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SUNDANCE: Mike Cahill's 'Another Earth' Wins Sloan Prize, Plus Other News
Jay A. Fernandez, Daniel Miller Late-fest news from Park City, including deals, plus "May in the Summer" director Cherien Dabis awarded the 2011 Sundance / NHK International Filmmaker Award and Mike Cahill's 'Another Earth' winning the Alfred P. Sloan prize.read more
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Anthony Hopkins On 'The Rite': 'I Know How To Scare People'
In new film, Oscar-winner plays unorthodox exorcist Father Lucas.By Kara Warner
Anthony Hopkins
Photo: MTV News
If Anthony Hopkins fans know anything, it's the fact that the Oscar-winner knows how to scare the pants off of moviegoers. The obvious, most-famous example is his award-winning turn as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in "Silence of the Lambs" and the subsequent sequels. It's been awhile since we've seen Sir Hopkins play dark and devious, but with the release of exorcism thriller "The Rite" on Friday (January 28), fans can reacquaint themselves with a bit of Hopkins' tricks and treats.
In the film, which is based on real-life events, Hopkins plays unorthodox exorcist Father Lucas. Without delving into spoiler territory — no more than what the creepy promotional posters give away — when MTV News caught up with the actor recently, we asked him to take us through his process of playing possessed.
Hopkins explained that most of his performances come from extensive preparation. For "The Rite," he learned Latin and Italian for certain scenes, and spent a lot of time alone in his hotel room going over the script.
"I would be there in my den, my man's cave, going over and over [the] script," Hopkins said. "Gradually, as you go through it over and over, all these voices and interpretations come to you," he explained, adding that by the time he was ready to film the key possession sequences, he knew the material so well he was open to improvisation.
"I put all kinds of very suggestive sexual stuff into it which they cut out, but stuff that would provoke people. I knew that the response was good because [director] Mikael Håfström's said, 'You're crazy.' "
Hopkins went on to say, with a smile, that he just knows how to "get people."
"I know how to do those parts," he said. "Not because I'm scary, but because I know how to scare people. ... It's a question of being quiet and not overplaying it," he explained. "You let the script and the audiences do the work for you. You don't have to play evil."
Check out everything we've got on "The Rite."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Anthony Hopkins
Photo: MTV News
If Anthony Hopkins fans know anything, it's the fact that the Oscar-winner knows how to scare the pants off of moviegoers. The obvious, most-famous example is his award-winning turn as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in "Silence of the Lambs" and the subsequent sequels. It's been awhile since we've seen Sir Hopkins play dark and devious, but with the release of exorcism thriller "The Rite" on Friday (January 28), fans can reacquaint themselves with a bit of Hopkins' tricks and treats.
In the film, which is based on real-life events, Hopkins plays unorthodox exorcist Father Lucas. Without delving into spoiler territory — no more than what the creepy promotional posters give away — when MTV News caught up with the actor recently, we asked him to take us through his process of playing possessed.
Hopkins explained that most of his performances come from extensive preparation. For "The Rite," he learned Latin and Italian for certain scenes, and spent a lot of time alone in his hotel room going over the script.
"I would be there in my den, my man's cave, going over and over [the] script," Hopkins said. "Gradually, as you go through it over and over, all these voices and interpretations come to you," he explained, adding that by the time he was ready to film the key possession sequences, he knew the material so well he was open to improvisation.
"I put all kinds of very suggestive sexual stuff into it which they cut out, but stuff that would provoke people. I knew that the response was good because [director] Mikael Håfström's said, 'You're crazy.' "
Hopkins went on to say, with a smile, that he just knows how to "get people."
"I know how to do those parts," he said. "Not because I'm scary, but because I know how to scare people. ... It's a question of being quiet and not overplaying it," he explained. "You let the script and the audiences do the work for you. You don't have to play evil."
Check out everything we've got on "The Rite."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Chris Cornell Filling In For Robert Plant On Led Zeppelin Tour? That's News To Him
'I have not been approached to fill in for Robert Plant on the Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be,' singer says.By Chris Harris
Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News
Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.
Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.
"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."
Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."
Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.
According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "
"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."
In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."
But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."
Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.
"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.
"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."
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Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News
Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.
Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.
"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."
Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."
Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.
According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "
"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."
In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."
But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."
Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.
"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.
"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."
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Justin Bieber Talks 'Never Say Never'
'It's been so much fun to be able to live my dream,' singer says on 'Today' show.By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber on the "Today" show on Monday
Photo: NBC
Justin Bieber is on press rounds promoting his 3-D movie "Never Say Never," out next weekend. He appeared on the "Today" show, where he sat down with Matt Lauer to talk about the film and how it chronicles his rise to fame.
"Not just that I've been working hard, just showing what I've been going through and how much it takes out of you. It's been so much fun to be able to live my dream," he said, with a crowd of screaming fans watching.
The film is part concert film, part documentary, and his fans play a big role in it. Bieber said that the part in the film where he gives away tickets to his fans is his favorite. "I love that part. It's one of my favorite parts because everyone gets happy. It makes everyone happier. You go in the back and you give them tickets ... it's amazing."
Bieber explained that while his rise to fame was no accident, he had no idea it would be this meteoric or epic. "It was crazy because I started out posting videos online and not wishing for anything and then this all happened really fast," he said. "I've been playing music since I can remember. It's such a big part of my life and I want that to be shown, especially in my movie."
Sure, Bieber is busy being a pop star, but he says that he makes sure that in addition to working hard, he gets some time to play hard. "Well, I make sure I have at least one day off a week. I need one day of downtime. The rest of the week is all jam-packed. I have to have at least one day," he said. "It's hard because I'm away from my family, like, my brother and sister. You only live once, but at the same time, by brother and sister are going to grow up and they're going to be proud of me."
These days Bieber's other big challenge is puberty. "My voice is definitely changing, gradually," he said. "It's how you go through it. I have a good vocal coach."
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Justin Bieber is on press rounds promoting his 3-D movie "Never Say Never," out next weekend. He appeared on the "Today" show, where he sat down with Matt Lauer to talk about the film and how it chronicles his rise to fame.
"Not just that I've been working hard, just showing what I've been going through and how much it takes out of you. It's been so much fun to be able to live my dream," he said, with a crowd of screaming fans watching.
The film is part concert film, part documentary, and his fans play a big role in it. Bieber said that the part in the film where he gives away tickets to his fans is his favorite. "I love that part. It's one of my favorite parts because everyone gets happy. It makes everyone happier. You go in the back and you give them tickets ... it's amazing."
Bieber explained that while his rise to fame was no accident, he had no idea it would be this meteoric or epic. "It was crazy because I started out posting videos online and not wishing for anything and then this all happened really fast," he said. "I've been playing music since I can remember. It's such a big part of my life and I want that to be shown, especially in my movie."
Sure, Bieber is busy being a pop star, but he says that he makes sure that in addition to working hard, he gets some time to play hard. "Well, I make sure I have at least one day off a week. I need one day of downtime. The rest of the week is all jam-packed. I have to have at least one day," he said. "It's hard because I'm away from my family, like, my brother and sister. You only live once, but at the same time, by brother and sister are going to grow up and they're going to be proud of me."
These days Bieber's other big challenge is puberty. "My voice is definitely changing, gradually," he said. "It's how you go through it. I have a good vocal coach."
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Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Leads New Era Of Outcast Anthems
Taking cues from Frank Zappa, the Ramones and Nirvana, Gaga carries the torch for the outsider in pop music.By James Montgomery
Lady Gaga
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
In the 1970s, when disco was in full swing and rock and roll was posturing its way into arenas, four goony, glue-sniffing kids in Forest Hills, Queens, threw on leather jackets and began bashing out two-minute tunes with titles like "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Beat on the Brat." They called themselves the Ramones, and not only were they probably the first punk band on planet Earth, but they were most definitely outcasts, in every sense of the world.
Of course, the Ramones certainly weren't the first musical outcasts. Theirs is a legacy that reaches all the way back to the dawn of recorded music, from the likes of the Hoosier Hot Shots and Slim Galliard, scatting madman Cab Calloway and the "shocking" Screamin' Jay Hawkins, to midcentury curios like bizarro bandleader Spike Jones, deep-fried '60s oddballs like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart and even contemporaries like the Cramps and the Talking Heads. But unlike any who came before them, the Ramones helped usher in an era — and a genre — in which being odd was championed. It would continue through the 1980s, thanks to the Heads, West Coast punk acts like Black Flag and the Minutemen, and college-radio darlings like R.E.M. — and, of course, the eternally outcast world of heavy metal — then truly break through in the '90s, with the chart-topping success of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the Smashing Pumpkins, and the rise of hip-hop outfits like the Wu-Tang Clan, the Pharcyde and the incomparable Kool Keith.
Of course, in the 2000s, things sort of petered out. Rock and hip hop became increasingly lunkheaded and lumbering, and the meek were shoved from the spotlight. And it bears mention that, even during the outcast heyday, for the most part, established acts — i.e., anyone who had plenty to lose — stayed as far removed from the fringe as possible, or if they dared stray outside their lane, they suffered the consequences (the classic example being, of course, Madonna, who nearly submarined her entire career with the simultaneous release of the Erotica album and its accompaniment, the coffee-table book "Sex"). There's a reason it's called "popular" music, after all.
These days, however, things appear to be changing. For the first time, established pop megastars are embracing those on the fringes of society — and finding success in the process. It all started, appropriately enough, with the rise of Lady Gaga, who made no bones about the fact that her earliest support came from the gay community, and over the past year, through videos like "Alejandro" and her campaign against "don't ask, don't tell," she has become the outcast icon of our time. Others followed suit — like Pink, who scored hits with underdog anthems like "Raise Your Glass" and "F***** Perfect"; Ke$ha, whose "We R Who We R" went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100; and even Katy Perry, who dedicated her "Firework" video to the "It Gets Better" campaign — and it truly seems that, for the first time since the 1990s, being an outcast was not only acceptable, it was downright mainstream.
Now, Gaga is poised to return with "Born This Way," the first single from her album of the same name. On Thursday, she released the song's lyrics, and if it's not already the biggest outcast anthem of all time, well, then it probably will be very soon. In fact, there's nary an outsider group Gaga doesn't mention in the song — gays, bisexuals, transgenders, ethnic minorities, the disabled, the bullied, the poor — which makes it, and its near-inevitable chart success, incredibly noteworthy. After all, here is Lady Gaga, currently the biggest artist on the planet, releasing a song that not only calls for acceptance of all people, but drags those who aim to oppress directly into the center of the ring. It is not only fierce, it's downright fearless. Gaga has plenty to lose, but she couldn't care less.
And perhaps "Born This Way" is just the byproduct of the era in which we live, a time when social mores are constantly debated, when boundaries are being expanded and contracted, almost daily, and when it truly seems possible that maybe — just maybe — the outcasts could inherit the earth. After all, Bill Gates was an outcast, Barack Obama was too — and look how things worked out for them. And while this may put the fear of God in some folks, it seems that change is inevitable, and, as it is wont to do, pop music is there to provide the soundtrack to all of that change. Just like in the 1960s, when the biggest rock and folk acts of the day led the charge for social rebellion, so too may Lady Gaga. And she'll do it on the biggest stage imaginable. Of course, that might just be speculation, but it's certainly been a long time coming.
