MTV News |
- 'American Idol' Finale: It's Lee DeWyze Vs. Crystal Bowersox
- Tyga Explains Origin Of <i>Fan Of A Fan</i> Mixtape With Chris Brown
- Katharine McPhee Talks Reality Shows And Catfights On 'When I Was 17'
- Demi Lovato Talks Working With Kara DioGuardi On 'Camp Rock 2'
- Perez Hilton Calls Travis Garland An 'Authentic Artist'
- DJ Khaled Shows Off His Rhymes For DJ Infamous' Fifth Year On The Air
- 'Breaking Dawn' Contract Dispute Resolved
- Megan Fox Says She Chose To Leave 'Transformers 3'
- Justin Bieber Performs 'U Smile'/ 'Baby' Medley On 'American Idol'
- Diddy Open to Being 'American Idol' Judge -- For The Right Price
- Travis Garland: Perez Hilton 'Kicked Off' My 'American Idol' Break
- Drake Extends Away From Home Tour
- Katy Perry's Evolution: Teen Church Singer To <i>Teenage Dream</i>
- Lil Wayne Calls Scoob Doo From His Rikers 'Penthouse Suite'
- Bret Michaels Tells Oprah 'I'm Just Very Thankful To Be Here'
- Robert Pattinson And Adam Lambert Talk Fame On 'Ellen'
- Megan Fox Dropped From 'Transformers 3'
- Raekwon Says There's 'No Love Lost' Over Nas' <i>Linx II</i> Absence
- 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Puts Spotlight On 'Dirty South' Pioneers
- 'American Idol' Report Card: Crystal, Casey, Lee Cram For Finals
| 'American Idol' Finale: It's Lee DeWyze Vs. Crystal Bowersox Posted: 19 May 2010 08:28 AM PDT Casey James eliminated after a rough performance night.
Nearly a year after their journey began, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox took one giant step closer to the promised land Wednesday night (May 19). The two singers, whose paths to next week's season-nine "American Idol" finale at times felt preordained, survived Tuesday night's 47 million votes as the sand ran out for Cool, Texas' Casey James. The good ol' boy with the Guess model looks and the bluesy bar-band style was pegged early on as eye candy by judge Kara DioGuardi — who made him take his shirt off at his audition — even as the panel frequently praised his earthy sound and guitar skills. The focus on his sex appeal to the cougar set sometimes became annoying, but James never let it distract him from attempting to deliver solid, heartfelt performances week after week while trying to not seem annoyed by the constant jibes about his looks. In the end, as it often is for "Idol" finalists who flame out before the finish line, it came down to song choice, and James blew it by going with the obscure "OK, It's Alright With Me" by Eric Hutchinson and just wasn't able to do enough with the judges' choice, John Mayer's "Daughters." His friends think he's gonna be just fine, and James seemed all right with the result as well. "I'm so thankful for the opportunity," he said after host Ryan Seacrest delivered the bad news, a look of disappointment shining through his winning smile. "It's been an amazing, amazing journey, and I'm just so honored that I'm here. It's amazing." Looking around at he big "Idol" stage one more time, James, bathed in hot-pink and blue lights, hugged and slapped hands with some screaming female fans and sang to his #1 supporter, DioGuardi, before lifting up a little girl from the audience and sitting her on his lap while singing a mostly solid version of "Daughters" again. Just moments before, Seacrest had waved former paint-store clerk and high school rebel Lee DeWyze through, followed by Ohio booster Crystal Bowersox, who seemed confused at first and asked the host to clarify what was going on. "I'm safe?" she asked, dumbfounded. "I'm safe?" she said again before going over to DeWyze and surprising him with a full-body hug. And so, just like last year's Kris Allen/ Adam Lambert showdown and the David Cook/ David Archuleta face-off the year before, the two early favorites, neither of whom ever hit the bottom three, will go head to head Tuesday for the "Idol" title. The show featured a performance from gossip blogger Perez Hilton's latest obsession, Travis Garland, whom he claimed is a better singer than Justin Timberlake. Speaking of eye candy, the boy-band-ready singer sang his bubblegum first single "Believe" accompanied by a trio of percussionists and a troupe of overly dramatic backup dancers. Running all over the stage and set, the former member of boy band NLT's high, thin voice sometimes appeared to be swallowed up by the song's techno-gospel arrangement. There were no such problems for globetrotting teen wonder Justin Bieber, who easily hit his marks on the doo-wop ballad "U Smile" and then swaggered just so behind his signature mop-top 'do as his male backup dancers shimmied all around him during his smash "Baby." He even took a break near the end of the song to show off his skills behind the drum kit, ending with a flourish and a smile. The two-part "Idol" finale kicks off Tuesday when DeWyze and Bowersox will have one last chance to impress America before a winner is crowned the next night. What did you think of Wednesday night's elimination? Did you call it? Did Casey deserve to go home? Leave your comments below. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
| Tyga Explains Origin Of <i>Fan Of A Fan</i> Mixtape With Chris Brown Posted: 20 May 2010 04:44 AM PDT 'We knocked out, like, three songs a day,' Tyga tells Mixtape Daily.
