MTV News |
- Ne-Yo Calls Potential Lady Gaga Collabo 'Intriguing'
- Justin Bieber Joins Ranks Of Pop Stars With 'CSI' Cameos
- 'American Idol' Judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez Talk 'Tough Love'
- 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows' Trailer Warns Of 'Dark Times'
- Drake Says His Tour Is Inspired By Jimi Hendrix
- New 'American Idol' Judges Poised To 'Take Over,' Alums Say
- Lyfe Jennings Reportedly Sentenced To Three Years In Jail
- Audrina Patridge Is 'Toning Up' Thanks To 'Dancing With The Stars'
- Lady Gaga's VMA Meat Dress To Become 'Jerky'
- Gwyneth Paltrow To Guest-Star On 'Glee'
- Nelly Promises St. Lunatics Album In November
- 'American Idol' Auditioners 'Super Excited' About New Judges
- 'Vampire Diaries' Star Ian Somerhalder Talks Green Summit In D.C.
- Taylor Swift Unveils <i>Speak Now</i> Track List
- Beyonce Has An 'Agenda' For New Album, Ne-Yo Says
- Tony Yayo To Appear On 'RapFix Live'
- 'American Idol' Isn't First Show To Shake Up Judges' Panel
- Weezer's <i>Hurley</i> Cover Star Never Planned To Sing With The Band
- Jay-Z's 'Decoded' Cover Features Andy Warhol Art
- 'American Idol' Experts Size Up Jennifer Lopez And Steven Tyler
| Ne-Yo Calls Potential Lady Gaga Collabo 'Intriguing' Posted: 23 Sep 2010 03:52 AM PDT 'Would I jump into her world? Would I pull her into mine?' he says to MTV News.
While Lady Gaga has worked with everyone from RedOne and Akon to Teddy Riley and Rodney Jerkins, she sticks to a pretty tight-knit group of collaborators when it comes to her albums, including the forthcoming Born This Way. But that doesn't mean singer/songwriter Ne-Yo hasn't been trying to get in the studio with the "Bad Romance" songstress.
"We've been talking to Gaga's people about some stuff," he said. "Gaga's very difficult to get a hold of as of late, for obvious reasons. She's very busy. We've been talking to her people about doing some stuff." Ne-Yo is best known for working with artists like Rihanna and Beyoncé and crafting pop-influenced R&B tunes. So how would he apply his hitmaking formula to the dance queen's music? "I have no idea! That's kind of the intriguing thing that I have no idea what that song would sound like," he said. "Like, would I jump into her world? Would I pull her into mine? I don't know, but I feel like it would be interesting to see. Maybe we should get a camera crew over when that happens." While a Gaga collabo isn't a sure thing, Ne-Yo has confirmed that he's working with Beyoncé on her next album. "The thing about working with Beyoncé is that she definitely has her own agenda," the "Irreplaceable" songwriter said. "She's an artist that knows exactly what she wants to do. "She's going to give you directions [like] 'Here's where I'm going, so here's where I need you to be,' " Ne-Yo explained. "And, you know, I'm a person that follows direction well. [And she'll be like], 'So this is the sound, this is the vibe; make it happen.' And I write and she likes it or she doesn't. And in this case she did, and there you have it." Would you like to hear a Ne-Yo and Gaga collabo? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos |
| Justin Bieber Joins Ranks Of Pop Stars With 'CSI' Cameos Posted: 23 Sep 2010 03:52 AM PDT Bieber's season-premiere debut follows guest turns by Diddy, Taylor Swift and more.
Justin Bieber is making his "CSI" debut on Thursday night (September 23), and while it remains to be seen whether the teen idol can pull out an Emmy-worthy performance, his appearance on the show continues the series' tradition of casting marquee names for guest spots. Taylor Swift got to live out her dream in March 2009, when she played Haley, a girl found dead outside of a motel. While Swift didn't have very many lines, the pop singer did display some chops onscreen and got to indulge her morbid acting fantasies.
"I've always joked around with my record label and my mom and everybody — all my friends know that my dream is to die on 'CSI,' " she said last year. "I've always wanted to be one of the characters on there that they're trying to figure out what happened to." But not everyone plays the victim. When Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz made a cameo on the show in March 2009, they hit up the East Coast version of the show on "CSI: NY." The Wentzes went dark for their parts as Chester Byron and Lila Wickfield, playing a young couple entangled in the world of drug-dealing. "It's easy to play passionate roles with the person you love," Wentz said about hooking up with his wife onscreen. "There's nothing weird about it when you love the person." Diddy worked the opposite end of the legal spectrum when he was cast as a defense attorney on "CSI: Miami" in December 2008. Describing his character as a "nemesis" to David Caruso's he explained, "I wanted to keep on studying and learning; working with great actors, directors, great shows. I've never done a television drama. I've always wanted to play a lawyer. I didn't want to play, like, a rap artist or a criminal." And that brings it back to Bieber, who'll make his first of two appearances this week as troubled kid Jason McCann on "CSI" (the second will air in February). He'll certainly be showing fans a side of him they haven't seen. "He's a troubled young man, raised in the foster-care system, whose hard-luck life has left him scarred and angry," executive producer Carol Mendelsohn told MTV News last month. "When we first meet Jason, we meet him at a community center where he's giving a testimonial in honor of a man who takes Jason and his older brother in when they had no one else, and that man is now in jail and Jason's brother is out for revenge and looking for payback." Are you planning to watch Justin's "CSI" debut? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos |
| 'American Idol' Judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez Talk 'Tough Love' Posted: 22 Sep 2010 04:11 AM PDT 'We're sure going to send some people home with broken hearts,' Aerosmith frontman insists.
