Broadway star Idina Menzel is no stranger to having her name mispronounced. But with Election Day fast approaching, she's stepping up to ensure that people get the pronunciation of Kamala Harris' name right.
As the race to Election Day heats up, Menzel took to Instagram with a video message on Sunday, explaining the correct way to say the vice president’s name. “You have to pronounce Kamala Harris' name correctly,” she emphasized. “It’s getting exhausting. It’s 'Comma-la,' like a comma.”
Idina Menzel’s History with Name Mispronunciations
Menzel knows all too well how it feels to have her name botched. During the now-iconic moment at the 2014 Oscars, John Travolta infamously introduced her as “Adele Dazeem” before her performance of “Let It Go.” In her PSA, Menzel took a lighthearted approach, referencing the various ways people have said her name incorrectly over the years — from “Indiana” to “Ay-deena Menzul.”
“And it’s not just ‘Adele Dazeem,’” she quipped. “I was just at an event in Oklahoma, and they called me 'Ay-deena.'”
While Menzel often laughs off these mistakes, it’s clear that the consistent mispronunciation of her name — especially Travolta’s gaffe — remains memorable to both her and her fans.
Why Pronouncing Kamala Harris' Name Correctly Matters
When it comes to Kamala Harris, however, Menzel isn't joking. She used her platform to highlight the importance of pronouncing the vice president’s name properly, especially as the election nears. “I think the vice president, and soon-to-be president, deserves to have her name pronounced correctly,” she asserted.
Menzel's message underscores a broader point about the respect and care that should be given when addressing political leaders. As someone who has personally dealt with constant mispronunciations, Menzel’s advocacy for getting Harris' name right feels deeply personal and timely.
Idina Menzel's Viral PSA and Its Importance
In her PSA, Menzel drew attention to how common it is for people to mispronounce Kamala Harris’ name, urging viewers to take the time to learn the correct way to say it. Her humorous but serious message has resonated with fans, especially those who remember the viral “Adele Dazeem” Oscars moment. Earlier this year, Menzel even celebrated the 10th anniversary of that blunder with a playful TikTok, humorously addressing herself as Adele Dazeem.
By taking a stand on something as simple as name pronunciation, Menzel is also advocating for a larger conversation about respect and attention to detail — especially when it comes to influential figures like Kamala Harris.
Watch Idina Menzel’s pronunciation guide for Kamala Harris’ name below.