Tag Archives: Celebrities Who Inspire

LATRICE ROYALE SPEAKS TO HER FANS!

That’s my girl! L-U-V the Doll, Latrice Royale. I’m waiting ever so patiently on answers to interview questions I hope she has time to answer during her hectic schedule of travel and stardom. Will post them as soon as I can… I know that we, her fans, want to know the hard hitting answers on what her life is like now with the show propelling her into another fierce success story, how it felt to be eliminated (I felt a knife in my heart when she “Sashayed, Away,” I was devastated.) and the true Tea or shade about filming reality TV. Can’t wait to see what she can share!

I just think the YouTube clip above is a wonderful and honest moment of Latrice “M*th*r F*ck*ing” Royale speaking to her legions of diehard fans. Since knowing her for a good ten years now it is fabulous to see her blossom into the star she has become. She is forthcoming with the fact she’s lived a hard knock life with a brief time in prison and learning from her lessons of trusting the wrong people. Her heart is huge and grand personality, too! People can relate to her and she is approachable. Not sure if she set out to be a role model for so many, many people, but that’s what she’s become after being on RuPaul’s Drag Race. We’ve loved seeing her week after week beat expectations and shatter molds of what entertainment is.

The glorious image below is her final moment on the Main Stage before leaving. Tears filled eyes, for sure. Something tells me this is only a true beginning for Madame Royale. Keep your eyes on this one. Trust. You better work, Bitch.

OSCAR RACE 2012 HEATS UP

Check out the Oscar 2012 Nominees so you’re up to snuff with who and what should win what?! “Who are you wearing?” will be asked more than “What awards are you up for this evening?!” because simply there are more designer gown and suits on the stars than statues in their hands. That’s just the way it works! Few win, many “lose” but ALL are happy just to be nominated! Yeah, right! Talk to some of them after a few drinks at the Vanity Fair Party! That’s when the real story begins! Oh, to be a fly on the wall or a cater waiter serving Glenn Close a beverage! The Academy Awards are February 26, 2012. Setting the DVR, now! I’m personally on Team Dujardin! GORGEOUS! Can’t wait to see the battle between real-life pals Meryl Streep and Viola Davis! Whurq Ladies! It’s sure to be stunning evening of glamour, greatness and gold.

MADONNA CAUSES COMMOTION IN 2012

STEVEN SPILLS © 111

CAUSING A COMMOTION

MADONNA STILL ROCKS THE UNIVERSE

I’m a “True Blue” fan of Madonna, I am. From her not-so humble beginnings of telling Dick Clark on American Bandstand that she wanted to “rule the world” through her popular music, trendsetting and choices in men, I’ve known Madonna well. Now… she has no clue of who I am but I’ve seen the best of her and her at her worst. Many of us have. Regardless of what she does, people, especially gay men, have an opinion because more times than not she is, as she sings Causing a Commotion.

Madonna is a rule breaker and also someone who finds the rules comforting to be contained in. Let’s start at the beginning of my love affair with Madonna, pre-British accent but post-arrival to New York desperate for fame without means other than drive to get her there. After getting signed to her first record deal in 1982, the media, legions of fans and critics never grew weary of speculating what the “Material Girl” would do next. It was on this first album that brought us the deliciously teasing Lucky Star and celebratory Holiday.

MADONNA’S GREATEST PERFORMANCES!

Her appearance on the MTV Video Music Awards where she sang her scandalous chart-topper “Like a Virgin” quickly went down in MTV history as one of the most iconic performances ever. However, it was her book Sex that really gave people something to discuss. Fierce pornographic imagery of Madonna being masturbated by Wesley Snipes and Naomi Campbell, holding the late Joey Stefano at the Gaiety Theatre in NYC on a leash, and graphic fantasy displayed through poems and explicitness. She has always made sure people talk about her no matter what the price of shock value is in the going market.

Then came movies like Desperately Seeking Susan, Dick Tracy and Evita, to name a few. Her acting has been both revered and often panned but she unapologetically continues her path into entertainment history as a trailblazer and pioneer showing the world exactly what one woman can accomplish. Her latest film W.E. has gotten good buzz and attention for her direction. Madonna has proven time and time again that there’s nothing she cannot do.

