John Travolta Explains Idina Menzel Moment

John finally reveals the story behind why he mispronounced Idina Menzel at the Oscars last year and Jimmy shares his love for “Welcome Back, Kotter.”
SUBSCRIBE to get the latest #KIMMEL: bit.ly/JKLSubscribe
Watch the latest Halloween Candy Prank: bit.ly/KimmelHalloweenCandy
Watch the latest Mean Tweets: bit.ly/JKLMeanTweets8
Connect with Jimmy Kimmel Live Online:
Visit the Jimmy Kimmel Live WEBSITE: bit.ly/JKLWebsite
Like Jimmy Kimmel Live on FACEBOOK: bit.ly/JKLFacebook
Follow Jimmy Kimmel Live on TWITTER: bit.ly/JKLTwitter
Follow Jimmy Kimmel Live on INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/JKLInstagram
About Jimmy Kimmel Live:
Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy-winning "Jimmy Kimmel Live," ABC's late-night talk show.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" is well known for its huge viral video successes with 2.5 billion views on KZbin alone. Some of Kimmel's most popular comedy bits include - Mean Tweets, Lie Witness News, Jimmy's Twerk Fail Prank, Unnecessary Censorship, KZbin Challenge, The Baby Bachelor, Movie: The Movie, Handsome Men's Club, Jimmy Kimmel Lie Detective and music videos like "I (Wanna) Channing All Over Your Tatum" and a Blurred Lines parody with Robin Thicke, Pharrell, Jimmy and his security guard Guillermo.
Now in its thirteenth season, Kimmel's guests have included: Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Aniston, Will Ferrell, Katy Perry, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, George Clooney, Larry David, Charlize Theron, Mark Wahlberg, Kobe Bryant, Steve Carell, Hugh Jackman, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Garner, Ryan Gosling, Bryan Cranston, Jamie Foxx, Amy Poehler, Ben Affleck, Robert Downey Jr., Jake Gyllenhaal, Oprah, and unfortunately Matt Damon.
John Travolta Explains Idina Menzel Moment
• John Travolta Explains...

[@philipjeffersondedios2819]

john travolta looks like a wax figure of john travolta

[@cnsummers4086]

Agreed

[@CaptainSpycrab]

I would have said he looks like a wax figure of John Travolta that also contains the rotting corpse of John Travolta.

[@dawnnelson3014]

Hallelujah

[@jhernelyn]

OMG so funny

[@nate5124]

AHAHA

[@CallMeDerpDrew]

The wickedly talented, one and only, Adele Dazeem.

[@bigboss4178]

LEGEND

[@michellehidalgo5026]

*gLoM gAzIngO*

[@elviraf4629]

Epic 😂😂

[@nosoul4233]

she walked in as a jew and walked out as a muslim

[@boohoo1785]

@@nosoul4233 you cleverly stole that

[@readneuromancerbywilliamgi6761]

John Travolta looks like one of the rich people in The Hunger Games

[@margaritam.9118]

At last! I couldn't remember where did I see the similarly creepy looks :D Caesar Flickerman is surely his spirit animal.

[@byrevery]

+k emps that's kind of what he is

[@aquahexlive]

+k emps Yeah... but he's a hot one. Sorry... I grew up watching him in movies. I'll just never stop seeing him as Michael or Danny...

[@salamagogo]

Ha, oh god he does. Way too much makeup for a man (who isn't trying to look feminine) to have on. Looks like he belongs in an open casket.

[@salamagogo]

Ha, oh god he does. Way too much makeup for a man (who isn't trying to look feminine) to have on. Looks like he belongs in an open casket.

[@adeledazeem2471]

I am honored

[@pika62221]

what about Glom Gazingo? I heard he's not introducing you as much...

[@deezingo]

Adele Dazeem 😂😂😂

[@habibahhh4000]

Adele Dazeem omg did u make an account after this happened or before?

[@tejjj3]

HOw else would it have happened? he's a passenger from a different Earth?

[@raghadb2044]

😂😂😂😂

[@CrazyLinguiniLegs]

Well, it all makes perfect sense now! As any competent English speaker will tell you, "Adele Dazeem" is the exact phonetic spelling of "Idina Menzel".

