Bette Midler Talks Lambert, Boyle and Cher

Wed., May. 13, 2009 10:00 AM PDT by Marc Malkin

Ray Mickshaw/FOX

Yesterday, I told you about the unlikely friendship that's developed between Bette Midler and 50 Cent. I also promised you more Bette today. As always, the Divine Miss M had plenty to say about so many things:

Adam Lambert: If he doesn't win American Idol, Midler doesn't think it means homophobia has reared its ugly, discriminatory head. "Don't take it as a slap in the face if you're a gay person," she said. "I pray that people don't get pissed off."

Susan Boyle: Midler was stunned just like the rest of us. "Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous," she gushes. "And the reason I think it is, is because it's a natural voice. It doesn't squeeze through the nose, and she doesn't do all the riffing craziness."

That's definitely not the end of it, so make sure to click on and keep reading...

Cher: "I saw her show, and it was unbelievable," Midler gushes. "It was absolutely terrific. I had a great time. She looked great, sounded great and gave it her all. And I got a photograph with her, so I'm happy."

Las Vegas: She hasn't decided if she wants her hit musical revue, The Showgirl Must Go On, to go past its scheduled closing next February. "I'm 63," she says. "Right now, I'm enjoying it, but if it gets too hard then I'm going to say, 'That's enough.' "

Showgirl on Broadway: "I don't think I want to do eight shows a week," she explains. "I'm only doing five now. It's just perfect."

Queen Elizabeth II: "I'd like to meet the queen," Midler says. "I always liked her. I think she's really decent. I'd like to shake her hand."

Presidential Performance: Midler will sing at a fundraiser later this month for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). "[Reid] promised me that President Obama would be there," she says. "He dangled that in front of me."

The Upcoming First Wives Club Musical: "I can see where it could be a success—it's timeless," she says. "People are always getting divorced, and people are always pissed off about it."

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