Senin, 06 Desember 2010

MTV News

MTV News

Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' Is MTV News' #10 Song Of 2010

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 03:52 AM PST

Epic video and an assist from Beyoncé land the track on our Top 25 Songs of 2010.
By Kyle Anderson


Lady Gaga
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

Last week, MTV News began the countdown of the Top 25 Songs of 2010 with runs through songs 25-18 and 17-11. Those lists featured heavy-hitters like Lady Gaga ("Alejandro"), Katy Perry ("Teenage Dream"), Rihanna ("Rude Boy"), B.o.B ("Airplanes") and Kanye West ("Monster").

Though all those tunes were vital, they couldn't quite muster the combination of chart success, critical acclaim, fan enthusiasm and cultural impact to break into the top 10. Today, we unveil the first two entries in the top 10, an elite list that reflects the year that was in music.

So what song kicks us off at #10? It's "Telephone," Lady Gaga's epic tag-team collaboration with Beyoncé.

"It was my favorite track from The Fame Monster EP," MTV News' Jim Cantiello said. "It just has so much personality. It's such a good dance pop song and is just so Gaga. It's ridiculous."

"Telephone" came from Gaga's 2009 EP The Fame Monster, an eight song compendium to her mammoth 2008 debut The Fame. The track, which is the only collaboration on The Fame Monster, was formally released as a single back in January and was accompanied by one of the most visually arresting videos of the year (one that won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Collaboration). The track peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and managed to top the charts in the U.K., Ireland, Belgium and Norway.

Produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, "Telephone" was originally written by Gaga and Jerkins for Britney Spears (who turned the track down). The song is built around a twitchy, propulsive disco beat and slathered with police-siren keyboards. It's one of the most manic songs in Gaga's back catalog, and the track's breathless desperation matches the tenor of the lyrics, which find Gaga and Beyoncé insisting that outside forces leave them alone (the key line being "Stop calling/ I don't want to think anymore").

Usually, Lady Gaga's presence is so gigantic that there isn't much room for anybody else — let alone a star the size of Beyoncé (indeed, when the two previously collaborated on "Video Phone," Gaga got a bit lost in the mix). But "Telephone" uses Beyoncé perfectly, tapping into B's "Sasha Fierce" alter-ego for a tough and edgy guest appearance that adds a bit of humanity to Gaga's otherworldliness.

"Beyoncé's guest verse is so out of the box," noted Cantiello. "But it's still Beyoncé in a weird way."

The song's impact was also buoyed by the video. Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, the nine-minute epic tells the story of Gaga's escape from prison with the help of Beyoncé. The pair then go on a rampage that is part "Natural Born Killers," part "Thelma & Louise" that ends with the pair driving off a cliff (in the "P---y Wagon" from Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" movies, of all things). The clip was greeted like a big movie premiere, and the result was a colorful, sexy and violent trip through the outer reaches of Gaga's imagination.

And consider this: Despite her sold-out-everywhere Monster Ball Tour, a boatload of MTV Video Music Awards and a number of social-action projects, this was probably considered a bit of a quiet year for Gaga. "2010 wasn't even that big a year for Lady Gaga compared to 2009," notes MTV News pop writer Jocelyn Vena. "But this album was so big on radio and so big in clubs that she maintained a presence that very few pop stars can so early in her career. She's poised to have an even bigger 2011."

Where would you place Lady Gaga's "Telephone" among the top songs of 2010? Let us know in the comments!

MTV News' Top 25 Songs of 2010 countdown continues. Make sure to keep checking back to see what song we've named #1, and don't forget to share your picks with us in the comments below!

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Michael Jackson's <i>Michael</i>: A Track-By-Track Preview

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 03:52 AM PST

Posthumous album has its moments, but seems to be missing MJ's magic touch.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Michael Jackson's <i>Michael</i>
Photo: Epic Records

Whether or not you're happy about it, a new Michael Jackson album is arriving December 14. And while the beleaguered pop superstar died before the project could be completed, a team of producers who Jackson was working with over the past five years helped finish the collection, taking unfinished demos and crafting them into songs for Michael, the first posthumous set from MJ.

The album is equal parts eagerly anticipated and highly controversial, with some fans and artists, including will.i.am, lashing out over the material. Last week, MTV News listened to a preview of Michael, featuring contributions from 50 Cent, Teddy Riley and Lenny Kravitz, among others. The LP was thrilling at times but suffered at other points without the King of Pop's magic touch.

