The Idolator braintrust has spent the last twenty minutes scratching our heads over this New York Daily News blind item, and frankly we were just about to give up: “Which distinctively named member of a chart-topping pop group swings both ways? He surprised his male talent escort at a recent Hollywood red-carpet event with an invitation back to his hotel room.” Distinctively named? Like…with multiple umlauts? Or with a “y” in place of an “i”? (Also, what is a “male talent escort”? As Maura said, “I feel like this item is written in some like just-off-English dialect.”) And “chart-topping pop group” does allow us to leave out, uh, Crocus Behemoth and Euronymous from Mayhem. But a chart-topping pop group from what decade? This was next to impossible, but please cast your vote for one of our shot-in-the-dark guesses (or write in one of your own).
Don’t Shoot The Messenger [New York Daily News]
@Jasonbob7: Your comment, and the mere mention of Limahl in the poll, made me laugh harder than anything I’ve read today (which is why I voted for Limahl).
Simon LeBon.
@rhythmchyc: You’re joking, right? He’s notoriously (ha! a pun!) hetero.
@Camp Tiger Claw: Please don’t say this about my baby.
daughtry.
will.i.am was at people’s choice awards. distinctively named.
@NeverEnough:
Overcompensation, baby.
Kris Kristofferson
Gabe Kaplan
Spectacular Blue Smith from Pretty Ricky?
Well, one clue may be in that this occurred “at a recent Hollywood red-carpet event”. Even though it’s “awards season”, there haven’t been too many “events” because of the Writers’ strike. You posted earlier about the “taped” People’s Choice Awards. Maybe your answer lies there.
I’ve been hearing Will.I.Am or even Andre3000…
I am going to have to go with Patrick Stump. “Stump” is distinctive, right?
No? I got nothing…
@Rilo-Andy: I second the will.I.am vote. Andre3000 has been fighting the rumors that he’s been gay for his whole career, and while there’s the whole “thou protest too much” argument, I’m inclined to believe him, I think.
@walkmasterflex: Hell I’m just glad that we’re finally getting to a place where people don’t give a damn either way… Although knowing an artist’s preference kind of helps me make some purchases so I can support them. Hello Mika, Scissor Sisters, and Rufus!
If “chart-topping pop group” didn’t seem like a thin description of the band, I’d go out on a limb and say The Edge.
George Michael.
He’s got two first names. That’s totally distinctive.
The Nuge! Bite me grenade, mate.
I’m voting for will.i.am as well - though apple.de.whatever??? could surprise us.
Alternate pick: anyone in Rascal Flatts. Most of all Chubby Nasal-Voice.
Prince.
@Charlie Kerfelds Jetsons Tee:
Yes, but everyone knows George Michael is gay, not bisexual. I’m thinking Will.I.Am.
?uestlove? But I don’t think The Roots ever topped any charts.
@ShanaElmsford: Yes.
It was a joke.
Joe Jonas
My vote goes to will.i.am too. His next solo album will be titled “Songs About Dudes”, and while it’ll be a flop on the charts, a few tracks will have an afterlife as remixes cranked up at gay clubs.
@rhythmchyc: Really?! I’m not above getting a sex change to get a taste of that.
dammit, I thought my will.i.am guess was so original.
Weiland.