After the success of her 2006 how-to-entertain book,I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, it was only a matter of time before we were blessed with some more hilariously ridiculous words of wisdom from Amy Sedaris. It was just announced that the comedian/actress will be putting out a craft book with Grand Central Publishing.
In a recent statement, Grand Central executive vice president and publisher Jamie Raab said, “We are
thrilled that our successful relationship with the wonderful and gifted
Amy Sedaris is continuing. Working with her proved what her legions of
fans already know – that she is multi-talented and extraordinarily
creative.”
Of course. We're talking about the woman who gave us Jerri Blank/Strangers with Candyhere. Sold!
The book, which is currently untitled, is slated to be released next fall.
At first glance, watching a clip of "homeless" people dancing around Thriller-style seems a bit dubious. Still, I think Boots is somehow mocking the ridiculous artiface of music videos and showbiz (and I do love her little shiny blue dress and bangly gold jewelry). Her tour through dodgy L.A. continues, and it's a twisted, cheeky trip. Plus, the song is hot!
You like?
Vote for whichever global artiste you think is gonna make the next big splash, while you're at it. And check out all the other killer new music ArjanWrites has to offer, too.
Los Angeles-based indie punk band Mika Miko is readying the release of their second full-length album new, We Be Xuxa, which will be released May 5 on Post Present Medium. We Be Xuxa is the follow-up to the band's critically-acclaimed 2006 debut on Kill Rock Stars, C.Y.S.L.A.B.F.
Check out their video for "Business Cats," from the debut album:
You'll notice they were an all-girl band, but have recently acquired a new drummer, Seth Densham.The band is currently on tour. Check out their MySpace page for dates, and to hear the new track, "I Got A Lot."
Not to be confused with the 1997 movie of the same name, NYC's electroqueer group Naked Highway have a new, possibly NSFW video for their latest single, "Wet Like Sweat." Well, I supposed bubble baths aren't that scandalous, it just depends on where you work.
Naked Highway, which consists of glammed-out singer Sy Boccari and his ladies CAKE! and Kim Koo (not to mention various studio collaborators), is known for doing some pretty impressive, official remixes for The Presets ("If I Know You") and Rihanna ("Breakin' Dishes").
How many soapy boys were in this video? I lost count.
A trio of movie man-meat got interviewed by MTV News about the new Wolverine flick. Jackman is solid and articulate, Taylor Kitsch is wrangly and sort of dude-tastic (he likes that his character Gambit is a grifty card-playing tool), but cutest of all is Ryan Reynolds, who plays Dead Pool.
Reynold discusses getting Dead Pool's capacity for "tongue-lashings" (YES! Sign us up!!!) and his hopes for the X-Men sequel, which of course would be a musical. Woo-hoo!
The interviews above start w/Jackman, then cycle through Reynolds and Kitsch. And are all quite capable of filling a T-shirt. Heh.
The 1991 filmDrop Dead Fredmay not have been a huge hit commercially, but there's no question that it had a pretty solid cult following, so it's not a huge surprise that it's going to get the remake treatment. It was announced today
that Universal plans to do just that, with comedian and former BBC
host Russell Brand playing the obnoxious Fred (with big hair and tight
pants? Interesting.).
Starring Phoebe Cates (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins), the original focused on a young woman who gets divorced and loses her job, and moves back home and reunites with her childhood imaginary friend, who tries to help but ends up causing a lot more trouble.
The Hollywood Reporter says the new version is planned to be done more in the vein of Beetlejuice, "building a universe around the concept of imaginary friends."
Amanda Lepore's new single and video, "Cotton Candy," is coming at you like a vicious, delightful, fluffy pink storm! This Sunday night (May 3rd) in NYC, there's a big bash at the Hiro Ballroom celebrating the world premiere of the video, which looks pretty amazing!
The clip is very Doris Day/Mamie Van Doren meets Russ Meyer, with Amanda pouting and puckering and posing among fluffy fake fur and pink prints, while Cazwell (in cute Clark Kent drag) plays her gallant suitor. The tune sounds sort of B-52s versus Le Tigre at a John Waters film festival, which means it's adorable!
God bless Amanda Lepore. I don't know of a more benign media figure who simply seems to exist to promote the virtues of lighthearted glamour and having fun, all via a truly revolutionarily subversive persona. Bless!
