I've been a Marie Osmond fan ever since she tottered onto stage on The Andy Williams Show at the age of three!
I love the above clip because:
A. I love quartets.
B. I love Andy Williams. (His recording of MacArthur Park is operatic.)
C. I love any song from The Music Man. In fact, in honor of the imminent Iowa Caucuses, I am listening to no other musical cast recordings for the next month.
As readers of this blog know, the original Osmond Brothers quartet - Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay - were discovered on a trip to Disneyland by Andy Williams' father. (This was a gentler time, long before people were dumping human remains at Disney theme parks.)
I'm not sure why Andy Williams' father was skulking around Disneyland alone in the middle of the day, but that's not my concern. (I don't work for Dateline.) Osmond Patriarch George had taken his boys to the park after the talent show they'd traveled from Provo to LA for had been canceled. The boys were sad and began singing their troubles away, while waiting in line for Small World. Old man Williams heard the boys and, breathless with excitement, called his son on a pay phone. Soon the boys' disappointment turned to triumph - and a dynasty was born!!
America fell in love with the family - and especially Donny and Marie. (Full disclosure: My favorite Osmond is Jimmy. He's the youngest singer to score a #1 on the UK singles chart, with Long-haired Lover From Liverpool. The Brits love the Osmonds.)
But it is Marie who has captured the country's imagination. From her teen country-pop sensation Paper Roses to her first divorce to her dynamite doll empire, we've sung, sulked and celebrated with Marie. Behind her wholesome image, of course, is a brilliant tactician: Turning down the role of Sandy in the film version of Grease seemed stupid to some. But red state America applauded Marie for citing moral differences with the film's message.
Now Marie has breathed life into Dancing with the Stars. DWTS was in danger of becoming kitsch. Its biggest problem is that it didn't have any message at all. (The secret of American Idol is that it's not about singing. It's about aspiration: unknowns becoming superstars. DWTS could never effectively ape AI since the competitors are already celebrities. Some claim the show is about redemption. But that's really the message of Celebrity Fit Club on VH1.)
During the course of this season, Marie's father died. Her son went to rehab. She collapsed on stage. She filed for divorce from her second husband. For Chrissakes, Marie has lived The Book of Job over the last three months. (Please note: Mormons acknowledge both Christ and Job.) And through it all Marie has described the show as a challenge that must be met, if only to keep her sane. Marie even quoted Ecclesiastes on Larry King Live: "a time to mourn and a time to dance." And so Marie has given the show a narrative. DWTS is now about perseverance. It's a hopeful message that resonates especially with women in their fifties - women who are viewed as virtually disposable by the culture.
And yet...
Marie's appeal has never been subjected to the ballot box like she will be after tonight's final dance-off. How much of a factor will her faith play? And what could this portend for Mormon Mitt Romney's White House run?
The Osmonds have never been shy about their Mormon faith. And a third of Americans are no less shy when they admit that they will not vote for a Mormon when they cast ballots for President.
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 7)
61. This show is about dancing and if I remember right hearing that some of the professionals stated that it is about who has improved the most. I'm sorry, I really love Mel, but she comes from an entertainment background, so does Marie. On performance alone over the course of the show, I would expect Mel to win, plus it didn't hurt have Maks as a partner (who wouldn't want him); however, if we use the criteria on what the show is supposed to be about, then Helio would be the winner. He was not a performer, he could only use his feet to clutch and accelerate. He has turned into quite a dancer and performer and has been good competition for Mel and Maks.
Lisa at 8:07AM on Nov 27th 2007
62. Aw Mo,
"In ah,clem I trust."
Yeah, I was figuring a kid trying to explore the world. Mean spirits usually don't hang around. Usually.
Game Theory--Remember 180=never having to say you're sorry--especially for waxing meaningful.
Finn, I think you're right. I think Andrea ran off with Mo's cleaning lady. "You're what?"
Timo, this one's for you babe: ba-da-da, ba-da-dop-bop...********************************************
Kimball/Rocca '08
John Giza at 8:57AM on Nov 27th 2007
63. After all Marie’s heartache over the past few months it would be nice to see her win. In regards to the LDS church it is vastly different in Utah then it is anywhere else in the US. I have been all over America and lived in several southern states (Bible belt) and in the Midwest; however nothing could have prepared me for Utah. It was like a completely different country. I have never been so out of place in any other state and I have been to 45 of them. The first month I felt like I was in the twilight zone. The people were friendly in a “I know your going to hell” way. Coffee is available in some bigger cities (there are like two in Utah), but in smaller towns it is almost obsolete. There is little diversity; I would say 95% of the people in the little town I stayed were Mormon. I have always valued learning others cultures and customs, and this was not an exception; however it was quite bizarre.
Gen at 9:13AM on Nov 27th 2007
64. I Heart Marie! I don't understand why her faith is so bothersome for this show. I mean it's dancing for Pete's sake! Everyone dances no matter what religion or spiritual faith they are! And I think Marie wins for the crisis card hands down. She continues to keep smiling and dancing, and being strong. Marie is a stronger woman than everyone thinks. Also, just because she's Mormon, doesn't mean she's not entitled to show some skin. How many of you Christians actually follow your rules?