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables Feature Presentation: Fan of a Fan Headliners: Tyga and Chris Brown Key Records: "Like a Virgin Again," "What They Want" and "Drop Top Girl" Essential Info: Young Money member Tyga said he was surprised when Chris Brown approached him about making an entire mixtape together. "Me and Chris, basically, we met a couple of years ago," Tyga explained in L.A. on Tuesday about the tape. "We had mutual friends. I always seen him come in the studio when he was with Wayne. It's crazy, because I never asked him for a track. I never wanted to press up on him like that. One day, he hit me up. He was like, 'Yo, man, let's do some songs.' So I came to the studio. The first two songs [you saw videos for], 'Holla at Me' and 'All the Girls Love,' them two songs was like the first time we ever recorded. When we recorded them songs, he was like, 'Let's do a mixtape.' It's crazy, 'cause the mixtape, we did in a whole week. I flew out to VA, and we knocked out the whole mixtape. "Chris works fast," he continued. "Me — I ain't gonna lie — I write slow. I'm real picky. He was knocking the hooks out real quick, I was knocking out the verses. We knocked out, like, three songs a day." Fan of a Fan has a dual meaning. Obviously, the tape's two stars have a mutual admiration for each other, but they also wanted to acknowledge their followings. "Fan of a Fan is basically our dedication back to the fans," Tyga explained. "I feel like a lot of people is not doing it for their core audience. These are the people that come to our shows, these are the people that call these radio stations and fight for us all day. So why not give them something for free?" The tape touches on relationships with the ladies and spending money, and it also pushes C. Breezy as a rapper. " 'Deuces,' it's about you getting rid of this girl. You try to make it work, but you gotta move on," Tyga explained. "So you basically put up one finger, then another and say, 'Deuces.' 'Like a Virgin Again,' that's one of them old classic 2002 R&B songs. Like holding hands at the dance. That song's about making a girl feel special, 'cause that's what all girls want, of course. Telling her like, 'If you are a virgin or you're not a virgin, I'mma make you feel like one again.' 'What They Want' is the first song on the mixtape. It's introducing us together as a duo. It's what the fans want. '48 Bar Rap,' that's Chris rappin'. Showing his rap skills. "Chris is a certified rapper," Tyga added. "That's straight from Tyga at Young Money. Of course he's a great singer, but he does his little rap thing too." Tyga is working on his next album, Careless World, and said to look out for Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV "soon." Other Heat This Week » Travis Porter - Proud to Be a Problem » Whiteowl - Whiteowl Drop That 120 » P Wonda - Wonda Bread » Cypress Hill - The Uprising » DJ Castle - Young Money Hits » Lil Boosie - Live From Dixon Correctional Institute For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines or follow the Mixtape Daily team on Twitter: @shaheemreid and @mongosladenyc. |
| Katharine McPhee Talks Reality Shows And Catfights On 'When I Was 17' Posted: 20 May 2010 04:44 AM PDT 'American Idol' wasn't Kat's first reality competition, she reveals on Saturday's episode.
The world got to know Katharine McPhee in 2006 as a sweet-voiced breakout star on "American Idol" who ended up coming in second place. But as the now-26-year-old singer reveals on the upcoming episode of MTV's "When I Was 17," airing Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV, she popped up on another reality-TV competition back in her teenage years. "When I was 17, I went on this show called 'Ed McMahon's Next Big Star,' " she said. "It was this competition, and, oh gosh, it was awful. And I didn't even win! I never win those competitions. It sucks!" It also seems like McPhee didn't always like competition with her friends either. As a high school senior, she was elected student body vice president, and ended up brawling with her best friend, who just so happened to be the school's prez. The dispute came about over a disagreement on the school's budget — specifically, whether their homecoming ceremony should be capped off by a massive fireworks display. "She's like, 'I think we should skip the fireworks this year,' " McPhee said of her friend. "And I was like, 'Skip the fireworks? That's the best part of the entire homecoming. Everyone looks forward to it.' She's like, 'It's a waste of money. We're not doing it.' I'm like, 'Excuse me, this is a dictatorship? I see how this is.' "We got into this really big fight and — I was so angry — I got up and she was standing by the door and I just rushed out the door and I brushed by her shoulder," McPhee continued. "She thought I intentionally rammed into her shoulder. We're in a catfight, and I was screaming hysterically, 'Stay away from me! Stay away from me!' because I was so angry, I was so upset." Don't miss "When I Was 17" — this week featuring Kat McPhee, Bret Michaels and Kevin Jonas — Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Demi Lovato Talks Working With Kara DioGuardi On 'Camp Rock 2' Posted: 20 May 2010 04:44 AM PDT 'It was great to work with her again after she's had so much success,' Lovato says of 'American Idol' judge.
For "Camp Rock 2," the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato didn't mess with a winning formula. They once again worked with "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi for the soundtrack, which will be on display when the foursome hits the road this summer. "She worked on a lot of the first 'Camp Rock' songs too, and then she went on to do 'American Idol,' and I remember watching her on 'American Idol' and being like, 'Oh! That's Kara! That's awesome!' " Lovato said of working with the songwriter. "And then she did a lot for 'Camp Rock 2' too. It was great to work with her again after she's had so much success. It's been so awesome. I've been so happy for her." With so many great songs on the album, the Disney stars still managed to pick their favorites. "My favorite song on the soundtrack would probably be 'This Is Our Song,' " Lovato admitted. "It's kind of like the song where we all get together. We all sing it at the end. I feel like it will be an anthem for a lot of people." Nick Jonas weighed in, saying "What We Came Here For" tops his because it takes place at a very momentous point in the flick: "It's kind of our final performance. It's a great song." Kevin's favorite recalled a more retro vibe. "I liked 'Heart and Soul,' " he said. "It had a Huey Lewis and the News feel. And [the scene] was like back on the same camp where we filmed the whole movie in Haliburton [Ontario]. So it was kind of cool to bring back those memories." Leave it to Joe, though, to give props to his lady on his favorite song. " 'Wouldn't Change a Thing,' " he said. "Demi's vocals sound really great. Although it was freezing cold when we filmed it, it's a special piece in the movie." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos |
| Perez Hilton Calls Travis Garland An 'Authentic Artist' Posted: 20 May 2010 04:44 AM PDT Gossip blogger says his artist is only at the 'beginning of the beginning' of his career.
