Jumat, 30 April 2010

MTV News

MTV News


Will New Def Jam Exec Sha Money XL Bring The G-Unit To The Label?

Posted: 30 Apr 2010 03:52 AM PDT

'I would like to provide an opportunity for them to continue to grow,' he tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Sha Money XL
Photo: MTV News

Executive Decisions: Sha Money XL

Queens is in the building — again. Sha Money XL has signed on to become the senior VP of A&R at Def Jam Records. The label has had such a rich history of Queens-bred fellas in the boardroom, from its founder Russell Simmons to Irv Gotti to one of Sha's mentors, the late Jam Master Jay. XL is excited to plant his flag in the cherished hip-hop recording house.

"I've been floating around this industry since I've just been executive-producing 50 [Cent]'s albums," XL explained Thursday at the MTV offices. "Freelancing, doing my own thing. I've been able to meet with L.A. Reid. We've been having some great conversations. Finally, the call came. It felt so good. Def Jam is such a strong company and strong roster. The staff is amazing. I felt it instantly. I knew that this is something I can do with my New York vision and New York swag and bring that for all the guys that's based out here. And the things that was needed to excite the industry as well, internally and externally. I connect with everybody by all levels."

Sha said that after being with the G-Unit for so many years, there is no such thing as pressure to him anymore.

"I work good under pressure," he said. "Working with 50, I know what needs to get done. I don't feel pressure. I do the things that need to be done. As long as artists listen and we really become businessmen in this business, as we say we are, I think we should all prosper. I'm looking to make the company more money and take it to the top, the highest level."

So with 50 Cent a free agent, free to bring himself and his label — which includes Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo — anywhere he pleases, will Sha try to secure a spot for his longtime friends at Def Jam?

"I spoke to Fif, to [his manager Chris] Lighty. I would love to see that there," Sha admitted. "Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that happen."

If the Unit came to Def Jam, things would get interesting, to say the least. Shyne, Rick Ross, Nas and DJ Khaled, people who Fif and the Unit have had problems with through the years, are all on the roster.

"I'm a businessman," Sha Money said when asked how he would feel having the Unit in the same building with some of their adversaries. "The beef stuff, I'm over. We at a certain point in life where we don't even need that. We eat that. So I will let them speak for their own, but honestly, I would like to see a company continue to grow. And I think G-Unit is in a position — coming from an independent space — that can continue to do their thing. I would like to provide an opportunity for them to continue to grow."

While the Unit deal is just in the talking stages now, Sha says his top priority is making sure Juelz Santana gets his LP out. XL already has his sights set on DJ Toomp to get in the lab with Juelz.

This will not be the last time you hear from Mixtape Daily on Friday (April 30), we promise. On Friday evening, we will have a preview of the mixtape you are all anticipating, Jadakiss' Gangsta Grillz Invasion: The Champ Is Here Part 3. There's no way we could get through this week without delivering a Main Pick.

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines or follow the Mixtape Daily team on Twitter: @shaheemreid and @mongosladenyc.

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Conan O'Brien Talks Jay Leno On '60 Minutes': 'I Wouldn't Have Done That'

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 03:24 AM PDT

'Everyone's got their own, you know, way of doing things,' he says during the interview, airing Sunday night.
By Eric Ditzian


Conan O'Brien
Photo: Michael Buckner/ Getty Images

We've already heard Jay Leno's side of things when it comes to his late-night feud with Conan O'Brien over the the keys to "The Tonight Show." Now it's O'Brien's turn for a little on-camera venting in an interview with "60 Minutes."

According to excerpts released by CBS News, the comedian is not holding anything back.

"He went and took that show back, and I think in a similar situation, if roles had been reversed, I know ... I know me, I wouldn't have done that," O'Brien said. "If I had surrendered 'The Tonight Show' and handed it over to somebody publicly and wished them well and then ... six months later. But that's me, you know. Everyone's got their own, you know, way of doing things."

What would O'Brien have done instead? "Done something else, go someplace else," he said. "I mean, that's just me."

O'Brien is currently on a 32-city live show sweep across North America with his Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour. In a shocking turn earlier this month, the displaced NBC host inked a deal with TBS to launch a new late-night show on the cable network rather than, as had been widely presumed, a show on Fox. As the NBC brouhaha flared up at the start of the year, O'Brien said he came to realize that his relationship with the network had been irrevocably damaged.

"I think this relationship is going be toxic, and maybe we just need to go our separate ways," he said. "That's really how it felt to me ... and I started to feel that I'm not sure these people even really want me here. ... I can't do it [anymore]."

The full "60 Minutes" interview will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

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Drake Says Jay-Z Wasn't Immediately Sold On 'Over'

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 04:40 AM PDT

Jay likened the Thank Me Later single to a girl who isn't the cutest but is still sexy.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Drake's breakout mixtape, So Far Gone, set the bar pretty high for his upcoming debut album, Thank Me Later. His first offering, "Over," was intensely debated, but DJs co-signed the single almost immediately.

One critic, however, wasn't as quick to deliver praise. According to Drake, Jay-Z had to warm up to the record.

"I got a funny e-mail today from Jay-Z about ['Over']," Drake said during a conference call for DJs.

The Toronto lyricist said Jay offered an analogy to describe the way the track grew on him. He compared the song to "the girl you see at the club, she's not the cutest," Drake explained. "But then you speak to her and realize that she's one of the sexiest women of all time."