We have been following news on season 10 of "American Idol" before season nine even began. It all started back in January with the shock of Simon Cowell's departure. Then Ellen DeGeneres was out! Then Kara DioGuardi! The rumored new judges piled on from there, with names like Jessica Simpson, Elton John and Justin Timberlake thrown up for consideration.
Eventually, that field was narrowed to two: Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who were announced as official "Idol" judges during a Fox press conference Wednesday (September 22). One of the many questions asked of the new panelists during the big event was: Will they get in touch with their inner-Simon Cowell and be tough on the contestants? "How tough will I be? I believe in tough love," Lopez said. "But I don't think I will ever, as an artist myself, I could never be cruel to another artist," she added. "I think there are definitely better ways to get your point across. I've mentored on the show before, so I think people have seen that and kinda can feel how I'll be — or maybe they'll be surprised." Tyler said he, too, has no plans for outrageous tongue-lashings and will instead be trying to protect himself from getting too attached. "We're sure going to send some people home with broken hearts," Tyler admitted. "But with all that we've been through in our careers, living vicariously through the young talent out there, it's going to be hard. But it's also going to be fun, because they're stepping up to the plate, and so are we." Who will be tougher: Lopez or Tyler? Sound off 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 Related Artists |
| 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows' Trailer Warns Of 'Dark Times' Posted: 22 Sep 2010 06:42 AM PDT Second-to-last 'Potter' installment hits theaters November 19.
As promised, the latest trailer for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" arrived online Wednesday (September 22), and it is a doozy. Fans who have been following the trajectory of the film's crafty promotional plan will have a lot to take in after giving it a look-see. Like the TV spots and clips that have been released before it, this trailer opens with an ominous, almost sinister feel. "These are dark times, there is no denying," Bill Nighy says as Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour, who is shown giving a press conference on the dire state of world affairs.
"Harry ... tell me where he is," Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) serpent-like whisper follows, voicing over images of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named creepily gliding into Dumbledore's tomb, and then a quick cut of Harry standing alone outside a tent on a rocky landscape. "Our world has faced no greater threat than it does today," Scrimgeour's voice continues, over shots of Hermione and Ron looking serious and concerned, and then Harry and Hermione are shown visiting his parents' grave. "But you can't fight the war on your own, Mr. Potter," Scrimgeour's voice continues. "He is too strong." As the Minister's words trail off, Harry is shown holding a broken piece of mirror, which shows Dumbledore falling into a dark abyss. The trailer then kicks into high gear, with dramatic music and shots of preparation for various battles, including a very poignant meeting of Voldemort's Death Eaters, at which the duplicitous Severus Snape is seated. "We have infiltrated the Ministry," he says. Cut to chaos at the Ministry, with stuffy politicians trying to maintain order (one of whom is forever-pink-clad Dolores Umbridge flashing her characteristic grimace/facade of calm), and then more familiar shots of Harry, Ron and Hermione traveling cross-country on their journey, over rocky hills, in the middle of a bustling London. This is followed by a series of escape-esque shots, including seeing the six Harry clones/look-alikes, which readers of the book will remember is the tool the Order of the Phoenix use in an attempt to safely move the real Harry from one location to the next. Cut to an impressive array of quick action shots: The Death Eaters attacking Bill and Fleur's wedding! Hagrid trying to whisk Harry away on his motorbike! Everyone running through the forest! A mid-air magic fight with wizards wielding wands while riding Thestrals! There is even the very tense argument between Ron and Harry in the tent that leads to a physical altercation. More battling! Houses destroyed! Harry, Ron and Hermione running! All leading up to Voldemort's creepy voice-over once more: "I have seen your heart," he says. "And it is mine," before sending a menacing flash of lightning into the sky that cleverly forms the film's title. Cue the all-over-body chills. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" will hit theaters on November 19. What do you think of the trailer?!? When will you buy your "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" tickets? Let us know in the comments! Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Photos |
| Drake Says His Tour Is Inspired By Jimi Hendrix Posted: 22 Sep 2010 03:09 AM PDT Light Dreams and Nightmares stage show is "very psychedelic," MC says.
MIAMI — Drake often cites Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye West as artists who inspired his career, from his sound to his stage presence. But for the Toronto star's new tour, Light Dreams and Nightmares, which kicked off this week in Miami, he said he drew from outside of hip-hop.
