Ego
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson, Sheryl Murakami
Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce [Deluxe Edition]
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Britney Spears Hosts As Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, More Bring Wango Tango To L.A.
Pitbull, Matthew Morrison, Selena Gomez, Far East Movement and others filled the Staples Center on Saturday night.By Matt Elias
Britney Spears hosts KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2011 on Saturday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears makes headlines at concerts, even when she's not performing. That's probably why Los Angeles radio station KIIS FM tapped the pop princess to guest-host their annual Wango Tango music festival along with Ryan Seacrest on Saturday night at the Staples Center.
The bill was a balance of pop and hip-hop, with acts like Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Selena Gomez, "Glee" 's Matthew Morrison, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain, Jason Derülo, Far East Movement, New Boyz, Cobra Starship and newcomer Cody Simpson.
Backstage, the media room went into a frenzy when Spears arrived in a red, geometric-print dress and a beaming smile. Owning her "femme fatale" moniker, Spears worked the carpet for a few moments while all of the cameras in the room were pointing at her. It was the second red carpet appearance by Brit this week, after her Beverly Hills benefit on Wednesday night for the St. Bernard Project.
Check out photos from Wango Tango 2011.
Spears' Femme Fatale collaborator Ke$ha, who was returning to the festival for the second time, said that an onstage collab between to the two would have to require one thing.
"That would have to include me finding her and attacking her," Ke$ha told MTV News, with the best intentions. "I'm planning on pouncing her."
While that never happened, at least not onstage, Ke$ha delivered on her promise of a set heavy on her glitter gun. And she assured us she knew the dos and don'ts of handling that kind of firepower.
"Do not spray yourself in the face with it," she said. "Do spray everybody else with it. That's pretty much it."
While Joe Jonas wasn't performing at the show, he took a break from recording his solo debut to catch up with almost everyone backstage.
"I didn't see Britney backstage, just said 'hello' to a couple of my friends," Jonas said. "Backstage is always [full of] people, especially having it at the Staples Center this time, I think compared to all the way out in the desert, it changes everything."
Also happy to have Wango Tango in Los Angeles were locals Far East Movement.
"Man, we grew up literally a few blocks away from here, and you can only imagine basketball games being played here," Kev Nish said. "So to come in here as performers, to be able to do our songs in this arena is a little crazy. We used to pass out CDs a few blocks [away], so we're very thankful. And the lineup is nuts, so we're extremely excited to be a part of this lineup."
Were you at Wango Tango? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez And Many More At Wango Tango 2011
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Britney Spears
Ke$ha
Jennifer Lopez
Britney Spears hosts KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2011 on Saturday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears makes headlines at concerts, even when she's not performing. That's probably why Los Angeles radio station KIIS FM tapped the pop princess to guest-host their annual Wango Tango music festival along with Ryan Seacrest on Saturday night at the Staples Center.
The bill was a balance of pop and hip-hop, with acts like Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Selena Gomez, "Glee" 's Matthew Morrison, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain, Jason Derülo, Far East Movement, New Boyz, Cobra Starship and newcomer Cody Simpson.
Backstage, the media room went into a frenzy when Spears arrived in a red, geometric-print dress and a beaming smile. Owning her "femme fatale" moniker, Spears worked the carpet for a few moments while all of the cameras in the room were pointing at her. It was the second red carpet appearance by Brit this week, after her Beverly Hills benefit on Wednesday night for the St. Bernard Project.
Check out photos from Wango Tango 2011.
Spears' Femme Fatale collaborator Ke$ha, who was returning to the festival for the second time, said that an onstage collab between to the two would have to require one thing.
"That would have to include me finding her and attacking her," Ke$ha told MTV News, with the best intentions. "I'm planning on pouncing her."
While that never happened, at least not onstage, Ke$ha delivered on her promise of a set heavy on her glitter gun. And she assured us she knew the dos and don'ts of handling that kind of firepower.
"Do not spray yourself in the face with it," she said. "Do spray everybody else with it. That's pretty much it."
While Joe Jonas wasn't performing at the show, he took a break from recording his solo debut to catch up with almost everyone backstage.
"I didn't see Britney backstage, just said 'hello' to a couple of my friends," Jonas said. "Backstage is always [full of] people, especially having it at the Staples Center this time, I think compared to all the way out in the desert, it changes everything."
Also happy to have Wango Tango in Los Angeles were locals Far East Movement.
"Man, we grew up literally a few blocks away from here, and you can only imagine basketball games being played here," Kev Nish said. "So to come in here as performers, to be able to do our songs in this arena is a little crazy. We used to pass out CDs a few blocks [away], so we're very thankful. And the lineup is nuts, so we're extremely excited to be a part of this lineup."
Were you at Wango Tango? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez And Many More At Wango Tango 2011
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Jennifer Lopez
Michael Jackson - Beat It
Beat It
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic Records
Director: Bob Giraldi
Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic Records
Director: Bob Giraldi
Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlize Theron
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray's Trial To Be Televised
Judge rules that camera will be allowed in the courtroom for manslaughter case.By Gil Kaufman
Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images
For what promises to be one of the most bizarre and riveting legal proceedings in years, a Los Angeles judge ruled on Monday that a television camera will be allowed in the courtroom when Michael Jackson's doctor goes on trial for involuntary manslaughter.
Reuters reported that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, approved the presence of a camera in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray as long as it does not interfere with the proceedings in the closely watched case.
The judge asked for the "absolute least-intrusive placement" of a TV camera in the courtroom, but blocked cameras from documenting jury selection.
Pastor also announced that he would bump up the opening date of the trail by four days to March 24, at which point jury selection will begin. Murray, who faces up to four years in prison if convicted, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial is expected to last around six weeks.
Cardiologist Murray was hired to be Jackson's personal physician in the run-up to the King of Pop's planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2009. The doctor told police that he provided Jackson, 50, with sedatives and the surgical anesthetic propofol in order to combat the singer's chronic insomnia. He said he did so on the morning of June 25, 2009, when Jackson died of what a coroner deemed acute propofol poisoning.
TMZ reported on Tuesday (February 8) that Murray's lawyers plan to argue that Jackson was already in weak health before he died and that it's unfair to blame propofol for his passing. Unnamed sources close to the case told the gossip site that at the time of his death, Jackson's body was already failing him in part because concert promoter AEG Live had "driven [him] over the edge" with a rigorous rehearsal schedule for the shows.
Murray's lawyers reportedly plan to call witnesses to say that Jackson was not showing up for rehearsals and when he did he showed "clear signs" of frail health. They also reportedly plan to argue that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of propofol to himself while Murray was out of the room.
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Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
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Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images
For what promises to be one of the most bizarre and riveting legal proceedings in years, a Los Angeles judge ruled on Monday that a television camera will be allowed in the courtroom when Michael Jackson's doctor goes on trial for involuntary manslaughter.
Reuters reported that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, approved the presence of a camera in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray as long as it does not interfere with the proceedings in the closely watched case.
The judge asked for the "absolute least-intrusive placement" of a TV camera in the courtroom, but blocked cameras from documenting jury selection.
Pastor also announced that he would bump up the opening date of the trail by four days to March 24, at which point jury selection will begin. Murray, who faces up to four years in prison if convicted, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial is expected to last around six weeks.
Cardiologist Murray was hired to be Jackson's personal physician in the run-up to the King of Pop's planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2009. The doctor told police that he provided Jackson, 50, with sedatives and the surgical anesthetic propofol in order to combat the singer's chronic insomnia. He said he did so on the morning of June 25, 2009, when Jackson died of what a coroner deemed acute propofol poisoning.
TMZ reported on Tuesday (February 8) that Murray's lawyers plan to argue that Jackson was already in weak health before he died and that it's unfair to blame propofol for his passing. Unnamed sources close to the case told the gossip site that at the time of his death, Jackson's body was already failing him in part because concert promoter AEG Live had "driven [him] over the edge" with a rigorous rehearsal schedule for the shows.
Murray's lawyers reportedly plan to call witnesses to say that Jackson was not showing up for rehearsals and when he did he showed "clear signs" of frail health. They also reportedly plan to argue that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of propofol to himself while Murray was out of the room.
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'Hangover Part II': Can It Break $125 Million At The Box Office?
'Our prediction was $129 million, and that's looking like a real possibility,' BoxOffice.com editor Phil Contrino says.By Eric Ditzian
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis in "The Hangover Part II"
Photo: Warner Bros.
For the last few days, Hollywood has been abuzz over the idea that "The Hangover Part II" could pull over $125 million into its boozy box-office wake over the extended five-day Memorial Day holiday. Could an R-rated comedy really do such boffo biz?
It's looking increasingly like it can. Wednesday's midnight screenings of "Hangover" pulled in $10.4 million, a record for an R movie. Thursday followed suit, with a final gross of $31.6 million — another R-rated record for biggest opening day ever. Many schools and colleges are now on break, audiences have been giving the flick an A- CinemaScore and not even tepid critical reviews can seem to stop the inevitable.
"We think it will crack $125 million," BoxOffice.com editor Phil Contrino said. "Our prediction was $129 million, and that's looking like a real possibility. These movies appeal to anyone who has ever greeted the morning with dry mouth and a splitting headache. But the films also have heart underneath all the raunchiness. They are about all the mixed feelings that people have before getting married. Do I like my spouse's family? Do I really want to stop having fun?"
Other industry experts are not as convinced. David Poland of Movie City News is taking a wait-and-see approach while noting that anything over $100 million during the extended weekend would be considered a huge success. "The swing, with numbers this big, is $25-plus million in five days," he said. "There's no way to know how much of the must-see-or-die audience has been served by this huge Thursday. We can all guess, but we're just guessing."
Poland compared the "Hangover" sequel's opening to the second "Matrix" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" films: The originals were surprise blockbusters and the follow-ups received a "mega-opening in response." Helping spur audience excitement, he also noted, was a top-notch marketing campaign including exceptional TV spots. "I've seen the film and they make me want to see it again," he said. "They do exactly what a sequel wants to do — click into the characters you love and promise more."
All of this makes "The Hangover Part III" seem less like just a possibility than an unavoidability. Even last year's "Due Date," which director Todd Phillips shot between "Hangover" flicks, grossed $212 million worldwide. The guy can do no wrong for his studio. As Contrino put it, "He will be in a league of his own after this movie. Warner Bros. would let him film an adaptation of the phone book at this point just to keep him happy."
So while the filmmaker continues to keep his studio bosses and audiences delighted, it doesn't seem like he'll start to give a hoot what critics — those who love him as well as those who hate him — think. "He knew that the nasty reviews for this were coming," Poland said. "He doesn't get the amount of space from critics that, for instance, Judd Apatow gets. So maybe that will be his secret goal, though I believe him completely when he says that he won't start making other kinds of movies or adjusting what he thinks is funny just to get the critical love he wants. No 'Funny People' coming from Todd."
Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis in "The Hangover Part II"
Photo: Warner Bros.
For the last few days, Hollywood has been abuzz over the idea that "The Hangover Part II" could pull over $125 million into its boozy box-office wake over the extended five-day Memorial Day holiday. Could an R-rated comedy really do such boffo biz?
It's looking increasingly like it can. Wednesday's midnight screenings of "Hangover" pulled in $10.4 million, a record for an R movie. Thursday followed suit, with a final gross of $31.6 million — another R-rated record for biggest opening day ever. Many schools and colleges are now on break, audiences have been giving the flick an A- CinemaScore and not even tepid critical reviews can seem to stop the inevitable.
"We think it will crack $125 million," BoxOffice.com editor Phil Contrino said. "Our prediction was $129 million, and that's looking like a real possibility. These movies appeal to anyone who has ever greeted the morning with dry mouth and a splitting headache. But the films also have heart underneath all the raunchiness. They are about all the mixed feelings that people have before getting married. Do I like my spouse's family? Do I really want to stop having fun?"
Other industry experts are not as convinced. David Poland of Movie City News is taking a wait-and-see approach while noting that anything over $100 million during the extended weekend would be considered a huge success. "The swing, with numbers this big, is $25-plus million in five days," he said. "There's no way to know how much of the must-see-or-die audience has been served by this huge Thursday. We can all guess, but we're just guessing."
Poland compared the "Hangover" sequel's opening to the second "Matrix" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" films: The originals were surprise blockbusters and the follow-ups received a "mega-opening in response." Helping spur audience excitement, he also noted, was a top-notch marketing campaign including exceptional TV spots. "I've seen the film and they make me want to see it again," he said. "They do exactly what a sequel wants to do — click into the characters you love and promise more."
All of this makes "The Hangover Part III" seem less like just a possibility than an unavoidability. Even last year's "Due Date," which director Todd Phillips shot between "Hangover" flicks, grossed $212 million worldwide. The guy can do no wrong for his studio. As Contrino put it, "He will be in a league of his own after this movie. Warner Bros. would let him film an adaptation of the phone book at this point just to keep him happy."