Drake premiered his follow-up to "Over" early Thursday morning (April 29), the Kanye West-produced "Find Your Love." He recently shot a video for the track in Jamaica, and images from the set have leaked online. Two other Thank Me Later tracks, "Fireworks" and "Shut It Down" (featuring The-Dream), have sprung up online.

Drake also revealed during the call that he might have a bonus track on his debut album featuring Lupe Fiasco and upstart MC J. Cole. "I think that would be a special moment for hip-hop fans," he said, before adding a joke. "For people that are disappointed when I drop songs like 'Find Your Love,' I think they would appreciate that. Hopefully they're both willing."

Do you want to hear Drake's collabo with Lupe and J. Cole? Let us know in the comments!

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Erykah Badu Pleads Not Guilty To 'Window Seat' Charge

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 05:38 AM PDT

Singer was cited for disorderly conduct after stripping down in public during the video shoot.
By Kelley L. Carter


Erykah Badu in her video for "Window Seat"
Photo: Universal Motown

Erykah Badu entered a not-guilty plea Wednesday for stripping down in public for her much-talked-about "Window Seat" video.

In March, the 39-year-old soul singer went sans clothing in Dallas' busy Dealey Plaza during the video shoot; she later was charged with disorderly conduct in relation to the music video.

"I thought it was a move for women and men and children who feel they weren't good enough," Erykah Badu told MTV News on April 8 about the controversial clip. " 'This is just me. I'm good enough.' I felt it was important enough to do. More pros than cons."

In Badu's video, she sheds her clothes while walking through downtown Dallas, and almost as soon as she is totally nude, she is shot in the head, falling near the same grassy knoll near where President Kennedy was shot in 1963. Instead of blood, animated words that spell out "groupthink" leak from her head on the sidewalk.

The singer has said that she chose to go nude in Dealey Plaza because it's one of the most popular locales in the city.

Badu didn't file for an official permit to shoot the video. The directors of the video, Chike and Coodie, told MTV News that they were well aware of potential attention from law-enforcement officials. They also said Badu was fully prepared for the consequences.

"We had bail money and everything," Coodie said. "I think she really wanted to get arrested and even make a bigger message."

Are you surprised that Badu pleaded not guilty? Let us know in the comments.

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Eminem Is 'Back' On 'Not Afraid,' Fans Say

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:44 AM PDT

'THAT is the eminem I like hearing,' one fan tweets about the lead Recovery single.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Eminem
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Eminem's "Not Afraid" has been the talk of blogs, message boards and social-media networks on Thursday (April 29), as the rapper detoured from his normal route of celebrity-bashing numbers and instead delivered an honest take on his life and career, even calling last year's Relapse "ehh."

Fans have mostly been supportive, with many noting his departure from zanier fare.

"Very different than his usual 1st singles, but I like it," kevi-B wrote on MTV.com.

The Detroit rapper's last album, Relapse, was among 2009's highest sellers, but fans complained that it didn't show off the MC's skills. The album was Eminem's first in five years, after suffering from drug dependency and the loss of his close friend, D12 rapper Proof. In interviews, Em noted that the album helped him work his way through writer's block, and he returned to his Slim Shady persona for aid.

Rbrt_vndrvn wrote on MTVNews.com that the criticism seems to have motivated Eminem on "Not Afraid." "Well, it's official: Eminem has to work with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove to bring out his potential," he said. "From now on, I declare Eminem the underdog, and we will always get great music!"

Since Relapse, Eminem stayed visible by contributing to Drake's "Forever," Lil Wayne's "Drop the World" and B.o.B's "Airplanes (Part II)" in preparation for his upcoming Recovery, due in June.

That output left fans excited, and Twitter member Tony Markovich gave Em two virtual thumbs up. "THAT is the Eminem I like hearing," he tweeted. "Forever, Drop the World, Airplanes, Despicable, and now this!? I'd say he's back."

Some Slim Shady fans weren't happy with Eminem dismissing Relapse, which actually took home some awards-show hardware. "Great leadoff song," Tom wrote on MTV.com "Really goes well with the album title. ... I'm surprised he called Relapse 'ehh.' Relapse wasn't as bad as people make it out to be. The only downside to it was it was a bit repetitive, but he spit fire on every track. Em's 'ehh' album still wins a Grammy for Best Rap Album."

Are you excited to hear Eminem's new music? Let us know in the comments!

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Bret Michaels' Sister Says 'Things Are Definitely Looking Up'

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:25 AM PDT

'He's not by any means out of the woods, but he is getting better every day,' Michelle Sychak tells a radio show.
By Gil Kaufman


Bret Michaels
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

Recovery from the kind of brain injury suffered by Poison singer Bret Michaels requires patience and very careful monitoring. And according to his sister, the rocker is making slow but steady progress.

"He's doing good," said sibling Michelle Sychak in an interview with the Omaha, Nebraska-based "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire" morning-radio show on Wednesday.

Michelle said her brother's speech was good, considering the seriousness of the brain hemorrhage he suffered last Thursday. "Things are definitely looking up. ... He sounded good — as good as you can when your brain's throbbing," she said. "He seems very coherent to me and like he knew what he was saying. ... [He] does sound like Bret. Truth be told, I think he'll outlive us all." She spoke to him recently and said, though he's stable, her brother is still in the intensive care unit.

Earlier reports indicated that Michaels was suffering from slow or slurred speech as a result of the buildup of blood at the base of his brain. He continues to be hospitalized at an unnamed clinic in the intensive care unit.