The unlikely source: One of Woodstock's finest. "It's a really stunning setup, heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix," Drake told MTV News. "Not necessarily in any set that he designed, but more so his music and his vibe. It's called the Light Dreams and Nightmares Tour — it's very psychedelic. It's very much based on day and night, like times of day, and I carry you through a full day in the show. It's really cool, and I'm enjoying it. It's great to have those elements." Drake recently visited the Hendrix grave site, he told Rolling Stone. In addition to the electric guitarist, the Young Money MC also said he's turned to concert DVDs, including one by Eminem, to help inspire him on his headlining trek. The result is an "OMG"-like light show that's more involved than Drake's first solo outing, the Away From Home Tour earlier this year. He said the stage effects create a level of excitement comparable to a surprise cameo. "It's almost like when you're at a show and you know [Jay-Z's] about to come out or [Eminem's] about to come out," Drake explained. "It's the same thing, like I know there's fireworks about to go off in the air or this light show is going to go off and people will love it. It's a great experience for me as a performer. I still work just as hard, but it's almost as if I'm performing with another element. I'm growing." Are you planning to catch Drake's tour? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| New 'American Idol' Judges Poised To 'Take Over,' Alums Say Posted: 22 Sep 2010 06:30 AM PDT 'She's one of those people who has a complete empire,' season six's Melinda Doolittle tells MTV News about Lopez. 'She's going to be awesome.'
Devoted "American Idol" fans spent Wednesday (September 22) buzzing about what season 10 will be like as the new judges were finally announced. MTV News gathered some insightful commentary from experts and "Idol" wannabes on the selections. But we also wanted to know what some of the show's former contestants had to say about superstars Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler coming onboard. Season-six third-place finisher Melinda Doolittle is a tad partial toward Lopez, thanks to some memorable mentoring from the pop diva during her time on "AI." "Anytime anyone asks me who my favorite [mentor] was, I'm like, 'Jennifer Lopez,' because she took extra time with us and she talked to us about what to expect and she's one of those people who has a complete empire," Doolittle said. "She knows all sides: She knows the business side, the singing side. And really being an artist and an entertainer, I think she's going to be awesome," she added. Doolittle also thinks it's a plus that Jennifer is a real superfan of the reality competition, which Lopez's husband, Marc Anthony, let slip when the couple visited "Idol" in season six. "She was great, she brought her husband and he was like, 'You guys have no idea how excited she is to be here. She's a fan of the show, she watches every week, she knows all of you,' " Doolittle recalled. "She knew everything we had done. She's just really, really good people." Sweet-as-pie Doolittle copped to some fangirl love when asked about the new resident rocker Tyler. "Aerosmith happens to be my favorite band, so I'm a huge Steven Tyler fan," she admitted. "I'm not exactly sure what he might be like as a judge, but I love him onstage so I'm interested to see what happens with that." Doolittle's fellow season-six alum, runner-up Blake Lewis, was equally enthusiastic about the new faces on the panel. "The judges are fresh for the 10th season of Idol. I am ready to see Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler take over," Lewis said in a statement on Wednesday. "I love that this season's panel now includes judges who have made a career as performers and I can't wait to see what antics these two will bring to that table. As long as this year's contestants are diverse and true to the stage, I'll be in the front row of my living room just like the rest of America." What do you think of the new "Idol" judges? Sound off in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Lyfe Jennings Reportedly Sentenced To Three Years In Jail Posted: 22 Sep 2010 06:30 AM PDT R&B singer was arrested in 2008 for fleeing the scene after a dispute with the mother of his child.
R&B singer Lyfe Jennings is heading to jail for three years, according to reports. The artist was due to perform in Seattle on Tuesday, but the show was abruptly canceled before Jennings was sentenced to three and a half years in Atlanta on Wednesday (September 22), according to Seattle Weekly. The sentence stems from an altercation Jennings had with the mother of his child in 2008. The singer kicked down the door of a house in Smyrna, Georgia, in an attempt to find Joy Pound and later fired a gun outside. Smyrna police saw a red 2005 Corvette fleeing the scene, and Jennings was caught after a high-speed chase that ended when the singer smashed the vehicle. He refused a sobriety test. Jennings was handed misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass, discharging a firearm near a public highway and refusal to take a DUI test, in addition to two felony counts of attempting to elude an officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jennings' label offered no comment by press time. On Tuesday, Jennings posted a vague message on his Twitter account announcing he would no longer be writing on the micro-blogging site. "This will be my last post. To everyone who gave me a chance I am forever in your debt. I have had a fabulous career because of you. All I can say in parting is that I have been honest with yaw. I didn't sugarcoat a word didn't hold back a single sylible of my life from yaw," Jennings said. "I've lived a hundred lives in these 6 yrs so I not only won't, I don't have the right to complain. I would like to think that I've changed lives by changing my own, tho I can't be sure. But one thing I am sure of is God gives and takes away in measure. He is fair, just and forever. Amen from aman... Smile, it's contageous:)" Jennings was sentenced to 10 years for felony arson before gaining acclaim after his wins at the famed amateur night at New York's Apollo Theater. His 2004 debut, Lyfe 268-192, went platinum, and he's known for hits like "S.E.X." and "Never Never Land." He released his latest LP, I Still Believe, in August, a project he dubbed his "final" album. In a press release for the album, Jennings explained that the title reflects his resilience despite his personal trials. "It's tragic; I think I have a horribly charmed life," Jennings said. "But I think God puts me through stuff and keeps me there so I can talk about it." Related Artists |
| Audrina Patridge Is 'Toning Up' Thanks To 'Dancing With The Stars' Posted: 22 Sep 2010 07:03 AM PDT 'I'm in the best shape of my life,' former 'Hills' star tells Us Weekly.