1. "Hold My Hand" (featuring Akon)
This sweeping number, also produced by Akon, is as updated as MJ could ever sound without being present; the track honors Jackson's vocals, leaving the track to serve as the sound bed to his soaring voice.

2. "Hollywood Tonight"
A dated sound makes the Teddy Riley-produced number sound like a discarded contribution to Jackson's Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix collection.

3. "Keep Your Head Up"
The-Dream's right-hand man, producer Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, serves Jackson a track that's bakery-fresh, making for a song as stirring as "Heal the World."

4. "(I Like) The Way You Love Me"
Former Ne-Yo producer Theron "Neff-U" Feemster leaves MJ's legacy in apt hands, as the Grammy-winning musician cooks up a track that's as thrilling as anything the explosive star has ever sang.

5. "Monster" (featuring 50 Cent)
This hard-charging track is as aggressive as "Scream" musically with its snappy drums and driving bass; "New Jack Swing" kingpin Teddy Riley adds just the right touch of boom-bap for 50 Cent to deliver his trademark taunts in tandem with MJ's grunts.

6. "Best of Joy"
This soaring number was one of the last tracks Jackson worked on during his lifetime while preparing for his comeback shows in London; the song reflects the spirited mood MJ was in, as it's brimming with a liveliness not seen from the superstar since his first solo offerings.

7. "Breaking News"
Overwrought with Jackson's paranoia for the tabloid media and pumped with enough synthesized sounds to make the Situation turn in his glow stick, this one falls flat in comparison to the standout selections on the set.

8. "(I Can't Make It) Another Day" (featuring Lenny Kravitz)
Clashing sounds, from heavy guitar riffs to funky chords, make this track miss the mark despite the boundless possibilities in the pairing of Jackson and Kravitz.

9. "Behind the Mask"
MJ sampled the Yellow Magic Orchestra's track of the same name for this one, which shows promise but sounds like it could have used the Gloved One's added attention.

10. "Much Too Soon"
Overbearingly melancholy, this Jackson track pushes emotion onto the listeners when the singer's sullen voice could have delivered without the leering musical attempt to draw out feeling.

Are you looking forward to the posthumous MJ collection? Let us know in the comments!

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Nicki Minaj Drives Soldiers Crazy At 'VH1 Divas'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 07:10 AM PST

Young Money MC performs 'Moment 4 Life,' 'Right Thru Me' and 'Roman's Revenge.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Nicki Minaj performs during "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

At the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" Nicki Minaj paid tribute to America's soldiers the best way she knows how: get them fired up with a body-rocking performance.

Sporting a fluffy white wig, turquoise tights, towering heels and a super-snug, orange and blue mini-dress, Minaj kicked things off with "Moment 4 Life," an album cut from her chart-busting debut Pink Friday.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)

"In this very moment, I'm king/ In this very moment, I slay Goliath with a sling," Minaj spit as she strutted across the darkly illuminated stage with her signature flirty yet street swagger. Service members hoisted camera phones in the air as the beat pumped through the massive, tricked-out aircraft hangar.

The track was a fitting way to start the performance, as the Young Money queen talks about savoring the moment, rhyming, "Put ya drinks up/ It's a celebration every time we link up. Greatness is what we on the brink of."

Then a roar erupted from the crowd of soldiers and the flicker of flashing lights picked up as the bass line from Minaj's hit "Right Thru Me" dropped. Four female dancers in glittery cropped pants and black T-shirts appeared to back up the rapper. Later, four guys joined the crew to bust a few moves. Minaj switched up the track for the soldiers slightly, by holding one of the last notes of the song as she strolled down the runway.

The Young Money lyricist, who also teamed up with Katy Perry for a playful cover of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," closed the set on a frenzied note with her rowdy Eminem collabo "Roman's Revenge." Trading bars with the assistance of her hypeman, Minaj punched up the set with garish grimaces and struck loopy poses as she tottered about in her stilettos.

"I love you guys, thank you!" she proclaimed at the end of the set, and the soldiers sent her off with a salute of their own, chanting, "Nicki! Nicki!"

What did you think of Nicki Minaj's performance at "VH1 Divas"? Let u know in the comments!

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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'VH1 Divas' Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj 'Just Want To Have Fun'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 07:20 AM PST

Cyndi Lauper's colorful classic perfectly suits the Perry's and Minaj's bright aesthetic.
By Aly Semigran


Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry perform for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Cyndi Lauper wasn't kidding when she boasted that "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" in 1983. On Sunday's "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops," 27 years after Lauper's declaration, two of this generation's fiercest female voices took over the oft-covered classic pop ode with a new kind of women's lib.

