Cher's transgender son Chaz Bono is to be honored with a special award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for his work in promoting equality.

Bono, who was born a woman, became the first transgender contestant on TV talent show Dancing With The Stars last year, earning the series the Outstanding Reality Program trophy at the GLAAD prizegiving in New York last month .

He will now be honored with a special accolade in his own right after GLAAD bosses named him the recipient of the organization's Stephen F. Kolzak Award.

's Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Chaz has opened...

John Lennon's son Sean hit the streets of New York with fellow musician Rufus Wainwright on Sunday to serenade the Occupy Wall Street protesters with an acoustic version of Madonna's Material Girl.

The singers became the latest stars to lend their support to the demonstrators campaigning against social inequality and corporate greed, and they put on an impromptu performance in Manhattan's Zuccotti Park, which has become a makeshift base for protesters.

Lennon and Wainwright were accompanied by a number of guitarists and an accordion player as they belted out the odd song choice.

They wer...

Sting will celebrate his upcoming 60th birthday in style - he's staging a charity concert featuring Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder.

The rocker, who turns the milestone on October 2nd, is to mark the date with a charity show, and he's invited his showbiz pals to take to the stage with him in New York.

Mary J. Blige, Black Eyed Peas rapper will.i.am, Rufus Wainwright and Billy Joel are also among the stars set to play the one-off concert, to raise funds for anti-poverty charity the Robin Hood Foundation.

The gig, which also marks the 25th anniversary of Sting's solo care...

R&B superstar Alicia Keys helped raise thousands of dollars for an HIV/AIDS charity by headlining a benefit concert in Canada on Tuesday night.

The singer/songwriter was the star performer at the Hope Rising! event in Toronto, held in aid of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which supports health groups dealing with the disease in Africa.

Rufus Wainwright, K'naan, Angelique Kidjo and Holly Cole also took to the stage, and Keys, who co-founded the Keep a Child Alive organization to provide medicine to families with HIV and AIDS, hopes the gig will help raise awareness of the disease.

She s...

On December 6th at 8PM, Rufus Wainwright gave a concert at Carnegie Hall for the first time since his heralded tribute to Judy Garland’s legendary 1961 comeback performance. That’s over four years ago, but if anyone was worried that the master singer-songwriter wasn’t ready to take over the space once more, their fears were unfounded. Through a highly emotional two-act performance, Wainwright proved yet again that all you really need--if you’ve got the talent--is a trademark killer voice and a good piano.

Okay, the incredible acoustics of Carnegie Hall don’t hurt either.

The first act was...

Rufus Wainwright has credited his boyfriend Jorn with helping him cope following the death of his mother Kate McGarrigle.

The 63-year-old folk singer lost her battle with cancer in January and the Hallelujah hit-maker insists it was his theatre producer partner who helped him through the tragedy.

Wainwright tells Britain's Red magazine, "We were made for each other. I wasn't the marrying kind, at all, but when I met him I knew I had to give it a try, to break through the wall I'd built to stop people getting close. And I did and, of course, it's such a discovery. I don't know what I wou...

Singer Rufus Wainwright is urging rapper 50 Cent to set the record straight about his sexuality - insisting he knows the hip-hop star is "gay."

The openly-gay singer is a huge fan of the "In Da Club" hit-maker, but insists there is something the superstar is not being honest about.

He tells Details magazine, "I love, love 50 Cent. I think he's just the sexiest (guy), and a brilliant writer. And I know he's gay.

"It's okay, 50 Cent. Feel free to call me anytime. My boyfriend and I are experts. You can come over for dinner. And maybe dessert."

Click for more great Rufus Wainwright pictu...

Rufus Wainwright is supporting the fight to legalize same-sex unions in the U.S. - because he'd love to marry his long-term partner Jorn Weisbrodt.

The singer has credited German theatre producer Jorn with inspiring him to speak out for gay rights, insisting he never wanted to settle down before meeting his partner.