Audrina Patridge has always kept a slender figure during her six seasons on MTV's beachside drama "The Hills," but she's really feeling the burn in her latest reality role. Patridge is part of the latest cast of celebs to wiggle into some sequins and twirl around the dance floor on "Dancing With the Stars." Even though the season has just started, the starlet said working the classic ballroom-dance moves has already paid off. "I would say I'm in the best shape of my life," Patridge told Us Weekly. "Dancing is so different than going to the gym. I'm going to be so sad when it's over!" Patridge isn't swooning because she's dropping pounds; she's amped because she's packing on muscle and scoring major definition. "I feel more toned and more defined, for sure," she said. "I have maintained my weight, but I'm really, really defining my muscles and toning up," adding, "I am excited! I have so much energy!" Patridge, who grooved onto the parquet first alongside partner Tony Dovolani on Monday's season 11 kickoff, might be enjoying her new look but did admit to stressing about breaking in the dance floor. "It was because they didn't really know what to expect from everyone, so we were the first ones out there setting the standards. But it was so much fun," Patridge told MTV News of kicking things off Monday. "It was nerve-racking being the first ones out. It was so much fun. Now, I'm more comfortable with the setting and being on set and the live audience. I think it was a good thing, 'cause we went first and got it out of the way and got to relax." Are you rooting for Audrina on "Dancing With the Stars"? Let us know in the comments! |
| Lady Gaga's VMA Meat Dress To Become 'Jerky' Posted: 22 Sep 2010 05:17 AM PDT Designer Franc Fernandez says headline-making dress will be preserved and archived.
Lady Gaga's meat dress is among the most outrageous outfits the superstar has ever sported. She's rocked cigarette-adorned shades, teetered on freakishly high Alexander McQueen heels and posed in flame-throwing undergarments, so topping herself in the what-is-she-wearing-now? department is definitely an achievement. The songstress is rarely seen in the same thing twice, but an ensemble crafted from raw meat isn't the type of look the wearer can keep around — without risking the smell of decaying beef in one's closet — let alone bust the thing out for another flesh-frock-appropriate occasion. Apparently, the dress hasn't been tossed out or repurposed as tartare for some adventurous eater. After the beef dress' headline-snagging debut at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, the look will be preserved and saved, presumably to provide inspiration for some far-out designer's future sartorial creation. "The dress will go through a process where it becomes a sort of 'jerky' and will be archived," designer Franc Fernandez told E! Online. However, don't expect Gaga to bring back the look and shake up another awards show in, say, a jerky jumpsuit anytime soon. Fernandez recently explained to the MTV Style blog that, even though the dress may not decompose, it's still just a single-use outfit. "The meat dries out, rather than rotting. It becomes jerky," Fernandez said. "But it shouldn't be worn again." Just like Gaga should leave the jerky-fied dress in the past, Fernandez insisted he's not going to hook up anyone else with carcass couture in the future. "I think it's just that — it's just the meat dress," Fernandez observed. "There's not going to be meat dresses in the future. This was made for a specific purpose. It's what it is." Would you like to see Lady Gaga's jerky dress? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Gwyneth Paltrow To Guest-Star On 'Glee' Posted: 22 Sep 2010 06:42 AM PDT 'Gwyneth is a great singer,' creator Ryan Murphy tells the BBC.
The hallways of William McKinley High are looking more and more like A-list red carpets. The hit show "Glee," which just kicked off its second season, boasts upcoming cameos from Britney Spears and Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem ready to rock the small screen. Now, another superstar is slated to drop in on the song-and-dance powerhouse: Gwyneth Paltrow. "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy recently told the BBC that the Academy Award winner and "Iron Man" star will showcase her pipes in two upcoming episodes in the second season as a substitute teacher for Will Schuester (played by Matthew Morrison). Murphy insisted that Paltrow, who is already renowned for her acting skills, can rip the mic as well. "Gwyneth is a great singer," Murphy said. "She's done it a little bit, but I really want to show it off and show everyone how great she is." Paltrow is no stranger to the music scene. In addition to crooning in the 2000 movie "Duets" (and being married to superstar Coldplay frontman Chris Martin), Paltrow portrays a drug-addled country belter attempting a comeback in the upcoming movie "Country Strong." "I played a country music singer. It's all new, original work. It was incredible," Paltrow told MTV News in May. Paltrow said she worked on building her musical skill set for the film, which features country hitmaker Tim McGraw and fellow music-dabbling actress Leighton Meester. "I had to learn how to play guitar, and I took singing lessons. It was a real challenge, but I felt like I pretty much pulled it off." Paltrow's song "Country Strong," which she recorded for the movie, hit the Web in July. Are you looking forward to seeing Gwyneth Paltrow on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos |
| Nelly Promises St. Lunatics Album In November Posted: 22 Sep 2010 05:04 AM PDT 'We're good for those novelty records like that,' he tells MTV News of first single 'Polo.'
November is going to be a busy month for Nelly. The rapper is scheduled to drop his forthcoming solo effort 5.0, featuring the top 10 hit "Just a Dream," that month, and, after a 10-year hiatus, the St. Lunatics are finally readying their sophomore set, which will also hit shelves in November.
