7 episodes

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+

Blame it on the Fame: Milli Vanilli Wondery

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.0 • 1 Rating

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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+

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    I Can Make Something Out of That

    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 28 min
    Listen With Your Eyes

    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. 

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 27 min
    Sync or Swim

    Sync or Swim

    Milli Vanilli’s fake singers head to America for a very real tour.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 29 min
    Best New Artist

    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 31 min
    For the Record

    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 32 min
    I Can Still Make Something Out of That

    I Can Still Make Something Out of That

    This episode comes out for free on 06/03, and is available early and ad-free for Wondery+ subscribers.

    Sign up on http://wondery.fm/applepodcasts and stay up-to-date on the latest new podcasts and more from Wondery.

    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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