"He's doing good," she said. "He's not by any means out of the woods, but he is getting better every day." She said the fact that Michaels lived through the initial rupture was "a miracle in itself. I've never known anyone that dodged so many bullets in their life, both figuratively and literally."

Despite speculation that a staging mishap that resulted in Michaels being hit by a curtain at the 2009 Tony Awards might have caused the injury, she said doctors may never know what caused the rupture.

The news came a day after Michaels' road manager, Janna Elias, posted a note on the rocker's website indicating that, "Provided there are no further complications or setbacks," Michaels, 47, could be back out on the road in time for a May 26 date in Fort Smith, Arkansas. "I think good news is around the corner," she said.

"Even though yesterday was a minor setback, doctors remain hopeful for a full recovery and plan to release more specific information next Monday," Elias wrote, referring to a not uncommon side effect of the brain hemorrhage called hyponatremia, a lack of sodium in the body that can lead to seizures. Doctors told Michaels he "is very lucky, as his condition could have been fatal," she wrote.

"With further testing and rehabilitation, they are hopeful that Bret will gradually improve as the blood surrounding the brain dissolves and is reabsorbed into his system, which can be a very painful recovery and take several weeks to months," she said.

Share your well-wishes for Bret Michaels in the comments below.

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Siobhan Magnus Didn't Try To 'Please Other People' On 'American Idol'

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 11:59 PM PDT

'I do what I do because it rests well on my heart and who I am,' latest castoff says.
By Katie Byrne


Siobhan Magnus
Photo: FOX

Siobhan Magnus never quite fit into the "American Idol" mold — and that's exactly how she liked it. But she might have stretched a bit too far with her honky-tonk/screamo performance of Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine," getting eliminated Wednesday night.

We caught up with the 20-year-old glassblower from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Thursday (April 29) to find out what's next and where she learned to hit those gigantic notes.

Q: Where did you learn to hit those big notes?

A: I'm pretty sure I figured out how to do that in the shower in high school one night. [Laughs.] I'm an avid shower singer, much to the dismay of my family and my neighbors, but I was singing a Kelly Clarkson song, and I went to hit one note, and I reached it and I was able to resonate it in a different part of my head that I could feel it that high. And ever since I figured it out, I started to use it more and more with different stuff — in school choirs and in my band — and it became very useful with the style of singing that I like to do. A particular time that it came in handy was when I was singing with my friend's band, and we did "Great Gig in the Sky" by Pink Floyd, and I had a blast just wailing on those huge notes in a battle of the bands, and we won. One of my favorite singers of all time is Janis Joplin, and I learned very much through imitation, so when I hear a singer I love, I try and emulate that, and that kind of added up to the way I sing today.

Q: You often told the judges that you didn't want to pigeonhole yourself into one genre. Was that an important message you hoped to send you to your fans?

A: That's definitely something that was important to me from the beginning to show people that that is something I care about, that I take very seriously. I've always been an independent person and a different kind of person, but I'm very stubborn and strong-willed, and it's something important to me to get that across, that I'm not going to change to please other people. I do what I do because it rests well on my heart and who I am. The feedback that I've got, the positive feedback that I receive from fans and viewers, was tremendous. I couldn't ask for anything better than receiving letters from younger girls who said to me, "I get made fun of at school because I'm different, but watching you has helped me accept the fact that it's OK and that it's a good thing to be who I am and not back down just because other people intimidate me." I've received letters where I've been brought to tears just because I have achieved something that has been a goal of mine for so long: to be able to influence the lives of young girls in a positive way. To show them that who you are on the inside is a beautiful thing, and you shouldn't let anyone take that away from you, because we are all perfectly made as who we are. To be able to have that connection with fans through this whole experience, through the television and know that I reached people, even if it was just one person — I always said if I could influence one person's life, then that's what I'm here for, so I'm just so honored.

Q: Were you disappointed that the judges' save wasn't available for you since it was already used on Michael Lynche?

A: No, not at all, because I couldn't imagine it not being used on Mike. That was so shocking that there was the chance of him going home that week, and I think we all knew when it was announced: "They have to save him. There's no way he could be going home." And it would have been cool if that didn't have to happen, but I have faith that everything happens for a reason, and I couldn't be luckier to be where I'm at and to have gotten this far. So I love Mike to death, and it's awesome that he's still in it.

Q: What did you think when people compared you to "Idol" alum and mentor Adam Lambert?

A: It was wicked flattering being compared to him right off the bat. I just respect him so much for his individuality and his confidence, and his stage presence is just tremendous. It's undeniable that he's born to do what he's doing. And he was extremely helpful as a mentor, because he was the first mentor that the show ever had that was a past contestant. So he knew firsthand what it was like to be in our shoes, and that was helpful, because he was sensitive to that. He knew just what to say, and the things that he said were so dead-on, and I really just tried to absorb every single thing he said.

Q: What would you say to people who were disappointed you're off the show?

A: I would say not to worry, because this is just the end of one thing and it's the beginning of a new thing. I have so many big ideas and things that I hope to come in the future that I probably wouldn't have got a chance to do without this experience, and I'm so grateful for the entire thing. Hopefully, this will just be the gateway to all of the other things I aspire to do.