"A lot of y'all been following us," Nelly told MTV News of the St. Lunatics. "You know the history. Our first album was called Free City, in honor of my little brother [City Spud] who was locked up right before we dropped Country Grammar. He wasn't with us, and we dropped the first Lunatic album. We didn't want to do another Lunatic album until he came out. We kinda got crossed up with that, 'cause we were hoping almost every year it would be the year he got out. Had we known he wouldn't get out till nine years later, obviously, we would have done another Lunatic album. But my brother is free now." The new project will be called City Free. The first single from the collection will be "Polo," a nod to the clothing line. The song follows in the footsteps of past Nelly hits like "Air Force Ones," a tribute to the Nike basketball sneakers. Nelly laughed as he talked about the track but said that type of record is a sincere effort by his crew. "We're good for those novelty records like that," he said. "But I think we do it best. We can't help it. It's a part of that culture [in St. Louis]. All of [those records] was banging! Stop me when it don't work." Are you looking forward to new music from the St. Lunatics? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Auditioners 'Super Excited' About New Judges Posted: 22 Sep 2010 05:04 AM PDT 'I pretty much almost fainted,' one 'Idol' wannabe told MTV News about Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announcement.
The big news is out: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are officially "American Idol" judges. MTV News first consulted a few experts on the topic, and then we hit the L.A. "Idol" auditions, at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, to chat with the wannabe singers to see what they thought of the new faces they would soon be seeing in the audition rooms. "I'm super excited," Kaeli Filpi said. "I'm a huge fan of Steven Tyler. My parents are all into '80s classic rock, so I'm a huge fan of him. I'm so excited."
Fellow hopeful Vonabell Sherman echoed the Tyler love. "Oh my gosh, I could not believe that Steven Tyler and J.Lo were on [the panel], and I'm thrilled," she said. "If I get to see Steven Tyler, I don't even know what I'm going to do. I think I might just, like, break down. He's awesome!" "I pretty much almost fainted," Keeira Lyn Ford admitted about hearing the news. "Because, honestly, Jennifer Lopez has been, it sounds corny, but she's been my American Idol forever. She does everything I've ever wanted to do — music, fashion — she's just an icon, and she's the one I'm most excited about." Erin Shelton had an alternative suggestion for the show: add a fourth and familiar face back into the mix. "I've heard rumors who it's going to be, who's going to be here and who's not going to be here, and I wanted them to bring Paula [Abdul] back. Come on, bring her back! Why not? She's hilarious," Shelton said, before redirecting her thoughts at the actual new judges. "They're going to bring in completely different aspects of music. We've got a rocker and a girl who's been in pop forever." "I think they're going to bring a lot of energy, definitely newness. Out with the old, in with the new," "Idol" hopeful Aaron James said. "I think they're definitely going to pump it up and to try to do some different things to make the show completely different. That's what's going to keep people watching." Katie Heart said she hopes Lopez will put more emphasis on the performance/dance side of things. "I love that whole performance part, and [Tyler] will bring more of a rocker's edge." Finally, Krihste Rhodes spoke about the fact that "Idol" fans knew what to expect from Cowell and Abdul, but that Lopez and Tyler's tastes and preferences are a total mystery. "From Simon and Paula, it's going to be so different, because they've had the same mind-set for all these seasons and the same kind of thing they're looking for. J.Lo and Steven Tyler, who knows what they like? Nobody knows yet," Rhodes pointed out. "It's just going to be so interesting to see the kinds of things they come up with." What do you want to see from Lopez and Tyler? Dancing? Rock and roll? Tough love? Tell us 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 Related Artists |
| 'Vampire Diaries' Star Ian Somerhalder Talks Green Summit In D.C. Posted: 22 Sep 2010 05:04 AM PDT CW heartthrob opens up about giving a speech on alternative energy at 'really cool' conference in nation's capital.
Although Ian Somerhalder is in the thick of a busy filming schedule for season two of his obsessed-over CW show "The Vampire Diaries," he's taking a day off — and for a good cause. Somerhalder is heading to Washington, D.C. where he's attending the Washington Energy Summit on Thursday. Somerhalder will meet with members of both houses of Congress to discuss the importance of green/alternative energy and technology. The actor has been vocal about the effects of the BP oil spill and recently partnered up with the portable energy company Go Green Mobile Power. When we caught up with him on the eve of his big trip, Somerhalder was brimming with excitement over getting to be a part of the conversation at a national level. "It's really, really cool," he told MTV News about his participation in the summit. "I think there's a lot of anger and frustration and fear and determination in this exact moment in our country in the wake of this huge oil spill. But the government, they know enough to figure it out and they're taking steps to do that, so I'm really honored to be invited to go and speak with these people. I'll try not to screw up," he joked. "I can't wait to put my thinking cap on and get to Washington and have really structured and really inspiring conversations with people and hopefully something comes out of it." As for his partnership with Go Green Mobile Power, Somerhalder said the company has generated much attention and he hopes to have one of their green-energy generators on the "Vampire Diaries" set soon. "Warner Bros. [loves them] and the network are figuring out right now how to get that thing on set," he explained. "There has been a lot of interest from the city of Los Angeles, Mayor Villaraigosa; there's a lot going on. It's really exciting stuff, we're going to go full bore and get these things out there producing green power." Somerhalder is a man with a plan. For information on how you can get involved, visit WashingtonEnergySummit.com. But don't think we cornered the star and didn't get any "Diaries" dish. Stay with MTVNews.com for more on what's next for Damon. What do you think of Ian tackling green issues? Is it a cause important to you? Tell us in the comments! |
| Taylor Swift Unveils <i>Speak Now</i> Track List Posted: 22 Sep 2010 03:25 AM PDT All 14 songs — including 'Mine' and the VMA-debuted 'Innocent' — were written solely by Swift.
