Melissa Etheridge's eleventh studio album, 'Fearless Love,' is dropping at the same time as she's rebuilding her love life from the ground up. The 48-year-old songstress recently broke up with Tammy Lynn Michaels after nine years and having twins together in 2006. Etheridge spoke extremely candidly to PopEater about the painful timing of the split, the "sexphobia" behind the 'Glee'/Newsweek debacle and the absurdities of being called "too gay" or "not gay enough."
Did you separate from Tammy before writing this album?
It was written before we actually physically separated, but you know, breakups just don't happen overnight.
It must suck having the album and the separation emerge at the same time. Do you wish the timing was different?
[Laughs] Absolutely! When I saw these things were about to collide for a while there I thought, I don't want this to come up on top of the album, and then I started doing interviews and they're like, "You're such a family girl, your marriage is great, what's the key to a great marriage?" and I was like, "Oh, I can't sit here and lie." But I would have definitely made the timing different.
So is the song 'Miss California' about Tammy?
That's a political song. It's about California passing Proposition 8.
Watch the Video for 'Fearless Love' >>
Have you been following the Newsweek controversy?
No I haven't. Give me the scoop!
A Newsweek writer said Sean Hayes was too gay to be in 'Promises Promises.' Kristin Chenoweth wrote a letter in his defense and Ryan Murphy from 'Glee' called for a boycott of the magazine.
Oh, the gays are getting miffed! Don't tell us we're too gay or not or whatever. Oh lord, what is gay, anyway? Find me the line -- find me the defining line between gay and straight. Find me the defining line between male and female. There is no line. You cannot draw this line in the sand. Yes, there are plenty of people way over there who will never partake in anything straight and there are people way over there who will never partake in anything gay, but there's a whole lot of gray in the middle. Where's the line? Behind all of it is sexual insecurity. It's sexphobia.
Have you been accused of not being gay enough?
Oh sure. I've had the gay community say, "Why don't you write a song saying 'her'? Your lyrics are non-gender." They're never happy. And the straight folks, they just assume the lyrics are about a woman, and they assume that if they go to a concert it's going to be all gay people. There are stereotypes we all have. But there's no us and them. Good God, we're all the same.
Have you ever been approached to have your songs on 'Glee?'
No, I don't think they're gay enough. [Laughs]
You're a greenie.
Yup, no plastic bottles in my house. My car runs on bio-diesel, which is reclaimed vegetable oil from restaurants.
Do you compost?
I did for a while, but I was horrible at it. I had rats.
I reckon someone could start a business in LA tending compost heaps.
I can see it! Compost-For-You. Let's do it! I'll invest.
Do you like touring?
Touring is the payoff after all the days of being alone in my room writing these songs. I get to see people singing them. It's wonderful.
You must have tons of groupies.
Well, this will be the first time I'm touring and I'm single. But I am not interested in groupies. I don't need that in my life right now. I have my oldest kids with me on tour -- they're 13 and 11.
How do you embarrass them?
It's funny because they've drawn a line between what I do for a living, getting up there and singing for people. They allow that because they know that's my work, but if I'm standing around at school and I hum or sing something, they're like, "Oh mom, don't!"
I think you are quite the sex symbol.
Aww, you're sweet, and you're helping this gal. Thank you so much.
Aren't you best pals with Brad Pitt?
Not for a while. He's a family man. I haven't spoken to him in a while.
How's your health?
My health is great. I've been six years free of cancer. I figured out health is about balance. It's what you eat, what you feel, how much you sleep. It's really common things that western society doesn't teach us how to do. You've got to take responsibility; you've got to say, "You know what? I don't need to work that hard. I don't have to buy this." It's not what it's all about.
Pharrell Williams, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony pose for photos at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at the Monte Carlo Circuit in Monaco on May 16th.
I used to watch Melissa when she was a nobody. In fact I worked a wet t-shirt contest where her song, "Bring Me Some Water," was our theme song. I stop going to her shows. Her fans were some of the rudest people I met at a concert.
