Stars in the Freak Show

After watching American Idol last night, I hope for Antonella’s sake she is in fact the subject of those “graphically sexual” pictures we’ve all been hearing about. Because let’s face it, she’s just not a singer; but a hot piece of something, nonetheless. (Her brother’s not bad either.)

And so her family and township come to her aid. “Oh it’s not her,” they say. “That’s not her topless on the beach” or “engaged in a sexual act.”

If it IS her, she’s going to wish she had fessed-up once she gets kicked off Idol. Because once that 15 minutes is over, you’ll do anything to get it back. Besides, what’s wrong with a sexy, naked picture? When you’re old and your boobs are drooping down past your knees, you’re going to look back and think “Damn, that was fun” or “I looked really good.” After all, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a blip on the radar. Nobody died. A dead body isn’t sitting in a freezer for almost a month. I mean, this isn’t news, people.

Now, what IS news is if in fact it isn’t her in the pictures. Because that brings up all sort of other issues, and it’s not so much that she’s naked, it’s that someone faked the photo and misrepresented her likeness and/or identity. It’s fraud. And THAT is the issue. Less about her, more about the phenomenon of manipulating photographs.

Take for instance, ole Harry Potter. Is that REALLY Daniel Radcliffe’s lower half? Do you really think his parents and publicist thought it in the best interest of his career to release a photograph like that? Granted, it is tasteful, and it keeps the integrity of the show. But I don’t buy it. A credible actor wouldn’t disrobe unless it’s integral to the film/play. (Or for a Vanity Fair shoot.) And if that were the case, I would think the actor/studio would be forthright about the identity of the nude body because why would it be shameful if it’s legitimately/solely to promote a production or editorial?

What’s interesting is what impact Daniel’s nudity in Equus has had on the success of the show. I’m sure it’s good despite the fact, but I think it’s odd that it’s getting such rave reviews… and there happens to be a full-on naked 17-year-old boy center stage. I don’t know; call me crazy. Same for Antonella.

I heard on Star94 this morning that so many people are rooting for her. I shutter to think it’s because – as Celine Dion would say – she’s “zee greatest signer in zee world.” It’s amazing what doors open for beautiful people.