[@thettproject4534]

Henry Swanson I’m dead 😂😭

[@ahmedanssaien6449]

And I thought phonetics were supposed to help pronounce words correctly without the need to hear them. XD

[@shim2dawg]

I can see easily see how it might mess someone up in the moment

[@TheBoss-xv3ku]

I don’t think you people know how phonetics work...

[@danny0472]

@@TheBoss-xv3ku r/whoooosh

[@theodorelandon9425]

don't do scientology, kids.

[@quentindugger5389]

Nothing wrong with it.

[@TheOracle1814]

Imagine his reaction when he sees Leah Remini in person

[@et5895]

Religion is brainwashing. Doesn't matter which one.

[@eric0556]

*Scientologists wants to know your locations*

[@demekonrn]

@@eric0556 Scientologists know your locations before you do.

[@terrysteven3528]

When did Travolta turn into count dracula?

[@jondavis2790]

In a 90s SNL sketch.

[@DrZaious]

Its the, "so real it looks fake" wig he's wearing. Their are Selfie photos of Travolta from not even a week ago with a buzz cut and a obvious receding hair line.

[@jusssayin480]

DrZaious It's not just the wig - it's his face. He looks like a Ken doll. His face looks plastic like.

[@DamjanPlamenac]

After his son died

[@zachharrelson9971]

fabooshness and who said he joined scientology at ANY certain date or time? lol YOUR a fucktard, fucktard.

[@samuelrochon8134]

I love Travolta as much as the next guy but I feel like if I opened the trunk of his car I'd find 4 detached arms and Idina Menzel's left shoe

[@ofocn1237]

You mean Adele Dazeem's left shoe... But seriously, you're right.

[@shannoncrawford5812]

Omg you made me laugh hard XD.

[@JazzKeyboardist1]

Winston Wolf the Cleaner does not clean Travolta's plane

[@andreinacespedes7910]

You made my day hahaha

[@teamscarecrow518]

I dont think ive ever laughed harder in my life

[@CaptainSpycrab]

Good work, Jam Torvalto.

[@brandonkeaton5571]

I have giggled about this ALL. DAY.

[@sarawyatt7506]

Something about Jam Torvalto spelled phonetically, only I honestly don't know how to or how it rly works Not much unlike Jam him self

[@mikechoe97]

Jam Torvalto is still a thousand times closer to his name than Adele Dazeem is to Idina Menzel

[@ubermensch826]

this explanation made this much worse

[@inesfreire9135]

Right? Just say you're dyslexic, nothing to be embarrassed about...

[@ja4645]

but seriously why did he touch idina like that? lmao that was so awkward to watch

[@codebyarthur]

I guess it was part of the script. It was one of the things mentioned by Neil Patrick Harris at the reading of his list at the end of the show.

[@onjofilms]

Because when you become an old man, there is nothing else left to do but touch women awkwardly.

[@nikoy2k]

whats the big deal? americans are so uptight when it comes to physical contact

[@ja4645]

Nikolas Lara i'm not american. and there's nothing wrong with some physical contact but the way he did it was just weird.

[@SteveXII]

it wouldn't be creepy if it was for a second or two. once it got to about 4 seconds+ it was like uhhhhhhhhh lol

[@_JS96]

That's a LOT of complicated and detailed explaining for what should be 2 seconds of "I just read it like I had a stroke" lol

[@CartoonHangover]

I LOVE JORM TREVLOTLE AND JAMIE KERNBEL!!

[@Jayess-c]

Cartoon Hangover why you mess up jimmys name. What'd he do wrong.

[@PandaOf-hh3lf]

It’s John not jorm

[@AdityaKumar-ez4ey]

@@PandaOf-hh3lf it's Glom

[@asecretchannel4135]

Jam Tromumba and Jimbert Kūmbehl.

[@herpderpmapleserp149]

John Travolta seems like a sweet guy...cant imagine losing a son and be able to keep a positive attitude...respect to him.

[@combatking4218]

Its sad that he also lost his wife and one of his best friends Olivia Newton John😔

[@fernandabluntkrasinski9026]

John Travolta is transitioning to a real Edna Turnblad

[@TheOFamily5rocks]

Jim Trazine

[@ochoreba7949]

😂😂

[@mercurydude]

I'm three years late to this delicious piece of shade, but it gives me life all the same.

