MTV News |
- Exclusive: Jessie J Says Getting To Write For Britney Spears Was 'Incredible'
- 'Hard Times Of RJ Berger' Stars Tease Season-Two Premiere
- Travie McCoy Says 'It's Definitely Time' For New Gym Class Heroes LP
- 'American Idol' Recap: Jacob Lusk, Paul McDonald Find The Soul Pocket
- Lil Wayne's 'If I Die Today,' Featuring Rick Ross, Hits The Web
- Chris Brown Had 'No Drama' At <i>F.A.M.E.</i> Release Party
- Elizabeth Taylor Mourned By Elton John, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian
- Jacob Lusk Gets His Groove Back On 'American Idol'
- Chris Brown 'Made A Mistake,' Big Sean Says
- Has Chris Brown Ruined His Chance At A Comeback?
- 'American Idol' Motown Preview: Will Casey Abrams Bounce Back?
- Big Sean Says Lil' Kim Should 'Hop On A Track With Another Big'
- Panic! At The Disco Face A 'Tough Matchup' In Musical March Madness
- Nicki Minaj Ready For <i>Pink Friday</i> Follow-Up -- After Mystery Collabo
- Elizabeth Taylor's Influence Lives On In Pop Culture
- Tyler The Creator Wants To Take Justin Bieber 'Egging Cars'
- Lindsay Lohan Turns Down Plea Deal In Jewelry Theft Case
- Elizabeth Taylor, Legendary Actress, Dead At 79
- Snoop Dogg And Wiz Khalifa Boast About Their Stashes In 'The Weed Iz Mine'
| Exclusive: Jessie J Says Getting To Write For Britney Spears Was 'Incredible' Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:19 AM PDT British pop singer reveals to MTV News she wrote a song called 'Being Britney' that didn't make Femme Fatale.
When fans of Jessie J heard that she'd written a track for Britney Spears, many hoped the British pop songstress would impart some of her "Do It Like a Dude" sassiness on the pop icon. But as the final track listing for Brit's upcoming Femme Fatale hit the Web, it became clear that Jessie's song hadn't made the cut. When Jessie stopped by MTV News earlier this month, though, she told us she's cool with it.
"I think [it's a] misunderstanding that just because I'm Jessie J, jazz hands, it doesn't mean that I get pumped up to the top-three choice," she explained to us. "It means that I write a song and if it doesn't go on it, it doesn't go on it. She probably had every major songwriter in the world write a song for her." In fact, the credits for Femme Fatale read like a who's who of producers and songwriters with big names like Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee and Rodney Jerkins all making the album. To Jessie, even being considered on a level with those guys is a big deal. "It's just, to even have the opportunity to write a song for her is still incredible," she said. "As a songwriter, I'm still taking baby steps. You have to write 10 songs to get one good one and, realistically, I don't have time to write 10. It was a good song though." Jessie also revealed the title of the track she had offered to Britney. "I may try and pitch it to someone else, but it was actually called 'Being Britney,' " she said. "So, it's actually hard to pitch it. It was a really cool song, but it is what it is; it happens for a reason. For me, one thing I love about Britney Spears is she is Britney Spears: No one can come and try and steal her path, her lane and that's what I love about her. That's what the song is about, 'I'm the sh--.' " Do you think Jessie J and Britney should collaborate? Tell us in the comments! |
| 'Hard Times Of RJ Berger' Stars Tease Season-Two Premiere Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:19 AM PDT 'Max is going after Miles in a big way,' Jayson Blair tells MTV News of tonight's sumo-suit throwdown.
Season one of MTV's "The Hard Times of RJ Berger" ended with a dramatic cliffhanger that saw RJ leaving his lifelong crush, Jenny, to lose his virginity to friend Lily ... in a hospital bed before she flat-lined. But when MTV News spoke with the "Hard Times" stars, they told us what they really can't wait to see on Thursday's season-two premiere is what happened after a more violent altercation.