Samantha at 11:21AM on Nov 27th 2007
65. Honestly, what does Mormonism have to do with DWTS and Marie's outcome?? Her poor religion becomes the victim of harassment and scrutiny with the mere mention of the word "mormon". America's ignorance towards Mormonism amazes me, treating it as if it were some strange disease. If people (including columnists) did their research, they'll find that the "Mormons" are much more than just a religion...1)they give more help to aid world disasters than any other organization, 2) they are the healthiest people in the US and live longer than any other group, 3) they are the most educated of any other religious group....do your research and you will be less apt to label people by their religion.
Jap at 11:28AM on Nov 27th 2007
66. Aw Mo,
Or should I call you Prospero?
Once again you have worked your magic at leading us down a path of exploration and enlightenment.
This whole topic calls into question the notion of public and private. Do we vote for an individual based upon their merits or what we know about their character? Do we bring our prejudices to bear upon this decision? All heady stuff.
Now, for the dancing part: I was in and out of the show, so I only saw glimpses, but I don't think Marie won. She looked a bit "sluggish."
However, she did redeem herself towards the end of the dance when she looked into the camera and mouthed the words "MO, send us your mailing address so we can request an 8X10 glossy."
I thought that was simply spectacular.
Kimball/Rocca '08
John Giza at 11:48AM on Nov 27th 2007
67. Are you all crazy. I am a Mormon and I am not voting for Marie. She is the worst dancer of the whole group. The only reason she has done so well is because she knows how to brown nose the audience. Vote for anyone but Marie. She really is not a good dancer. Vote her in as Miss Congeniality, but not Dancing with the Stars Champion.
Gae at 1:53PM on Nov 27th 2007
68. Ah . . . Samantha, did you not see "FootLoose"
Deb at 1:07PM on Nov 27th 2007
69. To John Giza, I hope you can get over this doctor thing. When I practiced 95% of my patients called me Ken, but I found that when trying to wake people up about their country and their world the title received more attention. So, I went with it. I practiced claims free in NJ for over 13 years before giving up my practice to bring elementary truths to others for no pay whatsoever. You've stated that we're amongst friends. Friends don't censor me, nor do they criticize me for petty concerns. So apparently Marie performed well last night. Isn't that just grand? What a difference this will make for the world. I have more respect for celebrities like Paul Newman and Darryl Hannah who use their widely known names to try to help others. - Dr. Kenneth J. Hildebrandt (Ken) - http://majormediabypass.com
Dr. Kenneth J. Hildebrandt at 1:03PM on Nov 27th 2007
70. Ken - You're missing the point. Marie did NOT perform well last night. That's why many of us are disappointed. Now pay attention!
Mo Rocca at 1:11PM on Nov 27th 2007
71. Mo
Just sarcasm . . . my real opinion is I agree with Gae. I think Marie is great for Miss Congeniality, however not so much for DWTS.
P.S. I really enjoy the shows on NPR on Saturdays including Wait Wait. That is where I heard of you first and now when I have time I check out your blog. Thank you for the lighthearted commentary in a time when it is vastly needed.
Deb at 1:54PM on Nov 27th 2007
72. Oh Mo you tell him whats up. Gettin all crazy on your blog.
You deserve an around the world and back snap!! Courtesy of Blaine Edwards & Antoine Marryweather.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boBsEbFgJ4k
Dr. Kenneth J's comments?
Haaaaaated iiiiiit.
Jacqueline at 2:12PM on Nov 27th 2007
73. Mo, sorry about that. Guess that's what happens when one doesn't watch TV nor read past the headlines in relation to such things. Perhaps the mourners can go to Georgia to help with their draught. - Ken - http://majormediabypass.com
Dr. Ken Hildebrandt at 2:19PM on Nov 27th 2007
74. Marie is a doll (no pun intended)but technically not the best dancer.Mel B. is hot and really a very good dancer but she has had some dancing background being a Spice Girl and all. But Helio seems to capture the whole point of the show....which is taking a non dancer and turning them into a dancer. It is safe to say; "Helio has become a hell of a dancer".
http://www.noshtalgia.blogspot.com/
Julie at 2:38PM on Nov 27th 2007
75. Not to worry John Giza/Mo,
Dr. Kenneth J. Hildebrandt is only posting on AOL blogs for the same reason that Marie Osmond is on DWTS... it's called narcissistic self-exaltation!
It's also been used in the past by Mormon church leaders including Warren Jeffs, Brigham Young, and Joseph Smith who proclaim themselves prophets of God and coercively take multiple wives.
In the end, the only thing these people really care about is themselves. Marie has proven this by continuing to sing and dance her way through the troubles in her life rather than taking the time to deal with them. Instead she chooses to put on her phony Osmond smile, laugh her Hillary-esque cackle, and do another mediocre song & dance number!
Marie Osmond, Dr. Ken, Warren Jeffs... let's face it! It's time for you to retire!
And now, for your viewing enjoyment, Marie Osmond at Disneyland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgZKn6rQYUI
FINN at 2:43PM on Nov 27th 2007