- published: 29 Feb 2016
- views: 5017
Courtney Act is the stage name of Shane Jenek, an Australian drag celebrity, pop singer and entertainer. As Courtney Act, Jenek was a semi-finalist on Australian Idol in 2003 and was the third singer of the competition to release an official solo single, following Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. The single, "Rub Me Wrong", was released in 2004, which peaked at #29 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
Courtney Act, a pun on the phrase "caught in the act", is the stage name of "gender illusionist", Shane Jenek. Jenek auditioned for Australian Idol as himself but did not get beyond the selection auditions. Returning the next day as Courtney, he wowed the judges and went through to the semi-finals. Revealing impressive voice and singing talents as well as a stage presence considerably ahead of many of the other contestants, he continued until being finally voted off in thirteenth place. Courtney particularly impressed judge Ian “Dicko” Dickson, who signed Jenek to the BMG label following the completion of the show.
Jonny McGovern (born July 12, 1975), also known by his character name The Gay Pimp, is an American stand-up comedian, musician and podcaster. He has recorded three albums as comedic singer The Gay Pimp, and is also a cast member of Logo's The Big Gay Sketch Show.
Jonny McGovern was born to Mary McGovern and Rob Gutowski in Brooklyn, New York. His parents traveled often and McGovern grew up primarily in Egypt and Thailand. McGovern later returned to the United States to study acting at Boston University, where he earned a BFA.
McGovern stated that he was inspired to create his signature comedic character, The Gay Pimp, after listening to rap songs and interviews by Eminem. McGovern has said,
After the songs from the show began to get heavy rotation in New York City nightclubs, McGovern was approached about making a music video for one of his songs, Soccer Practice. The video for Soccer Practice, which received heavy rotation in dance clubs as well as notoriety on the Internet, featured McGovern in a shirt that was emblazoned with the sequined words "Gay Pimp." In it, he cavorted and simulated sex with scantily-clad men.