On Wednesday night's "American Idol," the world was introduced to Travis Garland, an artist gossip blogger Perez Hilton hopes to launch as the next big thing. Perez thinks Garland's debut single, "Believe," is a track that will pique music fans' interest. "I'm so excited to be working with Travis, because he's the first artist that I found [and] have been involved with every step of the way," Perez told MTV News at Garland's rehearsal for his "Idol" debut. "And we're at this amazing moment now, and it's exciting to see it already working. And that's just the beginning of the beginning. "We're looking forward to taking him on the road this summer all over and seeing his fans," Hilton added. "He's already got girls and guys and people who are familiar with him from NLT." Perez is referring to the now-defunct boy band that included Garland and "Glee" star Kevin McHale, until they broke up last year. While Hilton wasn't too familiar with NLT, he learned about Garland on the Web. "I became aware of Travis thanks to the Internet," he said. "Over a year ago, I started working with Travis. Around that time, he did a reworking of Justin Timberlake's song 'Dead and Gone' with T.I., and I loved Travis' version so much. I was like, 'Wow, this is different.' And it felt real and dangerous and edgy and raw, and I was like, 'I need to meet this kid.' I was really blown away." The gossip gangster believes Garland has the "it" factor. "What's special about Travis Garland is, he's not only a great singer and a great dancer, but he's also a songwriter," Perez boasted. "He also plays piano. He also produces, and he's just a real, authentic artist. And that's what people want nowadays." What did you think of Garland's debut on "American Idol"? Let us know in the comments! |
| DJ Khaled Shows Off His Rhymes For DJ Infamous' Fifth Year On The Air Posted: 20 May 2010 04:44 AM PDT Cam'ron, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Big Boi, Raekwon and more hip-hop heavyweights come out to support Inf.
ATLANTA — A couple of weeks ago, DJ Khaled found himself in the center of MCs: Cam'ron, Vado, Fat Joe and Rick Ross. All the spitters had smiles on their faces because Khaled was making one of his movies again, this time by rapping. Khaled and company were at Atlanta radio station V103 on DJ Infamous' radio show. "Sittin' on the top floor/ What you think I'm hot for?/ Every summer drop more/ Hits to make my stock go up!" Khaled rapped as Infamous spun the "All I Do Is Win" remix. Khaled couldn't contain his excitement afterward, yelling, "We made it, ma." "We all out here for Infamous," Khaled said when the radio show was over. "He's official We the Best. He's been We the Best." Khaled recently inked his friend Infamous to a record deal via his We the Best label. Khaled, Cam'ron, Vado, Ross, Fat Joe, Chaka Zulu, Donnis, Pill, Big Boi, Raekwon and members of the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic all came down to ATL's club Compound to support the fifth anniversary of Infamous' radio show. "We here to support my man Infamous," Cam said before the party. "He shows us much love, so we here to support him. We're going to Compound and do a whole 'nother movie tonight, but Infamous, we appreciate all the love from my brother down here. He's Atlanta. Say no more." "Its very monumental, and its very big," Infamous said about his new deal. "I represent We the Best, as Khaled said. We making that We the Best move. I'm on Khaled's label, and this is a celebration. I been on the radio, five years strong. I been in the main clubs, five years strong in Atlanta. I'm here to celebrate. I got some surprises that's crazy." Inf said his album probably won't come out until the top of next year, but he fully expects to have many high-powered friends on the LP, as well as a slew of up-and-coming talent. What surprise guests do you hope DJ Infamous gets on his album? Let us know in the comments! |
| 'Breaking Dawn' Contract Dispute Resolved Posted: 19 May 2010 03:44 AM PDT Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene and the rest of the Cullen family confirmed for the final 'Twilight' installment.
Worry not, "Twilight" fans — the Cullen family isn't going anywhere. Summit Entertainment announced Wednesday (May 19) that Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Elizabeth Reaser and Nikki Reed are all returning for "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn," the final installment in the supernatural-romance franchise based on Stephenie Meyer's best-selling novel series. The castmembers join Billy Burke, who returns as Charlie Swan. Earlier this month, reports circulated suggesting that certain "Twilight" actors were negotiating for high pay increases, calling into doubt their participation in the upcoming sequel. Actors Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz reportedly asked for $4 million for two separate "Breaking Dawn" films, though there's currently no confirmation that the movie will be broken into two parts. Nikki Reed and Jackson Rathbone were said to be holding out as well, though Reed reportedly had a change of heart and was close to finalizing her deal as of May 12. Rathbone's status was unknown at the time. In "Breaking Dawn," Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) finally get married and embark on their honeymoon. Their romantic escape is interrupted when Bella learns that she is pregnant with Edward's child, with her condition rapidly accelerating. Due to the length and subject matter of "Breaking Dawn," many fans have speculated that the movie would be divided into two parts to cover the full extent of the story. "Breaking Dawn" will be helmed by "Dreamgirls" director Bill Condon and written by Melissa Rosenberg. Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt and Stephenie Meyer are producing. Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Megan Fox Says She Chose To Leave 'Transformers 3' Posted: 19 May 2010 06:58 AM PDT Earlier reports said the studio had decided not to renew Fox's option.
