Hump Day & Chill

Today is Valentine's Day thus let us Hump Day & Chill to getting physical shall we? We shall! I'll make it simple for you. All you have to do is copy this Valentine of Olivia Newton-John with the verse from her monster hit song Physical and put in the name of you and yours in the To: & From: section. "Yes" it's that simple...

Happy Valentine's Day Minions!!!

Valentine's Day on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day  

Tunesday - Jolene

The Dream Team
Dolly Parton & Olivia Newton John

Posthumously released Olivia Newton-John did a duet with Dolly Parton on her classic song Jolene.

"Yes" Minions it's real and it's spectacular!!!

Hit it! After the jump...

Jolene on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jolene_(song)

"Hopelessly Devoted To You"

 AUSTRALIA DAY ANNOUNCEMENT! THE ORION EXPERIENCE COVERS “HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU” BY OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN’S POWERHOUSE BALLAD FROM GREASE SOUNDTRACK

 

Latest Single From Upcoming Covers Record CosmiCovers, Pays Homage to Newton-John and Fellow Australian Producer John Farrar with Reworked Upbeat Duet Single Set for February 24

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The Orion Experience is excited to announce, on Australia Day no less, the release of their first single of 2023, a cover of  Olivia Newton-John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from the motion picture Grease. Click here to presave the track upon release Friday February 24th.

This latest single from The Orion Experience’s (T.O.E.) upcoming album of cover songs, CosmiCovers pays homage to Olivia Newton-John. So many of T.O.E.’s musical influences come from the land down under, it only seemed right to celebrate the uniqueness of Aussie pop by covering this track. Reimagined with a Motown groove, band members Linda XO and Orion Simprini worked out Stevie Wonder inspired melodies, with a Jackson 5-like rhythm section. Lead guitar player, Reef Roxx laid down an Afro-Cuban style lick that is impossible not to dance to. Like all great cover songs, The Orion Experience wanted to pay tribute to the original work, written by legendary Australian producer John Farrar, while adding their own distinct style.

We challenge all you Rydell High School T-Birds to a drag race at Thunder Road if this cover doesn’t get you on the dance floor for Vince Fontaine’s National Bandstand. 

TOE YouTube, Instagram and TikTok 

Magic

Olivia Newton-John

"You have to believe we are magic" - Magic, Olivia Newton-John

Needless to say I like many was literally caught off guard and truly saddened by the passing of Olivia Newton-John. She has been a part of my life since I was born and now she is gone. She was such a bright light, absolutely magic!

Like pretty much every gay man I know she was my first Woman Crush namely because of Grease, who didn't think she was Totally Hot in that? 

Who knew when I progressed through life that I would be fortunate enough to know her. I've interviewed her twice and she was always so lovely and gracious.

My fondest memory of her though was seeing her play Los Angeles Gay Pride in 2008 with my friend publicist Ken Phillips. He and I reminisced about it yesterday and both concurred we had the time of our lives!!!

R.I.P. Sweet Lady

ONJ on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Newton-John

Michael's Musings

"You Have To Believe We Are Magic"
Olivia Newton-John & Michael Shinafelt

Ho ho ho, and Merry Christmas Eve Day (say that three times fast) While this Holiday Season is quite unprecedented, there's still no reason why we can't make it fun! Thus I am caught up in and Olivia Newton-John/Xanadu fugue.

"Magic" is something we should, and all need to believe in. Not to mention it's one of ONJ's best songs ever from the movie Xanadu, which despite it's bad reputation, I have enjoyed viewing multiple times. So let's get the party started Minions!!!

Reminder, it won't work unless you are holding my flower

Got anything you need to Mansplain to Santa? Now's the time to do it

The Three Kings of Hell have returned, discuss

"And if all your hopes survive, Destiny will arrive..." - Magic, Olivia Newton-John 

Well now, that was a whole bucket of miss

Start preheating your oven now so your Holy Infant will be tender and mild

"If I can wear a mask while I give birth, you can wear a mask at Walmart" - Sophie Turner 

All I want for Christmas is January 20th

Woman Crush of the Week - duh, Olivia Newton-John and Magic!