After the jump, more details about this Sunday's "Cotton Candy" video party at Hiro Ballroom; and a glimpse of Amanda in Tiga's "Sunglasses at Night" video, just to sate your Lepore jones for today.
Brooklyn-based indie rock duo Matt and Kim caused quite a scene in NYC filming their new video in February. They tore off layers of clothing while walking through Times Square, and the video, "Lessons Learned," debuted last week on MTV.
Not surprisingly, it's been getting a lot of attention. Two attractive musicians stripping in public is one thing, but then throw in the NYPD getting involved (yes, those are real cops, not actors), and it adds an even more interesting element. Pretty fitting, given the song name (although, you'd think the lesson would be to not get naked outside in February.)
The single is from Matt and Kim's new album, Grand, which they are currently on tour supporting. Check our their MySpace page for dates to find out when you can see them. Though, something tells me this is the most you'll get to see of them.
I worship Michael K. and his media-slaying madness over at DListed, which is just about the funniest, most evil/brilliant blog spewing forth these days, if not ever. And that's why (along with the divinely fab PinkIsTheNewBlog and the killer music site, ArjanWrites.com) that I'm stoked that DListed is lending a sliver of its genius to this year's NewNowNext Awards (on Logo, June 13th).
Click above to vote for your favorite tragic/amazing mess in the running for DListed's "Feel This Bitch" Award. Basically, it's a call to action to lend your support for whichever pop culture hellion deserves the most love. Is it the mad and fabulous Tammie Brown from RuPaul's Drag Race? Is the real First Lady of Cameroon (who makes Imelda Marcos seem tame and frumpy)? Is it Real HousewifeKim Zolciak's wig?
Just vote and we'll find out which bitch is feeling your love the most when the show and your voting results for the DListed award debut on Saturday, June 13th at 9pm ET on Logo.
2009 NewNowNext Award Nominees: Presented by Ronnie Kroell and Bianca Del Rio! With Pizza!
Oh Hell! It's time once again for the NewNowNext Awards, 2009 style!!! Yep, coming soon to Logo is the f*cked-up, freaky and fab awards show that doles out honors to the best new, rising talent on your TV, movie screens, iPhones and anywhere else you consume your messy pop treats!
And in a loopy video announcing the nominees, it's Make-Me-a-Supermodel hottie Ronnie Kroell and NYC's own drag hellion Bianca Del Rio! Damn, now I'm craving some pepperoni!
Watch the above clip, and expect to hear the buzz begin around such nominees as True Blood, RuPaul's Drag Race, Clementine Ford, Ladyhawke, Sam Sparro, the Real Housewives, Lykke Li, James Franco, Bruno, New Moon and other festive stuff!
And yes, as was already announced, RuPaul will be hosting this madness that airs on Logo on Saturday, June 13 at 9pm ET. You can also watch it on LogoOnline. And go to NewNowNextAwards.com to get the full list of nominees. You can even VOTE for your faves!
Look for extra-special NewNowNext Award categories to be popping up soon on DListed, Pink Is the New Blog and the fab music blog ArjanWrites.com, too. They've got their own special NewNowNext Awards coming at you, too.
Now, how do I order up a piping hot Ronnie for myself?
Golden Girls and Maude star Bea Arthur, as I'm sure you know, passed away this weekend at her home in L.A.
I got to meet her twice, once when I interviewed for a cover story for NYC's Next Magazine when she was doing her Tony-nominated one-woman show on Broadway in 2004. The second was in 2005, when she generously came back to NYC to do a one-night-only reprisal of the show as a benefit for the Ali Forney Center, the organization which houses homeless LGBT youth and which she steadfastly supported.
She was sharp, really kind and much more timid and frail in person than you'd expect. Of course, she was around 82 years old, and when she arrived for the Next Magazine photo shoot, she was coming from two other press events, including a TV Guide photo shoot. She was tired, but she dove in to the interview and photo shoot, which involved photographer Bradford Noble getting her to rock out, air-guitar-style, and pose in lots of "mod" 60's furniture.
But she was also Bea, so she was funny and a bit imperious. A couple of times during the interview she corrected me about old showbiz facts I was asking about, and once she even said, after I blathered out a ill-worded question "My dear boy, was that a question or were you just rattling on?" I loooved it!