Megan Fox says she wasn't dropped from "Transformers 3." It was reported earlier Wednesday (May 19) that the actress, who starred in the first two installments of the "Transformers" franchise, wouldn't be cast in the third picture, set to shoot this summer. A rep for Paramount confirmed to MTV News that the studio didn't renew Fox's option. Now, Fox is saying it was she who opted out. "Megan Fox will not be starring in 'Transformers 3,' " reps for the actress, 24, told People magazine. "It was her decision not to return. She wishes the franchise the best." Fox and Michael Bay famously exchanged heated words around the release of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" last summer, with the actress comparing the director to Hitler and the director saying the actress "still has a lot of growing up to do." Despite their contentious relationship, the pair seemed set to reunite this summer for a third "Transformers" flick. But Deadline.com broke the story earlier today that Paramount had declined to pick up Fox's contractual option for "Transformers 3" and that giving star Shia LaBeouf a "new love interest makes more sense for the story," according to an unnamed source. Fox's next project, "Jonah Hex," will be released June 18; it's an action film also starring Josh Brolin, John Malkovich and Will Arnett. "Transformers 3" is set to hit theaters July 2011. Check out everything we've got on "Transformers 3." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Justin Bieber Performs 'U Smile'/ 'Baby' Medley On 'American Idol' Posted: 19 May 2010 08:06 AM PDT He even showed off his drumming skills during the performance.
His perfectly coifed bangs were styled in the signature side sweep, and as soon as the stage lights shined down on him, the girls went wild. Everyone in the audience at Wednesday night's (May 19) "American Idol" definitely came down with Bieber fever. Host Ryan Seacrest called Justin Bieber an overnight superstar, a title that the crowd — judging by their shrill screams — seemed to find fitting. Bieber performed right before it was revealed which two singers would duke it out during next week's finale. He opened with his single "U Smile," the track he told MTV News felt had just the right vibe to include on his sophomore album, a follow-up to 2009's My World. Clearly, he was right; it was difficult to find an audience member who wasn't mouthing all the lyrics. He then launched into the song that helped put him on the map, "Baby," and at times showed off his moves alongside his backup dancers. At one point during the song, he jumped behind a drum set (he also plays the piano, guitar and trumpet) and banged out the rhythm, which naturally delighted his onslaught of cheering fans. The quick set ended with the 16-year-old flashing a full smile at the camera and a soundtrack of his adoring fans screaming. Judging by the chants and closing applause, Seacrest may have been on to something when MTV News caught up with him this past weekend. At KIIS-FM's annual Wango Tango festival, the host jokingly revealed his pick to replace judge Simon Cowell, who is departing to head up the American version of talent show "The X Factor." "Who would I want in that chair?" Seacrest wondered aloud. "I would want a much younger, thinner, more charming Simon. ... Bieber — he's the guy!" What did you think of Justin Bieber's "Idol" performance? Should he take over for Simon? Let us know in the comments! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Artists |
| Diddy Open to Being 'American Idol' Judge -- For The Right Price Posted: 19 May 2010 05:19 AM PDT 'Just change the name on the check, and I'll be there,' Diddy says of Simon Cowell's impressive salary.
From label boss to fashion designer to reality-TV star, Diddy has one of the most extensive résumés in entertainment. But after learning how fat Simon Cowell's weekly "American Idol" check is, the superstar is considering adding "Idol" judge to his list of jobs. "I have been fronting all this time, trying to act like I don't want that spot. [But] I spoke to Simon's business manager, and I found out how much that boy makes a week. I am praying right now to 'American Idol,' " Diddy told MTV News on Tuesday. The multimedia entrepreneur, who stars in the upcoming comedy "Get Him to the Greek," even implored fans to launch a viral campaign — à la the successful Facebook push to get Betty White to host "Saturday Night Live" — to help him land the gig. "I want everybody to get on Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and say that Diddy should get the Simon spot — but for the same amount of money that Simon was getting, else it's a deal-breaker," he said. Even for a mogul renowned for his cash flow, Cowell's apparently huge salary was impressive. "I'm tired of being cool: That number that Simon was getting a week is ridiculous. I can't even be cool with that. Please, can I have the job, whoever's in charge of giving that job?" Ever the businessman, Diddy insisted he would only take the gig if the money was right. "There's no negotiating the contract," Diddy said. "Just change the name on the check, and I'll be there." Simon's sum was so mind-boggling that Diddy even amended his stance on the phrase "Mo Money, Mo Problems." "More money, no more problems," Diddy said. "Them days is over, baby. Let's go." Could you see Diddy at the "American Idol" judges' table? Let us know in the comments! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Travis Garland: Perez Hilton 'Kicked Off' My 'American Idol' Break Posted: 19 May 2010 06:41 AM PDT 'There's a spot open on 'Idol,' and I want you to fill it,' the singer recalls blogger telling him of Wednesday night's episode.