Were you sad to see Siobhan go? Will you check out her post-"Idol" music? Let us know in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Khloe Kardashian Confesses She Was A 'Shady Kid' On 'When I Was 17'

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 04:16 AM PDT

Find out just how shady she was on Saturday's premiere episode of MTV's 'When I Was 17.'
By Jocelyn Vena


Khloe Kardashian
Photo: MTV News

Fans of her reality show know that nothing comes between Khloé Kardashian and her sisters, Kourtney and Kim. On "When I Was 17," a new MTV show premiering Saturday at 11 a.m. (and also featuring Trey Songz and Perez Hilton), they'll get to see just how true that is. Khloé explains how she took matters into her own hands when she realized she'd be the last of the trio to graduate high school.

"My sisters were my best friends. We all went to an all-girls Catholic school," Khloé remembered. "When my sisters graduated, I felt I didn't have friends. There was no reason for me to stay."

To ensure she'd never have to endure a single day of school without her siblings, Khloé got creative. Registering herself for homeschooling seemed like the best solution, she said. "And I was kind of a shady kid," Khloé recalled. "So I located a home school. I went there, I enrolled myself. I had my parents sign, [but] I really signed."

To her mom, Kris, the decision seemed to come out of left field. "One day I get a call from the school, asking me about these forms I had filled out and signed transferring Khloé," mom Kris Jenner recalled. "And I was like, 'What the hell are you talking about? Khloé's not going to home school.' Somehow, she convinced her dad and I that's where she belonged."

Her parents caved and gave their permission — with one condition. "She said as long as I really did my school work I could do it," Khloé explained. "I finished three years of high school in one year. I graduated actually when I was 17, with honors. So — in your face!"

"When I Was 17" — this week featuring Trey Songz, Khloe Kardashian and Perez Hilton — premieres Saturday (May 1) at 11 a.m. on MTV.

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Guru Memorial Concert Should Involve DJ Premier, Solar Says

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 03:08 AM PDT

'It couldn't be [a tribute] without them,' he tells MTV News, despite tensions between the two.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Solar
Photo: MTV News

Although tensions between Solar and DJ Premier remain high, the controversial producer said he would like to reach out to the Gang Starr member to join him for a memorial concert he's planning for Guru later this year.

"Not only Premier, but the whole Gang Starr Foundation — everybody, for sure," Solar told MTV News. "It couldn't be [a tribute] without them. Plus, the list of artists Guru and I have already compiled that would go with it, that would be brilliant."

Solar said he and Guru had long planned to host an event, whether he recovered from his health issues or not. Since the Gang Starr rapper died last week, though, Solar has been vilified by fans for releasing a "farewell" letter purportedly written by Guru. In the controversial message, Guru assailed Premier and only referred to his groupmate as his "former DJ." Solar denied claims that he wrote the letter, but Premier remains skeptical.

Premier released his own statement following Guru's death, a touching memorial to his friend. During a radio "salute" to his fallen Gang Starr cohort, Premier repeatedly disparaged Solar, writing him off as a jealous opportunist.

Solar, for his part, stands by Guru's authorship of the letter, yet he distanced himself from the remarks and said he now has to make the best decisions for the current situation.

"At the end of the day, Guru's statement is Guru's statement, and that's Guru," he said. "I'm my own man, just like he was his own man. I have to make decisions as life goes on that's beneficial to all involved. I haven't had a chance to sit down with DJ Premier. Hopefully now will be the time, in the near future, even on this particular matter, and speak on things. It's my intention that everybody understand I foster the concepts of peace and harmony. And I believe as time goes on and feelings settle that this will happen. And willfully, this benefit concert will be one way of speeding that along."

Share your memories of Guru and Gang Starr in the comments below.

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Rick Ross Explains Why He Wanted Diddy To Manage Him

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 12:57 AM PDT

'The experience and the knowledge that Diddy possesses is priceless,' he tells MTV News.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Kelly Marino


Rick Ross
Photo: MTV News

Rick Ross said a night of hanging out with Diddy and the Ciroc Boys inspired the opening lines of his "Super High" record: "From my n---a Diddy view, I think I see his vision too/ 'Purple Rain,' over Central Park, chillin' with my goons."

Ross, Diddy and a few friends were watching Prince's "Purple Rain" in the mogul's New York penthouse when he was inspired to write the lyrics. Ross' friendship with the founder of Bad Boy Records blossomed into a business relationship. Diddy is now a part of the Bawse's management team.

"The experience and the knowledge that Diddy possesses is priceless," Ross explained on the set of his upcoming video for "Super High." "The relationships that he's accumulated over the last 20 years is priceless for a young artist such as myself. We developed a mutual friendship. We just stayed in contact. I was calling him for advice anyway. He was doing it for free: 'What you think about that, homey? Help me get this, homey. I need to meet for the Waka Flocka video, homey.' He was doing so many different things for me on that level."

Ross said since he has officially aligned with Diddy, he has put a few things on the agenda.

"I expressed my interest in developing and designing my own clothing label," Ricky Rosé said. "I expressed interest in branching off into liquor endorsements, book deals. I've yet to headline my own major tour yet, which I've never had a problem with, because I love the intimacy of clubs. I love when I can run in the club with 2,000 people in there, and I can look the majority of them in the eye and make sure they feel Rick Ross and understand what Rick Ross brings to the game. But most definitely, these are the new things we're bringing to the table, and these are things I haven't expressed a lot of interest into in the past. It's looking very, very positive."

The Miami flow master said his association with Diddy is also paying dividends in the lab. After rapping in the same vocal booth that Notorious B.I.G. once graced at the Daddy's House studios, his pursuit of lyrical supremacy is even more steadfast.

"Expect me to go greater heights," Ross promised about where he'll be artistically on his Teflon Don album. "I wanna push myself until I push myself all the way over the cliff."