However, Wainwright is frustrated by laws that keep the couple from sealing their union.

He says, "I have been with Jorn for five years and he's the light of my life. He's my inspiration, support and he's good in the sack, too! But I am very aware of living in the U.S., of...

Affectionately referred to by Elton John as "the greatest songwriter on the planet" and praised by The New York Times for his "genuine originality," Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. He is the son of folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and brother of Martha Wainwright but Rufus has achieved his success by carving out his own singular sound in the worlds of rock, opera, theater, dance and film.

Wainwright has released six albums and two DVDs to date, and has appeared on numerous soundtracks an...

On September 8, 2009, A Fine Frenzy—led by Alison Sudol—will release Bomb in a Birdcage on Virgin Records, the follow-up to 2007’s critically acclaimed One Cell in the Sea. While the debut established Sudol as one of the most talented young singers and songwriters around, the new album reveals another side of A Fine Frenzy.

"I think some people may be surprised," says 24-year-old Sudol. "They think that I’m all fragile and ethereal, but I have a wild side, too. I’m a quiet person with a loud streak, and this record is a testament to that."

One Cell reached Number One on Billboard...

Gay singer Rufus Wainwright refuses to join the campaign to allow same-sex unions, insisting he has no interest in marrying.

Unlike other gay celebrities, Wainwright abstained from marching and protesting the recent passing of Proposition 8 in California, which reversed a previous law permitting gay marriage. But he does hate the idea that governments have the power to interfere with people's lives in such a way.

Wainwright says, "Oddly enough, I'm actually not a huge gay marriage supporter. I personally don't want to get married but I think that any law or amendment to the cons...

Singer Duffy has recorded a version of Paul McCartney's classic song "Live And Let Die" for charity - and the Beatles legend is astonished with the result. The Welsh songstress tackled the hit Bond theme for her contribution to the upcoming War Child charity album Heroes.

And McCartney is bowled over with the new version of his Oscar-nominated Wings song.

The track is among a host of classic cover versions slated for inclusion on the new album, which is due for release in November.

As part of the project, a legion of musical legends including Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Beach...

Singer/Songwriter Rufus Wainwright's opera debut has been shelved after a falling out between him and the Metropolitan Opera. The Canadian had been commissioned to compose and write an opera for the Met, but officials there were unhappy with the fact the dialog and lyrics in the production were all in French, and the two sides have split.

Wainwright now hopes to introduce "Prima Donna" - about a day in the life of a diva - at the Manchester International Festival in England next summer.

More Rufus Wainwright:

-Ringtones

-Discography/Reviews

Click the pics for gallery & la...

The new album from Dido, Safe Trip Home will be released by the RCA Label Group on November 4, 2008.

Recorded in Los Angeles and London, Safe Trip Home is co-produced by: Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Kanye West, Rufus Wainwright, Eels) Ark, the new production company of Rollo Armstrong (Faithless) and Dido. The record also features a song co-written with Brian Eno.

To coincide with this announcement a track from the album will be available for free download.

From Friday, August 22, "Look No Further" will be available from www.didomusic.com. A single, "Don't Believe in Love," will...

Hit TV shows Brothers & Sisters and Ugly Betty repeated their success at the 2008 Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards on Saturday by scooping the same top awards as last year.

"Brothers & Sisters," which stars Sally Field and Calista Flockhart, won the prize for Outstanding Drama Series, while the America Ferrera-starring "Ugly Betty" was named Outstanding Comedy Series for the second consecutive year.

R&B superstar Janet Jackson received the Vanguard Award in recognition of her efforts to promote equal rights, and homosexual singer Rufus Wainwright was pres...