On Wednesday night (May 19), "American Idol" fans were introduced to Travis Garland, Perez Hilton's new musical discovery. After getting his start as a member of the boy band NLT (alongside "Glee" star Kevin McHale), Garland is now hoping to ignite the pop world on his own — with help, of course, from the gossip blogger. Garland's debut single, "Believe," was produced by Nate "Danja" Hills (Britney Spears, Keri Hilson), and the budding star admitted his first taste of success has been overwhelming. "It's been so much. I'm just trying to take it all in, trying not to get too distracted by everything else that's going on," Garland told MTV News during rehearsals for his "Idol" performance. Garland, who earned radio play as part of NLT with the Timbaland-produced "She Said, I Said," recalled the morning he got the call to appear on "Idol." "It was actually a wake-up call," he explained. "I want to say it was a little over two weeks ago, and I had been in the studio super late the night before. Around 10 a.m., I looked at my phone, I had probably 10 e-mails, three missed phone calls," he continued. "And then Perez [Hilton] called me and he was like, 'Trav, I got some good news, I got some bad news.' And I was like, 'What's the good news?' And he was like, 'Well, there's a spot open on "American Idol," and I want you to fill it. You think you can do it?' " Garland obviously said yes, and "it all kind of kicked off from there." Although Garland is still a relative newcomer to the music business, he isn't so sure he would've had what it takes to compete on "Idol" had he gone the traditional contestant route. "I don't know, Simon would probably say something snarky," he joked. "I really don't know. I guess I would just have to do it to find out." What did you think of Travis' "Idol" performance? Let us know in the comments! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Artists |
| Drake Extends Away From Home Tour Posted: 19 May 2010 04:12 AM PDT New dates have been added in Europe, Canada and the U.S.
Hip-hop and R&B hitmaker Drake has extended his successful Away From Home Tour until July. Originally scheduled to end in May, his tour now includes several dates in the U.S., a slew of appearances in Europe and wraps up in Vancouver in his native Canada. Upcoming highlights include opening for Jay-Z in the U.K. in June and rocking stages at an array of festivals, such as Norway's Hove Festival and the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. According to a press release, the MC will mount his own OVO Festival and plans to announce details about the event on his October's Very Own blog within the next few weeks. The Young Money rapper had been selling out shows and setting attendance records at schools around the country as part of the eco-friendly Campus Consciousness Tour. The Grammy-nominated MC headlined his first solo tour this spring, hitting 23 campuses around the country with support from band Francis & the Lights and fellow Canadian hip-hop artist K-os. Drizzy, who kicked off the tour with the live premiere of his song "Fireworks" at his Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, date, has been doing big things on the road. His recent shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver sold out in a matter of minutes, and his Syracuse University show set a new attendance record at the school, drawing over 9,500 fans. While Drake explained to MTV News that most of the stars from his Young Money and Cash Money family were too busy to join him on tour, Birdman did make a special appearance at his Rochester Hills, Michigan, date. Drake's highly anticipated debut, Thank Me Later, is scheduled to hit stores June 15. Dates for the second leg of Drake's Away From Home Tour: » 5/20 Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theatre Have you seen Drake's Away From Home Tour yet? Will you check out his new dates? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Katy Perry's Evolution: Teen Church Singer To <i>Teenage Dream</i> Posted: 19 May 2010 06:05 AM PDT The 2010 MTV Movie Awards performer has come a long way since her Nashville days.
Katy Perry's journey to the top of the pop world actually began in a far different place: Nashville, Tennessee. The daughter of pastors, she spent her early years singing in churches, then went to Music City as a fresh-faced 15-year-old looking to score a record deal. In the years that followed, it's been a pretty amazing ride, one that doesn't show signs of slowing down anytime soon. On August 24, she'll release the follow-up to One of the Boys, Teenage Dream, and she's already got a brand-new single — the beach-ready "California Gurls" — that's burning its way up the charts. She's also just been confirmed as a performer at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. It's looking like 2010 is going to be a very big year for Perry. So, before things get too hectic, we figured now would be a good time to take a look back at just how far Perry's come. In her own words, here's how she evolved from gospel-singing teen to chart-dominating, girl-kissing pop sensation. From California to Nashville (And Back Again) "When I was 14 or 15, I started going to Nashville, Tennessee, to start recording gospel songs and be around amazing country music veterans and learn how to craft a song and play guitar," Perry said. "I have definitely grown up and changed a lot." After failing to make an impact in Nashville, she changed her last name from Hudson to Perry, moved back to her native California and teamed up with famed producer Glen Ballard, eventually scoring a deal with Island Records. Perry got to work recording an album that, as it turned out, would never see the light of day. But the fire had clearly been lit. For the next seven years, she'd grind it out, bouncing between labels and writing partners, making cameos in music videos and, finally, hitting it big in 2008 with "I Kissed a Girl," the first official single from her One of the Boys album. And the rest, as they say, was history. "I came from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. With a wonderful producer named Glen Ballard, who brought me out here and kinda looked out for me for three years," she explained. "After being signed and dropped, signed and dropped, signed and dropped by a couple different record labels whose names I will withhold, Capital Records picked me up." Kissing a Girl (And Liking It) "For me in this past year and a half, I think some people have an idea of who I am or a little piece of the cake, but I get to show off," she said. "I am really excited to be ever evolving and changing with my look, my music. It keeps me entertained as well. The next record will be very pop." A California Gurl With Teenage Dreams "It's so exciting [the album] is coming out this summer. It's a summer record. It's what I said I wanted earlier. I finally got it. We nailed it," Perry beamed. "There might be some really cool guest's appearance. Some rappers from the West Coast, since I am a California girl, you know." So, with an almost certain second smash on her hands — not to mention a very high-profile wedding to comedian Russell Brand looming on the horizon — where does Perry go from here? Even she's not sure just yet. But she knows that whatever she does, it'll be big. "I feel like bit of a volcano," she said. "I'm ready to explode with all of these new songs. I have a different perspective, and I changed a lot." What would you say is the highlight of Katy Perry's career so far? Share your thoughts in the comments. Don't miss the MTV Movie Awards, airing Sunday, June 6 at 9 p.m. ET on MTV! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Lil Wayne Calls Scoob Doo From His Rikers 'Penthouse Suite' Posted: 19 May 2010 09:42 AM PDT 'I'll be home soon,' Wayne says as he promotes 'Nino Brown Story 3' from prison.