So while the filmmaker continues to keep his studio bosses and audiences delighted, it doesn't seem like he'll start to give a hoot what critics — those who love him as well as those who hate him — think. "He knew that the nasty reviews for this were coming," Poland said. "He doesn't get the amount of space from critics that, for instance, Judd Apatow gets. So maybe that will be his secret goal, though I believe him completely when he says that he won't start making other kinds of movies or adjusting what he thinks is funny just to get the critical love he wants. No 'Funny People' coming from Todd."
Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
MTV Rough Cut: 'The Hangover Part II'
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Charli Baltimore Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Cheryl Burke
Usher - OMG
OMG
Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Ashley Tisdale Asia Argento Aubrey Audrina Patridge Autumn Reeser
Britney Spears - Radar
Radar
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: RCA, Jive, Zomba Label Group
Director: Dave Meyers
Album: Circus
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: RCA, Jive, Zomba Label Group
Director: Dave Meyers
Album: Circus
Friday, May 27, 2011
Britney Spears Has Created 'Her Own Genre,' Dr. Luke Says
Femme Fatale producer tells MTV News the pop star defies categorization because she's 'forward-thinking.'By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias
Britney Spears
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images
Since Britney Spears emerged on the scene nearly a decade and a half ago, she's run the gamut of pop music: from sugary bubble-gum to dirty, sexy dance tracks. In that respect, her longtime collaborator and Femme Fatale producer Dr. Luke says that the superstar has in many respects become bigger than pop. In fact, he says it's hard to confine her to just one genre.
"I feel like Britney kind of has her own genre: If you look at songs like 'Toxic' and 'Piece of Me' and 'Oops! ... I Did It Again,' they all were sort of influential and led the way," he told MTV News on Thursday (April 28) at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards.
So when the pair sat down to work on her latest release, Dr. Luke said her pop-music shape-shifting was very much on his mind. "She wanted to keep on with that and do stuff that was forward-thinking," he continued. "So we put some dubstep stuff in there, in bridges; snuck it in different places and I hope it ended up good. I hope you like it."
It seems every time Spears drops a new album, it's declared her comeback record. But Dr. Luke noted that Brit has really never gone anywhere. "Where'd she go? I don't know. I didn't know she ever disappeared, really," he said. "She's always been selling out concerts and records, so I don't know that she ever disappeared."
So what do Spears and Luke have up their sleeve now? "Not yet ... give me a second to breathe, come up for air!" he told us.
Plus, even with Femme Fatale already in stores, it seems like the pair are always finding ways to update the songs. Take, for example, the recent remix of "Till the World Ends," which features Ke$ha (the track's songwriter) and Nicki Minaj.
"Well, we already had Ke$ha on the song 'cause she co-wrote the song ... and she sounded really good on it," Dr. Luke explained. "And then Nicki got on the Femme Fatale Tour so we put Nicki on it and it just sounded amazing. She killed it."
Which version of "Till the World Ends" do you prefer? Tell us in the comments!
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Britney Spears
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images
Since Britney Spears emerged on the scene nearly a decade and a half ago, she's run the gamut of pop music: from sugary bubble-gum to dirty, sexy dance tracks. In that respect, her longtime collaborator and Femme Fatale producer Dr. Luke says that the superstar has in many respects become bigger than pop. In fact, he says it's hard to confine her to just one genre.
"I feel like Britney kind of has her own genre: If you look at songs like 'Toxic' and 'Piece of Me' and 'Oops! ... I Did It Again,' they all were sort of influential and led the way," he told MTV News on Thursday (April 28) at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards.
So when the pair sat down to work on her latest release, Dr. Luke said her pop-music shape-shifting was very much on his mind. "She wanted to keep on with that and do stuff that was forward-thinking," he continued. "So we put some dubstep stuff in there, in bridges; snuck it in different places and I hope it ended up good. I hope you like it."
It seems every time Spears drops a new album, it's declared her comeback record. But Dr. Luke noted that Brit has really never gone anywhere. "Where'd she go? I don't know. I didn't know she ever disappeared, really," he said. "She's always been selling out concerts and records, so I don't know that she ever disappeared."
So what do Spears and Luke have up their sleeve now? "Not yet ... give me a second to breathe, come up for air!" he told us.
Plus, even with Femme Fatale already in stores, it seems like the pair are always finding ways to update the songs. Take, for example, the recent remix of "Till the World Ends," which features Ke$ha (the track's songwriter) and Nicki Minaj.
"Well, we already had Ke$ha on the song 'cause she co-wrote the song ... and she sounded really good on it," Dr. Luke explained. "And then Nicki got on the Femme Fatale Tour so we put Nicki on it and it just sounded amazing. She killed it."
Which version of "Till the World Ends" do you prefer? Tell us in the comments!
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Box Office Shocker: 'Hangover 2' on Track to Open North of $100 Million at U.S. Box Office
Pamela McClintock The R-rated sequel will be the first film in months to surpass the figure this year in its opening weekend. read more
Michael Jackson Doctor Pleads Not Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter
Conrad Murray's trial slated to start March 28.By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray appears in court on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California
Photo: Irfan Khan-Pool/ Getty Images
Michael Jackson's former personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray entered a plea of not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the June 2009 death of the pop star at his arraignment on Tuesday morning (January 25).
According to the Los Angeles Times, when asked by judge Michael Pastor how he pleaded to the charge, Murray said, "Your honor, I am an innocent man." When Pastor interrupted and asked Murray what his plea was, the cardiologist said, "Therefore, I plead not guilty."
The brief hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court ended with Pastor setting a March 28 date for the start of a trial in the case. Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison if convicted, and the Times noted that he surprised the judge by invoking his right to a speedy trial, which meant the case would have to begin by late March. Pastor noted the rarity of a defendant asking to have a speedy trial, then set jury selection for the week of March 28 and said he was inclined to allow television coverage of the trial that the defense expects will last two months.
Lawyers for Murray have maintained his innocence all along, saying he did not do anything that "should have" caused the 50-year-old pop icon's death. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol mixed with a cocktail of other sedatives.
Murray has admitted to administering propofol to Jackson in the hours before the singer's death, but the defense appears to be gearing up to claim that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of the drug after he woke in a panic from a fitful night of sleep.
During a preliminary hearing earlier this month to determine if there was enough evidence to hold Murray over for trial, the physician's attorneys said that there was evidence Jackson injected or drank a fatal amount of the drug when the doctor was not looking.
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Dr. Conrad Murray appears in court on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California
Photo: Irfan Khan-Pool/ Getty Images
Michael Jackson's former personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray entered a plea of not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the June 2009 death of the pop star at his arraignment on Tuesday morning (January 25).
According to the Los Angeles Times, when asked by judge Michael Pastor how he pleaded to the charge, Murray said, "Your honor, I am an innocent man." When Pastor interrupted and asked Murray what his plea was, the cardiologist said, "Therefore, I plead not guilty."
The brief hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court ended with Pastor setting a March 28 date for the start of a trial in the case. Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison if convicted, and the Times noted that he surprised the judge by invoking his right to a speedy trial, which meant the case would have to begin by late March. Pastor noted the rarity of a defendant asking to have a speedy trial, then set jury selection for the week of March 28 and said he was inclined to allow television coverage of the trial that the defense expects will last two months.
Lawyers for Murray have maintained his innocence all along, saying he did not do anything that "should have" caused the 50-year-old pop icon's death. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol mixed with a cocktail of other sedatives.
Murray has admitted to administering propofol to Jackson in the hours before the singer's death, but the defense appears to be gearing up to claim that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of the drug after he woke in a panic from a fitful night of sleep.
During a preliminary hearing earlier this month to determine if there was enough evidence to hold Murray over for trial, the physician's attorneys said that there was evidence Jackson injected or drank a fatal amount of the drug when the doctor was not looking.
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Photos | 2010 BET Awards Show Highlights
2010 BET Awards Show Highlights
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Ernie Halter Talks 'Ridiculously Awesome' Justin Bieber Surprise
'I still can't wrap my brain around it,' singer/songwriter tells MTV News about being joined onstage by the Biebs.By Jocelyn Vena
Ernie Halter
Photo: Ernie Halter
Justin Bieber joined Ernie Halter onstage to perform Halter's "Come Home to Me" (off his album Franklin & Vermont) on Thursday night in Costa Mesa, California. When Halter got on the phone with MTV News bright and early Friday (May 20) morning, he was still reeling from the experience.
"I still can't wrap my brain around it. It's bizarre," he told us. "I was really impressed with how humble and very sweet him and Selena [Gomez] were to me. They're both incredibly nice people. It's pretty crazy."
He then described how Bieber ended up taking the stage with him. "Well, I mean, him coming to the show, I don't know why I didn't see that coming. I just didn't. I guess I'm slow, but I had no idea until I actually saw him and Selena. I went probably mentally not there for a minute or two.
"I was at the gig last night, which is not close to L.A. at all. He really wanted to go and then I'm talking to someone and out of the corner of my eye I look over and that really looks a lot like Selena Gomez," he continued. "I looked to see who she was with and I went speechless for a couple minutes. I asked him [to perform with me] and he said yes. It was a little bit of a surprise because I didn't think he would do it."
With Bieber's blessing hitting Twitter, the Internet is quickly following and Halter's Internet stock is rising. "I have a tweet deck on my computer and it flashes every second [now] and there's no way I would have been able to envision that," he said. "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculously awesome."
While Bieber has made it clear he's a fan of Halter, is Halter a fan of Bieber?
"Entirely [I get it]. I've been a fan and I really believe he's extremely talented," he said, explaining that his 3-year-old son got him into the Biebs. "The type of reach that he has worldwide is really iconic, on a level that we haven't really seen. I think he's very, very talented."
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Ernie Halter
Photo: Ernie Halter
Justin Bieber joined Ernie Halter onstage to perform Halter's "Come Home to Me" (off his album Franklin & Vermont) on Thursday night in Costa Mesa, California. When Halter got on the phone with MTV News bright and early Friday (May 20) morning, he was still reeling from the experience.
"I still can't wrap my brain around it. It's bizarre," he told us. "I was really impressed with how humble and very sweet him and Selena [Gomez] were to me. They're both incredibly nice people. It's pretty crazy."
He then described how Bieber ended up taking the stage with him. "Well, I mean, him coming to the show, I don't know why I didn't see that coming. I just didn't. I guess I'm slow, but I had no idea until I actually saw him and Selena. I went probably mentally not there for a minute or two.
"I was at the gig last night, which is not close to L.A. at all. He really wanted to go and then I'm talking to someone and out of the corner of my eye I look over and that really looks a lot like Selena Gomez," he continued. "I looked to see who she was with and I went speechless for a couple minutes. I asked him [to perform with me] and he said yes. It was a little bit of a surprise because I didn't think he would do it."
With Bieber's blessing hitting Twitter, the Internet is quickly following and Halter's Internet stock is rising. "I have a tweet deck on my computer and it flashes every second [now] and there's no way I would have been able to envision that," he said. "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculously awesome."
While Bieber has made it clear he's a fan of Halter, is Halter a fan of Bieber?
"Entirely [I get it]. I've been a fan and I really believe he's extremely talented," he said, explaining that his 3-year-old son got him into the Biebs. "The type of reach that he has worldwide is really iconic, on a level that we haven't really seen. I think he's very, very talented."
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez Kiss Among Billboard Awards Highlights
Show also featured a Rihanna/Britney lip-lock and a tribute to Beyoncé.By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but on Sunday night, pop culture lovers everywhere were treated to a festival of debauchery and fun at the Billboard Music Awards, which were held in Sin City and broadcast live on ABC.
There were two kisses that will certainly have people talking for days. When Britney Spears took the stage with Rihanna for their sexy performance of "S&M," the two shared a kiss. Of course, Spears isn't new to onstage girl-on-girl lip-locks, having shared one with Madonna back in 2003. On Sunday, Spears also took the stage with Nicki Minaj, but no spit was swapped during that other girl-power performance.
Perhaps a more surprising kiss occurred when Justin Bieber kissed girlfriend Selena Gomez after it was announced that he won the award for Top New Artist. Although he didn't mention her name in his speech, according to Aceshowbiz.com, Bieber later praised his lady love in the press room, saying, "She's amazing." Bieber took home five other awards Sunday night.
Beyoncé, honored with the Millennium Award, received taped tributes from Bono, First Lady Michelle Obama, The-Dream, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga. As memorable as her performance was thanks to some eye-catching visuals, killer dance moves and that barely there outfit, her shout-out to Jay-Z certainly stood out. "I love me some Jay-Z," she said, after calling him her "best friend."