What is your favorite outcast anthem? Let us know in the comments!
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In the 1970s, when disco was in full swing and rock and roll was posturing its way into arenas, four goony, glue-sniffing kids in Forest Hills, Queens, threw on leather jackets and began bashing out two-minute tunes with titles like "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Beat on the Brat." They called themselves the Ramones, and not only were they probably the first punk band on planet Earth, but they were most definitely outcasts, in every sense of the world.
Of course, the Ramones certainly weren't the first musical outcasts. Theirs is a legacy that reaches all the way back to the dawn of recorded music, from the likes of the Hoosier Hot Shots and Slim Galliard, scatting madman Cab Calloway and the "shocking" Screamin' Jay Hawkins, to midcentury curios like bizarro bandleader Spike Jones, deep-fried '60s oddballs like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart and even contemporaries like the Cramps and the Talking Heads. But unlike any who came before them, the Ramones helped usher in an era — and a genre — in which being odd was championed. It would continue through the 1980s, thanks to the Heads, West Coast punk acts like Black Flag and the Minutemen, and college-radio darlings like R.E.M. — and, of course, the eternally outcast world of heavy metal — then truly break through in the '90s, with the chart-topping success of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the Smashing Pumpkins, and the rise of hip-hop outfits like the Wu-Tang Clan, the Pharcyde and the incomparable Kool Keith.
Of course, in the 2000s, things sort of petered out. Rock and hip hop became increasingly lunkheaded and lumbering, and the meek were shoved from the spotlight. And it bears mention that, even during the outcast heyday, for the most part, established acts — i.e., anyone who had plenty to lose — stayed as far removed from the fringe as possible, or if they dared stray outside their lane, they suffered the consequences (the classic example being, of course, Madonna, who nearly submarined her entire career with the simultaneous release of the Erotica album and its accompaniment, the coffee-table book "Sex"). There's a reason it's called "popular" music, after all.
These days, however, things appear to be changing. For the first time, established pop megastars are embracing those on the fringes of society — and finding success in the process. It all started, appropriately enough, with the rise of Lady Gaga, who made no bones about the fact that her earliest support came from the gay community, and over the past year, through videos like "Alejandro" and her campaign against "don't ask, don't tell," she has become the outcast icon of our time. Others followed suit — like Pink, who scored hits with underdog anthems like "Raise Your Glass" and "F***** Perfect"; Ke$ha, whose "We R Who We R" went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100; and even Katy Perry, who dedicated her "Firework" video to the "It Gets Better" campaign — and it truly seems that, for the first time since the 1990s, being an outcast was not only acceptable, it was downright mainstream.
Now, Gaga is poised to return with "Born This Way," the first single from her album of the same name. On Thursday, she released the song's lyrics, and if it's not already the biggest outcast anthem of all time, well, then it probably will be very soon. In fact, there's nary an outsider group Gaga doesn't mention in the song — gays, bisexuals, transgenders, ethnic minorities, the disabled, the bullied, the poor — which makes it, and its near-inevitable chart success, incredibly noteworthy. After all, here is Lady Gaga, currently the biggest artist on the planet, releasing a song that not only calls for acceptance of all people, but drags those who aim to oppress directly into the center of the ring. It is not only fierce, it's downright fearless. Gaga has plenty to lose, but she couldn't care less.
And perhaps "Born This Way" is just the byproduct of the era in which we live, a time when social mores are constantly debated, when boundaries are being expanded and contracted, almost daily, and when it truly seems possible that maybe — just maybe — the outcasts could inherit the earth. After all, Bill Gates was an outcast, Barack Obama was too — and look how things worked out for them. And while this may put the fear of God in some folks, it seems that change is inevitable, and, as it is wont to do, pop music is there to provide the soundtrack to all of that change. Just like in the 1960s, when the biggest rock and folk acts of the day led the charge for social rebellion, so too may Lady Gaga. And she'll do it on the biggest stage imaginable. Of course, that might just be speculation, but it's certainly been a long time coming.
What is your favorite outcast anthem? Let us know in the comments!
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Ke$ha Rises From Oddball To Icon In 2010
This year, nobody defied description quite like Ke$ha, the pop oddity who shows no signs of slowing down.By James Montgomery
Ke$ha
Photo: Venturelli/ Getty Images
In January, when "Tik Tok" was just starting to hit, I described Ke$ha as "a 22-year-old pop confectionary/cautionary tale." By November, when "We R Who We R" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, I had crowned her an "outcast icon." The truth probably lies somewhere in between those two statements, but if there's a better way to sum up the pop star's rather incredible rise to fame, I am unaware of it.
Because in 2010, there really was no one else who came close to matching Ke$ha, whether in terms of sheer chart dominance ("Tik Tok," enjoyed the year's longest run at #1, spending nine weeks atop the Hot 100), or pure WTF-ery. She began the year as a belching, squelching, booze-swilling party monster and ended it as perhaps the most unlikely of role models — an unrepentant oddball who not only dared to speak her mind, but defy conventions, too. And through it all, she remained largely unclassifiable, shifting between genres (pop, hip-hop, rock) and personas (dumpster-diving diva, Topanga Canyon bohemian, DayGlo star child) with each successive hit. And because of that, Ke$ha became one of the year's most interesting characters, the kind of pop oddity that leaves critics alternately grasping at adjectives and scratching their heads.
"I think 'What is Ke$ha?' is definitely the question, more than 'Who is Ke$ha?' because the 'What?' is really the thing," New York Times writer Jon Caramanica told MTV News. "When she first came into the game, she was this pop singer with a little bit of a country background, but [doing] this sort of whiny, white-girl rap ... but, if anything, 'Tik Tok' proved there's an entire audience of people who are pop fans, but who have a really high tolerance for rap music. Maybe they're not going to buy a Kanye West record, but they're not unafraid of hip-hop. And with Ke$ha, and her loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach to making these songs resonates with the loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach of the fans in listening to the songs. They hear something of themselves in her."
Of course, Ke$ha suffered for her, uh, art, becoming one of the year's most popular punching bags — particularly following a pair of bizarre performances on "Saturday Night Live" — but as the year draws to a close, her grip on the pop world seems to be permanent. Not only is she the unlikeliest of stars, she's also one of the most persistent ... and love her or hate her, you've got to admit that she made 2010 just a bit more bearable, even if it was with her willingness to push the boundaries of absurdity. Well, her songs were pretty great, too. And she did it entirely her way.
"I think Ke$ha's definitely gone way past her 15 minutes of fame, [but] the appeal with her is that there's an honesty," Noah Callahan-Bever, editor in chief of Complex magazine, said. "In a market of totally prefab pop stuff, there's almost a sloppiness to her whole persona, and I think that realness appeals to people. I think it doesn't hurt that she works with the best producer in pop music, either," he said, referring to right-hand man Dr. Luke.
In 2010, thanks to that winning combination of pitch-perfect pop and pure, unfiltered weirdness, Ke$ha pretty much conquered the world. She won over fans and earned begrudging respect from the critics. And she wore dead animals on her head. Wherever she goes in 2011, I'll follow. And I'll likely be just as perplexed as the rest of you.
Do you expect Ke$ha's party to stop or keep rocking in 2011? Let us know in the comments.
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Photo: Venturelli/ Getty Images
In January, when "Tik Tok" was just starting to hit, I described Ke$ha as "a 22-year-old pop confectionary/cautionary tale." By November, when "We R Who We R" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, I had crowned her an "outcast icon." The truth probably lies somewhere in between those two statements, but if there's a better way to sum up the pop star's rather incredible rise to fame, I am unaware of it.
Because in 2010, there really was no one else who came close to matching Ke$ha, whether in terms of sheer chart dominance ("Tik Tok," enjoyed the year's longest run at #1, spending nine weeks atop the Hot 100), or pure WTF-ery. She began the year as a belching, squelching, booze-swilling party monster and ended it as perhaps the most unlikely of role models — an unrepentant oddball who not only dared to speak her mind, but defy conventions, too. And through it all, she remained largely unclassifiable, shifting between genres (pop, hip-hop, rock) and personas (dumpster-diving diva, Topanga Canyon bohemian, DayGlo star child) with each successive hit. And because of that, Ke$ha became one of the year's most interesting characters, the kind of pop oddity that leaves critics alternately grasping at adjectives and scratching their heads.
"I think 'What is Ke$ha?' is definitely the question, more than 'Who is Ke$ha?' because the 'What?' is really the thing," New York Times writer Jon Caramanica told MTV News. "When she first came into the game, she was this pop singer with a little bit of a country background, but [doing] this sort of whiny, white-girl rap ... but, if anything, 'Tik Tok' proved there's an entire audience of people who are pop fans, but who have a really high tolerance for rap music. Maybe they're not going to buy a Kanye West record, but they're not unafraid of hip-hop. And with Ke$ha, and her loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach to making these songs resonates with the loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach of the fans in listening to the songs. They hear something of themselves in her."
Of course, Ke$ha suffered for her, uh, art, becoming one of the year's most popular punching bags — particularly following a pair of bizarre performances on "Saturday Night Live" — but as the year draws to a close, her grip on the pop world seems to be permanent. Not only is she the unlikeliest of stars, she's also one of the most persistent ... and love her or hate her, you've got to admit that she made 2010 just a bit more bearable, even if it was with her willingness to push the boundaries of absurdity. Well, her songs were pretty great, too. And she did it entirely her way.
"I think Ke$ha's definitely gone way past her 15 minutes of fame, [but] the appeal with her is that there's an honesty," Noah Callahan-Bever, editor in chief of Complex magazine, said. "In a market of totally prefab pop stuff, there's almost a sloppiness to her whole persona, and I think that realness appeals to people. I think it doesn't hurt that she works with the best producer in pop music, either," he said, referring to right-hand man Dr. Luke.
In 2010, thanks to that winning combination of pitch-perfect pop and pure, unfiltered weirdness, Ke$ha pretty much conquered the world. She won over fans and earned begrudging respect from the critics. And she wore dead animals on her head. Wherever she goes in 2011, I'll follow. And I'll likely be just as perplexed as the rest of you.
Do you expect Ke$ha's party to stop or keep rocking in 2011? Let us know in the comments.
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Box Office Showdown: 'The Rite' Vs. 'No Strings Attached'
A typically sleepy January at the box office ? save for the welcome $33.5 million debut of "Green Hornet" two weeks ago ? continues today with the entry of two new wide-releases: Anthony Hopkins' horror flick set against exorcist-minded priests, "The Rite," and Jason Statham's action-fest about professional assassins, "The Mechanic." When the final dollars [...]