We heard it from Diddy earlier this week, and now Lil Wayne has confirmed it himself: The hip-hop rock star is doing all right as he serves his yearlong prison sentence at Rikers Island. On Wednesday morning (May 19), footage was released of Weezy phoning from jail to DJ Scoob Doo, urging him to release the video for "Steady Mobbin' " and talking about his recent "contraband" incident in jail. "I'm coolin'. Ya feel me. I'll be home soon," Wayne said in the video that shows Scoob talking to him on speaker phone. "If you worryin', don't worry too much, but keep worryin'. If you ain't worried, then something's wrong. But you know, it's Nino Brown, I got the penthouse suite up here in Rikers, man. I got my feet up. Ya smell me. My team is still holding it down, man. They keepin' the flood open. I already know how it go. "Ain't too much, I got in a little trouble and whatnot, you feel me," Wayne added about being caught with headphones and an MP3 charger. "Yeah, they tried to bang me with that. ... But I can't live without my music, Scoob. You know how it is, man. I needed my music. It's all good. I had to take my little slipup. I ain't trippin'. Players f--- up." Then the phone beeped. Wayne said that means he didn't have much more time for the call. The two went on to promote the upcoming "Nino Brown Story 3" DVD, which is coming out soon. Related Artists |
| Bret Michaels Tells Oprah 'I'm Just Very Thankful To Be Here' Posted: 19 May 2010 03:28 AM PDT 'The only thing that matters right now is taking care of my family,' he says in his first TV interview since brain hemorrhage.
In his first television interview since suffering a serious subarachnoid hemorrhage, Bret Michaels appeared live via satellite on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Wednesday (May 19) to discuss his medical emergency and subsequent recovery. "My life didn't flash before my eyes," Michaels told Oprah about his experience. "It wasn't like, all of a sudden, a rerun of my life. What happened was, I got very sad. I went into completely just asking God, 'You have to let me through this.' " Michaels said that while he prayed to God, he didn't necessarily hear back. "I was doing a lot of asking at that point," he explained with a laugh. "I know I've done a lot of rotten things, but I'm asking for a break here. If you could cut me a break just this time, I promise I'll be better in the future." In a video segment, Dr. Joseph Zabramski said that Michaels' condition was very serious when he first arrived to the hospital. "I tried explaining to him what we would be doing, and he was really unable to stay awake," he said. "It's really quite a miracle that he's done so well." Zabramski said it's still unclear exactly what caused the hemorrhage, but added: "The chance for re-bleeding is really no higher than anyone else in his age group. I think this is more common than people realize." During his struggle, Michaels said his thoughts were affixed on "what matters most," including his kids, family, best friends and loved ones. His career was not on his mind. "The only thing that matters right now is taking care of my family, my kids, and I thank God I'm still around to talk about it," he said. A photo revealed that Michaels was still wearing his trademark bandanna throughout his ordeal. "It's like Superman without the cape," he laughed when asked why he continued to wear it. "If I'm going to go out, I want to go out rockin'!" Michaels' family and friends appeared in pre-recorded video messages to discuss their fears and wish the Poison rock star well. "I just want to say hurry up and get your bum back to L.A., because your sugar mama needs you," said Sharon Osbourne, Michaels' co-star on "The Celebrity Apprentice." "I want to give you a great big hug, and I want to see those gorgeous blue eyes of yours." "The scariest part was thinking that my dad could die tonight," Michaels' daughter Raine recalled. "All these memories went flashing through my head of him. My first time on stage with him, my first time singing in the mic with him, my first time playing basketball. To think my dad wouldn't be growing up with me or walking me down the aisle for my wedding was really heartbreaking." Michaels teared up after both segments: "I'll tell you, I said I wasn't going to cry. That got me. I got the lump in my throat." Michaels revealed that he's asked his doctors to increase his rehab sessions to twice a day. Currently, he's having trouble moving in his lower extremities, his neck is very stiff, and he continues to have headaches, though those are getting better with each passing day. "I don't know what the reason is just yet," he told Oprah of why he got a second chance at life. "Whatever or whomever blessed me, whatever guardian angel I had when I think of all the crazy, crazy things I've done in my life, I'm just very thankful to be here." What did you think of Bret's interview with Oprah? Let us know in the comments. If you love Bret Michaels, check out "When I Was 17" — this week featuring Bret, Kevin Jonas and Katharine McPhee — Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Robert Pattinson And Adam Lambert Talk Fame On 'Ellen' Posted: 19 May 2010 02:49 AM PDT 'I don't think my friends have seen 'Twilight' yet,' RPattz says of keeping his pre-fame friends around.
