| Les Grossman Gives 'Twilight' Star Robert Pattinson Some Unlikely Grooming Tips Posted: 29 May 2010 09:20 AM PDT Hear what the 'Tropic Thunder' movie exec advised RPattz to do to his 'filthy hair' before the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.
By Kara Warner 
Grossman Gives Robert Pattinson Style Tips
Photo: MTV News Doing his part to add more VIP cred to the upcoming 2010 MTV Movie Awards, movie exec Les Grossman — last seen shaking his moneymaker in "Tropic Thunder" — recently took time out of his busy schedule to offer "Twilight" heartthrob Robert Pattinson a few grooming tips before the big show, which airs live June 6. In a new promo, Grossman tells Pattinson (bluntly and spewing profanities) that the awards show is lucky to have him: "MTV is sportin' mad wood that you're doing the show." Pattinson, looking a little startled and uncomfortable, admits to Grossman that he's been thinking about cleaning himself up a bit for this year's awards show. "Maybe [I'll] get a suit, have a shave. Maybe [I'll] wash my hair," RPattz responds. "I love it," Grossman says sweetly, before raising his voice and launching into a tirade. "In fact, I love it so much I'm going to fly Vidal f---ing Sassoon here to personally give you a Brazilian blowout! And when he's done, I'll give you the number of a good plumber because you just flushed your f---ing career down the toilet! "Your filthy hair made you a star," Grossman reminds Pattinson. "Your filthy hair made me hundreds of millions of dollars and, he adds," pausing for dramatic effect, "sent my fat a--kid to space camp four times." He manages to calm down long enough to ask Pattinson a question: "What kind of shampoo are you going to use?" "Dirt?" Pattinson offers nervously. Grossman, satisfied with his star's response, reaches out for a fist bump. "That's my dirty dog. Playa," he smiles. Watch out for more of Len Grossman's words of wisdom this week. Don't miss the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, airing live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Related Photos |
| Lil Wayne And Shanell's 'Runnin' ' Video Premieres -- Watch It Now! Posted: 28 May 2010 08:58 AM PDT Shanell tells MTV News about shooting the video before Weezy went to jail.
By Steven Roberts 
Lil Wayne feat. Shanell - "Runnin"
Photo: Cash Money Records NEW YORK — For Lil Tunechi Weekend, MTV Jams and MTV2 are premiering four brand-new Lil Wayne videos, which the Cash Money star shot in quick succession earlier this year during Super Bowl weekend. The videos include "Da Da Da" and "Get a Life," both featuring the rock band ¡Mayday!, "Knockout" (featuring Nicki Minaj) and "Runnin' " (featuring Shanell). While the full-length video for "Da Da Da" premiered on Thursday night, fans will have to get by for now on our previews of the other three clips. But luckily, MTV News caught up with Young Money songstress Shanell who offered to break down the concept for "Runnin'," which she admitted she had yet to see in full. "Well, it was a long day, and a lot of the videos we did that day were green screen," Shanell told us during a trip to the Manolo Blahnik store in New York City on Thursday. "The song is talking about running and [asking] when will whatever it is that you're going through that's not a positive thing end. So 'Runnin' ' is about wanting whatever it is in your life to stop." Shanell explained that in the video, an earthquake and other natural disasters and even a war, are metaphors and not visuals she had in mind while she was writing her portion of the song. "That wasn't in my head. It was whatever personal thing that I was going through that I wanted to end. That's what I was expressing, but when you write a song you want everybody to kind of relate, so the audience can make it mean whatever it means to them." Asked about whether she'd recently spoken to Wayne, Shanell revealed she had seen and spoken to the MC since he began serving a yearlong sentence on Rikers Island in March. Despite his current circumstances, Weezy's staying strong, according to the singer. "He's a very strong individual so he's not going to get on the phone with any of us and be like, 'Oh I can't do it. I can't' ... He sounds strong, and we're all praying for him and all of the fans are praying for him." What do you think of the "Runnin' " video? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos |
| Kanye West's 'Power' Producer Explains How Song Happened Posted: 28 May 2010 02:01 AM PDT Symbolyc One got a text saying, 'Kanye is loving your stuff. He said he's about to change your life.'
By Jayson Rodriguez 
Kanye West
Photo: MTV News Kanye West has aligned a murderer's row of producers for his forthcoming album, including Pete Rock, the RZA and Q-Tip. But "Power," the first track to emerge from the Chicago MC's highly anticipated LP, wasn't produced by one of the aforementioned acclaimed beatsmiths. Instead, underground producer Symbolyc One manned the boards for the number. The Dallas-based producer (a.k.a. S1) has previously worked with Ghostface, Slim Thug and Chamillionaire, but he's hardly a household name. "The way it came together, I work with Rhymefest," S1 told MTV News about the song, referring to another Chicago MC. "I did like four joints on his album. And one day, out the blue, I got a text from Rhymefest that said, 'Kanye is loving your stuff. He said he's about to change your life.' Two days later, I got an e-mail that said my flight to Hawaii [where West recorded much of the album] leaves in three hours! So I was on a flight, and it just happened like that. I went down and stayed for like two weeks, banged out some joints. "The 'Power' joint that we did, it was actually a track that I already made and gave to Rhymefest, and he just so happened to play it for Kanye in the studio and he loved it. So when I got out to Hawaii, Kanye had already recorded to it." A month later, S1 returned to Hawaii and heard "Power" again, this time with more "polish" added by 'Ye, who co-produced the song. However, S1 picked the sample that drives the record: a snippet of British progressive rock band King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man." Initially, he didn't think West would be interested in the beat, because a drum break resembles a sound the rapper already visited on "Crack Music," a song from one of his previous albums. But West showed a heavy interest in the song, and used it to fire back at his detractors: "I'm living in the 21st century, doing something mean to it," 'Ye raps on the first verse. "Do it better than anybody you ever seen do it/ Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it/ I guess every superhero need his theme music." "It was incredible," the producer said. "We would just listen to the joint in the studio over and over, with the lights turned down and these layers of lights on in the studio. And we would bang it loud, over and over." In addition to producing, S1 is a part of a trio billed as the Strange Fruit Project, who have been releasing material since 2004. Their next project A Dreamer's Journey — which S1 described as "alternative hip-hop" — is set for fall release; he and his production parter Caleb oversaw all the material. In the meantime, S1 said he's fielding phone calls and learning as much as he can from West. "They kind of welcomed me into the family," S1 said. "I've been doing a lot of work with him. He's just a good dude. He has a super-good heart. He really took care of me and made me feel like a part of the family. And I'm so grateful for the position he's put me in right now." What do you think about Kanye West's new song? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Gary Coleman Remembered By Janet Jackson, Ashton Kutcher, Others Posted: 28 May 2010 05:05 AM PDT Kim Kardashian, Kevin Smith, Olivia Wilde and John Stamos also take to Twitter to remember 'Diff'rent Strokes' star.
By Brian Warmoth 
Gary Coleman
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images Gary Coleman will be remembered for one TV role more than any other accomplishment in his career, but the "Diff'rent Strokes" star — who died Friday (May 28) due to an intercranial hemorrhage — was mourned by people across the entertainment industry. Some focused on what he had to overcome as a child actor, while others chose to remember him as Arnold Jackson. "I'm at a loss for words upon learning of Gary Coleman's passing," said Janet Jackson, who appeared on "Diff'rent Strokes" as the girlfriend of Todd Bridges' character. "I want to remember him as the fun, playful, adorable and affectionate man he was. He has left a lasting legacy. I know he is finally at peace." John Stamos, who starred with several young Hollywood names during his time on "Full House," noted the difficulties Coleman experienced trying to overcome his "Diff'rent Strokes" persona. "Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be...actors. r.i.p. gary," Stamos tweeted. Tom Arnold credited Coleman with brightening up his adolescence. "He made my teen years funnier!" the actor and comedian wrote. "Now I hope people will stop bullying him." Both Kim Kardashian and Shannon Elizabeth offered prayers for Coleman and his family. "Oh wow Gary Coleman passed away!" Kardashian tweeted. "My prayers go out to his family." Those words were echoed by Elizabeth: "RIP Gary Coleman. Diff'rent Strokes was a huge part of my childhood. My prayers are w/his family & friends-you'll truly be missed Gary..." Ashton Kutcher kept his thoughts bright on Coleman's death, pledging: "I will always be a fan!" Others, including Alyssa Milano, Ken Jeong and Nick Frost kept their messages simple with "R.I.P." tweets. Olivia Wilde also dropped an R.I.P. into her posts, adding, "Poor Gary Coleman. Hope it was painless." Kevin Smith may have summed up his feelings most eloquently, referencing one of Coleman's best-known "Strokes" episodes. "Fare thee well, Mr. Coleman," the director tweeted. "As Arnold, you taught us how to say no to pederast bike dealers. But as Gary, you taught us size doesn't matter." Share your thoughts and memories about Gary Coleman in the comments below. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Hayley Williams Thanks Fans For Support After Topless Twitpic Posted: 28 May 2010 02:17 AM PDT 'Always knew we had the greatest fans,' Paramore frontwoman tweets after a topless photo hit the Net.
By James Montgomery 
Hayley Williams
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images Ever since a topless picture of Paramore's Hayley Williams hit the Internet on Thursday — which she claims came from a rather mean-spirited hacker — the flame-haired frontwoman has remained mostly mum on the matter. She briefly addressed the incident in a tweet Thursday ("well ... my night just changed drastically. got hacked."). But on Friday (May 28), Williams got a little more in-depth, thanking her fans for their support during the trying time. "Always knew we had the greatest fans," Williams tweeted. "Thank you so much for all the support. Overwhelming. Today is a new day. Gonna keep my head up high." In the hours after the photo leaked, Paramore fans took to Twitter en masse to show their support for Williams, writing messages like "Stay strong Hayley! Don't pay attention to the media [or] anyone else. Everything will be okay" and "I don't love you any less. You're still my inspiration." Others declared war on the hacker supposedly responsible for the incident — someone/thing calling themselves "Treb Queron" — threatening all sorts of bodily harm. A spokesperson for Paramore's label had no comment on the photo when contacted by MTV News. Williams and her Paramore mates will hit the road in the U.S. again in July, as the headlining act on the 2010 Honda Civic Tour, along with Tegan and Sara, New Found Glory and Kadawatha. The jaunt kicks off July 23 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Did you have Hayley's back during the Twitpic scandal? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz: A Timeline Of Their Romance Posted: 28 May 2010 03:15 AM PDT Pair have been dating for at least a couple of years.
By Jayson Rodriguez 
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats announced late Thursday evening that they're engaged, and that the Grammy-winning singer is expecting the couple's first child together. The news might have been a surprise to some: Keys is an R&B/pop superstar who has performed at President Barack Obama's inauguration, while Swizz (real name: Kasseem Dean) is a Ruff Ryders alumnus and a veteran hip-hop producer who's laced Jay-Z and DMX with some of their grittiest tracks. But the musical couple have been dating for a couple of years, at least since 2008, when rumors of their union began to swirl — and recently whispers about the two ratcheted up when photos of Keys with what appeared to be a baby bump appeared online. Here's a timeline of the couple's relationship: » In 2008, music-industry insiders began buzzing about a pairing between Swizz — then married to R&B chanteuse Mashonda — and Keys, but the speculation turned public when gossip blog TheYBF.com published a post detailing their union, citing a source close to the singer. » Later in 2008, Alicia Keys threw a surprise birthday party for the art-collecting producer (who by then was separated from his wife) at New York's Guggenheim Museum. Although they wouldn't appear in public together until the following year, the shindig solidified that the two were an item. » In 2009, Swizz Beatz all but confirmed his relationship with Keys through a remix verse he added to Drake's hit, "Best I Ever Had," rapping, "She gave me a party at the Guggenheim ... What's next? The ring? The baby? She really loves me." » Throughout the year, Keys and Swizz (engaged in a messy divorce from Mashonda, including public spat on Twitter) were spotted together at a bevy of events, including his pre-Grammy Awards event, game three of World Series (where she performed alongside Jay-Z), and a swank Whitney Houston album preview event; the musical pair worked together to produce the Houston single "Million Dollar Bill." » This year, the duo have been frequently photographed together, both domestically and abroad; pics of Keys performing across the Atlantic caused a stir online as the singer's loose-fitting clothing led many to believe she was hiding a baby bump. » On Thursday, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed that they were engaged and are expecting their first child together. The baby will be her first and his third: The producer has two other children from previous relationships. What do you think about Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys' relationship? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Rihanna's Steamy 'Te Amo' Video Leaks Online Posted: 28 May 2010 04:51 AM PDT Singer debuted 'Rockstar 101' clip earlier this week.
By Jayson Rodriguez 
Rihanna in her 'Te Amo' video
Photo: Def Jam Rihanna had yet another video premiere this week, joining her "Rockstar 101" clip, as the European version of "Te Amo" debuted. The steamy visual features the Barbadian beauty and French model Laetitia Casta getting close to the Spanglish tune. The video was ripped and loaded onto a German Rihanna fan site on Friday (May 28) and spread among blogs Stateside, giving viewers a peek at the edgier fare. The clip's soft lighting and red hue give off a "Moulin Rouge" vibe, matching the song's sexy undertone. "Then she said, 'Te amo'/ Then she put her hand around my waist," Rihanna sings over the perky production. "I told her, 'No'/ She cried, 'Te amo'/ I told her, 'I'm not gonna run away'/ But let me go/ My soul has arrived, without asking why/ I said, 'Te amo'/ Wish somebody would tell me what she said/ Don't it mean 'I love you'?" Earlier this week, Rihanna debuted "Rockstar 101," in which she channeled her inner Slash, the iconic Guns N' Roses guitar player. Slash spoke to MTV News after the video premiered and revealed that he was asked to make a cameo in the clip, but his schedule prevented it. "I was supposed to actually be in that video," he said. "I played on the song, and they called me up to ask me to play in the video, but my record was just coming out, and I was sort of worn thin. She was really sweet. She sent me this pleading text to come do the video, but I couldn't make it work. I told her that me not being in the video wasn't going to make or break it." What do you think about Rihanna's "Te Amo" video? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Heidi Montag And Spencer Pratt Split, Rep Says Posted: 28 May 2010 06:30 AM PDT 'It's a separation for now, not divorce,' Heidi's rep tells CNN.
By MTV News staff 
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
Photo: Chris Weeks/ WireImage Heidi Montag has left her husband and "Hills" co-star Spencer Pratt, Montag's rep confirmed to CNN on Friday (May 28). "Yes, the split is real," Lexi Vonderlieth said. "Like to say separation for now. As you can imagine it is crazy right now. She's trying to lay low the next couple days. What I can say is that it's a separation for now, not divorce." According to TMZ, which first reported the story late Friday, Montag moved out of the couple's Malibu home because she was fed up with "all the fake bad press that Spencer controls." After a not-quite-official Mexican ceremony and opting out of courtroom nuptials, Heidi and Spencer tied the knot in April 2009 at a lavish wedding in Pasadena, California, in front of 200 friends and relatives. While a lot of controversy has surrounded the couple — including their tumultuous stint on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" and Heidi's extensive plastic surgery — their devotion to each other never seemed to waver. But there have been some warning signs recently on Montag's Twitter page, where she admitted earlier this week that she has "no friends" and wrote: "I am not Heidi Pratt, I am Heidi Montag." Neither Spencer nor Heidi — who are typically very active on Twitter — have tweeted about the split since the reports surfaced Friday. Are you surprised that the couple have gone their separate ways? Let us know in the comments. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Katherine Heigl Feels 'Horrible' For Missing 'Grey's Anatomy' Finale Posted: 28 May 2010 06:53 AM PDT 'I really miss that relationship,' she tells MTV News of onscreen romance with Justin Chambers.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz 
Katherine Heigl
Photo: MTV News Earlier this year, Katherine Heigl's departure from "Grey's Anatomy" caused quite a stir. The rumor mill was rife with gossip regarding the actress' diva-like demands on set, months before her departure (Heigl's last appearance as Izzy was January 21). But now that Heigl has officially left the program to focus on being a mom to her adopted daughter, she has gone to great lengths to right any wrongs (i.e. the recent Entertainment Weekly cover story titled "I'm Sorry"). MTV News recently caught up with the actress (while chatting about her upcoming romantic comedy "Killers") and discovered that the 31-year-old has nothing but warm feelings for her onetime castmates. And because Heigl had not yet seen the complicated medical drama's season finale, our own Josh Horowitz attempted — via a "creative interpretation" courtesy of Wikipedia — to summarize the detailed plot and bring the actress up to speed so she could comment. Midway through Josh's delivery of the details, Heigl interrupted when he mentioned that a main character was pregnant. "I'm sorry, wait," Heigl said and held up a hand to stop the recap for a moment. "A pregnant who? Meredith is pregnant?" she said, totally surprised. "You've made me feel horrible [for not watching yet]. "I'm going to have to watch this now. I have to see [Alex] call for [Izzy] and her never come. ... I really miss that relationship," Heigl said of her former onscreen romance with Alex (played by Justin Chambers). "Justin Chambers is one of the most amazing men and certainly a spectacular actor. I feel oddly attached to him and the character and my character being together. It just seems what's supposed to be, but you can't have it all." Check out everything we've got on "Killers." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos |
| Gary Coleman's Widow Thanks Fans For 'Wonderful Support' Posted: 28 May 2010 06:11 AM PDT 'This has been so comforting to the family to know how beloved he still is,' her statement reads.
By Kara Warner 
Gary Coleman
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Mere hours after news broke that Gary Coleman died of an intracranial hemorrhage on Friday (May 28), Coleman's widow, Shannon Price, thanked fans for their support. The heartfelt statement was read by her brother, Shawn Price, at a news conference. "We are very grateful for all the wonderful support everyone has been extending to Gary's family," he said. "Thousands of e-mails have poured in to the hospital. This has been so comforting to the family to know how beloved he still is. ... Thank you so much for all that you guys have done and for the support and prayers that you guys have given us." Price also said that details regarding Coleman's death and funeral arrangements will be announced soon. The "Diff'rent Strokes" actor, whose congenital kidney disease halted his childhood growth at an early age, had suffered a series of health setbacks in recent years. He was admitted to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo on Wednesday after hitting his head in an unexplained fall and had reportedly slipped into critical condition by the next day. On Friday, doctors announced that he was unconscious and on life support in a coma due to an intracranial hemorrhage, which results from a broken or ruptured blood vessel, causing bleeding inside the skull. Born in Zion, Illinois, on February 8, 1968, Coleman was adopted as an infant by a local couple. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune dysfunction called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a congenital kidney disease that stunted his growth (he was 4-foot-8) and required two kidney transplants as well as daily dialysis. Later in life, he was forced to work as a security guard on a movie set in 2008 when acting gigs dried up. He got married that year to then-22-year-old Shannon Price, though the union was rocky, landing the couple on the syndicated "Divorce Court" show. He was hospitalized in Los Angeles for undisclosed reasons in January, then again in February after suffering a seizure on the set of the TV show "The Insider." Share your thoughts and memories of Gary Coleman in the comments below. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Kanye West's 'Power': What Do Fans Think? Posted: 28 May 2010 02:51 AM PDT 'It sounds really victorious,' one fan tells MTV News of 'Ye's first new music in months.
By James Dinh 
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage NEW YORK — It's been months since we've heard from Kanye West, so it makes sense that fans are hungry for new music from the rapper. On Friday (May 28), a brand-new track called "Power" leaked online. MTV News wanted to know what fans thought of the song, so we ventured into New York's Times Square to hear what was on their minds. Many music fans couldn't have been more pleased with "Power." "It sounds like how he used to. I like him back when he first came out. It was like a throwback," Kalu Ohator told MTV News. "It sounds really victorious." Another fan, Adrienne Smith, enjoyed the track because of its uniqueness. "It's got a cool mix of kind of tribal music," she said. Despite the VMA fiasco, Smith believes Kanye's boldness ultimately gives the rapper an advantage. "I think Kanye's really good about highlighting maybe some of the things we don't want to think about in terms of American culture, but he does it in such a clever way, and he always had that little bit of arrogance that is Kanye," she said of the song's lyrics. Shirin Taki was pleased with the track's originality. "I liked it. I thought that it was really unique. He has good style. He's always putting on something new," she gushed, noting that the rapper always has something great up his sleeve. While some fans enjoyed "Power," others thought it could have been better. "It started well, and I thought it had potential, but then it kind of just carried on the same and got a bit boring and repetitive," Haley Heathfield said. In the end, one fan suggested that it really might not be all about the music. "It was good. It seemed a little racy," Richard Malkling Jr. said. But despite West's ability to make great music, Malkling couldn't ignore the rapper's egotistical past. "He's always got good lyrics, but I don't know ... too much power for one man." What did you think of "Power"? Sound off in the comments below! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Gary Coleman Made Undeniable Impact On Pop Culture Posted: 28 May 2010 03:29 AM PDT Onetime child actor lived a complicated public life following star-making turn on 'Diff'rent Strokes.'
By Brian Warmoth
Gary Coleman
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Gary Coleman's career in the public eye introduced nearly as many tangled issues as his "Diff'rent Strokes" character Arnold Jackson grappled with amid laughs. The 42-year-old actor died due to an intracranial hemorrhage Friday (May 28) after being taken off life support at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, and he left behind one of television's most iconic characters, as well as an adult life that reflected the problems he carried away from his experiences as a child actor. Coleman's recent appearances in works like the documentary "Midgets vs. Mascots" and the TV show "Divorce Court" demonstrated the personal issues he dealt with in the shadow of a young role that defined him for many and the public displays of anger he became known for later on in life. As an actor whose early television work brought discussions about race relations and class into homes across the country, his legacy will also encompass the 1989 lawsuit he filed against his real-life adopted parents for mismanaging his money and the parodies his role as Arnold spawned, both in Coleman's own work and elsewhere. "Diff'rent Strokes" hit on dramatic real-world topics during its run, notably inviting Nancy Reagan on during an episode focused on drugs. The show also took a stand against racism in a story where Arnold's adopted father, Mr. Drummond, tried to get him and his brother Willis (played by Todd Bridges) into his exclusive prep-school alma mater. In that case, the criteria in the school's entrance exam became part of the issue. During its run, "Diff'rent Strokes" revisited such themes, though, including an episode where Willis encountered more overt discrimination while trying to take a white girl to a dance. Coleman's signature catchphrase from the 1980s — "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" — cemented his prominent place in pop culture but also followed him throughout the rest of his life into works like the musical "Avenue Q," where Coleman didn't collaborate or necessarily approve, but was presented as a puppet landlord in the song "It Sucks to Be Me." Coleman left his mark on video games as well, though, voice-acting the part of lemonade seller Kenny Falmouth in the cult-classic LucasArts game "The Curse of Monkey Island." Even there, the exaggerated pouting attitude he exhibited on "Diff'rent Strokes" became part of his charm. Even the sketches and Arnold's frequently quoted quips at his onscreen brother are a testament to the affection that still exists now for Coleman's character. Few performers ever achieve the lasting presence in the public consciousness that Coleman grabbed playing Arnold Jackson, and his work at the age of 10 will undoubtedly outlast his talk-show and reality-television appearances later in life as he is remembered. Share your own memories and favorite Gary Coleman roles in the comments below. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 2010 MTV Movie Awards Gift Bag: Catch A Sneak Peek! Posted: 28 May 2010 03:54 AM PDT VIP bag is brimming with exclusive swag, Diddybeats headphones, 'Jersey Shore' DVD, a getaway and more.
By Kara Warner 
Photo: MTV News When it comes to awards shows, stars never fail to remind us that they're just happy to be nominated or invited to present or perform. But at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, the nominees, presenters and performers alike will all go home with a jaw-dropping prize — if not a Golden Popcorn. MTV pulled out all the stops when it came time to assemble our gift bags, filling them with the latest and hottest accessories, tech gadgets and other exclusive goodies. The impressive swag bag boasts a getaway package that includes a one-night stay at the new Andaz 5th Avenue hotel in New York City, dinner for two and a specially designed bag. Recipients can also be among the first to sample Diddybeats headphones, released earlier this year by Monster, and an Op Retro Beach Cruiser bicycle from Ocean Pacific. A slew of other designer-label items are also on offer: DVF518S sunglasses by Diane von Furstenberg; a watch from Fossil's new X-Ray collection; Linea Pelle skinny- and double-wrap bracelets; hooded fleece outerwear and jackets by Rusty; and belts and wallets from Skechers. The beauty-conscious will be treated to EOS' organic lip balm, ultra-moisturizing shave cream and smooth sphere lip balm with SPF 15, as well as Whoop Ash body butter. For fragrances, we added Red, White & Blue for men and Summer Romance for women by Ralph Lauren. To beat any summer doldrums, "Jersey Shore" fans can pop in the season-one DVD of the hit reality show, while PR maven/ reality-TV star Kelly Cutrone's "If You Need to Cry, Go Outside" makes for good beach reading. Java drinkers will enjoy the 16 oz. reusable cold cup, $25 Starbucks card, a box of passion tea and a five-pack of the yet-unreleased Iced VIA. Other goodies include items from KIA Motors, ¡Case Place's mobile phone and PDA cases (for iPhone and BlackBerry) and a bottle of Vision Vodka. Don't miss the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, airing live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. |
| Lee DeWyze Admits 'American Idol' Theme Weeks Were 'Frustrating' Posted: 28 May 2010 01:15 AM PDT 'There's some songs I never would have sang in a million years, but I signed up for it,' he says.
By Katie Byrne 
Lee DeWyze
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Fox Lee DeWyze proved on "American Idol" that everyone truly loves an underdog. He might not have started out as a bold-faced name on season nine, but his consistent growth from ball-of-nerves to confident rocker resonated with America and landed him the coveted crown on Wednesday night. We caught up with Lee on Friday (May 28) to talk about the show's frustrating theme weeks, how he chose U2's "Beautiful Day" as his first single and what his upcoming album will sound like. Q: The judges often talk about showing who you'll be as an artist, but then you're forced to sing songs out of your comfort zone with the different theme weeks. Was that frustrating? A: I think a big part about "American Idol" that scares people and has, I'm sure, stopped people from trying out is the fact that you do have to do things that aren't necessarily your genre. You're given a song, and you do have some say in it, but you go with whatever song you have to go with. You take that song, and the judges always say, "Make it your own! Make it your own!" And sometimes it sounds repetitive when they say that. ... I just wanted to take every song and make it sound like a song that Lee sang. The judges credited me; they said, "You had some great arrangements." We were given free reign to arrange songs the way we wanted. That was what got me through that part, because if it was just "Go up there and sing the songs exactly like they're written," then that would have been a lot more difficult than it was. When we did Shania Twain Week, that was a rough week for me, because it's so out of my element. But I did what I could with the song. It's part of the game, though. That's what "American Idol" is: It's "go up on the stage, play a cover song, and do the best you can your way and make them original." I think that I was able to do that. It was frustrating at times, I won't lie. It was. Because there's some songs I never would have sang in a million years, but I signed up for it, and that's the rules. You play by 'em, and you get by as best you can. Q: This season, you also have a cover song as your first single. How did you feel about that, and how did you choose that particular song? A: I like that song a lot. It's a really good song. Is it something that's necessarily in my genre? No. But again, there were songs on the table, and that was the one I thought would represent the moment the best, because this year they didn't have an original song written for this specifically. Whatever the reasons for that are — there's reasons. [Laughs.] I don't know all the ups and downs of the behind-the-scenes stuff. It's just been a big game of "play by the rules." If it was up to me, there were certain things I would have done differently. Like onstage, maybe a little bit longer sets would have been cool; to be able to get into the song, instead of just "ready, go." But again, that's all part of it. Just being able to accept it was the hard part. But then, once you accept it, you can just roll with it. You can make the songs your own, and then move on. Q: What artists could you see yourself channeling on your upcoming album? A: I just got the Kings of Leon album [Only by the Night]. I liked their first albums a lot; they were a little harder. I really dig their newest album. I like that sound. That's a sound I go for a lot of the time. It's very gritty, but at the same time, it's got great hooks and great lyrics. They break it down, and they can be a little more chill [or] a little more heavy. I'm always looking for new music. I'm going to be listening to a lot of different things for inspiration. Q: Were you able to talk to Simon Cowell after the show? A: I did see Simon [at the "Idol" wrap party], and we cheers'ed, and he said, "Congratulations," and told me he's proud of me, and he's excited to be working with me. And I told him, "Thanks for the opportunity," because without "American Idol," I wouldn't have had this platform to start a career on a major level. It was cool. We got to spend a little time together and talk. And it was a moment I won't forget, because that was a big moment for me. Will you follow Lee's post-"Idol" career? Let us know in the comments! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Les Grossman Shows The 'Risky Business' Of 2010 MTV Movie Awards Posted: 27 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT See how the 'Tropic Thunder' movie exec made the famous tighty-whities scene a reality.
By Jocelyn Vena  In honor of the upcoming 2010 MTV Movie Awards, Les Grossman (of "Tropic Thunder" fame) is sharing some "Great Moments in Movie History," starting with a behind-the-scenes stroke of genius on the 1983 set of "Risky Business." As we hear the intro of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll," we're ready for a pants-less Joel Goodsen to come sliding out — only this time, he's wearing khakis. Grossman makes it clear that he is not a fan of the chinos. "Did anyone else see this? Someone just took a dump in my eyes!" he shouts at the crew before tearing off the pants. "This is a teen movie, and teens love a--. Now dance, monkey! Let's roll on this." With that last-minute decision, movie history was made. Grossman is the latest high-profile name to get involved with the MTV Movie Awards promos. Justin Bieber recently hooked up with the show's host, Aziz Ansari, and "The Hurt Locker" star Jeremy Renner, who yelled at the pop star to "relax on the chips there, cowboy." Also, former Movie Awards host Sarah Silverman, along with Zac Efron, Diddy and Kristen Bell, gave fans a history of Ansari in a promo. "There was this Halloween once," Zac Efron said of Aziz's past displays of heroism. "Someone needed to step up and dress like a pumpkin, but no one wanted to do it except Aziz. He saved a lot of lives that day. And that's why I'm glad he's hosting the MTV Movie Awards." Don't miss the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, airing live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Related Videos |
| Gary Coleman Dead At 42 Posted: 28 May 2010 12:41 AM PDT 'Diff'rent Strokes' actor was in a coma after a fall on Wednesday.
By Gil Kaufman 
Gary Coleman
Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage Sitcom actor and tabloid staple Gary Coleman, 42, died on Friday (May 28) at 12:05 p.m. (Mountain Time), after slipping into critical condition on Thursday following an earlier fall in which he injured his head and suffered a serious brain hemmorhage. The actor, whose congenital kidney disease halted his childhood growth at an early age, had suffered a series of health setbacks in recent years. He was admitted to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo on Wednesday after hitting his head in an unexplained fall and had reportedly slipped into critical condition by the next day. On Friday, doctors announced that he was unconscious and on life support in a coma due to an intracranial hemorrhage, which results from a broken or ruptured blood vessel causes bleeding inside the skull. "Family members and close friends were at his side when life support was terminated," read a hospital statement on the actor, according to People magazine. "Family members express their appreciation and gratitude for the support and prayers that have been expressed for Gary and for them." Born in Zion, Illinois, on February 8, 1968, Coleman was adopted as an infant by a local couple. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune dysfunction called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a congenital kidney disease that stunted his growth (he was 4'8") and required two kidney transplants as well as daily dialysis. Coleman began modeling at age 5, after writing a pitch letter to a local Montgomery Ward store in an effort to get work, which also resulted in gigs for McDonald's and Hallmark. Discovered by a talent scout for sitcom legend Noman Lear, who cast him in a never-produced revival of "The Little Rascals," Coleman began his acting career in 1974 with brief appearances on "Medical Center," followed by roles in the sitcoms "The Jeffersons" and "Good Times." He landed the part of a lifetime as Arnold Jackson in the 1978 sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," in which he played the apple-cheeked, adorable adopted black son of a wealthy white Manhattan family. Coleman won over America during the show's eight-year run with his charming innocence and signature wisecracking catchphrase, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?" aimed at his older brother, played by fellow troubled teen actor Todd Bridges. At the height of the show's popularity, the child star was making almost $100,000 an episode. Coleman failed to capitalize on the success of the "Strokes," and his career petered out via roles in dud movies such as "On the Right Track" and 1983's "Jimmy the Kid." He continued to get sporadic TV work on shows ranging from "227" to "Martin" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," but spent much of the past two decades appearing in B-movie schlock such as "The Curse of Monkey Island," "The Flunky," "Church Ball" and last year's mockumentary "Midgets vs. Mascots." As his professional career faded, Coleman became famous for being famous, suing his parents for misappropriation of his trust fund, claiming that they drained his $18 million in career earnings from him, leaving him penniless as an adult. He pleaded no contest in 1999 to disturbing the peace after punching a female autograph seeker in California, just a year after allegedly striking a pedestrian with his truck following an argument outside a Salt Lake City bowling alley. In addition to announcing a 2000 run for a U.S. Senate seat from California as part of the HECK (Homelessness, Education, Crime and Killers) platform, he ran for governor in the state in 2003, where he finished eighth, barely edging out pseudo-celebs including porn star Mary Cary, melon-smashing comedian Gallagher and famous-for-being-famous pinup Angelyne. Later in life, he was forced to work as a security guard on a movie set in 2008 when acting gigs dried up. He got married that year to then-22-year-old Shannon Price, though the union was rocky, landing the couple on the syndicated "Divorce Court" show. He was hospitalized in Los Angeles for undisclosed reasons in January, then again in February after suffering a seizure on the set of the TV show "The Insider." Share your memories of Gary Coleman in the comments. Related Photos |
| 50 Cent And Tony Yayo Talk Invitation Tour Kickoff Posted: 28 May 2010 01:48 AM PDT 'I have to keep changing the set so that it's not the same show every night,' Fif says of concert video leaking online.
By Shaheem Reid 
Tony Yayo
Photo: MTV News 50 Cent comes home Friday night (May 28) when he starts his first tour in more than three years on U.S. soil. G-Unit member Tony Yayo said there's no way he's missing the trek. "I'mma go out. I gotta go pick up some money with Fif," Yayo told MTV News last week about the Invitation Tour. "It's too easy with this guy. Stop playing with me, Fif. I'mma go out on the U.S. run. I think [Lloyd] Banks is going out. We just doing new things. 50 is so much into the movies; he started paying attention to the music again. He's so much into the movies, he's trying to be the next Will Smith. "It's no place like home," Yayo added about performing in America. "It's no place like traveling in the U.S. Overseas is a whole different experience. The U.S. run is going to be great. Our first date is Cleveland. We're going to Vegas, everywhere." On Friday, 50 told Cleveland.com that he'll be refining his stage show throughout the trek. "This tour was designed for me to come back and massage my new ideas on the public," 50 said. "Because of the technology, there's no real mystique to your actual performance anymore. After the first show, that's gonna be on YouTube. So I have to keep changing the set so that it's not the same show every night. Some of the same staging and production value, but I have to keep changing it. That means more rehearsals in the process, but you offer more than one show. I got so much material, I could actually perform for three hours straight, so it's easier for me to make the decision to change music than a newer artist that doesn't have that kind of catalog, where they can keep switching songs to play music that people are going to enjoy." Expect a live band to be backing the Unit. "I love it," Yayo said of the instrumentation. "It's nothing like a live band. Shout-out to my live band in L.A. Instruments, the live band, the guitar, the drums. You feel it, the crowd feels it. What I bring to the table is the energy. Banks is lyrical. 50 has the brains, the smarts. I bring the energy. So when I hear the drums, the bass line, the guitars, the energy level is raised up, versus just having the DJ scratching in the back." Are you planning to check out the G-Unit on tour? What do you expect from their show? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| Lady Gaga Dedicates 'Speechless' To Ailing Grandfather Posted: 28 May 2010 12:20 AM PDT 'I suppose if we sing loud enough, he'll be able to hear us,' Gaga says at Monster Ball Tour show in Nottingham, England.
By By James Dinh 
Lady GaGa performs in Nottingham, England
Photo: Ollie Millington/Redferns It was an emotional night for Lady Gaga, who took a moment to dedicate the song "Speechless" to her ailing grandfather during the Nottingham, England, stop on her Monster Ball Tour. Gaga, who typically dedicates the ballad to her father, broke down in tears on Thursday. "I don't always talk about my personal life but my grandpa's sick," she told the audience. "And I'm really close with my grandpa and he's really sick and he's in the States and my dad's with him. So I was, like, crying all day, really sad. So I thought I might just be honest and tell you that's what's going on." The pop star went on to explain that she has tried to be "a really good, strong daughter." It was her father who called and asked that she dedicate "Speechless" to her grandfather, Gaga said as she sat at a piano onstage. "So it's been one of those tough things that my grandpa's too old to come to my show, but I suppose if we sing loud enough, he'll be able to hear us. So this one's for you grandpa," she added. "This record's called 'Speechless.' " Not surprisingly, Gaga's ever-devoted "little monsters" showed their support for the singer by making #getwellgrandpagaga a trending topic on Twitter. And this wasn't the first time Gaga paid tribute to loved ones both in her music and in concert. In an interview with MTV News, Gaga revealed the inspiration for the very personal song. "My mom called me, and I was very depressed. I was on tour and I couldn't leave, so I went into the studio and I wrote this song 'Speechless,' and it's about these phone calls," she said of discovering her father had declined to seek treatment for a heart condition. "My dad used to call me after he'd had a few drinks and I wouldn't know what to say. I was speechless and I just feared that I would lose him and I wouldn't be there." At the Brit Awards earlier this year, Gaga performed a brief medley of her "Telephone" and "Dance in the Dark" as a tribute to her friend, the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Does Gaga's song "Speechless" have any special meaning for you? Share your thoughts in the comments. Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'Prince Of Persia': The Reviews Are In! Posted: 28 May 2010 01:24 AM PDT Jake Gyllenhaal flick is a lot like the video game -- but is that a good thing? 
Jake Gyllenhaal in "Prince of Persia"
Photo: Walt Disney Movies based on video games can either work as campy tributes to their source material (à la "Tomb Raider" or "Mortal Kombat") or fall very, very flat ("Super Mario Bros.," "Double Dragon"). Entering the video-game-turned-feature-films pantheon on Friday (May 28) is "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time." The movie tells the story of orphaned boy Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal), who is plucked from a marketplace by King Sharaman (Ronald Pickup) and raised as royalty. Many years later, Dastan, his brothers and his uncle lead an assault on the mystical holy city Alamut, which they believe has been selling weapons to the king's enemies. Dastan wrestles a golden dagger from a man and then meets Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton), who's been captured in the invasion. After the suspicious death of the king, Dastan is framed for the crime and goes on the run with the princess, who eventually reveals to him that the pretty dagger he procured holds the power to alter time. So how does the movie compare to the video game? Do Gyllenhaal's defined abs outshine the intricacies of the film's plot? The consensus seems to be that the film is silly fun, but whether that's a good thing depends, as always, on which critic is consulted. MTV's own Kurt Loder called "Prince of Persia" "a pretty great Arabian-adventure movie for kids. It's made in the classic Disney style: no sex, no swearing, and lots of action with very little blood." Loder also notes that in the tradition of Jerry Bruckheimer-produced films, "here he delivers everything you might expect. The action is excitingly staged (some of the wild roof-leaping suggests that the urban acrobatics of parkour were devised far earlier than we'd thought), although the CGI varies from beautiful (the hilltop city of Alamut) to whatever (fiery wind)." Loder concludes that "Persia" is a fun popcorn flick — if you're a teenage boy. Regarding the film's likeness to its video game source material, Film School Rejects' Neil Miller awarded points to the film version's story, "for being closely linked to that of the video game upon which it is based. No one ever accused Jordan Mechner's popular game series of having an inventive narrative, and they won't start now." Miller also argued that the video game's appeal was in its visual elements, which the film also delivers. "The high flying action that took place on the rooftops of often nondescript ancient Middle Eastern cities. The story of a warrior's heart and will to perform unimaginable feats of strength and agility in order to thwart evil. All of that is in this film, even if it isn't as naturalistic as possible." Miller's final take: "fun, but not to be taken seriously." The Houston Chronicle's Amy Biancolli didn't have as much fun as Miller. "It's sort of pointless," she wrote. "I use 'sort of' because the film functions well enough as an empty-headed expenditure of time and turbans, and because I'm always happy to watch attractive people flare their nostrils for two hours at a stretch." Biancolli called the film "spectacularly silly" and Gyllenhaal's titular character the "Fresh Prince of Gel Hair." And she credited all the silliness to one factor: Bruckheimer. "This is a Jerry Bruckheimer production; it has every business being steroidal. As a game adaptation, it has every business being jumpy and sequential, and as a frivolous summer popcorn flick, it has every business being inane." Check out everything we've got on "Prince of Persia." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
