Living Out Loud with Darian

Over the weekend I finally had the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about over Jennifer Hudson and Patti LaBelle's appearance at the GLAAD Media Awards. The special aired on LOGO last Saturday and was actually quite entertaining. But I guess you should expect nothing less when it's being organized by hundreds of talented LGBT people.

Jennifer presented Patti with the excellence in media award and seemed humbled that she was given the opportunity to pay homage to a woman that opened doors for her. There was no way that these two women could be on stage together in front of a microphone and not sing, that would be considered a crime. Jennifer belted out "Somewhere over the rainbow" and as expected the room went up! But nothing could have prepared me for the impromptu duet between the two when Patti began singing "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen”. Lawd have mercy! For all of the kids who hadn't been to church in years because they felt rejected, definitely had a religious experience during this moment!

I'd almost forgotten what real singers sound like, it's not everyday you hear voices like Patti and Jennifer's on the radio. Patti LaBelle has been an amazing supporter of the gay community for over 45 years, despite the controversy she caused by singing at homophobe Bishop Eddie Long's church last year, this honor was well overdue.

I remember seeing her in concert when I was in my early teens and a male fan rushed the stage in the middle of the show, security immediately grabbed him but Patti intervened. I'll never forget her words, she said" Let him go. Come on up her sweetie! I ain't Diana Ross I like people! It doesn't matter if you're gay or straight just come". Her show was amazing but it was that moment that put the icing on the cake for me. Patti LaBelle will always be the ultimate diva.

Labels: Entertainment, People