Kamis, 31 Desember 2009

MTV News

MTV News


Drake Calls 'Light Up,' His Collabo With Jay-Z, 'Phenomenal'

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 01:49 AM PST

'When I heard that beat ... it was like, 'Man, this is a moment,' ' Drake tells MTV News of the Thank Me Later track.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts


Drake
Photo: Steven Roberts/ MTV News

It's done. Drake's collaboration with Jay-Z, "Light Up," is finally finished. The Toronto lyricist had been hopeful all year that he and Hov could connect in the studio.

"Everybody is looking for this one joint with me and Jay, so that needs to happen," Drake told MTV News back in June. "My goal at this point is to keep making that organic music. I don't wanna feel pressure now that I have a single and music that's hot."

Drake recently sat down with MTV News in his Canadian hometown and explained how the song, produced by Tone Mason and co-produced by his October's Very Own cohort Noah "40" Shebib, came to fruition.

The track will be included on the rapper's forthcoming debut, Thank Me Later, tentatively slated for a March release.

"When I heard that beat, the drums that they had come up with, it was like, 'Man, this is a moment,' " he said. " 'This sounds like where I'm at in my life.' So, we took it and 40 did what he does to pieces of music that I see potential in — he took it to the next spot. Jay-Z's on it. The song is phenomenal. It's done now."

The pair previously worked together on Jay-Z's "Off That," from Hov's The Blueprint 3 project.

The Timbaland-produced track, however, only featured Drake on the hook instead of contributing a verse alongside Jay. This time, the two MCs both had their say on "Light Up." Though the upstart MC was able to recruit the Roc Nation head into the fold for his first album, in addition to expected collabos with Lil Wayne and Kanye West, Drake said he's trying to downplay the guest list and focus on his humble beginnings.

"At the end of the day, one of the biggest things I've been toying with on Thank Me Later is that it's kind of hard for me to come out and be like, 'I'm still the underdog,' " Drake told Mixtape Daily recently.

"I can't rap about the same things [as I did] on So Far Gone, so it's just really trying to tell the greatest story that's never been told, which is the story of a rapper's come-up, and tell it without being corny or over-bragging or sounding like, 'Feel sorry for me.' It's going to be a very interesting record because I'm really going to have to dig deep and tell stories that people can relate to. But it's kind of hard, because my life is at a very different place now. "

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Adam Lambert, Usher, More Stars Share Their New Year's Resolutions

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 09:55 AM PST

'[My resolution is] to not make any resolutions,' actress Emily Blunt says.
By Jocelyn Vena


Adam Lambert
Photo: Jeff Vespa/ WireImage

With a new year comes a new start, a chance to change. Want to know what Adam Lambert, James Franco or Ciara are looking to improve on in 2010? MTV News has rounded up some of the best celebrity resolutions.

"My New Year's resolution is just to let go of the things in the past and accept those things that are new," Usher told "Access Hollywood." Meanwhile, fellow singer Ciara added, "Stay more focused and continue creating new goals. I haven't broken it down just yet. I do know I want to make next year a better year."

"American Idol" star Adam Lambert is going to try to keep things in perspective in 2010. "I think my New Year's resolution is just to stay positive and enjoy the moment."

"My resolution is to quit texting and use my cell phone in emergencies only," "Hills" star Holly Montag said. "It takes you out of the present moment and is one of my biggest distractions in life!"

Kim Kardashian tweeted some sage New Year's advice: "If you gained a few pounds over the holidays ... Time to get back in shape for the new year!"

James Franco wants to be more environmentally friendly in 2010, hoping to walk more instead of driving. Franco's "Spider-Man" co-star Tobey Maguire said, "When you make movies you travel all over the world and don't get to see the people you love as much as you would like. My resolution is to make time to see them more. They are what's really important in this world."

Emily Blunt, however, had a different idea. "To not make any resolutions. Whenever I make them, I wind up ultimately breaking them," she said. "I think a lot of people are that way, so I am going to try and avoid inevitable disappointment next year and just not make any."

Join the stars of "Jersey Shore" and Adrienne Bailon for MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Rihanna And Lady Gaga Top Our List Of 2009's Most Stylish Stars

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Jonas Brothers and Taylor Lautner rep for the guys in our fashion countdown.
By Jocelyn Vena


Rihanna
Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

It seems that 2009 was the year that it was cool to be out-there when it came to style. Whether it was Taylor Swift's classic fashion sense or Rihanna and Lady Gaga's cool, avant-garde aesthetic, style this year wasn't about what people wanted you to be, but how you wanted people to see you.

Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift definitely sparkled this year, and we don't mean just career-wise. On top of owning the charts, headlining a successful tour, winning every possible award (including the one that sparked that infamous VMA moment) and hosting "Saturday Night Live," the singer looked impeccable at every event she attended and red carpet she walked thanks to her love of sequins.