On May 13th, Fantasy Records will release Hymn For My Soul, the newest album from legendary singer Joe Cocker. The album unites Cocker, possessor of one of the world's most instantly recognizable and iconic voices (Lennon & McCartney's "With A Little Help From My Friends," anyone?), with Ethan Johns, who has proved both his worth and his Midas touch via albums he's produced for, among others, Rufus Wainwright, Emmylou Harris, Ryan Adams, Razorlight, Kings of Leon, and Ray LaMontagne. The union has resulted in one of the most accomplished pieces of work in the Sheffield-born singer's long an...

Imagine driving across the country with nothing but the great open road in your future. Going through barely-there towns and the desert, the road is full of possibilities (as well as seedy hotels and exorbitant gas prices). What makes the drive go by quicker? Music. It's essential for any kind of driving - whether you're on your way to the grocery store or to visit your friend's summer place up north. It's important that your playlists and CDs feature a mix of your favorite songs, and the music you pick can set the theme of your entire trip.

Here are just a few songs to add to your ...

Recorded live in concert on July 9, 2007, Gossip - Live In Liverpool brilliantly captures and focuses the stunning ferocity, energy and intensity at the heart of Gossip's groundbreaking meld of sound and politics. This incendiary concert showcase breaks out definitive performances of Gossip signature tunes including the band's UK #1 Indie chart-topping smash, "Standing In The Way Of Control"; the UK Top 40 hit, "Listen Up"; and the #3 UK Indie track, "Jealous Girls" in addition to delightfully provocative covers of Wham!'s "Careless Whisper" and Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody?"

"Goss...

This time of year is consumed with unanswered questions in a myriad of fields. Who will be the Democratic nominee? Who will win the NBA's MVP award? When will The Office come back? I feel that it is my duty to put at least one national existential crisis at rest - what am I listening to these days on my iPod. Moreover, I feel that I owe it to my most devoted fans, my mom and dad, to keep the public up to date on those tunes that reverberate in my ear drums.

Devendra Banhart - Lover

This song is great to listen to while driving in the car with the windows open and speeding down an...

Alison Sudol inhabits a vivid imaginary world populated by siren songs and sailors, sightless creatures and fragile fallen eagles, a place where almost lovers and hopeless dreams are bid a melancholy musical farewell.

And on One Cell in the Sea, Sudol allows the listener inside that often-fantastical world, revealing her inner life via songs Harp magazine praised as "fraught, haunted and beautiful."

One Cell in the Sea is the 14-song debut from A Fine Frenzy, the lineup fronted by 22- year-old singer/pianist Sudol. While A Fine Frenzy's songs are ethereal, the musical and ly...

Rockers David Byrne, The Strokes and Rufus Wainwright helped Yoko Ono celebrate her 75th birthday on Monday night at a party in New York. Sean Lennon, Ono's son with late Beatle John Lennon, organized the event at Joe's Pub.

Wainwright performed a song for Ono, and the singer/artist took the stage with members of The B-52s and Sean to perform "Don't Worry Kyoko (Mummy's Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow)."

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Stardust, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and Ugly Betty are among the nominees for the 2008 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards.

The Matthew Vaughn-directed Stardust will compete in the Outstanding Film - Wide Release category, against Across the Universe and The Jane Austen Club, while The Bubble, Whole New Thing and Dirty Laundry are just some of the nominees up for the Outstanding Film - Limited Release award.

In the TV categories, Brothers & Sisters, Degrassi: The Next Generation, The L Word, Greek and Dirty Sexy Money are all in the runn...

Capitol Music Group will release a digital EP from pop-rock songstress Katy Perry - entitled Ur So Gay - through iTunes and other online retailers on November 20th, 2007.

The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has been wowing crowds with her catchy songs and larger-than-life charisma at recent shows with Yellowcard, Mika, and the Starting Line, while everyone from Blender Magazine to online bloggers have been singing her praises.

The Ur So Gay EP includes the title track, a hilarious kiss-off to an ex-boyfriend; a club remix of the song by DJ/producer Junior Sanchez (Madonna, Sh...

