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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Timb66 (talk | contribs) at 21:09, 12 August 2022. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Template:Vital article

"changed their contracts"

The following paragraph makes it sound as though records companies dictate contract terms. However, contracts are by definition negotiated. The company and the artist agree on a set of terms. The paragraph should be revised to reflect this fact.

Paragraph: As a result of the lawsuit, record companies changed their contracts to be based on a set number of albums recorded by a musician and not a specific number of years. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.84.83.38 (talk) 19:47, July 24, 2021 (UTC)

Request for comment (should "British" or place of birth be in the lead sentence?)

Another editor insists that ONJ is a "British-born Australian".[1] However, this overlooks the fact that she is a dual British Australian citizen, as evidenced by her British award of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours. I believe that she should be described as "British-Australian". Thoughts? WWGB (talk) 12:27, 5 April 2022 (UTC)[reply]

She was Australian. The fact that she was born in the UK and presumably retained dual citizenship is irrelevant. She identified as Australian and I'm guessing would never have described herself as Australian. References would be needed to establish otherwise. Timb66 (talk) 11:41, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
It is not "irrelevant" that she had dual citizenship. Articles reflect facts, not just what a person identified as. But I'm not sure that "British-Australian" is appropriate either as that is no more a nationality than the term "Irish-American" usually is. It might be a bit complicated but something along the lines of "was a British-born Australian singer" and then mentioning her dual citizenship in some way seems the most appropriate solution to me. Otherwise I don't see how this issue will ever be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. Afterwriting (talk) 12:05, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Being Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire is significant, she was also British, it can't be excluded. ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 20:00, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Rubbish. Are you Australian? I am, eith similar background to ONJ. I have never bothered to relinquish my UK citizenship but that doesn't mean anything. Timb66 (talk) 21:40, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

And yes, she was born in the UK. This fact is mentioned in the appropriate place. It would give undue weighting to include this in the lead sentence. Why not also mention she was blond and right-handed? Timb66 (talk) 21:43, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

She was named commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2020, long after Australia ceased participating in the honours. Are you a knight or dame commander? ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 21:49, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Not relevant. Don Bradman was made a knight. And both Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard were born in the UK, but are still Australian. You need to provide evidence that being named a dame makes one British. And then justification that this is so important that it belongs in the opening sentence Timb66 (talk) 22:30, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Please discuss here rather than reverting my edit. Thanks Timb66 (talk) 22:33, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Also note that eligibility for the honour you mentioned simply requires being a citizen of a Commonwealth country. There are dozens of recipients who are Australian by birth, such as Greg Chappell. So this honour does not imply Britishness Timb66 (talk) 22:40, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Lilach, please discuss here rather than continuing to revert the article, thanks. Tim Timb66 (talk) 23:10, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Per WP:ETHNICITY only mention birth location in lead if relevant to notability - it isn't in this case. She did nothing notable in the UK - she left when 6 - started her career in Australia. Identifies as Australian. Known as Australian. Geraldo Perez (talk) 01:15, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

agreed, WP:ETHNICITY is very clear. Why are people still editing the lead to insert her place of birth, rather than discussing here? Timb66 (talk) 08:14, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
No, it's completely irrelevant. It's not just her place of birth, she retained British citizenship throughout her life. ‑‑Neveselbert (talk · contribs · email) 09:12, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
No, it absolutely is the case. She represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 1974, so to say she "did nothing notable in the UK" is plainly untrue. ‑‑Neveselbert (talk · contribs · email) 09:11, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Being an official representative of the UK in Eurovision is a significant for being British. Did she ever represent Australia in an international competition? If not, that would be cause for removing Australian. ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 19:56, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
If she was born in the UK? then use "British-Australian". PS - We're using "US" as her DOD, but not "UK" as her DOB? Why the inconsistency? GoodDay (talk) 12:22, 10 August 2022 (UTC) GoodDay (talk) 12:20, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think a single Eurovision entry for the UK at a time when Australia was excluded is notable enough to justify mentioning in the lead sentence. It gives undue weight. Timb66 (talk) 11:31, 11 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

