LuAnn de Lesseps: SIRIUS XM Studio

LuAnn de Lesseps visited SIRIUS XM Studio on June 2, 2010 in New York, New York.

Credit: Getty Images

Danielle Staub: Pop Artist In The Making?

Danielle Staub, New Jersey‘s rabblerousing star, is following in the footsteps of Kim Zolciak and LuAnn de Lesseps by entering the world of pop music. In fact, Staub is currently recording a duet called “Real Close” with singer Lori Michaels, who wrote the track.

“It’s a song about having commitment issues — one person is leaving, the other person is staying,” Staub tells PEOPLE. “It’s called ‘Real Close’ because you want to pull the person closer.”

Staub says there will be five versions of the song, which will be released in about eight weeks. “For the main version, the vibe is very sexy, very raw,” she says. “There’s going to be a dance mix, but the main version won’t be dance.”

But can she sing? “I sang in an R&B band when I was a young teen,” Staub says. “It’s been a long time since I exercised [my musical chops] but when I was sitting down going over Lori’s music, this song grabbed me.”

As for her Real Housewives costars, “I don’t care what they think,” she says of their reaction to her move to become a recording artist. “I don’t have a relationship with them.”

Credit: People

LuAnn de Lesseps: Memorial Day Partier

LuAnn de Lesseps attend a Memorial Day party hosted by Haley and Jason Binn on May 30, 2010 in Southampton, New York. Also pictured, Mariska Hargitay.

Credit: Wire Image

LuAnn Mobbed By Man-Candy in Music Video

Money may not be able to buy you class, as Countess LuAnn de Lesseps sings, but it can buy her a music video.

Watch the just-released clip – and see the Real Housewives of New York City star transform from reality TV personality to disco diva. In the clip, which was shot in the Midtown Manhattan club Covet, de Lesseps is surrounded by a fleet of chiseled men.

"When I made the song, I had dancing in Saint-Tropez in mind," the Countess told PEOPLE when the song first hit the Web. "I'm putting myself out there knowing that I won't always be perfect. And it's scary, but it's worth it. Let people talk about it."

Credit: People

Kelly Bensimon's "Out-of-Body Experience"

On Thursday's The Real Housewives of New York City, Kelly Bensimon attempts to explain her infamous May 20 show meltdown -- but only leaves her pals even more confused.

Sitting with Jill Zarin, LuAnn de Lesseps and Jennifer Gilbert, Bensimon, 42, says she lashed out at costars Ramona Singer, Alex McCord, Sonja Morgan and foe Bethenny Frankel during a trip to the Virgin Islands because they were gossiping too much.

"From the minute we were together, it was everything that I hate – talking badly about people," she begins.

(Oddly, she then starts gossiping about Frankel, 39: "She’s, like, a cook and everything like that, and I’m thinking to myself, ‘I mean, not one person that I know has ever hired her as a cook.'")

Bensimon says she was "so over tired" and "feeling sick" when she snapped (among her quips: She called Frankel a "ho bag"). "I was drinking this wine – I never drink wine – and I was sitting in this room with these women. I just wanted to get out of there," she says. "... It was an out-of-body experience."

In the end, the ladies still had no clarity about what actually went down.

Says de Lesseps, 45: "By the end of Kelly’s story about the trip, I was so confused. I mean, I just didn’t get it. I had to hear the other side of the story."

Credit: Us Weekly

Countess Talks Duchess Fergie's "Desperation"

The Countess has some thoughts on the Duchess.

Real Housewives of New York's Countess Luann de Lesseps thinks Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson was "acting out of desperation" when she tried to accept a $750,000 bribe.

"She obviously used poor judgment," Lesseps told UsMagazine.com of Ferguson, who was caught on tape accepting cash from an undercover journalist in exchange for access to her ex husband, Prince Andrew.

"She didn't even ask for this guy's credentials!" marvels Lesseps of her fellow royal.