My tranquility needs to be refurbished

I finally binged The Queen's Gambit, LOVED IT!!!

That time Santa jacked your Mom's Coke from the fridge on Christmas Eve 

You deserve a stripper for Christmas, just sayin'

How am I celebrating Christmas? Enjoying Christmas breakfast with a friend and watching Wonder Woman 1984, that's how

Come Into My World at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt    

Two Of A Kind

Grease is the Word
Olivia Newton-John & Michelle Pfeiffer

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, well this photo is worth millions of them. "Yes" it's when two Grease's collide minions! Starring Olivia Newton-John of the original classic Grease and Michelle Pfeiffer of the F/U Grease 2.

Close encounter of the iconic kind...the two met up at the G'Day USA: Standing Together event in Beverly Hills, CA on January 25th. 

Olivia took to Instagram and posted the cooler than anything else you will see this week photo with the caption: “So lovely seeing you Michelle!! Xoxo #PinkLadyPower @michellepfeifferofficial @gdayusa,”

Michelle reciprocated by posting the photo stating in return: “Look who I ran into last night – the original Pink Lady 💗💗 @therealonj. What an incredible night for an incredible cause. @gdayusa.”

If this isn't giving you major good vibes then I don't know what would.

Olivia on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/therealonj/?hl=en

Michelle on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/michellepfeifferofficial/?hl=en

Waxing Nostalgic

We Go Together
Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta

Being it is the season for nostalgia, sentimentality, etc... this photo really brought back fond memories for me of my youth. That's correct minions, I've got chills they're multiplying!

My first girl crush Olivia Newton - John and John Travolta got their inner Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson on for a Grease Sing-A-Long in Palm Beach, FL.

Olivia captioned the photo on Instagram with: "First time in costume since we made the movie! So excited!" 

Indeed as were the attendees of the three day event called "Meet N Grease" which will include a Q&A session with the dynamic duo.

Thus today's secret word is "Grease" because, after all "Grease" is the word!

ONJ on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/therealonj/?hl=en

Michael's Musings

I'm Wild Again, Beguiled Again -
Michael Shinafelt

“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan, A stately pleasure-dome decree" Samuel Taylor Coleridge 

That's correct minions I am kicking off this Thursday with a quote used in the movie Xanadu starring one of my all time favorites Olivia Newton-John. Not sure why this particular opus is on my mind, I believe it may be in reaction to the world at large. Xanadu is escapist fare all the way, escaping, yeah that's today's ticket...

Surreal Moment of the week: Billy Idol meeting the RHOBH

My gangsta name? Five Speed Douche

Accidental anal hair, discuss...

His breath really smelled, perhaps he ate some ass before Spin Class

I'm watching you, oh yes I am

That can't be the only gorilla suit in Germany!

Crazy Boxing Guy the myth is real

When visiting the super bloom beware of the Wicked Witch of the West

Caught a screening of The Breakfast Club on the rooftop of The Montalban Theater in Hollywood last night. Still a great film!

He's Still Got It @ 63
Billy Idol

Speaking of Billy Idol...with a Rebel Yell, baby!

Don' you forget about me

Beware of dogs with agendas 

Frozen Blueberries - that's all

It's better with a concubine 

Come up to the lab and see what's on my slab at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Michael's Musings

No Batteries Required
Michael Shinafelt

"They're all going to laugh at you" Margaret White, "Carrie"

And indeed they did 45 - moving on....

Hey United Nations to be fair, my friends and myself have been laughing at
Donald Trump for a while now

Byline of the week: "Looking back on 10 years of Goop - vaginal eggs included" that pretty much sums it up (BTW my statement is not a compliment) 

I knew Thomas Ravenel from Bravo's "Southern Charm" was bad news. Why? Because I wanted to jump him hard!

This Is Us is back. In the immortal words of Nancy Kerrigan "Whhhhhhhyyyyyyyy?!" 

How to get rid of skin deep wrinkles without surgery...I'm in!