Bey also thanked those who have been in Destiny's Child, including founding members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson as well as Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams; Rowland and Williams were in the crowd cheering their girl on.
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Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but on Sunday night, pop culture lovers everywhere were treated to a festival of debauchery and fun at the Billboard Music Awards, which were held in Sin City and broadcast live on ABC.
There were two kisses that will certainly have people talking for days. When Britney Spears took the stage with Rihanna for their sexy performance of "S&M," the two shared a kiss. Of course, Spears isn't new to onstage girl-on-girl lip-locks, having shared one with Madonna back in 2003. On Sunday, Spears also took the stage with Nicki Minaj, but no spit was swapped during that other girl-power performance.
Perhaps a more surprising kiss occurred when Justin Bieber kissed girlfriend Selena Gomez after it was announced that he won the award for Top New Artist. Although he didn't mention her name in his speech, according to Aceshowbiz.com, Bieber later praised his lady love in the press room, saying, "She's amazing." Bieber took home five other awards Sunday night.
Beyoncé, honored with the Millennium Award, received taped tributes from Bono, First Lady Michelle Obama, The-Dream, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga. As memorable as her performance was thanks to some eye-catching visuals, killer dance moves and that barely there outfit, her shout-out to Jay-Z certainly stood out. "I love me some Jay-Z," she said, after calling him her "best friend."
Bey also thanked those who have been in Destiny's Child, including founding members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson as well as Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams; Rowland and Williams were in the crowd cheering their girl on.
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Lady Gaga Beats Oprah On Forbes Celebrity 100 List
Justin Bieber debuts behind the ladies at #3 on this year's power tally.By Gil Kaufman
Lady Gaga
Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
Lady Gaga has had a good year. The evidence is pretty obvious: She's sold millions of albums and downloads, headlined a major world tour, made the cover of nearly every magazine and recorded one of the most anticipated albums in ages.
But what really says you're having the best year ever? Leaping over Oprah Winfrey on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in the same year that the Queen of All Media launched a new network and wound down the most popular daytime talker in the history of the medium.
Lady Gaga topped the list released by Forbes on Wednesday, leaping four spots from last year on the ranking of entertainment industry power, fueled by earnings, media visibility and social media popularity. It's only the third time in seven years that anyone has moved past Winfrey on the list, and Gaga did it by earning $90 million from her Monster Ball tour, rolling up 32 million Facebook fans and becoming the first star to corral 10 million Twitter followers.
All those Little Monsters helped her sell 1 million digital downloads of the title track from the just-leaked Born This Way in five days. They also bought MAC makeup, Monster headphones and Virgin Mobile phones that were endorsed by Gaga (and featured in her videos). Her Monster Ball tour grossed $170 million from 137 shows; she's sold 15 million albums worldwide and has endorsement deals with Polaroid, Monster Cable and PlentyofFish.com. Also, a Russian billionaire reportedly paid $1 million to appear in the "Alejandro" video.
"Lady Gaga beat Oprah this year because of her social media power. She can use Twitter and Facebook to work the 'little monsters' into a frenzy that leads to record sales and media attention," Forbes editor Dorothy Pomerantz told Reuters. "She's the best example of how celebrities will need to manage their careers in the coming years."
With her syndicated "The Oprah Winfrey Show" ending its legendary run next week after 25 years, Winfrey didn't fall far to #2, thanks to estimated earnings of $290 million. Her wealth came in as a result of the fees from her show, as well as the programs from the stars she's created, including Rachel Ray and Dr. Oz.
Justin Bieber is the youngest person on the list, debuting on the tally at an impressive #3, courtesy of an estimated $53 million in earnings from concerts (which bring in $600,000 a night), music sales and the "Never Say Never" movie, which grossed close to $100 million at the global box office and is now out on DVD.
Irish rock legends U2 are at #4 with $195 million, mostly due to their 360 Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour in history last year, with estimated grosses of $700 million by the time it wraps up this summer.
At #5 is Sir Elton John, who grossed $204 million for 102 concerts over the past year. Rounding out the top 10 are disgraced golfer Tiger Woods, Taylor Swift, veteran Jersey rockers Bon Jovi, "X Factor" boss Simon Cowell and Miami Heat star LeBron James.
Other notables: Angelina Jolie (#11), list newcomer Katy Perry (#12), Johnny Depp (#13), Leonardo DiCaprio (#15), the Black Eyed Peas (#16), "American Idol" host and media mogul Ryan Seacrest (#24), former TV star Charlie Sheen (#28), Beyoncé (#29), Usher (#32), Muse (#34), Jay-Z (#38), "Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez (#50), Diddy (#52), Robert Pattinson (#53), Kristen Stewart (#63), Eminem (#71), Kanye West (#76) and Lil Wayne (#85).
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Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
Lady Gaga has had a good year. The evidence is pretty obvious: She's sold millions of albums and downloads, headlined a major world tour, made the cover of nearly every magazine and recorded one of the most anticipated albums in ages.
But what really says you're having the best year ever? Leaping over Oprah Winfrey on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in the same year that the Queen of All Media launched a new network and wound down the most popular daytime talker in the history of the medium.
Lady Gaga topped the list released by Forbes on Wednesday, leaping four spots from last year on the ranking of entertainment industry power, fueled by earnings, media visibility and social media popularity. It's only the third time in seven years that anyone has moved past Winfrey on the list, and Gaga did it by earning $90 million from her Monster Ball tour, rolling up 32 million Facebook fans and becoming the first star to corral 10 million Twitter followers.
All those Little Monsters helped her sell 1 million digital downloads of the title track from the just-leaked Born This Way in five days. They also bought MAC makeup, Monster headphones and Virgin Mobile phones that were endorsed by Gaga (and featured in her videos). Her Monster Ball tour grossed $170 million from 137 shows; she's sold 15 million albums worldwide and has endorsement deals with Polaroid, Monster Cable and PlentyofFish.com. Also, a Russian billionaire reportedly paid $1 million to appear in the "Alejandro" video.
"Lady Gaga beat Oprah this year because of her social media power. She can use Twitter and Facebook to work the 'little monsters' into a frenzy that leads to record sales and media attention," Forbes editor Dorothy Pomerantz told Reuters. "She's the best example of how celebrities will need to manage their careers in the coming years."
With her syndicated "The Oprah Winfrey Show" ending its legendary run next week after 25 years, Winfrey didn't fall far to #2, thanks to estimated earnings of $290 million. Her wealth came in as a result of the fees from her show, as well as the programs from the stars she's created, including Rachel Ray and Dr. Oz.
Justin Bieber is the youngest person on the list, debuting on the tally at an impressive #3, courtesy of an estimated $53 million in earnings from concerts (which bring in $600,000 a night), music sales and the "Never Say Never" movie, which grossed close to $100 million at the global box office and is now out on DVD.
Irish rock legends U2 are at #4 with $195 million, mostly due to their 360 Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour in history last year, with estimated grosses of $700 million by the time it wraps up this summer.
At #5 is Sir Elton John, who grossed $204 million for 102 concerts over the past year. Rounding out the top 10 are disgraced golfer Tiger Woods, Taylor Swift, veteran Jersey rockers Bon Jovi, "X Factor" boss Simon Cowell and Miami Heat star LeBron James.
Other notables: Angelina Jolie (#11), list newcomer Katy Perry (#12), Johnny Depp (#13), Leonardo DiCaprio (#15), the Black Eyed Peas (#16), "American Idol" host and media mogul Ryan Seacrest (#24), former TV star Charlie Sheen (#28), Beyoncé (#29), Usher (#32), Muse (#34), Jay-Z (#38), "Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez (#50), Diddy (#52), Robert Pattinson (#53), Kristen Stewart (#63), Eminem (#71), Kanye West (#76) and Lil Wayne (#85).
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
'Hangover Part II': Bradley Cooper Was A 'Superb' Student, Says His 'Actor's Studio' Dean James Lipton
When MTV News was at the premiere of "The Hangover Part II" on Monday night (May 23) in New York City, we were pleasantly surprised to run into "Inside The Actor's Studio" host and the program's dean, James Lipton. We were even more pleasantly surprised when Lipton opened up about the movie's star, Bradley Cooper's, [...]
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Liger cubs born in China ? and raised by a dog
These liger cubs born in Shandong, China on May 13 should grow up to weigh about 450 kilograms each, according to National Geographic.
The crux of this story is based on a fact many people think is only the end to a joke: ligers, a cross between a male lion and a female tiger, really do exist -- and the world just got more of them.
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The crux of this story is based on a fact many people think is only the end to a joke: ligers, a cross between a male lion and a female tiger, really do exist -- and the world just got more of them.
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Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner
Beyonc� - Diva
Diva
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Melina
Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
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Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Suit Vs. AEG Can Proceed, Judge Rules
Katherine Jackson and family are pursuing a claim against concert promoter.By Gil Kaufman
Michael Jackson
When he was alive, Michael Jackson was forever embroiled in a series of complex and expensive-sounding lawsuits. But even in death, the late King of Pop is the subject of major legal action. None could potentially be bigger than the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the pop icon's mother, Katherine Jackson, against concert promotion giant AEG Live.
Reuters reported that a Los Angeles judge ruled on Wednesday that the civil lawsuit can go forward. It will proceed in parallel with the criminal case against Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson's June 2009 death from an overdose of the powerful surgical anesthetic propofol. Murray is the only person charged in Jackson's death and he is currently awaiting trial in that matter.
Katherine Jackson's lawsuit — filed in September on behalf of her and Jackson's three young children — accuses AEG of being responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray, whose salary was paid by the touring company behind Jackson's attempted "This Is It" comeback shows in London. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos denied a motion on Wednesday by AEG to dismiss Katherine Jackson's suit, but warned Jackson's attorneys that they would need to show evidence of "fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy" in order to win the case.
The judge has already said she doubts they can prove the latter charge, because the suit does not detail any agreement between Murray and AEG to break the law in providing medical care to Jackson.
"If the object was to get him to rehearsals, I don't see that as a wrongful or illegal act," the judge said. A lawyer for AEG told the judge that the company could not have predicted beforehand that Murray's medical decisions would result in Jackson's death. Court papers also show that AEG "did not choose to hire Murray" and had only participated in negotiations to bring him on as an independent contractor. Michael, who had previously been treated by Murray in Las Vegas, was reportedly the one who suggested the cardiologist serve as his personal, on-call physician during the "This Is It" rehearsals and shows.
Katherine Jackson's attorney recently dropped choreographer Kenny Ortega from the lawsuit based on new information they received about his actions. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 22, just six days before Murray is due back in court for his trial. Jackson's father, Joseph, has twice attempted to file a wrongful death suit in the matter, though his is focused on Murray and the Las Vegas pharmacy that supplied the propofol, not AEG Live.
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When he was alive, Michael Jackson was forever embroiled in a series of complex and expensive-sounding lawsuits. But even in death, the late King of Pop is the subject of major legal action. None could potentially be bigger than the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the pop icon's mother, Katherine Jackson, against concert promotion giant AEG Live.
Reuters reported that a Los Angeles judge ruled on Wednesday that the civil lawsuit can go forward. It will proceed in parallel with the criminal case against Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson's June 2009 death from an overdose of the powerful surgical anesthetic propofol. Murray is the only person charged in Jackson's death and he is currently awaiting trial in that matter.
Katherine Jackson's lawsuit — filed in September on behalf of her and Jackson's three young children — accuses AEG of being responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray, whose salary was paid by the touring company behind Jackson's attempted "This Is It" comeback shows in London. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos denied a motion on Wednesday by AEG to dismiss Katherine Jackson's suit, but warned Jackson's attorneys that they would need to show evidence of "fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy" in order to win the case.
The judge has already said she doubts they can prove the latter charge, because the suit does not detail any agreement between Murray and AEG to break the law in providing medical care to Jackson.
"If the object was to get him to rehearsals, I don't see that as a wrongful or illegal act," the judge said. A lawyer for AEG told the judge that the company could not have predicted beforehand that Murray's medical decisions would result in Jackson's death. Court papers also show that AEG "did not choose to hire Murray" and had only participated in negotiations to bring him on as an independent contractor. Michael, who had previously been treated by Murray in Las Vegas, was reportedly the one who suggested the cardiologist serve as his personal, on-call physician during the "This Is It" rehearsals and shows.
Katherine Jackson's attorney recently dropped choreographer Kenny Ortega from the lawsuit based on new information they received about his actions. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 22, just six days before Murray is due back in court for his trial. Jackson's father, Joseph, has twice attempted to file a wrongful death suit in the matter, though his is focused on Murray and the Las Vegas pharmacy that supplied the propofol, not AEG Live.