Taylor Swift has already given fans a sneak peek of what her new album will sound like with first single "Mine" and her "Innocent" performance at the Video Music Awards. Now, the singer's letting fans take a glimpse at the other song titles that make up Speak Now, due October 25, by posting the album's track list on Facebook. The set has 14 songs, all penned solely by the 20-year-old, and includes rather personal-sounding titles like "Better Than Revenge" and "Haunted." But that shouldn't be a surprise, since the songwriter is known for addressing personal experiences (especially about ex-boyfriends) in her music. During a chat with fans, Swift revealed that Speak Now is an album full of confessions and firsthand experiences. "For me, I write everything that I live," she admitted. "So you got to give yourself a little bit of time to live a lot of things so you can write about a lot of things, and my only option is to write about what I've been through and what I've lived, so thankfully, in the past two years, I've experienced a lot of things that I've been dying to write about and a lot of things that I wanted to say in the moment that I didn't." The country/pop star has also teamed up with Target to release a deluxe edition of Speak Now, which will include an alternate cover, three new tracks, three remixes and 30 minutes of video content. While the album doesn't hit stores for another month, Swift has already found a fan of the project: friend Selena Gomez. "Her album is going to be awesome," the Disney star gushed. "I think people are gonna be really surprised. It's not different, [but] you just don't really believe she could top it, in a way. She took her style and made it bigger. It's going to be really good." Asked for her favorite songs from Swift's record, Gomez said, "My favorite songs from her record would be 'Dear John' and another one ... it's #13 on the record, 'cause that's her favorite number. ... It's really sweet. There's two that I'm absolutely in love with." The Speak Now track list, according to Swift's Facebook page: 1. "Mine" What songs are looking forward to hearing? Sound off in the comments below! Related Artists |
| Beyonce Has An 'Agenda' For New Album, Ne-Yo Says Posted: 21 Sep 2010 10:49 PM PDT 'She knows exactly what she wants to do,' Ne-Yo says of Bey's Sasha Fierce follow-up.
Beyoncé may have killed off Sasha Fierce for her next album, but that doesn't mean that whatever she turns out won't be just as, dare we say, fierce as her previous effort. And Ne-Yo, who reveals he is working with the megastar on the follow-up to 2008's I Am ... Sasha Fierce, says that it's easy-peasy working with Bey, mostly because she knows exactly what she wants. "The thing about working with Beyoncé is that she definitely has her own agenda," the "Irreplaceable" songwriter told MTV News about the hush-hush song (or songs) the pair worked on together. "She's an artist that knows exactly what she wants to do."
So how does it go down when you walk into a studio to find Beyoncé sitting there ready to work? "She's going to give you directions [like] 'Here's where I'm going, so here's where I need you to be,' " Ne-Yo explained. "And, you know, I'm a person that follows direction well. [And she'll be like], 'So this is the sound, this is the vibe; make it happen.' And I write and she likes it or she doesn't. And in this case she did, and there you have it." Producer Sean Garrett, who wrote Beyoncé hits including "Video Phone" and "Upgrade U," promised Popeater.com that Bey's fourth album is "going to be her biggest album ever. We're going to take it to a whole other level." He told EW.com, "I think we are doing a lot of uptempo records for this one. She's in such a good place right now in life that she is interested in making party music, definitely." Additionally, producer Jim Jonsin reveals that he has been submitting some tracks and angling to get in the studio to work with Beyoncé on the forthcoming album, noting that he wants to go retro for the record. "I'd like to take it even more Depeche Mode-ish, like '80s electro with just some hard drums," the "Beautiful Nightmare" producer told Rap-Up. "I'd love to go there." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Tony Yayo To Appear On 'RapFix Live' Posted: 22 Sep 2010 02:44 AM PDT G-Unit MC will talk about his recent moves in music and more.
When you put the hottest lyricists in the game on a couch across from MTV News' Sway and get them to answer questions dreamed up by fans at home, anything can happen. On "RapFix Live," lyricists MCs announced record deals, busted out freestyles with Travis Barker and opened up about Twitter drama. So, a live, unedited fan-driven webcast with one of the pillars of the rowdy Gorilla Unit is sure to deliver a few "did that just really happen?" moments. Queens spitter Tony Yayo will drop by 1515 for this week's show, which kicks off Thursday at a spankin' new time, 4 p.m. ET. We're cooking up some questions but we have no idea what nuggets of knowledge Yayo will drop. Will he unveil Lil B as the newest addition to the Unit? Will he reveal the best way to subdue an over-amped fan mid-bumrush? Will he disclose how Oprah the Dog came into her own Twitter account? It's up to the real Yayo fans to get online and decide what the lyricist will address, so tweet your questions to @mtvnews and @mtvrapfix, and find out the answers during the live stream. The last time MTV News caught up with Yayo, he revealed that he keeps an eclectic playlist on hand, bumping everything from J. Cole to Lady Gaga. The lyricist also opened up about collaborating with breakout Pack star Lil B on Yayo's forthcoming mixtape. "Lil B, I told you I'm feeling," he told us. "I wanna start something new and get some artists under the wing. Lil B, Danny Brown is on the mixtape coming soon. [G-Unit member] New Money Trav. Trav knows Lil B. He has connections with Too Short. I got connections with E-40. They all end up coming to the show in the Bay. That's how 50 [Cent] wound up doing the remix to [E-40's] 'N---a Don't Act Like a Bitch.' They all ended up backstage. We had E-40 back there, Too Short, Lil Uno from the Pack. It was so many people back there. I linked up with Lil B. His music is good. He's a real humble dude. That cooking dance is hot." What do you want Tony Yayo to talk about during his "RapFix" interview? Tweet us at @mtvnews and @mtvrapfix with the hashtag #rapfixlive. You can also upload video questions for him at Your.MTV.com. Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Isn't First Show To Shake Up Judges' Panel Posted: 22 Sep 2010 02:59 AM PDT 'So You Think You Can Dance,' 'America's Next Top Model' and other competitions have had a revolving door of judges.
