potential
During a 2015 interview with Vulture, Tarantino was asked if he wanted to direct any franchise movies. “I could have imagined doing the first Scream,” he said. “The Weinsteins were trying to get Robert Rodriguez to do it. I don’t even think they thought I would be interested.” For context, Rodriguez has worked with Tarantino on multiple occasions. Most famously, they each directed a film from the double feature Grindhouse.
“I actually didn’t care for Wes Craven’s direction of it,” he said. “I thought he was the iron chain attached to its ankle that kept...
- 5/12/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
What to expect from Cannes 2024? The global selection offers critics plenty to write about — after all, this is the festival d’auteurs. But this year’s edition may be light on the red carpet glitz that lures celebrities to the Côte d’Azur for eye-popping photo memes and offshore yacht revels. Remember Madonna’s 1991 pointy Gaultier bustier? Elizabeth Taylor holding her white dog as “Cliffhanger” star Sylvester Stallone climbed the steps to meet her at the top? Such viral moments are what Cannes director Thierry Fremaux dreams of.
High-octane stars expected to hit the Palais photo gauntlet include two-time Oscar-winner Emma Stone, who stars in all three stories in competition title “Kinds of Kindness” (Searchlight), Yorgos Lanthimos’ edgy follow-up to $100-million grosser “Poor Things.” Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth will add some sizzle for out-of-competition prequel “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.), George Miller’s rollercoaster return after 2015’s Oscar-winning “Mad Max: Fury Road.
High-octane stars expected to hit the Palais photo gauntlet include two-time Oscar-winner Emma Stone, who stars in all three stories in competition title “Kinds of Kindness” (Searchlight), Yorgos Lanthimos’ edgy follow-up to $100-million grosser “Poor Things.” Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth will add some sizzle for out-of-competition prequel “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.), George Miller’s rollercoaster return after 2015’s Oscar-winning “Mad Max: Fury Road.
- 5/10/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Madonna‘s Like a Prayer has a suggestive title track, but it also has some moments of innocence. For example, one of the tracks from the album was inspired by a little girl. The response to the track in different countries was polarized. Notably, the song in question inspired one of the most uncharacteristic videos of Madonna’s career.
Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ era was a change of pace for her
Like a Prayer was the moment Madonna’s music became a lot more personal. It deals with the Materials Girls’ feelings about religion, her family, and her divorce from Sean Penn. The album was co-produced by Patrick Leonard, the unsung songwriting maestro who co-wrote “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” and other Madonna hits.
During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, Leonard discussed why Madonna’s music became more personal with Like a Prayer. “I think it happens naturally,” he replied.
Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ era was a change of pace for her
Like a Prayer was the moment Madonna’s music became a lot more personal. It deals with the Materials Girls’ feelings about religion, her family, and her divorce from Sean Penn. The album was co-produced by Patrick Leonard, the unsung songwriting maestro who co-wrote “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” and other Madonna hits.
During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, Leonard discussed why Madonna’s music became more personal with Like a Prayer. “I think it happens naturally,” he replied.
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Long before Queen Elsa, Madonna took the world by storm with “Frozen.” It’s a haunting ballad and stands apart from much of her work by because it’s emotionally provocative rather than sexually provocative. While nothing about the song’s lyrics is controversial the tune was still banned in Belgium for years. Here’s a look at why that happened and why the band was eventually lifted.
Madonna’s ‘Frozen’ was the subject of 2 legal cases with 2 different results
Whenever a song gets too big, it seems like plagiarism cases lie just around the corner. According to MuuMuse, Belgian songwriter Salvatore Acquaviva claimed Madonna’s “Frozen” plagiarized the opening bars of his song “Ma Vie Fout L’camp.” Acquaviva won a copyright case against the Material Girl in 2005. For that reason, “Frozen” was banned in Belgium, halting all sales and radio play of the song.
Subsequently, Italian composer Edouard...
Madonna’s ‘Frozen’ was the subject of 2 legal cases with 2 different results
Whenever a song gets too big, it seems like plagiarism cases lie just around the corner. According to MuuMuse, Belgian songwriter Salvatore Acquaviva claimed Madonna’s “Frozen” plagiarized the opening bars of his song “Ma Vie Fout L’camp.” Acquaviva won a copyright case against the Material Girl in 2005. For that reason, “Frozen” was banned in Belgium, halting all sales and radio play of the song.
Subsequently, Italian composer Edouard...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Everyone has their own idea of what constitutes religious music. Madonna’s “Holiday” probably wouldn’t make the cut for most people. Despite this, two musicians have claimed that the song was an act of God. You don’t get much more religious than that.
1 of the writers of Madonna’s ‘Holiday’ said every songwriter receives a song from God
“Holiday” was co-written by Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens. During a 2012 interview with Blogcritics, Hudson had an interesting explanation of the song’s origins. “There are certain songs that God gives you as a writer,” he said. “‘Holiday’ was a gift. From our hard work out of the hundreds of songs we worked on, he looked down and said, ‘I’m gonna bless you with this song.’ I think that happens to all writers at some point.”