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Usher To Donate Gadhafi Money To Charity
'I will be donating all of my personal proceeds...to various human rights organizations,' singer says of concert linked to Libyan dictator.By Shawn Adler
Usher (file)
Photo: Getty Images
R&B superstar Usher announced Friday (March 4) that he was donating to various charities proceeds from appearing at a private event at St. Barts linked to Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, according to a statement made to the Associated Press.
The Grammy award winner's renouncement comes after similar announcements from singers Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado, and Beyoncé, all of whom were revealed to have performed at private concerts linked to the Middle Eastern leader, who has faced open revolt and major political uprisings since February.
"I am sincerely troubled to learn about the circumstances surrounding the Nikki Beach St. Bart's event that took place on New Year's Eve 2009," Usher said of the concert, at which he appeared alongside Beyoncé but did not perform. "I will be donating all of my personal proceeds from that event to various human rights organizations."
Usher has already begun the process, having made a donation to Amnesty International, the AP reports. The exact size of the donation is not known.
The New Year's Eve gig was reportedly for Moammar's fourth son Muastassim, who an unnamed music industry source told MTV News has a history of throwing lavish parties "jammed" with supermodels.
Beyoncé, who sang at the event, donated all proceeds from her performance to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, established in the wake of the Haitian earthquake.
"All monies paid to Beyoncé for her performance at a private party at Nikki Beach St. Barts on New Year's Eve 2009, including the commissions paid to her booking agency, were donated to the earthquake relief efforts for Haiti over a year ago," the "Halo" singer's publicist said in a statement to The Huffington Post. "Once it became known that the third-party promoter was linked to the Qaddafi family, the decision was made to put that payment to a good cause."
Singer Nelly Furtado tweeted February 28 that she plans to make similar amends.
"In 2007, I received 1million$ from the Gadhafi clan to perform a 45 min. show for guests at a hotel in Italy," she tweeted. "I am going to donate the $."
The leader of Libya since a successful military coup in 1969, Gadhafi has reportedly lost control of much of his country as a result of widespread uprisings. The United Nations voted unanimously to refer the dictator to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
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Usher (file)
Photo: Getty Images
R&B superstar Usher announced Friday (March 4) that he was donating to various charities proceeds from appearing at a private event at St. Barts linked to Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, according to a statement made to the Associated Press.
The Grammy award winner's renouncement comes after similar announcements from singers Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado, and Beyoncé, all of whom were revealed to have performed at private concerts linked to the Middle Eastern leader, who has faced open revolt and major political uprisings since February.
"I am sincerely troubled to learn about the circumstances surrounding the Nikki Beach St. Bart's event that took place on New Year's Eve 2009," Usher said of the concert, at which he appeared alongside Beyoncé but did not perform. "I will be donating all of my personal proceeds from that event to various human rights organizations."
Usher has already begun the process, having made a donation to Amnesty International, the AP reports. The exact size of the donation is not known.
The New Year's Eve gig was reportedly for Moammar's fourth son Muastassim, who an unnamed music industry source told MTV News has a history of throwing lavish parties "jammed" with supermodels.
Beyoncé, who sang at the event, donated all proceeds from her performance to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, established in the wake of the Haitian earthquake.
"All monies paid to Beyoncé for her performance at a private party at Nikki Beach St. Barts on New Year's Eve 2009, including the commissions paid to her booking agency, were donated to the earthquake relief efforts for Haiti over a year ago," the "Halo" singer's publicist said in a statement to The Huffington Post. "Once it became known that the third-party promoter was linked to the Qaddafi family, the decision was made to put that payment to a good cause."
Singer Nelly Furtado tweeted February 28 that she plans to make similar amends.
"In 2007, I received 1million$ from the Gadhafi clan to perform a 45 min. show for guests at a hotel in Italy," she tweeted. "I am going to donate the $."
The leader of Libya since a successful military coup in 1969, Gadhafi has reportedly lost control of much of his country as a result of widespread uprisings. The United Nations voted unanimously to refer the dictator to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
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?X-Men: First Class? Releases A Whole Bunch Of International Posters
Last month we got to see a really cool poster for X-Men: First Class … which was a sight for sore eyes considering some of the really bad poster artwork that has been released for the prequel film (due out next month). Today we get to see a whole slew of new international posters and, [...]
Monday, May 23, 2011
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Dimmu Borgir Release Live DVD; Plus Led Zeppelin, Brujeria, & More News That Rules, In Metal File
'It shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums,' guitarist says.By Chris Harris
Dimmu Borgir's Silenoz
Photo: Nuclear Blast
On October 14, Dimmu Borgir — who just happen to be Demi Lovato's favorite black-metal band — will release a a three-disc DVD/CD set called "The Invaluable Darkness," the band's first visual offering since 2002's "World Misanthropy." Boasting live footage shot last year, during gigs in Norway, Germany and England, "The Invaluable Darkness" demonstrates the unbridled furor of seeing Dimmu live, guitarist Silenoz said.
"It shows the honest rawness and atmospheric darkness of our concerts," the Norwegian told Metal File last week, after dismissing recent online rumors that his band's next LP would be coming out through Roadrunner Records. "Basically, it shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums. It's just a different side to the band, basically."
Dimmu Borgir began thinking about "The Invaluable Darkness" two years ago, but didn't start capturing footage until last summer, Silenoz explained, adding that the band will use its current stint on the Blackest of the Black Tour — which got underway Thursday night in Miami Beach, Florida, and also features the tour's founder, Danzig, along with
Moonspell, Winds of Plague and Skeletonwitch — to promote the DVD. Dimmu Borgir will not, however, use the tour to write material for their next LP.
"It's our first time on Blackest, but Glenn [Danzig] had wanted to bring us out before [on the tour], but we weren't available until now," Silenoz said. "We've done Ozzfest before, but we're looking forward to this tour more. We did the main stage on Ozzfest, playing in f--_ing broad daylight. This tour will let us play in bigger places, but at the same time showcase more of what the band's about, visually. We are going to concentrate on the tour for now. Some years ago, we tried putting [material] together on the road, but once we got home, we listened back to it, and were like, 'What the f--- is this?' So, we just scrapped it all. We find it's so much better to totally focus on one thing at a time, and then, when that's over, you move on to the next [thing]. We don't really feel like we need to rush things, anyway, so we'll just take our time, and it's going to be what it's going to be."
Dimmu Borgir hope to reconvene in late December to begin writing the follow-up to 2007's diabolically titled In Sorte Diaboli. "We have some ideas floating around already, but we haven't arranged any material yet," he said. "We'll start doing that once the touring for this DVD is over." The band's frontman, Shagrath, is also due to marry soon — he's engaged to actor Nicolas Cage's ex-girlfriend, Christina Fulton, so that may have an effect on when Dimmu finish their next album, which Silenoz said could be out this coming spring.
"I'm sure [Shagrath] won't let anything get in the way [of] the band — I think, I hope," the guitarist said. "We don't need a Yoko [Ono] situation."
While Dimmu have been at it going on 15 years now, Silenoz said he doesn't think their forthcoming material will be much of a departure from their previous black-metal offerings.
"And we have always been about more than just that term, 'black metal,' " he said. "Luckily for us, the older you get, the less concerned you get with the categorization and putting labels on your music. Things start getting more and more limitless with us, and we know that we operate within certain frames. But we try not to analyze things too much, because it's just going to be working against you in the end. When we write new stuff, we don't think about what we should write — we just get together, and put material together, and if we like it, we keep it. That's the formula, if we even have a formula."
Dimmu Borgir are definitely getting older — guitarist Galder will be missing Blackest because of a recent addition to his family, and Susperia's Cyrus will be filling in for him; while former Vader drummer Dariusz Brzozowski takes over for Hellhammer, who had to leave the band in 2007 after sustaining a neck injury that's now limited the use of his right arm. As Dimmu has gotten on in years, Silenoz admits they have failed to keep pace with some of the more extreme black-metal acts that have followed in their wake.
"We helped open doors for the more extreme bands out there," Silenoz said. "I'm sure we helped open doors for bands like Watain, [insomuch as] people that had maybe started listening to us first then went on to the more extreme stuff. Let's face it — we're not as extreme as Watain and other bands like that, but we're fine with that."
The Blackest of the Black Tour continues through November 10 in San Francisco.
The rest of the week's metal news:
Dimmu's tourmates on Blackest, Winds of Plague, have announced ex-Azusa drummer Art Cruz has joined their ranks — he replaced Jeff Tenney. According to the band's blog, "Art has already added a new spark to the band and has provided us with a solid backbone that will allow us to continue our rampage stronger than ever." ...
What the world really needs is another
Led Zeppelin box set, so, on November 4, Rhino Records will issue the Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica CD box set. For just $200, you'll get 1969's Led Zeppelin, 1969's Led Zeppelin II, 1970's Led Zeppelin III, 1971's Led Zeppelin IV, 1973's Houses of the Holy, 1975's Physical Graffiti, 1976's Presence, 1976's The Song Remains the Same, 1979's In Through the Out Door and 1982's Coda, as mini-LP replicas, with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. Now, you know what you can get your dad for Christmas. ...
Former Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach and current Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have teamed up for a new project they're calling Times of Grace, and they've already started working on material for their debut album. According to Leach, "We have two songs to go and we will be finished with all of the vocals. Adam has taken lead vocals in three songs as of yet and he is doing a great job. We also worked on a track yesterday that is so epic — we trade vocals and do two different melodies at the same time. This album went from a melodic metal album to an epic mix of metal/rock/pop/shoegaze and punk. So all of your metal expectations will be incorrect — we are pushing genre boundaries." To quote "Meet the Parents," we'll look forward to that, Greg. ...
The Funeral Pyre and Early Graves will be hitting the road together next month, starting November 7 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Dates are booked through November 21 in Hollywood. ...
The latest incarnation of Brujeria, which features Carcass frontman Jeff Walker and Napalm Death's Shane Embury, have lined up several U.S. dates for this winter. The band will begin its brief trek November 28 in Denver, and wrap things up in Dallas on December 7. ...
Demiricous will be touring with the Gates of Slumber starting November 9 in Denver, for a jaunt that's scheduled to run through December 6 in Indianapolis. ...
Nearly three years after Roadrunner Records' Roadrunner United concert, which took over the Nokia Theater in New York's Times Square, the label is now releasing footage from that special night as "Roadrunner United: The Concert." The DVD, which hits stores December 9, will boast two discs and 24 live tracks, including Life of Agony's "River Runs Red," King Diamond's "Abigail," Killswitch's "My Last Serenade," Type O Negative's "Black No. 1" and Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist." ...
According to Blabbermouth, Verrot, bassist for Swedish black-metal outfit Elimi, committed suicide on October 3. In a statement, the band said, "Verrot was a very good friend, brother, an excellent bass player/musician and an important part of Elimi; we respect his decision and hope he'll find his way with the dark gods of Chaos. Let your black flame be a part of what brings forth the day of wrath."
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Dimmu Borgir's Silenoz
Photo: Nuclear Blast
On October 14, Dimmu Borgir — who just happen to be Demi Lovato's favorite black-metal band — will release a a three-disc DVD/CD set called "The Invaluable Darkness," the band's first visual offering since 2002's "World Misanthropy." Boasting live footage shot last year, during gigs in Norway, Germany and England, "The Invaluable Darkness" demonstrates the unbridled furor of seeing Dimmu live, guitarist Silenoz said.
"It shows the honest rawness and atmospheric darkness of our concerts," the Norwegian told Metal File last week, after dismissing recent online rumors that his band's next LP would be coming out through Roadrunner Records. "Basically, it shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums. It's just a different side to the band, basically."
Dimmu Borgir began thinking about "The Invaluable Darkness" two years ago, but didn't start capturing footage until last summer, Silenoz explained, adding that the band will use its current stint on the Blackest of the Black Tour — which got underway Thursday night in Miami Beach, Florida, and also features the tour's founder, Danzig, along with
Moonspell, Winds of Plague and Skeletonwitch — to promote the DVD. Dimmu Borgir will not, however, use the tour to write material for their next LP.
"It's our first time on Blackest, but Glenn [Danzig] had wanted to bring us out before [on the tour], but we weren't available until now," Silenoz said. "We've done Ozzfest before, but we're looking forward to this tour more. We did the main stage on Ozzfest, playing in f--_ing broad daylight. This tour will let us play in bigger places, but at the same time showcase more of what the band's about, visually. We are going to concentrate on the tour for now. Some years ago, we tried putting [material] together on the road, but once we got home, we listened back to it, and were like, 'What the f--- is this?' So, we just scrapped it all. We find it's so much better to totally focus on one thing at a time, and then, when that's over, you move on to the next [thing]. We don't really feel like we need to rush things, anyway, so we'll just take our time, and it's going to be what it's going to be."