Teflon Don comes out June 29. Ross has secured collaborations from Diddy, Kanye West and Jay-Z, among others.

What do you think about Ross teaming up with Diddy? Let us know in the comments!

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Siobhan Magnus Eliminated On 'American Idol'

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 08:05 AM PDT

Michael Lynche and Casey James join her in the bottom three.
By Gil Kaufman


Siobhan Magnus performs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: FOX

It's getting to that point in season nine of "American Idol" when it gets hard to guess who will go home every week because the competition has gotten so tight. But a night after Simon Cowell compared her tortured screaming to the sound of a woman giving birth, America decided that it wasn't quite ready for an "Idol" champ as quirky as tattooed glassblower Siobhan Magnus.

After charming the judges and voting public with her offbeat style sense, powerhouse vocals and sometimes sassy backtalk to the judges, Magnus' luck ran out after she closed Tuesday's show with an all-over-the-place take on Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine."

Magnus was given the boot on a night that was packed with performances from Rascal Flatts, Shakira and Lady Antebellum, and her exit came after more than 33 million votes were lodged Tuesday.

The results began with host Ryan Seacrest creating three groups of two. The first pairing included Magnus and Lee Dewyze, followed by Casey James and Michael Lynche and then Aaron Kelly and Crystal Bowersox. Cutting the tension immediately, Seacrest walked Magnus across the stage for her first trip to the bottom three, alongside Lynche and James.

The first singer sent back to safety was Lynche, who dodged a bullet for the second time this season. "Tonight is different because everyone did well last night, so there's no shame in the bottom three," he said before being sent back to the couches. With James safe, that left the woman Seacrest called an "independent spirit" standing center stage in her salmon-colored miniskirt-and-tank-top combo.

Saying she tried out for the show for her little sisters, Magnus hoped that she had a big impact on them. "I did my best, and I hope that I was able to show them what we're all capable of," she said, clearly holding back some emotion.

Keeping her composure, Magnus went out with a typically sassy run through Aretha Franklin's "Think," which got the final five and the whole audience on their feet and clapping along. It ended, of course, with one of her signature ear-piercing screams and then some hugs for her family, who told her, "You're still our star."

This being a country-themed week, the show kicked off with a live performance from twangy trio Rascal Flatts, who played their cowboy-pop ditty "Unstoppable." Along with the usual time-killing Ford video and some other promotional shenanigans, the first half of the show also featured season-four "Idol" superstar Carrie Underwood flying in from her national tour just to introduce her current opening act, the little-known brotherly band Sons of Sylvia.

Bringing a harder-edge, new-wave country vibe than they displayed during their winning run last year on "The Next Great America Band," the all-black-clad Clark brothers played their debut single, "Love Left to Lose." The tune mixed straightforward radio rock with country touches, including fiddle, mandolin and rocked-out resonator guitar over a thudding backbeat.

With a whole hour to fill, the next break featured ACM winners Lady Antebellum performing their triple-platinum smash "Need You Now." The Fleetwood Mac-like ballad of romantic longing that has helped propel the album of the same name to the best sales figures of any 2010 release found singers Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott trading off yearning vocals as third member Dave Haywood played along on a grand piano in the background.

The night's final performance was a truly odd combo, as hip-shaker Shakira was joined by Flatts for the spare belly-dance/ boot-scooter "Gypsy," which she opened by showing off her harmonica skills. Joined by two dancers, Shakira worked her flowing red skirt and swiveled her hips as she melded her yodely vocals with the high, lonesome sound of Flatts' Gary LeVox.

Next week's mentor will be Harry Connick Jr., who will lead the finalists through the songbook of Frank Sinatra.

What did you think of tonight's elimination? Did Siobhan deserve to go home? Leave your comments below!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Mr. Finley Is 'Pushing' For His Hometown Of Las Vegas

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 03:52 AM PDT

'I do this music and represented for the city so long — way before I got a deal,' he tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid


Mr. Finley
Photo: Kamp Wess

Fire Starter: Mr. Finley

Mr. Finley is hoping that the old slogan "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" doesn't hold true for much longer. Well, at least when it comes to his career.

The 26-year-old and his team, K.A.M.P. Wess, have been making music for years in Sin City, building up a local fanbase. A breakthrough came last summer when Finley and K.A.M.P. Wess signed a record deal through Ghet-O-Vision/ Def Jam. Although it's taken some time to get the project off the ground, Finley is coming with a double-fisted assault of singles and videos for "Blowin Dat Endo," a smoker's anthem, and a dedication track for his hometown, "Sin City."

"My father was out in the streets from before I was born until I was 17 years old," Finley told Mixtape Daily. Pops Finley was actually grooming his son to be a singer, the MC said. "He was running the streets. I got older cousins and little cousins, they still out there running the streets. They're still carrying on this Finley name. If you get your name checked out [by police], you automatically in trouble out here. It don't stand for nothing good as far as the law and all of that sh-- is concerned. I'm just trying to clean my family name up and show we stand for something more."

When Finley goes to the 'hood, though, all his homies still call him "Weas," short for "Weas Mac." The abbreviated "Weas," he said, comes from the nickname he was tagged with as a teenager: "Weasel." It turns out the young Mr. Finley had developed a reputation for taking other guys' girlfriends. But chasing the ladies was just a pastime — Finley's real diversion was chasing dollars. And when it came to the concrete, he was accepted on both sides of the turf.