Stand-out moments included the VMAs red carpet, the CMA Awards red carpet and the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards red carpet.

The Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are three guys who know that skinny suits, plaid and a brand-new haircut will always get the girls screaming. Whether they were traveling the world for their tour, catching lunch with a girl or hitting up a red carpet, the guys' hip, downtown style remained young and fresh.

Stand-out moments included the EMAs red carpet, onstage during their shows and the premiere of "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience."

Rihanna
Rihanna certainly made a few fashion statements this year. Her ability to mix both edgy and glamorous styles makes this "Hard" singer one of the coolest fashionistas on the planet.

Stand-out moments included the Met Gala, the Chanel fashion show in Paris and the U.K. premiere of "Inglourious Basterds."

Taylor Lautner
Taylor Lautner always manages to look hot and stylish. He loves a well-tailored suit and, even at the tender age of 17, has a decidedly old-Hollywood glamour about the way he presents himself. He's well-groomed, and with that big smile and well-maintained physique, Lautner can light up any red carpet.

Stand-out moments included a "New Moon" screening in New York, the VMAs red carpet and the MTV Movie Awards red carpet.

Lady Gaga
However, this list wouldn't be complete without the one lady who changed the look and feel of celebrity style — that woman is Lady Gaga. At times she looked wacky, at times her outfits were off-the-wall, but she was incredibly confident in any piece of couture she was wearing.

Stand-out moments included the VMAs red carpet (including date Kermit the Frog), the Queen's Royal Variety Performance event and Billboard's fourth annual Women In Music event.

Don't miss MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, Others Ring In The New Year With MTV: A Look Back

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Revisit our celebrity-packed New Year's Eve celebrations from the past decade.
By Jocelyn Vena


Miley Cyrus hosts MTV's New Years Special on December 31, 2008
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images

MTV has always known how to throw a bangin' party to ring in the new year. Everyone from "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere to Miley Cyrus to musical guests like Sum 41 and the Foo Fighters has been on hand to count down to the new year with us, along with hosts like Sway, SuChin Pak, Damien Fahey and Kurt Loder. MTV News has delved into the archives to remember some of the best moments at MTV New Year's Eve specials of the past decade.

In 2001, Lance Bass was on hand to help ring in the new year. And in 2002, the star-filled show featured everyone from Jaime Pressley co-hosting with Carson Daly to Willa Ford hanging with O-Town and Dave Holmes. Brian McFayden chilled with Mandy Moore and Ja Rule that year. "Man, it's been like the best New Year's ever," Ja Rule said.

In 2003, MTV threw a pajama party, with the Foo Fighters, the late Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher joining in the celebration. Justin Timberlake sent in a video message explaining why he couldn't be there: He prefers to sleep in the nude and therefore didn't own any PJs to wear for the event.

Hilary Duff and "Total Request Live" host Damien Fahey hosted MTV's New Year's celebration together in 2004. And the cast of "One Tree Hill," including former MTV VJ Hilarie Burton, helped toast the new year. The show's then real-life couple Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray shared a kiss when the new year struck at midnight.

In 2007 there was also a lot of kissing going on. At the gold-themed party hosted by "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere and "Laguna Beach" star Stephen Colletti (who eventually dated), Colletti was seen giving Panettiere a quick peck on the cheek. "Gold is one of my favorite colors, so I was very happy," Panettiere said about hanging with MTV that year. Meanwhile, Nick Lachey and his VJ love, Vanessa Minnillo, swapped a major kiss at midnight.

Perez Hilton hung with the cast of "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila" in 2008. Unfortunately Tila wasn't on hand for the festivities. In 2009 Miley Cyrus surprised a teen named Alison for the "FNMTV Presents: A Miley-Sized Surprise." The pink-themed bash had all of Alison's friends on hand to see Miley perform just for them. Alison won the chance to hang with Miley thanks to her work with the Pink Ribbon Club, an organization that raises awareness about breast cancer.

Join the stars of "Jersey Shore" and Adrienne Bailon for MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Avenged Sevenfold Drummer James 'The Rev' Sullivan Autopsy 'Inconclusive'

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 06:47 AM PST

Authorities have ordered additional tests, which are expected to take several weeks.
By Gil Kaufman


Avenged Sevenfold's Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan
Photo: Soren McCarty/ WireImage

Authorities have ordered additional tests after an initial autopsy on Avenged Sevenfold drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan was inconclusive. According to The Associated Press, the autopsy seeking a cause of death for the 28-year-old rock drummer, who was found unresponsive in his Huntington Beach, California, home Monday, did not turn up definitive evidence of what caused his sudden demise.

Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino told the AP on Tuesday that the county coroner's office has ordered toxicology, microscopic and laboratory tests to help determine what caused Sullivan's death. The tests are expected to take several weeks.

Police said Monday that Sullivan appeared to have died of natural causes.

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan," the band announced on its Web site. "Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time. Jimmy you are forever in our hearts. We love you."

Sullivan was one of the co-founders of the group, which came together in Huntington Beach, California, in 1999 and won the Best New Artist award at MTV's VMAs in 2006, thanks to their hard-driving metal sound, which mixes in elements of emo and punk.

Sullivan, known for his propulsive drumming, backing vocals and creative songwriting, was honored by a number of his metal kin, who praised his abilities and nature.

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Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Added To National Film Registry

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 01:48 AM PST

Iconic clip is the first music video to be inducted into the Library of Congress.
By Gil Kaufman


Michael Jackson in his "Thriller" music video
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images

Since his death on June 25, 2009, late pop icon Michael Jackson has been showered with accolades and honors for his 40-plus-year musical career. But on Wednesday (December 30), one of Jackson's most enduring legacies, the pioneering 1983 dancing-ghoul-filled video for "Thriller," was inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

The Associated Press reported that the 14-minute mini-movie that revolutionized music videos and cemented Jackson's status as one of the most ambitious, innovative pop stars of all time, was one of 25 films that were inducted into the world's largest archive of film, TV and sound recordings.

The iconic video, directed by John Landis ("Animal House," "The Blues Brothers"), is the first music video named to the registry. It earned its spot because of the landmark nature of its achievements, which include Guinness World Record sales of over 9 million copies.

"Because of the way the recording industry is evolving and changing, we thought it would be good to go back to the development of an earlier seismic shift, which was the development of the music video," said Steve Leggett, coordinator of the National Film Preservation Board. "Thriller" had been considered for inclusion in the past, but Leggett said following Jackson's death, the time seemed right to add the video to the list.

The library works with film archives, movie studios and record labels to ensure that original copies of the works it enshrines for their enduring cultural, historical and aesthetic importance to U.S. culture are kept safe as well as acquiring copies for its own vault.

Among the other works entering the National Film Registry this year: 1979's "The Muppet Movie"; the 1957 sci-fi classic "The Incredible Shrinking Man"; Sergio Leone's epic spaghetti western "Once Upon a Time in the West"; 1938's "Jezebel," featuring Bette Davis' Oscar-winning performance; the 1975 bank-heist-gone-wrong movie "Dog Day Afternoon," starring Al Pacino; 1940's "The Mark of Zorro"; and the iconic "Little Nemo" from 1911, which mixed live action and animation and served as an inspiration for future animators, including Walt Disney.

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Chris Brown Picks His Favorite Album And Artist Of 2009

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

'I Can Transform Ya' singer explains whose music got him through the year.
By James Montgomery


Chris Brown
Photo: MTV News

Chris Brown dominated the headlines in 2009, though not for the reasons he'd hoped. After a February altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna, he pleaded guilty, was sentenced to probation and counseling, and emerged from it all a changed man.

He capped off the year by releasing a new album, Graffiti, and, as 2009 draws to a close, he looks forward to re-establishing himself as one of the brightest stars in the pop/R&B world. It was quite a journey, and along the way he drew inspiration from many sources — one of which happened to be the music of his contemporaries.

Recently, MTV News sat down with Brown to ask him about the songs and albums that helped him along the way. Because, as he told us, ultimately, it's all about the music. These are his picks for the album and artist of 2009.

Artist of the Year

"Juelz Santana. ... He played me some of his [upcoming] album, and it's dope. He's just gotta keep doing him. It took [Lil] Wayne a long time to break mainstream. The last couple years have been his big break. So I think it's gonna take a while for Juelz to do it, but he got it. Juelz got it. He's always making great music, so I think he doesn't have too far to go."

Album of the Year

"This year? Man, that's hard. You know what I listened to a lot? Ryan Leslie's [Transition] album. He's a dope artist. He did [my song] 'Famous Girl' — he produced it — but he's just a dope artist. I think creatively he's so unique that I don't think people get it yet. He's just so dope. His album's incredible. I listen to it all the time."

Don't miss MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Flaming Lips Lead New Year's Eve Concerts

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Gaga's Miami show is one of the hottest bills in the country.
By Gil Kaufman


Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

It's fitting that MTV's Woman of the Year is going to cap off a tremendous 2009 by playing one of the most anticipated New Year's Eve shows in the country. Lady Gaga's December 31 show at the James L. Knight Center in Miami Beach is currently the hottest New Year's Eve ticket on the market, according to "Extra," despite ticket prices that range from $425 to $25,000. The show has already sold a reported $1 million in tickets.

