At a recent comedy benefit event, Idina Menzel and Jon Stewart humorously revisited the memorable 2014 Oscars moment when John Travolta mistakenly referred to Menzel as “Adele Dazeem.” This comedic revival took place at the Stand Up For Heroes event held at David Geffen Hall, where Menzel and Stewart engaged the audience with a playful musical skit.
Reviving the Adele Dazeem Moment
During the event, Menzel performed a parody song expressing her thoughts on the infamous mispronunciation. She kicked off the performance by humorously questioning, “Adele Da-what? Are you freaking kidding me?” The audience laughed as she recounted her years of hard work leading up to that Oscars blunder.
- Menzel recalled her Broadway days as Elphaba in “Wicked,” where nobody recognized her offstage.
- She later transformed into a cultural icon with “Frozen,” leading to an identity crisis.
- Stewart played Travolta, and the two recreated the awkward introduction moment, much to the crowd’s delight.
A Night for a Worthy Cause
The benefit raised over $4.5 million for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which supports veterans and active service members. Menzel and Stewart embraced after their performance, showcasing camaraderie and shared humor.
In a light-hearted moment, Menzel joked about her appearance, saying, “I’m an animated blonde Norwegian-looking 12-year-old with anorexic arms and blue eyes the size of grapefruits.” The audience was entertained as she shifted into a powerful rendition of “Let It Go,” followed by “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.”
Comedic Highlights of the Evening
The night featured performances from several comedians, including Jim Gaffigan, Tom Papa, and Alex Edelman, who kept attendees entertained with witty observations. Stewart also delivered a stand-up routine, joking about the newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the challenges of living in New York City.
- Stewart quipped, “Everyone is nervous, ‘he’s going to turn the city into a sh*thole,” keeping the atmosphere lively.
- Comic Tom Papa commented on the accessibility of global news, noting how we carry the world’s bad news in our pockets.
- He humorously pointed out that donkeys kill more people annually than sharks, leaving the audience in stitches.
The event not only entertained but also inspired, featuring a young fifth grader named Owen who raised funds to assist veterans with PTSD, further motivating the audience to contribute. The night was a successful blend of laughter and generosity, underscoring the power of comedy for a noble cause.