Ellen DeGeneres had a double bill of People's Most Beautiful stars on her show Wednesday (May 19), as she welcomed Robert Pattinson and Adam Lambert to her studio. RPattz talked "Eclipse" and was groped by an enthusiastic fan during a segment called "Pattin' Pattinson," while Lambert chatted about "Idol" and busted out his single "If I Had You." First up came everyone's favorite vampire for a ridiculously sustained round of applause from the studio audience. He was all smiles, quite the contrast to his overhyped reputation as a brooding Hollywood star. But, as Pattinson explained, his public visage has nothing to do with a gloom-and-doom attitude. "I just like doing things where you have a little time to think about what you're saying," he said. "I've always had a problem actually thinking before I open my mouth." Give Pattinson credit for staying true to himself rather than getting swept away by his ever-growing fame. His friends help him stay grounded. "My friends are exactly the same," he said. "I don't think my friends have seen 'Twilight' yet." One fan who definitely has seen "Twilight" — multiple times, no doubt — is the lucky "Ellen" audience member who took part in the "Pattin' Pattinson" game, in which she was blindfolded and had to feel up three different men (one of whom was RPattz) and try to guess which one was the vampire star. "I get to touch him!" she squealed. And touch him she did. A lot. Alas, she didn't make the right pick. Pattinson, for his part, just seemed thankful that the whole thing was over quickly. Next out came Lambert, just hours before the new season of "American Idol" is set to finalize its top-two finalists. The singer was in that exact same position last year, and as he told Ellen, any pressure he felt then was nothing compared to what he's experienced since leaving the show. "To be honest, going into my career, this is a lot more work than that was," he said. "Being a recording artist, touring, promos, visiting radio stations. I'm having a blast, but it's a full-time job. On 'Idol,' I was singing one day a week." Later in the show, Lambert came back out for an energetic performance of his newest single, "If I Had You," a tune he said is about "connection and love." "It's talking about how fame and fortune and all the material things that come with this lifestyle don't mean anything if you don't have that love and that connection," he said. "And I think it's such an awesome message to put out into the world." Who is your favorite of the hotties on "Ellen": RPattz or Glambert? Let us know in the comments! Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Artists |
| Megan Fox Dropped From 'Transformers 3' Posted: 19 May 2010 03:32 AM PDT Fox and Michael Bay reportedly exchanged heated words last year.
Megan Fox and Michael Bay famously exchanged heated words around the release of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" last summer, with the actress comparing the director to Hitler and the director saying the actress "still has a lot of growing up to do." Despite their contentious relationship, the pair seemed set to reunite this summer for a third "Transformers" flick. But now, in a stunning reversal, Fox has been dropped from the movie. Deadline.com broke the story that Paramount has declined to pick up Fox's contractual option for "Transformers 3" and that giving star Shia LaBeouf a "new love interest makes more sense for the story," according to an unnamed source. A rep for Paramount confirmed to MTV News that the studio did not renew Fox's option. MTV News had heard whispers that the filmmakers had been considering writing Fox out of the script, but nothing seemed to have come of it until now. Di Bonaventura told MTV News in April that there was no trouble in the world of "Transformers" when it came to Fox and Bay's relationship. "Michael and Megan get along great," he told us. "Like in any creative endeavor, there's not always total agreement. Michael doesn't agree on everything with me or Shia. He's the captain of the ship. But I think that's much ado about nothing. I even read that we were thinking about not casting her. Come on! It's so silly. As though we would want to mess with such a successful combination." Check out everything we've got on "Transformers 3." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Raekwon Says There's 'No Love Lost' Over Nas' <i>Linx II</i> Absence Posted: 19 May 2010 02:33 AM PDT 'I know he's down for me, and we'll get it poppin' soon,' Rae says of reuniting with Nas.
Raekwon the Chef saw Nas' comments from earlier this week about not answering the bell for an Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ... Pt. II cameo and is looking forward to working with Esco again in the future. "I respect that," Rae told MTV News. "I know he was going through a lot of trial and error when we was trying to get him to do his thing [on my album]. But, you know, that's my dude. I know, regardless of whatever, I know he's down for me, and we'll get it poppin' soon. If that's what it's gonna be, that's what it's gonna be." Despite public speculation, Rae said he didn't have specific plans to make a sequel to the song "Verbal Intercourse." "It wasn't even about reinventing 'Verbal Intercourse,' " Rae said about his plans for Nas on Linx II. "It was about, he was there for the first album. When I think about us making this album, a lot of people, a lot of my fans knew he was down with me on the first [Cuban Linx] album. I wanted to really make it happen for the sake of the fans as well as the relationship. Me and him, we always been cool. We always looked at our styles as being real similar. So I felt it was a great move. I guess, at the time, he couldn't be available. I understand. I know how it gets sometime. But at the end of the day, it's always good to know that we still the same cats from 10 years ago. That's how I am. I don't change the face of who I am because of no certain situations in the game, because our careers go where they go. If you was down with me from the door, I'm still the same old G. I'm sure he feels the same way. Like I said, ain't no love lost. If we do it again, we gonna make it tight and do what we supposed to do." Now it's just a matter of when the two lock in the lab. Rae said his upcoming Wu-Tang vs. Shaolin LP, scheduled for September, is practically done. "This album right here, I'm crazy happy about," Rae said. "This sh-- is mean. I'm sitting here listening to it. You never know, but I kinda already got this one in the bag, so he's probably gonna miss this one. But I'mma definitely hold him to something I feel the fans will go crazy for. But this [new album] is already in the bag. I'm trying to get this to the world ASAP. I'm 98 percent in." Are you happy to hear Raekwon and Nas are down to reunite? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Puts Spotlight On 'Dirty South' Pioneers Posted: 19 May 2010 03:28 AM PDT Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, 2 Live Crew and more will be honored at the show, airing June 7.