Can you make your way over to Glendale, Arizona? I'm hoping so! Sorry to hear of the end of your relationship. I know it's painful. I was once in a 9 year relationship which broke up. You just never think that it will happen, and then it does. You are a beautiful person. I can't wait to get your new music on my ipod. :)
I do not care what her sexual prefence is, I LOVE this women,her music everything about her, i do wonder what does happen, two relationships...but just the same...LOVE YA LISSA!!
I loved the song on the video....she's a beautiful person no matter if she's gay or straight...keep on singing Melissa your voice is awesome! I'm your fan and have been!
stuped for one thing the earth cant suport the groth at this rait so i find that homosexuality is a nataral way of slowing down groth and you crazy over the top losers are crazy. Gay is prof of darwan why must thay hide what thay are or be treated that way pay atention to your own self and seav everyone else alown. I beleav god is nater I beleave the six days is not our time but the world was created in six days it is just six of gods days so we rest on our sevent day and he rests on his we can not tell how this is gods will but it is. everything is nater and the bible has been reinterpreted and changed so meny times the truth is not all thair and man is not perfect we all sin we all make mistakes god forgives
gay is proof of evalution natral sulection ppl haveing kids left and right some gays do invetro a relativ of just a doner or friend thair are alot of options and a lot of them adopt. That is darwan to menny ppl natral selection and it gives a home for children with out a home adopt i want to some day i need to get setaled get a place of myown and i want my littl girl to have a yunger brother or sister but i want to adoped a older child thay have a hard time finding homes so my little girl has to grow a little first
Jesus!! Do you haters think that people choose to be right handed or left handed? I have heard of parents making young kids not use their left handedness (if that is a word) cause they thought that was a sin....you are born a certain way and that is it.......if you think that homosexuality is a choice, and if you are straight, what point in your life did you make the choice to be straight?!?!?!?!?
Exactly. I chose to be gay the same day everyone else chose to be straight, blonde, brunette, white, black, Chinese, German, blue-eyed, brown-eyed, Christian, hypocrite, etc.
For those who think they know what the Bible says...Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from you, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you true Christians, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear bifocals. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
I feel sorry for Melissa and all homosexuals. I agree they are born that way and there is nothing they can do about it. Anyone who thinks one would choose to lead this lifestyle is a fool. They are there to be pittied not condemned. Homosexuals can't help themselves.
LOL.. I own 3 houses, have been in a 16 yr relationship, and are about to retire "fat and happy" and financially secure. I also have two sons and 4 grandchildren that i love and that spend holidays and summers with me. Don't pity me....
It is a sad world...when you are gay...and other gays...say you are not gay enough?! Acceptance. Just accept others..for what they are..not for what you think they should be. Everybody has their own unique journey. The line is not gray, to me, you are either gay or not. Also, why should a talented person be shunned for being gay or straight? She sings from the heart...that is what makes her a wonderful talent! Love is universal...when she sings a love song or heart break...I think most of us...can identify..whether we are gay or straight.
Why read this BS. There's only two genders, and there's a reason: Nature wants to survive by all means nessecary. So if you can't reprocreate by what nature has given you, and i don't mean have inveto, it ain't natural. Call it what it is, deviant.
So hetros having medical issues using invetro are now deviant also? Or is that ok for some but not for others? I feel so bad now knowing grandkid was brought forth to this life by my hetro daughter in a devant manner. Geesh YOU need a brain.
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Melissa Etheridge's eleventh studio album, 'Fearless Love,' is dropping at the same time as she's rebuilding her love life from the ground up. The 48-year-old songstress recently broke up with Tammy Lynn Michaels after nine years and having twins together in 2006. Etheridge spoke extremely candidly to PopEater about the painful timing of the split, the "sexphobia" behind the 'Glee'/Newsweek debacle and the absurdities of being called "too gay" or "not gay enough."
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Melissa Etheridge plain & simple - SHE ROCKS, SHE ROCKS, SHE ROCKS! Rock on Mel!
Reply
I used to watch Melissa when she was a nobody. In fact I worked a wet t-shirt contest where her song, "Bring Me Some Water," was our theme song. I stop going to her shows. Her fans were some of the rudest people I met at a concert.
