Green Day performed a cover of John Lennon's Working Class Hero on the American Idol finale tonight. I've included video clips for both versions below. Looking at comments on You Tube, most people have strong feelings about which version they like. A few commenters had good things to say about both. Let me know which version you like best.

I've been looking for a video of Rose Royce singing Wishing On A Star for a long time. Fortunately, one recently appeared on YouTube. Over the years, I've collected memories of friends and family in the form of music they liked or that they introduced me to. This song goes back to 1983 just after I came out to my family.

Shortly after, I moved to Denver and lived with two of my cousins...both gay as well. During that time, Jeff introduced me to Rose Royce and in particular this song. I can still see the actual moment in my head...sitting on the living room floor and looking at the album cover...then listening to this song and instantly loving it. Maybe it was because I desperately needed a star to wish upon...my coming out wasn't a pleasant experience and my family had a difficult time coming to grips with my being gay.

I've written about this before...but so often it is the person coming out that has to be strong...even though they are probably the one in greatest need of a kind word or some type of understanding. What amazes me is the fact that gay people somehow summon the strength to survive the process...a fact that I think is a testament to the pull and the power found in at last becoming the person you have always known you were. In many ways coming out is the last of many attempts to save one's life. Frankly, hiding one's identity is akin to suicide though it is a much slower and, in my estimation, a much more painful process.

Anyway, Jeff died a number of years ago but as with so many people I've known, I remember them often and especially through the music that meant the most to them...and became equally meaningful to me.

Adam Joseph has a new music video for his song Faggoty Attention. His song Flow With My Soul has been featured on the Click List on Logo. He has his own record label and his music is just beginning to get some mainstream attention. You really have to listen to more than these two songs to get a sense of his musical style and range. You can listen to more at his MySpace page.

Mika, born in Lebanon and living in London, like so many other aspiring singers, has made his pop debut in the UK. Trained in opera, he has an amazing musical range. Earlier this year the following song, Grace Kelly, reached number one on the UK singles chart. His first album is called Life In Cartoon Motion. Check out his music video.

Alan Thicke's son, Robin, is a musician and his CD, The Evolution Of Robin Thicke, has received a lot of attention. The following clip is the music video for the song Lost Without You from that CD. He's been making the television circuit and his most recent appearance was on tonight's American Idol.