[@CristianNicolae]

He looks and acts like a weird Tim Burton character.

[@Lite727]

He gives me a Max Shrek vibe like at any point he could have pushed Indina off that stage lmao

[@darreylhenderson8979]

2:14 - He just called her " Idiner"

[@pika62221]

From Adele Dazeem to Idiner Menzel!

[@jz400]

It's a NY thing I think. We over pronounce our Rs as to not sound like a New Yawka. I had to do this when I moved out of state as to not be ridiculed constantly.

[@loganwolfpack]

@@jz400 problem is there isn't an r in her name. Why would you over pronounce something that's not there?

[@ornitorinco8750]

@@loganwolfpack it's an actual phenomenon that occurs with non-rhotic accents (such as New York and British English, which do not pronounce r's in words like car, hard, etc). Those accents often have a so called linking r, where they add an r to link one word ending with a vowel to another word starting with a vowel: such as "she saw us" pronounced as "she sawr us")

[@kpapa07]

He just can’t get her name right

[@imbradandyouarenot]

That toupée looks real.

[@Boyonspace]

Yeah we all know its a toupée, but I must admit, it's a damn good one lol

[@pingpong2456]

Looks better than Kimmel's toupée

[@MuhammadEgypt]

Ping Pong Does Kimmel wear one?

[@EpsilonCHINEY]

The best hairpiece I've ever seen. It must have cost a fortune.

[@pingpong2456]

Mohamed Farouk or transplant

[@mickiasyonas5422]

He said it with so much pride and confidence, that I am starting believe Adele Dazheem is her actual name

[@TheeMrAbz]

John travolta looks like his wax work museum double lol

[@parkerfriends2219]

Adele Dazeem is truly an amazing performer, nonetheless. I don't know why John Travolta called her Idina Menzel in this interview, though.

[@Eric_1991]

I loved her in Wackled

[@sonnycrockett9900]

Idina Menzel spelled phonetically is still idina mɛnzəl so his excuse still doesn't hold up

[@Eeeeeric416]

yeah he was probably high

[@sonnycrockett9900]

No he mispronounced her name because like most people he had probably never heard of her

[@ochoreba7949]

+Derek Short not heard of her?😂 that's ridiculous!

[@baboom007]

ɪˈdiːnə mɛnˈzɛl

[@criticsmax85]

+Derek Short hahaha please. She's a legendary singer/actress.

[@Boyonspace]

He seems really weird now...

[@Ngentots.McKontolssen]

scientology will do that to you

[@habi_sabi]

And a child's death

[@Freeden]

He's been really weird for years.

[@Freeden]

***** I think he joined Scientology because he already WAS weird.

[@sheriwhispers]

He's always been a bit strange. What isn't apparent when people are young becomes blatantly obvious when they become old. Shape shifting becomes impossible then

[@salamagogo]

This still doesn't explain how he mispronounced her name. Phonetically spelled it should have been even easier to pronounce. Thats the whole point of phonetic spelling.

[@TitoTimTravels]

ɪˈdiːnə mɛnˈzɛl

[@Shadow-Shell]

@@TitoTimTravels Is that what phonetics means?

[@TitoTimTravels]

@@Shadow-Shell That is the phonetic spelling of her name. I would not know how to pronounce that gibberish ha ha 😎

[@CraigJordanLA]

He either is dyslexic, has some visual impairment and/or was drunk

[@melanieavendano9956]

Not really, I trained for about 2 years in English and Spanish phonetic spelling, alphabet and all other components, and the first time I saw the alphabet I almost crie hahaha so, you need to know basics to understand what does it say, and how the sound needs to be produced

[@LEELOLKH]

Glom Gazingo looks handsome

[@cinemastudios.classics.mp4293]

This is funny.

[@ComeOnGe]

Glom Gazingo 🤣🤣🤣 why have I spent the last ten minutes chuckling at this?

[@BaluLeBear]

Hahahahahaha you're a genius

[@Kibouo]

“Hugging and loving her up”!? 😆

[@queenzakiya91]

oh yeah cos her success has nothing to do with Frozen

[@amandacavalcanti7660]

you're obviously not very familiar with Broadway musicals...