Stevens had a similar view of the track. “We always felt like it...
1 of the writers of Madonna’s ‘Holiday’ said every songwriter receives a song from God
“Holiday” was co-written by Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens. During a 2012 interview with Blogcritics, Hudson had an interesting explanation of the song’s origins. “There are certain songs that God gives you as a writer,” he said. “‘Holiday’ was a gift. From our hard work out of the hundreds of songs we worked on, he looked down and said, ‘I’m gonna bless you with this song.’ I think that happens to all writers at some point.”
Stevens had a similar view of the track. “We always felt like it...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Be My Baby” is as universal as a pop song can be. It’s the song that made Ronnie Spector a timeless rock & roll legend, a teenage girl from Spanish Harlem who packed a lifetime of raw power into three minutes. Ever she belted out “Be My Baby” in 1963, it’s been the classic that sums up the whole Sixties girl-group era, with Phil Spector’s lavish Wall of Sound production. But it’s never left the airwaves. On Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs, “Be My Baby...
- 5/8/2024
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
Pop music history is filled with roads not take. Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” could have been recorded by one of many other artists. The musical geniuses who wrote the track revealed what they thought of Madonna’s take on “Like a Virgin” and why they believed in the song when nobody else did.
Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ has an interesting connection to Whitney Houston
While “Like a Virgin” is one of Madonna’s defining songs, she had no role in writing it. Instead, the track was co-written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. The songwriting duo also penned classic hits such as “So Emotional,” Divinyl’s “I Touch Myself,” and “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. During an interview with Songwriter Universe, the songwriters revealed that many artists turned down “Like a Virgin” before Madonna embraced it.
“It was one of those moments in time and space when everything came together,...
Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ has an interesting connection to Whitney Houston
While “Like a Virgin” is one of Madonna’s defining songs, she had no role in writing it. Instead, the track was co-written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. The songwriting duo also penned classic hits such as “So Emotional,” Divinyl’s “I Touch Myself,” and “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. During an interview with Songwriter Universe, the songwriters revealed that many artists turned down “Like a Virgin” before Madonna embraced it.
“It was one of those moments in time and space when everything came together,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1948, tickets to the Met Gala were $50 apiece. In 2024, a single entry fee for the exclusive social event was about $75,000. Despite the high cost, celebrities, designers, and the who’s who of NYC and beyond shell out for the gala, which benefits the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Since the ’70s, the annual affair has attracted household names wearing the most haute couture fashions — always adhering to the chosen theme. See some of the most out-there and iconic guests and looks at the Met Gala over the years.
Jackie Onassis and singer Debbie Harry at the 1979 Met Gala | Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Jackie Onassis served as a Met Gala co-chair in 1976 and 1977. The former First Lady wore a black taffeta gown to the 1979 Met Gala for “Fashions of The Hapsburg Era.” That same year, Debbie Harry of Blondie graced the famous event in a more casual look.
Jackie Onassis and singer Debbie Harry at the 1979 Met Gala | Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Jackie Onassis served as a Met Gala co-chair in 1976 and 1977. The former First Lady wore a black taffeta gown to the 1979 Met Gala for “Fashions of The Hapsburg Era.” That same year, Debbie Harry of Blondie graced the famous event in a more casual look.
- 5/7/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna‘s free concert on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drew 1.6 million fans to its famed Copacabana Beach. The concert marked the final show of Madonna’s Celebration Tour, which started in October.
The 65-year-old pop singer’s last concert included her classic hits like “Like A Virgin” and “Hung Up.” Fans packed the area and pushed against barriers, cheering on. House parties in apartments and hotels started to join the festivities while others watched from boats in the bay.
“Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world,” Madonna said on stage. “This place is magic.”
According to Madonna’s official website, the Brazil show was the biggest of her four-decade career. It ten-fold exceeded the record attendance of 130,000 fans at her 1987 show at Paris’ Parc dex Sceaux.
Key moments from the show included Brazilian artists Anitta and Pabllo Vittar joining the singer on stage. During...
The 65-year-old pop singer’s last concert included her classic hits like “Like A Virgin” and “Hung Up.” Fans packed the area and pushed against barriers, cheering on. House parties in apartments and hotels started to join the festivities while others watched from boats in the bay.
“Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world,” Madonna said on stage. “This place is magic.”
According to Madonna’s official website, the Brazil show was the biggest of her four-decade career. It ten-fold exceeded the record attendance of 130,000 fans at her 1987 show at Paris’ Parc dex Sceaux.
Key moments from the show included Brazilian artists Anitta and Pabllo Vittar joining the singer on stage. During...
- 5/6/2024
- by Ann Hoang
- Uinterview
Madonna is the Queen of Pop, and her show in Rio proved it!
The “Like a Prayer” icon has been giving us smash hits and chart-topping albums for over four decades now, which she just finished celebrating with her first-ever greatest hits tour, the Celebration Tour.