Dimmu Borgir hope to reconvene in late December to begin writing the follow-up to 2007's diabolically titled In Sorte Diaboli. "We have some ideas floating around already, but we haven't arranged any material yet," he said. "We'll start doing that once the touring for this DVD is over." The band's frontman, Shagrath, is also due to marry soon — he's engaged to actor Nicolas Cage's ex-girlfriend, Christina Fulton, so that may have an effect on when Dimmu finish their next album, which Silenoz said could be out this coming spring.
"I'm sure [Shagrath] won't let anything get in the way [of] the band — I think, I hope," the guitarist said. "We don't need a Yoko [Ono] situation."
While Dimmu have been at it going on 15 years now, Silenoz said he doesn't think their forthcoming material will be much of a departure from their previous black-metal offerings.
"And we have always been about more than just that term, 'black metal,' " he said. "Luckily for us, the older you get, the less concerned you get with the categorization and putting labels on your music. Things start getting more and more limitless with us, and we know that we operate within certain frames. But we try not to analyze things too much, because it's just going to be working against you in the end. When we write new stuff, we don't think about what we should write — we just get together, and put material together, and if we like it, we keep it. That's the formula, if we even have a formula."
Dimmu Borgir are definitely getting older — guitarist Galder will be missing Blackest because of a recent addition to his family, and Susperia's Cyrus will be filling in for him; while former Vader drummer Dariusz Brzozowski takes over for Hellhammer, who had to leave the band in 2007 after sustaining a neck injury that's now limited the use of his right arm. As Dimmu has gotten on in years, Silenoz admits they have failed to keep pace with some of the more extreme black-metal acts that have followed in their wake.
"We helped open doors for the more extreme bands out there," Silenoz said. "I'm sure we helped open doors for bands like Watain, [insomuch as] people that had maybe started listening to us first then went on to the more extreme stuff. Let's face it — we're not as extreme as Watain and other bands like that, but we're fine with that."
The Blackest of the Black Tour continues through November 10 in San Francisco.
The rest of the week's metal news:
Dimmu's tourmates on Blackest, Winds of Plague, have announced ex-Azusa drummer Art Cruz has joined their ranks — he replaced Jeff Tenney. According to the band's blog, "Art has already added a new spark to the band and has provided us with a solid backbone that will allow us to continue our rampage stronger than ever." ...
What the world really needs is another
Led Zeppelin box set, so, on November 4, Rhino Records will issue the Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica CD box set. For just $200, you'll get 1969's Led Zeppelin, 1969's Led Zeppelin II, 1970's Led Zeppelin III, 1971's Led Zeppelin IV, 1973's Houses of the Holy, 1975's Physical Graffiti, 1976's Presence, 1976's The Song Remains the Same, 1979's In Through the Out Door and 1982's Coda, as mini-LP replicas, with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. Now, you know what you can get your dad for Christmas. ...
Former Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach and current Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have teamed up for a new project they're calling Times of Grace, and they've already started working on material for their debut album. According to Leach, "We have two songs to go and we will be finished with all of the vocals. Adam has taken lead vocals in three songs as of yet and he is doing a great job. We also worked on a track yesterday that is so epic — we trade vocals and do two different melodies at the same time. This album went from a melodic metal album to an epic mix of metal/rock/pop/shoegaze and punk. So all of your metal expectations will be incorrect — we are pushing genre boundaries." To quote "Meet the Parents," we'll look forward to that, Greg. ...
The Funeral Pyre and Early Graves will be hitting the road together next month, starting November 7 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Dates are booked through November 21 in Hollywood. ...
The latest incarnation of Brujeria, which features Carcass frontman Jeff Walker and Napalm Death's Shane Embury, have lined up several U.S. dates for this winter. The band will begin its brief trek November 28 in Denver, and wrap things up in Dallas on December 7. ...
Demiricous will be touring with the Gates of Slumber starting November 9 in Denver, for a jaunt that's scheduled to run through December 6 in Indianapolis. ...
Nearly three years after Roadrunner Records' Roadrunner United concert, which took over the Nokia Theater in New York's Times Square, the label is now releasing footage from that special night as "Roadrunner United: The Concert." The DVD, which hits stores December 9, will boast two discs and 24 live tracks, including Life of Agony's "River Runs Red," King Diamond's "Abigail," Killswitch's "My Last Serenade," Type O Negative's "Black No. 1" and Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist." ...
According to Blabbermouth, Verrot, bassist for Swedish black-metal outfit Elimi, committed suicide on October 3. In a statement, the band said, "Verrot was a very good friend, brother, an excellent bass player/musician and an important part of Elimi; we respect his decision and hope he'll find his way with the dark gods of Chaos. Let your black flame be a part of what brings forth the day of wrath."
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Johnny Depp Is A 'Total Dream,' 'Pirates' Cast And Crew Say
The man behind Jack Sparrow is 'a real genius,' 'On Stranger Tides' director Rob Marshall raves to MTV News.By Eric Ditzian
Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
Photo: Disney
Over the course of four "Pirates of the Caribbean" films — with two different directors, multiple cast makeovers and the recent addition of 3-D — one thing has remained constant: Everyone involved in the Disney franchise can't get enough of Johnny Depp.
Talk to anyone who had a hand in "On Stranger Tides," for example, the new adventure flick set to hit theaters on Friday, and each one will rave about Depp's exceptional kindness off-camera and his creative energy in front of it.
"It's a total dream to work with him," director Rob Marshall told us. "He is a consummate artist in every way; so dedicated, so inventive, a real genius. On top of all that is this amazing man: generous, kind, a real throwback from another time."
Those comments neatly echo what Jerry Bruckheimer told us. "He's a consummate pro," the producer said. "He's so creative. He always comes with fresh ideas. He's a very generous individual."
And, hey, guess what? All of that is very close to what Geoffrey Rush offered up about Depp. But Rush, whose nasty yet somehow kindhearted pirate Barbossa has gone sword to sword with Depp's Jack Sparrow since the first film, took it a step further, envisioning a time when the two characters might join forces beyond the tentative alliance they strike in "Stranger Tides."
"Johnny and I spoke about this: If these two guys could only get it together, they'd be the most kick-ass duo," Rush said. "Barbossa's got a lot of long-term strategic thinking and Jack's the master of improvisational, devil-may-care — he'll face any crisis and somehow always get out of it, not knowing from one moment to the next how he's going to do that. They'd be a hot team."
Check out everything we've got on "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
Photo: Disney
Over the course of four "Pirates of the Caribbean" films — with two different directors, multiple cast makeovers and the recent addition of 3-D — one thing has remained constant: Everyone involved in the Disney franchise can't get enough of Johnny Depp.
Talk to anyone who had a hand in "On Stranger Tides," for example, the new adventure flick set to hit theaters on Friday, and each one will rave about Depp's exceptional kindness off-camera and his creative energy in front of it.
"It's a total dream to work with him," director Rob Marshall told us. "He is a consummate artist in every way; so dedicated, so inventive, a real genius. On top of all that is this amazing man: generous, kind, a real throwback from another time."
Those comments neatly echo what Jerry Bruckheimer told us. "He's a consummate pro," the producer said. "He's so creative. He always comes with fresh ideas. He's a very generous individual."
And, hey, guess what? All of that is very close to what Geoffrey Rush offered up about Depp. But Rush, whose nasty yet somehow kindhearted pirate Barbossa has gone sword to sword with Depp's Jack Sparrow since the first film, took it a step further, envisioning a time when the two characters might join forces beyond the tentative alliance they strike in "Stranger Tides."
"Johnny and I spoke about this: If these two guys could only get it together, they'd be the most kick-ass duo," Rush said. "Barbossa's got a lot of long-term strategic thinking and Jack's the master of improvisational, devil-may-care — he'll face any crisis and somehow always get out of it, not knowing from one moment to the next how he's going to do that. They'd be a hot team."
Check out everything we've got on "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Ke$ha - My First Kiss
My First Kiss
Artist: Ke$ha
Label: Photo Finish Records
Director: Isaac Ravishankara
Artist: Ke$ha
Label: Photo Finish Records
Director: Isaac Ravishankara
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Beyonce's 'Run The World (Girls)' Video: Fans Sound Off!
After video's 'American Idol' premiere, B's fans say it 'looks fabulous,' compare her to Lady Gaga.By James Montgomery
Beyoncé in her music video for "Run the World (Girls)"
Photo: Columbia
On Wednesday night during "American Idol" (and then on her official website), Beyoncé premiered her new video for "Run the World (Girls)": an eye-popping, hip-displacing clip full of haute couture costuming, daring dance steps and even a little geocentric gender-politicking.
Of course, most of that is nothing new for a Bey video: But what is new about "Run the World," both the song and the video, is the brash new edge she's displaying. Over Major Lazer's rattling "Pon de Floor," Beyoncé gets hard, proudly proclaiming that it's the girls who are really running things. And the video doesn't pull any punches, either. She's never strutted or preened the way she does here. And, the dance moves: Well, let's just say she probably had her chiropractor on speed-dial following the shoot.
As is often the case when a beloved artist pushes the envelope, reaction to "Run the World" has been mixed. Some fans praise her new direction, while others are a bit mystified. At the same time, some didn't think the song or the video went far enough. And then there are the complaints about the video's choreography (not hot enough!) and the comparisons to Lady Gaga (they're wearing similar shoes!).
In fact, the debate has gotten so fierce that we decided to spotlight some of it. Below are comments by B's fans and critics, both of whom couldn't wait to weigh in on her new song, video and attitude. And if you still haven't added your two cents, you can do so in the comments below.
"I am a die-hard Beyoncé fan, I really like her as a person and for the artist she is, but this song really SUCKS. Beyoncé can do way better than this. Still really lookin' forward to the new album but I hope that the songs are better than that one." — Rikira
"People aren't accepting of this song because it's not a typical pop song arrangement. Everyone is so used to everything sounding the same on the radio, so Bey brings something different and people aren't feeling it? Just wait until she performs it live. You know that if she performs this at the VMA's this WILL be the most highly anticipated performance and WILL be the best one of the night." —
StunnaSton7
"Looks fabulous, but what Bey video doesn't? It seems kind of safe though, she could've pushed the envelope much further. It's written here that it was supposed to be post-apocalyptic ... the outfits should have been more tattered. No glamour, no accessories, just dramatic makeup. An AK-47 or bazooka would've sufficed for Bey herself to hold and work with." — BackdraftBelle
"What in the world? Beyoncé has officially lost it. She kind of reminds me of Lady Gaga ... She has changed tremendously." — Chanel Glover
"I don't understand why people HATE so much. This video is awesome, she came back hard despite not having a good reception for the single.
Stop with the comparisons she is the QUEEN." — Tayvion Meadows
"Choreography is much weaker than I expected. Predictable." — James Barnette
"I love you B, but the Sean Bankhead production put your video to sleep." — Amber Barrons
"I'm def a Bey fan, but was not a fan of this song ... until now. I love the video, and will def be working out some of these moves this weekend at party near you!" — Brandi Wood
"Definitely a disappointment from Beyoncé ... [both the] song and video. Plus I believe it's a slap in the face to Major Lazer!" — Mattie Brown
"I don't know about anyone else, but I actually get symbolism in the video, and I love the song. Complete departure from anything else that's happening on the radio at the moment in terms of pop. I love her and she runs it." — Pearl Sakoane
Share your review of the "Run the World (Girls)" video below!
Related Artists
Beyoncé
Beyoncé in her music video for "Run the World (Girls)"
Photo: Columbia
On Wednesday night during "American Idol" (and then on her official website), Beyoncé premiered her new video for "Run the World (Girls)": an eye-popping, hip-displacing clip full of haute couture costuming, daring dance steps and even a little geocentric gender-politicking.
Of course, most of that is nothing new for a Bey video: But what is new about "Run the World," both the song and the video, is the brash new edge she's displaying. Over Major Lazer's rattling "Pon de Floor," Beyoncé gets hard, proudly proclaiming that it's the girls who are really running things. And the video doesn't pull any punches, either. She's never strutted or preened the way she does here. And, the dance moves: Well, let's just say she probably had her chiropractor on speed-dial following the shoot.
As is often the case when a beloved artist pushes the envelope, reaction to "Run the World" has been mixed. Some fans praise her new direction, while others are a bit mystified. At the same time, some didn't think the song or the video went far enough. And then there are the complaints about the video's choreography (not hot enough!) and the comparisons to Lady Gaga (they're wearing similar shoes!).
In fact, the debate has gotten so fierce that we decided to spotlight some of it. Below are comments by B's fans and critics, both of whom couldn't wait to weigh in on her new song, video and attitude. And if you still haven't added your two cents, you can do so in the comments below.