"My father, he started one of the only Blood gangs out here, but I didn't really grow up with my father," Finley said. Raised with his grandparents, the Vegas rapper admitted it was sometimes crowded, with upward of 15 cousins living under the same roof. "I grew up with my mother, [who] grew up in a Crip neighborhood. All my friends that I grew up with since kindergarten grew up and had older brothers that were already Crips. These was my n---as, so it was only the natural thing to do. Me and Pops, we bumped heads when he found out I was a Crip and all that, but we love each other.

"But I do this music and represented for the city so long — way before I got a deal. So what I'm doing, everybody sees. All the people that grew up in the 'hood I grew up in, the Westside, they gonna ride with me. They know I'm pushing for them."

Finley's debut, The Talented Mr. Finley, has no release date yet.

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Rick Ross Calls <i>Teflon Don</i> Jay-Z Collabo 'An Atomic Bomb'

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 02:04 AM PDT

The Bawse denies rumors that the new Jay duet is 'Maybach Music 3.'
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Kelly Marino


Rick Ross
Photo: MTV News

Swizz Beatz-designed Christian Louboutin white shoes, a black motorcycle jacket specially made by Fubu and a white tank top you could find at any swap meet or flea market — Rick Ross had his swagger up on the set of his F. Gary Gray-directed video for "Super High."

The clip plays off the film "Easy Rider" and finds the Miami native scooping up sexy Stacey Dash like ice cream from Cold Stone. Ross woos her from her biker beau.

During some downtime on the set, Ross explained that he's trying to keep a lot of the ins and outs of his June 29 LP Teflon Don on lock until it drops, but the Bawse did disclose more about his collaboration with Jay-Z.

"The majority of the details of the album I've been trying to keep under wraps so the fans can savor the music that much more," Ross said. "I most definitely have confirmed Jay-Z being on the album. [The song] is like an atomic bomb. I'm just waiting to push the button. Shout-out to Roc Nation. Shout-out to Kanye West."

Ross said he and Jay recorded the song in Sin City as Jigga's tour was coming to a close.

"The funny thing is the way the record was done," Ross said. "I followed him to a few Blueprint 3 Tour dates. I was chillin' in the back, smoked out. As soon as he gets offstage, we was chillin', vibing. His last date, which was in Vegas, he killed the show. We left the show, went to Tao for the afterparty. It was 30 bottles of Ace of Spades [champagne]. He left there, went and killed the craps table, the poker table. Then we got in the studio, and he laced me. It was the most phenomenal verse.

"It's not 'Maybach Music 3,' " Ross revealed. "You could kill the rumors. This is something totally unexpected, and we talking that talk. I'm just excited, man. I'm expecting big things from this Teflon Don project."

Are you excited to hear new music from Rick Ross? Let us know in the comments below!

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Bret Michaels Undergoing Tests, Hopes To Resume Tour In Summer

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 05:05 AM PDT

'We will then continue with all scheduled dates throughout the summer and fall,' a statement says.
By Kelley L. Carter


Bret Michaels
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

The cause of rocker Bret Michaels' brain hemorrhage from last week hasn't been discovered, but his return to the stage is already in the works. It's possible that the current "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant could even be back rocking the house by the end of May.

The 47-year-old former Poison frontman has been in the hospital since Thursday, recovering from the hemorrhage (which came on the heels of an April 12 emergency appendectomy), and he most recently was upgraded from critical to stable condition. A statement from his website thanks fans for their continued support and the well-wishes, and also says that the rocker is responding well to tests and treatments.

More information on Michaels' condition is expected to be released on Monday, as he's undergoing tests to determine the exact cause of the rupture.

"While Bret is recovering we obviously have some shows that are being rescheduled. We are working to reschedule dates from now until May 21. At this time we are planning to resume the tour May 26 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, provided there are no further complications or setbacks," the statement read. "We will then continue with all scheduled dates throughout the summer and fall, including the June and July tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Look for additional information in the days and weeks to come."

The statement also told fans who hold tickets to rescheduled shows that theirs will be honored on the new dates.

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Shakira's 'Gypsy' Gets A Boost From Rascal Flatts On 'American Idol'

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 08:05 AM PDT

Singer plays the harmonica, harmonizes with Gary LeVox for free-sprit performance.
By Katie Byrne


Shakira performs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: Fox

Shakira busted out her best Stevie Nicks ensemble during "American Idol" to perform her new single, "Gypsy," with a little help from Rascal Flatts.

The free-spirit singer — wearing a sparkly tank top, dangling earrings and a floor-length red skirt — started the song out on harmonica. During the first verse, she was joined by some interpretive backup dancers and even threw in some moves herself.

Rascal Flatts singer Gary LeVox then chimed in with backing vocals. As the pair harmonized, they headed to a platform behind the "Idol" judges and Shakira showed off some of her trademark hip-swiveling. She even pulled the harmonica back out to close up the song.

After the performance, host Ryan Seacrest said what most of the viewers were probably thinking: "Gary LeVox and Shakira — I never thought I'd see that!"

He also had a tough question for the Flatts frontman: "What was it like to move your hips with her?"

"I recommend to him to wear a skirt, but he refused," Shakira chimed in.

Rascal Flatts kicked off the "Idol" elimination episode by performing their new single, "Unstoppable," in place of a top-six group number.

Back in February, Shakira released a steamy video for "Gypsy" starring Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal. The video, like the song paired with it, has a much more organic vibe than other tracks from Shakira's 2009 album She Wolf. Directed by frequent Shakira collaborator Jaume de Laiguana, the video tells a love story that plays out on a desert backdrop. It's an ideal setting for the romance between the smiling Shakira and her often-shirtless tennis pro to unfold.