Two of the shots of Bea from our Next Magazine cover shoot in 2004. Photos by Bradford Noble; NoblePhoto.com.
I've always wondered what it would be like to party with Kelly Clarkson (who doesn't, right?), and her new video for the Katy Perry-penned "I Do Not Hook Up" (from her new album, All I Ever Wanted) gives me just the idea.
There's some Coyote Ugly bar-top action going on here, which leads to Kelly taking a spill from the top, but making a pretty impressive recovery. What a champ!
It's Friday... And holy crap! Has this been the "Gayest Week Ever???" Hmmmmm... Watch and find out!
This week our pop culture experts -- Shawn Hollenbach and Jackie Monahan -- agree that everyone should have the right to get opposite married, even homophobic lobsters and nude Swedes!
Can you cope? Whatevs. Go outside. It's Springtime!!!!
GOSSIP front-woman Beth Ditto gets the McQueen treatment in the new issue of BlackBook. The singer/style icon shows off a few custom looks from the designer, who told the magazine, “I have three words for Beth: life and
soul.”
Reading what she has to say, it's obvious how true that really is. Discussing how she's opened minds to "broader definitions of beauty," Ditto said:
Girls in general have really nice things to say—especially big girls.
It’s mostly men who aren’t as open. I think men fear me sometimes. I
played in Greece last summer and, I swear, when I went into the crowd,
people actually ran away from me. But things like that make me really
happy. You make a decision: if you are going to participate in the
music industry and put yourself out there, you have to know that it’s
all full of s**t.
Check out BlackBook for more photos and to read the rest of the interview. GOSSIP's fourth album, Music for Men, is due out June 22.
Newly married (to Ryan Adams) Mandy Moore is releasing her new album, Amanda Leigh, on May 26. Here's her first video from it. "I Can Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week" is an interesting combo of catchy pop fused with alt-country (Adams-inspired?).
It's much different from her "Candy" days. And, judging by what she does to this guy at the end of the video, she's clearly not as sweet as she was back then.
Moore will be on tour in support of the new album this summer. Go to her website for more information.
Lindsay Lohan Talks to Ellen about Samantha and the Break-Up
You may have seen this by now, but WOW, this is good TV! Lindsay Lohan guested on Ellen yesterday and she and Ms. D talk openly about Lindsay and Sam's big break-up! It's frank. And relaxed and funny. And nicely salient... "I really care about Samantha and we'll see what happens," Lindsay says.
It's a refreshingly candid gay conversation, that's not about "gay" stuff at all; it's just about a relationship and its unraveling and all the attention that gets in Hollywood. Yes, it's a little weird for the usually uber-private Ellen to probe about Lindsay's personal life, but Lindsay presents herself pretty well.
It's also a cool conversation about being young, in the tabloids, in showbiz, and how one becomes a target and how misbehavior gets translated into gossip. Meanwhile, Ellen comes across like a nice showbiz mother hen, concerned about the young starlet.
By the way, who knew Lindsay and Natalie Portman were big buds? I wanna have dinner with them! Ellen can come, too.
AfterEllen.com and AfterElton.com's Hot 100 voting ends tomorrow. This means this is your last chance to cast your votes for 10 men or women, gay or straight, you think are the hottest. Last week, we suggested some hot musicians to help you out, so now, here's some hot actresses you should consider.
Leisha Hailey
Sure, The L Word spin-off, The Farm, staring Hailey wasn't picked up, but she's still one of the hottest (out) actresses around and surely, we haven't seen the last of her. Besides, just because Showtime wasn't into the idea of Alice in prison, that doesn't mean it won't still happen, if television execs are smart, that is. They know lesbians love their Leisha, who was No. 5 last year (and No. 1 the year before). At least in the meantime, we can just listen to Uh Huh Her.
Mariska Hargitay
Here's where I could gush about how much I love Mariska Hargitay, how she should be No. 1 on every list ever and how I think she's the most amazingly talented television actress who's ever existed. But I won't. Well ... Anyway, the Law and Order: SVU star continually captivates audiences as sex-crime fighting Detective Olivia Benson, and is downright likable/adorable, in that bada** cop kind of way. She was No. 18 on last year's list (but will always be No. 1 to me).
