Luann de Lesseps turned one of the lowest points in her life into the foundation of a successful cabaret career. Nearly a decade after her 2017 arrest, the Real Housewives of New York alum has embraced new music, a fresh tour and another reality TV chapter.
Her latest single, “To All the Boys,” reimagines a classic duet and serves as the inspiration for her upcoming Love Tour. De Lesseps also reflected on the setbacks, celebrity encounters, and unexpected stage moments that shaped her career comeback.
Luann de Lesseps reflects on her 2017 arrest, new single To All the Boys and The Love Tour
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, de Lesseps described her cabaret comeback as a way to rebuild her life. “It was sink or swim,” she said. “When the s— hit the fan for me in Florida [with my 2017 arrest], I was already working on it, and I went, ‘Okay. What happens when you get brought to your knees? You’ve got to rise.’” Since then, her shows have featured cheeky stories, covers of songs by Tina Turner and Fleetwood Mac, and originals including “Money Can’t Buy You Class” and “Feelin Jovani.” Guests have included Rachel Dratch, Lance Bass, Bridget Everett and Murray Hill.
Her new song, “To All the Boys,” drew inspiration from Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson’s 1984 duet, “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.” Producer Aku, who connected with de Lesseps through Dorinda Medley, introduced the idea for the song.
De Lesseps loved the dance beat and made the song her own. The track also inspired the Love Tour, which will feature new material and personal stories. The music video came together during filming for The Golden Life, her latest reality TV project. A friend offered her access to a pool in Palm Beach, where she filmed the video with a group of men she knew. She described the show as “the perfect launching spot for the song.”
Her cabaret performances have also included some unforgettable mishaps. During an audience Q&A at 54 Below, a bachelorette party guest unexpectedly vomited on her. De Lesseps later learned the woman had a gluten allergy.
More recently, her top came undone three times during a Phoenixville performance. She joked, “Even Jovani makes mistakes.” Her celebrity fans include Lourdes Leon, Tilda Swinton, Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna, and Kesha. She hopes to collaborate with Miley Cyrus or Stevie Nicks and is also considering covering Cher’s “Believe.”
“To All the Boys” is available on streaming platforms as de Lesseps prepares to bring her new show to audiences on the Love Tour.
