Welcome back to Takeover Tuesday, where each week, Billboard taps chart-topping artists and tastemakers to compile their very own playlist exclusive to Billboard‘s Spotify account. We give the artists free rein to base the list on whatever subject they choose. The only rule? Make it as creative and unique to them as possible.
Erika Girardi is more than just a reality TV star. Anyone who watches The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is aware that she knows her stuff when it comes to dancing and music with a solid beat: The performer’s alter ego, Erika Jayne, has nine No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart, and collaborated with Flo Rida on 2013’s “Get It Tonight.” She has also instructed her fellow wealthy housewives of both Beverly Hills and Dallas on her signature move how to “pat the puss,” and shown off her moves during her packed concerts.
Girardi also recently combined her talents for her big Broadway debut Jan. 6, playing chorus girl and murderer Roxie Hart in the long-running musical Chicago — an adventure which will play out during this season of RHOBH (Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. on Bravo). She was set to perform on the Great White Way through the end of March, but the coronavirus pandemic led New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo to shut down Broadway March 12, ending Girardi’s run early.
“Well this is not the way I wanted to say goodbye to Roxie and my Chicago family but I have no choice,” the “EXXPEN$IVE” songstress shared on Instagram at the time. “I leave NYC feeling like my mission is incomplete but I will treasure this time always.”
While the LGBTQ advocate is practicing social distancing along with the rest of the country, she’s keeping the beat going by bumping some catchy tunes, and has curated a playlist that she’s sharing exclusively with Billboard for Takeover Tuesday. Her “Pretty Mess” dance party playlist — which shares a title with her 2009 debut album, as well as her 2018 memoir — includes hitmakers such as Prince, Madonna and The Notorious B.I.G.
“The vibe for this playlist combines all of my favorite genres: pop, dance, hip-hop, and throwback jams,” Girardi tells Billboard. “Perfect for a high-energy Pretty Mess Dance Party!”
Check out the songs that get the star grooving, as well as comments about each tune from the singer herself, below.
Madonna, “Lucky Star”: This song brings so many memories and always puts me in a good mood.
Bell Biv DeVoe, “Poison”: Can’t have a party without this jam.
Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”: Some of the most iconic choreography ever.
Prince, “Controversy”: Prince is one of my all-time inspirations. This song has such a sexy vibe.
Salt-N-Pepa, “Push It”: I love the ’80s, and this song definitely takes me back to my party years.
Lil’ Kim feat. Puff Daddy, “Queen B–ch”: She is the original queen b–ch. Period.
J.J. Fad, “Supersonic”: High energy, full cardio dance party vibes.
The Notorious B.I.G., “Hypnotize”: The NYC legend himself in all his Versace ’90s glory.
2PAC & Dr. Dre, “California Love”: Iconic West Coast party jam, still on the radio to this day.
Samantha Fox, “Naughty Girls (Need Love Too)”: This jam brings all the Naughty Girls to the dance floor!
RuPaul, “Supermodel (You Better Work)”: I listen to this song while in glam doing hair and makeup.
City Girls, “Act Up”: Me and my dancers love to vibe to this song before we hit the stage!
Erika Jayne, “How Many F–ks”: I had to close out my playlist with one of my favorites ?
