Here's your chance to win a trip to see West Side Story on Broadway. One lucky winner will receive two tickets to attend a performance of West Side Story in New York City, scheduled to take place on July 18, 2009. Enter to win by June 21.
--Jason Kirk
Rapper 50 Cent and legendary singer and Beaches star Bette Midler are new best friends. This is no story from the Onion, and I'm not kidding--I am however, slightly stunned to learn this bit of information.
The two apparently met while working on park restoration projects together. Says Bette, "He is one of the newest members of our tribe. He has really made my life worth living. 50 has been with me through thick and thin."
50 Cent agrees, "Look how beautiful things are and how nice it feels when I'm around her. Me and Bette collaborating would be really hot. But I'd need to make something new for her. For the right song, we'd definitely get together."
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.
While I might be surprised, I have to admit, I think it's super cool that they're such tight friends. I'm curious just what he's doing that's making her "live worth living," though. That's quite a bold statement.
What do you think? Would you be into a 50 Cent/Bette Midler collaboration?
--Alan Wiley
(via Towleroad)
Iconic actress, singer, Broadway star, and all-around incredible lady Eartha Kitt passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 81. She was perhaps best known for her rendition of the popular Christmas song "Santa Baby," or her portrayal of Cat Woman in the campy 60's version of the TV series "Batman," but her career spanned much further than these cultural mainstays. She was a dynamic, intelligent, and sexy performer who spoke four languages and sang in dozens, and left a legacy of amazing albums, films, and memorable performances. A one-of-a-kind singer with her own distinct and inimitable style, she dedicated her life to her art, and will be greatly missed.
--Alan Wiley
Acknowledging a gigantic elephant in the room, and surely devastating many obsessed fans worldwide, born-again Christian and new father Clay Aiken has finally come out of the closet in a People Magazine article. I've blogged about Mr. Aiken before, and have suspected/known he was gay for years--and now, he's finally willing to admit it. For someone so obviously gay to be in the closet while in the spotlight has got to be one of the toughest places in the world to be. Clay, who recently returned to his role in Spamalot on Broadway, is surely waking up this morning with a sense of relief he's never felt before.
To me, the real story here lies with the super fans--the ClayMates. ClayMates have spent years obsessing over Aiken with message boards and chat rooms, full of cute, gooey, PG-rated love for all things Clay. And while the majority of ClayMates remain supportive, many are freaking out. Check out some of these priceless reactions:
"Please tell me I'm not the only one who is shocked beyond belief! I feel numb I'm so upset. This can't be real!! How can you guys say this won't change anything? This changes EVERYTHING. I don't even know what to think right now."
"I have defended Clay for years against these accusations. What do I say now?"
"Yes I am REALLY, REALLY angry. I feel like such a fool! I wish he would have kept his mouth SHUT!"
"This is a gut wrenching day for the ClayNation. Somebody wake me up, I hope it's a dream."
"My head hurts because as soon as I saw the cover, I burst out in tears and haven't been able to stop ever since. If this turns out to be true, I don't know if I can accept it because it would mean he lied to us all of these years. He told us the rumors were not true, he told us he was not gay and to now here it from the media and not him is just too much. The baby story was tough enough to handle, but I don't think I can deal with this."
I know many people won't care and will think this is none of our business, which may be the truth. However, any celebrity must realize that part of the trade-off of fame and fortune is the loss of some privacy. The fact of the matter remains--the public is hungry for juicy information about celebrities, and you have to admit--this is pretty juicy. I, for one, applaud Clay for making the tough decision to do the right thing and be honest with himself, his family, and with the world. He seems instantly infinitely less creepy to me now. I might even listen to his music. OK, well, maybe not. What's your take?
--Alan Wiley