The Bravo star also speculated about Prince Andrew's involvement in the scheme: "I wonder if the prince knew nothing about this...I mean, they have children together. I find it hard to believe he knew nothing about it. He is the representative for International Trade and Investments for the U.K. What does that mean, does he make enough or does the royal family support them?"

Ferguson -- a.k.a. Fergie -- wed the Duke of York, who is fourth in line to the throne, in 1986, but they split 10 years later. They are parents to two daughters, Beatrice, 21, and Eugenie, 20.

The Countess isn't sure if Fergie, a one-time Weight Watchers spokeswoman, can escape the controversy unscathed.

"There's no question whether or not that's her on video. It's crystal clear what's going on. I think it's hard to come away from this without any damage," Lesseps said.

"There's not a lot more to be said after apologizing for the pain she's caused."

Lesseps, 45, finalized her divorce from French count Alexandre de Lesseps last year.

Credit: Us Weekly

What Would The Countess (LuAnn) Do?

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week she’s taking on the challenges of expecting a baby later in life and young stars!

John Travolta and Kelly Preston that they’re expecting a baby. What challenges do they face?

I’m so happy for Kelly Preston and John Travolta! Although having a baby when you are older can be physically challenging, Kelly is fit and healthy and looks radiant. Their decision to have a baby later in life is a very personal choice. I think when both parents are young at heart; having a new baby can only bring joy and happiness.

Tip: Remember 40 is the new 30!

Any advice for Greyson Chance, the 12-year-old YouTube phenom who performed “Paparazzi”, becoming a part of the entertainment community at such a young age?

I was blown away by Greyson Chance’s talent show video where he plays the Lady Gaga song Paparazzi on the piano and sings. Sudden fame can be overwhelming and frightening to someone so young. As a mother, I would suggest that his parents find a balance between his childhood and his God-given talent. I think that Dakota Fanning is a great example of how a child-star can have the best of both worlds. Her parents keep her life as normal as possible when she isn’t working.

Tip: Always nurture and protect your children while encouraging their talents.

Credit: OK! Magazine

The Dish: Disco Finally Dead Thanks to RHONY

LuAnn de Lesseps is apparently bored with being a divorced countess and a real Big Apple housewife. So what does someone in her situation—in other words someone with no discernable talent—do?

Record a single, of course. Following in the pitchy footsteps of real Atlanta housewife Kim Zolciak, LuAnn leant her husky tones to a tune recalling golden coke-and-rollerskates era disco anthems, "Money Can't Buy You Class." It can, however, buy you voice lessons, something LuAnn seems unaware of.

When you're done cringing, take the Kleenex wads out of your ears and let your multi-talented Dish hostess Danielle Fishel croon the definitive version.

Credit: E! Online

LuAnn & Jacques: Opening of "Banana Shpeel"

Luann de Lesseps and Jacques Azoulay attend the opening night of Cirque du Soleil's 'Banana Shpeel' at the Beacon Theatre on May 19, 2010 in New York City.

Credit: Film Magic / Getty Images

LuAnn de Lesseps To Co-Host Charity Gala

Bravo senior vice president of original programming and development (and Media Beat guest) Andy Cohen and Real Housewife of New York Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, are hosting a Memorial Day Weekend gala to benefit Miracle House, a charity that helps caregivers and patients who come to New York in search of medical treatment.

The May 29 event takes place at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club. Grammy-winning Motown singer Thelma Houston ("Don't Leave Me This Way") will perform. Celbrity chef Bethenny Frankel, talk show host and children's author Kathie Lee Gifford and designer Tommy Hillfiger will also be in attendance.

For more from Andy Cohen, check out mediabistro.com's Media Beat interview.

Kim Zociak Comments On LuAnn's New Single

Charles Winter's of GaySocialites.com has heard that everyone's favorite train wreck, Kim Zolciak of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, has been talking lots of smack about her New York counterpart - Countess Luanna deLesseps after she ventured into Zolciak's territory and recorded her own song! 

