8 episodes
Blame it on the Fame: Milli Vanilli Wondery
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- Society & Culture
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4.0 • 7 Ratings
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When Frank Farian first laid eyes on Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, he saw everything he wasn’t. They were handsome, young, and Black. But Frank had something they didn’t. He had power.
So, Frank offered them a devil’s bargain. Almost overnight, Milli Vanilli’s debut album went five times platinum and scored a Grammy nomination. But when the lie at the center of their success started to unravel, Rob and Fab would discover the hard way the difference between star power and real power.
From Wondery, Blame It on the Fame is a story about the lie that shot to #1 and what it cost to tell the truth. Hosted by Amanda Seales.
Listen early and ad-free exclusively on Wondery+
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I Can Make Something Out of That
When Frank Farian comes across a song with hit potential, he hires Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan. But the opportunity comes with a very big catch.
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Listen With Your Eyes
After Milli Vanilli rockets to the top of the charts, Frank devises a plan to keep them there, but it all depends on Rob and Fab staying on script.
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Sync or Swim
Milli Vanilli’s fake singers head to America for a very real tour.
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Best New Artist
Rob and Fab win a Grammy for Best New Artist — but winning one of music’s top honors means they risk losing it all.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse disorder, reach out for help. In the U.S. you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by calling 1-800-662-HELP.
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For the Record
After Frank exposes them as frauds, Rob and Fab fight to tell their side of the story.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse disorder, reach out for help. In the U.S. you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by calling 1-800-662-HELP.
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I Can Still Make Something Out of That
As Rob’s life spirals out of control, he gets a surprising offer…but is it another deal with the devil or is it for real?
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse disorder, reach out for help. In the U.S. you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by calling 1-800-662-HELP.
Special thanks to Wiedemann & Berg Film, creators of the Milli Vanilli biopic “Girl You Know It’s True.”
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Customer Reviews
Still love their songs!
I enjoyed this podcast - the only thing that really bothered me was the host’s speaking. It sounds very choppy and like she’s yelling. There is a reason broadcasters get vocal lessons. Otherwise, a great podcast - such a sad story.
The voice
Wanted to listen to this podcast but just couldn’t STAND the voice! Ugh
Flashback to my younger years!
I remember when they were all over the TV promoting “Girl you knew it true”…. and the media frenzy when the truth came out or some of the truth. They were totally thrown under the bus!
Thank you for breaking down the story! Too bad it’s wasn’t done at the time. Maybe Rob would be with us still.