The only thing that might remain the same about "American Idol" next year could be its name. Well, it's not that drastic, but it does feel as though the hit reality show is remaking itself from top to bottom, replacing nearly its entire judging panel and giving the format an exhaustive makeover. Other reality shows have undergone their own transformations in recent years, though none have been as comprehensive as the one "Idol" just executed.
As we welcome Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler to the mix, let's review a few other noteworthy reality switcheroos. "The Apprentice" "Top Chef" "America's Got Talent" "America's Next Top Model" "So You Think You Can Dance" Do you think the "Idol" shake-up will have a positive impact on the show? Share your thoughts 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 Photos |
| Weezer's <i>Hurley</i> Cover Star Never Planned To Sing With The Band Posted: 22 Sep 2010 03:36 AM PDT 'What are they going to do, put a tambourine in my hand?' Jorge Garcia laughed last month, before jumping onstage with Weezer in Hollywood.
Weezer's Tuesday night AXE-sponsored secret show in Hollywood featured a whole lot of surprises — you know, aside from the show itself, since it was a secret — including My Chemical Romance joining the band onstage to rip through a version of "My Name Is Jonas" and former "Lost" star (and inspiration for Weez's new Hurley album title) Jorge Garcia, who shared lead-vocal duties with Rivers Cuomo on "Perfect Situation." And if you think the crowd was shocked by all this (which, judging by YouTube footage of the performance, they were), you can imagine how Garcia must have felt. When MTV News spoke to him last month, he spoke about his future plans to help the band promote Hurley, which, at the time, definitely didn't seem to include jamming out with them. "I'll go up and wave, but what are they going to do, put a tambourine in my hand?" he laughed. "I think definitely [I'll go to some shows] — they've been really cool, and they invited me to other shows — so there's a good chance I'll be floating around some Weezer concerts." So, to recap: Some waving? Definitely. A little light tambourine work? Possibly. Singing lead on a Weezer song? Absolutely not. Of course, things can change over time and, as evidenced by Tuesday's show, they did. Though Garcia wasn't planning to sing, he was cooking up some alternative promotional plans for Hurley (which debuted at #6 on the Billboard albums chart), most of which involved huge printouts of the album's cover, which, of course, features his face. "I'm thinking that," he laughed. "I'm thinking T-shirts with my head on them." And, of course, as he proved Tuesday night, a little singing never hurt anybody either. What do you think about Jorge jumping onstage with Weezer? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| Jay-Z's 'Decoded' Cover Features Andy Warhol Art Posted: 22 Sep 2010 03:29 AM PDT MC's debut tome will be released November 16.
If you've ever driven yourself nuts trying to decipher some of Jay-Z's nimble wordplay, relief is coming soon. Jigga will release his long-awaited literary debut, "Decoded," on November 16, and he unveiled the book's cover Wednesday (September 22). Although the content will be rooted in Jigga's game-changing lyricism, Hov is taking the visual imagery of the tome from hip-hop to high art, featuring a cover, which Jigga art-directed, emblazoned with art icon Andy Warhol's 1984 work "Rorschach." Taking an intriguing approach to memoir writing, the famously private rap god will revisit many of his revolutionary rhymes to reveal stories about his life and how it was shaped by hip-hop. "When I first started working on this book, I told my editor that I wanted it to do three important things," Jay-Z said in a statement. "The first was to make the case that hip-hop lyrics — not just my lyrics, but those of every great MC — are poetry if you look at them closely enough. The second was I wanted the book to tell a little bit of the story of my generation, to show the context for the choices we made at a violent and chaotic crossroads in recent history. And the third piece was that I wanted the book to show how hip-hop created a way to take a very specific and powerful experience and turn it into a story that everyone in the world could feel and relate to." "This is a book that could only have come from Jay-Z," Chris Jackson, executive editor of publisher Spiegel & Grau, said in the statement. "Every aspect of it reflects his style and ambition and heart. The unique structure he devised — combining intense personal narratives with revealing 'decodings' of some of his most powerful lyrics — underlines his central mission for the book: to use his famously layered and poetic lyrics and his one-of-a-kind life story to tell a wider story about the world he grew up in and the transformative power of hip-hop." In November, "Decoded" will become the first Hov-penned book to hit shelves, but the MC had been toying with the idea of crossing over into the literary world for years. Jay-Z teamed up with journalist Dream Hampton in 2003 to write "The Black Book," only to shelve the project two years later. Jay-Z will also discuss "Decoded" on November 15, the day before the book is released, at the New York Public Library. Are you looking forward to Jay-Z's book? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Experts Size Up Jennifer Lopez And Steven Tyler Posted: 22 Sep 2010 01:17 AM PDT 'J.Lo's most likely to be the mean judge, because I don't think Tyler is coherent enough,' one 'Idol' watcher suggests.