"At the very end of season one, Miles beats up Max at the prom," Jareb Dauplaise, who plays Miles, reminded us. "That's the last time you see Miles, [he's] straddling Max Owens and just punching him where you shouldn't hit a man. So in the opening, you have Miles facing the music with the Max Owens beatdown." Jayson Blair, who plays the unlucky Max, said, "In the season premiere you find Max very upset with having his balls punched in, and there will be hell to pay for that. And he's going after Miles in a big way — in a sumo suit." Dauplaise clarified, "Yes, we end up throwing on the sumo suits and doing a professional wrestling event for charity." "I'm going to kill him for a good cause, it's for charity. So whenever charity's involved, it makes it all right," Blair laughed. Whether or not Max and Miles can resolve their differences in the ring, Blair told us he's really focused on what the show can accomplish in its second season. "I honestly had fears about where we were going to go in the second season. I was like, 'We've already pissed off all the parents.' The comedy is so big and in-your-face, and for this show to be successful, it has to go in that direction and break boundaries, pushing those extremes," Blair explained. "When I saw those scripts for season two, I said, 'Yeah!' We went there in a big way and I'm so excited about it." Dauplaise, meanwhile, is hoping his character gets some shine of his own in the near future. "Miles is the sidekick, watching RJ get the girl of his dreams in season one, he gets to lose his virginity in season one — Miles is sitting on the side, he wants the same things. Hopefully, we turn it around. I'm excited to see where Miles goes. I want Miles to get laid," he laughed. Don't miss "The Hard Times of RJ Berger" season premiere Thursday at 11 p.m. following the "Jersey Shore" season finale on MTV. |
| Travie McCoy Says 'It's Definitely Time' For New Gym Class Heroes LP Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:19 AM PDT GCH hope to have their long-awaited Papercut Chronicles II in stores 'before summer.'
When Travie McCoy released Lazarus last summer, he did so mainly to provide his fans with a soundtrack to their "good times." But then McCoy dropped "Billionaire," hit the road with Rihanna and Ke$ha, released a slew of additional singles and, suddenly, nearly a year after the fact, the "good times" still haven't stopped. While he's still happy to let Lazarus breathe, even McCoy knows that it's time to turn his focus back to his other project, Gym Class Heroes. For more than a year, he's been talking about the band's next album, The Papercut Chronicles II, but now, it sounds like he's entered the homestretch, and he's happy to tell fans that they'll finally get to hear the record in 2011.
"We're about 30 to 35 demos deep now. We had a really awesome session right before this tour started, and we got a lot done. We're definitely in the stages now where we're definitely picking the cream of the crop. ... The songs are starting to take shape and come together," he said. "We just wrapped a song with Adam Levine called 'Stereo Hearts' that came out amazing, so you guys might be hearing that song a lot sooner than you'd think. It's definitely that time, regardless of how far or how much longer the Lazarus cycle continues to bring out the sexy MILFs, we're definitely looking to get this record out this year." As the title implies, PCC II is a sequel to the band's second album, 2005's The Papercut Chronicles, and McCoy said the ties go much deeper than just the title alone. "There's a song tentatively titled 'Kid Nothing and the Nothing to Kid Abouts,' and what's really cool is we're bringing back a lot of the themes that were on the original Papercut Chronicles, making the connection between the two albums," he explained. "And this song actually starts off where 'Kid Nothing vs. the Echo Factor' ended ... the outro of that song starts this song, and it becomes this crazy, like, Nine Inch Nails-sounding thing. Sonically, this record is going to be crazy. And these are just demos. Once we go in and give 'em the Gym Class treatment, it's a wrap." And speaking of wrap, the goal now is to wrap up pre-production on the album and hit the studio — with "a couple of guys who I don't want to reveal just yet," McCoy smiled — where, at long last, GCH can put PCC II to bed. "In a perfect world, after this tour is over, I have a couple commitments to take care of, but after that, I'm jumping right into the studio," he said. "So once again, in a perfect world, we're going to have this record out before summer." What are you expecting from the new GCH album? Let us know in the comments! |
| 'American Idol' Recap: Jacob Lusk, Paul McDonald Find The Soul Pocket Posted: 23 Mar 2011 07:41 AM PDT James Durbin and Pia Toscano also nailed their takes on Motown classics.
