Quickies: The sing-along edition

Photo: Getty Images

> Perez Hilton is reporting that Jonathan Knight is gay. [Ed. note: Duh. -- Shana] A source close to the New Kids on the Block singer revealed to Perez, "Jonathan has a [non-famous] boyfriend and they're very happy. They're not trying to hide it." We're thinking this could be the perfect time for Jonathan to come out for the following reasons: 1) Being in the closet gets really old really quick. So imagine how it feels after 20 years in the spotlight. 2) NKOTB has a new album and a slew of live dates slated this fall and this would be great publicity and help secure support -- and sales -- from the gays (as though they really need any help there, though). 3) We all know how damn grabby 30-something female fans can get. What better way to keep the hands off the merchandise than to make it publicly known that you're officially and irreversibly off the market?

> John Barrowman will release a new album on November 24. A collection of his favorite songs, Music Music Music (catchy, eh?) will be proceeded by the released of the Gary Barlow-penned single "What About Us?" on November 17. The album was produced by Simon Franglen (who's worked with Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Barbara Streisand) and Graham Stack (who's collaborated with Kylie Minogue, Tina Turner, and Rod Stewart). Barrowman's website features the full tracklisting and a quote from John about the project:

"There are three distinct styles on this record," John explains. "Musical theatre, country and western, and straightforward pop. I wanted to sing songs I've always loved, songs like Bette Midler's From A Distance, Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now and Dusty Springfield’s You Don't Have To Say You Love Me, alongside things like Keith Urban's fantastic You'll Think Of Me.”

Producers who've worked with Celine, Whitney, Barbara, and Kylie? A mix of musical theater, country western, and pop? A cover of Bette Midler's "From A Distance"? We can't be totally sure, but preliminary findings point to this being the most fabulously gay album ever made.

> Speaking of gay ... clinical tests have proven that a person can only sing along to "From A Distance" -- the Bette or the Barrowman version, it matters not -- for so long before his family and neighbors band together and have him or her committed. Luckily for you -- or them -- a singalong version of the hit film Mamma Mia! will be rolled out nationwide come August 29. The film will play exactly as it has for the last six weeks, but with the lyrics to the beloved ABBA songs prancing across the bottom of the screen karaoke style. (Um, why don't you know them already?) To find participating theaters and show times, check out the official Mamma Mia! website. And we suggest that all of you who are recoiling at the very thought of this check out the website too, just to make sure you're NOT attending a singalong screening of the film. Imagine sitting down to enjoy a peaceful afternoon matinee and then realizing to your shock and horror you're surrounded by every tone deaf goon in town prepping to belt out "Dancing Queen." Scarred. For. Life.

-- NOAH MICHELSON

Previously > Why you (and your mom) will love Mamma Mia!

Comments

[Christopher King]

I always thought Jonathon was the cutest of the bunch. Now my dreams, even 20 years too late, have been realized.
Thank you :)

[reviewer]

Uh, let's break this down to its essence. Barrowman's album will be the most fabulously ... show-queen, ruffles-and-feathers, drama-loving, OLD FOLKS ... gay album every recorded.