It seems to be a week for one-named wonders, as this Dazzler of the Day is singer and song-writer Lauv. I heard his song ‘Love U Like That’ at some clothing store in Newton Plaza, and it felt like a good summer-ending vibe. It’s rare for me to jot down lyrics so I don’t forget what to look for (and I don’t have the handy app that hears two beats of a song and instantly identifies it) but I managed to do so and that’s how I came upon Lauv. Check out that song below and the rest of his magnificence at his website here.
Very few people are so uniquely talented and celebrated to be known by a single name, but Richarlison enters the vaunted realm of Madonna and Cher thanks to his impressive plays on the soccer field, and an even more impressive embrace of therapy and publicly addressing depression and mental illness. Taken together, Richarlison earns his first Dazzler of the Day honor as we begin our road to World Cup glory.
Currently on ‘The Red Tour’ (with an upcoming ‘Blue Stop’ at Boston’s City Winery in September 19, 2025) Corey O’Brien adds comedic fuel to the fire we so badly need right now. Today he earns his first crowning as Dazzler of the Day. Designed to bring people together over laughter and the absurdity of life going on at the moment, O’Brien’s Red Tour brings comedy, dance, and a thrilling amalgamation of entertainment to stages and places that need such light. Check out his website here for upcoming show information.
It feels like the world craves some hilarity right now, and filling that need is Zarna Garg, who earns her first Dazzler of the Day honor. A gifted comedian, screenwriter, actress, podcaster, producer and social media sensation, Garg has conquered more worlds than most, bringing her comedic flair and sharp social insights into an entertainment scene badly in need of it. Check out her robust website here for more info on her career, upcoming live shows, and links to all her endeavors, including the following quick encapsulation of a life and career trajectory that is heroically inspirational:
Comedian Zarna Garg is a force of nature with a microphone. Her inspiring new memoir ‘This American Woman,’ about her treacherous climb from a homeless teen in Mumbai to an unhinged stay-at-home mom in New York and then to an internationally beloved stand-up comedian, is a New York Times Bestseller! This Indian immigrant mom brought her sharp, relatable family humor to her first streaming special, ‘One in a Billion.’ Her follow-up special ‘Practical People Win’ is coming from Hulu in July. When Zarna’s not slaying at the Comedy Cellar or opening for icons like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, she’s selling out headlining shows worldwide. Zarna’s Tonight Show and Late Night interviews are among the most watched online. She made her acting debut in ‘A Nice Indian Boy,’ currently out in theaters now and a New York Times Critic’s Pick (calling Zarna “a standout”). Her hugely popular ‘Zarna Garg Family Podcast’ explores modern family life with her husband and kids. With millions of social media followers and billions of views, Zarna just can’t stop laughing her way to the top. – from ZarnaGarg.com
If there’s one thing we love here, it’s a Renaissance artist keenly invested in reinvention and self-evolution. Enter Erin Harkes and her impressive array of talents and testaments, including today’s Dazzler of the Day crowning. It wasn’t enough for her to conquer the worlds of music, comedy, and performing arts – she had to add publication-savior to that storied resume as well.
Resurrecting the beloved ‘Metroland!’ was a bold and some might claim foolish move, but for those of us who loved and missed an independent alternative focused on the arts and entertainment, it was the act of a savior. Harkes made that bodacious decision to bring ‘Metroland Now’ to the Albany fold, and for those of us who used to eagerly await each new issue this rekindles happy memories of a perhaps-happier time.
Harkes has been at the helm of the revitalized publication since April 2024 (which is the last time she claims to have slept) and the effort she’s put into its relaunch is apparent. With a renewed focus on the music scene of Albany, ‘Metroland Now’ feels reinvigorated and reborn, reconnecting with its original roots; brash, irreverent, and slightly messy, it’s the very thing for this moment of social media mediocrity, and mainstream media’s reluctance to take a stance on anything.
My hat goes off to anyone brave enough to wade into any aspect of publishing these days; my greater admiration is reserved for those who go after a dream and a noble vision with an idea and element of bettering the community around them. That’s the true talent of this Dazzler of the Day.
Harkes is currently setting up to compete in ‘Dancing with the Capitol Region Stars: Battle of the Beats’ to do some fundraising for ‘Metroland Now’ – scheduled for November 1, 2025. Check out her enchanting website here for all the details.