Nicki Minaj (who has already clearly drawn inspiration from Lauper, evident here with her puffy, white wig, colorful miniskirt, sky-high heels and blue tights) and Katy Perry (who opted to sport sexy camouflage garb, paired with a military-inspired hat) performed a slightly more sped-up, rock-and-roll version (though the tune's synthesized chords were still very much present).

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)

The Young Money MC — who also rocked the stage solo — not only aesthetically resembled Lauper with her off-kilter fashion sense, but vocally as well. (Earlier in the night, Perry had gone even more retro when she joined Keri Hilson and Jennifer Nettles for a cover of the World War II-era hit "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.")

The stage set-up, complete with a live band and a big screen showing images that like, totally channeled the '80s, gave Minaj and Perry plenty of room to run around and, yes, have plenty of fun.

With a display of sisterhood that included a strut down the catwalk, both girls (as well as a gaggle of colorfully dressed dancers shimmying behind them) fulfilled Lauper's promise. The two hugged after the performance and gave the love right back to the audience, as Minaj cried, "Salute the troops!" to which Perry immediately complied.

What did you think of Nicki Minaj's and Katy Perry's duet of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"? Let us know below in the comments section.

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry Glam It Up At 'VH1 Divas'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 07:51 AM PST

Patriotic looks and retro styles were also big at military tribute.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Nicki Minaj at "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops"
Photo: MTV News

Stars didn't shy away from bold fashion choices when it came to supporting soldiers at the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" event.

Celebs hit the stage and the red carpet in looks that either paid homage to the military's legacy or rocked the soldiers' worlds with eye-popping outfits.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)

Nicki Minaj piled on the color in an orange-and-blue-hued, long-sleeved mini-dress, turquoise tights and fringe-covered platforms when she rocked the stage. She finished off the look with a puffy trapezoidal white wig with pink tips and a large beaded necklace.

Snooki topped off her snug little black dress with an officer's cap that she brightened up with a pink bow.

Katy Perry went for '40s glam in many of looks, like her crimson sequined gown with a sweetheart neckline and daring thigh-high slit. She upped the vamp factor with long red gloves and a diamond cuff. Perry also got patriotic with a tube top emblazoned with the American flag paired with sparkly hot pants.

Keri Hilson, Perry and Jennifer Nettles took it back with their World War II-era style in the show's opener, swishing about in spangled gold and white mini-dresses and military hats.

Grace Potter went runway-chic with a tiny silvery beaded number adorned with long fringe that showed off her long legs. The Situation got spiffed up his typically casual look with a vest and black button-down shirt with paisley accents, paired with grey jeans and black kicks.

Supermodel Marisa Miller was suitably dressed for the occasion in an olive drab jumpsuit nipped at the waist with a wide belt, a look she softened with a wavy retro hairstyle.

Hilson rocked both the stage and red carpet and an all-black outfit she enlivened with glitzy accents like sparkly lapels, studded jewelry and bedazzled booties.

What did you think of the fashion at "VH1 Divas"? Let u know in the comments!

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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Heart, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals Rock 'VH1 Divas'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 07:51 AM PST

Acclaimed duo team up with newcomers for 'Crazy on You.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Grace Potter
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Decades of rocking out have not faded Heart's spark.

The duo shut things down at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" when they played their breakout 1976 single "Crazy on You." This time, the ladies got some back up from relative newbies Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, with Potter splitting vocal duties with Heart frontwoman Ann Wilson.

Nancy Wilson kicked off the set with a nimble solo that scored excited cheers from the soldiers. The screams reached a fever pitch when the bass line from "Crazy" rattled in the speakers, and the service members went wild. Sporting a long dark coat with a generous silver pendant dangling from her neck, Ann helmed the first verse before strutting down the runway to the center of the crowd for the chorus. Potter, who was manning the keys, chimed in for the second verse, later picking up her mic and meeting Ann in the middle of the stage. Although she wasn't center stage, Nancy still commanded attention, leaping in the air as she clutched her guitar. Potter and Ann closed out the performance by belting the last notes in unison.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)

Potter and crew also got a chance to run the stage solo. After an introduction from "Jersey Shore" residents Snooki and The Situation, the band cranked out their heady single "Paris (Ooh La La)." Despite her shimmery cocktail dress, Potter looked every bit the vintage rock bad girl, strumming her guitar, whipping her hair and wailing like she's been at this since forever. The bassist and another guitarist plucked fiery solos, and Potter finished the song at the edge of stage, belting directly to the enthused service members.