I wanna helicopter bungee jump

Fine as a line

"Brett Kavanaugh is such a John Hughes film villain , he’s coming to Monday’s hearing wearing topsiders, belted madras shorts, and a sweater over his shoulders." - Tony Tripoli, Comedian

What's new pussycat? Do tell...

Superman V Batman
By: https://www.instagram.com/kentartwork/?hl=en

Now this is the Superman V Batman I wanted to see!!!

Olivia Newton-John just turned 70 - Totally Hot!

Sometimes it takes you by surprise, But for the most part...

Lady Gaga in "A Star Is Born" opens a week from tomorrow - "Yeah" I wanna see it

Jamie Lee Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis

The more I give, the more I want it at -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

Let's Get Physical, Again...

You Know What I Mean?
Juliana Hatfield

A shout goes to my partner in Real Housewives of Beverly Hills crime Jackie Kilmer for bringing this to my attention. 

What is it that was brought to your attention Michael, you are asking? Juliana Hatfield doing a cover of the Olivia Newton-John smash Physical from her fourth coming groove Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John on April 13th.

In case you don't know it I am a rabid ONJ fan. She was my first girl crush growing up. She was many a gay guys girl crush of a certain age actually, you know that outfit at the end of Grease? Mic drop!

Nothing can ever replace Olivia, but I love, love, love that Hatfield is doing a whole album of covers to one of the undisputed Queens of music.

Get Physical after the jump, or jump and get Physical. The decision is yours.

Juliana on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/julianahatfield/?hl=en

Just Because...Gigi Hadid

Tell Me About It, Stud
Gigi  Hadid

Just Because I like the costume, Just Because it's Halloween & Just Because I can - here is Gigi Hadid dressed up as Sandy from the classic movie musical Grease for the Season of the Witch.

This photo is a stunner to me. Leave it to Ms. Hadid to treat wearing a Halloween costume as a sashay down the catwalk, meow!

Everything about this costume is perfection, including the fact that she actually bears a striking resemblance to Olivia Newton-John who played the role in the film.

For me out of all the celebrity model off springs that are out there now, Gigi is one of the ones who actually deserves to be at the top of the ladder. Some of the others, well not so much. She is the definition of a Supermodel.

Only 11 more days until Halloween, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my freak on...Boo!

Gigi on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/gigihadid/?hl=en

Michael's Musings

Celebrate!
Michael Shinafelt

Happy Gay Pride Month! You heard me. June is the month of PRIDE - and this weekend is the Gay Pride celebration in Los Angeles, CA. 

Since I am proud of who I am, here it is on the table. All bets are off, because a "wonder"ful film I saw this week preaches the truth, and then some.

Extra! Extra! read all about it, now!

I have never seen a comic book film quite like Wonder Woman. Hell I haven't seen many. But this one is film making at it's finest. Oh, and it also subscribes to love being the answer.

While I won't be attending the Pride Parade this year, I will be having brunch with good friends.

This week on Pretty Little Liars. Aria is still being a twat, Hanna & Caleb got engaged...swoon!

Olivia Newton-John
is
Magic

"You have to believe we are magic. Nothing can stand in our way" - Olivia Newton-John

Sometimes we all want to be nipple girls

I saw Nancy Wilson of Heart this past weekend with her new band Roadcase Royale at The Rose in Pasadena. Kick Ass!!!

Gay as a whistle


Steve Harvey = Barking Seal

Who the F#ck was clamoring for the return of Love Connection with Andy Cohen? Seriously.

Sometimes you feel like a pig, sometimes you don't.

A group of asshole white women hit Nordstrom looking for the sale on Covfefe 

"Hope Will Never Be Silent" - Harvey Milk

Celebrate your Pride this month with me at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Michael's Musings

Give Me A Hand
Michael Shinafelt

OK, you know what's coming don't you??? This week can kiss my Covfefe! This is the first and last time I will ever post that "word" publicly. I have made many a vulgar text to friends of mine regarding it, but that's between me, them and our cell phones.

Let's get topical!

So sorry to hear one of my favorite people Olivia Newton-John's cancer has returned. Sending my love.