What did you think of Shakira's collaboration with Rascal Flatts? Let us know in the comments below!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Regina Spektor Tells Musical Stories At Sold-Out Sydney Opera House

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 08:05 AM PDT

'It's so amazing not to play by yourself,' she told her devoted Australian fans.
By Matt Elias


Regina Spektor (file)
Photo: Jeff Gentner/Getty Images

SYDNEY, Australia — The warm night in Sydney was the perfect backdrop for the sun-drenched tunes from Regina Spektor's most recent effort, Far. The cathedral-like Sydney Opera House only added to the ambience.

The Brooklyn songstress took the stage Wednesday night (April 28), greeting the mostly female sold-out crowd, which rejoiced at the first notes of "Calculation" (the opening track on Far). Although the singer/songwriter was far from home, the audience proved to be more than familiar with her material. Fans shouted requests and "I love yous" between songs but were silent whenever Spektor, on piano, marched through a track.

The set continued with more selections from her 2009 album, including "Eet" and a peppier version of "Folding Chair." By the third song, the crowd had grown giddy, waiting for Spektor to address them directly. During a quiet moment, spontaneous giggling erupted and seemed to spread. Regina responded: "I feel like I have some lipstick on my nose."

The singer reached back into her catalog for "Ode to Divorce," an oldie that highlighted the concert hall's brilliant acoustics. Spektor's voice sounded so close, it was as if you were sitting beside her on the piano bench. She followed that up with the frantic "Machine" and "Laughing With," which drew extra cheers.

The remainder of the evening was peppered with crowd favorites and a back-and-forth with the audience. After the crowd clapped along to "Better," a fan begged, "Tell us a story, Regina!" That drew a clever response from Spektor: "I am. I'm telling stories all night long!" While she spent most of the night at the keys, Regina finally got up for "Dance Anthem of the 80s" (also from Far), strapping on a guitar as she recalled "The Simpsons" episode where Homer goes to rock-and-roll summer camp.

As the nearly two-hour show drew to a close, Regina told the crowd, "It's so amazing to play here, and it's so amazing not to play by yourself," referring to the devoted fans who came to see her.

In case anyone wasn't sufficiently impressed, Spektor returned for a five-song encore. Fans showed they had her back, filling in when Regina forgot a few of the lyrics to "Samson." That exchange brought to mind the words from "Eet," sung earlier in the evening: "It's like forgetting the words to your favorite song/ You can't believe it, you were always singing along."

What do you think of Regina's most recent album, Far? Tell us in the comments!

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Sons Of Sylvia: From 'Next Great American Band' To 'American Idol'

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 08:05 AM PDT

The trio, previously known as the Clark Brothers, have opened for Carrie Underwood on her current tour.
By Gil Kaufman


Sons of Sylvia's Ashley Clark performs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: Fox

Shakira, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum and Sons of Sylvia — wait, who? Millions of Americans could be forgiven if they weren't familiar with the handsome brotherly trio who performed on Wednesday night's (April 28) "American Idol" elimination show, where Siobhan Magnus got the boot.

But if you've been paying attention for the past three years, you might just recognize brothers Ashley, Austin and Adam Clark. They've been opening for good pal Carrie Underwood — who helicoptered in from her tour just to introduce them on "Idol" — on her current tour, and they played backup in her touring band right after she won season four. They were also the winners of the first and only season of "Idol" spinoff "The Next Great American Band," back when they were known as the Clark Brothers.

After years of trying to make it in Nashville and Hollywood, that win landed them a contract with Interscope Records and a management deal with 19 Entertainment, which explains how they landed on "Idol."

Kind of.

"We never tried out for 'Idol,' but we've been watching it all the time and ... man, it's like a dream, we were so pumped," said guitarist Austin, 26, the youngest of the trio, who are three of 11 kids born to their preacher parents. (Yes, their mom's name is Sylvia.) The band of brothers performed their debut single, "Love Left to Lose," from their just-released debut album, Revelation, on "Idol," and Austin said the experience was a mind-blower. The tune mixed straightforward radio rock with country touches, including fiddle, mandolin and rocked-out resonator guitar over a thudding backbeat.

The swirly, urgent rock ballad was co-written and produced by the boys' second cousin and good pal, OneRepublic hitmaker Ryan Tedder, who gave it his signature wide-open, yearning sound and instantly alluring hooks.

"I can't believe it's happening," Austin said of their rocket ride to fame after years of hard work. "It feels like a childhood dream as far as: start a band, get a record out and being on tour. All of this is actually happening. I wake up every day baffled."

Though they've had reality-show experience, Austin said pre-taping their "Idol" performance was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "It's surreal up there," he said. "You see the big 'American Idol' logo, things are spinning around. [I was thinking] 'I've watched the show and now it's my turn.' You're just thinking about not screwing up." Though they didn't have a chance to meet any of this year's finalists — and haven't really had time to watch the show since they're busy on the road with Underwood — Austin said it was probably a good thing the judges weren't around when they visited the set. "If Simon would have critiqued us, we would have been nervous!"

What did you think of Sons of Sylvia's performance? Let us know in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Trey Songz Recalls His Barbershop Days On 'When I Was 17'

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 01:50 AM PDT

'I cut everybody's hair for the prom,' the singer says on new MTV show, premiering Saturday.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Trey Songz
Photo: MTV News

We all know Trey Songz is a ladies man, but the extent of his devotion to the opposite sex hasn't truly been revealed until now.