[@queenzakiya91]

A RC I'm vaguely familiar with Broadway musicals and YES I know she's big on the stage but we're talking about mainstream success on the small screen and films. No need to be to uptight about it

[@VitriolicDavid]

Zara Elias She was in glee.

[@JazzKeyboardist1]

which one of us speaks English as a second Glom Gazingo?.... I had to look it up that Idina called Travolta Glom..

[@diypictures]

Its was a combination. Kind of like how Rick James was always famous but then Dave Chappelle gave his fame a jump for people who may not have known him much.

[@spunz83ify]

is it just me or is john travolta wearing too much make up

[@dreamededinburgh]

Tooo much

[@nater2121]

+suraj punjabi It looks like he is growing into Liberace

[@SFO14]

+suraj punjabi His makeup is wearing too much John Travolta

[@monkeyb1820]

+suraj punjabi no, you're the only one wearing too much make up.

[@MyraAlix]

+SFO14 Lmfao!!! 😂😂

[@kin1332]

WHAT'S WITH THE FACE TOUCHING JESUS CHRIST

[@memekodd]

That is how you grab a girl when you are chat is ingredients her as a parent or teacher. I bet she was uncomfortable with that on stage but she played it off good. It is not good to be grabbed like that.

[@kin1332]

Shang Hunter I'm sorry, how was that inappropriate language? I was not angry but really amused and slightly uncomfortable. I didn't even curse unless you think that the name of Jesus is a bad word. More like shame on you :)

[@ajjackson1526]

"WHAT'S WITH THE FACE TOUCHING XENU" FTFY

[@thug2ryde]

***** Jesus isn't inherently a bad word, but using it in vein makes it that way.

[@shanghunter7697]

FUR REO DOE, NADDA MEAN FOO !!

[@dunlapmusic8850]

I don't think anybody really cared. He should have just said he screwed it up. I think blaming everybody else even if it was their fault doesn't make him look any better. I mean, what would someone like Bruce Willis say? He would just say, 'yeah, I f-ed it up' and make a joke about it.

[@NeverNude]

I don't think Bruce has made a joke in years

[@uncreativelynamedchannel5887]

Only Bruce Willis is a normal guy, so he wouldn’t literally get someone’s name 1000 degrees off.

[@MariadeJesusGutierrez]

Because he was supposed to be cured of his dyslexia by Scientology. He can't admit that didn't work, because Scientology teaches that if you aren't cured of your dyslexia, baldness, homosexuality, seizures, or cancer, then YOU are evil. Gown Rowsrolah there has the first three, his son died of the next, and his wife died of the last. If he just admitted to being an imperfect high ranking member of Scientology, they would make his life miserable.

[@marinadeburgos8666]

Imagine if John Travolta had called Jimmy Kimmel "the wickedly talented, one and only, Matt Damon"

[@MrRobot-df9vs]

Thanks to John Travolta, nobody will ever mispronounce Idina Menzel's name again.

[@Moriningland]

That still doesn't make any $&@&ing sense. Even if it was phonetically spelt, how did he get adel dazeem?

[@pika62221]

he's a Scientologist, maybe he read it backwards! Or, he's secretly dyslexic!

[@AlamdaABalqhin]

Listen, the holder said "we changed her name" and started explaining at the same time he had to get on stage, he clearly didnt clearly understood what the backstage guy said in less than 1 second and throwed him at the stage. He was freaking confused. and obviously followed the the "we CHANGED HER NAME" phrase. the guy coulve said something like "her name is in pronouce spelling". but he said "we CHANGED HER NAME".. human understanding.

[@lonnieappleby6242]

I think he is, I swear to Dog. Dsylexics of the world...UNTIE!

[@ochoreba7949]

+Lonnie Appleby cute

[@Mmmyess]

Idina Menzel is a phonetic spelling. Seriously, you can't make it any more phonetic than it already is.

[@Mmmyess]

"Idina Menzel" *is* a phonetic spelling! Literally, phonetic. Why didn't he just say he froze?

[@mushaakiss]

I can't decide which one's worse, him mispronouncing her name or that story lol =P

[@coconutorange7609]

Relax

[@MJ-oi5wb]

yeah, Just OWN It Travolta.

