Sabtu, 17 Januari 2009

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Barack Obama Inaugural Lineup: When To Catch Jay-Z And More In D.C.

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 03:18 AM PST

All your favorite stars will be there — but when and where?
By Jocelyn Vena


Jay-Z
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage

In the coming days, the nation's capital will become inundated with an onslaught of celebrities. Everyone from Jay-Z to Miley Cyrus to will be on hand to personally celebrate President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in on Tuesday.

Here is a roundup of all the balls, events, concerts and galas taking place in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration:

Saturday
Wyclef Jean will perform at the Green Inaugural Ball, which hopes to put a spotlight on environmental issues.

Sunday
"We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial" will feature Bruce Springsteen, U2, Beyoncé, Usher, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, John Mellencamp, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Josh Groban, John Legend and James Taylor. Two other big concerts are slated for Sunday: the Latino Inaugural Gala with Marc Anthony and Paulina Rubio and the Declare Yourself inauguration kickoff, hosted by Jessica Alba and with a performance by Maroon 5.

Monday
The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus will perform at the Kids' Inaugural Concert. Then there's Rock the Vote's "Hey, America Feels Kinda Cool Again" concert, which will feature the Beastie Boys, Sheryl Crow and Citizen Cope. And Jay-Z will perform at the "In Concert on the Eve on Change." Plus, the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will be hosted by Russell Simmons and feature appearances from LL Cool J, T.I. and Young Jeezy.

Tuesday
Tuesday brings the Mid-Atlantic Ball with Usher; the Western Ball with Marc Anthony; and the Obama Home States Ball featuring Common and Jack Johnson, who will perform in honor of Obama's native states of Illinois and Hawaii.

Many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Gabrielle Union and Rosario Dawson, will be in town as well to celebrate Obama's inauguration.

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

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Beyonce Reveals Song For Obamas' First Dance At Inaugural Ball

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 01:17 AM PST

Classic song is connected with 'Cadillac Records,' which B recently starred in.
By MTV News staff


Beyoncé
Photo: Gabriel Bouys/Getty Images

Beyoncé Knowles has disclosed the song she'll be singing for Barack and Michelle Obama's first dance on inauguration night Tuesday.

"I am so honored that I will be performing for President Obama and the first lady," she said in a statement to "Entertainment Tonight." "To sing 'At Last' while they have their first dance is a dream come true. I could not be more honored and excited that they have asked me to be part of this moment in history."

The song, of course, was made famous by Etta James — whom B portrayed in the recent "Cadillac Records" — and has frequently been covered by Christina Aguilera.

Also on hand and performing at the event will be Beyoncé's husband, Jay-Z, as well as Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Sting, Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5 and a DJ set by Nick Cannon. Among the presenters at the ball, which will be telecast by ABC, are Denzel Washington, Jessica Alba, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ray Romano, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and Kate Walsh.

In addition to the previously announced all-star inaugural balls occurring all weekend long, the Presidential Inaugural Committee has released the full roster of entertainment at Tuesday's official regional balls:

» President Obama Home States Ball: Common, Jack Johnson, Don Cagen Orchestra
» Vice President Biden Home States Ball: Maroon 5, James Gerard Orchestra
» Mid-Atlantic Ball: The Dead, DJ Cassidy
» Midwestern Ball: Sheryl Crow, Fabulous Motown Revue
» Western Ball: Marc Anthony, Party on the Moon
» Eastern Ball: James Taylor, Liquid Pleasure with Kenny Mann
» Southern Ball: The Derek Trucks Band with Susan Tedeschi, Wil Gravatt Band

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

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Barack Obama's Presidential Playlist

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 05:40 AM PST

President-elect Obama inspired quite a few songs, and he lists the songs that inspire him.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Barack Obama
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Sure, President-elect Barack Obama inspired millions of people to vote for him this past November — but what was really cool was that along the way to being elected to the highest office in the land, the former freshman U.S. senator also inspired a number of rappers to pen songs about him, from Will.I.Am to Young Jeezy. MTV News gives you the lowdown on a few of the tracks. (Further down, we highlight some of Obama's favorite tracks from the list he submitted to Blender magazine last year.)

The Songs Inspired By Obama

Big Boi (featuring Mary J. Blige) - "Something's Gotta Give"
The player half of Outkast scrapped a different song and instead went with this number to kick off his debut solo album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. The song strikes a somber tone as the pair talk about the reeling economy — but Big Boi puts his faith in Obama as MJB name-checks the hope-fueled politician.