After a few final whips of her mane, Potter wrapped up the song with a sultry grin and strutted back toward her band.

The ladies added some rock-and-roll flair to a night packed with pop hitmakers like Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Keri Hilson.

What did you think of Heart and Grace Potter & The Nocturnal's performances at "VH1 Divas"? Let us know in the comments!

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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Katy Perry Gets Patriotic With 'California Gurls,' 'Firework' For 'VH1 Divas'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 07:51 AM PST

The pop star traded whipped cream for stars and stripes as she saluted the troops.
By Aly Semigran


Katy Perry performs "Firework" during "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

It was that fitting Katy Perry did a live version her joyously inescapable summer smash "California Gurls" for the service men and women at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops," and then closed the night out with "Firework."

Earlier in the show, Perry performed "California Gurls," the song not only propelled her to the top of the charts in 2010 (it spent six consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100) and helped her snag one of her four Grammy nominations earlier this week ("Gurls" garnered Perry and her musical partner Snoop Dogg a nom for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals), but it's an unconventional love letter to the very state where the show was taking place.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)

The never-subtle singer left her whipped-cream-shooting bra at home (perhaps it's not terribly useful in combat?) and arrived onstage via a stars-and-stripes parachute dressed head to toe in red, white, and blue attire.

Perry's onstage antics while performing "Gurls" on previous shows, like the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, have always been fitting of the bubblegum pop ditty, and her "Divas" set was no different. Snoop may have been regrettably MIA, but Perry had a set of scantily clad backup singers and dancers to help elevate her.

Despite a slight crack in her voice during the song's rising "Ohhh-oh-oh"s, "California Gurls" still got a warm reception and melted more than a few popsicles in San Diego.

For Sunday's show, Perry also found time to recall '40s glam with Keri Hilson and Jennifer Nettles for a cover of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and '80s pop with Nicki Minaj for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." But that was hardly the end of Perry's marathon evening, as the pop star did another, final outfit change to perform "Firework." Looking rather Jessica Rabbit-esque in a bombshell-red, sparkly dress paired long red gloves, Perry tapped into the emotional tune, which took on a whole new meaning with this particular crowd.

While the song is less an ode to patriotism as it is to individuality, lyrics like "Just own the night/ Like the 4th of July," and "Come on, let your colors burst" turned out to be unexpectedly apropos of the event.

The show-stopper felt even more patriotic when paired with the footage of, naturally, fireworks exploding in the background. Not one to fizzle out, Perry (who was once again joined by backup singers and dancers) eventually had onstage pyrotechnics and actual fireworks lighting up the night sky.

"Firework" which currently resides at the #1 spot on digital download charts, also feels like Perry's most personal single of her Teenage Dream album to date, something that was quite evident in her final, shining performance of the night.

What did you think of Katy Perry's "California Gurls" and "Firework" performances? Let us know in the comments below.

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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Keri Hilson 'Pretty Girl Rocks' For Troops At 'VH1 Divas'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 07:39 AM PST

Songstress thanks soldiers for their service during her performance.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Keri Hilson performs during "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Getty Images

Armed with her girl-power single "Pretty Girl Rock," Keri Hilson rocked members of the U.S. Armed Forces at the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" event.

Decked out in a gold bustier, high-waisted pants and a fringe-laden jacket, Hilson brought her saucy, sexpot swagger to the stage. Flanked by four back-up dancers in stylized military jackets that showed a lot of leg, the ladies oozed sassy sexuality as the Atlanta songstress swiveled her hips and cooed, the mass of concertgoers cheering her on.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)

After giving the soldiers a fun show, Hilson gave a shout-out to the service members, thanking them for protecting Americans at home and abroad.

"You guys are so beautiful. I just want to say thank you so much because if it wasn't for each and every one of you, we could not be here and have the freedom to do what we do," she said.

Hilson reveled in that freedom by putting in work through the event. In addition to her solo set, Hilson got it started with her fellow Divas several times throughout the night. She joined Katy Perry and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles for a rousing, retro opening number, and teamed up with Nettles once again for a rendition of soul great Aretha Franklin's 1968 anthem "Think."

The songbird later broke down her "Divas" experience to reporters, and said participating in the event was "incredible."