But Gaga isn't the only star ringing in the new year from the stage. She joins a cavalcade of bold names who will hoist some bubbly on Thursday, including Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert, John Mayer, reunited jam band Phish, Maroon 5 and psychedelic astronauts the Flaming Lips.

Lambert, MTV's #3 Man of the Year, will take the stage at the annual Gridlock New Year's Eve concert in his native Los Angeles on the Paramount Pictures Studio backlot. Though there are far fewer big-name shows than usual for the last night of the year, New York will have the typical mother lode of options for revelers, including Carey at Madison Square Garden, a DJ set from Passion Pit at Piano's, Q-Tip at the Brooklyn Bowl, Patti Smith at the Bowery Ballroom, some jam rock from the Disco Biscuits at Nokia Theatre, who knows what from Hole frontwoman Courtney Love at the Standard Hotel's Boom Boom Room, and guaranteed techno mayhem at Webster Hall with MSTRKRFT.

Phish will also be in Miami, winding up a four-night stand at American Airlines Arena with a NYE blowout, as will 1980s new wavers the B-52's, who will rock in the new year at Hard Rock Live. Joining Lambert in Los Angeles for revelry will be techno funkers Chromeo with DJ Peanut Butter Wolf at Club Nokia, R&B queen Erykah Badu at the House of Blues, and hip-hop legend DJ Quik with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member Bizzy Bone at the Key Club.

Up the coast in San Francisco, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead will perform as Furthur at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Jimmy Fallon house band and hip-hop powerhouse the Roots will plug in at the Warfield, and Ozomatli, Bassnectar, and Ghostland Observatory will bring the dance funk at the Concourse Exhibition Center.

Chicago's roster of shows is a mixed bag of blues, jam and electro rock with the Black Keys at the Riviera, mixmaster Girl Talk at the Congress Theater, Umphrey's McGee at the Aragon Ballroom, and Crystal Castles at Logan Square.

Socially conscious rapper Mos Def will perform at the Trocadero in Philadelphia, while Spoon will hook up with unpredictable punk Jay Reatard at the Riverside in Milwaukee, and jammers Galactic are at legendary Tipitinas in New Orleans. In Washington, D.C., soul singer Anthony Hamilton will be at Zanzibar, and Third Eye Blind will play the Grand Hyatt. The Goo Goo Dolls will suit up at the Sound Board in Detroit.

Denver will live up to its happy hippy vibe with shows by Sound Tribe Sector Nine at the Wells Fargo Theatre and the Yonder Mountain String Band at the Fillmore. Flo Rida will flex his muscle at the IP Casino Resort & Spa in Biloxi, Mississippi. In Las Vegas, the John Mayer Trio will share a stage with buzz singer Meyer Hawthorne at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and Maroon 5 will be joined by actor/songwriter Jason Segel at the Pearl Concert Theatre at the Palms. Band of Horses will rock in the year at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, while the Flaming Lips will unleash their typical end-of-year mayhem with a show in their hometown of Oklahoma City. For the gig, the psychedelic survivors will perform Pink Floyd's trippy masterpiece Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety in addition to a set of their own music at the Cox Convention Center.

What are you doing on New Year's Eve?

Don't miss MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Avenged Sevenfold Manager Recalls James 'The Rev' Sullivan's Final Days

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 07:54 AM PST

'He was somebody who just had a warmth,' Larry Jacobson says of the late drummer.
By Gil Kaufman


Avenged Sevenfold's Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan
Photo: Mychal Watts/ WireImage

According to his manager, in the week before his sudden death, Avenged Sevenfold drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan appeared to be in good health and spirits. The 28-year-old rocker, who was found unresponsive in his Huntington Beach, California, home on Monday, attended a friend's wedding reception a few days before his death and seemed to be healthy and happy, said the band's manager, Larry Jacobson.

At the wedding, Jacobson told the Orange County Register, Sullivan talked about the Lasik eye surgery he'd recently undergone and the new car he just bought. "He was somebody who just had a warmth and an easy smile and a laugh, and he was as smart as they come," said Jacobson, who added that Sullivan referred to him as a second father. "You could sit and talk to him about anything."

Friends and family gathered Monday night to share their memories of the tattooed hard rocker with a gentle soul. Sullivan said the mood at the event ranged from "deep and somber to smiles and laughs as they began to reminisce about the experiences everybody had with him. ... He was a loving son and a loving brother — like no one you'd ever seen, and talented beyond people's perception."

Known for his walloping, machine-gun drums on songs like "Burn It Down" and his taste for tongue-in-cheek gothic songwriting on songs like the mass-murder epic "A Little Piece of Heaven," Sullivan was a kind soul not afraid to express his emotions, according to Jacobson.

"He was expressive. He'd tell you how he felt about you — you didn't wonder, because he'd put his arm around you," he said. "He knew how to tell his friends he loved them."