Producers promised to shake things up this year on "American Idol," but they were back to their predictable old tricks on Wednesday night (March 23), when the top 11 singers once again dipped into the Motown bag for some golden oldies. It was a critical week for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the fact that it would decide season 10's top 10, i.e., the handful of singers who will go out on the road with the "Idol" tour this summer. Some (Thia, Lauren, Paul) stormed back after tough weeks, while others cemented their frontrunner status (Pia, Jacob) and a few tripped up (Stefano, Haley).
After squealing his way through Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" last week (and possibly scaring off his little-girl vote) Casey Abrams went for the big brass ring with Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." He did some of his now-signature growling, mixing Gaye's sweet soul with the swampy blues texture of the classic Creedence Clearwater Revival cover, pushing closer to the dreaded, white-soul belter territory blazed by "Idol" champ Taylor Hicks. "I think you're the perfect entertainer," Steven Tyler enthused. "Perfect pitch and perfect mix of crazy-ass out-of-control ego and that's what makes an artist today." Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson agreed, saying that Abrams has already carved his own totally unique lane. Trying to rebound from a rough week, the youngest singer in the contest, Thia Megia, 16, went with an uptempo number for once, Martha and the Vandellas' "Heatwave." Wearing a flirty, frilly pink skirt with a black bustier top, Megia showed an intriguing different side to her personality, a country/pop-ish tone with plenty of attitude, though she still sometimes comes off a bit cruise ship-y. Lopez loved seeing Megia let loose for once and encouraged her to dig even deeper and try to connect with her lyrics more, by acting if necessary. Randy was psyched to see her take a chance after a string of same-y ballads. With his gospel background, this should have been a slam-dunk week for Jacob Lusk. Choosing Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's legendary ballad "You're All I Need to Get By," Lusk leaned into the spare arrangement with a feathery contralto, hopping between his throaty and falsetto voices while putting on a divo-esque soul clinic of controlled runs. Tyler couldn't contain himself, running up to hug Jacob and scream "hallelujah!" into the mic. The standing ovation inspired Jackson to say it was Lusk's best performance yet, praising his easy way of leaning into the chorus and totally controlling the song by knowing when to give it all and when to hold back. "You know what was wrong with that performance?" he said. "Nothing!" The other 16-year-old, Lauren Alaina, dug into the Supremes' classic "You Keep Me Hangin' On." Opening in a single spotlight and transforming the intro into a slow, soul kiss, Alaina once again tapped into her precocious charms and flirted with Jackson and sashayed all around the judges' circle while singing a very good, sassy karaoke version of the disco-lite tune. "I don't think you listen to anybody about anything and I like that about you," Tyler said to his favorite Aerosmith fan, while Lopez praised L.A.'s flowy zebra-striped, floor-length skirt and neck-rolling attitude. Unlike Alaina, Stefano Langone grew up on Motown, though he chose not a classic, but the 1984 Lionel Richie schmaltz-fest "Hello." Warned not to over-sing it, Langone gave it an odd operatic lilt, turning the tune into a Michael Buble-style, light FM show tune. She still thinks he's a cutie with a good voice, but Lopez said the one-time wild card missed the emotion in the song and failed to connect, instead looking like he was trying too hard to perform. Giving some of her most coherent, cogent advice of the season, the multi-hyphenate judge said it's critical for Langone to look at each song as an acting gig. "You sounded good, but there was no real connection," Randy concurred. After hitting the bottom-three two weeks in a row, Haley Reinhart was hoping to avoid the walk of shame by singing Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "You Really Got a Hold on Me." Her off-tempo, sissy strut version had the requisite soul mama growls and shouts, but the whole thing felt a bit awkward, shouty and Holiday Inn lounge. After a rough start, Randy said Reinhart's Janis Joplin-esque growl and attitude brought it back around, giving them a glimpse of the singer they fell in love with. "I think you may have the most soulful voice of anybody in the competition," J.Lo said, then amending that to just include the girls' side. The singer facing the biggest challenge of the week was bullfrog-voiced country crooner Scotty McCreery. Though he didn't grow up with Motown, he went with the Stevie Wonder version of "For Once in My Life." Shockingly, he sang it with a twangy Glen Campbell vibe accompanied by a wheezing harmonica, acoustic guitar and giddyaup brushed snare beat. Tyler said Scotty Mac took a big chance and ripped it