Once the announcement was officially made Wednesday (September 22) after months of rumors, the real debate about the new panel of judges on "American Idol" could begin.
In the most radical reboot in the show's 10-year history, host Ryan Seacrest revealed the worst-kept secret in Hollywood: Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler would be joining the "AI" panel alongside sole remaining original judge Randy Jackson. Typically, this kind of wholesale deck shuffling 10 seasons into a show's run is a sign of desperation, a bandage to stop the ratings hemorrhaging or a last-ditch effort to recapture some elusive magic. Despite the fact that neither Lopez nor Tyler have any significant TV experience and both are past their creative zenith, Los Angeles Times pop critic Ann Powers applauded the choices and held out hope. "I think they're both great choices," Powers said shortly after Wednesday's announcement. "Jennifer Lopez is someone I've advocated for for a long time, ever since she mentored on the show. She had a really great way with the contestants, and she's the kind of celebrity — never super great at anything, but pretty good at a lot of things — who can really advise the contestants." With her experience as a performer, choreographer, fashion designer, actress and frequent subject of chatter in the celebrity press over her sometimes-daring sartorial choices, Powers said Lopez is well-equipped to offer "Idol" contestants advice on style, movement and elements of pop performance that haven't traditionally been discussed on the show. In addition, she brings another intangible that might help the show's sliding ratings: the ability to appeal to a Latin audience. "She could really open the show up to new viewers, and I think it will be good for pop in general to acknowledge that there are a lot of Latinos in music," Powers said. As for Tyler, 62, Powers said in addition to being one of rock's iconic figures and a classic frontman, Tyler can also uniquely advise contestants on style and performance, thanks to his flashy wardrobe and motor-mouth persona. Plus, with "Idol" leaning toward rock in the past few years, thanks to finalists such as Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert and Crystal Bowersox and grunge-lite winners David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze, Tyler might be the one to, as he promised, "bring some rock to this roller coaster." Following the departures of original superstar judge Simon Cowell, one-and-done funnywoman Ellen DeGeneres and two-season veteran Kara DioGuardi, rumors circulated about everyone from Elton John and Justin Timberlake to Harry Connick Jr., Usher, former judge Paula Abdul and returning executive producer Nigel Lythgoe possibly taking seats at the table next to original castmember Jackson. The radical shake-up comes after a season in which DeGeneres struggled to fit into the panel, often appearing uncomfortable and falling flat with her signature comedic bits. It began with the news that Cowell would be leaving at season's end to help launch an American version of his popular English reality singing show "The X Factor," which will also air on Fox. DioGuardi, who struggled with poor notices in her first year in 2008, began to hit a bit of a stride in 2009 but was let go with no explanation earlier this summer. Lythgoe had stated that he wanted to bring the panel back down to its original three-member configuration, fearing that the four-judge arrangement had begun to take the focus off the contestants. Entertainment Weekly reporter and "Idol" expert Michael Slezak also thought the choices, while unconventional, just might work. "The reboot last season, at least on paper, was a good thing for 'Idol,' " Slezak said of the addition of DeGeneres. "But I don't think a panel of Ellen, Randy and Kara was going to get people super excited for season 10." And whether or not Tyler and Lopez turn out to be good choices, Slezak gave the show's producers credit for taking a radical chance and playing offense instead of defense. "It's them saying, 'Let's try to do something different going into season 10,' instead of saying, 'Let's sit on our hands and hope that we're #9 next season and #18 the year after that.' " That said, Slezak suspects you have to be a TV star to be a good judge and, love him or hate him, Cowell was undoubtedly an electric TV personality because he was honest, funny and credible. "I don't know if Tyler or J.Lo are good at it," he said. "Because it's a specific kind of TV where you have to be really good under the gun and get out of that celebrity comfort zone of wanting people to like you, and you have to be very quick." While both new judges have logged countless hours in front of cameras and audiences, Slezak said coming up with pithy 30-second comments in the moment in front of 5,000 screaming (or booing) audience members is a very specific talent and, so far, nobody knows if either new judge has what it takes to do it. "Idol" continued to be the nation's highest-rated show for the seventh year in a row as season nine ended in May, but like any program facing a decade on the air, its ratings have begun to dip and its audience has gradually aged, a prospect that makes it a less attractive target for advertisers, who covet a young adult audience for their products. The most important unknown for Slezak and Powers, though, is the pivotal question of who will replace Cowell as the "mean" judge, a slot every good reality-TV competition seems to need in order to succeed. "I think J.Lo's most likely to be the mean judge, because I don't think Tyler is coherent enough," Slezak predicted. If not, though, it's possible season-long guest mentor, Interscope boss Jimmy Iovine, could serve as the go-to baddie who has to break the harsh news to the contestants. Powers is holding out for Jackson to finally break out of his nine-season funk of empty go-to phrases but said we might just have to wait until the early weeks of the season to see who has the goods to tell it like it is. "If you're too nice, it's boring TV," she said. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
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