Who knew Luann de Lesseps, the Real Housewives of New York alum, would be the eighth-world wonder? When the countess first strutted her stuff on the Big Apple franchise, the mother of two was a bit pretentious. She only wanted people to address her with the royal title and felt she could literally write the book on manners. But Lu has come a very long way from her days of being a Bravo housewife and made quite a name for herself in the cabaret world.
Where did it all start for Luann de Lesseps?
RHONY viewers will recall Luann always had a love of singing. The former nurse was a ham when it came to the stage, and fans were often given first-row seats in her productions. She once rallied the entire cast to partake in her Christmas music video, What Do I Want For Christmas? Lu totally gave off Ertha Kitt vibes. At the time, the ladies mocked Lu’s deep voice, but in retrospect, she is now laughing all the way to the bank.
In 2018, Luann launched her first-ever cabaret show. She thought that if Sonja Morgan could get away with her burlesque, she could get paid to sing. The New Yorker told fans that it started as a variety show but quickly morphed into a cabaret. At the time of conception, the show featured guests like Sonja, Lance Bass from NSYNC, and SNL alum Rachel Dratch. Lu once told Today, “I realized that when somebody else would come onstage, everyone would get on their phones, go to the bathrooms, or get a drink. So I realized that, really, they came to see me. And so, it morphed into my own show and, therefore, Countess Cabaret.” And thus, a star was born.
Luann de Lesseps found her new love in cabaret
I’ll never forget how happy Luann was when she ran into her poster in Miami. Lu had really found her passion, and even though she might get a troll in her audience every once in a while, the cabaret life fulfills her. Over the years, Countess Cabaret has become quite the immersive experience that often includes audience participation. If you’ve ever attended one of her shows, you will see she now has a Q&A portion of the show and funny clips of famous things that have happened to her throughout her life.
In 2023, Luann started working with a new artistic director, Richard Jay-Alexander. Thanks to his own industry connections, Luann’s show became a part of the Live Nation tour. The former Real Housewives of New York star shared, “The fans are so supportive and amazing. They’re just there to hold me up, and they love the show.” For Lu, “the proof is in the pudding. It’s successful, and it’s because I deliver. They come in maybe driving a flatbed Ford, and they drive out in a Rolls-Royce.”
So, what’s next for Luann de Lesseps?
According to Luann’s website, the countess is still very much on tour. Not only is she touring until the end of 2024, but she has also booked a UK tour for 2025. Luann also took her music to the festival scene. In 2024, she performed at Mighty Hoopla, a festival in London known for raising awareness for LGBTQ+ issues. She played two shows, including one at the Royal Albert Hall. In April 2022, Lu took part in the Feinstein’s/54 Below festival. This performance featured her original songs like Money Can’t Buy You Class and Feelin’ Jovani.
Lu has no plans of slowing down. She announced her show by releasing a new music video that featured Real Housewives of New Jersey star Margaret Josephs. The new show dubbed Mary F. Kill is getting rave reviews. One fan noted, “I don’t care what anyone says, Countess Luann is the Effin’ GOAT!!!!” Another added, “Luann is out here living her best life.” There is no doubt that Luann has found her niche. Now, it’s only a matter of time before Bravo gives her a two-episode spinoff to document her success.
TELL US – HAVE YOU SEEN LUANN’S CABARET SHOW?