"I am a die-hard Beyoncé fan, I really like her as a person and for the artist she is, but this song really SUCKS. Beyoncé can do way better than this. Still really lookin' forward to the new album but I hope that the songs are better than that one." — Rikira
"People aren't accepting of this song because it's not a typical pop song arrangement. Everyone is so used to everything sounding the same on the radio, so Bey brings something different and people aren't feeling it? Just wait until she performs it live. You know that if she performs this at the VMA's this WILL be the most highly anticipated performance and WILL be the best one of the night." —
StunnaSton7
"Looks fabulous, but what Bey video doesn't? It seems kind of safe though, she could've pushed the envelope much further. It's written here that it was supposed to be post-apocalyptic ... the outfits should have been more tattered. No glamour, no accessories, just dramatic makeup. An AK-47 or bazooka would've sufficed for Bey herself to hold and work with." — BackdraftBelle
"What in the world? Beyoncé has officially lost it. She kind of reminds me of Lady Gaga ... She has changed tremendously." — Chanel Glover
"I don't understand why people HATE so much. This video is awesome, she came back hard despite not having a good reception for the single.
Stop with the comparisons she is the QUEEN." — Tayvion Meadows
"Choreography is much weaker than I expected. Predictable." — James Barnette
"I love you B, but the Sean Bankhead production put your video to sleep." — Amber Barrons
"I'm def a Bey fan, but was not a fan of this song ... until now. I love the video, and will def be working out some of these moves this weekend at party near you!" — Brandi Wood
"Definitely a disappointment from Beyoncé ... [both the] song and video. Plus I believe it's a slap in the face to Major Lazer!" — Mattie Brown
"I don't know about anyone else, but I actually get symbolism in the video, and I love the song. Complete departure from anything else that's happening on the radio at the moment in terms of pop. I love her and she runs it." — Pearl Sakoane
Share your review of the "Run the World (Girls)" video below!
Related Artists
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Exciting News
I have all but abandoned this blog and, for that, I am sorry. I am, however, going to get back to it because... wait for it, wait for it... I'm moving to LA for six months starting in June and I'm going to share every dirty detail with you!
You see, Mark and my good friend Patty are executive producers of a new television show that will be taping in New York from June to November. Instead of him getting his own apartment here, we thought it would be more fun to trade places. It's going to be like The Holiday and I get to be Kate Winslet. I'M GOING TO HAVE A CAR AND EVERYTHING. (Watch. Out.)
I'm looking forward to a change of scenery and have other friends out there besides him. Also, the movie is being released at the end of September, so it will be fun to be out there for that.
So anyway, that's what I've been up to—planning all this and getting ready for my (temporary) move. Stay tuned!
You see, Mark and my good friend Patty are executive producers of a new television show that will be taping in New York from June to November. Instead of him getting his own apartment here, we thought it would be more fun to trade places. It's going to be like The Holiday and I get to be Kate Winslet. I'M GOING TO HAVE A CAR AND EVERYTHING. (Watch. Out.)
I'm looking forward to a change of scenery and have other friends out there besides him. Also, the movie is being released at the end of September, so it will be fun to be out there for that.
So anyway, that's what I've been up to—planning all this and getting ready for my (temporary) move. Stay tuned!
Photos | Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Pop-Culture References
Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Pop-Culture References
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Justin Bieber's Grammy Performance Will Be 'A Crossover,' Usher Says
The 'O.M.G.' singer looks forward to sharing the stage with his protégé on Sunday night.By James Montgomery
Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.
Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.
"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."
And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.
"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."
And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.
"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."
Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!
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Justin Bieber
Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.
Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.
"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."
And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.
"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."
And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.
"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."
Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!
Related Photos
2011 Pre-Grammy Celebrations
2011 Grammy Performers
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Justin Bieber
Taylor Swift's 'The Story Of Us' Video To Debut Tuesday On MTV
On-air debut at 7:53 p.m. ET will be followed by live 'MTV First' interview with Swift on MTV.com!By Jocelyn Vena
Taylor Swift in "The Story Of Us"
Photo: Big Machine Records
Taylor Swift has always had fun in her music videos. Whether she's a geeky schoolgirl-turned-glamour queen in her VMA-winning video for "You Belong With Me" or a forlorn lover in a snow-covered farmhouse in her "Back to December" clip, Swift has always tried to show off different sides of herself.
Now she's teaming up with MTV News for "MTV First: Taylor Swift," where she'll not only have an exclusive sit-down with our very own Sway, but also premiere the video for her Speak Now single "The Story of Us."
It all kicks off on Tuesday, May 24, at 7:53 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com. Fans can tune in to see Swift introduce the video's official premiere and speak with Sway live on-air. Sway and Taylor will then continue their chat for a 30-minute live stream on MTV.com. The singer will answer a few questions from fans too. Beginning on Friday (May 20), you can submit your pressing queries on MTV.com or via Twitter using @MTVNews (hashtag #AskTaylor).
This Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, the music video will debut online on MTV.com, VH1.com and MTV's International Sites in 150+ territories, followed by a premiere on TeenNick at 10:56 p.m. ET. For those who can't wait for the video premiere, a 30-second sneak peek of "The Story of Us" will air during VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live" on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT. The full video will also appear on "VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown" on Saturday, May 28, at 9 a.m. ET/PT.
"The Story of Us" is the fourth single from Swift's chart-topping album. It follows "Mine," "Back to December" and her country-tinged track "Mean." As for this song, well, she explains that it was inspired by one awkward awards show encounter.
"That actually happened during what ended up inspiring the last song I wrote for this record called 'Story of Us,' "Swift explained to MTV News last year about the song. "And I was at an awards show, and there was a guy there, obviously — it all starts there, doesn't it? It was a guy I had been in a relationship with, falling out, then we end up at the same awards show," she continued. "Both trying to act like we don't care ... both like, you know, chatting up the people next to us."
After the incident, she knew there was enough emotion there to write a song. "Afterward, I just felt so empty, like we were both fighting this silent war of pretending we didn't care that the other was there," she said. "And I went home, and I wrote this song about it. And at that point, I had this gut feeling, and I knew the album was finished."
Don't miss the premiere of Taylor Swift's "The Story of Us" video, on Tuesday, May 24, at 7:53 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by our live "MTV First" interview with Taylor Swift on MTV.com!
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Taylor Swift in "The Story Of Us"
Photo: Big Machine Records
Taylor Swift has always had fun in her music videos. Whether she's a geeky schoolgirl-turned-glamour queen in her VMA-winning video for "You Belong With Me" or a forlorn lover in a snow-covered farmhouse in her "Back to December" clip, Swift has always tried to show off different sides of herself.
Now she's teaming up with MTV News for "MTV First: Taylor Swift," where she'll not only have an exclusive sit-down with our very own Sway, but also premiere the video for her Speak Now single "The Story of Us."
It all kicks off on Tuesday, May 24, at 7:53 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com. Fans can tune in to see Swift introduce the video's official premiere and speak with Sway live on-air. Sway and Taylor will then continue their chat for a 30-minute live stream on MTV.com. The singer will answer a few questions from fans too. Beginning on Friday (May 20), you can submit your pressing queries on MTV.com or via Twitter using @MTVNews (hashtag #AskTaylor).
This Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, the music video will debut online on MTV.com, VH1.com and MTV's International Sites in 150+ territories, followed by a premiere on TeenNick at 10:56 p.m. ET. For those who can't wait for the video premiere, a 30-second sneak peek of "The Story of Us" will air during VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live" on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT. The full video will also appear on "VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown" on Saturday, May 28, at 9 a.m. ET/PT.
"The Story of Us" is the fourth single from Swift's chart-topping album. It follows "Mine," "Back to December" and her country-tinged track "Mean." As for this song, well, she explains that it was inspired by one awkward awards show encounter.
"That actually happened during what ended up inspiring the last song I wrote for this record called 'Story of Us,' "Swift explained to MTV News last year about the song. "And I was at an awards show, and there was a guy there, obviously — it all starts there, doesn't it? It was a guy I had been in a relationship with, falling out, then we end up at the same awards show," she continued. "Both trying to act like we don't care ... both like, you know, chatting up the people next to us."
After the incident, she knew there was enough emotion there to write a song. "Afterward, I just felt so empty, like we were both fighting this silent war of pretending we didn't care that the other was there," she said. "And I went home, and I wrote this song about it. And at that point, I had this gut feeling, and I knew the album was finished."
Don't miss the premiere of Taylor Swift's "The Story of Us" video, on Tuesday, May 24, at 7:53 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by our live "MTV First" interview with Taylor Swift on MTV.com!
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Saturday, May 21, 2011
Britney Spears Drops Official 'Till The World Ends' Remix
New track with Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha follows leaked version, plus Brit tweets single's cover art.By Jocelyn Vena
The "Till the World Ends" Femme Fatale remix
Photo: Jive
Just days after it was leaked on Friday, Britney Spears and her femme fatales, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha, dropped their official remix of "Till the World Ends."
The new version of the song was produced by Dr. Luke and Dream Machine. Brit half-whispers " 'Till the World Ends' remix" before the beat kicks in and Nicki hits her verse hard. She spits fierce lines like, "Sniff, sniff, cries/ I done slayed your whole entire f---ing life."
Then Britney's sex-kitten vocals kick in for the song's first verse. "That's Britney, bitch! I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha," the Queens MC declares before K sings the chorus. The beat is harder, the loops are sassier and the song is grimier than the original version, which was the second single from Femme Fatale. The newly added dubstep portion takes the one from "Hold It Against Me" to a new level by adding in bass-heavy synths.
Ke$ha, of course, wrote the track for Britney, and the ladies certainly don't seem to mind sharing the spotlight with each other. The official track isn't much different than the version that leaked over the weekend, though Spears did have something brand-new to share with her fans just as the song dropped on iTunes and streamed on her website.
Spears tweeted the artwork for the single, which features the original press photo of Spears along with separate photos of Nicki on the left and Ke$ha on the right. Spears wrote, "@NickiMinaj @Keshasuxx Too much fierceness for one cover! Thanks for lending your voices girls... #TTWEREMIX — Brit"
Spears and Minaj have been hanging out a lot in the lead-up to their summer tour. They hung out at the Factory nightclub on Friday night after Minaj's show in Los Angeles. Spears later wrote, "Early rehearsal after a late night with my girl @NickiMinaj. Can't WAIT to get out on the road with you."
What do you think of the "Till the World Ends" remix? Tell us in the comments!
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Britney Spears
Nicki Minaj
Ke$ha
The "Till the World Ends" Femme Fatale remix
Photo: Jive
Just days after it was leaked on Friday, Britney Spears and her femme fatales, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha, dropped their official remix of "Till the World Ends."
The new version of the song was produced by Dr. Luke and Dream Machine. Brit half-whispers " 'Till the World Ends' remix" before the beat kicks in and Nicki hits her verse hard. She spits fierce lines like, "Sniff, sniff, cries/ I done slayed your whole entire f---ing life."
Then Britney's sex-kitten vocals kick in for the song's first verse. "That's Britney, bitch! I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha," the Queens MC declares before K sings the chorus. The beat is harder, the loops are sassier and the song is grimier than the original version, which was the second single from Femme Fatale. The newly added dubstep portion takes the one from "Hold It Against Me" to a new level by adding in bass-heavy synths.
Ke$ha, of course, wrote the track for Britney, and the ladies certainly don't seem to mind sharing the spotlight with each other. The official track isn't much different than the version that leaked over the weekend, though Spears did have something brand-new to share with her fans just as the song dropped on iTunes and streamed on her website.
Spears tweeted the artwork for the single, which features the original press photo of Spears along with separate photos of Nicki on the left and Ke$ha on the right. Spears wrote, "@NickiMinaj @Keshasuxx Too much fierceness for one cover! Thanks for lending your voices girls... #TTWEREMIX — Brit"
Spears and Minaj have been hanging out a lot in the lead-up to their summer tour. They hung out at the Factory nightclub on Friday night after Minaj's show in Los Angeles. Spears later wrote, "Early rehearsal after a late night with my girl @NickiMinaj. Can't WAIT to get out on the road with you."
What do you think of the "Till the World Ends" remix? Tell us in the comments!
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Photos | Buddy Movies Justin Bieber And Ashton Kutcher Should Remake
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Photos | Justin Bieber Turns 17! What's In Store For Him This Year?
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Beyonce To Premiere 'Run The World (Girls)' On 'American Idol'
MTV News confirms the video will premiere on the show on Wednesday.By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
After delaying the premiere of her "Run the World (Girls)" video, MTV News has confirmed that Beyoncé will finally drop the video on Wednesday during "American Idol."
A label rep confirms that the video will hit the Web and other networks shortly after the West Coast broadcast of the show. "Run the World (Girls)" was originally slated to debut online last Friday, but a rep for Vevo.com confirmed to MTV News at the time that Beyoncé and her team were still putting the finishing touches on the Francis Lawrence-directed video.