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'The Office' Stars 'Excited' For Will Ferrell's Guest Spot
'I think I gotta take some improv classes or something,' Rainn Wilson tells MTV News of funnyman's four-episode arc.By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Kara Warner
Rainn Wilson
Photo: Jeff Vespa/ Getty Images
Steve Carell will be ditching his role as clueless branch manager Michael Scott on "The Office" soon, but not without a laugh-fest assisted by funnyman Will Ferrell. And the actors who play Scott's Dunder Mifflin underlings are amped for the "Anchorman" star's appearance.
Last week, producers announced that Ferrell would appear in four episodes of the NBC comedy as a fellow branch manager who is just as nutty as Scott. When MTV News caught up with Angela Kinsey, who plays tightly wound accountant Angela Martin, and Rainn Wilson, who portrays paper salesman/ beet farmer Dwight Schrute, on the SAG Awards red carpet Sunday night (January 30), the duo said they were looking forward to some Ferrell/Carell comedic mayhem.
"I am so excited about Will Ferrell," Kinsey exclaimed. "What if I was like, 'Nah, boo.' No, I'm totally excited. Him and Steve are friends in real life, and I think we're just about to have a lot of fun. I can't wait."
Wilson said he needed to sharpen his comedic skills if he is going to spar onscreen with the "Megamind" star.
"I think I gotta take some improv classes or something like that. I gotta hone up. He's a master, so I can't wait. I can't wait," Wilson said.
As far as how Ferrell and Wilson's characters would interact in Scranton, Wilson said the eccentric Dwight probably wouldn't extend his hero worship of Michael Scott to his newly arrived counterpart.
"I think Dwight will probably butt heads and not like him at all, which will make it a lot of fun," he said.
Executive producer Paul Lieberstein, who also appears on the show as Scott's HR-rep rival Toby Flenderson, quipped that the show would provide a boost to Ferrell's already high profile.
"We found Steve Carell when he was nothing but a movie star and we turned him into a television star," he said. "We are proud to continue 'The Office's' tradition of discovering famous talent, and we hope that once America gets a good look at Will, they'll see what we see: Tremendous raw sexuality."
Are you looking forward to catching Will Ferrell on "The Office"? Let us know in the comments!
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Rainn Wilson
Photo: Jeff Vespa/ Getty Images
Steve Carell will be ditching his role as clueless branch manager Michael Scott on "The Office" soon, but not without a laugh-fest assisted by funnyman Will Ferrell. And the actors who play Scott's Dunder Mifflin underlings are amped for the "Anchorman" star's appearance.
Last week, producers announced that Ferrell would appear in four episodes of the NBC comedy as a fellow branch manager who is just as nutty as Scott. When MTV News caught up with Angela Kinsey, who plays tightly wound accountant Angela Martin, and Rainn Wilson, who portrays paper salesman/ beet farmer Dwight Schrute, on the SAG Awards red carpet Sunday night (January 30), the duo said they were looking forward to some Ferrell/Carell comedic mayhem.
"I am so excited about Will Ferrell," Kinsey exclaimed. "What if I was like, 'Nah, boo.' No, I'm totally excited. Him and Steve are friends in real life, and I think we're just about to have a lot of fun. I can't wait."
Wilson said he needed to sharpen his comedic skills if he is going to spar onscreen with the "Megamind" star.
"I think I gotta take some improv classes or something like that. I gotta hone up. He's a master, so I can't wait. I can't wait," Wilson said.
As far as how Ferrell and Wilson's characters would interact in Scranton, Wilson said the eccentric Dwight probably wouldn't extend his hero worship of Michael Scott to his newly arrived counterpart.
"I think Dwight will probably butt heads and not like him at all, which will make it a lot of fun," he said.
Executive producer Paul Lieberstein, who also appears on the show as Scott's HR-rep rival Toby Flenderson, quipped that the show would provide a boost to Ferrell's already high profile.
"We found Steve Carell when he was nothing but a movie star and we turned him into a television star," he said. "We are proud to continue 'The Office's' tradition of discovering famous talent, and we hope that once America gets a good look at Will, they'll see what we see: Tremendous raw sexuality."
Are you looking forward to catching Will Ferrell on "The Office"? Let us know in the comments!
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Beyonce's Mom Says Daughter's Style Has Always Been 'Edgy'
'It's just a result of her constantly evolving,' Tina Knowles says of the fashion in Beyonce's "I Am ... World Tour" DVD concert special.By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage
Beyoncé has never been shy about hitting the stage in stunning costumes. Her appearance has always been a mixture of showgirl sparkle and pop star razzle-dazzle. And her style is on full display in her new DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour."
Her mom and stylist, Tina Knowles, said that while the looks may seem a bit edgier than what fans have seen from the singer in the past, she thinks that her superstar daughter has always been ahead of the style curve.
"Well, the wonderful Thierry Mugler designed the costumes, and I actually worked on some of the dancers and the band, and it was just amazing to work with him because he is so creative," Knowles told MTV News at a New York screening of the special. "So it's just a result of her constantly evolving, but she's been edgy. It's funny for people to say she went more edgy, but she's been wearing body suits and that type of thing."
And while Knowles may act as her daughter's stylist and costume designer, she says that Bey's style decisions are all her own. "Well, we discussed her working with Thierry Mugler, and I'm the biggest fan. And so she had seen some of the fashions and she loved it," she said. "So we always discuss things, but it's her decision, it's her career."
Beyoncé, who also directed the concert special , said it gave her a better understanding of the filmmaking process. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it. ... Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled."
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Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage
Beyoncé has never been shy about hitting the stage in stunning costumes. Her appearance has always been a mixture of showgirl sparkle and pop star razzle-dazzle. And her style is on full display in her new DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour."
Her mom and stylist, Tina Knowles, said that while the looks may seem a bit edgier than what fans have seen from the singer in the past, she thinks that her superstar daughter has always been ahead of the style curve.
"Well, the wonderful Thierry Mugler designed the costumes, and I actually worked on some of the dancers and the band, and it was just amazing to work with him because he is so creative," Knowles told MTV News at a New York screening of the special. "So it's just a result of her constantly evolving, but she's been edgy. It's funny for people to say she went more edgy, but she's been wearing body suits and that type of thing."
And while Knowles may act as her daughter's stylist and costume designer, she says that Bey's style decisions are all her own. "Well, we discussed her working with Thierry Mugler, and I'm the biggest fan. And so she had seen some of the fashions and she loved it," she said. "So we always discuss things, but it's her decision, it's her career."
Beyoncé, who also directed the concert special , said it gave her a better understanding of the filmmaking process. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it. ... Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled."
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Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy
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Sunday, January 30, 2011
Usher Most Admires Justin Bieber's 'Excitement And Innocence'
Bieber's mentor tells MTV News the teen sensation has 'so much more in store for the future.'By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Tim Kash
Usher and Justin Bieber at the 2010 AMAs
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
With so much accomplished in 2010, Justin Bieber has certainly set the bar high for 2011. But the teen singer is already gearing up for next year. Bieber will not only release his much-anticipated 3-D flick, "Never Say Never", but he has also teased that he'd like to release an album of all-new material sometime later next year.
His mentor, Usher, thinks that at this point, the sky's the limit.
"As far as music and entertainment, that's the beginning," Usher told MTV News at Sunday's AMAs, where Bieber performed and took home four awards.
"There's so much more in store for the future, or at least there's a ton of things we can do and will, and with the support of his fans who will continue to just grow and grow and grow."
At 16, Bieber has accomplished what few manage with many more years in the music business, but Usher said he wants to ensure that Bieber doesn't stop enjoying it all as his popularity continues to grow and his schedule gets busier.
Asked what he admires most about Justin, Usher said, "His excitement and innocence in it. And I don't mean that in a light way because I think that he's absolutely enjoying every moment of it, as any young man his age would, but in a different way because [of] the hard work that has gone in and led to the dream that has become a reality. And every time you have an opportunity do something incredible, I tell him to do his best and be conscious that what you're doing today should last forever and eternity."
What did you think of Justin's AMA performance on Sunday? Tell us in the comments!
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Usher and Justin Bieber at the 2010 AMAs
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
With so much accomplished in 2010, Justin Bieber has certainly set the bar high for 2011. But the teen singer is already gearing up for next year. Bieber will not only release his much-anticipated 3-D flick, "Never Say Never", but he has also teased that he'd like to release an album of all-new material sometime later next year.
His mentor, Usher, thinks that at this point, the sky's the limit.
"As far as music and entertainment, that's the beginning," Usher told MTV News at Sunday's AMAs, where Bieber performed and took home four awards.
"There's so much more in store for the future, or at least there's a ton of things we can do and will, and with the support of his fans who will continue to just grow and grow and grow."
At 16, Bieber has accomplished what few manage with many more years in the music business, but Usher said he wants to ensure that Bieber doesn't stop enjoying it all as his popularity continues to grow and his schedule gets busier.
Asked what he admires most about Justin, Usher said, "His excitement and innocence in it. And I don't mean that in a light way because I think that he's absolutely enjoying every moment of it, as any young man his age would, but in a different way because [of] the hard work that has gone in and led to the dream that has become a reality. And every time you have an opportunity do something incredible, I tell him to do his best and be conscious that what you're doing today should last forever and eternity."
What did you think of Justin's AMA performance on Sunday? Tell us in the comments!
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Lindsay Lohan Expresses Concern For Charlie Sheen
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Borys Kit The agency is adding to its fold a quartet of writer-directors: Leon Ichaso, Robert Adetuyi, Janice Cooke and David Burton Morris.read more
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Nicole Kidman, Jon Hamm And More Added As SAG Awards Presenters
Jason Bateman, Jeremy Renner, Sofia Vergara and Robin Wright were also added for Sunday's awards show.By Kara Warner
Nicole Kidman
Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
In addition to the star power of the nominees, the Screen Actors Guild Awards have enlisted an equally high-caliber roster of presenters for Sunday night's show — many of whom are also SAG nominees.
On Thursday (January 27), Jason Bateman, Jon Hamm, Nicole Kidman, Jeremy Renner, Sofia Vergara and Robin Wright were announced as presenters, joining the previously announced Scott Bakula, Alec Baldwin, Jeff Bridges, Tim Conway, Rosario Dawson, Josh Duhamel, Angie Harmon, Eva Longoria, Cory Monteith, Amy Poehler, Hilary Swank, Betty White and SAG President Ken Howard.
For those still reeling from the Golden Globe ceremony and Oscar nominations, prepare yourselves for another star-studded awards show. The 17th annual SAG Awards will air live on TNT and TBS on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET from the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles. The SAG Awards are the only televised awards shows to exclusively honor performers, presenting 13 awards for acting in film and television.
This year, the big nominees in film are also Oscar nominees, including "The King's Speech" and "The Fighter." In television, "Modern Family," "Glee" and "30 Rock" lead the comedy categories, while "Mad Men" and "Boardwalk Empire" lead in drama.
Ernest Borgnine will receive this year's lifetime-achievement award, which was given to Betty White at last year's ceremony following a comical speech by her "Proposal" co-star and eventual SAG Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock. "Seventy-one years ago when I signed on to an experimental thing called television," White said of her career, "I never would have expected it to culminate in an evening like this."
