Big, Blonde and Beautiful
| "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Published | 2002 |
| Composer(s) | Marc Shaiman |
| Lyricist(s) | Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman |
"Big, Blonde and Beautiful" is a blues song in the 2002 musical Hairspray. It is sung by "Motormouth" Maybelle.
Production[]
In the 2007 movie, a reprise of the song was written, to be sung by Velma von Tussle as she tries to seduces Wilbur Turnblad, and Edna as she freshens up before meeting her husband Wilbur. In.com explains: "According to Film Journal International, the song "Big, Blonde and Beautiful (Reprise)" was added in as at the suggestion of Michelle Pfeiffer to replace a scripted scene, giving her the chance to sing."[1]
Synopsis[]
During a party at her record store, Maybelle sings about how being fuller figured, blonde and black isn't a bad thing - that she fully embraces those qualities and thinks she is beautiful, and encourages Tracy's timid, heavy-set mother, Edna, to have the same positive attitude towards her weight.
Critical reception[]
CONNcerts says the song "sums up the body-image element of the story".[2] Sydney Arts Guide said it was a showstopper.[3] Talkin' Broadway says "Motormouth Maybelle...waxes comic in a fantastic paean to people of size called "Big, Blonde, and Beautiful,"".[4]
Cover versions[]
The song is known for being covered by Holly Jervis, a 23-year-old holiday camp singer from the Isle of Wight on the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008.[5]
References[]
- ^ "Hairspray Movie on Hbo Defined: Hairspray Movie Schedule, Songs and Trailer Videos". In.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-22. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
- ^ "Connecticut Concerts and the Performing Arts". Conncerts.com. 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
- ^ Lynne Lancaster (2013-07-31). "Hairspray". Sydney Arts Guide. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
- ^ "Talkin' Broadway Regional News & Reviews - Seattle: "Hairspray - 6/17/02". Talkinbroadway.com. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
- ^ "Watch 'X Factor UK' Judges' Embarrassing Career Suggestions for singer Holly Jervis". 3 May 2021.
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- Body image in popular culture
- Songs about beauty
- Songs from Hairspray (musical)
- 2002 songs
- Songs written by Scott Wittman
- Songs written by Marc Shaiman
- 2000s song stubs