Pictured: Did Wilson Cruz have fun eating up Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez? The answer is yes.
Last week, I started off by mentioning my older colleagues. This week, one of those trailblazers ( who is over twice my age ) found herself out of a job. The "New York Post" cut Liz Smith's column, blaming the recession. Since the grande dame is also in "Daily Variety", "Parade" and syndicated, she doesn't have much to worry about. But I can commiserate since this past year three of my papers folded ( happily, people in those cities continue to read www.BillyMasters.com ) . Two others publications appear to be on the brink. Our very first syndicated paper appears to be in hot water, which led to our joining the "Windy City Times". Another has not paid for columns since last May. We've finally had to stop providing [ that paper ] with content and begun court proceedings in case they're on the brink of bankruptcy, too. Although some markets are flourishing, it's tough for most people. The moral? Get out there and support your gay businesses and newspapers—you'll miss 'em when they're gone.
Time for me to dish the Oscars. I have to go directly to the part I hated the most—that God-awful Baz Luhrman so-called "musical" number. What the hell was that? We'll get to those horribly untalented performers in a minute. I couldn't get past how badly the medley was constructed musically. It was incredibly random, thrown together, and with no point of view. Hugh Jackman—fine. Love him. Great. If he was out there with the chorus boys, singing and tapping, I'd have enjoyed it. Then Beyoncé came out lip-synching, and showing her nipple ( which you can see on BillyMasters.com ) . Then Zac came out with that sludge in his hair and Lucille Ball make-up. I kept saying, "This can't get any worse". Then it did—and it kept going on and on. It was like a horrible nightmare on a loop! When it ended, Hugh exclaimed, "The musicals are back." My companion quipped, "Not after that number!" Certainly one of the worst things to ever air on television.
What did I think of the rest of the show? I liked it. I'm not sure "Milk" was the best original screenplay, but writer Dustin Lance Black had the best acceptance speech. Sean Penn certainly gave the performance of the year, and his calling out Mickey Rourke during his speech reminded me of Mickey winning the night before at the "Independent Spirit Awards" and asking people to forgive Eric Roberts like they've forgiven him ( Eric, embarrassed, simply yelled out, "Just accept your award" ) .
Way back in my Golden Globes report, I told you about being in the men's room with a clearly inebriated Jonathan Rhys Meyers ( shades of Larry Craig ) . This week, he began his third stint in rehab. Apparently, this was brought about by producers of "The Tudors," who warned Meyers that his drinking was affecting his work. Maybe third time's a charm.
Last week, I saw Jai Rodriguez perform his new one-man-show, "My Truth," at Ryan Black's 88s Cabaret at La Boheme in West Hollywood. Jai is an engaging performer and picked some great material. The packed house ate him up ( so to speak ) , including sexy Wilson Cruz. I did find out a fun fact—when Wilson was on Broadway in "Rent", Jai was his understudy! Either way, you couldn't lose.
Speaking of one-man-shows, Leslie Jordan will be bringing his acclaimed one-man-show "My Trip Down the Pink Carpet" to New York's Westside Theatre starting April 15th. Be sure to check him out—he's the best!
Sexy Justin Gaston ( you know, Miley Cyrus' boyfriend ) just did a spread for "VMAN" magazine which includes pics of him grabbing his protruding crotch and showing off his sexy bod. Of course, people who've checked out BillyMasters.com can see every inch of his penis in some see-through undies ( soft he's about four inches cut ) .
I was thinking about Kathy Griffin for two reasons. First, the funny fag hag just signed a $2 million deal to write her memoirs for Random