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.