"I don't like it," Kim has repetitively told anyone who will listen when referring to Luann's first single. "I admire what she's doing though," Zolciak added. Luann doesn't seem to care saying that people who don't like the song don't have to download it from iTunes.  The Countess evidently also has a record deal with Ultra Records while Zolciak is evidently working on her second single due out later this year. 

Credit: Gay Socialites Online Magazine

Countess LuAnn de Lessep's New Hit

Bethenny Frankel's Blog: Baby Bryn

First of all, thank you so much for all of your incredible, heartfelt well wishes. Bryn is a tiny peanut of a girl weighing 4lbs 12 oz. When I feel a little better next week, I will write a newsletter and give you all of the details. Sign up at www.bethenny.com.

If you don't mind, this blog will be brief. I'm writing from a hospital bed in pain from stitches and waiting to be able to visit Bryn in the premature unit.

I think LuAnn's single is fun as a gimmick, catchy type of song. As long as she had fun recording it, that's all that matters. I give her credit for going for it.
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Evidently, turtle time is dancing at an island bar trying to avoid psychotic episodes on a luxury yacht.

Despite Sonja's comments, I don't believe she has a crush on Kelly. Sonja just likes to drink and have fun and have fun girl time. She seems to want everyone to just get along which is an admirable trait.

Wow, was I craving a skinnygirl margarita. Not drinking on that vacation was like being deprived of water after a marathon. I could hardly believe what was going on around me, and I was obviously stone cold sober.

Jill and LuAnn have just made an art out of whining and complaining and really judging everyone around them. It has become white noise that you really don't pay attention to. It is so inconsequential to me right now that it is very difficult to even comment on.‪

Jill and Kelly seem to have a good friendship because Kelly really needs someone to take her under their wing, and Jill needs someone to influence and navigate.

I'm not sure exactly what set Kelly off. I don't think you can ever really predict what Kelly will say or do. She certainly doesn't operate under any normal circumstances nor is she predictable whatsoever. It is a little bit scary. I've learned to really just stay away from her.

Credit: Bethenny Frankel on Bravo TV

Mario Singer's Blog: Buzzkills

I don’t know about you, but I thought it was very enjoyable to finally see an episode with a minimal amount of drama. Could it be because the drama queens chose not to come along? Ramona had it right when she declared that Jill and LuAnn are buzz kills. Jill had chosen not to go because instead of the trip being about her, it was Ramona and the upcoming renewal of her vows that were the center of attention. LuAnn chose to follow along with Jill. No surprise there. Too bad they couldn’t convince Kelly to stay behind, but I guess we do need some drama. She certainly provided it.

At lunch we see Kelly start to lose it and she goes on the attack when the topic of Jill comes up. In her narration Bethenny states how it was like an electric shock that was setting off Kelly. I agree, but what was setting off that shock was the chip that Jill had embedded in Kelly so she could direct Kelly’s attack by remote control. That lemonade comment was vintage Kelly. After her self-imposed time out, Kelly manages to hold it together for a while until the evening when out of nowhere she begins to attack Bethenny, who is not only dealing with the loss of her father but is pregnant as well. I think Kelly’s lack of mood medication and the shots she was drinking (as well as that chip) finally took its toll and off into Kellyland she went. And what was wrong with 1979? I was having a great time.

There is a great scene with Bethenny and Alex waiting for the girls discussing Kelly and both go off into a fit of laughter. I find Alex’s laugh to be contagious.

When we see the girls go snorkeling, Ramona has her trusty noodle to keep her afloat. Otherwise, she will sink like a stone. I am always amazed how she has no fear of the water as long as she has her noodle or better yet a round lifesaver. When we would go to the San Pietro in Positano, the hotel had one with her name on it and kept it for our yearly visit. We have even gone scuba diving to 30 feet and she has no fear. I have often advised her to take swimming lessons but she’s convinced she can tread water if necessary until I come to the rescue.

I’m sure Jill was going through camera withdrawal when she watched this episode. Oh and LuAnn, I think you should stick to singing in the shower.

Credit: Mario Singer on Bravo TV