Singer Rufus Wainwright was devastated when his mother compared him to a large ham. The star - whose younger sister is fellow musician Martha Wainwright - was surprised to hear him likened to the pork product after his mother described her daughter's birth in more romantic terms.

He says, "When Martha was born, my mom said she saw a beautiful rainbow-colored fan open up in front of her, and started to cry. She called it a beautiful, cosmic experience. When she recalls having me, she talks about going to the grocery store the day before I was born. She bought a ham that was 9 pounds 5 ...

American singer Rufus Wainwright has denied rumours he is planning to retire from pop music. Reports claimed the 34-year-old would quit his pop roots after he was commissioned by New York's Metropolitan Opera to create a show called Prima Donna.

Wainwright explained, "My plan was to be the biggest pop star possible, then walk dramatically way to the hinterlands of classical music. But I will continue with pop because I do love young people. If I quit I would miss the tight skin."

He adds of his opera adventure, "Opera has been my main squeeze. It's my religion, my philosophy, ofte...

Heart singer Ann Wilson has recorded her first-ever solo effort Hope & Glory, due September 11th on Zoë/ Rounder Records. The arresting vocalist branches out with a socially conscious and thought-provoking album of songs she selected to inspire the appropriately titled Hope & Glory. Produced by Ben Mink (K.D. Lang, Feist), Hope & Glory features guest appearances from iconic artists Elton John, Gretchen Wilson, Alison Krauss, Rufus Wainwright, Ann's sister Nancy Wilson and others on unique renditions of songs made famous by Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Neil Young and more.

Hope...

Meg & Dia, the power-alt pop band consisting of sisters from Draper, Utah, Meg (guitar, vocals) and Dia Frampton (lead vocal), Nick Price (drums), Carlo Gimenez (guitar), Jonathan Snyder (bass), have signed with Warner Bros. Records and are currently rocking out on the Volcom stage of this summer's Warped Tour promoting their latest indie release, Something Real, in stores now.

These journal excerpts follow Meg & Dia over the past year on tour…how much some things can change in a year, while others not at all:

On the road, May 2006: "My body is broken and I just want to listen to si...

Happy Birthday to Belgian singer Kate Ryan (1980), "Run Lola Run" actress Franka Potente (1974), singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright (1973), WWE star Shawn Michaels (1965), "Joe Dirt" star David Spade (1964), "Moulin Rouge" actor John Leguizamo (1964), R&B singer Keith Sweat (1961), Savatage singer/Trans Siberian Orchestra composer Jon Oliva (1960), guitarist Al Di Meola (1954), Eagles drummer/singer Don Henley (1947), "Lethal Weapon" actor Danny Glover (1947), "The Muse" star Albert Brooks (1947), Supertramp keyboardist Rick Davies (1944), Ronettes singer Estelle Bennett (1944), funkmaster ...

Gay pop icon Rufus Wainwright has attacked Beyonce Knowles for force-feeding music fans meaningless and "formulaic" hits. The cult singer identifies Knowles among the worst performers currently making hit singles because not enough thought goes into her R&B songs.

Wainwright rants, "I'm really sick of Beyonce. All of her songs are formulaic and produced in a way that's utterly mesmerising in the basest way. There's no enlightenment. Like most mainstream pop these days, it's more of a scientific experiment than an artistic experience. I'm scared of what young people are being force-fed....

"Both sides of my family are all in Mensa. It skipped me." Pamela Anderson misses out on her family's supersmart genes.

"I thought, 'Wow, what's wrong with me? Do I look fat?" Supermodel Rachel Hunter became paranoid about her weight after she was asked to promote weight-loss product SlimFast.

"I'm going camping in a different way." Gay folk singer Rufus Wainwright has no plans to go sleep in a tent at English music festival Glastonbury.

"The one thing I do really regret that I never got to do is take a backpacking trip for a year around the world." Justin Timberlake ponders...