Synopsis

Olivia Newton-John performs "The Rumour" on a stark black-and-white set, surrounded by dancers and stylized bedroom imagery. The video plays on the idea of gossip spreading through a glamorous social circle, with Olivia observing rather than becoming directly involved in the tangled scenes around her. Her performance combines poised close-ups, energetic choreography, and a vivid multicolored jacket that contrasts with the otherwise monochrome setting. The result is a polished, theatrical late-1980s pop video with a knowingly suggestive edge.

Factoids & Trivia

• "The Rumour" was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Elton John also played piano and contributed backing vocals to the recording.

• The video was produced as part of the 1988 video project "Olivia Down Under," created around Australia's bicentenary celebrations. The larger program combined songs from the album with footage celebrating Australian places and culture.

• Newton-John had reportedly not danced for about three years before production. The behind-the-scenes feature describes only two rehearsals, including one session of roughly two hours to help her limber up.

• Kenny Ortega handled the choreography shortly after his work on "Dirty Dancing." Newton-John and Ortega had previously worked together, but had not collaborated for several years.

• Newton-John joked during the behind-the-scenes interview that, ten years after "Grease," she was still wearing a similar black outfit and hairstyle.

• The video was later included on home-video releases of "Olivia Down Under" and on the "Video Gold" compilation.