Also sorry to hear about the passing of my friend, singer Mike Clifford's cousin Elena Verdugo of Marcus Welby M.D. fame.

For the record I can't stand Donald Trump, but do not condone Kathy Griffin's attention whore move. Also I can't stand Kathy either.

At this point in my musings do now get why this week can kiss my Covfefe?

On this weeks Pretty Little Liars...Aria was a twat, but I felt the Alison and Emily love! 

Sun Kissed
Darren Criss

Nothing to perk you up like a nearly naked selfie of Darren Criss 

Is your wig squeezing your head too tight, heifer?

Some guy living out of a trailer on the street asked me if I wanted to get high this week. The more you know.

Sea Cucumber ovaries, it's what's for dinner

You will have broccoli, after U By Kotex (inside joke) - 

I wonder if wearing a romper would make my ass look huge?

Have a Covfefe with me at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Grease Live!

l-r Julianne Hough, Aaron Tveit & Vanessa Hudgens
Good Luck Guys!

There's a drought in Hollywood, of original ideas. I bet you thought I was going to mention the water supply, didn't you? 

Well luckily when it comes to great Hollywood musicals getting the old re-do treatment the concept is original, they are doing them live! The giant ratings for The Sound of Music Live solidified there would be more live TV musicals to come.

Up this January Grease gets a whirl on the live wire. The movie is considered a classic and starred John Travolta as Danny and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy. Their chemistry was electrifying! 

To me the challenge of this undertaking, other than performing it live, is not trying to replicate the original, nobody could. Rather the challenge is trying to create something new that resonates with the audiences on some different level. Most of that will fall on how much chemistry Julianne Hough and Aaron Tveit - the new Sandy and Danny's shoulders. While they could never copy Travolta and Newton-John's sizzle, they need to have their own spark to really make this production Greased Lightning!

I am looking forward to seeing High School Musical alumni Vanessa Hudgens essay the role of Rizzo made famous by Stockard Channing. Having won rave reviews on Broadway for the title role of Gigi for sure she will make Rizzo her own.

Tell me more, tell me more...

Grease Live! at: 

https://twitter.com/GreaseLive

www.fox.com/grease-live

"Grease" Live Is The Werd

Hudgens & Hough

In the tradition of Sound of Music live, and because of it's record breaking ratings. A live version of Grease is coming to FOX January 31st 2016 - werd!

The first two casting announcements were made today - and this writer found them a mixed bag.

Julianne Hough will play Sandy, um I'm not sure about the rest of you , but I find the former Dancing With The Stars star and now judge pretty uninteresting. I certainly don't think she can and ever will compete with my first girl crush Olivia Newton-John.

Next up Vanessa Hudgens as Rizzo. Now this is something I can get behind, she is one of my current girl crushes, and I think perfection casting wise.

Julianne had this to say (source E!Online) "Grease is one of the movies that made me want to be an entertainer, and I have literally been waiting my whole life to play Sandy," Hough said. "My siblings and I watched it and played it out over and over when we were kids. This is my dream role and performing it live on television will be one of the most thrilling opportunities I've had in my career so far."

Cutie Vanessa Hudgens who will be on Broadway in Gigi states (source E!Online) "Being Rizzo is something I've never imagined, and I love that because it will be a new challenge. She is such an iconic character that continues to transcend generations. I cannot wait to bring her to life on live television. I'm going to be a Pink Lady!"  

OK, Zac Efron as Danny Zuko anyone?!

Julianne on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2584600/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

Vanessa on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1227814/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

Three Way: Donny & Marie Osmond + Olivia Newton-John

Donny & Mare Osmond: Yeah, We're With Olivia 

Olivia Newton-John: Yep, I'm With Them

Have ever been a "little bit country" perhaps sometimes a "little bit rock' n roll?" Or "have you ever been mellow?"

Well now you can be all those in one geek-tastic tour! That's correct, Donny & Marie Osmond will be touring with Olivia Newton-John next year!!!

Yeah, I am a total nerd for the Osmonds and ONJ, wanna be starting something about it?!