She was born in the UK and retained British nationality throughout her life. There's nothing undue about it. ‑‑Neveselbert (talk · contribs · email) 11:54, 11 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Exactly, born in the UK, represented UK in Eurovision, British citizen, Dame commander by appointment of the Queen, she is more British than Aussie. ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 19:37, 11 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Ok, now you're getting ridiculous Lilach. I hope that comment was a joke. If not, I'm afraid you've lost objectivity :-) Timb66 (talk) 21:48, 11 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Timb66, did Newton-John ever represent Australia in an official capacity? In anything? ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 21:53, 11 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Representation is not relevant here. She was not a sportsperson, she was a pop star. The primary activity of a pop star is entertainment, making records, making films, etc. Timb66 (talk) 05:02, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
To say she was more British than Australian is simply ludicrous. Timb66 (talk) 05:02, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Dual citizenship can be covered in the infobox - no need to add XYZ born in most cases as it doesn’t really add anything of value I feel, as birthplace is not mentioned in the first sentence of the lead. Now, I don’t know how ONJ felt about her own identity, but referring to her as Australian seems appropriate as she lived there from the age of six. Unless a source can be found where she self identified as British in any way then leave as is. Also, English would be inappropriate considering her heritage. Regards, SinoDevonian (talk) 12:18, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

To editors, please do not insert place of birth, it violates WP:ETHNICITY, as discussed above. British heritage is not sufficiently notable to br included in the lead. Timb66 (talk) 20:56, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

No, it does not. Please do not remove it until a consensus develops to do so. ‑‑Neveselbert (talk · contribs · email) 20:57, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

There is a consensus. Timb66 (talk) 21:02, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Where? ‑‑Neveselbert (talk · contribs · email) 21:03, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Status quo is not a reason to keep text that is incorrect Timb66 (talk) 21:03, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

It is not incorrect. She held British nationality throughout her life, that is a fact, no matter how much individual editors may dislike it. ‑‑Neveselbert (talk · contribs · email) 21:04, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Hi. Please read WP:ETHNICITY and explain why her place of birth is notable enough to be included in the lead. And see previous comments above. Thanks, Tim Timb66 (talk) 21:09, 12 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Death

I recommend putting this page on a watch as Olivia has recently died. SummersetIsles (talk) 19:32, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

User:EvergreenFir This is a crucial time, the death of a well known celebrity and you’re preventing information from being distributed. I added a source yet you failed to use your eyes and reverted it — Preceding unsigned comment added by CAROLlNE (talkcontribs) 19:35, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
You added a source from some local news agency. We finally got one from a better outlet (Parade)... I'll replace it when something better comes along.
Please remember, Wikipedia is not a news outlet. We do not care about being the first to break news on a celebrity death. We care about accurate info. EvergreenFir (talk) 19:46, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Washington Post has a long obit up now. ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 19:51, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Semi-protected edit request on 8 August 2022

add date of death 2A04:4A43:4BAF:CB51:0:0:B16:7E2F (talk) 20:02, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

 Already done - Date of death is already present multiple times in the article. MadGuy7023 (talk) 20:04, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Real or only a rumor? in the '70s

In the 1970s (or '80s), there was a claim that she was gay/homosexual or perhaps bisexual. Was this topic ever addressed by her? Skimming the section on relationships, I saw none, and saw nothing in the article that mentions this at all. Thank you! Misty MH (talk) 20:49, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

@Misty MH: look at this interview: "Question: I came across a video of you acknowledging lesbian rumors that were circulating about you in the ’80s. I had no idea people ever thought you were a lesbian. Answer: Yeah, I remember that. It was very odd. I couldn’t figure out why, but it didn’t do me any harm, obviously. (Laughs) ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 20:55, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you! Misty MH (talk) 00:10, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
It's far too trivial to include in the article. It's insignificant, had no effect & is the sort of unsubstantiated claim that's said of hundreds of celebs. Jim Michael 2 (talk) 21:01, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Apparently her video "Physical" was huge for many in the gay communities. The interview (above) was published by "Pride Source Media Group, LLC. ... PSMG produces the award-winning biweekly LGBTQ+ print publication..."; and in it the interviewer says that her video "Physical" was "groundbreaking" for the gay community because it had a couple of gay people holding hands in it. And it says the gay community was a huge fan of hers. More below about the details of the video, but first...

Here's the more-complete interview discussion (partly quoted above by another editor) related to the rumors, asked of her in the interview:

"[Interviewer] I came across a video of you acknowledging lesbian rumors that were circulating about you in the ’80s. I had no idea people ever thought you were a lesbian. [Newton-John] Yeah, I remember that. It was very odd. I couldn’t figure out why, but it didn’t do me any harm, obviously. (Laughs) [Interviewer] Actually, I think it might’ve benefited you. [Newton-John] I think it was probably a good rumor! It was a nice rumor, not a mean rumor. [Interviewer] Do mean rumors about Olivia Newton-John actually exist? [Newton-John] I’m sure there have been some! I try not to tune in to negativity. I tune that stuff out, so I don’t know."

And a bit more about the video (and there is more at the link): "[Interviewer] Like many gay men of my generation, my introduction to you was the “Physical” video. I remember being surprised seeing two gay men walking out of the gym together, holding hands. Considering being gay was more taboo during that time, how do you reflect on that groundbreaking moment when it comes to gay inclusivity? [Newton-John] You know what, I don’t think I even realized it at the time. ..."