Kate Winslet
Give the incredibly successful year she's had with all those award wins and nominations for The Reader and Revolutionary Road, Kate Winslet will no doubt near the top of this year's list. She was No. 15 last year, and her performances, charm and adorably down-to-earth award acceptance speeches ought to give her quite a boost. Oh, also her films were amazing. Bonus!
Clementine Ford
No longer known simply as Cybill Shepard's actress daughter, Clementine Ford has made quite a name for herself in the last year. Her role as Molly on The L Word and her recent coming out/retraction/coming out again, officially, helped put her on our radar, and her new gig on The Young and the Restless ought to help as well. Clementine will no doubt be making her hot 100 debut this year, the only question is where?
Tina Fey
It may not be necessary to suggest Tina Fey, since the actress/comedian/writer was last year's No. 1, but she's won us over even more this year with her Sarah Palin skits and 30 Rock's success shows no signs of slowing down. Will she remain near the top of the list? You betcha!
Results on both sites will be posted May 11, so be sure to check 'em out to see how your picks ranked!
The new video from Camera Obscura's first single off their new album, My Maudlin Career, which came out this week proves that the indie pop Scots have come along way from the days of being lazily compared to Belle & Sebastian.
My Maudlin Career is the band's fourth album, and first since 2005's Let's Get Out of This Country. But this video, with all it's travel images, sort of gives off the same idea. Also, singer Traceyanne Campbell sort of has a flight attendant thing going on with her outfit.
My AfterElton Hot 100 Picks, feat. Javier, Krod, Russell & 2 Ryans!
I don't know who that chick is in the photo above, but she'd best get her grubby paws off of Javier Bardem. He's mine!!!!
Senor Bardem gets made my top ten list of hotties I'm nominating for inclusion in AfterElton's Hot 100, their annual survey of who gay men think are scorchingly sweet and shag-worthy. After the jump, see my full list... It includes an NFL hottie, sexy vampire bait, an adorable gay Brit, an out TV starlet, a rapper, a choreographer/director, and a sword wielding warrior!
When it comes to the Twilight sequel, New Moon, the vampires have been getting all the attention. But that was before we caught a glimpse of the wolf pack.
The first photos of the four werewolves joining Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson appeared on USA Today's website today. Chaske Spencer, Alex Meraz, Kiowa
Gordon and Bronson Pelletier are all of Native American heritage, which was the first requirement of director Chris Weitz, according to USA Today.
"They had to have papers that proved their
heritage, and they had to be in good physical
shape," he said. Clearly, they have that second part down, as well. Working out in between takes certainly helps.
"They went through wolf
camp together, and they are in constant training," Weitz said. "It paid off as a
bonding thing for them and helped them to get to know one another. They
drove each other to get more buff."
New Moon is set for a Nov. 20 release date. Find out more about the wolf pack on USA Today.
Out pop-rocker Ariel Aparicio lives in Brooklyn, is a dad, a restaurant co-owner and spends his free-time hanging out around the top of Logo’s Click List music video show, where his fans consistently chime in and score him high ratings on a weekly basis.
Aparicio’s current hit is the 80s classic “Pretty in Pink,” made famous by the Pyschedelic Furs and by that little Molly Ringwald film of the same name. And keeping in the pink theme, Aparicio is donating all proceeds from the iTunes sales of “Pretty In Pink” to the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, which combats breast cancer. Nice, right?
He’s got a show in Brooklyn this Friday, but expect more to come! But we’ll let him talk for a bit, now...
In an interview with OK!, Tim Gunn breaks hearts by saying he hasn't been on a date in 26 years -- and is "not even remotely looking."
After dishing on Michelle Obama's style ("I am in complete disagreement with critics who say there’s too much
skin showing when she wears shift dresses. What are they talking about?
It’s an arm!"), the Project Runway star says:
"To have a relationship would require
time. I don’t have any time, so it wouldn’t be fair to someone else. It
might sound selfish, but I’m very happy being alone."
Say it ain't so, Tim. He's such a catch too: not only is he a style expert with an impressive vocabulary, he washes his dishes after every meal!
