Hollywood Walk of Fame Honoree Melissa Etheridge Talks 'Glee,' Obama (Q&A)

It's a classic Hollywood tale: Wide-eyed 21-year-old steps in the bus from Kansas with wants rock fame, hit records, honours and possibly presenting among her idols. Melissa Etheridge accomplished everything plus much more -- she duetted while using Boss, to start with, and won two Grammys plus an Oscar. Nevertheless, since the 50-year-old singer is acknowledged on her achievements getting a star round the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she strongly recalls her place through the boulevard's seedier days, telling THR: "If you develop inside the Area, this really is really the Land of Oz. It's the dream I bought it hook, line and sinker."our editor recommendsMelissa Etheridge on her behalf account 'American Idiot' Role: 'It's Not just a Guy or lady Thing'Melissa Etheridge on Why Gay Participants Fare Best on 'The Voice' Than 'American Idol'Melissa Etheridge, Assault Gets worse Ink Broadway DealsMelissa Etheridge splits with partner THR: You've accomplished a great deal in music -- Grammys, multiple Top hits, an Oscar for your song "I must AwakenInch from An Annoying Truth. Which moment stays out? Melissa Etheridge: Singing "Thunder Road" with Bruce Springsteen [on MTV in 1995]. I used to be very proud. It absolutely was among people markers, like the brass ring. Getting just leave singing at Woodstock ྚ for 300,000 people, it absolutely was amazing. PHOTOS: Grammys: Top Must-See Moments THR:Many recall your 2005 Grammy performance. You'd been through chemotherapy while fighting breast cancers and lost hair. What had you been believing that evening? Etheridge:I hadn't been in the house for 3 several days, so that it was a bit of the shock but an very personal evening. I used to be in the private meditation, like: "OK, Melissa, display around the world that cancer didn't kill you, that you just're not suffering. And operate and sing the most effective tunes ever ["Little bit of My Heart"], by the most effective artists, Janis Joplin." I hadn't prepared myself a great deal for your bald factor -- I didn't think about the social part it carried out. But years later, not just a week passes when someone doesn't tell me simply how much the performance made to them. THR:Was there anything profound mentioned backstage? Etheridge:From the in the trunk hallway and hearing someone yell, "Move aside, everyone!" because J.Lo and Marc Anthony were walking by. I desired to line facing the wall. I believed, "This type of funky job I have in this crazy world." It absolutely was a stark contrast for the spiritual awakening I used to be getting in those days. ... Most likely probably the most profound factor was throughout dress testing when Kris Kristofferson walked onstage weeping and held me for, like, three minutes. PHOTOS: Grammys Red-colored-colored Carpet THR:With Top 40 skewing so urban and dance-affected lately, where can you visit your role in music today? Etheridge:I'm writing for my next album now, which i've completely ignore ever fitting into the pop world. My job is always to create music of my soul. I don't need to play the sport any more. THR:Are you currently presently interested in Glee? Etheridge:It's clever and totally suggests the planet loves gay entertainment. Without us, a sum you laugh at? Although I desired to go to the Glee concert with my daughter -- oh my gosh God, shoot me. Nevertheless it's a formula that's been around forever: kids singing tunes everyone knows, large lights, dancing and screaming women. They've been carrying it out since Frank Sinatra. PHOTOS: 'Glee' Season 3: To College Pictures THR:You showed up in this area 18 in the past. If Glee have been in existence if you were a teenager, would it not have changed your existence? Etheridge:Yes! I see my daughter's connection with secondary school. She and her pals really discuss [their sexuality]. ... Giving youthful people cautious label yourself now or else, adoring something that you are -- generation x will shame us. THR:Your tunes are actually completed around the The American Idol Show Show. What organization of all the TV singing shows today? Etheridge:It's as being a spectator sport. Everyone really wants to review it's an essential part of society and man's instinct. I'm not surprised that talent shows are hits, however'm glad many of them aren't so brutal. PHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline THR:You're a vocal supporter of Obama's presidential bid in 2008, stating within an L.A. concert that you just "felt change coming." How are things feeling about things now? Etheridge:In hindsight, it'll probably be my last political endorsement from the Republican or Democrat. Not as they's disappointed me but because I now see very clearly all of them reaction to the identical boss: large business -- the multinational firms that completely run our country. They're prone to nitpick as our nation progressively becomes fascism. I'm not stretching its like to pretend any more. I supported Obama for social issues. For me he introduced our nation together and healed our racial divide. Martin Luther King's dream came true when he was selected. That's huge. ... Nevertheless the division isn't utilized by me any more. THR:The Walk of Fame star means you've produced a lasting mark relating to this town. How will you go through the recognition? Etheridge:It's the oddest factor. I used to be that girl in 1982 that walked along Hollywood Boulevard just before as being a tourist attraction, if the was crack retailers going out. I'd say, "This really is really the city where, if you ensure it is, installed your title in stone." If there's the zombie apocalypse, my title would survive. It's very mythic and legendary. WALK OF FAME When: 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27 Where: 6901 Hollywood Blvd. as you're watching Hard Rock Guest speaker: Hamish Dodds of Hard Rock Worldwide Related Subjects Glee Grammy Honours Obama The The American Idol Show Show Bruce Springsteen