An autopsy performed Tuesday was inconclusive, prompting the Orange County Coroner's Office to order further tests to determine the cause of death.

Prior to forming in Huntington Beach a decade ago, Avenged Sevenfold's members were close friends growing up, and Jacobson said that close bond has made Sullivan's death even harder to take. "Never in my life have I seen a relationship like that," he said. "And I think the relationship the four have right now will help them get through this traumatic time."

The group has been working on its fifth album, and it was unknown at press time how it would proceed with the sessions in light of Sullivan's passing.

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Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, More To Perform On New Year's Eve Specials

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Robin Thicke, Kris Allen and more stars will grace your TV if you decide to stay home on December 31.
By Jocelyn Vena


Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, Fergie and Apl.de.ap
Photo: Mario Castillo/Jam Media/LatinContent/Getty Images

It's New Year's Eve and you'd rather stay home than brave the crowds at a party — fair enough. Luckily there are a handful of TV specials airing in the hours before midnight that should keep a homebody entertained until the ball drops to ring in 2010.

Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin are set to team up for their aptly named CNN show, "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin." The pair worked together last year and are set to be joined by Lance Bass for the broadcast, which takes place in Times Square and starts at 11 p.m. The show will also feature holiday messages from U.S. soldiers stationed abroad.

MTV News will have its own NYE special, "Top 9 of '09." The show kicks off at 11 p.m. on MTV and counts down the nine biggest stories of the year, everything from Michael Jackson to Eminem. Hosts will include Adrienne Bailon, the casts of "Jersey Shore" and "The Buried Life" and Shailene Woodley and Josie Loren from ABC Family.

"Billboard's New Year's Eve Live" airs on Fox at 11 p.m., with Carmen Electra serving as host to musical acts like "American Idol" alums Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta. Sean Kingston is also set to perform at the show, which will feature archival clips from past Billboard Music Awards to take you on a trip down memory lane.

Carson Daly will host "NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly," airing at 10 p.m. The special will include performances by Rihanna and Jay-Z as well as Green Day. The cast of "Hair" will also perform live from Times Square.

Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, Robin Thicke, Keri Hilson, Selena Gomez, Colbie Caillat and Orianthi will all be on hand for Dick Clark's "New Year's Rockin' Eve," co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Fergie. The show kicks off at 10 p.m. on ABC and will be live in both Las Vegas and New York City.

Join the stars of "Jersey Shore" and Adrienne Bailon for MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Rihanna And Lady Gaga Top Our List Of 2009's Most Stylish Stars

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Jonas Brothers and Taylor Lautner rep for the guys in our fashion countdown.
By Jocelyn Vena


Rihanna
Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

It seems that 2009 was the year that it was cool to be out-there when it came to style. Whether it was Taylor Swift's classic fashion sense or Rihanna and Lady Gaga's cool, avant-garde aesthetic, style this year wasn't about what people wanted you to be, but how you wanted people to see you.

Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift definitely sparkled this year, and we don't mean just career-wise. On top of owning the charts, headlining a successful tour, winning every possible award (including the one that sparked that infamous VMA moment) and hosting "Saturday Night Live," the singer looked impeccable at every event she attended and red carpet she walked thanks to her love of sequins.

Stand-out moments included the VMAs red carpet, the CMA Awards red carpet and the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards red carpet.

The Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are three guys who know that skinny suits, plaid and a brand-new haircut will always get the girls screaming. Whether they were traveling the world for their tour, catching lunch with a girl or hitting up a red carpet, the guys' hip, downtown style remained young and fresh.

Stand-out moments included the EMAs red carpet, onstage during their shows and the premiere of "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience."

Rihanna
Rihanna certainly made a few fashion statements this year. Her ability to mix both edgy and glamorous styles makes this "Hard" singer one of the coolest fashionistas on the planet.

Stand-out moments included the Met Gala, the Chanel fashion show in Paris and the U.K. premiere of "Inglourious Basterds."

Taylor Lautner
Taylor Lautner always manages to look hot and stylish. He loves a well-tailored suit and, even at the tender age of 17, has a decidedly old-Hollywood glamour about the way he presents himself. He's well-groomed, and with that big smile and well-maintained physique, Lautner can light up any red carpet.

Stand-out moments included a "New Moon" screening in New York, the VMAs red carpet and the MTV Movie Awards red carpet.

Lady Gaga
However, this list wouldn't be complete without the one lady who changed the look and feel of celebrity style — that woman is Lady Gaga. At times she looked wacky, at times her outfits were off-the-wall, but she was incredibly confident in any piece of couture she was wearing.

Stand-out moments included the VMAs red carpet (including date Kermit the Frog), the Queen's Royal Variety Performance event and Billboard's fourth annual Women In Music event.