Will.I.Am - "A New Day"
The Black Eyed Peas frontman got in on the act early, throwing his support around the "skinny kid with the funny name" with his viral clip centered on Obama's "Yes, We Can" refrain. When we — well, more specically, he — actually did it, the producer released this upbeat tune about the hope for the country's future. The video even features a CNN-produced hologram of Will. Talk about forward thinking.

Wyclef - "If I Was President" (version two)
'Clef's call to action began as his own personal rallying cry. But the poignant political number took on an even greater relevance once Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency. Suddenly, the bemusing song about a lack of a voice morphed into a stripped-down manifesto on the powers of grassroots organizing. Work never sounded so good.

Young Jeezy (featuring Nas) - "My President"
Even Nate Penn couldn't predict the impact of Da Snowman's call to action. It's one thing for a politically conscious hip-hopper to talk about the lack of funding provided to the inner-city and rural areas populated by blacks, but Jeezy's proclamation turned into the new 'hood anthem, as the chorus became a rallying cry that was heard pumping from seemingly every set of speakers throughout Harlem and Bed-Stuy.

The Songs That Inspire Obama

» The Fugees - "Ready or Not"
» Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On"
» Bruce Springsteen - "I'm on Fire"
» The Rolling Stones - "Gimme Shelter"
» Nina Simone - "Sinnerman"
» Kanye West - "Touch the Sky"
» Frank Sinatra - "You'd Be So Easy to Love"
» Aretha Franklin - "Think"
» U2 - "City of Blinding Lights"
» Will.I.Am - "Yes We Can"

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

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Barack Obama's First MTV News Interview Was With ... Diddy?

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 04:54 AM PST

Then-Illinois state rep encouraged youth participation back in 2004 too.
By Steven Roberts


Photo: Rebecca Sapp/ WireImage for Citizen Change

It's incredible to think that nearly five years ago, there wasn't one black senator among the 100-person U.S. Senate. That fact makes it even harder to believe that we're about to have our first black president.

But the most unbelievable part is that the first time MTV News met President-elect Barack Obama, he was being interviewed by Diddy.

Believe it!

In the weeks leading up to the 2004 presidential election between John Kerry and President George W. Bush, Diddy interviewed the then-Illinois state representative as he was running for the U.S. Senate. Even then, Obama stuck to the same message.

"Part of what we want to do is to make sure that we're setting a trend as far as political participation," Obama said. "Music, fashion — all of that's important — but people have to also understand that when our young men and women are going to war, somebody's made that decision, and it's typically going to be young people [fighting]."

He said young people had to be involved in deciding where their tax dollars were spent. He stressed accountability. They needed to look out for their collective best interests.

During his bid for the presidency, Obama called on the youth to take responsibility for their future as well. A record number of young people turned out to make their voices heard on both sides of the political aisle during the 2008 election.

In the '04 interview, Obama addressed the idea of disenfranchisement among young people over the years, saying young people had to assert their power.

"When you give away your vote, you're giving away a little bit of power that you have to influence the things that you see around you," Obama said at the time.

He stressed that things were not going to change overnight. People still have to be accountable for themselves and work toward achieving their dreams. He told Diddy that people have to take initiative, but the government can provide a little bit of help.

"Your vote will determine whether the people in power reflect what you care about or whether it reflects what the fat cats care about," he said.

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

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Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato Get Inauguration-Show Jitters

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 01:35 AM PST

'It's absolutely an honor to be able to perform,' Nick Jonas says of 'Kids' Inaugural Concert.'
By Jocelyn Vena


The Jonas Brothers
Photo: Gregg DeGuire/ WireImage

Demi Lovato calls it a "huge honor" to be a part of the Kids' Inaugural Concert on Monday. But, the "Sonny with a Chance" star is hoping that by the time the show rolls around, she'll have calmed her nerves calmed.

"I'm ridiculously nervous, to a point where I don't know what I'll be able to do with myself," the 16-year-old told TVGuide.com, adding that she'll be performing her songs "Get Back" and "La-La Land." "I hope I don't fall!

"It's not just another president," the Disney star added (as if she's been around for other inaugurations). "It's Obama."