"I'm in great company with past Divas, and not only is it about me being here, it's also about what we're doing here, supporting the troops. I took pictures with guys yesterday ... and one of them just said, 'I just want to thank you for coming. Thank you for doing this. Not many people do this and take time out of their schedule to do something like this," she explained. "It's been not only enlightening, it's been very fulfilling. I'm very happy to be here."

What did you think of Keri Hilson's performance at "VH1 Divas"? Let us know in the comments!

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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'VH1 Divas' Kicks It WWII-Style With 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 06:23 AM PST

Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Jennifer Nettles were pinup perfect for an Andrews Sisters cover.
By Aly Semigran


Keri Hilson, Katy Perry and Jennifer Nettles perform for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

The Andrews Sisters got a 21st century tribute, courtesy of Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Sugarland's leading lady Jennifer Nettles in the opening number for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" at the Marine Corps air hangar in San Diego.

While "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (which was an iconic tune during World War II) isn't just for the good-ole boys anymore (there are plenty of women now in the armed forces, and a good portion of the audience, these days), it still had that swingin' thing that made it a staple so many years ago.

Perry, Hilson and Nettles all donned WAC uniforms like the ones the Andrews Sisters wore back in the day and started the evening with a lip-synched homage to the original, complete with a black-and-white video and that instantly recognizable trumpet call.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops".)

Things didn't stay old fashioned for too long, as the performers, accompanied by a bevy of flashy dancers, soon appeared onstage in shimmery, gold dresses that would make a flapper proud (they still tipped their hats to the troops by wearing a variety of armed forces caps). Thankfully, with all due respect to the Andrews Sisters, the three eventually sang the tune themselves.

Perry, Hilson and Nettles have such striking voices from entirely different genres of music, but for this show they sounded as though they could have been coming from a Crosley radio. The already raring-to-go crowd loved every nostalgic second of it. (One man in uniform, who like so many others, was snapping photos, could be seen mouthing, "I love you, Katy Perry!")

The backup dancers sequence at the end distracted a bit from the spirit of what the three women had re-created, but then again: new century, new attitude.

What did you think of the "VH1 Divas" take on "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"? Share your reviews in the comments.

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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Paramore Get Troops Rockin' And Reflecting At 'VH1 Divas'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 06:48 AM PST

Hayley Williams and co. performed 'My Hero' and 'The Only Exception' in Kuwait for Sunday's show.
By Aly Semigran


Paramore's Hayley Williams performs for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: VH1

"Hero" is a word that is often synonymous with members of the military, so it was quite natural that Paramore paid their respects to the men and women in uniform by covering the Foo Fighters' 1998 arena rock classic "My Hero" for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops."

In their performance in front of troops at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait — which was followed by sets back in San Diego from stars like Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj and Sugarland — frontwoman Hayley Williams, looking as rocker chic as ever with pink hair and a blue sequined jumpsuit, alerted the crowd, "This one's for you" as her band kicked into the tune's instantly recognizable opening notes (particularly Taylor Hawkins' heart-pounding drum intro, taken over here by Zac Farro). It seemed the troops were just as ready to rock out as Williams and co. were, as they quickly turned into a sea of signs of the horn and crowd-surfers.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops".)

Amid the flashing lights, both onstage and coming from the countless cameras flashing from the crowd (many of whom held glow sticks too), Williams belted out Dave Grohl's catchy chorus, "There goes my hero/ Watch him as he goes/ There goes my hero/ He's ordinary."

Paramore, who have previously covered "My Hero" (from the Foo's defining 1998 record The Colour and the Shape) on the compilation album Sound of Superman, didn't miss a beat during their stint on Sunday's show.

Williams and her bandmates then took a breaking from rocking and slowed things down a bit with their love song "The Only Exception." The audience showed their appreciation for the band with waving hands and lighters.

The band provided one of the evening's few subdued numbers of the night, and the swaying crowd (many of whom sung along with the chorus, "But you are the only exception ") gave the show a much-needed moment of reflection.

While the song may not have been as obvious a choice as "My Hero" (particularly when they have a hard-rocking repertoire that includes hits like "Brick by Boring Brick" and "Decode"), it seemed to resonate hugely with the crowd (many of whom, perhaps, were thinking of their loved ones at home during the performance, particularly during lines like "I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up/ Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream").