and Lopez agreed, saying Scotty made it his own, even if it wasn't his strongest vocal performance. Either way, it's those low notes he always throws in that continue to seal the deal for the judges and the audience. Motown week was no problem for Pia Toscano, who's been singing the label's songs her whole life alongside her dad. She chose the lesser-known Stevie Wonder hit "All in Love is Fair," giving it the full diva treatment, complete with floor-length black gown, string section backing and a powerful series of crescendos delivered while standing nearly motionless behind the mic. Once again, Lopez said the vocals, beauty and feeling were all there and said Pia could have a Celine Dion-like career, but she needs to add more dynamic stage moves into her repertoire. And, c'mon girl, Randy pleaded, we get that you can sing ballads, but mix it up a bit, will ya! After a few seasons where singers frequently hid behind guitars and pianos, Paul McDonald busted out the first acoustic of the finals and did some picking and grinning on Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' titanic "Tracks of My Tears." Transforming the party tune into a down-home folk rocker, McDonald put on his best Rod Stewart rasp and remade the weeper as if he'd just written it before hitting the stage. Randy wasn't sure where the song was going at first, but he loved the Stewart vibe and the soft, tender notes near the end. "Like Dylan, like Willie Nelson, your voice is that different," Tyler said as Lopez referred to McD as the complete package in search of the right producer. She's already proved her sick dancing skills, so Naima Adedapo's decision to grab Martha and the Vandellas' good time ditty "Dancing in the Streets" made perfect sense. Looking like she was having a blast, Naima worked the stage to the African percussion-tinged remake, mixing her strong, crisp vocals with an energized African dance breakdown at song's end. For once Tyler was speechless, though he did inexplicably call the performance "E to the Z o twiddly dee," blown away that she came up with the dance moves and the additional percussion. J.Lo said she got her first goose bumps of the night thanks to Naima's stage savvy. The night's pimp spot belonged to lone rocker James Durbin, who sang Wonder's gritty urban anthem "Living for the City." Busting out of the gate with his clean falsetto voice, Durbin strutted all over the stage and made the song a bit happier than the original, but managed to give it enough of his rock grit (and high screeches) to make it his own. Reduced to an "oh my Gawd"-ing valley girl, Jennifer was in awe of JD's dance moves and vocals, admitting he left her speechless. Though it opened rough, Randy said James hit his stride during his dance-breakdown middle and brought it home with the Lambert-esque scream at the end. Thursday night's results show will feature performances from season-three "Idol" finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and country duo Sugarland. Who did you think nailed it on Motown night? Who blew it? Let us know in comments below! Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday on MTV.com, following the "American Idol" results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
| Lil Wayne's 'If I Die Today,' Featuring Rick Ross, Hits The Web Posted: 23 Mar 2011 04:59 AM PDT Song is the latest from Tha Carter IV, due May 16.
Lil Wayne isn't a biter; he's just an admirer. The New Orleans rhyme spitter's second single from his forthcoming Tha Carter IV, "If I Die Today," arrived online Wednesday (March 23), and the track is a take on Rick Ross' "I'm Not a Star" from the Miami rapper's Teflon Don album.
Weezy's version features a new verse from Ross and the same production by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League (Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, T.I.), though Polow Da Don helmed the boards on "If I Die Today." According to Young Money President Mack Maine, the song was one of the first numbers Wayne heard when he was released from prison in November. The Cash Money MC liked Ross' "I'm Not A Star" so much he decided to record his own version. "When I was in jail, she let me call her collect/ But if she get greedy, I'mma starve her to death," Wayne raps. " ... You f--- with me wrong, I knock your head off your neck/ The flight too long I got a bed on the jet/ The guns are drawn, and I ain't talking about a sketch/ I pay these n---as with a reality check." Last week, during the kickoff of his I Am Still Music Tour in Providence, Rhode Island, Wayne revealed the release date for his highly anticipated project. "May 16, believe that," Wayne told MTV News. "It can come out tomorrow 'cause I'm so finished. ... Tha Carter IV will be dropping May 16. If you're not doing anything, do me." What do you think of Weezy's latest? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Artists |
| Chris Brown Had 'No Drama' At <i>F.A.M.E.</i> Release Party Posted: 22 Mar 2011 10:11 PM PDT DJ Juanyto tells MTV News the singer was 'all about his fans' at post-'GMA' party.