Marie stopped by the Today Show to break the news to Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

She states about her and Donny's tour with their friend Olivia: “She’s going to take half the time, we are taking the other half" Marie continued “We’re going on a big world tour.”

Ms. Osmond also said they plan to start off the tour in places like Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Even though 2015 has barely started, 2016 is looking great! I'm so there!

Keep updated with Donny & Marie at:

https://www.facebook.com/marieosmond

https://www.facebook.com/donnyosmond.fb

Chill with Olivia at: https://www.facebook.com/olivianewtonjohn  

This is going to be epic!

"They All Want To Be Me" Carol Ann Susi

Carol Ann Susi

While I never watch or have watched the Big Bang Theory, I did catch Carol Ann Susi on Seinfeld and more importantly, I was fortunate enough to have known her.

"They all want to be me" was what she said about all the gorgeous female stars she had met. As she told it they would tell her when they met her how funny she was and that they wished they were as funny as she and that they would love to get the roles she got.

Carol Ann was a laugh riot. She could make you bust up by simply saying "Hello."

I met Carol Ann when I participated in a screenplay reading that Del Shores wrote with Olivia Newton-John's sister Rona.

Carol Ann didn't drive and since we lived near each other Del asked me if I could give her a ride to his place for it.

It was one of the most memorable rides I have ever had, she was hilarious!

That was her amazing gift, laughter...

R.I.P. Dear Lady and Thanks for giving me a wonderful memory.

Carol Ann Susi on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0839836/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

You Go Olivia! Olivia Newton-John's "Summer Nights" @The Flamingo

You Go Olivia!

My first girl crush from my formative years as a young man and former interview subject, check out this fun chat I did with her at AfterElton: http://www.thebacklot.com/interview-with-gay-ally-olivia-newton-john/08/2008/

 Olivia Newton-John is going to have a residency at Bugsy Malone's former Vegas oasis, The Flamingo. I last saw Ms. Newton-John perform at Los Angeles Gay Pride and she was great! I am predicting a trip to Vegas in the near future, congrats Olivia!

Get ready for some summer lovin’ and “have a blast” as Olivia Newton-John makes her way to Flamingo Las Vegas with her “Summer Nights” residency. Opening inside the Donny & Marie Showroom on Tuesday, April 8, the beloved internationally-renowned singer-actress will take audiences on a musical journey through her life in film and music.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. Members of Caesars Entertainment’s Total Rewards program will have access to an exclusive pre-sale from Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. to Thursday, Feb. 6 at 10 p.m.   To join Total Rewards program for free, click here.  

“I am thrilled to be able to call Las Vegas home for a while,” says Olivia. “I have performed here many times through the years and have had nothing but wonderful memories and I look forward to even more fun at the Flamingo. I am especially thrilled that a portion of every ticket sold will benefit the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.”

“We look forward to welcoming Olivia to Flamingo Las Vegas, where so many other iconic artists have performed,” said Eileen Moore, regional president of the famed center Strip resort. “She has such a broad appeal and you can count all of us here at Flamingo among her adoring fan base; she’s the ‘one that we want’ and we can’t wait for her to call Flamingo home.”

The show will be a musical journey through the iconic artist’s illustrious career featuring hits from her early years including “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “Let Me Be There,” “If You Love Me Let Me Know” and “I Honestly Love You,” as well some of her favorites from Grease,“Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “You’re The One That I Want,” and of course, “Summer Nights.”  Favorites and hits from her other movies, including Xanadu, as well as her ‘80s anthem and record breaking song “Physical,” will keep the room dancing, while new songs from her recent Billboard hit album Grace and Gratitude are sure to warm the hearts of the entire audience.

Dates confirmed so far:

April: 8 – 12  
May: 6 – 10, 27 – 31  
July: 1 – 5, 29 – 31 
Aug: 1, 2, 5 – 9, 12 – 16, 19 – 23, 26 – 30 

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $69, $99 and $139, and a special meet and greet package is available for $249. Additional service fees apply. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by phone at (702) 777-2782 or (855) 234-7469 or by visiting flamingolasvegas.com. For groups of 10 or more call (866) 574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.