Last night Adam Lambert turned out Yvonne Elliman's "If I Can't Have You" on American Idol's "disco night." But I can't help but think his slowed-down, heartfelt-ballad take on the tune was too tame. (Watch here, until it's yanked down.) When it's disco night, I want glitter, grinding hips, badonka-donk beats and sequin-drenched sass. Sure, that's a cliche, but so is turning an up-tempo hit into a schmaltzy slow-dance. Meh! Still, Glambert thrilled the judges again, which is good. And predictable!
Meanwhile, in the never-ending news-fun that is "let's dig up more old footage of a pre-Idol Lambert," MTV has the newsy clip above that shows Lambert serving his screechy best onstage in L.A.'s The Zodiac Show a while back. And yes, even then his makeup is flawless.
The Presets' new video for "If I Know You," from their second album, Apocalypso, starts off slow and somber, but kicks into full on dance mode complete with Elvis and Marilyn Monroe sightings, sidewalk dance-offs and marching down the streets of Hollywood.
In other words, there's something for everyone. It's also a good reminder why Apocalypso won ARIA Awards for Best Dance Release and Album of the Year last year.
The initial lineup for this year's Lollapalooza has been announced, and at first glance, you may think it's a lineup from a past festival. The Beastie Boys? Tool? Jane's Addiction and Depeche Mode? Oh, hey '90s. Although, that's pretty exciting to have them all at the same place, for hardcore fans, right?
Don't worry, there's plenty of newer acts like Kings of Leon, Bon Iver, Lykke Li, Santigold, Bat for Lashes, Ida Maria, Crystal Castles and tons more. After all, this is just the initial line-up. (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, please?)
This year's festival will take place Aug. 7 - 9 in Chicago's Grant Park. Visit the website for the complete lineup and more information.
Lifetime hasn't even annoounced when they're gonna officially air the already-shot, mega-delayed and much-litigated L.A.-based Season 6 of Project Runway, but the casting calls are now going out for designers to compete in Season 7! On MyLifetime.com there's a little video clip of Heidi encouraging you to audition, which then links to the Bunim-Murray productions site.
So Bunim-Murray is helming the show, now? They're the geniuses behind such lofty fare as Bad Girls, Road Rules, The Real World and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Will they deliver the more high-brow stylishness we expect from ProjRun? Or can we expect all our designers to just sit around drunk, yanking on each others' weaves? (Which I may not mind at all, come to think of it.) At least Nina wouldn't be bored.
And what of Project Runway Season 6? The Bryant Park finale shows happened back in February, after all???! Lifetime has only said it will air this summer. And Tim Gunn told folks last week in Chicago that Lifetime is waiting for Bravo to air their upcoming ProjRun knock-off, The Fashion Show, before we get to see any more Heidi/Michael/Nina pile-on action. Oy!!!
Maybe this means I actually have time to enroll in F.I.T. myself, get a fashion degree and audition for Season 7? At the rate they're going with airing this stuff, I've got time!!!
The Gossip Girlspin-off, which follows a young Lily (Serena's mom) through her teen years in L.A., has been in the works for a while now. We knew it was going to take place in the '80s, but who knew it would look so ... cliche?
The fact that it's called Valley Girl certainly doesn't help, either. (Originally, it was known as Lily). The show, which stars Brittany Snow, is set to premier on the CW May 11.
Kelly Rutherford, who plays adult Lily on Gossip Girl, will kick off the pilot of Valley Girls by considering Rufus' marriage proposal. Cue flashbacks to their early romance, which is intended to be enough to carry a whole series. Doable? We'll see.
Never before has there been such a perfect combination of '80s cartoons and a dance party. But Black Kids has filled that void with their new video for "Look At Me (When I Rock Wichoo)," the third single from their debut album, Partie Traumatic.
Check it out and see what animated references you can spot, besides Thundercats, M.A.S.K and SilverHawks.
The Jacksonville, Florida-based indie popsters are currently on their spring tour. Clearly, they're a fun bunch and shouldn't be missed. Go to their website for more information and tour dates. And remember, "When the clock says stop, we're all gonna drop."
GLAAD Award Pics: Kathy's Banging Bikini Bod & More!
Ab-tastic Kathy Griffin. Soon to be taking Jackie Warner's job on Work Out?