A teaser for the video gave fans a taste of what they could expect from the full-length clip. In it, Beyoncé, dressed in high-fashion couture, and her super-cool-looking supermodel pals fend off an opposing army in a post-apocalyptic world.
"It'll be big, it'll probably be one of the bigger Beyoncé music videos ever done," Lawrence told MTV News recently. "And I can say that I think the song is unbelievable." He added, "I think the video's gonna be really fun and cool and different for her."
The song is the lead single off Beyoncé's forthcoming album 4. "It's definitely riskier than something a bit more ... simple," the singer told Billboard.com. "I just heard the track and loved that it was so different. It felt a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic. It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras — things that typically don't go together — to create a new sound.
"I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal," she continued. "That's how I've gotten to where I am."
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Beyoncé
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
After delaying the premiere of her "Run the World (Girls)" video, MTV News has confirmed that Beyoncé will finally drop the video on Wednesday during "American Idol."
A label rep confirms that the video will hit the Web and other networks shortly after the West Coast broadcast of the show. "Run the World (Girls)" was originally slated to debut online last Friday, but a rep for Vevo.com confirmed to MTV News at the time that Beyoncé and her team were still putting the finishing touches on the Francis Lawrence-directed video.
A teaser for the video gave fans a taste of what they could expect from the full-length clip. In it, Beyoncé, dressed in high-fashion couture, and her super-cool-looking supermodel pals fend off an opposing army in a post-apocalyptic world.
"It'll be big, it'll probably be one of the bigger Beyoncé music videos ever done," Lawrence told MTV News recently. "And I can say that I think the song is unbelievable." He added, "I think the video's gonna be really fun and cool and different for her."
The song is the lead single off Beyoncé's forthcoming album 4. "It's definitely riskier than something a bit more ... simple," the singer told Billboard.com. "I just heard the track and loved that it was so different. It felt a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic. It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras — things that typically don't go together — to create a new sound.
"I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal," she continued. "That's how I've gotten to where I am."
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Beyonc� - Sweet Dreams
Sweet Dreams
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Adria Petty
Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Artist: Beyoncé
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Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Friday, May 20, 2011
Bad Meets Evil Photographer Talks 'Atomic' EP Cover Inspiration
'When they played me those 10, 11 tracks, I felt like it's a wrap for everybody,' Danny Hastings tells MTV News about Eminem and Royce Da 5'9".By Rob Markman
Photo: MTV News
When bad meets evil, there's sure to be a catastrophe, at least that's what photographer/filmmaker Danny Hastings envisioned when he was tapped to shoot the album cover for Eminem and Royce Da 5'9"'s new collabo EP, Hell: The Sequel.
"I interpreted hell not being a satanic place, I interpreted hell as, 'OK, this is what I've been through — you're coming in next.' In the sense like, 'Prepare for the sequel,' " said Hastings, who famously shot the cover for Wu-Tang Clan's debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), as well as albums for Big Pun, Gang Starr and Nas.
Hastings also lent his lens to the inside art for Em's 1998 debut, The Slim Shady LP. During a meeting with Shady Records, the photog was able to listen to the new Bad Meets Evil material and was "blown away."
"The [Bad Meets Evil] project is really special because I was a part of [Eminem's] first album. I shot the entire inside of The Slim Shady LP, which was the first record that put him where he is at today," Hastings told MTV News. "So everything came full circle. Em, with this record, was in a very special time in his life when he said, 'I'm gonna go back and I'm gonna work with Royce.' "
Hastings was most inspired by the duo's lyrical superiority and used the EP's rhymes as inspiration for the shoot, which took place in Detroit in April.
"The album is phenomenal lyrically. When I was done, when they played me those 10, 11 tracks, I felt like it's a wrap for everybody. It's over, nuclear explosion; it's over," Hastings said. "But I didn't want to do the obvious nuclear explosion. I wanted to do the after-effect of these two brothers meeting, and creatively bring that atomic energy."
Sounds like a hell of a look.
What do you think of Eminem and Royce's album cover? Tell us in the comments!
Photo: MTV News
When bad meets evil, there's sure to be a catastrophe, at least that's what photographer/filmmaker Danny Hastings envisioned when he was tapped to shoot the album cover for Eminem and Royce Da 5'9"'s new collabo EP, Hell: The Sequel.
"I interpreted hell not being a satanic place, I interpreted hell as, 'OK, this is what I've been through — you're coming in next.' In the sense like, 'Prepare for the sequel,' " said Hastings, who famously shot the cover for Wu-Tang Clan's debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), as well as albums for Big Pun, Gang Starr and Nas.
Hastings also lent his lens to the inside art for Em's 1998 debut, The Slim Shady LP. During a meeting with Shady Records, the photog was able to listen to the new Bad Meets Evil material and was "blown away."
"The [Bad Meets Evil] project is really special because I was a part of [Eminem's] first album. I shot the entire inside of The Slim Shady LP, which was the first record that put him where he is at today," Hastings told MTV News. "So everything came full circle. Em, with this record, was in a very special time in his life when he said, 'I'm gonna go back and I'm gonna work with Royce.' "
Hastings was most inspired by the duo's lyrical superiority and used the EP's rhymes as inspiration for the shoot, which took place in Detroit in April.
"The album is phenomenal lyrically. When I was done, when they played me those 10, 11 tracks, I felt like it's a wrap for everybody. It's over, nuclear explosion; it's over," Hastings said. "But I didn't want to do the obvious nuclear explosion. I wanted to do the after-effect of these two brothers meeting, and creatively bring that atomic energy."
Sounds like a hell of a look.
What do you think of Eminem and Royce's album cover? Tell us in the comments!
Thalía Thandie Newton The Avatars of Second Life The Pussycat Dolls
Victoria Beckham Is Rumored To Give Birth On US Independence Day
A new rumor is going around about the birth of Victoria and David Beckham‘s 4th baby, due out in July, that claims that Posh and Becks are **planning** for the baby to be born on July 4 … which is Independence Day here in the US. According to the report, the couple have scheduled the [...]
So a Lady and Her Monkey Walk Into a Petsmart...
I went to Petsmart yesterday to get some things for little Mary Margaret, and while I was pulling into the parking lot, I passed a lady getting out of her car with a monkey on her shoulders.
Of course I came to a screeching halt because there was a lady getting our of her car WITH A MONKEY ON HER SHOULDERS, and that's just something you don't see every day.
I proceeded to take a photo...
...but then thought it would be better to capture the craziness on video, so here it is:
Lady and Her Monkey Go to Petsmart from Karyn Bosnak on Vimeo.
When I told Mark about the lady and her monkey and showed him my movie, he said, "You really are crazy." I was like, "I'm crazy? THE MONKEY WAS WEARING A DIAPER AND PEARLS."
I mean, for real, let's put this into perspective.
Anywho, here's another photo of the lady and her monkey at the checkout counter:
I realize I now have one cat and two dogs, but at least I don't walk around with a monkey on my shoulders. (Yet.)
Of course I came to a screeching halt because there was a lady getting our of her car WITH A MONKEY ON HER SHOULDERS, and that's just something you don't see every day.
I proceeded to take a photo...
...but then thought it would be better to capture the craziness on video, so here it is:
Lady and Her Monkey Go to Petsmart from Karyn Bosnak on Vimeo.
When I told Mark about the lady and her monkey and showed him my movie, he said, "You really are crazy." I was like, "I'm crazy? THE MONKEY WAS WEARING A DIAPER AND PEARLS."
I mean, for real, let's put this into perspective.
Anywho, here's another photo of the lady and her monkey at the checkout counter:
I realize I now have one cat and two dogs, but at least I don't walk around with a monkey on my shoulders. (Yet.)
Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel
The Way You Make Me Feel
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic
Photos | Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez And Many More At Wango Tango 2011
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Thursday, May 19, 2011
Photos | Ke$ha, Chris Brown Heat Up The Us Hot Hollywood Party
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Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Muse Added To Grammy Show
Usher, Jaden Smith, B.o.B, Janelle Monae and Lady Antebellum will also perform on February 13.By Gil Kaufman
Justin Bieber and Usher
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
While Willow Smith is the one who made music headlines with "Whip My Hair" last year, it's her brother, "Karate Kid" actor Jaden Smith, who will take the stage at the upcoming 53rd Grammy Awards in a special performance alongside Usher and Justin Bieber, with whom he collaborated on the song "Never Say Never" last summer.
The trio joins a list of new performers added to the show on Thursday (January 20) that will also include another power trifecta made up of B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, according to a press release from the Recording Academy announcing the additions to the February 13 telecast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Also taking the stage next month will be nominees Muse and Lady Antebellum. They will join a roster of previously announced performers that includes Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, Cee Lo Green and Miranda Lambert. It will be the first time on the Grammy performance stage for Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse and Smith. Eminem, Green, Gaga, Perry, Usher and Lady Antebellum will be making return visits for the occasion.
While 11-time Grammy winner Eminem leads the pack in nominations this year (with 10 nods), Mars has seven nominations, and Gaga and Lady Antebellum are not far behind with six nods each. B.o.B has notched five, Perry and Green are each up for four, and Arcade Fire and Lambert are vying for three awards. Bieber, Muse, Usher and Monáe are each nominated for two Grammys.
No details of the collaborative performances were released, but the Grammy announcement promised a rare, never-before-seen event for the Mars, B.o.B and Monáe segment.
With the addition of Antebellum, all five Album of the Year nominees (Eminem, Arcade Fire, Gaga, Perry) are now scheduled to perform on the show. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.
Which Grammy performance are you most looking forward to? Talk about it in the comments!
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2011 Grammy Performers
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Janelle Monae
B.o.B
Justin Bieber
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Justin Bieber and Usher
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
While Willow Smith is the one who made music headlines with "Whip My Hair" last year, it's her brother, "Karate Kid" actor Jaden Smith, who will take the stage at the upcoming 53rd Grammy Awards in a special performance alongside Usher and Justin Bieber, with whom he collaborated on the song "Never Say Never" last summer.
The trio joins a list of new performers added to the show on Thursday (January 20) that will also include another power trifecta made up of B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, according to a press release from the Recording Academy announcing the additions to the February 13 telecast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Also taking the stage next month will be nominees Muse and Lady Antebellum. They will join a roster of previously announced performers that includes Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, Cee Lo Green and Miranda Lambert. It will be the first time on the Grammy performance stage for Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse and Smith. Eminem, Green, Gaga, Perry, Usher and Lady Antebellum will be making return visits for the occasion.
While 11-time Grammy winner Eminem leads the pack in nominations this year (with 10 nods), Mars has seven nominations, and Gaga and Lady Antebellum are not far behind with six nods each. B.o.B has notched five, Perry and Green are each up for four, and Arcade Fire and Lambert are vying for three awards. Bieber, Muse, Usher and Monáe are each nominated for two Grammys.
No details of the collaborative performances were released, but the Grammy announcement promised a rare, never-before-seen event for the Mars, B.o.B and Monáe segment.
With the addition of Antebellum, all five Album of the Year nominees (Eminem, Arcade Fire, Gaga, Perry) are now scheduled to perform on the show. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.
Which Grammy performance are you most looking forward to? Talk about it in the comments!
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Justin Bieber's Grammy Performance Will Be 'A Crossover,' Usher Says
The 'O.M.G.' singer looks forward to sharing the stage with his protégé on Sunday night.By James Montgomery
Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.
Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.
"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."
And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.
"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."
And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.
"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."
Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!
Related Photos
2011 Pre-Grammy Celebrations
2011 Grammy Performers
Related Artists
Usher
Justin Bieber
Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.
Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.
"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."
And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.
"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."
And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.
"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."
Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!
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Melissa George Melissa Howard Melissa Joan Hart Melissa Rycroft
Photos | Lady Gaga Leads The 2010 VMA Nominees
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011
James Franco Graduates From NYU
Congratulations are in order for actor James Franco because he is a new graduate from New York University. A photo of Franco in his purple robes made its way to Twitter yesterday so we know for sure that he did successfully complete his graduate program. Check out the photo below of new grad James Franco. [...]
Sundance Selects Acquires U.S. Rights to 'Sleeping Beauty' (Cannes)
Philiana Ng The Julia Leigh film stars Emily Browning as a university student drawn into a hidden world of unspoken desires.read more
CBGB Biopic In The Works
Film will focus on New York club's irreverent late owner Hilly Kristal and the bands that got their start there.By Gil Kaufman
Photo: MTV News
If you ever made it down to the legendary New York punk club CBGB, chances are you had a run-in with its legendarily irreverent, bearded owner, Hilly Kristal. Often perched at the entrance to the now-defunct ground zero of the city's punk movement, the unflappable, bespectacled Kristal was like a character out of a movie.