Stick with MTV News for SAG Awards coverage throughout the weekend and from the red carpet on Sunday night!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Nicole Kidman
Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
In addition to the star power of the nominees, the Screen Actors Guild Awards have enlisted an equally high-caliber roster of presenters for Sunday night's show — many of whom are also SAG nominees.
On Thursday (January 27), Jason Bateman, Jon Hamm, Nicole Kidman, Jeremy Renner, Sofia Vergara and Robin Wright were announced as presenters, joining the previously announced Scott Bakula, Alec Baldwin, Jeff Bridges, Tim Conway, Rosario Dawson, Josh Duhamel, Angie Harmon, Eva Longoria, Cory Monteith, Amy Poehler, Hilary Swank, Betty White and SAG President Ken Howard.
For those still reeling from the Golden Globe ceremony and Oscar nominations, prepare yourselves for another star-studded awards show. The 17th annual SAG Awards will air live on TNT and TBS on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET from the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles. The SAG Awards are the only televised awards shows to exclusively honor performers, presenting 13 awards for acting in film and television.
This year, the big nominees in film are also Oscar nominees, including "The King's Speech" and "The Fighter." In television, "Modern Family," "Glee" and "30 Rock" lead the comedy categories, while "Mad Men" and "Boardwalk Empire" lead in drama.
Ernest Borgnine will receive this year's lifetime-achievement award, which was given to Betty White at last year's ceremony following a comical speech by her "Proposal" co-star and eventual SAG Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock. "Seventy-one years ago when I signed on to an experimental thing called television," White said of her career, "I never would have expected it to culminate in an evening like this."
Stick with MTV News for SAG Awards coverage throughout the weekend and from the red carpet on Sunday night!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Jack's Haircut
I gave my nephew Jack a haircut.
I couldn't get it right so I just kept cutting and cutting and cutting and well...
I gave him the Dumb & Dumber do.
Whoops.
I couldn't get it right so I just kept cutting and cutting and cutting and well...
I gave him the Dumb & Dumber do.
Whoops.
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Justin Bieber Teams Up With Ozzy Osbourne For A New Super Bowl Ad
On Super Bowl Sunday we will be inundated with a plethora of video commercials that will attempt to sell us various things … and among those commercials will be one from Best Buy that will star young popstar Justin Bieber with old rockstar Ozzy Osbourne. Today we get a first look of when Bieber met [...]
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Hugh Jackman Really, REALLY Loves The Snow
Yesterday we saw a couple of really cute photos of actor Hugh Jackman reveling in the snow as it fell all around him in NYC just hours before a massive snow storm hit the city. Today we get to see new photos of Hugh enjoying the snow after new feet of snow fell the night [...]
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Friday, January 28, 2011
Ronald Isley, Anita Baker Honored At Soul Train Awards
Rihanna, Eminem, Usher, B.o.B, Alicia Keys among winners at event celebrating 40th anniversary of classic music show.By Joel Hanek and Gil Kaufman
Anita Baker at the 2010 Soul Train Awards
Photo: Moses Robinson/ Getty Images
Only at the Soul Train Awards could you have a tribute to R&B icons such as Anita Baker and Ronald Isley alongside a segment in which rap legend Doug E. Fresh attempts to teach CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer how to do the Dougie.
It was that kind of night at the 2010 Soul Train Awards, as rookies, veterans and legends came together in Atlanta for the second annual event — which was taped November 10 and aired Sunday night on BET. The show, hosted once again by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, featured a night of performances from some of the biggest names in soul and R&B.
Host Howard told MTV News that the show is meant to be an extension of the long-running and legendary '70s TV series that brought soul, disco, R&B and rap stars into viewers' living rooms. "It reminds me of the advancement black people have made over the years because 'Soul Train' really was the beginning of that Black Power movement when we could actually see ourselves — and to have an awards show based upon that 'Soul Train' — it's headed somewhere," Howard said. "We have a black president now. The country seems to be more tolerant towards the diversity inside of it so it seems like the train is moving well down the tracks."
The awards show marked the 40th anniversary of the classic music showcase hosted by Don Cornelius, and celebrated the careers of Baker and Isley, while handing out trophies to such contemporary stars as B.o.B (Song of the Year for "Nothing on You"), Melanie Fiona (Best New Artist), Eminem and Rihanna (Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "Love the Way You Lie"), Usher (Album of the Year for Raymond vs. Raymond) and Alicia Keys (Record of the Year for "Unthinkable [I'm Ready]" and Best Female R&B Soul Artist).
Though top winners such as Trey Songz, Usher, Ciara, Eminem and Rihanna were not in the house, Blitzer graciously agreed to accept Slim Shady's award for him, joking, "Who better to accept this award on behalf of Eminem ... I know he's thrilled."
Weaving through a series of skits involving magic tricks and jovial bickering by the hosts, the performance-heavy program delivered on talent. R. Kelly opened by teasing the crowd with his classic "Bump n' Grind," then diving into his new single "When a Woman Loves" — transforming the song from a slow jam into an all-out '50s rock-and-roll epic. Ne-Yo kept the show moving with a showcase of his singles from this year, including "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million."
The tribute to Baker featured an all-star cast, with artists like Chrisette Michele, Goapele, Lalah Hathaway, Dionne Farris, Kem, Tamia, Faith Evans and El DeBarge covering a medley of the singer's greatest hits. Baker told the crowd that the biggest honor of the night for her was that real musicians were performing live with an actual band. "It's amazing because you've got children behind you singing 'Rapture' — it's lovely," she said, adding, "Let's do it again!"
Ronald Isley, co-founder and lead singer of the Isley Brothers, also received a special homage that featured Jeffrey Osborne, Freddy Jackson, DeBarge, Tank, Eric Benet, Bilal and Peabo Bryson. Isley also came out to perform his own medley of hits and was joined onstage by Chanté Moore and R. Kelly for a rendition of "Contagious," their 2002 single that featured the Isleys. In addition, Cee Lo Green closed the show with a duet on the Isleys' classic 1959 hit, "Shout."
Among the event's other highlights was Cee Lo's performance of his smash "Forget You," which took place on a golden stage that resembled a cross between Kanye's Egyptian fusion and an OK Go video, and found the singer gliding down conveyor belts while belting his number.
Erykah Badu delivered a stripped-down version of her 2010 breakout "Window Seat" that featured the singer perched on the floor over a web of lights while appearing to orchestrate the vibrations of light flickers with her hands.
Soul singer Eric Benet performed "Sometimes a Cry" — a song that Lil Wayne cited as one of his favorites while in prison — bringing down the house with a soaring falsetto that bested his studio rendition of the track.
The evening's other performers included Bruno Mars, who sang his new hit "Grenade," and Jazmine Sullivan, who did a medley of "10 Seconds" and "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)."
Did you watch the 2010 Soul Train Awards? Tell us about your favorite highlights in the comments.
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Anita Baker at the 2010 Soul Train Awards
Photo: Moses Robinson/ Getty Images
Only at the Soul Train Awards could you have a tribute to R&B icons such as Anita Baker and Ronald Isley alongside a segment in which rap legend Doug E. Fresh attempts to teach CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer how to do the Dougie.
It was that kind of night at the 2010 Soul Train Awards, as rookies, veterans and legends came together in Atlanta for the second annual event — which was taped November 10 and aired Sunday night on BET. The show, hosted once again by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, featured a night of performances from some of the biggest names in soul and R&B.
Host Howard told MTV News that the show is meant to be an extension of the long-running and legendary '70s TV series that brought soul, disco, R&B and rap stars into viewers' living rooms. "It reminds me of the advancement black people have made over the years because 'Soul Train' really was the beginning of that Black Power movement when we could actually see ourselves — and to have an awards show based upon that 'Soul Train' — it's headed somewhere," Howard said. "We have a black president now. The country seems to be more tolerant towards the diversity inside of it so it seems like the train is moving well down the tracks."
The awards show marked the 40th anniversary of the classic music showcase hosted by Don Cornelius, and celebrated the careers of Baker and Isley, while handing out trophies to such contemporary stars as B.o.B (Song of the Year for "Nothing on You"), Melanie Fiona (Best New Artist), Eminem and Rihanna (Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "Love the Way You Lie"), Usher (Album of the Year for Raymond vs. Raymond) and Alicia Keys (Record of the Year for "Unthinkable [I'm Ready]" and Best Female R&B Soul Artist).
Though top winners such as Trey Songz, Usher, Ciara, Eminem and Rihanna were not in the house, Blitzer graciously agreed to accept Slim Shady's award for him, joking, "Who better to accept this award on behalf of Eminem ... I know he's thrilled."
Weaving through a series of skits involving magic tricks and jovial bickering by the hosts, the performance-heavy program delivered on talent. R. Kelly opened by teasing the crowd with his classic "Bump n' Grind," then diving into his new single "When a Woman Loves" — transforming the song from a slow jam into an all-out '50s rock-and-roll epic. Ne-Yo kept the show moving with a showcase of his singles from this year, including "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million."
The tribute to Baker featured an all-star cast, with artists like Chrisette Michele, Goapele, Lalah Hathaway, Dionne Farris, Kem, Tamia, Faith Evans and El DeBarge covering a medley of the singer's greatest hits. Baker told the crowd that the biggest honor of the night for her was that real musicians were performing live with an actual band. "It's amazing because you've got children behind you singing 'Rapture' — it's lovely," she said, adding, "Let's do it again!"
Ronald Isley, co-founder and lead singer of the Isley Brothers, also received a special homage that featured Jeffrey Osborne, Freddy Jackson, DeBarge, Tank, Eric Benet, Bilal and Peabo Bryson. Isley also came out to perform his own medley of hits and was joined onstage by Chanté Moore and R. Kelly for a rendition of "Contagious," their 2002 single that featured the Isleys. In addition, Cee Lo Green closed the show with a duet on the Isleys' classic 1959 hit, "Shout."
Among the event's other highlights was Cee Lo's performance of his smash "Forget You," which took place on a golden stage that resembled a cross between Kanye's Egyptian fusion and an OK Go video, and found the singer gliding down conveyor belts while belting his number.
Erykah Badu delivered a stripped-down version of her 2010 breakout "Window Seat" that featured the singer perched on the floor over a web of lights while appearing to orchestrate the vibrations of light flickers with her hands.
Soul singer Eric Benet performed "Sometimes a Cry" — a song that Lil Wayne cited as one of his favorites while in prison — bringing down the house with a soaring falsetto that bested his studio rendition of the track.
The evening's other performers included Bruno Mars, who sang his new hit "Grenade," and Jazmine Sullivan, who did a medley of "10 Seconds" and "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)."
Did you watch the 2010 Soul Train Awards? Tell us about your favorite highlights in the comments.
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Beyonce Says She Takes Pregnancy Rumors In Stride
'I just hope that one day, when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me,' superstar jokes about year-round bump-watch.By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé
Photo: MTV News
In 2010 alone, Beyoncé was pregnant at least twice, if you believe the rumors.
