Idina Menzel and Jon Stewart brought laughter to a veterans benefit by recreating the viral 2014 Oscars moment when John Travolta famously mispronounced Menzel’s name as ‘Adele Dazeem,’ turning the embarrassment into a comedic highlight that raised millions for charity.
The recreation took place at the Stand Up For Heroes benefit, held at David Geffen Hall in New York City on November 10, 2025, as part of the New York Comedy Festival. This annual event, dedicated to supporting veterans and active service members through the Bob Woodruff Foundation, featured a star-studded lineup of comedians and performers. Jon Stewart, the former host of ‘The Daily Show,’ expertly stepped into the role of John Travolta, mimicking the actor’s awkward introduction from the 2014 Academy Awards with playful accuracy.
In response, Idina Menzel, renowned for her roles in ‘Wicked’ and ‘Frozen,’ burst into a parody song that humorously recounted her initial shock and frustration over the name flub. Her lyrics questioned whether Travolta had rehearsed or suffered a stroke, and even pondered calling an ambulance, all while showcasing her signature vocal talent. The song blended self-deprecating humor with nods to her career, highlighting the absurdity of the moment that once went viral.
Menzel’s performance delved into her career identity, joking about the contrasts between her time as Elphaba in ‘Wicked,’ where she was covered in green paint and often unrecognizable offstage, and her role as Elsa in ‘Frozen,’ which brought her global fame. She humorously described herself as ‘an animated blonde Norwegian-looking 12-year-old’ in the film, contrasting it with her real-life persona as a ‘middle-aged Jewish American Princess.’ This segment seamlessly transitioned into a rousing rendition of ‘Let It Go,’ delighting the audience with its clever twist.
The original incident occurred on March 2, 2014, when Travolta introduced Menzel at the Oscars, saying, ‘Please welcome the wickedly talented, one and only, Adele Dazeem.’ The mispronunciation quickly became an internet sensation, and Menzel later playfully got revenge by mispronouncing Travolta’s name as ‘Glom Gazingo’ at the following year’s Oscars, a moment that demonstrated her good-natured response to the error. Travolta has since attributed the mistake to a last-minute change in the teleprompter that used phonetic spelling, adding context to the long-running joke.
Beyond the parody, the benefit included performances by other notable comedians such as Jim Gaffigan, Tom Papa, and Alex Edelman, who kept the crowd entertained with their sets. Stewart also delivered a stand-up routine, joking about New York City’s new mayor-elect and other topical issues, while musical acts like Lea Michele and Leslie Odom Jr. added to the evening’s diversity. The event emphasized comedy as a tool for healing and support, with performers addressing serious themes like patriotism and current events in a lighthearted manner.
The benefit successfully raised over $4.5 million for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which provides aid to veterans and their families. A touching moment involved a fifth grader named Owen, who had raised funds to help veterans with PTSD, inspiring the audience to contribute generously. This highlight underscored the community spirit and the impactful fusion of entertainment and philanthropy, making the night not only entertaining but also socially meaningful.
Covered by outlets like Page Six and EntertainmentNow, the event showcased Menzel’s ability to embrace and laugh at a past embarrassment, while Stewart’s involvement added credibility and humor. The recreation served as a reminder of how viral moments can be repurposed for positive change, fostering a sense of unity and support for those who have served. As the evening concluded, it left attendees with a message of resilience and the power of comedy to address life’s quirks and challenges.