And now he will be.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a new movie tentatively titled "CBGB" will focus on the late club owner and the explosive years of 1974 to 1976, when CBs helped birth the careers of everyone from the Ramones to the Talking Heads, Patti Smith and Television.
The movie will tell the story of the New York punk scene through the eyes of Kristal — who died in 2007 after a bout with lung cancer — and will be co-produced by the club owner's daughter, Lisa Kristal Burgman. The script is being written by the husband-and-wife team of Randall Miller and Jody Savin ("Bottle Shock"), with Savin slated to direct.
Kristal was a trained violinist who opened CBGB with the intention of booking country, bluegrass and blues bands (hence the name of the venue). But the dingy club on New York's rundown Bowery neighborhood soon became a hot spot for the then-emerging punk scene, helping it gain a foothold in America and serving as the launching pad for a variety of bands, including the Misfits, the Dead Boys, the Dictators, the Voidoids, the Cramps, Blondie and the Fleshtones. After years of declining influence, the club closed down in 2006 after a rent dispute with the Bowery Residents' Committee.
Given the "surrogate parent"-type relationship Kristal had with many of the acts that played at the venue, producers are confident that they will be able to get the music rights from the various bands who appear in the movie. The independent film is slated to start shooting later this year.
Are you interested in seeing a CBGB biopic? Tell us in the comments.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Photo: MTV News
If you ever made it down to the legendary New York punk club CBGB, chances are you had a run-in with its legendarily irreverent, bearded owner, Hilly Kristal. Often perched at the entrance to the now-defunct ground zero of the city's punk movement, the unflappable, bespectacled Kristal was like a character out of a movie.
And now he will be.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a new movie tentatively titled "CBGB" will focus on the late club owner and the explosive years of 1974 to 1976, when CBs helped birth the careers of everyone from the Ramones to the Talking Heads, Patti Smith and Television.
The movie will tell the story of the New York punk scene through the eyes of Kristal — who died in 2007 after a bout with lung cancer — and will be co-produced by the club owner's daughter, Lisa Kristal Burgman. The script is being written by the husband-and-wife team of Randall Miller and Jody Savin ("Bottle Shock"), with Savin slated to direct.
Kristal was a trained violinist who opened CBGB with the intention of booking country, bluegrass and blues bands (hence the name of the venue). But the dingy club on New York's rundown Bowery neighborhood soon became a hot spot for the then-emerging punk scene, helping it gain a foothold in America and serving as the launching pad for a variety of bands, including the Misfits, the Dead Boys, the Dictators, the Voidoids, the Cramps, Blondie and the Fleshtones. After years of declining influence, the club closed down in 2006 after a rent dispute with the Bowery Residents' Committee.
Given the "surrogate parent"-type relationship Kristal had with many of the acts that played at the venue, producers are confident that they will be able to get the music rights from the various bands who appear in the movie. The independent film is slated to start shooting later this year.
Are you interested in seeing a CBGB biopic? Tell us in the comments.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
Remembering CBGB
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The End Of An Era: CBGB Dismantled
Patti Smith, Punk Fans Bid Farewell To CBGB
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'Breaking Dawn' Interview Process Made Gus Van Sant 'Nervous'
'Usually people just hire me,' he tells MTV News of being on the short list of potential 'Twilight' finale directors.By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Gus van Sant
Photo: MTV News
When Robert Pattinson told us Gus Van Sant would be his ideal director for "Breaking Dawn" because the material is "all about teenage love and obsessions," it turned out Van Sant himself was listening.
As the director revealed to MTV News at the Cannes Film Festival, Pattinson's suggestion led directly to Van Sant joining the short list of helmers in March 2010.
"I've never met [Pattinson], but I think that's where it started," he said. "I had heard him mention it in the press. So I thought, 'Oh, is that even actually a possibility? Would they even hire someone like me for this film?' That's how I got all involved in it. I told my agent, so I became one of the directors."
The other directors being considered at the time were Sofia Coppola and Bill Condon. Each reportedly met with Summit Entertainment, with the job eventually going to Condon. Before he was passed over, however, Van Sant had what he called a very nerve-racking meeting with studio execs.
"I got very nervous," he said. "There were, like, 15 people. I had never really auditioned or gone into a job interview in that way since maybe 1988 or '87. I guess I was unprepared for it. Usually people just hire me.
"In this case, they wanted me to talk about their project, which really needed to follow very closely the book and which the outline was following very closely the book," he added. "There was a certain amount of room for illumination on their own project, but they were the experts. I was talking about the book, and really all I was saying was, 'OK, this is great, let's go to it.' That was the pitch. I think they're used to something else. They're used to, for those of you who might audition for film jobs, a 40-minute dissertation with perhaps visual aids and a pep talk about how fantastic this project is going to be. I just didn't know how to do that."
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
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Gus van Sant
Photo: MTV News
When Robert Pattinson told us Gus Van Sant would be his ideal director for "Breaking Dawn" because the material is "all about teenage love and obsessions," it turned out Van Sant himself was listening.
As the director revealed to MTV News at the Cannes Film Festival, Pattinson's suggestion led directly to Van Sant joining the short list of helmers in March 2010.
"I've never met [Pattinson], but I think that's where it started," he said. "I had heard him mention it in the press. So I thought, 'Oh, is that even actually a possibility? Would they even hire someone like me for this film?' That's how I got all involved in it. I told my agent, so I became one of the directors."
The other directors being considered at the time were Sofia Coppola and Bill Condon. Each reportedly met with Summit Entertainment, with the job eventually going to Condon. Before he was passed over, however, Van Sant had what he called a very nerve-racking meeting with studio execs.
"I got very nervous," he said. "There were, like, 15 people. I had never really auditioned or gone into a job interview in that way since maybe 1988 or '87. I guess I was unprepared for it. Usually people just hire me.
"In this case, they wanted me to talk about their project, which really needed to follow very closely the book and which the outline was following very closely the book," he added. "There was a certain amount of room for illumination on their own project, but they were the experts. I was talking about the book, and really all I was saying was, 'OK, this is great, let's go to it.' That was the pitch. I think they're used to something else. They're used to, for those of you who might audition for film jobs, a 40-minute dissertation with perhaps visual aids and a pep talk about how fantastic this project is going to be. I just didn't know how to do that."
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related Photos
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'Glee' Stars Talk 'Funeral' Episode
'There's going to be a death in the cast and the person that dies is very important in the show,' Chord Overstreet reveals.By Jocelyn Vena
Jenna Ushkowitz
Photo: MTV News
Next week, the New Directions will be taking their antics to New York City for the finale of "Glee," but this week the group is mourning the loss of one of their own in the episode aptly titled "Funeral."
MTV News had the pleasure of catching up with "Glee" stars Chord Overstreet and Jenna Ushkowitz at the Fox upfront on Monday in New York City, where they opened up about the emotional episode airing Tuesday night (May 17). "There's eight of the 'Glee' kids that are definitely not dying, and then the other four you're gonna have to guess," Overstreet teased. "The four that it's going to be down to, it's going to be down to Lea [Michelle], Cory [Monteith], Schuester [Matt Morrison] and Jane Lynch, those guys are up.
"I'm kidding," he continued about any of those people actually dying on the show. "There's going to be a death in the cast and the person that dies is very important in the show and that's all I can say. Everyone's going to be surprised, but I think it shows a dramatic side to everybody in the cast. It's a good episode; it's really strong."
Ushkowitz went on to confirm who doesn't die. "Somebody does die ... Tina Cohen-Chang [Ushkowitz's character] does not die," she laughed. "I don't die. Anything is possible, but I don't think any of us expected a funeral on the show."
She added that while castmembers were going around set worried that they might be knocked off, fans will be surprised by who bids a final fond farewell on the show. "So it definitely was shocking. At first, we were all scared [it might be us], but it's kind of shocking [regardless], and I think that's kind of why we did it. I think [fans will definitely be] shocked and I don't think anyone expected anyone to die, and it affects everyone, everybody in the cast. It'll be interesting to see what people think."
Who do you think will die on the episode? Share your guesses in the comments.
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Jenna Ushkowitz
Photo: MTV News
Next week, the New Directions will be taking their antics to New York City for the finale of "Glee," but this week the group is mourning the loss of one of their own in the episode aptly titled "Funeral."
MTV News had the pleasure of catching up with "Glee" stars Chord Overstreet and Jenna Ushkowitz at the Fox upfront on Monday in New York City, where they opened up about the emotional episode airing Tuesday night (May 17). "There's eight of the 'Glee' kids that are definitely not dying, and then the other four you're gonna have to guess," Overstreet teased. "The four that it's going to be down to, it's going to be down to Lea [Michelle], Cory [Monteith], Schuester [Matt Morrison] and Jane Lynch, those guys are up.
"I'm kidding," he continued about any of those people actually dying on the show. "There's going to be a death in the cast and the person that dies is very important in the show and that's all I can say. Everyone's going to be surprised, but I think it shows a dramatic side to everybody in the cast. It's a good episode; it's really strong."
Ushkowitz went on to confirm who doesn't die. "Somebody does die ... Tina Cohen-Chang [Ushkowitz's character] does not die," she laughed. "I don't die. Anything is possible, but I don't think any of us expected a funeral on the show."
She added that while castmembers were going around set worried that they might be knocked off, fans will be surprised by who bids a final fond farewell on the show. "So it definitely was shocking. At first, we were all scared [it might be us], but it's kind of shocking [regardless], and I think that's kind of why we did it. I think [fans will definitely be] shocked and I don't think anyone expected anyone to die, and it affects everyone, everybody in the cast. It'll be interesting to see what people think."
Who do you think will die on the episode? Share your guesses in the comments.
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Musical 'Glee-Caps' Of Season Two
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Photos | Performances At The 10th Annual BMI Urban Awards
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Vanessa Hudgens Talks New Indie Film, Love Of 'Glee'
'I totally would' do guest spot on 'Glee,' actress tells MTV News at Cannes.By Christina Garibaldi
Vanessa Hudgens
Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images
Vanessa Hudgens is about to bring the drama to the big screen in her upcoming indie film, "Gimme Shelter." The young actress will take on the role of a troubled pregnant teen who flees her abusive mother to find her biological father. As Hudgens' first purely dramatic feature role, the film is a big change from her days as a singing star in "High School Musical."
MTV News caught up with Hudgens on the red carpet for the Calvin Klein Women in Independent Film event at the 64th annual Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night, where she talked about her challenging new role.
"It's really exciting. It follows a young girl that's been in foster homes and abused her whole life and is practically homeless and ends up turning into a mother," Hudgens said. "So it's an amazing character."
The film, written and directed by Ron Krauss, also stars Brendan Fraser, who will play Hudgens' father in the film. According to the actress, the rest of the cast is "still in the works." Given that shooting begins soon, the other members of the cast should be confirmed shortly.
"I leave from [Cannes] and go straight to New York and start my prep,"
Hudgens said.
If the actress should find herself with any downtime, she is open to getting back into musicals, including one that airs on television.
Hudgens, a big fan of "Glee," expressed interest in making an appearance on the hit Fox series.
"I totally would. I'm all for musicals," Hudgens said. "I love what they are doing. I'm very go with the flow, so if it happens, awesome!"
What do you think of Vanessa's new role? Let us know in the comments below.
Stick with MTV News all week for all of the scoop from the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Vanessa Hudgens
Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images
Vanessa Hudgens is about to bring the drama to the big screen in her upcoming indie film, "Gimme Shelter." The young actress will take on the role of a troubled pregnant teen who flees her abusive mother to find her biological father. As Hudgens' first purely dramatic feature role, the film is a big change from her days as a singing star in "High School Musical."
MTV News caught up with Hudgens on the red carpet for the Calvin Klein Women in Independent Film event at the 64th annual Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night, where she talked about her challenging new role.
"It's really exciting. It follows a young girl that's been in foster homes and abused her whole life and is practically homeless and ends up turning into a mother," Hudgens said. "So it's an amazing character."
The film, written and directed by Ron Krauss, also stars Brendan Fraser, who will play Hudgens' father in the film. According to the actress, the rest of the cast is "still in the works." Given that shooting begins soon, the other members of the cast should be confirmed shortly.
"I leave from [Cannes] and go straight to New York and start my prep,"
Hudgens said.
If the actress should find herself with any downtime, she is open to getting back into musicals, including one that airs on television.
Hudgens, a big fan of "Glee," expressed interest in making an appearance on the hit Fox series.
"I totally would. I'm all for musicals," Hudgens said. "I love what they are doing. I'm very go with the flow, so if it happens, awesome!"
What do you think of Vanessa's new role? Let us know in the comments below.
Stick with MTV News all week for all of the scoop from the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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