The queen of all gaydom, Kathy Griffin, took home the Vanguard award at the big GLAAD Media Awards in L.A. on Saturday night. And delicious loon that she is, she took the opportunity to show off her "banging bikini bod" in the process. Attagirl, Kathleen!
Bishop Gene Robinson, Ellen DeGeneres and Desperate Housewives were among other big winners. USA Today has a nice recap. And check out a few more pics after the jump!
Everyone's favorite drag queen, RuPaul, will host the 2009 NewNowNext Awards, which will air on Logo June 13. The second annual pop culture awards show with the LGBT slant will be held at the Hiro Ballroom of the Maritime Hotel in NYC on May 20.
Additional presenters, guests and performers will be announced as they're confirmed. But there are loads of surprises in store. After all, last year's awards featured Lady GaGa's very first television performance, and we all know how her career turned out (now you, too, will have "Pokerface" in your head all day, right?). Besides, we're not called NewNowNext for nothing.
Be sure to tune in on June 13 to find out who wins the awards for Brink of Fame: Music Artist, Most Guiltiest Pleasure and Best Show You're Not Watching, as well as many more.
Chris Garneau: first non-classical/jazz performance at Bargemusic
Chris Garneau is making all kinds of news lately. We just found out about his sophomore LP, El Radio, due out on July 7th, and now it's been confirmed that the out indie musician will be the first non-classical/jazz performance EVER at Brooklyn's prestigious chamber music venue, Bargemusic.
This record-making performance will take place May 21 at the floating concert hall below the Brooklyn Bridge. Can you imagine anything more stunning than Garneau on the East River, with the Manhattan skyline behind him? Amazing.
Since 1977, Bargemusic has held concerts of prominent and emerging classical and jazz musicians only. Why the change? Maybe Garneau's artsy river photo shoot inspired someone at the venue? Who knows. But it definitely won't be a show to miss. New Yorkers, check it out.
I already had a big crush on Sean Maguire, the star of Comedy Central's pretty fabulous new spoofy fantasy series, Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire. Now it just got bigger!
Watch the above interview (via AfterElton)! Sean's uber-charming and loves the gays! And, of course, his big gay co-star, Matt Lucas (of Little Britain brilliance) is madly fun as always, too.
OMK! (Which stands for "Oh My KROD!!!")
And if you want a preview of the Bi-Clops (that's a bisexual Cyclops) that Sean and Matt speak fondly of above, watch below!!!
DJ Zegon and Squeak E. Clean, who make up the project N.A.S.A. have a pretty impressive roster of collaborators on their debut album, TheSpirit of Apollo, but "Gifted" is definitely the standout track, featuring the perfect combination of Kanye West, SantogoldSantigold (Ugh, name changes!) and Lykke Li.
This video, you might say, is out of the this world (if you were into saying cheesy things like that).
Bravo's A-List Awards: More than a Kathy Griffin special
Since Bravo's A-List Awards taped a couple weeks ago, we've heard all about host Kathy Griffin's "make out session" with former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O'Day. But last night, we finally got to see what all the fus was about. Pretty sloppy. Although, Kathy, who hosted what she calls " "the anti awards-show awards show" for the second year in a row, was fantastically hilarious as always.
Plus, there was Lady Bunny, the dancing drag queen. Basically, Kathy + Lady Bunny is all that was needed. But then some awards happened as well (what, awards during a Kathy Griffin special? How distracting.) Although, Neil Patrick Harris did win for A-List actor for his womanizer, womanizer role on How I Met Your Mother.
The voting is getting frantic over at AfterElton.com, as man-lovers are chiming in to rank the hottest men in showbiz (and beyond). Yep, they're assembling this year's HOT 100, which is their annual survey to find out who gay men think are kings of the studly heap.
Watch funnyman Dennis Hensley's festive vlog above, to see who some of NYC's cutest and funniest are sweating for. Then go to AfterElton's Hot 100 Voting page and let 'em know who pitches your tent.
DJ/producer Larry Tee released a new EP today called ... wait for it ... My Penis/My P*ssy.
Featuring Perez Hilton (yes, really) and Amanda Lepore, MP/MP is the first release from Tee's forthcoming dance party album, Club Badd, due out May 5 on Ultra Records.