Don't miss MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake More Ring In The New Year With MTV: A Look Back

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Revisit our celebrity-packed New Year's Eve celebrations from the past decade.
By Jocelyn Vena


Miley Cyrus hosts MTV's New Years Special on December 31, 2008
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images

MTV has always known how to throw a bangin' party to ring in the new year. Everyone from "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere to Miley Cyrus to musical guests like Sum 41 and the Foo Fighters has been on hand to count down to the new year with us, along with hosts like Sway, SuChin Pak, Damien Fahey and Kurt Loder. MTV News has delved into the archives to remember some of the best moments at MTV New Year's Eve specials of the past decade.

In 2001, Lance Bass was on hand to help ring in the new year. And in 2002, the star-filled show featured everyone from Jaime Pressley co-hosting with Carson Daly to Willa Ford hanging with O-Town and Dave Holmes. Brian McFayden chilled with Mandy Moore and Ja Rule that year. "Man, it's been like the best New Year's ever," Ja Rule said.

In 2003, MTV threw a pajama party, with the Foo Fighters, the late Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher joining in the celebration. Justin Timberlake sent in a video message explaining why he couldn't be there: He prefers to sleep in the nude and therefore didn't own any PJs to wear for the event.

Hilary Duff and "Total Request Live" host Damien Fahey hosted MTV's New Year's celebration together in 2004. And the cast of "One Tree Hill," including former MTV VJ Hilarie Burton, helped toast the new year. The show's then real-life couple Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray shared a kiss when the new year struck at midnight.

In 2007 there was also a lot of kissing going on. At the gold-themed party hosted by "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere and "Laguna Beach" star Stephen Colletti (who eventually dated), Colletti was seen giving Panettiere a quick peck on the cheek. "Gold is one of my favorite colors, so I was very happy," Panettiere said about hanging with MTV that year. Meanwhile, Nick Lachey and his VJ love, Vanessa Minnillo, swapped a major kiss at midnight.

Perez Hilton hung with the cast of "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila" in 2008. Unfortunately Tila wasn't on hand for the festivities. In 2009 Miley Cyrus surprised a teen named Alison for the "FNMTV Presents: A Miley-Sized Surprise." The pink-themed bash had all of Alison's friends on hand to see Miley perform just for them. Alison won the chance to hang with Miley thanks to her work with the Pink Ribbon Club, an organization that raises awareness about breast cancer.

Join the stars of "Jersey Shore" and Adrienne Bailon for MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

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Chris Brown Picks His Favorite Album And Artist Of 2009

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

'I Can Transform Ya' singer explains whose music got him through the year.
By James Montgomery


Chris Brown
Photo: MTV News

Chris Brown dominated the headlines in 2009, though not for the reasons he'd hoped. After a February altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna, he pleaded guilty, was sentenced to probation and counseling, and emerged from it all a changed man.

He capped off the year by releasing a new album, Graffiti, and, as 2009 draws to a close, he looks forward to re-establishing himself as one of the brightest stars in the pop/R&B world. It was quite a journey, and along the way he drew inspiration from many sources — one of which happened to be the music of his contemporaries.

Recently, MTV News sat down with Brown to ask him about the songs and albums that helped him along the way. Because, as he told us, ultimately, it's all about the music. These are his picks for the album and artist of 2009.

Artist of the Year

"Juelz Santana. ... He played me some of his [upcoming] album, and it's dope. He's just gotta keep doing him. It took [Lil] Wayne a long time to break mainstream. The last couple years have been his big break. So I think it's gonna take a while for Juelz to do it, but he got it. Juelz got it. He's always making great music, so I think he doesn't have too far to go."

Album of the Year

"This year? Man, that's hard. You know what I listened to a lot? Ryan Leslie's [Transition] album. He's a dope artist. He did [my song] 'Famous Girl' — he produced it — but he's just a dope artist. I think creatively he's so unique that I don't think people get it yet. He's just so dope. His album's incredible. I listen to it all the time."

Don't miss MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Flaming Lips Lead New Year's Eve Concerts

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Gaga's Miami show is one of the hottest bills in the country.
By Gil Kaufman


Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

It's fitting that MTV's Woman of the Year is going to cap off a tremendous 2009 by playing one of the most anticipated New Year's Eve shows in the country. Lady Gaga's December 31 show at the James L. Knight Center in Miami Beach is currently the hottest New Year's Eve ticket on the market, according to "Extra," despite ticket prices that range from $425 to $25,000. The show has already sold a reported $1 million in tickets.

But Gaga isn't the only star ringing in the new year from the stage. She joins a cavalcade of bold names who will hoist some bubbly on Thursday, including Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert, John Mayer, reunited jam band Phish, Maroon 5 and psychedelic astronauts the Flaming Lips.

