Mayor Bill de Blasio has agreed to sing Randy Newman’s ’80s hit “I Love LA” on national television if the Rangers lose to the LA Kings in the Stanley Cup finals.
In a wager announced on Wednesday by City Hall, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will have to sing the song made legendary by Frank Sinatra, “New York, New York,” if the Rangers prevail in the best-of-seven series.
Rather than making a typical bet over local amenities, the leaders agreed to put their dignity on the line by helping to sing the praises of the rival city on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show.
“Start spreading the news — it’s been over 20 years since the Stanley Cup has found its home in New York City, and we look forward to it making its way here,” said de Blasio. “Let’s go Rangers.”
Garcetti said something in response.
To not disregard food entirely, the mayors agreed to serve Kimmel’s live audience hot dogs from their respective cities: Pink’s Hot Dogs in LA, or Grays Papaya in NYC.
The first puck drops in LA Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
For Garcetti’s review, here are the lyrics of “New York, New York”:
“Start spreadin’ the news, I’m leavin’ today,
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York,
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it, New York, New York
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps.
And find I’m king of the hill, top of the heap
These little town blues are melting away
I’m gonna make a brand new start of it in old New York
If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere
It’s up to you, New York, New York
New York, New York
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
To find I’m A Number One, head of the list,
Cream of the crop at the top of the heap.
These little town blues, are melting away
I’m gonna make a brand new start of it in old New York
If I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere,
It’s up to you, New York, New York”