Rick Ross, Gucci Mane and recently ousted "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Chad Ochocinco will be among the performers and presenters at this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" festivities, recognizing "The Dirty South." The show is set to be taped June 3 at Manhattan's Hammerstein Ballroom and air Monday, June 7, at 9 p.m. on VH1. For the first time since the production's inception, a new host will take the reins, as "Hot Tub Time Machine" star Craig Robinson steps into Tracy Morgan's unlaced Adidas shell-top sneakers. Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, Rap-A-Lot Records founder J Prince, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew, Master P and Outkast producers Organize Noise will be this year's honorees. This is the second year in a row "Hip Hop Honors" centers on a theme; last year, Def Jam Records was honored. The production also returns to Hammerstein Ballroom after a one-year absence. Last year's taping occurred at the BAM Theater in Brooklyn, New York. A slew of performers and presenters were announced Wednesday (May 19), including Bun B, Paul Wall, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull, Kid Rock, Taraji P. Henson, Trick Daddy, Mystikal, Plies, Slim Thug, David Banner, Danny Glover, Eddie Griffin and NFL star Terrell Owens, among others. In past years, Snoop Dogg and the Wu-Tang Clan were feted, as were icons ranging from Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One and Run-DMC. Four years ago, the ladies took center stage during the show, as Lil' Kim and MC Lyte rallied their female counterparts, including Remy Ma and Da Brat, for a memorable performance. Are you excited by this year's "Hip Hop Honors" lineup? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Report Card: Crystal, Casey, Lee Cram For Finals Posted: 19 May 2010 09:54 AM PDT Bowersox's 'Maybe I'm Amazed' scores the week's high marks.
It's the week before final exams on "American Idol," so it's probably too late to start wondering, "What if?" As in, "What if we had a different top three? What if Lilly Scott or Katelyn Epperly hadn't been chucked off the show far too early and were still bringing their expectation-defying artistry to the stage?" It's certainly too late to imagine our expectations might be proven wrong when it comes to the performances of Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Casey James. By this point in the "Idol" school year, we know exactly what we're going to get from each contestant and, at least in this regard, Tuesday night's show did not disappoint. There were, of course, myriad disappointments: Bowersox's first song choice, which came off like a parody of a Bowersox performance; the way the judges bickered among themselves after James' second performance rather than concentrate on the evaluation at hand; how DeWyze's purportedly show-stealing performance of "Hallelujah" paled in comparison to Jason Castro's take on the song years earlier, and maybe even to Tim Urban's earlier in the season. There were also many highs: MamaSox's smack-it-outta-the-park rendition of the softball song choice Ellen DeGeneres handed her. Time to get specific and dole out some grades with another edition of our "American Idol" report card. (And don't miss Jim Cantiello's "Idol" recap in the MTV Newsroom.) Excellent Crystal Bowersox, "Maybe I'm Amazed": Courtesy of Ellen DeGeneres, MamaSox got the gift of the finest judges' song choice with this Paul McCartney hit. She didn't squander the opportunity. Crystal's voice was delicate in places, powerful in others, and at all times showed off range and emotion that her competitors simply can't match. We'd take points away for the staging, during which she descended a staircase and generally looked uncomfortable, but we're guessing all that movement wasn't her idea. Note for next time, Crystal: If you're gonna ditch the guitar, stay in one place on the stage and do what you do best: Frickin' wail! Good Lee DeWyze, "Simple Man": Would it be crazy to say we enjoyed this take on the Lynyrd Skynyrd tune better than his second performance? Less ornate, more honest, fewer bells and whistles, more Lee. We dug the slowly building intro and how he cut the song's Southern-rock flare with some indie-rock verve. He suffered through some pitch problems in the second half of the tune, but his performance was far and away the finest of the first three songs. Lee DeWyze, "Hallelujah": This seems to be the most buzzed-about performance of the evening. Simon Cowell could barely contain his self-satisfaction as he congratulated himself for choosing a tune that allowed Lee to have a "moment." Only problem was that it wasn't really Lee's moment. He was surrounded by half the backup singers in Hollywood and a brassy trumpet, the combined effect of which was to overwhelm the "Idol" hopeful. That's not to say it wasn't a good performance, especially by season-nine standards. And Lee showed off genuine emotion, something verging on vulnerability. For the first time, he looked like he actually wants to win. But despite the judges' effusive praise, Lee's song was not nearly as powerful as Crystal's "Maybe I'm Amazed." Satisfactory Crystal Bowersox, "Come to My Window": You want to know why MamaSox landed in the Satisfactory range on this one? Not because she didn't sound lovely, or because we didn't dig the reappearance of her harmonica, or because we fault her for staying true to herself as an artist. It's for a simple lack of creativity on her part. A Melissa Etheridge song sung pretty much exactly how Melissa Etheridge sings it shows us nothing new about Bowersox. No doubt that cover killed back in her hometown, but up on the "Idol" stage, it was simply tiresome. Not something we'd expect at this point in the competition. There's a way to respect your own artistry while at the same time surprising your audience. This wasn't the way. Luckily, she returned for a stellar second performance. Casey James, "Daughters": James deserves an apology from Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for a lazy song choice that almost seemed designed to deny the singer a "moment" in the same way that Bowersox and DeWyze got a chance at theirs. John Mayer's song is a simple one that requires a voice that can communicate raw emotion; Casey's just lacks that sort of intensity, phrasing and modularity. What we got instead was a contestant far too laid-back at this point. That's the Casey we've known all along. The only difference seems to be that, for the second week in a row, the judges seem to have tired of his presence on "Idol" and are ripping him to shreds in the hope that voters follow their lead. He deserves better, even if he doesn't really deserve to call himself an "Idol" top-three finalist. Unsatisfactory Casey James, "OK, It's Alright With Me": If Jackson and DioGuardi were bent on sabotage in their song choice, James straight up nuked himself with his pick. Let's just forget about the song choice, because there's no way to wrap our heads around that one. He was severely uncomfortable on the stage. There was nothing unique about the performance. It was the epitome of small time. Forget about star power. This performance never got off the ground. It's hard to see any other outcome on Wednesday's elimination show: James' "American Idol" run will be coming to an end. How would you grade the top three on last night's "American Idol"? Share your report cards in the comments. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
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