Lambert, MTV's #3 Man of the Year, will take the stage at the annual Gridlock New Year's Eve concert in his native Los Angeles on the Paramount Pictures Studio backlot. Though there are far fewer big-name shows than usual for the last night of the year, New York will have the typical mother lode of options for revelers, including Carey at Madison Square Garden, a DJ set from Passion Pit at Piano's, Q-Tip at the Brooklyn Bowl, Patti Smith at the Bowery Ballroom, some jam rock from the Disco Biscuits at Nokia Theatre, who knows what from Hole frontwoman Courtney Love at the Standard Hotel's Boom Boom Room, and guaranteed techno mayhem at Webster Hall with MSTRKRFT.

Phish will also be in Miami, winding up a four-night stand at American Airlines Arena with a NYE blowout, as will 1980s new wavers the B-52's, who will rock in the new year at Hard Rock Live. Joining Lambert in Los Angeles for revelry will be techno funkers Chromeo with DJ Peanut Butter Wolf at Club Nokia, R&B queen Erykah Badu at the House of Blues, and hip-hop legend DJ Quik with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member Bizzy Bone at the Key Club.

Up the coast in San Francisco, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead will perform as Furthur at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Jimmy Fallon house band and hip-hop powerhouse the Roots will plug in at the Warfield, and Ozomatli, Bassnectar, and Ghostland Observatory will bring the dance funk at the Concourse Exhibition Center.

Chicago's roster of shows is a mixed bag of blues, jam and electro rock with the Black Keys at the Riviera, mixmaster Girl Talk at the Congress Theater, Umphrey's McGee at the Aragon Ballroom, and Crystal Castles at Logan Square.

Socially conscious rapper Mos Def will perform at the Trocadero in Philadelphia, while Spoon will hook up with unpredictable punk Jay Reatard at the Riverside in Milwaukee, and jammers Galactic are at legendary Tipitinas in New Orleans. In Washington, D.C., soul singer Anthony Hamilton will be at Zanzibar, and Third Eye Blind will play the Grand Hyatt. The Goo Goo Dolls will suit up at the Sound Board in Detroit.

Denver will live up to its happy hippy vibe with shows by Sound Tribe Sector Nine at the Wells Fargo Theatre and the Yonder Mountain String Band at the Fillmore. Flo Rida will flex his muscle at the IP Casino Resort & Spa in Biloxi, Mississippi. In Las Vegas, the John Mayer Trio will share a stage with buzz singer Meyer Hawthorne at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and Maroon 5 will be joined by actor/songwriter Jason Segel at the Pearl Concert Theatre at the Palms. Band of Horses will rock in the year at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, while the Flaming Lips will unleash their typical end-of-year mayhem with a show in their hometown of Oklahoma City. For the gig, the psychedelic survivors will perform Pink Floyd's trippy masterpiece Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety in addition to a set of their own music at the Cox Convention Center.

What are you doing on New Year's Eve?

Don't miss MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, More To Perform On New Year's Eve Specials

Posted: 30 Dec 2009 03:50 AM PST

Robin Thicke, Kris Allen and more stars will grace your TV if you decide to stay home on December 31.
By Jocelyn Vena


Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, Fergie and Apl.de.ap
Photo: Mario Castillo/Jam Media/LatinContent/Getty Images

It's New Year's Eve and you'd rather stay home than brave the crowds at a party — fair enough. Luckily there are a handful of TV specials airing in the hours before midnight that should keep a homebody entertained until the ball drops to ring in 2010.

Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin are set to team up for their aptly named CNN show, "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin." The pair worked together last year and are set to be joined by Lance Bass for the broadcast, which takes place in Times Square and starts at 11 p.m. The show will also feature holiday messages from U.S. soldiers stationed abroad.

MTV News will have its own NYE special, "Top 9 of '09." The show kicks off at 11 p.m. on MTV and counts down the nine biggest stories of the year, everything from Michael Jackson to Eminem. Hosts will include Adrienne Bailon, the casts of "Jersey Shore" and "The Buried Life" and Shailene Woodley and Josie Loren from ABC Family.

"Billboard's New Year's Eve Live" airs on Fox at 11 p.m., with Carmen Electra serving as host to musical acts like "American Idol" alums Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta. Sean Kingston is also set to perform at the show, which will feature archival clips from past Billboard Music Awards to take you on a trip down memory lane.

Carson Daly will host "NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly," airing at 10 p.m. The special will include performances by Rihanna and Jay-Z as well as Green Day. The cast of "Hair" will also perform live from Times Square.

Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, Robin Thicke, Keri Hilson, Selena Gomez, Colbie Caillat and Orianthi will all be on hand for Dick Clark's "New Year's Rockin' Eve," co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Fergie. The show kicks off at 10 p.m. on ABC and will be live in both Las Vegas and New York City.