[@kartafla]

His fake hair looks amazing. But the Botox and makeup is to much.

[@TheCerealluvr]

"Adele Dazeem". Died with laughter. dead. gone. bye. 3 years later. still funny.

[@seanwilks7712]

The fact he things that wig is convincing says all I need to know about him.

[@fenderstratADHD]

It’s a WIG??

[@gorillapancake]

Perhaps his toupée glue affected his concentration.

[@alisonanddanlindsey]

gorillapancake Well that’s OBVIOUSLY what happened!!!😂😂😂

[@2taggs2]

Travolta looks exactly like if his celebrity wax museum body came to life.

[@aladdinaldilawi7098]

Doctor: so Mr. Travolta what have you decided?! a face lift? or maybe the nose?! Travolta: just fuck my shit up..

[@FishtownRec]

Only John Travolta can tell a lie so bad hahah

[@nate5124]

"do you guys think me and Jimmy look alike" Um... No.

[@KerloTech]

Really Travolta? I don't believe it. How is Adele Dazeem even close to the phonetic of Idina Menzel!? To me it seems like simple dyslexia, nothing to be ashamed about.

[@diypictures]

I don't think that's what it looked like but that's what came out as he fumbled through it in the seconds he had to deliver.

[@melindak6472]

KerloTech lol !!!!

[@MPLArms]

Dear John, Please give me the name of your plastic surgeon. I need to know who to avoid. Thank you...

[@nyajahb123]

You're getting plastic surgery...?

[@MPLArms]

nyajahb123 sarcasm...

[@dannycomellas]

I wonder how Travolta's wife feels about this "loving [Goldie Hawn] up"...

[@lukejohnson3879]

I just saw Grease for the first time today and MAN was I blown away,John Travolta is/was amazing,much love.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

Whatever the reason, it made me laugh...really laugh, and it still does!

[@thettproject4534]

That one is one of the clips that will make me laugh out loud FOREVER

[@StarCrusher.]

/ɪˈdiːnə mɛnˈzɛl/

[@xoxohayaati]

StarCrusher Adele dazeem is all I see

[@Lite727]

Lmao

[@BonnieWright1791]

I HAVE THE SAME NECKLACE AS HIM LOL

[@margaritam.9118]

Me too. Not sure if to be proud or what :D

[@Optidorf]

Legend has that the phonetic spelling for John Travolta is Glom Gazingo.

[@29AndreG]

Him mispronouncing Idina Menzel, was that really a big deal?

[@wolfstar675]

People now give shit to anyone that makes a tiny mistake as if they didn't made any. That's just the way people act on the Internet.

[@TenjoZakito]

It's a big deal when you work in the show biz and performing for one of the biggest event that the whole world will tune in to watch. People need that for their careers, and having their name recognised is the first crucial step.

[@29AndreG]

TenjoZakito But he just made a mistake. It's not like he did on purpose like Kanye West upstaging Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs.

[@wolfstar675]

TenjoZakito It wasn't even on purpose besides that gave Idina Menzel more popularity so at the end it helped her.

[@hansf.lauritzen3437]

I believe he did it on purpose for some reason I can't quite remember cause yes, it really doesn't matter. Although the sarcastic behaviour he had on the Oscars was priceless hahaha

[@zt_yaaboi4521]

Why this nigga look like handsome squidward

[@criibabygirl786]

omfg OMF I CAN'T BREATHE HAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHHAAAHHAHAHAAHAHAHAA

[@pennylane6106]

omg i always loved his 70s movies he was a hottie back in the day like leo :/

[@yedmail]

Adele Dazeem!

[@ljokamojalijepa2011]

This is enigma, not an explanation. Tarantino wrote this speech for him, for sure.

[@catherinepoirier3879]

And now I know why in another interview Idina said that John Travolta still owes her a favor XD

[@js2174]

He screwed up her name it happens why he still has to explain is beyond me

[@texashillcountrywinetours9846]

Because He doesn't want to admit he makes mistakes!

[@js2174]

Gotcha

[@NARKISDUDE]

zero punctuation is beyond me.

[@kongi99]

jeff smith He has reading problems and he trys to hide it because he is on level 12 in his "religion"

[@coconutorange7609]

@@texashillcountrywinetours9846 so what

[@superjayfourify]

What's wrong with their faces? Are they packing lego in their face?