Favorite memories of me and Madge: In 2000, I stood at the Black Party in Manhattan feeling my Ecstasy in hopes that because the DJ was playing the anthem hand-waver “Frozen,” Madonna would be descending from the ceiling of Roseland Ballroom. Everyone stood on the dance floor looking up at the mirror ball waiting. She never showed. I also happily attended her Sticky & Sweet Tour in 2008 in San Francisco with my friend Mikel where we could almost smell her in our second-row seats. We were very close to Madge, and she us.


MDNA from Madonna
Includes the Brand New “Give Me All Your Luvin’” and “Masterpiece”

MADONNA CREATES HALFTIME MAGIC AT SUPER BOWL 2012

I could continue on talking about how Madonna has influenced me or made we wonder what she was thinking at times, but I digress. Madame Ciccone’s recent performance during halftime at Super Bowl XLVI brought in an extra 3 million viewers who tuned into see her. Anticipation grew over time through carefully crafted promos and appearances. Plus, people knew that it would be grand in scale. Hello, it’s the Super Bowl. The fierce commercials, the beefy men bending over being grabbed by another at the waist, and something about touching down somewhere.

To feel passionate about something is to also have just cause to be honest with your true feelings about it even if it’s against the grain. If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t. I must admit that I feel the Madonna that we’ve seen in the last few years has found a niche of following the trend of what’s happening now to be current, which is fine. But I can’t say that I think her later musical catalogue can compare to her best work prior. The newest single “Give Me All Your Luvin’” is catchy, yes. But hardly groundbreaking like Ray of Light and the gorgeously creeping Rain.

During the Super Bowl performance, light panels filled the field and stage. Madonna entered in Roman drag with hunky Gods in sandals and drapes carrying her out like the queen she knows she is. It was her crowd and she owned every minute, even though the fierce Vogue opening was quite reminiscent of Kylie Minogue’s Aphrodite tour. In my opinion, Madonna was both lip-syncing and singing over her tracks live. She knows giving her audience what they want is smarter than risking the chance of a vocal malfunction. Overall it was a huge success! Low-point: Seeing our icon with one gold pompom in her hand three minutes too long. Highlight: Our queen at a career pinnacle looking amazing and delivering. L-U-V, Madonna!

2011 © PULP

WHITNEY HOUSTON RESTS IN PEACE

She came from very humble beginnings to become one of the biggest names and legends in music and film. Whitney Houston has unexpectedly died at the age of 48 years. It hasn’t been released the cause of death but unfortunately like many, Houston had a long going battle with drugs that eventually destroyed her voice and career. Sadly, the expectation is that it possibly played into her demise. What a talent she was! Whitney’s iconic music will transcend time.

ALL OF WHITNEY’S GREATEST HITS!

Includes “The Greatest Love” and “When You Believe”

Luckily I was able to see Whitney live in concert circa ’87-’88 with friends Gena and Bifford in Nashville. Sorry to admit but she wasn’t amazing that night performance-wise. Her voice was fabulous but her moves were awkward. She never seemed like she was a natural dancer or handled choreography well. Her strong voice that resonated with fans and listeners will continue on forever. I’m sorry to say we’ll never hear that fierce Whitney that once ruled, again. I’m glad I can say I saw the lady in person.

The battles she fought with drug addiction and self-destructive demons carried on through the years and we, her fans, saw her unravel through the media’s display. I will remember the diva herself for the beautiful music she shared with us, her talents and soul. Her battle is now over and she may rest in peace. Thank You, Whitney. We will always love you!

Whitney Houston | August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012

ONE BOWL OF SUPER MADONNA

It’s early Super Bowl Sunday morning and I figured I’d better toss in my three cents and some change of sense about Madonna’s performance later today at the halftime of the Super Bowl between two teams of beefy men trying to get a leather clutch of air over some line of finality without getting tackled by the opposer. While reading up on kickoff times and how either the Patriots or Giants will reign and (Super Bowl) ring supreme over their nemesis, I see how they are describing Madonna’s performance as “imagined” by Cirque du Soleil and choreographer Jamie King. Guaranteed it will be Spectacular! Spectacular! nonetheless.

Spawning Smash Hits “Borderline” and “Lucky Star”

Album Certified Five Times Platinum!

I see her new song Give Me All Your Luvin’ as the main focus with a serious medley of her biggest hits included somehow. Hopefully, if she does a crazy light show like the Black Eyes Peas tried last year they will all function. That’s all I remember about their show as that one area giving crickets to viewers and fans with not nary a light, nor flicker. I do imagine that the magical formula of Cirque du Soleil will be twisted into a fabulous explosion of gyrations, aerialists, contortionists and at least one (hopefully) calculated surprise of “Oh no she didn’t!” be it wardrobe “re”function, male dancer on male dancer action or maybe she’ll paddle Nicki Minaj’s bootylicious booty. Whatever she does, it will be dissected, worshiped, read, watched, talked about and trending all day and night, trust.

