Jumat, 18 Februari 2011

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Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Video: A Pop-Culture Cheat Sheet

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:52 AM PST

From Greek mythology to mid-'90s Tool albums, Brit's latest is full of blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments.
By James Montgomery


Britney Spears fights herself in "Hold It Against Me"
Photo: Jive

On Thursday night, after weeks of teasing, Britney Spears finally revealed her video for "Hold It Against Me," a whirling, swirling dance explosion that features plenty of sass, swagger and exactly one flowing white gown.

It also features plenty of nods to pop music's past — not to mention several blink-and-you'd-miss-it odes to film, TV and, of course, Greek mythology. As is the case with all massive videos, there's a whole lot to keep track of, so, much like we did for equally big clips like Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and My Chemical Romance's "Na Na Na," we've put "Hold It Against Me" through the wringer and compiled a pop-culture cheat sheet that's alphabetized and cross-referenced for your convenience. Believe us, this took way longer than you could imagine, but it was worth it. (Oh, and despite our best efforts, we're sure there's something we missed, which is why we need your help: Let us know what you spot in the comments below.)

Photos of the references in Britney's "Hold It Against Me."

The Graeae: In Greek mythology, they were the three sisters who shared a single eye. In Britney's video, they're hoodie-wearing dudes with serious dance moves (and no eyes at all). Same thing, really.

Iamamiwhoami: Icky, sticky viral-video enigma whose early clips featured plenty of lying around in the fetal position (and amniotic fluids). In "HIAM," Britney, covered in similarly sticky liquid, curls up on the floor, striking a pose that would make Iamami proud.

Kanye West, "Runaway": Over-the-top 35-minute mini-movie/allegory starring West as a man who cares for a phoenix who has fallen to Earth. The meteor that crashes to Earth at the beginning of "HIAM" reminds us a lot of the phoenix's fiery entrance in 'Ye's film. And, if you look hard enough, you can also see the song's lyrics printed out in the top left corner of the shot.

Madonna, "Bedtime Stories": Ultra-artistic 1995 video, directed by Mark Romanek, that cost a reported $5 million to make. From the futuristic set and the special effects to Brit's long, flowing gown and whirling dancers, it appears to be a direct influence on pretty much everything in "HIAM." Though we're willing to bet Brit didn't spend nearly as much to make her version.

Madonna, "Die Another Day": Big-budget 2002 Madonna video from the equally big-budget James Bond film of the same name. It featured a memorable fight scene that pitted Madge against her alter ego (Mariah Carey did the same thing in her "Heartbreaker" video, BTW). In "HIAM," Britney battles her alter ego in a (very fashionable) kung fu fight.

The Matrix": Wachowski brothers franchise that featured plenty of TV screens and a whole lot of marauding machinery, just like "HIAM." Like Keanu said, "Whoa."

"Mortal Kombat": Totally awesome (and violent) fighting game that featured, among its cast of characters, a blue-garbed assassin named Sub-Zero. In "HIAM," Britney's dancers don outfits similar to him, only they don't shoot ice out of their hands. Unless that part's in the director's cut.

Robyn, "Indestructible": Sexy 2010 video from Sweden's sexiest pop export, it featured Robyn writhing on a table while wearing a dress made entirely of clear plastic tubes (courtesy of Australian artist Lucy McRae), sort of like the ones Britney uses to spray colored liquid all over the "HIAM" set.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show": Cult 1975 film adapted from a British play, its iconic poster featured a pair of bright-red lips, which seem to have also made their way into "HIAM."

Tool, Ænemia: Totally excellent 1996 album that featured several covers, one of which was a creepy, double-irised eyeball, courtesy of artist Cam de Leon. If you blink (get it?!?), you might miss a similar eyeball that pops up in "HIAM."

What did we miss? Share the pop-culture inspirations you spotted in the comments below!

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Britney Spears' Manager Explains: Why Jonas Akerlund?

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:52 AM PST

'Jonas did 'Ray of Light' for Madonna, and that's when [Britney] became a fan of his,' Larry Rudolph tells MTV News of 'Hold It Against Me' director.
By Ryan J. Downey, with additional reporting by Jim Cantiello


Britney Spears in her "Hold It Against Me" video
Photo: Jive

Why did Britney Spears choose Jonas Åkerlund — a director whose subject matter has included drugs, strippers and trippy violence — to shoot her "Hold it Against Me" video? The answer is simple: Madonna.

"It's a good question," Britney Spears manager Larry Rudolph told MTV News during an exclusive interview, via Skype, shortly after the video's premiere. Rudolph guided Britney's career from about 1999 to 2004 and for a brief period in 2007 before they reunited again nearly three years ago. "Jonas is someone we've always wanted to work with," Rudolph said. "She's always wanted to work with him. You know, Jonas did 'Ray of Light' for Madonna, and that's when she became a fan of his."

Åkerlund directed Lady Gaga's "Telephone" as well as several iconic and cinematic videos for heavyweights like U2, Metallica, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and Robbie Williams. But the Swedish director's most enduring and well-known relationship is with Madonna, with whom he made "Ray of Light," "Music," "American Life" and "Celebration," among other noteworthy clips.

The director started as a musician himself in the 1980s, cutting his teeth with a stint as drummer for Bathory, the dark and primitive heavy-metal band whose influence looms over the entire black-metal scene, particularly in Scandinavia. Even AFI guitarist Jade Puget can be seen wearing a Bathory backpatch in the video for "Silver and Cold," from the band's platinum Sing the Sorrow album.

Åkerlund's first video was, unsurprisingly, also in the metal genre. It's a low-budget affair beloved for its campiness (coffins, trances, moshing in the snow) for his fellow Swedes in the band Candlemass, from their 1987 album Nightfall, which was recently inducted into Decibel magazine's Hall of Fame.

His first big commercial break was with Roxette, and from there, he became one of the most sought-after video directors working. His video for Metallica's cover of Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" is practically a mini-movie, telling the story of a down-on-her-luck stripper and single mom. His incredible visuals and dark sensibilities ripped the bubblegum right off the Cardigans and Pink.

"Spun" marked »kerlund's foray into feature films in 2002. Centered on a group of methamphetamine addicts and dealers, it garnered little commercial or critical success (it has a 36 percent critical average on Rotten Tomatoes) but is known in filmmaker circles for the fast-cutting in the edit room done to emulate the look and feel of being on speed. Reportedly, there were over 5,300 cuts.

The movie starred Jason Schwartzman, Brittany Murphy, Patrick Fugit, Mena Suvari and Mickey Rourke. Obvious nods to Åkerlund's musical background included music by Smashing Pumpkins mastermind Billy Corgan and cameos from Judas Priest's Rob Halford and Blondie's Debbie Harry.

"I didn't really care for the material and there was no money," a pre-comeback Rourke told MTV News at the movie's Hollywood premiere. "[My agent] suggested several times that I make the movie because he's very fond of Jonas Åkerlund. I looked at Jonas' reels and I really liked his commercials and his [music] videos a lot more than I liked the material."

Despite the lumps taken from critics, Åkerlund said the process of making "Spun" wasn't too different from making a music video. "It's pretty much the same thing, but it just takes a bit longer," he noted.

"Ray of Light," the video that first made Britney want to work with Åkerlund, earned five Moonmen for Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards: Video of the Year, Best Female Video, Best Direction, Best Editing and Best Choreography.

What do you think of Britney's collaboration with Jonas Åkerlund? Let us know in the comments!

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'I Am Number Four' Director Says Aliens 'Much More Intriguing' Than Vampires

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:52 AM PST

D.J. Caruso and stars Alex Pettyfer and Timothy Olyphant discuss which is the better fantasy character.
By Kara Warner


Alex Pettyfer and Teresa Palmer in "I Am Number Four"
Photo: DreamWorks

If one were to pinpoint a particular fantasy character that has dominated pop culture over the past few years, most people would agree that vampires have taken center stage as the mythological figure of the moment.

However, with extreme popularity often comes a point of overexposure. Not that we've reached that point yet with the fang fixation, but there are other creatures waiting in the wings. Take the new alien-adventure movie "I Am Number Four," for example, which showcases a sexy new take on the stereotypical green Marvin the Martian-type aliens.

When MTV News caught up with the film's director, D.J. Caruso, and stars Alex Pettyfer and Timothy Olyphant recently, we posed them an important question: Are aliens the new vampires?

"I didn't notice aliens kind of going in and out of fashion," said Olyphant, who plays mentor Henri to Pettyfer's Number Four (John Smith). "Where vampires kind of come and go, aliens, in general, it's a broader palette, so they've been around," he explained.

Caruso said: "I'd take aliens over vampires any day. Aliens are much more intriguing."

The "Disturbia" director agreed with Olyphant's sentiments about extra-terrestrial longevity. "Aliens have always been around," he said. "Vampires: They're wearing out."

Plus, while vampire stories are based in fiction, we can't say for certain whether life exists on other planets or in other galaxies.

On the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe, Pettyfer said, "There's got to be something out there — one way or another."

Caruso agreed: "I think there's something else out there. I can't imagine that God's just allowing this one planet to function; I think he's got a bunch of experiments floating around."

Check out everything we've got on " I Am Number Four."

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

Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Video Premieres

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 06:55 AM PST

New video is both a big-budget spectacle and oddly organic.
By James Montgomery


Britney Spears in her "Hold It Against Me" video
Photo: Jive

It's not a stretch to call "Hold It Against Me" the most anticipated video of Britney Spears' 11-year career; after all, how many of her clips were preceded by a two-week teaser-thon that drove tens of millions of video streams and fans to the brink?

It's too soon to tell where the video will settle into Ms. Spears' pantheon of visually innovative music videos: pop-culture touchstone like " ... Baby One More Time" (the schoolgirl outfit) or "Oops! ... I Did It Again" (the red-leather catsuit), the darkly foreboding "Everytime" or über-sexy "I'm a Slave 4 U." Either way, it manages to outgun all those clips — and pretty much everything Brit's done since her 2007 Blackout album — in terms of sheer spectacle, while, at the same time managing to display an amazing amount of restraint.

Because while it covers similar themes of many of her videos — the constant spotlight under which Brit lives her life (see "Piece of Me," "Circus," "Womanizer," etc.) "HIAM" feels less heavy-handed. Sure, there are cameras, TV screens and microphones surrounding Spears at all times, but they're merely set pieces. We get the idea without having said idea shoved down our throats.

And much of the credit for that is due to director Jonas Åkerlund, who bathes Britney in a shimmering light, wraps her in a towering gown and eventually covers the entire set in DayGlo liquid spilling out of Spears' fingertips. Sure, there are also plenty of dance moves and special effects, too, but because of Åkerlund's deft, downright organic touches, "HIAM" also feels oddly elemental. The dress (from which she births her dancers), the fluid that flows from her fingertips, the softness of her hair and makeup — it all envelops the video's harsh, technological framework. There is a warmth to it, a heart that beats beneath the shiny veneer. And for a futuristic space-odyssey dance fantasy, that's saying something.

There are also the personal touches too: Check the monitors playing Britney's older clips, but most of them are doused in liquid and cast aside. And when coupled with perhaps the video's most organic moment — at clip's end, when Spears, covered in amniotic fluids, curls up in the fetal position — you get the feeling that "HIAM" also seems to contain messages of rebirth, re-emerging and beginning anew.

Yes, Britney also looks plenty hot, and the dance moves are sure to displace a hip or two, but at the end of the day, what puts "HIAM" on the pedestal of Spears' all-time best clips are the human touches. It looks great and it's certainly the biggest-budget thing she's released in a long time, but it's also restrained and controlled — still under the spotlight, but reborn and ready for the fight. There's genuine art to it, which makes it both beautiful to look at and powerful. She's not wearing a schoolgirl outfit or leaping out of airplanes, but she doesn't need to; not anymore. So while it's too early to know whether "HIAM" will be your Britney favorite just yet, give it a few years — you might be surprised by how well it sticks.

What did you think of Britney Spears' new video? Share your reviews in the comments!

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Britney Spears' Manager Breaks Down 'Hold It Against Me' Fight Scene

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 11:07 PM PST

'There's a public Britney and there's a private Britney, and they're very different,' Larry Rudolph tells MTV News of Britney-on-Britney battle.
By James Dinh, with reporting by Jim Cantiello


Britney Spears in her "Hold It Against Me" video
Photo: Jive

Even with the fashion, dancing and technology elements of Britney Spears' just-premiered video for "Hold It Against Me," the pop singer's one-on-one battle with herself seems to be the most talked-about scene.

Larry Rudolph, the pop princess' longtime manager, spoke to MTV News via Skype after the video premiere about the climactic fight sequence and further clarified earlier reports that indicated that Britney had used a body double for the clip's dance scenes.

"It was good," Rudolph said of the combat scene. "Of course, there was a body double in there that she was fighting most of the time, which is where some confusion came in. ... I heard some rumors that she used a body double. The reality is, she used a body double for the fight scene, 'cause it's all the fight herself."

So what does the epic battle scene mean to him? While he hopes fans draw their own conclusions, he shared his theories with MTV News.

"There are really two different Britneys," he said. "There's a public Britney and there's a private Britney, and they're very different. Maybe the world doesn't really know that, maybe those of us who do know her really well understand that, but there really are two different Britneys. Maybe at some times the two Britneys are at odds with each other; most of the time they're not. There's some of that going on. I think it's also about Britney just being strong and still on top after all these years. ... But there's a few different ways to look at it."

What meaning did you get from the Britney-on-Britney fight scene? Share your theories in the comments!

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Pauly D Calls Out Situation's 'Guy Code' After Latest 'Jersey Shore'

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 08:00 AM PST

'It's just something that you wouldn't normally do,' Pauly tells MTV News of Sitch pursuing his ex-girlfriend.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Matt Harper


Vinny, the Situation and Pauly D
Photo: Josh Kessler

While the drama on Thursday's episode of "Jersey Shore" is largely dominated by the fallout from Ronnie and Sammi's room-trashing, curse-filled blowout, a bit of a spectacle broke out between the dudes in the house too.

It all went down during a fist-pumping excursion to Karma, as Pauly D's ex-girlfriend showed up — still clearly carrying a whole lot of affection for the reality-show DJ — and found herself on the receiving end of some amorous attention from the Situation. As Pauly said during the show, "Mike has no guy code whatsoever. He'll pull a robbery on your own ex-girlfriend."

The hookup robbery, it should be noted, was unsuccessful, but that didn't stop Pauly from being a bit miffed about the incident when MTV News caught up with him via Skype this week.

"It's just something that you wouldn't normally do," he told us. "I wouldn't do that to Vinny. I wouldn't do that to any of my friends at home. So we all start to realize, we're like, 'Oh my God, if Situation would do that, imagine what he would do to your own girlfriend?' "

Sitch has found himself in similar situations over the course of the series, but as he explained to us last year, he always has the best of intentions. "I'm never disrespectful," he said. "I might be forward, not to be wasting my time or the girl's time ... but at the same time, I'm sweet and I'm genuine and I'm generous and I'm respectful."

The clash at Karma, however, was nothing compared to the continuing drama between Sam and Ron. Even though she fled Seaside Heights, their relationship baggage loomed large on the new episode.

"The Ronnie and Sammi drama is awkward. It put such a burden on that house," Pauly admitted. "Sometimes you can't help but to be involved in their relationship — you don't even want it. I'm a single guy, I feel like I got girlfriend drama, but we make the best of it. I'm cleaning my sneakers, I'm going out, I'm having a good time. I'm not going to let their relationship ruin my summer at the Jersey Shore."

Don't miss "Jersey Shore," airing Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.

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'Hold It Against Me' Video Is 'Inspiring,' Britney Spears Superfan Says

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 10:40 PM PST

'She took it to the next level ... and kicked ass in the process,' BreatheHeavy.com's Jordan Miller says on MTV News' live stream.
By James Dinh, with reporting by Jim Cantiello


Britney Spears in her "Hold It Against Me" video
Photo: Jive

The Internet is abuzz over Britney Spears' high-tech video for "Hold It Against Me." And after the Jonas Åkerlund-directed clip premiered Thursday night (February 17) on MTV and MTV.com, we caught up with some of Britney's biggest fans for their reactions during our live stream "MTV First: Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Video Premiere."

Las Vegas-based BreatheHeavy.com webmaster Jordan Miller, who runs Spears' biggest fan site, spoke to MTV News during the live chat and said he was thrilled with the video.

"The video, I thought, was really amazing and creative. I like how she took a dark twist to it," Miller said. "You know, a lot of the times, for the last two videos she's done, it's kind of light and fluffy, but she really kind of took it to the next level with this video and kicked ass in the process. I think it was definitely artistic and inspiring, and I really think the fans are loving it."

Jordan added that Britney's fans seem mostly dazzled with the futuristic video. "The overwhelming reaction is they're just really happy for her. It's just a great time to be a fan right now."

But as the guy behind one of the biggest online sources for everything Britney, Miller admitted that a few fans thought there had been too much hype surrounding Spears' video choreography. Miller didn't agree with those fans, however. "I disagree. I think that she looked great, danced really well. I think her choreographer, Brian Friedman, did an amazing job and Britney did an amazing job, so I'm completely happy with it," he explained.

In addition to the choreography, fans have also been buzzing about the clip's climactic fight scene, which finds Britney dueling it out with another version of herself. Miller described the scene as "showing the world that she is taking control of her own image."

"It's kind of starting fresh," he said. "It's like the world's not going to come to an end whether Britney Spears does or doesn't pull through for what people thinks she needs to do."

What do you think of Britney's brand-new video? Share your reviews in the comments!

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Britney Spears 'Hold It Against Me' Fashion: Stylist Tells All!

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 08:43 AM PST

'We were going for a punk-rock couture look in this video,' B. Åkerlund tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena


Britney Spears in "Hold It Against Me"
Photo: Jive

Britney Spears is rocking some over-the-top, edgy styles in her "Hold It Against Me" video, which premiered Thursday (February 17) on MTV and MTV.com. For her stylish looks, Spears turned to B. Åkerlund (wife of "HIAM" director Jonas Åkerlund), who has worked with some of the biggest names in the game, including fellow pop superstars Lady Gaga and Madonna.

Check out photos of Britney's "Hold It Against Me" style.

B. Åkerlund gave Brit a totally unique edge and MTV News decided to get some inside dish from the stylist about how she came up with the various costumes, which range from ultra-glam to rocker chic.

"We were going for a punk-rock couture look in this video, with a touch of glam," Åkerlund explained, adding that she had a very specific vision in mind for the clip.

B. Åkerlund worked with Tom Tom fashions for Spears' giant, custom-made white wedding gown. They used Swarovski crystals for the "arm creations" and La Cracia gloves provided an added accessory; the necklace is by Dannijo. The gown appears several times throughout the clip, but gets destroyed when Spears smears neon paint on it during the dubstep break before collapsing to the ground.

For the fight scene, both Spears and her Spears double wear custom dresses, also by B. Åkerlund, in collaboration with Falguni and Shane Peacock. The pop star also shows off killer stiletto shoes by XTC. One version of Britney wears a deep-purple version of the bandage dress with flowing train, while the other Britney wears it in deep red.

During her dance sequence, Brit wears an outfit created by B. Åkerlund and Skin Graft Designs, with jewelry by Tom Binns. The boots are Britney's own and completely bedazzled with Swarovski crystals. This particular look seems to be a nod to Spears' dance roots thanks to a bustier top that's reminiscent of a sports bra and little booty shorts.

For the microphone sequence, Spears rocks a red look described as "skull shoulders," designed by Yasmen Hussein for Swarovski Runway Rocks. She completes the ultra-sleek look with earrings and a necklace by Tom Binns and rings by Loree Rodkin.

And for the finale scene, while confetti falls from the rafters, Spears wears a custom skintight black dress by Bordelle, complete with garters. She accessorizes the look with a necklace by Noir and boots, which it turns out, are also Britney's own and decorated with Swarovski crystals.

Which of Britney's "HIAM" looks is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

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Justin Bieber's Jason McCann Dies On 'CSI'

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 09:22 AM PST

Justin Bieber's Jason McCann Dies On 'CSI'
By James Dinh


Justin Bieber appears on "CSI"
Photo: CBS

If Beliebers thought Justin Bieber's debut episode of "CSI" was action-packed, then they were in for a shock as the teen singer made his second appearance on the show on Thursday night (February 17).

As the episode titled "A Target of Obsession" opened, accused serial killer Nate Haskell (Bill Irwin) was testifying in court in a case involving the attempted murder of Dr. Raymond Langston (Laurence Fishburne). Meanwhile, troubled teen Jason McCann (Justin Bieber) calls Nick Stokes (George Eads) and warns the investigator not to go home. But Stokes begins walking into his house anyway, only to be startled by a booby trap planted in the front yard.

With the help of the bomb squad, Stokes carefully removes himself from the ambush and appears grateful for McCann's warning. The rest of the squad, however, isn't convinced of McCann's good intentions; they order him to appear at the station. Switching back to the trial, Haskell, serving as his own defense attorney, interrogates Ray about the serial killer accused of attempting to murder the CSI investigator.

Although Stokes tries to interrogate McCann about the attempted house bombing, the teen remains tight-lipped about who the perpetrator is, and he's eventually picked up by his legal guardian. Soon after, the CSIs pay a visit to McCann's guardian, only to find him dead inside his work warehouse. Unfortunately, beneath his dead body is a device that traps Stokes and his team inside the building as a bomb surrounded by lasers ticks away.

Back at court, Haskell calls another participant to the stand: a doctor, who once treated the serial killer. Dr. Cory later reveals that the attempted murderer was abused as a child and has a genetic defect, implying that Haskell shouldn't be held responsible for his actions.

With the bomb still ticking, the CSI crew attempt to deactivate the lasers. But one of CSIs is shot when he sets foot on a floorboard. Soon, it becomes apparent that McCann is actually behind the deadly traps.

During a court intermission, Haskell's fiancée, Vivian, confronts Dr. Ray about his lack of sympathy for her lover. Strategically making his way into the laser entrapment, another CSI deactivates the bomb momentarily but it eventually goes off. Firemen then arrive on the scene and report the unconscious CSI team to authorities.

The day-long court trial continues, and Ray testifies on the stand that he, too, has been medically diagnosed as having the same gene as Haskell, but has yet to commit any crimes. The trial finally comes to a close and Haskell is found guilty. The CSI team relocates to a hospital, where one of the team is being treated and security guards have been posted. Laboratory investigators exploring the evidence further discover footage of a man identified as Timothy Johnson, a McCann affiliate.

As the pieces of the puzzle come together, Stokes figures out that McCann has been in on the lethal plan the whole time. Stokes gives the teen a call, tracks down his location, and a police crew chases down the van with Bieber's character in it.

In the next scene, Dr. Ray pays a visit to Haskell and discusses the convicted murderer's medical condition, as well as how he's dealing with the verdict and whether there's any hope Nate could regain his freedom.

"It's always been personal. They killed my brother," McCann shouts to his associate Johnson while riding in the van. Now surrounded by a squad of police and helicopters, Bieber's troubled teen threatens his partner in crime and tells him to keep a steady head.

But Johnson hops out of the van and surrenders instead. McCann fires at the officers but is fatally shot multiple times. McCann dies and viewers learn that Haskell escapes prison with the assistance of his fiancée and a body double.

Before Bieber's "CSI" episode aired on Thursday night, the 16-year-old teen sensation shared his excitement about the broadcast in a tweet, writing, "Everyone back home make sure to tune in to CSI tonight!! Jason McCann is BACK!! #badass."

What did you think of Justin's second "CSI" episode? Tell us in the comments below!

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'American Idol' Hollywood Week Ends With A Ticket To Vegas

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 06:38 AM PST

Clint Jun Gamboa, Jacee Badeaux, John Wayne Schulz and Julie Zorrilla among the 50 moving on.
By Gil Kaufman


Contestants audition on "American Idol" Thursday
Photo: FOX

And then there were 50. If you thought Wednesday night's "American Idol" was harsh, the final night of Hollywood Week really brought down the hammer.

Unlike the previous night, when the show dithered away with group dynamics, Thursday night's (February 17) show jumped right into it, presenting what host Ryan Seacrest promised was one of the most talented group of Hollywood finalists ever assembled. And, for once, he wasn't just blowing smoke, as some of season 10's standout singers brought it and punched their ticket to next week's Vegas round.

Haley Reinhart, 20, barely made it through the previous round after forgetting her lyrics, but the 20-year-old Wheeling, Illinois, student was back on track Thursday night, growling out a gritty and bombastic "God Bless the Child." Though we'd barely met Tennessee's 24-year old Ashton Jones before — she was in Ashley Sullivan's group the night before — she killed it with a soulful "Idol" favorite "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going."

Confident 15-year-old Thia Megia got no shine Wednesday, but when she got back in the spotlight, she did it again, showing some supple vocal beauty with a cool "What a Wonderful World."

The girls definitely brought it, so it was up to the boys to prove they had it too. One of the rising stars, karaoke host Clint Jun Gamboa, peeled the paint off the walls with his dynamic cover of Ray Charles' "Georgia," a feat almost equaled on the same tune by sultry 22-year-old Tennessee office manager Kendra Chantelle, who traded bombast for buttery softness.

Chris Medina went out of the box with an acoustic ramble through Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative," which was also picked by onetime groupmate Carson Higgins. The blond beach bum played it straight with the band, doing a high-energy, slightly spastic soul shout, while Medina did a Dave Matthews-like folk strum take that didn't go over as well.

Able to play their instruments for the first time, a number of the contestants took the opportunity, including Los Angeles student Julie Zorrilla, getting jazzy at the keyboard on Sara Bareilles' "Love Song." Murfreesboro, Tennessee, emo kid Colton Dixon, who came on strong during group night, emoted his way through a dramatic version of Daughtry's "What About Now," while 16-year-old Florida student Brett Loewenstern strapped on his acoustic for a fragile stroll through Brandi Carlile's "The Story."

Melodica-blowing soul man Casey Abrams keeps surprising, and he continued his streak by being the first "Idol" contestant to bust out a stand-up bass for a finger-snapping jazzbo dig at Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind" that earned a standing ovation.

Already without her ex-boyfriend by her side, Chelsee Oaks seemed distraught when former groupmate Jacqueline Dunford was forced to bow out of the competition due to illness. The Nashville waitress pulled it together and dug down deep for an emotional "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson, but her nerves were evident.

After producers dropped the age limit to 15, a number of teens have proven their worth, none more than 15-year-old Lauren Alaina, whose big personality and charming smile have worked their magic on the judges. The savvy high-schooler kept in judge Steven Tyler's good graces by reprising her cover of his band's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," putting a cocktail-lounge spin on the bombastic ballad, complete with a piled-on-top curly hairstyle.

We just met Jacob Lusk the night before, and the Bobby McFerrin-like master of vocal tics and tricks did his thing again with a whisper-to-a-scream gospel throwdown on "God Bless the Child." It's been awhile since we saw real-life cowboy John Wayne Schulz, but his strummy aw-shucks cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" mesmerized the crowd and inspired judge Jennifer Lopez to harmonize along. The unpredictable Sullivan proved to be the bundle of nerves she's promised, falling apart singing Michael Bublé's "Everything" by forgetting the words and losing her cool.

Other standouts included Stefano Langone, who did a solidly funky "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, and cherubic teen Jacee Badeaux, whose "Time of My Life" by David Cook showed some subtle emotion, even if it lacked any standout stagecraft.

The night ended with deep baritone Scott McCreery, who couldn't rely on the same song that got him to the big dance and had to pick a new one, Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance." He mangled the lyrics, fumbled the melody and seemed to blow his chance to advance.

With only 50 singers moving on to next week's Las Vegas round, the first room to advance included Badeaux, Gamboa, Robbie Rosen, Loewenstern, Abrams, Alaina, Medina, Tourette sufferer James Durbin and, yes, Sullivan.

Rooms two and three got the bad news, meaning the end for Brielle Von Hugel and Corey Levoy, as well as Oaks and Mark Gutierrez. Which left room four to get the final verdict, earning a trip to Sin City for Higgins, Zorrilla, Jovany Barreto, McCreery and Rachel Zevita.

For the first time next week, the kids travel to Las Vegas and perform songs by the Beatles on the stage of the "LOVE" Cirque du Soleil show, at which point the contestants will be cut down to the top 24.

What was your favorite performance on Thursday night? Let us know in comments below.

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Britney's 'Hold It Against Me' Video Style: Which Look Rules?

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 07:18 AM PST


Photo: Jive

'Jersey Shore' High Five: Say My Name, Snooki

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 07:19 AM PST

Plus: Sammi's exit, Deena's cake fight and more top moments.
By Jim Cantiello


Snooki and Gianni on Thursday's episode of "Jersey Shore"
Photo: MTV

Elaborate pranks! Mystery panties! And Ronnie's sad that he verbally abused his girlfriend! Check out the video below for my five favorite moments from this week's "Jersey Shore."

5. Cake Boss
The aftermath of Sammi and Ronnie's blowup is still being felt. But Deena knows how to cheer everyone up!

"I miss Sammi," Deena says. "Everyone's in a f---in' mood, and Ronnie's just, like, toxic. We decide, 'Yo, let's throw cake in Vinny's hair!' "

That's how Deena lightens the mood? Remind me never to go to a Cortese family funeral.

4. Prank War
The cake in the face led to an all-out prank war, with Vinny prepping some water balloons for revenge.

"You do not prank me," Vinny says. "I have brains. You could put Deena's and Nicole's brains together and their brain still wouldn't equal mine."

Then, Vinny proceeds to drop his water balloon on the floor.

"What happened?" Pauly D asks. "Ya just got yourself?"

Vinny went to law school, you guys. I just thought I should bring that up.

3. Sammi Goes Home
Sammi may have escaped Ronnie's wrath, but she didn't escape MTV cameras, which followed her back home to catch a heart-to-heart with her mom about the destructive relationship.

So in this episode, we had serious scenes that addressed abuse surrounded by silly scenes about dirty panties and constipation. Since when did Tyler Perry start directing this show?

2. Cab's Here!
You're just going to have to check out the embedded video for Pauly D's best "cab's here" moment ever. Trust us.

1. What's Your Name?
Snooki got it in with that dude who had that uncle who c---blocked Vinny. His name escapes me. What was it — Mario? Giovanni? Esperanza Spalding?

Snooki: "I haven't gotten it in in like four months, and the fact that I have a boy who wants to get it in? Please, let me live!"

Gianni: "Say my name."

Snooki: "..."

Gianni: "Oh my God!"

Snooki: "No, I know it!"

Gianni: "No you don't."

Snooki: "No, I swear."

Snooki [in the confessional]: "I have no idea what this kid's name is, so I might as well just give him an ugly name."

Gianni: "What is it then?"

Snooki: "Bernard."

Gianni: "Oh my God!"

And they hook up anyway. Gianni, your name is no longer relevant.

What was your favorite "Jersey Shore" moment this week? Let us know in the comments!

Don't miss "Jersey Shore," airing Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.

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Justin Bieber Won't Have Sex Without Love

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 10:08 PM PST

The 16-year-old also says he isn't tempted to do drugs in the new issue of Rolling Stone.
By Nuzhat Naoreen


Justin Bieber on the March 2011 cover of <i>Rolling Stone</i>
Photo: Terry Richardson/ Wenner Media

Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. As one of the biggest pop stars in the world, Justin Bieber's right in the thick of it. In the upcoming issue of Rolling Stone magazine — which is already causing a buzz due to comments Bieber made about abortion in the interview — the pop star opens up about where he stands on premarital sex and the temptation to take drugs, while also inadvertently providing some insight into the speculation surrounding his relationship with actress Selena Gomez.

At 16 years old, Bieber, who has no shortage of female admirers, says he's aware that many people have sex without love, but that it's not for him.

"I don't think you should have sex with anyone unless you love them," Bieber said. When asked about premarital sex, however, he was a little vaguer. "I think you should just wait for the person you're ... in love with."

Bieber also opened up about what kind of girls he's interested in.

"I like a girl with a nice smile and who's funny," he said. "As far as looks, my taste is dark hair. But I don't limit myself. I like girls with blond hair too. I like everything."

While Bieber has yet to confirm whether or not he's dating Gomez, Rolling Stone reporter Vanessa Grigoriadis notes in her profile that she caught a peek of his computer background, which was a picture of him and Gomez against an orange sunset. His manager Scooter Braun told the magazine that the young star is "absolutely girl-crazy."

"Not that he goes after tons of girls, but if there's a girl he wants to see and he feels that we're not respecting that, he will make our lives hell to see her," Braun said.

As for other temptations that he might face during his career, Bieber, who is a huge Michael Jackson fan, said he wants to avoid falling into the same pitfalls as his idol. Namely, when it comes to drugs, which he said he has no interest in trying.

"Are you curious about cutting off your finger? Do you want to know what that feels like?" Bieber reasoned. "To me, taking drugs is the same type of thing. In the end, all that happens is you get hurt by it."

The full interview with Bieber hits newsstands on Friday.

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Jacob Lusk Lets It Out On 'American Idol' With 'God Bless The Child'

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 07:02 AM PST

Judge Steven Tyler tells singer's family to 'be proud' after emotional performance.
By Adam Graham


Jacob Lusk on "American Idol" on February 17, 2011
Photo: FOX

Where has "American Idol" been hiding Jacob Lusk?

The 23-year-old spa concierge from Compton, California, who had barely been seen prior to Thursday's (February 17) episode, stepped out in a big way during the final Hollywood Week show, flooring the judges and his fellow contestants with one of the most stunning, stirring auditions ever seen on the "Idol" stage.

Lusk, dressed in a pair of blue jeans and an untucked tuxedo shirt, hit the stage and gave a wildly original take on Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child" that had him flexing his range from deep lows to high highs, and scatting between the lyrics. His expressive face contoured around each of the words, as he clenched his eyes tightly and flexed his eyebrows to give emphasis to each of his lines.

Jennifer Lopez looked puzzled by his unorthodox delivery at first, but it wasn't long before all three judges were screaming in amazement, with Steven Tyler leaning back in his seat and getting Randy Jackson's attention with a huge, "Woooooo-hoooooo!" Soon Lopez was whooping too, and all three judges — and a handful of Lusk's fellow contestants — were on their feet in the auditorium. As Lusk wrapped up, Tyler turned to Lusk's family in the audience and yelled, "Be proud!"

Lusk jumped up and down onstage after seeing his peers' and the judges' reactions and blew a kiss to the crowd before quickly darting out of the room. Outside, he was greeted by Ryan Seacrest and members of his family, and Lusk appeared physically and emotionally spent. He fell into his family members' arms and wailed with tears, before catching himself and explaining, "I'm not a cryer, I don't cry." Said Seacrest, "Coulda fooled me."

After the auditions, contestants were quarantined in four separate rooms as they awaited their fate from the judges. But it had to be a comfort for everyone in Lusk's room to know they were grouped with the man who just brought down the house onstage like few had before him, and sure enough, when it came time to deliver the news, they all graduated through to the next round.

What did you think of Jacob Lusk? Let us know in the comments!

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

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'Jersey Shore' Star Deena Recalls Dirty-Dancing Past On 'When I Was 17'

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 05:38 AM PST

'Everybody was like, 'Oh my God, where did that come from?' ' reality starlet says of her suggestive dance-team routines.
By James Dinh


"Jersey Shore" star Deena appears on "When I Was 17"
Photo: MTV News

Long before her fist-pumping days in Seaside Heights, "Jersey Shore" star Deena Nicole Cortese was already causing a commotion over her suggestive dance-floor skills. On the latest installment of MTV's "When I Was 17," the reality TV newcomer reminiscences about her dirty-dancing antics.

"When I was 17, I quit cheerleading and started dancing," Deena says on Saturday's episode. "It was great because me and my one girlfriend were the captains of it, and we were, like, making up the dance moves. We got to pick out our outfits and I got to show my dance moves off. It kind of brought my music into the dance team."

With her newfound creative freedom, the New Jersey native whipped up a sassy dance routine. But the high school's staff wasn't too impressed with Deena's choreography. "I remember making up this crazy dance move, like sexy moves, you know, like shaking your butt," she admits. "Everybody was sitting there like, 'Oh my God, where did that come from?' "

Childhood friend Jaimie also remembers the controversy. "Our small town wasn't ready for the dance moves that came out of Deena's mind, and definitely made the teachers raise an eyebrow of what was going on," she says.

Despite the reaction of the faculty, the self-proclaimed "Energizer Bunny" says she really never understood why her routine was such a big deal.

"[The teachers] were like, 'Are they allowed to dance like that?' I'm thinking to myself, 'Yeah, we can dance like this,' " the reality starlet recalls. "It's allowed. I'm not showing any boob or anything, it's OK — God, open your windows," she laughs at the memory. "There's a lot out there."

"When I Was 17" — this week featuring Deena Cortese and Patrick Stump — premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. ET on MTV.

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Justin Bieber's 'CSI' Appearance: A Cheat Sheet

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 02:03 AM PST

Everything you need to know before Thursday's (February 17) episode.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber appears on "CSI"
Photo: CBS

Last September, Justin Bieber made his first of two appearances on "CSI." In the episode, he played a troubled teen named Jason McCann. Amid plot twists and bomb explosions, fans were left wondering if young Jason was more trouble than he seemed.

Bieber returned to the "CSI" set in January, and while on set, he was hospitalized with an allergic reaction. But Bieber was fine enough to finish shooting his big second episode, "A Target of Obsession," which airs Thursday night (February 17).

"CSI" star George Eads, who plays Bieber's foil in the episode (Nick Stokes), revealed that Jason wouldn't live to see another day by the episode's end. "One of my crew guys goes, 'Man, you're going to split the country down the middle — half of them are going to hate you and half of them are going to love you,' " Eads said. "In the context of the story, he deserved it. I think in a way I was also at fault for killing Taylor Swift, too. Man, I'm going to have to stay away from a lot of people. Tell Miley Cyrus not to come on our show."

Bieber told MTV News earlier this month that he really loved being involved in the whole process of making the episode, including his fake death.

"Yeah, I get killed in the episode. I definitely get murdered," he revealed. "It was really cool because I actually — I get shot, like, several times," he revealed. "I fall down, and there's fake blood and everything. It's crazy how the whole process is."

Bieber also shared that he enjoyed stretching his bad-boy muscle for the part. "I'm not a bad person, so it's funny to play a bad person," he explained.

As for why the pop star chose "CSI" for his acting debut, he said, "I wanted to do something that's going to be challenging for me, and it's definitely going to be. It has been."

Will you be watching Justin Bieber on "CSI"? Tell us below!

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Nick Jonas: 'I Would Never Consider Myself An Actor'

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 03:14 AM PST

'It helps to have a couple of experiences under your belt before you go and do something like a cameo,' he tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena


Nick Jonas
Photo: MTV News

For a guy who had his own show, has starred in hit Disney movies and made one funny cameo on "Mr. Sunshine" on Wednesday night, it's hard to believe that Nick Jonas doesn't think of himself as an actor.

"I think with anything, it helps to have a couple of experiences under your belt before you go and do something like a cameo or something like that," he told MTV News of his "JONAS" and "Camp Rock" experiences. "We were able to do a couple seasons of the TV show for Disney Channel and then two movies for them as well, so I've done some acting. But I would never really consider myself an actor.

"However, I do really enjoy it," the 18-year-old continued. "And when the right roles come up and when it's something I feel like I can contribute to in some way, I like doing it."

As much as he's unsure of his skills, he does have a bigger résumé than a lot of up-and-coming actors, and he's sure to get offered even more roles. "Maybe [I'll do more acting]. I think it's about taking it by steps, and as long as the role is right, then I'm down to do it," he said. "It's just about taking those next steps with everything — with music and acting."

Jonas also revealed that right now, he and his brothers are taking equally cautious steps on their next joint musical project. "Like anybody, with the next one, you have to step it up and make it great, and I think that we don't necessarily know what the sound is right now," he explained of what's next for the Jonas Brothers. "And we're all kind of in different areas musically. I think that we don't have the same influences."

Do you think Nick Jonas holds his own as an actor? Let us know in the comments!

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'Iron Man 3' May Tap Shane Black As Director

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 03:07 AM PST

Veteran screenwriter could take over franchise from departed Jon Favreau.
By Eric Ditzian


Shane Black
Photo: SGranitz/WireImage

One week after news first broke that Shane Black was a top candidate to helm "Iron Man 3" in the wake of Jon Favreau's departure from the franchise, another report suggests the director is now in final negotiations to win the job.

Deadline reports that Black is essentially set to direct Robert Downey Jr. in the third "Iron Man" flick but that it's unclear whether he'll also pen the script. "That's not figured out," an unnamed source told the website.

A rep handling the film declined to comment, while Black's rep hadn't returned MTV News' requests for comment by press time.

Black only has one directorial credit on his résumé, but it's a potent one: He helmed 2005's "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," in which Downey starred and during which the two were said to strike up a close creative partnership.

Previously, Black was said to be in contention with other filmmakers also being eyed for the gig. What's more, it was reported that he'd also get a shot to pen a draft of the script. But according to Deadline, the screenwriting portion of Black's deal has not yet been hammered out.

Black, after all, is primarily known for his talents as a screenwriter. In the mid-'80s, he penned the script for "Lethal Weapon" and went on to write "The Last Boy Scout" and "The Long Kiss Goodnight," among other scripts. He's recently been hired to write "Death Note," an adaptation of a manga series, and a film based on the Doc Savage pulp novels.

Check out everything we've got on "Iron Man 2."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

Middle Class Rut Defy Death In 'New Low' Video

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 03:43 AM PST

Rock duo joke to MTV News that surviving execution in clip parallels their '15 years of playing music.'
By Aly Semigran, with reporting by Ade Mangum


Middle Class Rut
Photo: MTV News

Middle Class Rut are not only a hard-rocking band — their no-holds-barred sound has drawn comparisons to Rage Against the Machine and Deftones — but also one determined to push the envelope thanks to an anxiety-inducing video for their single "New Low."

Just before being named MTV's Push Artist of the Week, Middle Class Rut sat down with MTV News to discuss the video, a mini-movie of sorts which features bandmates Zack Lopez and Sean Stockham suffering various executions — ranging from a hanging to a firing squad — none of which actually result in death.

"It's funny, that song, when we wrote it, it was nothing like we'd ever done before," Stockham explained of the single from their return-to-rock-roots debut album, No Name No Color. "Normally, it's like, me hitting loud drums and [Lopez] hitting loud guitar and [both of] us screaming over it."

The track is "a total departure," as Stockham put it, for the duo, and they wanted to stretch the limits with the video as well. "We didn't want to do just a performance video. We wanted to do something different."

After recruiting a friend who "came up with something pretty cool," Stockham and Lopez found something oddly familiar about the idea of narrowly escaping death.

Stockham explained, "I mean, the idea of going from one execution scenario to the next without actually ever dying? That sounded like our 15 years of playing music."

What do you think of Middle Class Rut's video for "New Low"?

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Kanye West May Join Rihanna At NBA All-Star Halftime Show

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 01:21 AM PST

Yeezy is expected to make a surprise appearance at Sunday's game.
By Gil Kaufman


Kanye West
Photo: Ben Hider/Getty Images

The talent roster at this weekend's NBA All-Star Game is starting to get out of control.

The Deadspin sports blog cited an unnamed "in-the-know-tipster" on Wednesday in reporting that Kanye West will "make a surprise appearance during Rihanna's halftime show at the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles on Sunday."

It's possible the two will perform the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy track "All of the Lights," which features Rihanna singing alongside 'Ye, Elton John, Fergie, Alicia Keys and more. It would make sense since that song is tipped to be the next single from West's album and a music video is reportedly in the works.

It's not like Yeezy hasn't expressed his love for the game before, including just recently, when he appeared in the Robert Rodriguez-directed short film promoting Kobe Bryant's new line of Nike shoes.

A representative for West had no comment when reached by MTV News to confirm the rumor, and reps for Rihanna and the NBA had not returned calls for comment at press time.

In addition to Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz has been tapped to play at the game, performing before the tip-off during player introductions. Josh Groban will sing the national anthem and Melanie Fiona will do the honors on the Canadian anthem, while the "What's My Name?" singer will provide the entertainment during the half.

On Saturday, during the All-Star Saturday Night show, Keri Hilson will sing the national anthem and Cee Lo Green will serve up some "Forget You" during the three-point shooting contest. The Sprite Slam Dunk contest will be preceded by Far East Movement, who'll perform their new single, "Rocketeer."

Friday night's entertainment will be provided by Cali Swag District, who will "Teach Me How to Dougie" during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam, which, like all of the All-Star events, will be shown on TNT.

The NBA All-Star Game airs Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on TNT.

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