"When I was 17 I did my girlfriend's eyebrows," the singer confesses during the premiere of MTV's new show "When I Was 17," which premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. and also features Khloe Kardashian and Perez Hilton. But to be fair, Trey Songz was a barber-in-training at the time, keeping the fellas and the ladies looking sharp.

It all started when he devised a plan to receive early dismissal from school and enrolled in a trade that he thought he would be able to take lightly. Instead, the Virgina native found himself with an intense schedule that included learning the finer points of hair care, from cutting heads to, well, waxing eyebrows. His skills eventually became so in demand that his friends lined up at his house to score haircuts before prom.

"I cut everybody's hair for the prom," he recalled.

"That whole week of prom, like every day, probably at least five to 10 guys would come over to the house to get a shape-up," his cousin Jay chimed in.

The downside to his popularity with his clippers resulted in some hotheaded customers — literally!

"My clippers got so hot, I remember I messed my homeboy's head up so bad," he recalled, smiling. "He had scars for, like, the next two days. [Traces his hair line to show where the damage was done.] All that. My bad."

"When I Was 17" — this week featuring Trey Songz, Khloe Kardashian and Perez Hilton — premieres Saturday (May 1) at 11 a.m. on MTV.

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Kanye West 'Cleveland Show' Preview Pops Up Online

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 04:33 AM PDT

'Kenny' West challenges Cleveland Jr. to Auto-Tune-assisted rap-off in upcoming episode.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Kanye West and Cleveland Jr. on "The Cleveland Show"
Photo: FOX

Kanye West by any other name is still not to be messed with. Just ask Cleveland Jr. from "The Cleveland Show."

The animated series' soft-spoken teen puts the move on a classmate in a clip from an unaired episode circulating online. Things get interesting when Cleveland Jr. finds out his crush is dating the Chicago rapper, who voices his own character.

"It's Kenny sippin' Henny/ Rhymes slicker than Teflon," West raps, during a musical confrontation with Cleveland. "The school been high, I'm the black Zac Efron/ And when I meet a shorty, you know we going backwards/ Pulling more tail than my man John Edwards/ Lumpy, chunky, boogie-eating chump, B/ Acting out of place like Hootie singing country/ Leave my girl alone and get your own tenderoni/ Come on, who are we kidding?/ You're used to being lonely."

Earlier this year, it was reported that West would appear in an episode scheduled to air May 2 on Fox. According to show co-creator Rich Appel, West is a longtime fan of "Family Guy," for which Appel was co-executive producer. "The Cleveland Show" writers developed a concept for the rapper and pitched it to him, Appel said. West, to their surprise, agreed.

The multiplatinum artist, however, is less successful in his animated universe than he is in real life. "Kenny" West is still trying to find his way. In the limited preview, after serving Cleveland Jr. in rhyme, Kenny challenges the youngster to an Auto-Tune-enhanced sing-off, only to discover his counterpart can "sound like a robot" — with no aid.

As of press time, the rapper was only scheduled for one guest spot. But Appel told People magazine in March that he would welcome West's return to the show anytime, heaping praise on the MC for his contributions.

"We just recorded him in the booth, and he was fantastic," Appel said. "Once he read it a couple times through, he just owned the character, which I guess isn't hard since he was named Kenny West. He said he'd be glad to [be back]. I said we could write him into the next 21 episodes!"

What do you think about Kanye's animated alter ego? Let us know in the comments!

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'American Idol' Experts Predict The End (Again) For Michael Lynche

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 11:18 PM PDT

Casey James and Aaron Kelly will likely join him in the bottom three.
By Gil Kaufman


Michael Lynche
Photo: FOX

He might have gotten the judges' save a few weeks ago, but time appears to have run out for brawny personal trainer Michael Lynche — at least according to MTV's "American Idol" experts.

"I think it's finally Big Mike Lynche's time to go," said MJ Santilli, webmaster of the "Idol" fan site MJsBigBlog.com. "He sang a very competent version of [Shania Twain's] 'It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing,' but unfortunately, Aaron Kelly and Casey James, two other contestants on the cusp, stepped it up this week."

Lynche got mostly positive notes from the judges — except Simon Cowell, who cryptically called the performance "wet" and "girly" — and he brought mentor Twain to tears, but even his Luther Vandross-like take on the songs might not have been enough to push him past other audience favorites.

"Aaron had all the grandmas and mommies heading for the tissues first and then their phones to vote after he transformed Twain's romantic ballad, 'You've Got a Way,' into an ode to his adoptive mother," Santilli said. "And Casey James went back to the thing that works for him — wrapping his country growl around a tender ballad." Santilli thinks Kelly and James will join Lynche in the bottom three, but it will be Big Mike who gets sent home.

MTV News' "Idol" expert Jim Cantiello had to agree. "All the good will from the judges' save has dissipated, and we're left with a performance that viewers may feel like they've seen before," he said. "There was a lot of hoopla from most of the judges about how well Michael connected to the song, but by the end of the episode, Casey and even Aaron managed to perform their songs in a more believable way."

Yes, Twain was driven to tears by Lynche, but Cantiello isn't sure voters were moved in the same way. "Remember: The guy first went home after a similarly praised and similarly theatrical 'Eleanor Rigby,' " he recalled.

Do you agree with our experts' opinions? Who do you think is going home tonight? Write in your comments below and check the Newsroom blog on Thursday morning to see how our experts did.

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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