The service members attending the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" weren't the first to take Williams' ballad to heart this year. The tune was also featured in the wildly popular Britney Spears episode of "Glee," in which Lea Michele echoed Williams sentiment that, "That was the day that I promised/ I'd never sing of love if it does not exist."

What did you think of Paramore's performances of "My Hero" and "The Only Exception"? Let us know in the comments section below.

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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Sugarland Tap MC Lyte, Keri Hilson For 'VH1 Divas' Duets

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 06:40 AM PST

Country duo perform 'Stuck Like Glue' and cover Aretha Franklin's 'Think.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Jennifer Nettles, MC Lyte and Kristian Bush of Sugarland perform for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

When country duo Sugarland hit the stage at "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops," they didn't just bang out their hits for the soldiers, they mixed up their set list with some offerings from the rap and R&B worlds as well.

Following an introduction by model Marisa Miller and frontwoman Jennifer Nettles' brother, who serves in the military, the country duo kicked things off with their twangy hit "Stuck Like Glue." Kristian Bush strummed the song's opening notes on an acoustic guitar, as Nettles helmed the first verse with her trademark plucky energy. Rocking a chunky statement necklace, black tank top and skinny trousers, the songstress drew hoots from the crowd throughout the catchy chorus. The soldiers swayed and sang along as Nettles belted the sunny jam to the mass of service members packed into the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar hangar in San Diego.

Nettles and company gave their country smash a hip-hop revamp courtesy of legendary femcee MC Lyte, who joined the pair midway through the set. Lyte bounded on stage in an olive drab jacket, dangly silver hoops and jeans, and dropped a few bars.

"We went together/ Whatever is whatever, I got the kind of love that just won't let up/ You for me, me for you/ Forever is forever, stuck like glue," Lyte rhymed.

(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)

After hip-hop and country divas grooved together, Lyte skipped over to bust out some of the song's catchy "wah-oh, wah-oh" scats. Merging her hip-hop background with the country outfit, Lyte cheerfully galloped across the stage and commanded concertgoers to put their hands in the air.

The duo showcased their versatility throughout the night, and also covered R&B icon Aretha Franklin's 1968 hit "Think." Nettles donned a suitably sensational look to tackle the Queen of Soul's repertoire, working it out in a shimmery mini-dress with a swingy fringe hem. Not that they needed it, but the duo did get some assistance from an R&B pro when Keri Hilson — who joined Nettles and Katy Perry earlier for the show's opener — returned to the stage. Rocking a belted black vest and leggings, Hilson traded lines with her country counterpart, slowing things down a bit during the bridge. The duet culminated in a soulful back-and-forth of trills between the ladies, before Nettles dedicated the performance to the song's original singer and one of music's original divas.

"Miss Aretha Franklin, get well soon," Nettles declared. "We need your voice, baby!"

What did you think of Sugarland's performance at "VH1 Divas"? Let u know in the comments!

For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.

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Diddy And Robert DeNiro Flirt On 'Saturday Night Live'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 09:05 AM PST

Bad Boy mogul hits on the screen legend dressed in drag for a skit, and takes over stage with Swizz Beatz and Diddy-Dirty Money.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Robert De Niro and Sean "Diddy" Combs perform on "SNL" Dec. 4
Photo: NBC

Hip-hop and Hollywood went head-to-head on this week's episode of "Saturday Night Live." Screen great Robert DeNiro served as host and Diddy-Dirty Money supplied the musical entertainment, but one of the highlights of the episode went down when the music mogul and movie legend teamed up for some laughs.

The two appeared together in a skit in which Diddy — playing an over-amped music executive — touts the talents of the "Hottest Hook Guy" in the business: Blizzard Man. Andy Samberg enters a recording studio in full early '90s regalia-colored shades, silky shirt, sprayed-stiff hair — and drops a few wiggity wack rhymes to the horror of the other producers. Then Blizzard's mom, played by DeNiro, sashays in, suited up in a gaudy sweater and leggings outfit that catches the eye of a (presumably) delusional Diddy. "You know a bitch gotta stay dipped," the Hollywood great says. After sizing her up later on, the Last Train to Paris rapper tells DeNiro's alter ego adds "If you wasn't my man's mom, I'd tear that ass up."

For the most part, DeNiro side-stepped the loopy costumes, playing himself when he stopped by fictional BET talk show "What's Up with That?" alongside Robin Williams and Kenan Thompson as Deandre Cole for a special Hollywood-themed episode. But the screen legend messes with Cole's habit of interrupting guests and simply stops speaking. DeNiro stares grumpily at Cole until the groove kicks in, the host bops his head and he croons "uncomfortable silence."