On Tuesday night, Chris Brown was in great spirits as he partied alongside fans at his F.A.M.E. record-release party at New York's Webster Hall. Earlier in the day, he made headlines when he had a public meltdown backstage after his interview with "Good Morning America," but by the time the party started, Brown just wanted to redirect the energy to his album.
"It was good. There was nothing but girls in there," DJ Juanyto, who was at the party, told MTV News. "He came onstage, no Hollywoodness. He took all that energy from everyone and started performing. It was dope. No type of negativity. He was really positive. It was really dope." Brown also performed at the gathering, bringing out pals like Bow Wow, Waka Flocka Flame and Lloyd Banks. E! News reports that the star alluded to his earlier drama, saying, "I wasn't gonna perform tonight, but f--- it! A lot of whack sh-- happened today." Juanyto confirmed that Brown alluded to the media drama, but he said Brown also added, "I'm really here for my fans." "After he performed, he went up to the balcony and was partying," Juanyto said. "He came back downstairs and he brought out Lloyd and got into a reggae dance competition with the audience. He's really all about the fans. There was no drama whatsoever. When he's around his fans, he has all that love. He's really all about interacting with his fans." Brown stayed at the party for about two hours and made sure that the focus stayed on his fan appreciation. "He just really was all about his fans," Juanyto added. "He really made sure he spent all of his time with them, and he thanked them for coming out. He said, 'I don't care how you get the album, as long as you have it, I appreciate it.' " Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Elizabeth Taylor Mourned By Elton John, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian Posted: 23 Mar 2011 02:02 AM PDT Tito Jackson, Jane Fonda and Kimora Lee Simmons also remember the late actress.
Following the news of Elizabeth Taylor's death at age 79 on Wednesday (March 23), many celebrities have publicly mourned the silver-screen icon.
"We have just lost a Hollywood giant, but more importantly we have lost an incredible human being," Elton John said in a statement that highlighted Taylor's "extraordinary talent as a young actress," "very essence of glamorous movie stardom" and "courage in standing up and speaking out about AIDS." Also admiring Taylor's humanitarian efforts is Tito Jackson, who called the showbiz heavyweight "an impactful person in this industry and on society as a whole." "I specifically admire her charitable efforts including bringing early awareness to HIV/AIDS," Jackson said in a statement. "Most memorable is her steadfast loyalty and unwavering friendship to my late brother Michael Jackson. Liz provided a sense of relief and comfort to my brother at various difficult times in his life, and I appreciate that, may she rest in peace." Mariah Carey took to Twitter to mourn the loss of Taylor, writing, "R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor an incomparable legend who will live forever." Friend and "Blue Bird" co-star Jane Fonda also offered a simple memory: "Elizabeth, on every level, was a mensch. Kind, generous, brave." "Elizabeth Taylor...1 of the most beautiful women n the world passed away 2day," Kimora Lee Simmons tweeted. "Her dignity, grace, beauty+talent shall b remembered always." Kim Kardashian, who recently interviewed the late actress for the March issue of Harper's Bazaar, tweeted, "I am so saddened about the passing of Elizabeth Taylor! She will always be my idol!" Kim's sisters followed suit with their remembrance of the actress by highlighting the starlet's ravishing beauty. "RIP to the glamour goddess Elizabeth Taylor. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Thank you for the memories," Khloé Kardashian tweeted. "A legendary woman has left us today. The world will not be the same without her beauty, glamour, generosity, and gift of giving," Kourtney Kardashian wrote shortly after. Barry Manilow told Us Weekly: "Elizabeth was the last great movie star. And a great human being. What I'll always remember about Elizabeth was her laugh. She would walk into a room looking like a princess and suddenly there would be this cackle that filled the room that would crack us all up. I'm so glad to have known her. It's a very sad day for me." Share your memories of Elizabeth Taylor in the comments below. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Jacob Lusk Gets His Groove Back On 'American Idol' Posted: 23 Mar 2011 08:22 AM PDT Lusk's command performance of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 'You're All I Need to Get By' earns praise on Motown night.