But, in case you haven't, and you happen to think ladies are hot, allow me to suggest a few hot musicians of the year for your consideration (AKA show off my great taste in women).
Kim Ann Foxman
The Hercules and Love Affair member/DJ/jewelry designer is relatively under the radar, but H&LA were all the rage this year. Not only is Kim hot, but she has a great voice that I could listen to all day. Check out their song "Athene," and you'll see what I mean. Put it on repeat, all day, and stare at this pic. Hot 100 worthy? I'd say! Plus, she's out, so you can vote for her in the new, 10 Hottest Out Lesbian/Bi Women category.
Karen O
The great thing about these lists is that we're all-inclusive. We think straight people are hot, and we're not ashamed to admit it. After all, last year's No. 1 was Tina Fey. This year, I'm on a mission to get Yeah Yeah Yeahs front-woman Karen O involved (you know, because she's my future straight wife). The band recently released their new album, It's Blitz, and appeared on SNL last weekend, where Karen O looked fantastic, as always. Oh, now's a good time to watch the video for their single, "Zero," if you haven't seen it (or if you have seen it 500 times, like me).
Tegan and Sara (as individuals):
Last year, Tegan and Sara were counted as one, ranking at No.67 (huh?).
I wonder how the decision to split them up will go over. Will there be
a case of sibling rivalry when one i ranked higher than the other? Who
can even decide between the two of them? Sure, they do look different,
but they're equally adorable, right? Although, they could easily dominate the 10 Hottest Out category. Quin takeover!
Samantha Ronson
Sure, she's a DJ, but she makes music, and is known to sing from time to time. The newly-single Ronson was probably not on anyone's radar this time last year, but you can't go on the Internet or read a magazine without finding some mention of her somewhere. It's usually a bunch of gossip and break-up drama, sure, but she sure knows how to wear those skinny jeans and sneakers. Just saying.
I could go on and on (I happen to have a thing for musicians. Who doesn't, right?), but wouldn't want to influence you too much. Go vote yourself.
I got wind of MYNX via the always plugged-in ArjanWrites.com site. Yikes! There's so much cokey glam/manic fashion/poof-tastic attitude and grungy-skanky chic going on with these kids I think I need a shot of wheat grass juice to cleanse my system! It's very Nip/Tuck meets Party Monster!
I've had some serious Work Out (read: Jackie Warner) withdrawal lately. And just when I've given up on Bravo ever renewing the reality show for a fourth season, they've made my day, albeit a bit differently than I was expecting. They just announced a whole new show for Jackie: Jackie's Gym Takeover.
In the same vein as Tabatha's Salon Takeover, the new show will feature the out celebrity trainer visiting struggling gyms and getting them into shape, business-wise. Hopefully there will still be plenty of drama and shots of Jackie's abs.
Or, you know, that fourth season of Work Out could always happen. There's never enough Jackie Warner. She's so ... motivating.
It's safe to say that Jill Sobule has some pretty dedicated and generous fans. After all, they gave the singer-songwriter $85k to record her new album, California Years, which she released on her label Pinko Records today.
After issues with previous record companies, Sobule had run out of options to put out the new songs she had written, so she launched Jillsnextrecord.com last January, asking fans to donate cash in exchange for "gifts" to match the contribution, such as free digital downloads for $10, linear note thank-yous for $50, etc ... Three people donated $5,000, and they got house concerts.
Someone who wasn't even a fan donated, simply because he liked the idea. "I got a
message from this one guy saying, 'I don't really like your music, but
I'm donating because I like this idea,'" Sobule said in press release.
For more information on California Years, and to hear a sample, visit Jillsnextrecord.com.
The scene above is just one of the fab moments from the new showbiz documentary, Every Little Step, which chronicles the origins of the legendary Broadway musical, A Chorus Line. Watching the amazing and heartbreaking Jason Tam nail his audition for the role of the gay dancer Paul (with one of theaterdom's most memorable monologues) for A Chorus Line's 2006 Broadway revival is pretty intense. Grab a Kleenex!
But all of Every Little Step is worth seeing. It's a great portrait of the anxiety of a Broadway audition, the creative process that makes a show possible (from the director to the writer to the choreographer to the actors), and it's just a lovefest for anyone who's ever been a fan of musical theater.
