If Al Gore hasn’t stopped by your door yet to drop off a flyer printed on recycled paper, Live Earth, the concert event organized to solve the problems the world has accumulated since Live 8 two years ago, is this Saturday. While the coverage of this global event will likely center on the mission of bringing attention to our environment or the performances of noted political agitators such as Rammstein, Akon and the Pussycat Dolls, there’s one artist unjustly lodged at the bottom of the Live Earth Brazil concert bill who shouldn’t be overlooked: former Brazilian children’s-show host Xuxa.
Best known to English-language audiences for the 65 episodes of her throughly confusing, self-titled syndicated children’s program (1993-1996), Xuxa will introduce Macy Gray, Pharrell Williams, and Lenny Kravitz to the million projected attendees at Rio’s Copacabana Beach. She’s a forgotten starlet in the States, but in her native Brazil, Xuxa is the very definition of a multimedia superstar. Her 1998 disc Xou Da Xuxa 3 is the best-selling album in the nation’s history, her daughter’s birth was watched by millions on live television, and her children’s television programs spawned merchandising of Hello Kitty-sized proportions. According to Wikipedia, her numerous films include Brazil’s nine highest-grossing movies, as well as one of Brazil’s first hardcore pornographic movies, and a fictional (we think) battle with Satan over the ability to paint rainbows on city walls.
Next Monday, be sure to check Idolator for all your post-Live Earth Xuxa coverage needs.
(As an added bonus, we present Erasure–yes, that Erasure–performing their single “Love to Hate You” on a 1991 episode of the Brazilian version of Xuxa’s children’s program.)
Xuxa [unofficial site]
Live Earth [official site]
I remember those episodes where her fans wore Malcolm X hats - oy, the postmodernist significance killed me.
From what I understand, her infamous scene in “Love Strange Love” is like a cross between “Porky’s” and “The Tin Drum.” She actually defended the movie until a new Brazilian child porn law made it illegal.
“Xu-xu-xu! Xaxaxa!”
Oh dear, from the pits of my childhood, she resurrects!
Even as a kid, I remember thinking after every episode that Xuxa’s hot pants would soon draw the ire of the Family Channel viewership and execs, leading straight to cancellationland. I’m impressed it managed to fly under the radar for 3 years.
By being bat-shit crazy that’s how, they wouldn’t dare challenge her.
Drop a chicken, panda!
Xuxa made porno?? Awww.. that must have been where poor Paul Ruebens was caught, thinking to himself “Well, hell, if she can do it…” (unzips pants)
Thank you, 1990’s, and good night!