Also on hand for the concert will be , Bow Wow, Usher, as well as Sasha and Malia Obama's favorites, the Jonas Brothers, who also said they're honored to be part of the weekend's celebration. The concert is being hosted by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, and will take place at the Verizon Center.

"It's absolutely an honor to be able to perform," Nick said. "What we're doing [with this concert] is for the children and families of the military. We could not have been more thrilled to do that specifically."

According to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the show's audience will consist of active-duty, reserve, guard and injured members of the military and their families, as well as families of fallen soldiers. It will air on the Disney Channel at 8 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, Nick's older brother Kevin, had more selfish reasons for signing up for the concert. "I know there's a bowling alley [in the White House]," Kevin joked. "I just want to hang out!"

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

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Beyonce's Inaugural Song Choice: An Expert Weighs In

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 03:28 AM PST

Blues historian says 'At Last' will honor Obama family and Etta James.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

Earlier Friday (January 16), Beyoncé announced that she would be performing the Etta James classic, "At Last" for Barack and Michelle Obama's first dance on inauguration night.

"I am so honored that I will be performing for President Obama and the first lady," she said in a statement to "Entertainment Tonight." "To sing 'At Last' while they have their first dance is a dream come true. I could not be more honored and excited that they have asked me to be part of this moment in history."

The song has its own storied history. After appearing on James' album, At Last!, it was released through Chess Records — the record label the film " Cadillac Records," in which Beyoncé played James, is based on — and it became a smash hit.

It was written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the film "Orchestra Wives" in 1941. Since its release, the song has been covered by everyone from Nat King Cole to Christina Aguilera, but James' version is probably the most well-known of all the covers. When James' version was released in 1961, it came in at #2 on the Billboard Black Singles Chart and at #47 on the Pop Singles Chart.

"Interestingly enough, the year Etta James made this song popular, 1961, is the year Barack Obama was born," Greg Johnson, blues curator and associate professor at the University of Mississippi, told MTV News.

He added that he can't be sure as to Beyoncé's reasons for picking the song, but he is willing to take a few guesses. "The title can imply, 'At last the United States has elected a black president,' " he shared, adding, " 'At last the United States has overcome its past fears of people of mixed race, at last the United States has chosen positive vision over the status quo.' "

Johnson also mused that it could be a reflection of one presidency's ending. "It could even mean, 'At last the presidency of George Bush and Dick Cheney is ending.' "

But Johnson found a connection that has been evident throughout this entire election — that the youth vote has once again found a reason to be interested in politics. "Another spin is that, 'At last youth may find a connection with politics and become more engaged,' " he said. "Whatever the reason, the song will honor not only the Obama family, but pay tribute to one of our finest blues, soul and gospel singers, Etta James."

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

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Rev Run Discusses Run-DMC's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Ceremony Plans

Posted: 16 Jan 2009 03:58 AM PST

'Working without Jam Master Jay wouldn't feel the same,' reality-TV dad says.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Run-DMC
Photo: Jason Campbell/ MTV.com

This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction stuff has become pretty complicated in the past couple of years.

Last year, after Van Hallen's nomination, speculation began about which ousted frontman, David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar (or both), would perform with the group during the ceremony. Turns out neither one did, though Hagar and bassist Michael Anthony accepted the honor on behalf of the group.

For Run-DMC, whose induction was announced on Wednesday (January 14), a somewhat similar problem has arisen regarding their potential performance during the April production. The group previously announced they would no longer perform as Run-DMC after the murder of their DJ, Jam Master Jay, in 2001.

Reverend Run, one-third of the group, said he was honored by the recognition but still unsure if he and DMC will take to the stage despite the nod.

"I don't know, I'm leaving that in D's hands," Run told MTV News by phone Thursday. "The best comment was that working without Jam Master Jay wouldn't feel the same — I [actually] think D wrote that. So I'm just following his lead."

The reality-TV dad also said he wouldn't be interested in a younger group performing the Queens trio's hits as an homage — but he again deferred to DMC as to what exactly will take place.

A request made by MTV News to DMC for comment has not been returned as of press time.

Upon learning of the news, Run said he immediately thought about the video for the group's "King of Rock." The "Run's House" star took to YouTube to refresh his memory and laughed at the opening of the clip where Run-DMC is told "they don't belong."

"That video is coming to life now," he said, laughing. "It's just so funny that that guy said we don't belong in here, 'We're not rock and roll.' And here we are. I guess we did belong in there."

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