While the singer shot down the talk both times, she says that at this point she's pretty much to used to people speculating about potential baby bumps. "I mean, it's a part of it. At this point they said I've been pregnant like eight times, so I'm kind of used to it," Beyoncé told MTV News at a screening for her concert DVD, "I Am ... World Tour," in New York City.
"I just hope that one day, when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me, 'cause I'm like gosh, like, everyone's like, 'Oh god, please! She's been pregnant 100 times.' One day, hopefully, I will be. So whatever; it's a part of being a celebrity, I guess."
Her mom, Tina Knowles, was also at the screening and when asked if she thought that 2011 might be the year we give up gossiping about Bey's pregnancy status, she played it cool. "You have to ask her those personal things," she said. "I don't know!"
But Tina was also the lady to shoot down the baby-bump rumors last month when she sat down with talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres.
"I heard that, but I'm here to clear the rumors up. The truth is it's not Beyoncé that's pregnant, it's me," she joked. "No, it's not true. Not right now. I'm looking forward to it. With all the rumors, by now I should have about five or six grandchildren."
What do you think of the constant speculation about Bey and a baby bump? Tell us in the comments!
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Beyoncé
Beyoncé
Photo: MTV News
In 2010 alone, Beyoncé was pregnant at least twice, if you believe the rumors.
While the singer shot down the talk both times, she says that at this point she's pretty much to used to people speculating about potential baby bumps. "I mean, it's a part of it. At this point they said I've been pregnant like eight times, so I'm kind of used to it," Beyoncé told MTV News at a screening for her concert DVD, "I Am ... World Tour," in New York City.
"I just hope that one day, when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me, 'cause I'm like gosh, like, everyone's like, 'Oh god, please! She's been pregnant 100 times.' One day, hopefully, I will be. So whatever; it's a part of being a celebrity, I guess."
Her mom, Tina Knowles, was also at the screening and when asked if she thought that 2011 might be the year we give up gossiping about Bey's pregnancy status, she played it cool. "You have to ask her those personal things," she said. "I don't know!"
But Tina was also the lady to shoot down the baby-bump rumors last month when she sat down with talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres.
"I heard that, but I'm here to clear the rumors up. The truth is it's not Beyoncé that's pregnant, it's me," she joked. "No, it's not true. Not right now. I'm looking forward to it. With all the rumors, by now I should have about five or six grandchildren."
What do you think of the constant speculation about Bey and a baby bump? Tell us in the comments!
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Photos | 2010 American Music Awards Red Carpet
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Britney Spears - Circus
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Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive
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Miley Cyrus 'Excited' For Fans To See 'So Undercover'
'I've had an awesome time shooting this movie,' actress/singer says in video message to fans.By Jocelyn Vena
Miley Cyrus
Photo: MileyWorld/ IMM Inc.
Considering she spent years playing a girl who led two lives on "Hannah Montana," Miley Cyrus' upcoming role as an FBI agent who goes "So Undercover" at a college sorority should be an easy transition. Miley recently took to YouTube to update fans on all the fun she had shooting the comedy/action flick. She even spilled the beans on a special actor who joined the movie's "entourage" for a cameo.
" 'Sup guys? It's Miley in my trailer hanging out on the set of 'So Undercover,' " she told fans in the video. "This is actually our last week and a half, which is crazy."
So, what sort of antics have Miley and the cast, including Kelly Osbourne, been up to on the set? "I can't believe how quick it's gone," she said. "We had a really good time. We actually just had a wrap party because the girls are leaving 'cause now it's getting into the relationship of me and my dad. So all the sorority scenes are coming to an end, so all my girls are leaving me.
"We've been working so hard," she continued. "Literally, I'm in every scene except one or two, so we've been here working really long hours. It was nice to have a night just to be able to hang out, all the crew and all the cast, to be able to hang out as friends, not in just a work environment."
That cast includes Jeremy Piven, who apparently has a secret part in the flick. "They let me and Jeremy Piven, who plays one of our characters ... can't tell you who, I'm not allowed. But Jeremy's in this movie, and so he got up on the drums and we played 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll.' "
Bottom line, although the film has been a lot of hard work, Miley thinks it's all been worth it. "I've had an awesome time shooting this movie," she said. "I'm excited for you guys to see it, really digging it. I wanted to tell you guys I love you ... peace."
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Photo: MileyWorld/ IMM Inc.
Considering she spent years playing a girl who led two lives on "Hannah Montana," Miley Cyrus' upcoming role as an FBI agent who goes "So Undercover" at a college sorority should be an easy transition. Miley recently took to YouTube to update fans on all the fun she had shooting the comedy/action flick. She even spilled the beans on a special actor who joined the movie's "entourage" for a cameo.
" 'Sup guys? It's Miley in my trailer hanging out on the set of 'So Undercover,' " she told fans in the video. "This is actually our last week and a half, which is crazy."
So, what sort of antics have Miley and the cast, including Kelly Osbourne, been up to on the set? "I can't believe how quick it's gone," she said. "We had a really good time. We actually just had a wrap party because the girls are leaving 'cause now it's getting into the relationship of me and my dad. So all the sorority scenes are coming to an end, so all my girls are leaving me.
"We've been working so hard," she continued. "Literally, I'm in every scene except one or two, so we've been here working really long hours. It was nice to have a night just to be able to hang out, all the crew and all the cast, to be able to hang out as friends, not in just a work environment."
That cast includes Jeremy Piven, who apparently has a secret part in the flick. "They let me and Jeremy Piven, who plays one of our characters ... can't tell you who, I'm not allowed. But Jeremy's in this movie, and so he got up on the drums and we played 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll.' "
Bottom line, although the film has been a lot of hard work, Miley thinks it's all been worth it. "I've had an awesome time shooting this movie," she said. "I'm excited for you guys to see it, really digging it. I wanted to tell you guys I love you ... peace."
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Lady Gaga Or Britney Spears? RuPaul's Drag Queens Weigh In
'RuPaul's Drag Race' season three premieres Monday (January 24) on Logo.By Damian Vaca
Lady Gaga and Britney Spears
Photo: Getty Images
WEST HOLLYWOOD, California — Reluctantly crouched behind the red carpet line, drag queens primping and taking their time, the flashbulbs go off and the cameras go up, all of them yearning for their chance at the cup!
On Tuesday night, we caught up with the stars of "RuPaul's Drag Race" as they head into battle to see who will be the top drag queen of season three. Amid the glam and sequins in the air, competition was definitely on everyone's mind, so what better time to find out who RuPaul's drag queens predict will rule 2011: Lady Gaga or Britney Spears?
"With Britney and Gaga coming out with new [albums] this year — it's going to be Gaga," Shangela, of season two, predicted. "Gaga runs the world, so Britney better take a seat and enjoy."
Tough words about a woman who has reached the #1 iTunes spot in 19 countries since her new single, "Hold it Against Me," was released a little over a week ago.
Season three's Venus D Lite, who could give Madonna a run for her money, stated, "I would probably say Britney — only because Gaga has had her spotlight moment."
However, Raja, also from season three, disagreed: "I'm going to say Gaga. ... She challenges everyone and really puts out new ideas, and I certainly appreciate that."
With both artists set to premiere highly anticipated videos in the next couple of months, fans are waiting to see what new creative visions the stars will bring to the world of pop culture.
"I would love to see [Gaga] just be an artist and not just a character," said Sonique of season two. "With Lady Gaga, you can't really expect anything other than something that is going to be controversial."
season three castmember Mimi Imfurst, who arrived on the red carpet in an epic "worldly" outfit, is definitely on Team Gaga: "Lady Gaga has all the creativity that Britney doesn't have, plus all the talent she doesn't have, so Lady Gaga all the way."
When all is said and done, one thing's for sure: RuPaul's drag queens definitely aren't shy about expressing their opinions. Season three of "RuPaul's Drag Race" premieres Monday (January 24) at 10 p.m. ET/PT, 9 p.m. Central on Logo.
Who do you think will conquer 2011: Britney or Gaga? Sound off below!
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Photo: Getty Images
WEST HOLLYWOOD, California — Reluctantly crouched behind the red carpet line, drag queens primping and taking their time, the flashbulbs go off and the cameras go up, all of them yearning for their chance at the cup!
On Tuesday night, we caught up with the stars of "RuPaul's Drag Race" as they head into battle to see who will be the top drag queen of season three. Amid the glam and sequins in the air, competition was definitely on everyone's mind, so what better time to find out who RuPaul's drag queens predict will rule 2011: Lady Gaga or Britney Spears?
"With Britney and Gaga coming out with new [albums] this year — it's going to be Gaga," Shangela, of season two, predicted. "Gaga runs the world, so Britney better take a seat and enjoy."
Tough words about a woman who has reached the #1 iTunes spot in 19 countries since her new single, "Hold it Against Me," was released a little over a week ago.
Season three's Venus D Lite, who could give Madonna a run for her money, stated, "I would probably say Britney — only because Gaga has had her spotlight moment."
However, Raja, also from season three, disagreed: "I'm going to say Gaga. ... She challenges everyone and really puts out new ideas, and I certainly appreciate that."
With both artists set to premiere highly anticipated videos in the next couple of months, fans are waiting to see what new creative visions the stars will bring to the world of pop culture.
"I would love to see [Gaga] just be an artist and not just a character," said Sonique of season two. "With Lady Gaga, you can't really expect anything other than something that is going to be controversial."
season three castmember Mimi Imfurst, who arrived on the red carpet in an epic "worldly" outfit, is definitely on Team Gaga: "Lady Gaga has all the creativity that Britney doesn't have, plus all the talent she doesn't have, so Lady Gaga all the way."
When all is said and done, one thing's for sure: RuPaul's drag queens definitely aren't shy about expressing their opinions. Season three of "RuPaul's Drag Race" premieres Monday (January 24) at 10 p.m. ET/PT, 9 p.m. Central on Logo.
Who do you think will conquer 2011: Britney or Gaga? Sound off below!
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
Hailee Steinfeld, James Franco, Nicole Kidman Grateful For Oscar Nominations
'It was very exciting. It's incredible. I'm in shock,' 'True Grit' teen star tells MTV News.By Jocelyn Vena
Hailee Steinfeld
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
As more and more of Hollywood woke up to the news of the Oscar nominations on Tuesday morning (January 25), the nominees themselves opened up about the recognition they'd received from the Academy.
"What an extraordinary journey this film has taken me on! 'Rabbit Hole' has been a labor of love and I'm so thankful to John Cameron Mitchell, David Lindsay-Abaire and the brilliant cast," Nicole Kidman said in a statement to MTV News about her Best Actress nod. "This nomination reflects all of the heart and soul that these people have put into it, and I can't thank them enough."
Oscar host James Franco finds himself a nominee at the show as well. He's up for Actor in a Leading Role for his role in "127 Hours." "I'm about to go to class," Franco said on the "Today" show. "I've got my normal pre-class makeup on, and there are some lights here. It's great."