Reply
Can you make your way over to Glendale, Arizona? I'm hoping so! Sorry to hear of the end of your relationship. I know it's painful. I was once in a 9 year relationship which broke up. You just never think that it will happen, and then it does. You are a beautiful person. I can't wait to get your new music on my ipod. :)
Reply
I do not care what her sexual prefence is, I LOVE this women,her music everything about her, i do wonder what does happen, two relationships...but just the same...LOVE YA LISSA!!
Reply
I loved the song on the video....she's a beautiful person no matter if she's gay or straight...keep on singing Melissa your voice is awesome! I'm your fan and have been!
Kate :)
Reply
Oh Lord, help us all just get along down here. PLEASE!
Reply
Carpet munchers if the world, Unite! Let's use our power to end humankind, by simply not procreating! That'll fix 'em!
Reply
stuped for one thing the earth cant suport the groth at this rait so i find that homosexuality is a nataral way of slowing down groth and you crazy over the top losers are crazy. Gay is prof of darwan why must thay hide what thay are or be treated that way pay atention to your own self and seav everyone else alown. I beleav god is nater I beleave the six days is not our time but the world was created in six days it is just six of gods days so we rest on our sevent day and he rests on his we can not tell how this is gods will but it is. everything is nater and the bible has been reinterpreted and changed so meny times the truth is not all thair and man is not perfect we all sin we all make mistakes god forgives
gay is proof of evalution natral sulection ppl haveing kids left and right some gays do invetro a relativ of just a doner or friend thair are alot of options and a lot of them adopt. That is darwan to menny ppl natral selection and it gives a home for children with out a home adopt i want to some day i need to get setaled get a place of myown and i want my littl girl to have a yunger brother or sister but i want to adoped a older child thay have a hard time finding homes so my little girl has to grow a little first
Reply
Dear Shellnet - please kill yourself. Seriously. It's the right thing to do. Your parents, in particular, would be grateful.
Jesus!! Do you haters think that people choose to be right handed or left handed? I have heard of parents making young kids not use their left handedness (if that is a word) cause they thought that was a sin....you are born a certain way and that is it.......if you think that homosexuality is a choice, and if you are straight, what point in your life did you make the choice to be straight?!?!?!?!?
Reply
Exactly. I chose to be gay the same day everyone else chose to be straight, blonde, brunette, white, black, Chinese, German, blue-eyed, brown-eyed, Christian, hypocrite, etc.
For those who think they know what the Bible says...Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from you, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you true Christians, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear bifocals. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
I feel sorry for Melissa and all homosexuals. I agree they are born that way and there is nothing they can do about it. Anyone who thinks one would choose to lead this lifestyle is a fool. They are there to be pittied not condemned. Homosexuals can't help themselves.
Reply
LOL.. I own 3 houses, have been in a 16 yr relationship, and are about to retire "fat and happy" and financially secure. I also have two sons and 4 grandchildren that i love and that spend holidays and summers with me. Don't pity me....
Maybe I... should pity YOU.
dmarvnwebster - I doubt homosexuals need your pity. Or want it.
If everyone was gay, then no one would be here.
Reply
It is a sad world...when you are gay...and other gays...say you are not gay enough?! Acceptance. Just accept others..for what they are..not for what you think they should be. Everybody has their own unique journey. The line is not gray, to me, you are either gay or not. Also, why should a talented person be shunned for being gay or straight? She sings from the heart...that is what makes her a wonderful talent! Love is universal...when she sings a love song or heart break...I think most of us...can identify..whether we are gay or straight.
Reply
Why read this BS. There's only two genders, and there's a reason: Nature wants to survive by all means nessecary. So if you can't reprocreate by what nature has given you, and i don't mean have inveto, it ain't natural. Call it what it is, deviant.
Reply
So hetros having medical issues using invetro are now deviant also? Or is that ok for some but not for others? I feel so bad now knowing grandkid was brought forth to this life by my hetro daughter in a devant manner. Geesh YOU need a brain.
no other creature one earth practices this vile, demented, sickening, dispicable, disgusting, and down right evil act.
nuff said.
Reply