 The show marks the first appearance of close friends and R&B and soul legends Patti LaBelle (who was told by producers she’d be considered "top dog" ) and Gladys Knight after they had turned down previous offers to appear.Gladys could never stay for the finale due to obligations with her one-woman show at the famed Flamingo Las Vegas.Kylie Minogue was originally confirmed as a headliner for the 1980s themed show, but withdrew shortly after.