I would say that "groundbreaking" would be pretty notable. :)

Misty MH (talk) 00:10, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

@Misty MH: there may be a case to say she was an icon for the LGBT community, if we gather more sources, but I'd leave the false rumour out. ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 04:06, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, if her being a LGBT icon is backed by RS, include that in this article. Reactions to Physical should be in that article rather than this one. Jim Michael 2 (talk) 14:20, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Should we change the profile picture of Olivia Newton John to when she was at her " peak " ?

Do we have any photos of her from the 1970s ? 2601:204:CF01:1840:F0C0:DFE3:49BD:3976 (talk) 22:09, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Aankomst zangeres Olivia Newton John op Schiphol Olivia Newton John in de persk, Bestanddeelnr 930-0132

The freely licensed photos from the 1970s are all black and white. This is probably the best of them. Cullen328 (talk) 22:25, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

I agree. If we could crop it then I think that would be best. Dancingtudorqueen (talk) 03:27, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

There is a nice 1980 one in colour that we could crop, she's on the far left and can be cut out.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh meet Australian entertainers who performed in a Royal Charity Concert at the Sydney Opera House [in 1980]. Performers include (from left): pianist Roger Woodward, comedian Paul Hogan and singer Olivia Newton-John.
---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 04:12, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Chart positions

The constant inclusions of positions on multiple different charts in one particular North American country make for a very frustrating read. It would be better, IMO, with fewer US chart positions, and noting when singles do especially well in Aus, UK or the US (e.g. noting that Xanadu was a UK number one instead of a US Top 10 hit). EuroAgurbash (talk) 23:23, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Max Born

Olivia Newton John's maternal grandfather is Max born. He won the Nobel prize for physics. 2601:3C0:C103:5B70:0:0:0:6C20 (talk) 23:38, 8 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Max Born is already mentioned in the article. Cullen328 (talk) 00:13, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

If You Love Me Let Me Know

Including the single in the hit single quote I honestly love you” which was huge for a living in Jon. How is it possible that you completely left this off the list? 2600:4040:2155:3E00:8FC:D61:3D9D:B4E6 (talk) 02:50, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Both singles ("If You Love Me (Let Me Know)" and "I Honestly Love You") are mentioned prominently in the second paragraph of the lead, and at Olivia Newton-John singles discography. Perhaps you should read the article again. General Ization Talk 02:55, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Sciatica

"Her back pains had initially been misdiagnosed as sciatica." She likely had a metastasis to her low back that caused her to experience sciatica. The diagnosis of sciatica was likely correct, but the cause of that sciatica (the met) was missed. Pgemmell2 (talk) 02:57, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

We do not speculate on health conditions EvergreenFir (talk) 20:27, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
@EvergreenFir: I changed it from "misdiagnosed" to "diagnosed" as the source used doesn't call it a misdiagnosis. User:Pgemmell2 made a good point here. ---Lilach5 (לילך5) discuss 20:39, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]
I read that entirely wrong. Sorry about that and thank you for the correction. EvergreenFir (talk) 20:45, 9 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Semi-protected edit request on 10 August 2022

The caption date under Olivia's main photo is definitely not correct. This photo does not depict her in 1978. It's from the 2000s, possibly 2008? 2600:1700:BBC0:A150:A868:269A:6502:4298 (talk) 01:14, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

 Not done: The page's protection level has changed since this request was placed. You should now be able to edit the page yourself. If you still seem to be unable to, please reopen the request with further details. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 20:06, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Why isn't her death on the main page of the site?

Is there any reason she isn't mentioned on the front page? She's not even listed under "recent deaths" ? MisterZed (talk) 02:54, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

@MisterZed please see the discussion on WP:ITNC EvergreenFir (talk) 06:14, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Semi-protected edit request on 10 August 2022 (2)

When Olivia Newton-John was 16 she signed with Crest Records, an Australian-victorian based record company. Around this time her father cheated on her mother and the consequences of this relationship left Olivia "uncontrollable" according to her mother in a conversation to the head of Crest Records, Marcus Herman. Olivia then met [Turpie] and ran away with him, breaking off the contract with Crest illegally. Crest decided not to pursue this with their solicitor as she and her mother were "so lovely". Purple goddess (talk) 04:31, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

 Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. EvergreenFir (talk) 06:11, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Edit request

Please can someone put husband Matt Lattanzi back in the infobox. He has been removed by a disruptive editor. 196.251.5.36 (talk) 196.251.5.36 (talk) 13:18, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]

 Done EvergreenFir (talk) 16:14, 10 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]