Join the stars of "Jersey Shore" and Adrienne Bailon for MTV News' "Top 9 of '09" — which counts down the year's biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem and everything in between — airing New Year's Eve at 11 p.m. on MTV.

Lil Wayne Performs Final Hometown Show Before Jail Sentence

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 09:11 AM PST

'I'm nothing without you,' Weezy tells New Orleans crowd at Young Money concert.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Lil Wayne (file)
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

Lil Wayne performed his last hometown show Monday in New Orleans before he's scheduled to be sentenced to prison in New York on February 9.

Wayne, clad in a crimson-red fitted hat and matching winter coat, arrived onstage at the New Orleans Arena to thunderous applause.

"I'm nothing without you," he told the crowd in response to his ovation, according to The Associated Press.

The rapper has been on a promotional tour with Young Money since earlier this month in support of the recently released We Are Young Money compilation.

The outing kicked off December 17 in Texas but hit a few speed bumps along the way. Earlier this month, the rapper and his entourage were detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Lone Star State. Officials found marijuana on Lil Wayne's tour bus, but after being held for hours, he was later released and was never charged in the incident.

The New Orleans show went off without a hitch. During Young Money's performance of "Every Girl," the crowd cheered with approval. Stripped down to a tank top, Wayne was joined by Mack Maine, Jae Millz and Gudda Gudda for the number. Weezy pulled double-duty subbing for a missing Drake.

Wayne has a number of dates left on his tour, including appearances in Arizona and Mississippi. Next, Wayne and company are set to perform New Year's Eve at the San Diego Arena in California.

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Taylor Swift And Taylor Lautner Reportedly Split Up

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 12:33 AM PST

'They decided they were better as friends,' a source says.
By Jocelyn Vena


Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift in "Valentine's Day"
Photo: Warner Bros.

Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner have broken up, according to sources close to the couple that claim they really weren't that serious to begin with.

The couple first met on the set of "Valentine's Day" and seemed to get close fast, even though neither ever confirmed the relationship. "It was never a big deal to begin with. The media made way more out of it than it is," a source close to Swift told People. "They went out on a few dates and realized this was just not going anywhere."

A person close to Lautner agreed, adding that distance had a lot to do with the split. "They became good friends and then went out a few times," the source said. "But he lives in L.A. and she lives in Nashville and their busy schedules kept it from becoming more than it was."

The two had been seen hanging out all over the country, most notably hugging after one of her shows in Chicago in October. Although neither of them ever officially confirmed their relationship, Swift did wink at him during her opening monologue on "Saturday Night Live" and Lautner subsequently came to Swift's hypothetical rescue from Kanye West during his own episode of "SNL."

Lautner recently went to Nashville to attend Swift's 20th birthday party, but it seems that was the beginning of the end, according to an US Weekly source. "He liked her more than she liked him. He went everywhere he could to see her, but she didn't travel much to see him," the source said, adding, "It wasn't really developing into anything and wasn't going to, so they decided they were better as friends."

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Missy Elliott's 'All 4 U,' Featuring Lil Wayne, Leaks To The Web

Posted: 28 Dec 2009 11:30 PM PST

Song is in consideration for Elliott's long-delayed Block Party album.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Missy Elliot
Photo: Theo Wargo/ Getty Images

The invitation to Missy Elliott's long-delayed Block Party might be coming soon.

"All 4 U," a collaboration between Elliott and Lil Wayne, leaked to the Internet over the holiday weekend. The song is among a number of tracks in consideration for Elliott's upcoming album, Block Party, her first solo project since 2005's The Cookbook.

The syncopated track features Missy's trademark blend of rapping and singing, while Weezy delivers an X-rated verse.

"Baby, what's up with you tonight/ You wanna get busy, I can read your mind," Missy purrs seductively on the song. Elliott only contributes one verse to "All 4 U" and more than half the song features just the instrumental. A representative for the Virginia native told MTV News on Tuesday (December 29) that the song is unfinished and "still really rough."

Elliott has kept a low profile since her last album, which featured the Ciara-boosted hit "Lose Control," was released. She's appeared sparingly as a guest, including on a track by Keyshia Cole, and contributed to the soundtrack of the "Step Up 2: The Streets." As far as her own work, however, Block Party — her seventh album — has had a number of delays, most recently being pushed back from a summer 2009 release to the top of 2010.

Behind the scenes, though, the Grammy-winning producer and songwriter has kept busy. Last year, Elliott worked with the Pussycat Dolls for their single "Whatcha Think About That." The all-female collective beamed on the set of their video when they discussed working in the studio with Elliott.

"We threw down with Missy Elliott last night, and it was incredible," PCD member Kimberly Wyatt told MTV News. "For the first time in my life, I was weak in the knees. I was completely starstruck. I had butterflies."

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