[@dcaouki]

Say what you will about Travolta, but the man's son died, and that must be one of the most painful experiences any man has to persevere through

[@julsmul7164]

The Elder Scrolls foretold of this day. John Travolta is not wearing a wig here, folks. Wig is wearing a John Travolta.

[@Archer415]

John Travolta looks like his favorite candy is Gingerbread

[@docandthedoctor]

John Travolta Rocks !

[@sammyeagleson5352]

No matter what happens... I just can't bring myself to dislike JT!! I spent my whole childhood in love with this man❤️❤️❤️

[@JoelSalazarM]

What parts of John Travolta's head are still real?

[@DaveKatague]

It’s actually Nicholas Cage 😂

[@guileniam]

Still how did Ee-dee-nah Men-zell become AH-DEL DA-ZEEM

[@brianjlevine]

"The truth...I did massive amounts of coke."

[@hadleypleasanton8346]

Travolta looks like a high priest in Anton LeVey's Church of Satan. Wtf, Barbarino? : /

[@gststg64849]

He is a scientologist

[@sochioranmyaku]

he probably is for fucks sake

[@theobenzmiller5522]

Kay, so what's the story behind why he groped everyone (including Menzel) this year?

[@seanhickey00]

Travolta looks like a chill guy

[@JMMT7022801]

I wish they would do a reunion for Welcome Back Kotter on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

[@jeffersonborges9932]

His make-up is really HEAVY here!

[@evilmickey100]

the times haven't been good to your face have they travolta

[@jljaramillo]

Mickey mouse

[@jakistuart]

When ya hit sh*t stop diggin'! ahhhh, words of wisdom from my ole grampy

[@kristie737]

Still my fav oscar moment

[@LaMenteOpen]

Why so much hate people? What has John Travolta ever done any personal harm to any of you? Seriously geez... Let it go (pun intended)

[@theredrighthand1258]

Travolta is getting stranger and stranger as he gets older..

[@VellaiRoja]

Even Jimmy didn't understand a word...

[@southlondon86]

John Travolta’s hairline is so perfectly drawn.

[@isaacgrajo1292]

The wickedly talented, the one and only... Adele Dazeem!

[@seanodonnell429]

There’s no way this is the full story. How would reading a phonetic spelling of her name come out as “Adele Dazeem”? Besides, it’s not like he simply mispronounced her name. He said a completely different name.

[@MURRYCHOOCK]

A few years later, Jimmy witnessed that epic fail at the Oscars

[@ShayVidas]

that's one guy who cannot admit he was mistaken...

[@EnzoGorlomi]

That make up actually reminds me Jude Law from the A.I.

[@pika62221]

What did I do?

[@teenybabs]

Love John Travolta, gutted he's a scientologist but we all have our flaws, right? Still cry watching Phenomenon, takes me back to when I was 12 and the world the best it could be.

[@jodiroxx]

I loved him in Look Who's Talking.

[@v-trigger6137]

It's like looking on a mirror, only not. 😂

[@agnadeen]

Is this Dracula?

[@VenusAlabaster]

Adele Dazim

[@karlagb1186]

What in the world is going on with Travolta? He looks like a mannequin! Smh wow, just age with grace please, stop trying to cover up the inevitable!

[@Latigo]

John looks like he lives at Madame Tussaud's.

[@strandgirl1000]

John looks amazing that night!

[@bumbleWeaver]

what a sinking ship...

[@DustinBKerensky97]

His hair almost looks real.

[@FeudalMoon]

Just barely...but we all know the truth.

[@damianperkins2905]

Travolta looks like a vampire

[@joebriggs5781]

I still don't understand the "explanation". It still doesn't make any sense whatsoever. But I'm so happy it happened.

[@Dudemar0]

wow good excuse bro

[@spoonface9698]

He’s a lovely man I don’t care that he’s a Scientologist. He loves his family and is a stand up, very decent human being, and that’s all that matters

[@Wazzamazizzi]

He's going Tom Cruise' crazy

[@xavierjones4574]

why is this viral and not Kimmel's School of Perfect Acting, that shit was brilliant