Bette Midler continued speaking with the ladies of The View about how her personal life is unfolding in Las Vegas.

Midler’s had an exciting year so far: her daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, recently graduated from Yale University. In another twist, Midler recently received her wedding photos from the Elvis impersonator who married her 23 years ago in the famed Caesars Palace.

Midler’s latest project, a CD called Jackpot – The Best Bette, debuts in August, and contains a selection of her popular works, as well as some unreleased material.

Bette Midler stopped by The View to talk about the offer she couldn’t refuse. Caesars Palace, where the ladies have been guests for the week, invited Midler to perform a permanent show called The Showgirl Must Go On. The offer was well-timed, as Midler no longer wanted to tour with a show. She says that she relates to one of her characters, “The Oldest Living Showgirl,” and is glad that she can entertain without the demands of traveling.

Midler says that The Showgirl Must Go On is the same as her old show, and includes the characters and jokes that her fans have grown to love. Still, she says that the show at Caesars Palace is a more feminine show, complete with feathers, glitter, and of course, beautiful showgirls.

Guest Wayne Brady has recorded his debut CD, called A Long Time Coming, which will be on sale on September 16. The CD includes some of what Brady calls “old soul” (such as his cover of Sam Cook’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”) and original material, like his debut single, “Ordinary,” which he performed for the audience.

Brady also hosts a game show called Don’t Forget The Lyrics; he revealed that although he initially was hesitant to become involved with the show, he now appreciates the fact that, as the host, he is able to perform for the contestants and viewers.

Comedienne Rita Rudner made her appearance on The View this morning to promote some of her latest projects. Her book, entitled I Still Have It…I Just Can’t Remember Where I Put It: Confessions of a Fiftysomething, shares some of Rudner’s reflections on aging. She told Barbara that the worst part of being 50 is being 54, while the best part is that people who have dyslexia think that she’s 45. Still, Rudner, who recently adopted a daughter, says that there are some benefits to being an older mother, despite the fact that young children have seemingly boundless energy.

Rudner says that she likes Las Vegas because it’s a “small town with the best of everything.” Her performances from Nevada have been recorded on DVD, and was released today on the compilation, Live From Las Vegas.

]]> http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/2008/06/25/guest-rita-rudner/feed/ http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/2008/06/23/carlin-passes-on/ http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/2008/06/23/carlin-passes-on/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:13:11 +0000 judith http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/?p=481

Comedian and political satirist George Carlin passed away late Sunday night from heart failure in Santa Monica, California.

Carlin, known for his biting wit, was the first host of Saturday Night Live; he had been named one of the greatest stand-up comedians by Comedy Central.

Comedian Bill Engvall made a guest appearance on The View to talk about balancing life as a family man and a funny man.

Engvall, who met his wife of 25 years in college, has spearheaded the return of the “clean, funny family sitcom,” with his TBS hit, The Bill Engvall Show. He plays a therapist with three children, and enjoys starring in a show that is appropriate for all ages.

When asked about the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, the popular show which skyrocketed Engvall to fame, the star says that there are no plans in the works for a reunion, though he wouldn’t mind another round of laughs.

Comedian and actress Joan Rivers talked about her latest projects, including her cameo in a commercial for Geico insurance company, her QVC specials during the weekend of June 7, and a live performance at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City on June 28. Rivers, who performs regularly at The Cutting Room, will also have a special show in support of Gay Pride Week.

Rivers spoke about her career, her relationship with her daughter Melissa, and her trip to China with Olivia Newton-John to complete The Great Walk To Beijing 2008, in order to raise awareness and research funds for cancer.

]]> http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/2008/05/28/guest-joan-rivers/feed/ http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/2008/05/02/weekend-joy/ http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/2008/05/02/weekend-joy/#comments Fri, 02 May 2008 16:49:24 +0000 judith http://www.livebloggingtheview.com/?p=205 Joy will perform a comedy show at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, New Jersey this Saturday. Her routines are always entertaining, and she promises to be “much more radical” than she is on The View.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler also dropped by to promote their new movie, Baby Mama, which opens tomorrow. Fey plays Kate, a professional woman who decides it’s time to have a baby; she hires Angie (Poehler), a “blue-collar Philly girl, who’s good at getting pregnant” to be her surrogate.

Sherri’s big weekend involved going to a night club with comedian Katt Williams and his younger entourage; she had a little trouble deciphering the “new rules” of the clubs, as she’s still doing the Cabbage Patch.

Williams has recently released a new album called It’s Pimpin’, Pimpin’.