After the jump, our Brad Proctor's got a nice preview of the film, too!
If you don't know Keri Hilson's name, you surely know her voice.
She's collaborated
with Timbaland, Usher, Lil Wayne, etc... and written songs for Britney Spears, Ciara and Ludacris, to name a few. Now, she's no longer the girl
who helps everyone else make hit songs. In fact, she has big names
collaborating on hers.
Her latest single from In a Perfect World..., "Knock You Down," features both Kanye West and Ne-Yo. Pretty impressive.
The video premiered on NewNowNext PopLab last week.
Regina Spektor's new album, Far, has finally been given a release date. The album will drop June 23 on Sire Records -- just in time for summer (in my opinion, her music is perfect for sunny afternoons on a porch, sipping a nice refreshing summer drink).
Following up 2006's Begin to Hope, which spent five weeks in a row at No. 1 on Billboard's new artists chart (and ended up at No. 20 of the Top 100), Far will have some high expectations, but if anyone can pull it off, it's Regina Spektor.
She will also be kicking off a world tour beginning in June. Dates will be announced shortly. For more information, visit her MySpace. And, to get even more pumped up about this news, watch her video for "Fidelity," from the last album:
Franz Ferdinand Serves Up the Inevitable "Womanizer" Cover
Franz Ferdinand: They too, have that swagger of a champion.
Because at this point, just about every band/artist has to do it, the likable lads of Franz Ferdinand have covered Britney Spears' "Womanizer", which you can glimpse in a grainy clip from a BBC studio session (thanks Stereogum). Alex and his Glasgow boys' take on the tune isn't as slick as, say, Lily Allen's but it's crunchy and roguish, and I bet it's a jumpy jam when done live.
Who knew Brit-Brit's tarty little pre-fab pop hit would become such a cover-able obsession?
Think you've had the Gayest Week Ever? We beg to differ. From ridiculous product placements to renegade judges, we'll keep you on top of just a bit of the stuff worth knowing in pop culture. Unless, of course, you're a bottom. Then we'll give it to you that way.
More to come every week! You'll get real TV clips. News items! And dishy rants! Thanks to Mark Sam Rosenthal and Jeff Hiller.
Michel Gondry is a directorial genius. Seriously, the man can do anything. He's created some of the most ascetically-pleasing (albeit often strange) music videos (like Björk's "Bachelorette"
and Daft Punk's "Around the World") but he's also known for his hit films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep.
In 2003, the French filmmaker released a compilation DVD of his music videos, and while it doesn't seem like he's been doing much of those in recent years (you know, with all his movie-making and whatnot), Gondry is releasing a new DVD on April 14 of videos and other footage, Michel Gondry 2: More Videos Before & After.
A few of his recent videos will be on there, including Beck's "Cellphone's Dead," Paul McCartney's "Dance Tonight" and the White Stripes' "The Denial Twist."
Hot 100 Voting Time! Hot Men! Hot Women! And Yes... Hotness!
Attention all your horn-dogs and revved up lesbians! Sugar daddies and cougars take note! Twittering twinks and bad-ass butchies, pay attention! It's the time of year when we all get to cast a vote, and let our voices be heard! YES WE CAN, vote for who's the hottest man and woman ever (right now)!!!
Our big gay showbiz sibling sites, AfterEllen and AfterElton have opened the voting for their 3rd annual HOT 100 Lists. And folks are already sounding off!!!
This time around there are extra-special categories, too. You can get specific and also vote for the Hottest Person of Color, the Hottest Out (as in openly gay/les) Person and the Hottest Over 40 (Woo-hoo! DILFs!).
For the last 2 years, Jakey Gyllenhotness has swept the AfterElton honors. But it's been a quiet year for Jake. Will he top the list again? I'm thinking he might wanna watch out for James Franco...
Woman-wise, last yearTina Fey won, and in '07 it was Leisha Hailey. Who's up next?
I'm guessing Rachel Maddow ranks high. And maybe even our scorching First Lady, Mama Obama!
VOTE and COMMENT (on hot guys)! VOTE and COMMENT (on hot women)! VOTE and COMMENT now (on all the hotness)!
More after the jump, including a deluded but lovable Daniel Leary vlog!
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