With so many classics to her name, we’re putting together all of the albums she’s released since her 1983 debut, and ranked them from lowest to highest based on their Rate Your Music scores, which tallies thousands of user votes and reviews.
Click through to see which albums by Madonna are considered to be the best, ranked from lowest to highest…...
The “Like a Prayer” icon has been giving us smash hits and chart-topping albums for over four decades now, which she just finished celebrating with her first-ever greatest hits tour, the Celebration Tour.
With so many classics to her name, we’re putting together all of the albums she’s released since her 1983 debut, and ranked them from lowest to highest based on their Rate Your Music scores, which tallies thousands of user votes and reviews.
Click through to see which albums by Madonna are considered to be the best, ranked from lowest to highest…...
- 5/5/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The best dance music knows how to take pain and set it to a disco groove. Dua Lipa’s “Hotter than Hell” has a fun title but it came from some dark places. For example, the “Cold Heart” singer revealed that “Hotter than Hell” was inspired by a man who put her down constantly. Lipa wrote the song in question to make the situation seem different than reality.
Dua Lipa didn’t want ‘Hotter than Hell’ to show her personal weakness
Lipa might make colorful, vibrant music videos, but her tunes deal with negative emotions. Songs like “New Rules,” “Break My Heart,” and “Cold Heart” have an emotional tension that you won’t find in your average dance track from Madonna or Katy Perry. During a 2017 interview with The New York Times, the star explained her approach to songwriting. “Heartbreak makes good stories, so sometimes, as much as heartbreak sucks,...
Dua Lipa didn’t want ‘Hotter than Hell’ to show her personal weakness
Lipa might make colorful, vibrant music videos, but her tunes deal with negative emotions. Songs like “New Rules,” “Break My Heart,” and “Cold Heart” have an emotional tension that you won’t find in your average dance track from Madonna or Katy Perry. During a 2017 interview with The New York Times, the star explained her approach to songwriting. “Heartbreak makes good stories, so sometimes, as much as heartbreak sucks,...
- 5/5/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Many of the biggest pop stars of all time rarely wrote their own music. On the other hand, Dua Lipa said she prides herself on writing her own songs — but the “Cold Heart” singer had no role in writing “New Rules.” The pop diva explained what she thought performing “New Rules” even though she didn’t pen it. She also discussed what she thought of the song and the people who wrote it.
Dua Lipa wasn’t present when ‘New Rules’ was written but she feels like she was
During a 2018 interview with GQ, Lipa was asked her feelings on songwriting. “I still take a lot of pride in being able to write my own songs,” the “Houdini” singer said. “My story’s coming from me. But ‘New Rules’ is a song that I felt like I had been in the room and written.
“I’m so close with Emily...
Dua Lipa wasn’t present when ‘New Rules’ was written but she feels like she was
During a 2018 interview with GQ, Lipa was asked her feelings on songwriting. “I still take a lot of pride in being able to write my own songs,” the “Houdini” singer said. “My story’s coming from me. But ‘New Rules’ is a song that I felt like I had been in the room and written.
“I’m so close with Emily...
- 5/5/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna closed out her career-spanning Celebration Tour Saturday with a free concert at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s Copacabana Beach in front of 1.6 million fans, setting the record for the largest audience ever for a stand-alone concert by any artist in history.
The performance marked Madonna’s first time performing in Brazil since 2012, and was heralded as “a thank you to her fans for celebrating more than four decades of her music over the course of the epic global run of the tour,” Live Nation previously said of the event.
The performance marked Madonna’s first time performing in Brazil since 2012, and was heralded as “a thank you to her fans for celebrating more than four decades of her music over the course of the epic global run of the tour,” Live Nation previously said of the event.
- 5/5/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Madonna has brought her tour to a close with a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, in front of a reported 1.6million fans.
It was the final night of her retrospective tour, marking her four decades in pop, which she has been taking around the world since last October.
AP News reported that she began the show telling the crowd: “Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world. This place is magic.”
Madonna began her show with her 1998 song Nothing Really Matters, and performed many of her hits including Like a Virgin, Hung Up and Like a Prayer. She was also joined on stage by Brazilian artists Anitta and Pabilo Vittar.
2 million people singing madonna’ ‘like a virgin’ in rio pic.twitter.com/tvNjxfLmCY
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) May 5, 2024
Rio’s tourism agency said that 1.6million people attended the concert on the famous city beach,...
It was the final night of her retrospective tour, marking her four decades in pop, which she has been taking around the world since last October.
AP News reported that she began the show telling the crowd: “Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world. This place is magic.”
Madonna began her show with her 1998 song Nothing Really Matters, and performed many of her hits including Like a Virgin, Hung Up and Like a Prayer. She was also joined on stage by Brazilian artists Anitta and Pabilo Vittar.
2 million people singing madonna’ ‘like a virgin’ in rio pic.twitter.com/tvNjxfLmCY
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) May 5, 2024
Rio’s tourism agency said that 1.6million people attended the concert on the famous city beach,...
- 5/5/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
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