“Ray of Light” and “Frozen” Stand Out on this Album!

This is Madonna at her Best!

When it comes to her new song “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” I have to be honest in saying that it’s nothing we haven’t heard or seen before. I’ve known Madonna since her not so humble beginnings on American Bandstand saying to Dick Clark that she wanted rule the world. That, she has, and still does in many a people’e eye. Madge has had over three decades of chart toppers, millions in album sales, amazing publicity stunts heard round the world and one horribly constructed but incredibly explicit book of stunning pornography of her as the focus appropriately titled Sex. But I have always seen her as the trailblazer and trendsetter I saw her hungry to become from the beginning. And she has become that and more, yes…

Includes the Scandalous and Brilliant “Like a Prayer”

A Favorite Among True Madonna Fans!

Now, honesty must succeed and I say the last effort and her latest of late really don’t have the presence of “Ray of Light” or “Frozen,” “Rain” or “Take a Bow,” “Holiday” or “Like a Prayer.” Among her MANY standouts in her anthology, these were groundbreaking at their time. What she is doing now is not. She seems to be grabbing on what is happening now, which I get. Throw in the hot ticket of the moment. Translation: Nicki Minaj plus M.I.A. Swirl in a catchy beat that is hard to beat and easy to sing. And BAM! New single, back on top. I get it all, trust. I know how the Hollywood Star Machine works and I ain’t mad. But, as an opinionist and gay entertainment journalist I feel I must, too, comment and weigh in. I grew up with her, came out with her and do indeed think she is a force. However, I want more.

I’ve always seen Madonna as a trailblazing leader in the music and celebrity scene and somewhere down the way, through a British accent of authority and clarity, she has lost her voice. She looks amazing in her video and was funny on the Graham Norton Show recently. I do enjoy seeing what she’ll do next. I just hope that it’s as shocking as she once was. Deliver to us, Madonna. And we pray.

WADE NEFF SEEN AT WORLD GYM

COLT MAN WADE NEFF STILL TURNS HEADS!

I was working out this morning while discussing with my webMaster Shawn if a certain someone was COLT Man Wade Neff strutting around World Gym in Palm Springs today. Wade has been in before during his stint at the Tool Shed for their anniversary and for holiday weekends. We just couldn’t tell if this sexy hairy beast of a man doing lap pulldowns was actually the man himself. The sweat, the mustache, it HAD to be him.

If you’re a fan of Mr. Neff from his varied COLT images  or appearances then you know how powerful and masculine this man is. When it comes to worshipping real men, Wade Neff should be at the top of your list. He always speaks with a smile when he’s in town. If you didn’t catch my interview with Wade Neff read it here. After closer inspection the man wasn’t Wade but someone equally as stunning. Gorgeous gay bears tend to run in packs and look their best, not to mention like each other. We nodded, smiled and continued working out.

THE ICONIC MEN OF JIM FRENCH

THE BEAUTIFUL MEN OF COLT!

THE SATURDAYS AT WEMBLEY ARENA

Oh. My. God. I HEART THESE GIRLS! Here they are at Wembley Arena with some backstage footage and performance clips. COME 2 AMERICA! Faster! It’s hard for me to breathe. OMG! ((Trying to settle down the excitable British tween inside my head!)) Happy New Years to my divas Molly, Frankie, Una, Rochelle and Vanessa! Now, seriously… COME TO THE U.S.!

OUR GAY CULTURE

STEVEN SPILLS © 108

JUST IN JANUARY

How are those resolutions going?! You know that if you’re going to change something you should just start now not later. When you are serious about the switch from what’s-happening-wrong to make-it-better-you then you’re not going to wait. Just do it! (As the Nike campaign instructs.) If slowing down and taking that needed breath is what’s on order, take that few seconds to hit the breaks on the chaos of life. When a fire could perk up your work speed or dream chasing, imagine walking on hot coals barefooted and get moving.

January brings in tons of popular culture collectables including devastating drag queens, salacious British extremists and red carpet gowns on award-winning actresses. Where do we begin? There’s so much going on that calendars are full and people busy. What more can we ask for? And as Joan Crawford, err, Faye Dunaway commanded in Mommie Dearest, “Now, let’s get to work.”

