The majority of the western world knows by now that “Sesame Street” had selected pop singer Katy Perry as the headline super star guest to open its 41st season. The landmark children’s program is known for bringing out the inner kid in celebrities great and small, and Katy Perry’s appearance was no exemption. Her scene was modified out with “Street’s” Elmo at the very last minute. This was because it was a racy scene. And Elmo had something to say about it.
George Stephanopoulos on ‘Good Morning America’ with Elmo
Elmo defended his new friend according to the newest York Times. Elmo, super Grover and Executive Producer of “Sesame Street” Carol-Lynn Parente all appeared in front of an audience that thought Katy Perry’s mostly-covered breasts were inappropriate for children to view on the show.
The questionable scene revolved around a play date between Elmo and Perry. She wrote a parody of the pop hit “Hot ‘N Cold” for the episode. You are able to find it on YouTube pretty very easily. Elmo is not interested in playing with Perry although she was ready. The dress up clothes she has on are what numerous consider too revealing. This is what has sparked a controversy of Victorian proportions. This has given Puritanical members of the extreme right a “cause” to caterwaul against.
Parente says she’s ’surprised at the volume of disapproving responses’
Parente told Stephanopoulos that “Sesame Street” would “never, never produce anything that we thought was inappropriate.” By booking a guest like Katy Perry, the intention was to maybe grab the attention of younger parents who may not have grown up with “Sesame Street.” Complaints flowed in like crazy about the inappropriate dress on the show. There was enough complaint that the production team decided it was worth getting rid of to keep their already stable audience base.
Elmo explained when asked about it that he would like for Perry to come to “Sesame Street” once again for a play date.
”Elmo loves Miss Katy,” was his response.
Complainers get made fun of
Not to be outdone, Super Grover took a parting shot at Puritanical parents. He asked Stephanopoulos if he liked his new super costume. Without missing a beat, Super Grover then followed up with “It is not too revealing, is it?”
Further reading
New York Times Arts Beat
artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/24/great-muppet-caper-continues-as-elmo-defends-katy-perry/
One more time, with feeling. And a one, and a two…
youtube.com/watch?v=OAz4MKHhovQ