Hailee Steinfeld also spoke to the "Today" show about her nomination for Actress in a Supporting Role for her part in "True Grit." "I was asleep and I heard my mom and dad screaming in the other room. They came in my room with flowers," she said. "It was very exciting. It's incredible. I'm in shock. The film overall is incredible. To be a part of it all was amazing. I'm so proud of it all."
"True Grit" directors/producers/writers Joel and Ethan Coen are up for Best Picture, Best Directing and Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay), but they didn't want to seem greedy about it. "Ten [nominations] seems like an awful lot," they told AwardsDaily.com. "We don't want to take anyone else's."
"The Fighter" star Melissa Leo was the first to speak to "Good Morning America" after her Supporting Actress nomination was announced. "What a thrill to share it with all of America right now," she said. "Love to my family. Love to Alice Ward [the real-life woman I play in the film]. Thank you guys so much! Alice, we're going to the Oscars!"
Leo also commented on Mark Wahlberg not receiving a nomination for his part in the film. "Right now, Mark Wahlberg, the most generous man I've ever met, is receiving all sorts of nominations. Every nomination is a nomination for Mark Wahlberg. There would be nothing without him," she added. "It was just incredible. The proof is in the pudding."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Hailee Steinfeld
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
As more and more of Hollywood woke up to the news of the Oscar nominations on Tuesday morning (January 25), the nominees themselves opened up about the recognition they'd received from the Academy.
"What an extraordinary journey this film has taken me on! 'Rabbit Hole' has been a labor of love and I'm so thankful to John Cameron Mitchell, David Lindsay-Abaire and the brilliant cast," Nicole Kidman said in a statement to MTV News about her Best Actress nod. "This nomination reflects all of the heart and soul that these people have put into it, and I can't thank them enough."
Oscar host James Franco finds himself a nominee at the show as well. He's up for Actor in a Leading Role for his role in "127 Hours." "I'm about to go to class," Franco said on the "Today" show. "I've got my normal pre-class makeup on, and there are some lights here. It's great."
Hailee Steinfeld also spoke to the "Today" show about her nomination for Actress in a Supporting Role for her part in "True Grit." "I was asleep and I heard my mom and dad screaming in the other room. They came in my room with flowers," she said. "It was very exciting. It's incredible. I'm in shock. The film overall is incredible. To be a part of it all was amazing. I'm so proud of it all."
"True Grit" directors/producers/writers Joel and Ethan Coen are up for Best Picture, Best Directing and Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay), but they didn't want to seem greedy about it. "Ten [nominations] seems like an awful lot," they told AwardsDaily.com. "We don't want to take anyone else's."
"The Fighter" star Melissa Leo was the first to speak to "Good Morning America" after her Supporting Actress nomination was announced. "What a thrill to share it with all of America right now," she said. "Love to my family. Love to Alice Ward [the real-life woman I play in the film]. Thank you guys so much! Alice, we're going to the Oscars!"
Leo also commented on Mark Wahlberg not receiving a nomination for his part in the film. "Right now, Mark Wahlberg, the most generous man I've ever met, is receiving all sorts of nominations. Every nomination is a nomination for Mark Wahlberg. There would be nothing without him," she added. "It was just incredible. The proof is in the pudding."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Ke$ha Rises From Oddball To Icon In 2010
This year, nobody defied description quite like Ke$ha, the pop oddity who shows no signs of slowing down.By James Montgomery
Ke$ha
Photo: Venturelli/ Getty Images
In January, when "Tik Tok" was just starting to hit, I described Ke$ha as "a 22-year-old pop confectionary/cautionary tale." By November, when "We R Who We R" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, I had crowned her an "outcast icon." The truth probably lies somewhere in between those two statements, but if there's a better way to sum up the pop star's rather incredible rise to fame, I am unaware of it.
Because in 2010, there really was no one else who came close to matching Ke$ha, whether in terms of sheer chart dominance ("Tik Tok," enjoyed the year's longest run at #1, spending nine weeks atop the Hot 100), or pure WTF-ery. She began the year as a belching, squelching, booze-swilling party monster and ended it as perhaps the most unlikely of role models — an unrepentant oddball who not only dared to speak her mind, but defy conventions, too. And through it all, she remained largely unclassifiable, shifting between genres (pop, hip-hop, rock) and personas (dumpster-diving diva, Topanga Canyon bohemian, DayGlo star child) with each successive hit. And because of that, Ke$ha became one of the year's most interesting characters, the kind of pop oddity that leaves critics alternately grasping at adjectives and scratching their heads.
"I think 'What is Ke$ha?' is definitely the question, more than 'Who is Ke$ha?' because the 'What?' is really the thing," New York Times writer Jon Caramanica told MTV News. "When she first came into the game, she was this pop singer with a little bit of a country background, but [doing] this sort of whiny, white-girl rap ... but, if anything, 'Tik Tok' proved there's an entire audience of people who are pop fans, but who have a really high tolerance for rap music. Maybe they're not going to buy a Kanye West record, but they're not unafraid of hip-hop. And with Ke$ha, and her loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach to making these songs resonates with the loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach of the fans in listening to the songs. They hear something of themselves in her."
Of course, Ke$ha suffered for her, uh, art, becoming one of the year's most popular punching bags — particularly following a pair of bizarre performances on "Saturday Night Live" — but as the year draws to a close, her grip on the pop world seems to be permanent. Not only is she the unlikeliest of stars, she's also one of the most persistent ... and love her or hate her, you've got to admit that she made 2010 just a bit more bearable, even if it was with her willingness to push the boundaries of absurdity. Well, her songs were pretty great, too. And she did it entirely her way.
"I think Ke$ha's definitely gone way past her 15 minutes of fame, [but] the appeal with her is that there's an honesty," Noah Callahan-Bever, editor in chief of Complex magazine, said. "In a market of totally prefab pop stuff, there's almost a sloppiness to her whole persona, and I think that realness appeals to people. I think it doesn't hurt that she works with the best producer in pop music, either," he said, referring to right-hand man Dr. Luke.
In 2010, thanks to that winning combination of pitch-perfect pop and pure, unfiltered weirdness, Ke$ha pretty much conquered the world. She won over fans and earned begrudging respect from the critics. And she wore dead animals on her head. Wherever she goes in 2011, I'll follow. And I'll likely be just as perplexed as the rest of you.
Do you expect Ke$ha's party to stop or keep rocking in 2011? Let us know in the comments.
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Photo: Venturelli/ Getty Images
In January, when "Tik Tok" was just starting to hit, I described Ke$ha as "a 22-year-old pop confectionary/cautionary tale." By November, when "We R Who We R" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, I had crowned her an "outcast icon." The truth probably lies somewhere in between those two statements, but if there's a better way to sum up the pop star's rather incredible rise to fame, I am unaware of it.
Because in 2010, there really was no one else who came close to matching Ke$ha, whether in terms of sheer chart dominance ("Tik Tok," enjoyed the year's longest run at #1, spending nine weeks atop the Hot 100), or pure WTF-ery. She began the year as a belching, squelching, booze-swilling party monster and ended it as perhaps the most unlikely of role models — an unrepentant oddball who not only dared to speak her mind, but defy conventions, too. And through it all, she remained largely unclassifiable, shifting between genres (pop, hip-hop, rock) and personas (dumpster-diving diva, Topanga Canyon bohemian, DayGlo star child) with each successive hit. And because of that, Ke$ha became one of the year's most interesting characters, the kind of pop oddity that leaves critics alternately grasping at adjectives and scratching their heads.
"I think 'What is Ke$ha?' is definitely the question, more than 'Who is Ke$ha?' because the 'What?' is really the thing," New York Times writer Jon Caramanica told MTV News. "When she first came into the game, she was this pop singer with a little bit of a country background, but [doing] this sort of whiny, white-girl rap ... but, if anything, 'Tik Tok' proved there's an entire audience of people who are pop fans, but who have a really high tolerance for rap music. Maybe they're not going to buy a Kanye West record, but they're not unafraid of hip-hop. And with Ke$ha, and her loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach to making these songs resonates with the loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach of the fans in listening to the songs. They hear something of themselves in her."
Of course, Ke$ha suffered for her, uh, art, becoming one of the year's most popular punching bags — particularly following a pair of bizarre performances on "Saturday Night Live" — but as the year draws to a close, her grip on the pop world seems to be permanent. Not only is she the unlikeliest of stars, she's also one of the most persistent ... and love her or hate her, you've got to admit that she made 2010 just a bit more bearable, even if it was with her willingness to push the boundaries of absurdity. Well, her songs were pretty great, too. And she did it entirely her way.
"I think Ke$ha's definitely gone way past her 15 minutes of fame, [but] the appeal with her is that there's an honesty," Noah Callahan-Bever, editor in chief of Complex magazine, said. "In a market of totally prefab pop stuff, there's almost a sloppiness to her whole persona, and I think that realness appeals to people. I think it doesn't hurt that she works with the best producer in pop music, either," he said, referring to right-hand man Dr. Luke.
In 2010, thanks to that winning combination of pitch-perfect pop and pure, unfiltered weirdness, Ke$ha pretty much conquered the world. She won over fans and earned begrudging respect from the critics. And she wore dead animals on her head. Wherever she goes in 2011, I'll follow. And I'll likely be just as perplexed as the rest of you.
Do you expect Ke$ha's party to stop or keep rocking in 2011? Let us know in the comments.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Ke$ha's 'We R Who We R' Video Is 'Hot And Dangerous'
Cannibal singer throws sexy, dark dance party in just-released clip.By Jocelyn Vena
Ke$ha in her video for "We R Who We R"
Photo: RCA Records / Sony Music Entertainment
In the video for her first Cannibal single, Ke$ha wants everyone to know "We R Who We R.". Flashing lights open the video as Ke$ha, in a high ponytail and body-hugging sparkly leotard, and her crew roll through a tunnel as a fire burns in the background. The singer promised explosions, and she delivered.
As she makes her way through the tunnel, a close-up shot of the singer reveals another eye-catching look: eyebrows complete with actual studs, and her makeup as glittery as ever. Cars zoom by as the crew hangs in the tunnel, continuing on their way to a party.
When they arrive, Revolucion tequila is on full display at a post-apocalyptic rave. Apparently, Ke$ha has now hit the product-placement stage of her career, a move made by Lady Gaga in several of her most-recent clips, notably, "Telephone."
Ke$ha parties it up with her people while the two female DJs scope out dating site Plenty of Fish, which also made an appearance in Gaga's "Bad Romance" clip around this time last year.
Mid-party, Ke$ha changes her garb. She is now draped in an American-flag top and sparkly hot-pink hot pants, and is partying so hard, she stage dives off a roof. Luckily, the crowd below catches her. The video closes with a smiling Ke$ha dancing her heart out, proclaiming proudly that "We R Who We R."
While Ke$ha has relied on comedy in many of her past clips, her latest is darker and sexier than the girl who flipped off her parents in the "Tik Tok" video, something she shared with MTV News a few weeks ago.