DeNiro also turns up as a grizzled barfly who Samberg and Jason Sudeikis have to bed in a nearby closet in order to get a drink. All three complain that the experience is horrible because they each find each other butt-ugly. It's later revealed that real mood-killer is the presence of DeNiro's pal, another white-haired old timer in a bathrobe played by Ben Stiller.

The show inserts a hefty amount of promotion for DeNiro's new flick "Little Fockers," including staging a set visit from a super-excited kid who freaks out about everything — from checking out a schedule to meeting the craft-services guy — except DeNiro. When Stiller arrives, the kid praises him for his turn in the 1998 movie "Permanent Midnight," and glares at DeNiro, "That's how you do drama."

The Italian-American icon also hits up an Italian talk show that pushes him to skip down memory lane. The show trots out a deer from the 1978 flick "The Deer Hunter," and even forces him to do an unenthused DeNiro impression. The host also gets DeNiro to unwittingly utter his singular "Taxi Driver" line, "Are you talking to me?" by speaking in the opposite direction.

For most of the show, Diddy stuck to what he's known for, performing twice with the Dirty Money ladies, Dawn Richard and Kalenna. The trio hits the stage first with "Coming Home" shrouded in dark shadows that reflect the song's plaintive vibe. While both ladies rock stylized pompadours and chunky statement jewelry, Richard shows off her abs in a slick bra-top and Kalenna wears a snug jumpsuit. Backed by a full band and a string section, Diddy helmed the performance, spitting the lyrics in a dark jacket and passionately declaring "It feels so good" to be coming home.

The crew switched up the vibe from soulful to sexy for the second performance. Swizz Beatz kicked off the trio's rendition of "Ass on the Floor," imploring to the audience to "Get your hands in the air!" Richard and Kalenna took center stage and vamped it up under bright red lights, to glam crimson capes which Dawn affixed to her bustier and Kalenna to the small of her waist. Diddy hung back stealthily by the side of the stage surrounded by a few dancers in blonde bobs and slinky outfits. The mogul later hops up to lend a hand with hypeman duties, and the bobbed women join him as unleashes his verse, posing aggressively as he spits.

What did you think of this week's episode of "Saturday Night Live"? Let us know in the comments!

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Paul Rudd Won't Appear In Jason Segel's 'Muppet' Movie

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 04:54 AM PST

'I wish that I was. It's all rumor,' star tells MTV News.
By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Paul Rudd
Photo: MTV News

With Jason Segel helming a spankin' new "Muppet" flick, fans have been buzzing that many of the funnyman's guffaw-inducing pals would show up for the fun. One story that has been making the rounds was that Segel's "I Love You, Man" co-star Paul Rudd was slated to appear as an iPhone-obsessed puppet pal of Segel's character.

However, when MTV News caught up with Rudd recently, the star crushed the collective dreams of Judd Apatow acolytes everywhere, explaining that a cameo alongside Kermit's crew is just not in the cards right now.

"I wish that I was. It's all rumor," Rudd confided at the Gotham Awards last week. "I wanted to be in it, and I talked to Jason but I think there was some things that happened and I don't know if I'm gonna get to do it."

As many would be, he's totally torn up about missing out on the Muppet-fest.

"It blows actually," he pouted playfully. "It really sucks."

Up next, fans can catch Rudd alongside Jennifer Aniston as a broke couple that decide to take up residence at a commune in the Apatow-helmed "Wanderlust." But after that, Rudd quipped that he wanted another crack at the Muppet franchise, and even came up with a few inspired titles for a sequel to Segel's project.

"I'm hoping for the 'Muppet Movie 2.' I'm playing Charles Grodin in 'Muppet 2: Electric Waterloo?' Beaker-loo?" he joked, before offering a truly game-changing suggestion: "Muppet Movie 2: The Muppets Are Still Taking Manhattan."

Even with Rudd officially out the mix, the confirmed lineup of guest stars should pack the film with plenty of laughs. Jack Black, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Crystal and Alan Arkin are all slated to appear in the project.

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

'Tangled' Commands Weekend Box Office

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 01:24 AM PST

Disney kids' flick beats 'Harry Potter' and picks up $21.5 million.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Flynn (voiced by Zachary Levi) and Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) in "Tangled"
Photo: Disney

Fairy-tale locks bested boy-wizard drama at this weekend's box office.

