Best Moments From Hairspray Live! | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Best Moments From Hairspray Live!

A musical filled with classic tunes, great chroeography, and imaginative hairdos.

283
Best Moments From Hairspray Live!

This December we were graced with the wonderful broadcast of Hairspray Live! Filled with the classic catchy tunes, fantastic choreography, and of course imaginative hairdos, this live version of the timeless musical revived a loving fan base who were shown during the commercial breaks at viewing partied all over the country. Here is a list of the most memorable moments from the Hairspray Live! performance.

1. When Tracy fangirled over Link like the rest of us

Tracy was at her most relatable watching her celebrity crush in her living room. She swooned and sighed as Link Larkin stared into the camera. And who can blame her when Link (played by Garrett Clayton) looks at her with such dreamy eyes? But because Hairspray Live! is set in the sixties, Tracy is unable to take the modern approach of setting up fan accounts on social media and is forced to show her admiration in other ways. For example, not only does she have a picture of him hung in her room but she carves their initials in a heart on the wall of her jail cell before Link arrives to rescue her.

2. The Mannequin Challenge at Tracy's audition


Tracy’s first meeting with her celeb crush was so monumental that, for her, time stopped. In fact, everyone on stage, excluding herself and her best friend Penny, stood frozen as the music began to play. Unfortunately, that song was not Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles,” though the cast did accomplish quite the mannequin challenge. However, their rendition of “I Can Hear the Bells” was like something out of a dream and worth watching again and again!

3. The Tracy Turnblad homage we've all been waiting for


While showing her mother the wonderful world of 1960s Baltimore, two actresses who formerly played Tracy made cameos that resulted in a Kodak moment! Maddie Baillio, the Tracy Turnblad of Hairspray Live! found herself sandwiched between Ricki Lake and Marissa Jaret Winokur, the Tracys of the 1988 film and original Broadway production, respectively. This was an iconic moment for all Hairspray fans and was a great way to honor the former actresses without overshadowing Baillio. My only regret is the absence of Nikki Blonsky!


4. Bretman Rock's surprise appearance


Bretman Rock is a beauty guru with over 6.7 million Instagram followers who made a surprise appearance behind the Hairspray Live! host, Darren Criss. As Criss discussed the musical production, Rock channels his inner Tyra Banks and made sure the audience was looking at his highlight (which is always on point) rather than the host. After being discovered by fans, he swears he did not realize they were recording for television but thought he would only be seen on a Facebook livestream. But even though he was not an official part of the Hairspray Live! cast, his appearance was definitely highlight. Bretman Rock, we see you and you look amazing!

5. Ariana Grande's transformation

Ariana spent most of her night out of her comfort zone in a conservative, plaid dress and pigtails rather than her usual platform heels and ponytail. As Penny Pingleton, she was bullied by her strict mother into following all sorts of crazy rules such as not being “allowed to perspire.” It wasn’t until the last musical number that her character finally came into her own. Carried out like the queen she is, Ariana looked much more like herself in a green dress and platform boots. She even stood up to her mother and informed her, “I’m a pretty girl, Mama.” This transformation only proves that the rest of us can have as life-changing a transformation as Penny Pingleton.


6. Jennifer Hudson


Motormouth Maybelle, portrayed by Jennifer Hudson, was likely the best part of Hairspray Live! Though her acting was superb, there is a reason she’s known for her singing. Her empowering rendition of “Big, Blonde and Beautiful” was inspiring and fun to watch. However, it was Jennifer Hudson’s performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been” that really knocked it out of the park. The song, which speaks on the civil rights movement when the cast is initially unable to integrate The Corny Collins Show, comes at a time when racial tension is high and reminds us all of the importance of equality.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186649
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12633
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456248
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25604
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments