MTV News |
- Nicki Minaj Says Appearing On 'Saturday Night Live' Is 'Monumental'
- Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Leads New Era Of Outcast Anthems
- Demi Lovato Leaves Treatment
- David Guetta And Rihanna Go 'Retro Futuristic' In 'Who's That Chick?' Video
- Chris Brown's Order To 'Stay Away' From Rihanna May Be Reduced
- Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Director Says Drake's Verse Inspired Video
- 'American Idol' Experts Pick Lauren Alaina, Chris Medina As Early Favorites
- SAG Awards Seating Chart: Where 'Glee' Sits Next To 'True Grit'
- Charlie Sheen Returns To Rehab
- Britney Spears Is A 'Tigress' In 'Hold It Against Me' Video, Choreographer Says
- Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Video: An Acting Coach Weighs In
- Britney Spears Sets March 15 Release Date For New LP
- Anthony Hopkins On 'The Rite': 'I Know How To Scare People'
- 'Mechanic' Star Jason Statham Talks Allure Of Playing Tough Guys
- 'Glee' Star Lea Michele To Sing At Super Bowl Pre-Game
- Wiz Khalifa's 'Roll Up' Leaks Online
- Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Lyrics: Fans Weigh In!
- Nicki Minaj Says Drake Was Her 'First Choice' For 'Moment 4 Life'
| Nicki Minaj Says Appearing On 'Saturday Night Live' Is 'Monumental' Posted: 28 Jan 2011 12:09 AM PST Singer is musical guest on this weekend's show, hosted by 'Social Network' star Jesse Eisenberg.
Fresh off the debut of her "Moment 4 Life" video, Nicki Minaj is gearing up for another rather momentous event: her appearance as this weekend's musical guest on "Saturday Night Live."
And though it's most definitely happening, Nicki still can't believe it. And she won't, not until she's seen evidence to the contrary. This could prove problematic since, y'know, the show is live and all. "Being a part of 'Saturday Night Live' feels absolutely incredible. I still don't even believe it's true, I'm not even going to believe it's really happening until — well, I'm going to DVR it, because I can't watch it, because I'll be on it," she told MTV News, laughing. "But until I see it back on DVR, I'm not even going to believe I was really on the show. This is epic, this is monumental, this is historic stuff." For a girl who grew up in New York (just like this weekend's host, newly minted Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg), performing on "SNL" — a show that's nearly as iconic as the city itself — is a dream come true for Minaj. "I mean, to be raised in New York, and to always hear about 'SNL,' " she said. "I never had the honor of getting a pinkie toe in the building, now [I'm] here and it feels incredible." She spent the days leading up to the show filming teaser commercials with Eisenberg and "SNL" castmember Kenan Thompson, and Minaj is taking the same approach when it comes to talking about her performances: She's not revealing much. But you can probably guess at least one of the songs she'll be doing. "Well, all I can say is that it's going to be a 'Moment 4 Life,' " Minaj smiled. Do you hope Nicki will be in a skit on "SNL"? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Leads New Era Of Outcast Anthems Posted: 28 Jan 2011 01:01 AM PST Taking cues from Frank Zappa, the Ramones and Nirvana, Gaga carries the torch for the outsider in pop music.
In the 1970s, when disco was in full swing and rock and roll was posturing its way into arenas, four goony, glue-sniffing kids in Forest Hills, Queens, threw on leather jackets and began bashing out two-minute tunes with titles like "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Beat on the Brat." They called themselves the Ramones, and not only were they probably the first punk band on planet Earth, but they were most definitely outcasts, in every sense of the world.
Of course, the Ramones certainly weren't the first musical outcasts. Theirs is a legacy that reaches all the way back to the dawn of recorded music, from the likes of the Hoosier Hot Shots and Slim Galliard, scatting madman Cab Calloway and the "shocking" Screamin' Jay Hawkins, to midcentury curios like bizarro bandleader Spike Jones, deep-fried '60s oddballs like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart and even contemporaries like the Cramps and the Talking Heads. But unlike any who came before them, the Ramones helped usher in an era — and a genre — in which being odd was championed. It would continue through the 1980s, thanks to the Heads, West Coast punk acts like Black Flag and the Minutemen, and college-radio darlings like R.E.M. — and, of course, the eternally outcast world of heavy metal — then truly break through in the '90s, with the chart-topping success of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the Smashing Pumpkins, and the rise of hip-hop outfits like the Wu-Tang Clan, the Pharcyde and the incomparable Kool Keith. Of course, in the 2000s, things sort of petered out. Rock and hip hop became increasingly lunkheaded and lumbering, and the meek were shoved from the spotlight. And it bears mention that, even during the outcast heyday, for the most part, established acts — i.e., anyone who had plenty to lose — stayed as far removed from the fringe as possible, or if they dared stray outside their lane, they suffered the consequences (the classic example being, of course, Madonna, who nearly submarined her entire career with the simultaneous release of the Erotica album and its accompaniment, the coffee-table book "Sex"). There's a reason it's called "popular" music, after all. These days, however, things appear to be changing. For the first time, established pop megastars are embracing those on the fringes of society — and finding success in the process. It all started, appropriately enough, with the rise of Lady Gaga, who made no bones about the fact that her earliest support came from the gay community, and over the past year, through videos like "Alejandro" and her campaign against "don't ask, don't tell," she has become the outcast icon of our time. Others followed suit — like Pink, who scored hits with underdog anthems like "Raise Your Glass" and "F***** Perfect"; Ke$ha, whose "We R Who We R" went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100; and even Katy Perry, who dedicated her "Firework" video to the "It Gets Better" campaign — and it truly seems that, for the first time since the 1990s, being an outcast was not only acceptable, it was downright mainstream. Now, Gaga is poised to return with "Born This Way," the first single from her album of the same name. On Thursday, she released the song's lyrics, and if it's not already the biggest outcast anthem of all time, well, then it probably will be very soon. In fact, there's nary an outsider group Gaga doesn't mention in the song — gays, bisexuals, transgenders, ethnic minorities, the disabled, the bullied, the poor — which makes it, and its near-inevitable chart success, incredibly noteworthy. After all, here is Lady Gaga, currently the biggest artist on the planet, releasing a song that not only calls for acceptance of all people, but drags those who aim to oppress directly into the center of the ring. It is not only fierce, it's downright fearless. Gaga has plenty to lose, but she couldn't care less. And perhaps "Born This Way" is just the byproduct of the era in which we live, a time when social mores are constantly debated, when boundaries are being expanded and contracted, almost daily, and when it truly seems possible that maybe — just maybe — the outcasts could inherit the earth. After all, Bill Gates was an outcast, Barack Obama was too — and look how things worked out for them. And while this may put the fear of God in some folks, it seems that change is inevitable, and, as it is wont to do, pop music is there to provide the soundtrack to all of that change. Just like in the 1960s, when the biggest rock and folk acts of the day led the charge for social rebellion, so too may Lady Gaga. And she'll do it on the biggest stage imaginable. Of course, that might just be speculation, but it's certainly been a long time coming. What is your favorite outcast anthem? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Posted: 28 Jan 2011 02:29 AM PST Singer is back in L.A., MTV News confirms.
Demi Lovato has left treatment. MTV News has confirmed that the teen star is already back in Los Angeles after seeking treatment for "emotional and physical issues." She entered treatment back in October, leaving her tour with the Jonas Brothers early. "Demi came back to L.A. earlier this week," a source close to the star told us. "She completed her prescribed treatment and an outpatient program near the treatment facility. For now, she is getting back to her regular routine and spending time with her family and close friends. Demi will continue to focus first and foremost on her well-being." The source continued: "To that end, she will continue to see doctors in L.A. who will help her work on the issues she confronted in treatment. She is so grateful to all of her fans for their unbelievable support and looks forward to being able to talk to all of them very soon." Lovato was spotted near a treatment facility in Woodridge, Illinois, around Christmas when she took some time to celebrate the holidays with her family. Lovato entered treatment after a reported incident with backup dancer Alex Welch. The two later worked out a financial settlement after the alleged incident left the dancer injured. Despite the personal setback, Lovato has a big 2011 ahead of her, including work on a new album, a planned tour and her hit Disney show "Sonny With a Chance." She also took home two People's Choice Awards earlier this month. "I wish to thank all the friends and fans who voted for me for the People's Choice Awards and the Hot Hits Hottest Teen Stars of 2010," she wrote on Facebook earlier this month. "I want to make sure my fans know how thankful I am for all their love, support and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for standing beside me through it all." Share your well-wishes for Demi Lovato in the comments. Related Photos Related Artists |
| David Guetta And Rihanna Go 'Retro Futuristic' In 'Who's That Chick?' Video Posted: 28 Jan 2011 05:01 AM PST 'It has a sense of humor in the video,' Guetta tells MTV News.
David Guetta and Rihanna's "Day" video for "Who's That Chick?" (there will be a "Night" version too) dropped this week, and in it, fans are treated to Guetta flexing some space muscle and RiRi frolicking in a world featuring virtually every color of the spectrum.
A "Who's That Chick?" video that leaked online last year was initially cut by music-video director Jonas Åkerlund with a Doritos commercial project in mind. The song, which was produced by Guetta, never made it onto Rihanna's Loud album, but the French dance-music star made the track his own and, with some shoot additions, not one, but two videos will see the light of day. The video starts off with Guetta coming out of a cryogenic container aboard a vessel somewhere in deep space, and Rihanna and her friends are seen in monitors throughout the ship. Is she a human or an alien on another planet? It's difficult to tell. But the majority of the video plays out between these two sets: Guetta aboard his ship and Rihanna in her candyland, wherever that may be. The clip shows Guetta mixing some songs and even getting his gym on with some chin-ups and kickboxing, but clearly his thoughts are with Rihanna. RiRi's set is pure Åkerlund comic book fantasy, with color palettes and set pieces reminiscent of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video. Rihanna and her friends are dressed in matching hyper-color attire and are wrapped up in their dance party. The video ends with DG throwing the spaceship into "warp speed," presumably to meet this girl he can no longer live without. The video has a "Star Trek" feel, and Guetta's scenes were actually filmed in a former "Trek" studio. "I'm DJing from a spaceship," Guetta recently told MTV News. "It's actually really funny, because we shot that in Los Angeles in a place where the used to shoot 'Star Trek,' but like the old ones. And so it's kind of retro futuristic, you know? It's like how people were seeing the future back in the '80s. It has a sense of humor in the video." What do you think of the "Who's That Chick?" clip? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Chris Brown's Order To 'Stay Away' From Rihanna May Be Reduced Posted: 28 Jan 2011 04:19 AM PST Rihanna's lawyer has to OK judge's decision at status hearing to scale the mandate back to a 'do not annoy' order.
The "stay away" order issued against Chris Brown following his assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna is expected to be reduced to a "do not annoy" order, it was revealed Friday (January 28) during a status hearing for Brown. Judge Patricia Schnegg mandated the protective order back in August 2009 after Brown pleaded guilty to assault. The restriction called for the former couple to not communicate and keep their distance should they attend the same industry event. Last month, Brown completed a yearlong domestic-violence course. Judge Schnegg once again praised Brown for his progress and congratulated him on his course completion. The singer's attorney requested that Brown be permitted to skip future status hearings as a result of his completed course work, which the judge granted. Brown still must complete a number of community labor hours. The "stay away" order being reduced to a "do not annoy" order first needs to be approved by Rihanna's attorney. When Brown reached his plea deal, Rihanna's lawyer notified the court that the pop star did not wish to seek a restraining order against her ex. During a short recess granted by the judge, Brown's attorney phoned Rihanna's legal rep to OK the motion, but the party was unavailable. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Director Says Drake's Verse Inspired Video Posted: 28 Jan 2011 02:14 AM PST 'I want us to get married, I want us to push the envelope,' Chris Robinson recalls Nicki Minaj telling him before filming.
For Chris Robinson, the director behind Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life," inspiration for the clip arrived as soon as he heard Drake rap on the Pink Friday track. Robinson recalled listening to the song when he caught the Thank Me Later star spit the line "F---, me and Nicki Nick getting married today." He knew right then where he wanted to take the visual. Robinson then aimed for matrimonial bliss between the two Lil Wayne protégés.
"I stepped back and took her idea [to make it celebratory] and listened to her lyrics," the director told MTV News. "The one lyric that was there that really struck me was in Drake's verse. And I remembered all the rumors about her and Drake and thought it could be ill if we turned this into a fantasy world: 'Let's not do the usual modern home and all the accoutrements; let's think of this in a fantasy world.' And then when I presented her with that idea, she took it a step further. 'I want us to get married, I want us to push the envelope on this video, I want this video to really matter because this song means so much to me,' " he recalled her saying. In the video, Nicki and Drake get married, kiss and live in bliss as the clock strikes midnight — but with no fairy-tale repercussions for the Queens lyricist. Instead, Minaj's fairy godmother presents her with a chance at a better life. Nicki spoke about her co-star in an exclusive interview with MTV News after the Thursday night premiere of "Moment 4 Life." She revealed of all of her music-video leading men, Drizzy had made her feel the most comfortable. "That energy is amazing," she said. "I just have a special place for him. He always makes me feel like it's OK, you know, just chill, relax, jokes. It's never to the point where I don't want to be there anymore, 'Let's wrap this up.' Having Drake there, it felt like we could have shot a second day for this video, and I could be fine. He's someone I look up to, he got a head start. So he's able to tell me things I don't know and I can confide in him." What's your favorite part of the "Moment 4 Life" video? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Experts Pick Lauren Alaina, Chris Medina As Early Favorites Posted: 28 Jan 2011 01:21 AM PST Naima Adedapo, Brett Loewenstern and Adrienne Beasley also among early favorites.
Yes, it's a bit early to start picking favorites on the two-week-old "American Idol" season. If history is any indication the producers have probably not even shown us footage of some of the most promising candidates, smartly saving the big reveal for Hollywood Week. But just four episodes in, some promising stars-in-the-making have already emerged, and the decision to drop the age minimum to 15 seems to be a brilliant idea, with a number of ninth- and 10th-graders wowing the judges.
We asked a few of our "Idol" experts to pick their favorites so far, and the list was surprising, eclectic and definitely all over the map. Entertainment Weekly's Annie Barrett singled out Nashville auditioner Adrienne Beasley, a black farm girl with white adoptive parents, as her favorite so far in season 10, but she name-checked a few more standouts as well. "Those parents are PERFECT for the front row at the live shows, and she seems to have a genuine spirit to go along with excellent vocal range," Barrett said via e-mail. "It seems crazy to me that deep-voiced country singer Scotty McCreery is only 16, but he could go pretty far. The White House intern (Molly DeWolf Swenson) has a unique and surprising voice, but people might hate her because she went to Harvard and has two last names. I liked the really tall accountant/ gentle giant Steve Beghun because his vocal was huge and because he'd look even huger next to Seacrest." Top Idol Blog's Melinda Green had one name on her mind when it came to the best so far: Naima Adedapo. "Her voice is fantastic and there seems to be something very real, something genuinely likable about her," Green said of the colorful Milwaukee singer who killed it with a gospel-tinged, slow-and-easy version of Donny Hathaway's "For All We Know." Like Green, judge Jennifer Lopez was really impressed. "I like you a lot," said Lopez, who called Adedapo "the whole package." With so many faces popping up every week, Green said it's sometimes hard to remember all the good ones, and she's not convinced that one of the young'uns can do it this year. "There's a lot of talk about Lauren Alaina and Thia Megia," she said. "But they just do nothing for me." MTV's own "Idol in 60 Seconds" honcho, Jim Cantiello, has also seen only a few promising singers over the first six hours of "Idol" programming. His favorite so far? "Brett Loewenstern, the bullied redhead from Boca Raton who impressed the judges with his baby-oiled curly mane and soulful 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' " Cantiello wrote. "He's a quirky dude with an interesting voice, and I think his likable personality will connect with younger viewers." The show's producers definitely hyped preternaturally poised 15-year-old Alaina on Thursday night, and Cantiello said he gets it. "After last night's audition, I can totally understand why," he said of the high-schooler who got judge Steven Tyler to duet with her on an Aerosmith song. "She has great stage presence without being a creepy pageant-bot. She has a mature voice even though she's not old enough to drive. And she has the potential to be molded a million different ways. She could go country, she could go pop vocal, she could go lite-FM. I'm curious to see what ['Idol' mentor and Interscope boss] Jimmy Iovine suggests." His other pick to click was a contestant who didn't get quite the same amount of screen time and buzz, but who clearly impressed him: food blogger Sarah Sellers. She tried out last week in New Orleans with "To Make You Feel My Love," which Jim said had "a little white-girl R&B flavor, and her voice really soared once she belted. Plus, the 28-year old is a nice alternative to the teenage takeover that seems to be happening this season. Go Grandma Sellers!" Only Barrett was rooting for one of the emotional highlights of the week: Chris Medina, whose tragic tale about his fiancée's car crash elicited a strong response from the judges. "Chris Medina obviously won me over by being the greatest, most selfless man in the world," Barrett said. "But what we should really be remembering is that his voice was pretty sweet as well." Green felt it was a bit of typical "Idol" manipulation, a heartstring-tugging ploy used often in the early rounds. "I don't consider Medina to be an extraordinary singer or anything that we've not seen before, but I do believe he'll likely go far on the show because of the fact you have the 'cougar contingency' driving the votes on 'American Idol,' " she said of the group of older women voters who've allegedly helped push young male contenders through in recent years. "There are already fan groups starting for this guy. He's a white male in his mid-20s who is just so devoted to his might-not-get-better fiancée. Chris Medina is going far, trust me." Who is your favorite so far in season 10? 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. Related Videos Related Photos |
| SAG Awards Seating Chart: Where 'Glee' Sits Next To 'True Grit' Posted: 28 Jan 2011 04:08 AM PST For Sunday's awards show, producer explains science behind celebrity seating.
LOS ANGELES — The Screen Actors Guild Awards are coming up on Sunday, and preparations are already well under way at the Shrine Auditorium. The stage is coming together, the list of presenters is close to being finalized and, most importantly, the seating arrangements are being mapped out.
"It depends on the size of the cast," SAG Awards producer Kathy Connell explained when MTV News asked how the seating chart is determined. "It also depends on if they were here the year before. If the TV cast was down front, we are probably going to put them further back this year. We also try to be democratic between film and TV." The ceremony will take place in an intimate dinner setting where both film and TV actors will be seated next to their peers. Throughout the show, the celebrities can nosh on food provided by Lucques Catering and sip on Dry Creek wine and Taittinger Champagne while they celebrate one another's work. The Guild seats the film casts next to the TV casts in order to allow everyone to visit and mingle in between acts. For example, the first few tables located in the front of the venue have place cards for the cast of "True Grit" seated next to the cast of "Glee." Moving more toward the center of the room reveals the actors of "The Kids Are All Right" seated next to the guys from "30 Rock." And a quick look around the rest of the room shows the ensemble from "The Closer" seated next to "Modern Family," who are across from the cast of "The Fighter" and "Hot in Cleveland." "Actors are actors. They don't care that they are on TV. In fact, you know, film actors are very, very fond of watching actors on TV and vice versa," Connell said. The 17th annual SAG Awards will air live on TNT and TBS this Sunday at 8p.m. ET from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Photos |
| Charlie Sheen Returns To Rehab Posted: 28 Jan 2011 03:53 AM PST 'Two and a Half Men' has been put on immediate hiatus.
Hours after Charlie Sheen was released from the hospital following a hiatal hernia, he has checked himself into rehab. According to Deadline, Sheen's publicist revealed that the "Two and a Half Men" star had "voluntarily entered an undisclosed rehabilitation center." In a statement to the site, Sheen's rep said he was "most grateful to all who have expressed their concern" but asked that his privacy be respected at this time. Variety reports that CBS, the network that produces "Two and a Half Men," has announced that the show has been put on an immediate hiatus, due to their lead actor's return to rehab. It's been a rough few months for Sheen. Just before he was rushed to the hospital Thursday, the actor was said to have been partying hard with a number of adult-film stars at his Hollywood home for several days. One of the porn stars, Kacey Jordan, reportedly tweeted a provocative photo of herself from inside Sheen's home a short time before the star's collapse. This is the TV actor's second trip to rehab in less than a year. Last February, Sheen checked into rehab as a "preventative measure." Sheen's time spent at the Promises of Malibu drug-treatment center was counted toward a 30-day jail sentence imposed by a Colorado judge in connection to domestic-violence charges. Sheen was arrested on Christmas Day 2009 after then-wife Brooke Mueller told police the actor had threatened her with a knife. Sheen was also hospitalized back in October after suffering what his spokesperson described as an "adverse allergic reaction" to prescription medication. |
| Britney Spears Is A 'Tigress' In 'Hold It Against Me' Video, Choreographer Says Posted: 28 Jan 2011 12:37 AM PST 'I love nudity,' Brian Friedman teases about Jonas Åkerlund-directed clip.
Sure, details are limited on what the Jonas Åkerlund-directed video for Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" is going to look like, but when Brit's choreographer, Brian Friedman, sat down with MTV News, he teased some scintillating details about the video. "I didn't necessarily have pressure with this — it was more excitement," he said of working with the pop diva again. "I haven't been with Britney in five years on a project, so it was excitement to be back with her. It was excitement to get her dancing really hard again 'cause she's had a couple of years where she's been dancing different styles of dance and it hasn't been me.
"It's not necessarily that she hasn't been dancing, it hasn't been what I get from her, and what I seem to get from her is this tigress quality," he continued. "And she prowls. She really dominates when she does my choreography, and that's what I wanted to get back. Excited yes, scared no." Shot over two days last weekend, the video shows Spears in a look she tweeted from the set. The preview pic, a lo-res photo, shows Spears from the shoulders up, standing with her back to the camera and her face turned toward it. The singer is in a red outfit, surrounded by a wreath of microphones. While Friedman danced around any specific details about the clip, he did share that the video will have 10 male dancers. He also told us his favorite part: "I love nudity," he teased. "I can tell you that Britney is wearing a couple of hats in this video — not literal hats, but she's playing roles in this video. That is what I can give you," he explained. "In every role, she is dancing. She is going to be dancing throughout the whole video. Like I said: Dance is the focal point of this video." He also teased a bit about the costumes: "She's taking fashion risks. Things we've never seen her wear before she's wearing in this video, and I think it's just very sexy and it's a little bit playful," he added. "She's going to be doing something in this video that we've never seen her do. I'm not gonna tell you what that is but she's going to be sweating and she's going to be getting bruised and battered." What are you expecting from the "Hold It Against Me" video? Share your predictions below! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Video: An Acting Coach Weighs In Posted: 28 Jan 2011 02:07 AM PST An acting coach weighs in on the MC's flair for the dramatic.
Nicki Minaj is one of the hottest MCs in the game, but in her "Moment 4 Life" video, the singer also shows off her acting abilities, playing her fairy godmother, Martha, and a Roman-inspired, Cinderella-like version of herself. The New York native does have a background in drama, having attended New York's famous LaGuardia High School, and now it seems she's putting some of that training to good use.
So how do her skills rate? "I think she has a great personality that comes through; very vibrant. I love her energy. I love her rapping ability," said Roger Del Pozo, assistant director of admissions at New York Film Academy, who helps handle acting auditions for the school. "As an actress, probably not that subtle, but I don't think that subtlety is going to be her strong point anyways." Nicki may be a skilled MC, sharpening her acting chops, and Del Pozo offered her some advice: "She should probably be trying to be a little more natural, a little more realistic; it's a little over-the-top," he said. "I'd like to see her a little more subtle, trusting the camera a little bit more." Of the two characters she plays in the clip, Del Pozo has a favorite: "I think I like the Nicki Minaj character, 'cause she's cuter and you see her natural energy come through a little more," he said. "I think she's funny and she's very expressive. With the right material, she would do a good job. Her straight acting ability, I'd probably give her a 6, and as a just a performer in general, I'd probably give her a 9 or a 10." In an exclusive interview following the premiere of "Moment 4 Life," Nicki called acting her "favorite part of the video" and explained why Roman is her favorite character to play. "I think I started liking Roman more because everybody else liked Roman," she said. "Everybody wanted to see what outlandish thing he would say next. And I think people are expecting him to do something real crazy on the next album, so I'm having fun prepping him for the sophomore album." How would you rate Nicki's acting abilities? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Britney Spears Sets March 15 Release Date For New LP Posted: 28 Jan 2011 01:21 AM PST Deluxe edition will feature three or four additional tracks.
As the wait for the dance-heavy video for "Hold It Against Me" continues, details regarding Britney Spears' new album have surfaced. Based on a sales-solicitation sheet, which was confirmed as accurate by a label rep to MTV News, the pop superstar's still-untitled LP is set to drop March 15. With the rocket success of the album's lead single, it's no surprise that the singer's seventh studio album will feature "multiple songs" from pop masterminds Max Martin and Dr. Luke. Additional production credits include Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Fraser T. Smith, Bloodshy & Avant and more. Fans can choose between a standard (soft pack/wallet packaging) version of the album and the deluxe (expanded soft pack with additional booklet pages), which will feature three or four additional tracks. Spears has been hitting the dance studio hard, as the notice describes the forthcoming "Hold It Against Me" video as "a sexy, edgy dance piece directed by Jonas Åkerlund and showing Britney at peak form and ability." Earlier this week, MTV News took the liberty of mashing together some of the singer's most-iconic music-video dance scenes to give fans an idea of what Brit's new clip might look like. In terms of Spears' press plans, the follow-up to 2008's Circus will be met with "a major TV event to launch the album" and a TV campaign, which will feature a variation of spots before the LP hits stores. The promotional rollout will extend to advertisements on everything from the Internet to the side of taxicabs. Other marketing schemes include a "LGBT/Lifestyle campaign," worldwide online fan contests and routine tweets from Brit. Adam Leber, the singer's manager, took to Twitter to dish details on Brit's latest photo shoot and to remind them to keep their patience. "Britney Spears did a photoshoot for her album package yesterday," he wrote. "Photos are nothing less than spectacular. We'll share some soon." He later tweeted: "So many good things coming down the pipeline. Britney fans should be excited. Album is incredible, video is fire, photoshoot is pure glam. Patience isn't just a great song by Guns N' Roses. All good things to those who wait." Are you excited about Britney's new album? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Anthony Hopkins On 'The Rite': 'I Know How To Scare People' Posted: 28 Jan 2011 12:57 AM PST In new film, Oscar-winner plays unorthodox exorcist Father Lucas.
If Anthony Hopkins fans know anything, it's the fact that the Oscar-winner knows how to scare the pants off of moviegoers. The obvious, most-famous example is his award-winning turn as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in "Silence of the Lambs" and the subsequent sequels. It's been awhile since we've seen Sir Hopkins play dark and devious, but with the release of exorcism thriller "The Rite" on Friday (January 28), fans can reacquaint themselves with a bit of Hopkins' tricks and treats.
In the film, which is based on real-life events, Hopkins plays unorthodox exorcist Father Lucas. Without delving into spoiler territory — no more than what the creepy promotional posters give away — when MTV News caught up with the actor recently, we asked him to take us through his process of playing possessed. Hopkins explained that most of his performances come from extensive preparation. For "The Rite," he learned Latin and Italian for certain scenes, and spent a lot of time alone in his hotel room going over the script. "I would be there in my den, my man's cave, going over and over [the] script," Hopkins said. "Gradually, as you go through it over and over, all these voices and interpretations come to you," he explained, adding that by the time he was ready to film the key possession sequences, he knew the material so well he was open to improvisation. "I put all kinds of very suggestive sexual stuff into it which they cut out, but stuff that would provoke people. I knew that the response was good because [director] Mikael Håfström's said, 'You're crazy.' " Hopkins went on to say, with a smile, that he just knows how to "get people." "I know how to do those parts," he said. "Not because I'm scary, but because I know how to scare people. ... It's a question of being quiet and not overplaying it," he explained. "You let the script and the audiences do the work for you. You don't have to play evil." Check out everything we've got on "The Rite." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| 'Mechanic' Star Jason Statham Talks Allure Of Playing Tough Guys Posted: 28 Jan 2011 01:08 AM PST 'If I do go into something else, it will be because it is good,' the action hero tells MTV News.
Those familiar with the work of Jason Statham know that he doesn't really do "fluffy" films or romantic comedies. He is a man of action and general butt-kicking/badass-ery: see "The Transporter," "The Bank Job," "Crank" and "The Expendables," to name a few.
Statham's new film, "The Mechanic," in which he plays a trained assassin who takes the son of his former mentor (Ben Foster) under his wing, is no different. There is a lot of action and a lot of ass-kicking, just the way his fans like it. When MTV News caught up with Statham, we asked him if he felt at all typecast, and whether he'd take on a nice-guy role in a romantic comedy someday. "You know, it's tough, because people will always keep saying to me, 'Do you only see yourself doing action movies?' and, I don't know," Statham said. "It's very difficult because one day I might be asked to do something that is of quality in a different genre, but the films that come from different genres aren't that great," he argued. "So I end up not doing them because once you make a mistake in that area, you can't go back. So, if I do go into something else, it will be because it is good." But Foster told us his co-star doesn't just play a tough guy onscreen, but rather makes each performance unique by infusing them with "vulnerability." "If you're a tough guy, and Jason is, the hardest part is showing vulnerability," Foster explained. "And it's working in 'The Bank Job' and in 'The Mechanic' here, and other films. He brings a lot of quiet heart to it. And it's difficult stuff because movie viewers aren't looking for that necessarily," he said. "But Jason is always being a humanity to [something] behind the bullets." Are you fan of Jason Statham's action roles? Tell us in the comments! Check out everything we've got on "The Mechanic." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. |
| 'Glee' Star Lea Michele To Sing At Super Bowl Pre-Game Posted: 27 Jan 2011 10:56 PM PST Starlet, who'll take on 'America the Beautiful,' added to list of performers including Christina Aguilera and the Black Eyed Peas.
Christina Aguilera won't be the only big-voiced diva singing at this year's Super Bowl. E! News confirmed Friday (January 28) that "Glee" starlet Lea Michele will be on hand to serve up even more entertainment for the big game, which takes place February 6 at Cowboys Stadium in North Texas. Before the NFL showdown begins, the 24-year-old actress/singer will perform her rendition of "America the Beautiful" during pre-game festivities. The championship battle between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers also will feature Aguilera, who will take duties belting out the national anthem, and the Black Eyed Peas, who'll perform during the halftime show. If the Gleek's performance doesn't curb your appetite, just sit tight after the game to see even more of the songstress during the highly anticipated return of "Glee." The sports-themed episode will include contemporary covers of Michael Jackson, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum and Katy Perry. And what would Super Bowl Sunday be without the highly coveted TV spots? In partnership with Best Buy, Justin Bieber and Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have teamed up for a space-age commercial for the retail chain. The ad is set to air during the third quarter of the big game. "We know people have high expectations for these ads, and Justin and Ozzy add a whole new dimension of fun," Best Buy spokesman Drew Panayiotou said. In addition to his Best Buy commercial, the Biebster's commercial for his forthcoming 3-D feature film debut, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," will play during the "Glee" episode. Who are you most excited to see perform at this year's Super Bowl? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists |
| Wiz Khalifa's 'Roll Up' Leaks Online Posted: 28 Jan 2011 08:21 AM PST Song is second single from Pittsburgh rapper's debut album, Rolling Papers, due March 29.
Wiz Khalifa is living the good life. The Pittsburgh rapper rhymes about fast times, fast women and smoke-filled nights on his new single "Roll Up." The track is the MTV News' 11 for '11 star's second single, following his breakout hit "Black and Yellow." "I try to stay out your business/ But on the real, you're so obvious," Wiz raps over the synth-heavy number. "And if you keep fitting me in your plan of f-----' up/ Your man is gonna catch on to us/ That white sand is surrounding us/ He be handcuffing, he should work for them officers/ If you rolling, I got a spot where I can put you on this medical and send you home doctored up. "I ain't gonna flex, I'm not gonna front/ You know if I ball, then we all gonna stunt," he sings on the hook. "Send her my way, she ain't gotta hold up/ Whenever you call baby, I'll roll up." Wiz revealed to MTV News last month from the set of the "Black and Yellow" G-mix video that his next release would be the green-friendly "Roll Up." The track is set to appear on Rolling Papers, Wiz's first album with Atlantic Records. The underground stalwart signed to the label, which is home to Kid Rock, Paramore and T.I., after a successful independent run that saw him release his acclaimed mixtape Kush and Orange Juice. Rolling Papers is due March 29 and will feature production by Stargate and Jim Jonsin, among others. Related Artists |
| Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Lyrics: Fans Weigh In! Posted: 28 Jan 2011 07:45 AM PST Little monsters give high marks to upcoming single's lyrics, with one calling singer 'our generation's John Lennon.'
Lady Gaga's little monsters seem to love the lyrics to "Born This Way," which the singer released in full on Thursday. Gaga sings about equality and love, and it's that message that her fans are relating to most.
"This is awesome! I love it. She sings about equality for not only gays, lesbians, transgenders, etc., but for people of all races," Lucy wrote on MTV.com. "She's like our generation's John Lennon." Booklady added, "I love it and I can't wait to hear it! Definitely powerful and resonant in times like these." Gaga, who recently told Ellen DeGeneres that she'll be performing the song at the Grammy Awards, has fans going crazy to hear the final version of the track. Ryan wrote, "I love it. Can't wait till Feb. 13. Gaga is going 2 sing it! Can't wait till I hear it with rhythm and her voice. Baby I was born this way." "It's official. SHE'S A LEGEND!!!" Chifi55 wrote about the track, which was written and co-produced by Gaga with production help from Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow. "Gorgeous, beautiful," Fame Monster said of the lead single off Gaga's May album of the same name. "Will win song of the year at 2012 Grammys." dQuiggz continued that "Lady Gaga is on her way to inspiring world peace, one sequin at a time. ... These lyrics are beautiful, original, and are something that anybody and everybody can relate to." "I LOVE IT!!! Goosebumps," Francesco wrote. "It's not just about the lgbt community, it's about human beings and how we are born the way we are." Even music lovers who aren't little monsters seem to be appreciating what Gaga is saying in the song. Irene noted, "I'm not a huge Gaga fan, but I'm for anyone willing to spread a message of peace. I'll take it. Effort-FTW." What do you think of the "Born This Way" lyrics? Tell us in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj Says Drake Was Her 'First Choice' For 'Moment 4 Life' Posted: 28 Jan 2011 05:49 AM PST MC explains the fairytale arc of her Drake-assisted video to MTV News.
Nicki Minaj already has a reputation for pulling off shocking outfits and spitting even more insane stuff on her records. However, her latest video, "Moment 4 Life," may surprise some of her die-hard fans, as Minaj swaps her edgy costumes for graceful, ladylike looks and runs off with her Prince Charming — in this case, it's Young Money bestie Drake — and gets married under a firework display.
Shortly after the premiere of the video on MTV on Thursday evening, Minaj sat down with MTV News' Sway and explained the development of the fairytale narrative and said that catching her fans off guard is just what she was looking for. "I definitely went back and forth with [director] Chris [Robinson] a lot. I just wanted it to be something a little bit unexpected," she said. Minaj added she initially had a more bottle-poppin' vibe in mind, which was eventually replaced by the romantic story line. "First I wanted it to be like, really just a celebration and a party," she admitted. "But I had the idea of making it more of a romance. Chris just sort of took those little bits and pieces and ran with it, and then it became sort of this big Cinderella thing." The concept of the video may have evolved over time, but Minaj said that her first choice to jump on the track was always Drizzy, who provided her with the instrumental. "Drake came to the studio one night and he brought me a whole bunch of beats when I was wrapping up the [Pink Friday] album. This 'Moment 4 Life' was one of the beats, and he was like, 'Just do whatever. Whatever you pick, I'm just gonna rock with you.' I had the beat for a while, maybe, like, over a month, and I was just sitting on it — pause — and next thing you know, I was shooting [the video for] 'Right Thru Me' and I played this beat for everybody in my dressing room, and I was like, 'Do you like this beat?' Everybody said, 'Yeah.' And I just went to the studio the next day, and I laid the hook and I sent it to Drake and I didn't know if he was gonna like it, blah blah blah, and he was like, 'I love it.' " Drizzy mused that their parallel journeys as budding hip-pop superstars made the inspirational track a perfect fit. "He was like, 'It makes sense for me and you.' We both are at a place right now that we feel like we wish we could have this moment for life," she recalled. "We don't know what's gonna happen next year, but this moment feels amazing. He was obviously my first choice to be on it." What do you think of Nicki and Drake in "Moment 4 Life"? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Photos |
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