Well, Sweetie Darling. You do know that brand new episodes of that 90s smash cult hit Absolutely Fabulous are hitting Logo TV, in association with BBC America, throughout January. Everyone’s favorite duo is back! Edina and Patsy bring that absolute fabulousity that we’ve come to expect from them. In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of their original production, three new episodes bring our party mavericks into an era of Kardashians and having to realize results of past indiscretions.

Watching our women portray these iconic tawdry extremists so deliciously brings back brilliant memories of my life in Atlanta. I would sit around with my group of best confidants watching the series, circa mid-90s, recovering from a long weekend of excessive hardcore celebrating like our Madame Monsoon and Diva Stone would pull off in a night. I’ve seen one of the newest episodes at press time and find their delivery as impeccable as ever and already yearn for more! Set the DVR, Sweetie! Alright?!

Joyful Noise starring two of our favorite ladies of stage and screen, Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah, hits theaters on January 13. “It’s ladies night. Oh, what a night. What a night.” Just saying this is a lesbian’s wet dream come true. Parton’s pretty and curvaceous style and Latifah’s undeniable sass and witty grit come together on film to try and save a struggling gospel choir win a national competition. Both artists have talented voices so I would bet the soundtrack will be a must-hear! Maybe we’ll even see our ladies on the red carpet during our upcoming award show season turning heads with other stunners dressed in the likes of Tom Ford, McQueen and Versace.

On January 24, speaking of struggling choirs, our hardworking cast of Glee will be delivering an entire episode of Michael Jackson smashers dedicated to the late King of Pop including Brittany and Santana singing “In the Closet” and Darren Criss’ character Blaine crooning “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” With the series having both its high notes and low registers this season, I’m looking forward to seeing what they produce with this episode. Guaranteed, the results will be detailed and dissected by critics and fans alike. Us included!

Do you consider yourself a Heather or a Booger?! Watch the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and figure it out. Now I love a good drag pageant and by the looks of the previews running on Logo TV, the new season of RDR is going to be bigger and better than ever before. The prize money for top spot as America’s Next Drag Superstar has been yanked to $125K so these other reality programs need to step up their games. It has even made me contemplate shaving my chest, taping ‘em up, tucking it back, painting my canvas and competing for the crown. Would that be so bad?!

This season’s premiere is January 30 and brings the likes of edgy competitors Sharon Needles (love that name!) and bald but beautiful The Princess; fierce mammas of size South Beach’s Latrice Royale and the self-proclaimed “Asian plus-sized Barbie” Jiggy Caliente from Queens, NY; and legendary Cher impersonator Chad Michaels from San Diego, to name just a few. There’s thirteen divas vying for the title this round and my score card is anxious for some at-home judging. Join me, please!

Toss in a few moments on the calendar for the “weird but wonderful” happening in January and we have our month: Milk Day (01/11), the Frisbee’s birthday (01/13), National Dress Up Your Pet Day (01/14), National Popcorn Day (01/19), and (my favorite) Hugging Day (01/21).

2012 © PULP

BRAND NEW “ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS”

OMG! We’ve been watching older episodes of “Ab Fab” on Logo TV and Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely Everything recently, especially through the holidays when there’s absolutely nothing fabulous to see. Voila! The Videodrome Discothèque Vault Presents: The New Absolutely Fabulous Episode!!! from Videodrome Discothèque on Vimeo. Sit down, Sweetie Darling. Grab some Stoli or champagne and enjoy this hilarity. They still have it! Patsy and Edina are back! I’ve watched it twice and it’s a scream, pure and simple.

Kick back and laugh your knickers off, alright?! Brilliant!

PETE FINLAND MAKES MY HEART FLUTTER

Just wanted to introduce a sexy buddy of mine I’ve known for a good few years. Pete Finland is one hot man and as you can see by the looks of things he has that confidant swagger in his eyes that turns me out and his fans alike. You may have seen his numerous films playing the role of “Eric York” or Jawbone commercial on YouTube. Follow Pete on Twitter and see for yourself what this sexy stud is all about, muscles and all man! Just wanted to get his scorching image on my website for all of you viewers to drool like I do. Please enjoy devilishly! I do, and have! Don’t let his gruff exterior fool you! He is a BIG Teddy Bear! LUV U MAN! X