"This video is a little bit 'sexy time.' I'm not gonna lie: It may induce a boner or two," Ke$ha said, laughing. "I'm not sure, [you'll have to] report back. But I'm hoping for at least one."
She tweeted Wednesday about the video's premiere, writing, "Hot and dangerous!!! Brand spankin new videoooooo for We R Who We R!!!"
Which Ke$ha video is your favorite so far? Chime in below!
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Ke$ha
Ke$ha in her video for "We R Who We R"
Photo: RCA Records / Sony Music Entertainment
In the video for her first Cannibal single, Ke$ha wants everyone to know "We R Who We R.". Flashing lights open the video as Ke$ha, in a high ponytail and body-hugging sparkly leotard, and her crew roll through a tunnel as a fire burns in the background. The singer promised explosions, and she delivered.
As she makes her way through the tunnel, a close-up shot of the singer reveals another eye-catching look: eyebrows complete with actual studs, and her makeup as glittery as ever. Cars zoom by as the crew hangs in the tunnel, continuing on their way to a party.
When they arrive, Revolucion tequila is on full display at a post-apocalyptic rave. Apparently, Ke$ha has now hit the product-placement stage of her career, a move made by Lady Gaga in several of her most-recent clips, notably, "Telephone."
Ke$ha parties it up with her people while the two female DJs scope out dating site Plenty of Fish, which also made an appearance in Gaga's "Bad Romance" clip around this time last year.
Mid-party, Ke$ha changes her garb. She is now draped in an American-flag top and sparkly hot-pink hot pants, and is partying so hard, she stage dives off a roof. Luckily, the crowd below catches her. The video closes with a smiling Ke$ha dancing her heart out, proclaiming proudly that "We R Who We R."
While Ke$ha has relied on comedy in many of her past clips, her latest is darker and sexier than the girl who flipped off her parents in the "Tik Tok" video, something she shared with MTV News a few weeks ago.
"This video is a little bit 'sexy time.' I'm not gonna lie: It may induce a boner or two," Ke$ha said, laughing. "I'm not sure, [you'll have to] report back. But I'm hoping for at least one."
She tweeted Wednesday about the video's premiere, writing, "Hot and dangerous!!! Brand spankin new videoooooo for We R Who We R!!!"
Which Ke$ha video is your favorite so far? Chime in below!
Related Artists
Ke$ha
Aubrey Audrina Patridge Autumn Reeser Avril Lavigne Bali Rodriguez Bar Refaeli Beyoncé
Michael Jackson's Home Contained A Dozen Bottles Of Propofol
An L.A. County Coroner's Office investigator testifies during Dr. Conrad Murray's preliminary hearing that a litany of drugs were found at the residence.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Michael Jackson
Photo: Sony/ AEG
The role of propofol has loomed large in Michael Jackson's sudden 2009 death, and according to an investigator, copious amounts of the surgical anesthetic were found in the superstar's home.
During the latest round of testimony at the preliminary manslaughter hearing for Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, on Friday (January 7), an investigator for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office testified that a dozen bottles of propofol were discovered in Jackson's home, according to TMZ. One of the two bottles found in the singer's bedroom was empty, and investigators also found a slew of at least 10 other types of medication, including lorazepam, hydrocodone and lidocaine.
The mother of one of Murray's children, Nicole Alvarez, also testified and said the doctor sent several packages to her home from April to June 2009. While the packages' contents were not revealed in court, TMZ has reported that the parcels contained propofol and were sent from Murray's Las Vegas pharmacy.
Another one of Murray's girlfriends, Sade Anding, gave notable testimony. Anding said she received a five-minute phone call from Murray around 12:30 p.m., during which he abruptly stopped talking after exchanging brief small talk. Anding said she heard "coughing and voices," and the line sounded as if he had placed the phone in his pocket. However, according to phone records, the only time Murray called Anding that day was at 11:51 a.m., which would have meant that Murray waited about 25 minutes to call 911 once he recognized Jackson needed emergency assistance.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter, and his lawyers are reportedly planning to claim Jackson killed himself by self-administering a lethal dose of propofol.
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Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
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Michael Jackson
Photo: Sony/ AEG
The role of propofol has loomed large in Michael Jackson's sudden 2009 death, and according to an investigator, copious amounts of the surgical anesthetic were found in the superstar's home.
During the latest round of testimony at the preliminary manslaughter hearing for Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, on Friday (January 7), an investigator for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office testified that a dozen bottles of propofol were discovered in Jackson's home, according to TMZ. One of the two bottles found in the singer's bedroom was empty, and investigators also found a slew of at least 10 other types of medication, including lorazepam, hydrocodone and lidocaine.
The mother of one of Murray's children, Nicole Alvarez, also testified and said the doctor sent several packages to her home from April to June 2009. While the packages' contents were not revealed in court, TMZ has reported that the parcels contained propofol and were sent from Murray's Las Vegas pharmacy.
Another one of Murray's girlfriends, Sade Anding, gave notable testimony. Anding said she received a five-minute phone call from Murray around 12:30 p.m., during which he abruptly stopped talking after exchanging brief small talk. Anding said she heard "coughing and voices," and the line sounded as if he had placed the phone in his pocket. However, according to phone records, the only time Murray called Anding that day was at 11:51 a.m., which would have meant that Murray waited about 25 minutes to call 911 once he recognized Jackson needed emergency assistance.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter, and his lawyers are reportedly planning to claim Jackson killed himself by self-administering a lethal dose of propofol.
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One-on-one with Chinese tennis ace Li Na
For more images of Li Na from the Australian Open by Christopher Johnson click on the "View Gallery" button.
If she wasn?t trying to win China?s first ever Grand Slam singles title in tennis, Li Na could do well as a stand-up comedian.
Interviewed on court after advancing to the quarter-finals in one of the sport?s most hallowed arenas, Li runs off the one-liners with the same hard flat punch as her winners on the court.
Asked if her husband and new coach Jiang Shan has made her a better player this year, she quips in fluent English, ?I?m a better person this year.?read more
If she wasn?t trying to win China?s first ever Grand Slam singles title in tennis, Li Na could do well as a stand-up comedian.
Interviewed on court after advancing to the quarter-finals in one of the sport?s most hallowed arenas, Li runs off the one-liners with the same hard flat punch as her winners on the court.
Asked if her husband and new coach Jiang Shan has made her a better player this year, she quips in fluent English, ?I?m a better person this year.?read more
Milla Jovovich Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen Miranda Kerr Mischa Barton Missi Pyle
Rebecca Gayheart Is Out With Baby Billie
I think this is the first time I've seen Billie! Adorable! Don't you want to pinch those cheeks? Rebecca Gayheart was spotted out with the baby yesterday afternoon. They went to a private residence.
Can you make out Billie's personalized booties (click through the pictures below for a better look)? Too cute :) It looks like Rebecca is focused on being a full-time mom while Eric Dane is still busy with 'Grey's Anatomy.' As you other stay-at-home moms know, getting out is so important!
I hope they had a good time :)
Photos by FAME
Can you make out Billie's personalized booties (click through the pictures below for a better look)? Too cute :) It looks like Rebecca is focused on being a full-time mom while Eric Dane is still busy with 'Grey's Anatomy.' As you other stay-at-home moms know, getting out is so important!
I hope they had a good time :)
Photos by FAME
Eva Green Eva Longoria Eva Mendes Evangeline Lilly Eve Fergie
SUNDANCE: How Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead Helped a Movie Get Made
Daniel Miller The way producer Peter Newman sees it, without Bob Dylan on board, "The Music Never Stopped" may have never been made. And without the Grateful Dead, it probably would?ve needed a different ending.read more
Tina Fey Tricia Helfer Tricia Vessey Trista Rehn Tyra Banks Uma Thurman
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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Usher
Janelle Monae
B.o.B
Justin Bieber
Muse
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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Usher
Janelle Monae
B.o.B
Justin Bieber
Muse
Radha Mitchell Raquel Alessi Rebecca Mader Rebecca Romijn Reese Witherspoon Rhona Mitra
Lady Gaga Gets 'Bigger And Bigger' On Born This Way, RedOne Says
'She's growing all the time, from the day I met her,' producer tells MTV News.By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias
Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
It's only a matter of weeks until Lady Gaga releases the first single from her highly anticipated album Born This Way, due in May. Producer RedOne recently chatted with MTV News about their latest collaboration, saying it shows the next step in the evolution of the girl formerly known as Stefani Germanotta.
"She's growing all the time, from the day I met her," RedOne said. "Of course, she's an encyclopedia of music. She listened to all the Bruce Springsteens, all the legends, and she has music in her. But on her personal level, she's always growing and growing and growing and becoming bigger and bigger, and her vision's the same thing. She just needed this platform to put all her ideas and learning from what she's been doing [into one place], and she's doing her thing."
With work on the album close to complete, this is a very exciting time for Gaga and him. "It feels exciting. It feels very exciting," he said with a smile on his face. "It's really exciting, and I hope the world is going to enjoy this as much as we do."
RedOne also dished about the album's forthcoming single. "It's so beautiful, and Gaga is very special to all of us — to the world," he said. "Honestly, the only thing we do is we get into the studio and suddenly magic happens. We never overthink, or we just do what we do. That's how it all started. With 'Just Dance,' we did it in one hour. There was no overthinking. Even though I remember when we did 'Poker Face,' people said musically it brought something new to the music and you won't be able to top it, we went into the studio and we did 'Bad Romance' on a bus.
"That explains how we do it, so I can't tell you anything about what's coming, but that's what we do. We just get in and do music we love and feel it, and thank God it comes out good."
What are you expecting from Gaga's new music? Let us know in the comments!
Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
It's only a matter of weeks until Lady Gaga releases the first single from her highly anticipated album Born This Way, due in May. Producer RedOne recently chatted with MTV News about their latest collaboration, saying it shows the next step in the evolution of the girl formerly known as Stefani Germanotta.
"She's growing all the time, from the day I met her," RedOne said. "Of course, she's an encyclopedia of music. She listened to all the Bruce Springsteens, all the legends, and she has music in her. But on her personal level, she's always growing and growing and growing and becoming bigger and bigger, and her vision's the same thing. She just needed this platform to put all her ideas and learning from what she's been doing [into one place], and she's doing her thing."
With work on the album close to complete, this is a very exciting time for Gaga and him. "It feels exciting. It feels very exciting," he said with a smile on his face. "It's really exciting, and I hope the world is going to enjoy this as much as we do."
RedOne also dished about the album's forthcoming single. "It's so beautiful, and Gaga is very special to all of us — to the world," he said. "Honestly, the only thing we do is we get into the studio and suddenly magic happens. We never overthink, or we just do what we do. That's how it all started. With 'Just Dance,' we did it in one hour. There was no overthinking. Even though I remember when we did 'Poker Face,' people said musically it brought something new to the music and you won't be able to top it, we went into the studio and we did 'Bad Romance' on a bus.
