Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.
1) Adam Lambert and Sarah McLachlan have been added to the lineup for pop icon Cyndi Lauper’s second annual “Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays.” Lauper will headline the benefit concert, which aims to raise awareness and funds for homeless LGBT youth. The show will take place at New York’s Beacon Theatre on December 8 with host Carson Kressley, Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and numerous others set to make appearances. Fans of Adam Lambert can also see him host and perform on this year’s VH1 Divas special, set to air on December 16 with performances from Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato.
2) ABC has given script orders to Discounted, a new workplace comedy written, produced, and starring out comedian and Chelsea Lately regular Fortune Feimster. The multi-camera show from Universal Television follows half-sisters Julie and Missy as they attempt to keep their Charlotte, NC furniture store afloat. Standing in their way is a big name Danish furniture store competitor, their employees, and their own relationship. Chelsea Handler is attached to executive produce while Raising Hope’s Mike Pennie will serve as showrunner.
3) The CW announced its spring lineup this week, which includes the LGBT-inclusive midseason entry The Carrie Diaries. The series premiere of the show, based on Candace Bushnell’s novel, will air on Monday, January 14 at 8 pm. The show will take the spot of another LGBT-inclusive show, 90210, which will itself move to the spot vacated by Gossip Girl at 9 pm.
4) Brooklyn-based out singer-songwriter Allison Weiss announced via Facebook this week that she has signed with No Sleep Records. In addition, the performer released “Making it Up,” the first single off her upcoming EP. Weiss spent the year on tour with Lou Reed, and her EP will be released on January 29. Check out her website here and “Making It Up” below.
5) Tegan and Sara announced that their new album will be titled Heartthrob, and will be released on January 29 in the United States and February 18 in Europe. In the meantime, the duo will be performing at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on November 19 and the next day on The Late Show with David Letterman. Check out tickets for their concert here. You can also watch the lyric video for their current hit single “Closer” below and check it out on iTunes here.
6) Rock band Otep, which is fronted by out performer Otep Shamaya, released a new live album this week. Sounds Like Armageddon is the first live album from the band and features Otep classics such as “Battle Ready” and “Blood Pig.” The recording also includes a cover of Nirvana’s “Breed,” which has become an Otep concert staple. Released by Victory Records, you can check out Sounds Like Armageddonon iTunes here.
7) Friends and musicians Ben Wallace and Joe Stevens (from the band Coyote Grace) are looking for help putting the finishing touches on Wallace's new album. After meeting, Wallace and Stevens quickly became friends after sharing their experiences as trans men, and their songs reflect their own rocky, unpredictable, and often lonely experiences while going through transition and recovery. Wallace's new album is titled Real Boy vol. 1, and you can learn more at their Kickstarter page here.