"Tangled," Disney's modernized take on the classic children's tale "Rapunzel," wrested the box-office crown away from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" over the weekend after coming in behind the fantasy phenomenon last week. The film — which is powered by voice-over performances from Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi — snatched up $21.5 million its second weekend in theaters. The flick's total estimated gross is nearing the $100 million mark with about $96 million picked up so far.

Although it's already blasted past both the $100 million and $200 million box-office mark, "Potter" appears to be losing some of its momentum. The film picked up $16.7 million over the weekend, which pushes the flick's total estimated gross to around $244 million.

"Burlesque" limped behind the "Tangled" and "Potter" in third place. Audiences doled out $6.1 million to catch Cher and Christina Aguilera's musically-driven flick about a down-on-her-luck club owner and her starry-eyed young protégé. The film's total estimated tally currently stands at just under $27 million.

"Unstoppable" continues to maintain a top-five presence at the box office, taking the fourth-place slot over the weekend. Fans gave up $6.1 million to catch the Denzel Washington vehicle about a runaway train carrying dangerous cargo. Although the weekend "Unstoppable" haul is identical to "Burlesque," the latter movie averaged more cash per theater. "Burlesque" pulled down $2,009 for each of movie house while "Unstoppable" made $1,935. The train thriller has made about $69 million since its arrival in theaters.

The romantic drama "Love and Other Drugs" ended the weekend in fifth place. The movie, which stars Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal, raked in $5.7 million. The flick has picked up an estimated $22 million since landing in theaters last week.

Check out everything we've got on "Tangled," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" and "Burlesque."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Audrina Patridge, Miss J, Cee Lo Green Reminisce On 'When I Was 17'

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 06:02 AM PST

Stars remember meeting fashion designers and skipping school in latest episode.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Cee Lo Green
Photo: MTV

Miss J is a beacon of fierceness for the droves of starry-eyed, wannabe catwalkers on "America's Next Top Model." But there was a time — way back when he was just a starry-eyed teenager — when the reality judge and runway coach didn't even have the most rudimentary sense of the biggest movers and shakers in fashion.

On the latest episode of "When I Was 17," the style maven recalled heading to an open casting call for one of renowned French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier's events — even though he had no idea who the sartorial master was.

"I went to Bergdorf Goodman for the casting," he said. "There was hundreds of people waiting. I thought to myself, 'What's gonna make me stand out?' and I just thought, 'Be yourself, personality.' I had nothing else to sell."

Armed with his famously dramatic personality, Miss J sold it. He brought the attitude and booked the gig — despite leaving an important piece of his wardrobe at home.

"When I got to see him, he said, 'Hello.' And I said, 'Hello.' He put me in clothing, and I remember I wasn't wearing underwear that day. I wasn't wearing panties, but I hid in the corner, put on the outfit and I put on this attitude... but I got the show."

When Cee Lo was 17, he had no trouble getting a job, and rotated through an array of random gigs. The "F--- You" singer remembered one job, however, that got a little off track.

"I remember one that was really funny — I worked in a warehouse where they were putting together the Frito-Lay variety boxes of chips," The Lady Killer singer explained. "I was on the end and I would push them through the plastic part where they would kinda do the overlay of plastic.

"One time I look back over the conveyor belt, and I just remember potato chips just falling all over the floor," he says. And when the chips hit the ground, "Closet Freak" star decided it was time to make a run for it.

"I was like, 'Oh, no. I'm out!' " he said.

"The Hills" good girl Audrina Patridge tended to stay out of trouble when she was 17, but she wasn't able to resist a day spent lounging by the shore instead of hitting books.

"One day, my friends and I decided to ditch school and go to the beach, and I wrote a fake note: 'Please excuse Audrina Patridge. She wasn't feeling well today. Any questions, call,' " Patridge recalled. "So I just ditched school and I went [to the beach], and our counselor at the time called my mom and asked where I was, and so she covered for me."

While mom stuck to Patridge's lie, she didn't let the episode slip under the rug. Instead, she exaggerated the fib so much that the "Dancing with the Stars" alum kind of wished she really was sick.

"She told them that I was really, really sick and that I was throwing up, and she did it to embarrass me, because when they called me into the office the next day, I had to sit there in front of all of them and tell them that I was throwing up and that I had diarrhea and I had to stick to her story," she remembered. "It was probably one of the last times I ever ditched — first and last."

"When I Was 17" airs Saturdays at 11 a.m. on MTV

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