"That explains how we do it, so I can't tell you anything about what's coming, but that's what we do. We just get in and do music we love and feel it, and thank God it comes out good."
What are you expecting from Gaga's new music? Let us know in the comments!
Piper Perabo Poppy Montgomery Portia de Rossi Rachael Leigh Cook Rachel Bilson Rachel Blanchard
'Breaking Dawn' Star Mackenzie Foy Gets Props From Onscreen Grandmother
'This is far too quick!' Elizabeth Reaser says of having a 'granddaughter.'By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Elizabeth Reaser
Photo: Ray Tamarra/ FilmMagic
PARK CITY, Utah — Of the onslaught of new castmembers that have come onboard for the two parts of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn," the young actress who everyone seems to be most interested in is newcomer Mackenzie Foy. The 10-year-old actress might not be old enough to truly grasp the OME-level of excitement that playing Renesmee, the onscreen daughter of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, should generate, but she certainly has made quite an impact on her co-stars.
Elizabeth Reaser, who plays matriarch Esme Cullen, was at the Sundance Film Festival when MTV News caught up with her and asked her about working with Foy. Reaser had nothing but wonderful things to say about her newest family member.
"She's wonderful, and she lives across the hall from me in Baton Rouge, and she's a wonderful, great actress," Reaser said. "She never complains about anything. She's so professional about everything. She's such a sweetheart."
Obviously, Foy was cast not only for her acting ability but also for her resemblance to the movie's stars.
"I think it was really well cast between Rob and Kristen. She could be their kid, you know? She looks like that," Reaser said, laughing about the fact that Foy, who is 25 years younger than her, is playing her grandchild. "This is far too quick!"
In October, Stewart said she hadn't had a chance to meet Foy yet, though that has obviously changed by now. She said that she didn't know anything about Foy until "Breaking Dawn" director Bill Condon called her up.
"[He] was like, 'Wait until you see this kid. If you and Rob had a kid, this would be it,' " she told MTV News. "I was like, 'That's so weird.' She just looks like — she sort of looks like Bella. Which is absolutely right. Although the funny thing is she has green eyes, and we both have to wear brown contacts together."
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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Elizabeth Reaser
Photo: Ray Tamarra/ FilmMagic
PARK CITY, Utah — Of the onslaught of new castmembers that have come onboard for the two parts of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn," the young actress who everyone seems to be most interested in is newcomer Mackenzie Foy. The 10-year-old actress might not be old enough to truly grasp the OME-level of excitement that playing Renesmee, the onscreen daughter of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, should generate, but she certainly has made quite an impact on her co-stars.
Elizabeth Reaser, who plays matriarch Esme Cullen, was at the Sundance Film Festival when MTV News caught up with her and asked her about working with Foy. Reaser had nothing but wonderful things to say about her newest family member.
"She's wonderful, and she lives across the hall from me in Baton Rouge, and she's a wonderful, great actress," Reaser said. "She never complains about anything. She's so professional about everything. She's such a sweetheart."
Obviously, Foy was cast not only for her acting ability but also for her resemblance to the movie's stars.
"I think it was really well cast between Rob and Kristen. She could be their kid, you know? She looks like that," Reaser said, laughing about the fact that Foy, who is 25 years younger than her, is playing her grandchild. "This is far too quick!"
In October, Stewart said she hadn't had a chance to meet Foy yet, though that has obviously changed by now. She said that she didn't know anything about Foy until "Breaking Dawn" director Bill Condon called her up.
"[He] was like, 'Wait until you see this kid. If you and Rob had a kid, this would be it,' " she told MTV News. "I was like, 'That's so weird.' She just looks like — she sort of looks like Bella. Which is absolutely right. Although the funny thing is she has green eyes, and we both have to wear brown contacts together."
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 Videos
MTV Rough Cut: 2011 Sundance Film Festival
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On The Set Of 'Breaking Dawn'
Meet The Cast Of 'Breaking Dawn'
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James Franco Discusses His Recent Projects And How They Analyze What Is Entertainment
Sometimes it's hard to get a good read on James Franco. The actor is up to a lot -- I mean, a really lot -- of stuff recently, and some of it seems a little random and not James Franco. MTV's Josh Horowitz tried to get a read on the actor, who was at Sundance [...]
Aisha Tyler Aki Ross Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi
Links for 2007-11-23 [del.icio.us]
Hayden Panettiere is GQ’s Obsession of the Year
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has been named Obsession of the Year in a recent issue of GQ. The teen celebrity is photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth. She is adorable in the photos and actually now that she?s eighteen, it?s okay to look at her ?in tha
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has been named Obsession of the Year in a recent issue of GQ. The teen celebrity is photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth. She is adorable in the photos and actually now that she?s eighteen, it?s okay to look at her ?in tha
Aaliyah Abbie Cornish Adriana Lima Adrianne Curry Adrianne Palicki Aisha Tyler
Gotham Group Promotes Luke Sandler to Literary Manager
Jay A. Fernandez The Gotham Group has promoted Luke Sandler to manager in its literary division. Sandler, who has worked for Spyglass Entertainment and Warner Independent Pictures, will rep film and TV writers and directors, as well as sell film rights to Gotham?s voluminous library of books and graphic novels.read more
Rose Byrne Rose McGowan Roselyn Sanchez Rozonda Thomas Saira Mohan Salma Hayek
Britney Spears Taking Risks For 'Hold It Against Me' Video
'She is taking risks when it comes to fashion, when it comes to choreography, when it comes to this music,' choreographer Brian Friedman says.By James Dinh
Britney Spears
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
In Britney Spears' "For the Record" documentary, the pop icon stressed the importance of dance in her life, even saying that she'd be "dead" without it. And on the heels of a new era in music, the singer is ready to take her signature dance skills to a whole new level in the music video for her latest single, "Hold It Against Me," according to choreographer Brian Friedman.
Speaking with MTV's "The Seven," Friedman dished details on rehearsal time, his take on the new tune and his longtime partnership with the entertainer.
"This is a dance video. Rehearsals can get pretty rough," the choreographer said. "We're playing it safe, we're not trying to kill ourselves yet, but as the video comes closer and closer, we'll definitely be hurting our backs. There was a moment while we were rehearsing where I showed Britney a section and it was something I really wanted her to do, and she freaked out. ... It's crazy when you first see something like that, how overwhelming it can be, especially when you haven't been in the [dance] studio for a year."
Despite Ms. Spears' early hesitation, the dance mastermind said it was probably the wrong section of the routine to show her first, revealing that the pop superstar has learned the moves and is "killing it now."
Reports of a new Britney music video leaked in December when the fansite BreatheHeavy.com posted a notice for auditions. "It's been the biggest buzz, you know?" he continued. "There's been a lot of speculation as to when the actual project started and it's been blowing up on my Twitter. People have been asking, 'Are you in rehearsals? Are you in auditions?' and that's the mystery that should be unknown. What we do know is we're in rehearsal studios right now and the video's coming."
How exactly does "Hold It Against Me" fare in comparison to the slew of other dance tunes under Britney's belt? Calling the iTunes chart topper "the hardest dance track that she's ever put out," Friedman said, "It's infectious. The beat gets inside of you, and just when you think you know it, it takes a turn. The song, in particular, is one of my favorite songs I've heard off the bat. I'm really excited about choreographing it."
Spears and Friedman have a long-standing professional relationship, including working together on the pop singer's 2002 dance heavy "Overprotected (Remix)" music video. Later on in his chat with "The Seven," the Illinois native recalled his first encounter with the then-teenager through a mutual friend who was dancing for her at the time. After meeting with the singer, Brian teamed up with her for her Grammy performance.
"From then on, we became friends and she is fun to work with," he gushed. "She's a Southern girl — she's all about having fun and laughing and cracking jokes. I think you can expect the unexpected from Britney. She is taking risks when it comes to fashion, when it comes to choreography, when it comes to this music — she's grown up so much, and she's pushing 30 years old soon, so she's a strong independent woman and I think she wants to show that."
Are you looking forward to seeing Britney's "Hold It Against Me" video? Tell us in the comments!
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Britney Spears
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
In Britney Spears' "For the Record" documentary, the pop icon stressed the importance of dance in her life, even saying that she'd be "dead" without it. And on the heels of a new era in music, the singer is ready to take her signature dance skills to a whole new level in the music video for her latest single, "Hold It Against Me," according to choreographer Brian Friedman.
Speaking with MTV's "The Seven," Friedman dished details on rehearsal time, his take on the new tune and his longtime partnership with the entertainer.
"This is a dance video. Rehearsals can get pretty rough," the choreographer said. "We're playing it safe, we're not trying to kill ourselves yet, but as the video comes closer and closer, we'll definitely be hurting our backs. There was a moment while we were rehearsing where I showed Britney a section and it was something I really wanted her to do, and she freaked out. ... It's crazy when you first see something like that, how overwhelming it can be, especially when you haven't been in the [dance] studio for a year."
Despite Ms. Spears' early hesitation, the dance mastermind said it was probably the wrong section of the routine to show her first, revealing that the pop superstar has learned the moves and is "killing it now."
Reports of a new Britney music video leaked in December when the fansite BreatheHeavy.com posted a notice for auditions. "It's been the biggest buzz, you know?" he continued. "There's been a lot of speculation as to when the actual project started and it's been blowing up on my Twitter. People have been asking, 'Are you in rehearsals? Are you in auditions?' and that's the mystery that should be unknown. What we do know is we're in rehearsal studios right now and the video's coming."
How exactly does "Hold It Against Me" fare in comparison to the slew of other dance tunes under Britney's belt? Calling the iTunes chart topper "the hardest dance track that she's ever put out," Friedman said, "It's infectious. The beat gets inside of you, and just when you think you know it, it takes a turn. The song, in particular, is one of my favorite songs I've heard off the bat. I'm really excited about choreographing it."
Spears and Friedman have a long-standing professional relationship, including working together on the pop singer's 2002 dance heavy "Overprotected (Remix)" music video. Later on in his chat with "The Seven," the Illinois native recalled his first encounter with the then-teenager through a mutual friend who was dancing for her at the time. After meeting with the singer, Brian teamed up with her for her Grammy performance.
"From then on, we became friends and she is fun to work with," he gushed. "She's a Southern girl — she's all about having fun and laughing and cracking jokes. I think you can expect the unexpected from Britney. She is taking risks when it comes to fashion, when it comes to choreography, when it comes to this music — she's grown up so much, and she's pushing 30 years old soon, so she's a strong independent woman and I think she wants to show that."
Are you looking forward to seeing Britney's "Hold It Against Me" video? Tell us in the comments!
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Photos | 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premiere After Party
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Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Photos | 2011 Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet
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EXCLUSIVE: Mark Webber Films Indie Drama Starring His Two-Year-Old Son
Borys Kit Michael Cera, Amanda Seyfried, Shannon Sossamon and Jason Ritter will make appearances in the film.read more
Elisha Cuthbert Eliza Dushku Emilie de Ravin Emma Heming Emma Stone Emma Watson
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