A ferocious turn as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ gave him star status, and a subsequent villainous splash in the recent ‘Dune: Part Two’ showed powerful range, but it’s his cover shoot for ‘Men’s Health’ by photographer Matthew Brookes that finally earns Austin Butler this Dazzler of the Day crowning.
Currently crooning over rapt audiences from her make-shift Argentinean balcony in London’s West End, Rachel Zegler earns her first Dazzler of the Day crowning thanks to her impassioned portrayal of Eva Peron and a stunning turn in Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. Zegler is no stranger to illuminating any project in which she appears, such as recent outings in the Shazam and Hunger Games franchises. Personally, I’m on board for any vehicle which affords ample singing opportunities, because it’s her voice that truly soars.
While those of us who have thrilled to ‘The Gilded Age‘ since its first season go into withdrawal, eagerly awaiting Season 4 (which at its typical shooting and production pace won’t see the light of day for at least a year or two) I give you Ben Ahlers as Dazzler of the Day to tide you over. Ahlers played the inventor affectionately dubbed ‘clock twink’, and his character Jack Trotter endeared himself to viewers thanks to Ben’s earnest and winning portrayal. Until ‘The Gilded Age‘ returns, enjoy these other Dazzlers:
Multi-talented, multi-faceted, and multi-dimensional performer Jinkx Monsoon earns her first, and long-overdue, Dazzler of the Day honor thanks to a spectacular career trajectory that saw her triumphing on RuPaul’s Drag Race and currently treading the boards as the new lead in ‘Oh, Mary!’ With show-stopping turns in ‘Chicago’ and ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, along with a memorable appearance in the recent incarnation of ‘Dr. Who’, Jinkx has solidified her place in the performing arts stratosphere. Check out her website here.
Writer Justinian Huang earns his first Dazzler of the Day crowning thanks to two books that have mesmerized readers for the past couple of years, especially those of us interested in intersectional LGBTQ+ themes and characters: ‘Lucky Seed’ and ‘The Emperor and the Endless Palace’ (the latter of which was recently named as a Stonewall Honor Book in Literature). Check out Justinian’s enchanting website here for further evidence of his brilliance.
Comedian and internet sensation Suzanne Lambert easily earns her first Dazzler of the Day crowning thanks to her hilarious takedowns of the ridiculous MAGA crowd. Her journey is an interesting one, and as someone who was raised as a Republican, I understand the shift she’s experienced as she’s learned and met more people than our cloistered bubbles typically allow. Today she is a hero for the anti-MAGA push for freedom and acceptance, and works her magic with style, panache, and biting zingers. See her website here for further evidence of her brilliance.
Australian actor Ainsley Melham earns his first Dazzler of the Day crowning, and is currently treading the boards of Broadway in ‘Boop! The Musical’. Check out Ainsley’s website here and make a visit to ‘Boop! The Musical’ if you’re in New York.
Tony-award-winning (and currently nominated) triple-threat Jonathan Groff earns this egregiously-overdue Dazzler of the Day crowning thanks to a career of inspiring performances and indelible acts. From his scene-stealing antics as the King in ‘Hamilton‘ and his current reign as Bobby Darin in ‘Just In Time’, to his notable turns on ‘Glee‘ and the leads on ‘Looking’ and ‘Mindhunter’, Groff has amassed a deserved fan-base for his multitude of talents. He thrills and dazzles and impresses with every fiber of his being, the truest Broadway baby in the best possible sense of the term.
“I’ve been singing and kissing mirrors since I was six.” ~ Auli’i Cravalho
Same! For that relatable reason alone, Auli’i Cravalho has my heart – she also earns this Dazzler of the Day thanks to star-making turns in ‘Moana’, ‘Mean Girls’, and ‘Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club’. Check out her Insta here.
Actor, writer, director, producer, vocalist, dancer, musician, podcaster, streamer, fitness trainer, coach, and consultant, David Blue wears more hats and performs more roles in a day than most of us do for any entire lifetime. That multi-faceted brilliance earns him this Dazzler of the Day crowning, because it’s further proof that we are always more than the one or two things that people want to think we are. Check out his website here for further evidence of his brilliance.