On Wednesday's (March 23) Motown-themed episode of "American Idol," there was Jacob Lusk, and then there was everyone else. The 23-year-old Compton, California, native stole the night with a stirring rendition of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1968 smash "You're All I Need to Get By," and lived up to the promise he showed earlier this season when, during Hollywood Week, he wowed judges and audiences with his take on "God Bless the Child." That earlier performance was immediately praised as one of the best in "Idol" history, and Lusk's performance Wednesday may earn that designation as well.
By no means a subtle singer — as his performances in past weeks have demonstrated — Lusk was able to control the song, never drowning it in over-the-top vocal gymnastics or "fireworks," as Jimmy Iovine described them in a video package on Wednesday's show. Instead, he showed total mastery of the tune, experimenting with his vocal phrasing and playing with his facial expressions like Jim Carrey at his most rubber-faced. With an assist on bass from Funk Brother Bob Babbitt, Lusk, looking dapper in a white sportcoat and jeans, was the most comfortable onstage he's been all season, and like Adam Lambert did during Motown week back in season eight, he pulled apart from the rest of the pack with his performance. Steven Tyler was so moved he walked onstage and embraced Lusk just as he hit his final note. A pan of the audience showed Kirsten Dunst was on her feet and cheering Lusk, as well. The judges, who gave Lusk a standing ovation, were effusive in their praise. Jennifer Lopez complimented the way Lusk held back in the song, saying he made the audience "beg" for the big notes. Referring to Motown's founder, Randy Jackson said, "the great Berry Gordy is somewhere saying, 'Oh my God!' " He went on to say Lusk commanded the song "like a true professional," before offering the following critique: "You know what was wrong with that performance, guys? Absolutely nothing!" The judges weren't the only ones who were moved: Lusk's grandmother was in the audience, and the singer stepped off the stage to give her a big ol' hug. After that embrace, Ryan Seacrest made the unprecedented move to invite members of the audience onstage to wrap their arms around Lusk, and more than a dozen fans made their way onto the stage to offer their praise. Prior to performing, Iovine said there was nobody in the competition more suited to sing Motown songs than Lusk. Lusk proved him right, and suddenly he's back to being in the "Idol" power position. What did you think of Jacob Lusk's performance? Let us know in the comments! Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday on MTV.com, following the "American Idol" results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
| Chris Brown 'Made A Mistake,' Big Sean Says Posted: 23 Mar 2011 06:08 AM PDT 'People dehumanize you and they forget you're a real person,' Sean says of his frequent collaborator during MTV News' 'RapFix Live.'
One topic Chris Brown has no problem discussing at length is Detroit rapper Big Sean. The R&B crooner heaped praise on the Kanye West protégé during a recent interview with MTV News. Brown appears on "My Last," the lead single from Big Sean's upcoming debut album, Finally Famous. Returning the favor, Sean appears on the Timbaland-produced "Paper, Scissors, Rock" from the deluxe edition of Brown's just-released F.A.M.E. album.
"Big Sean is probably the most underrated artist," Chris Brown told MTV News. "Everybody kind of sleeps on him, man. Once he gets his shine, when he gets on, people are going to really recognize how he's inspired a lot of these rap cats out here. Some dudes just took his whole lingo, what he said — I ain't saying no names," he laughed. "Big Sean is doing his thing. Me working with him on my mixtapes, me working with him on everything was incredible. He's going to be a great, blossoming artist. When people really get to see him and he goes mainstream, it's going to be ridiculous." After watching and listening to Brown's kind words on MTV News' "RapFix Live," Big Sean showed mutual admiration for the singer. "Shout-out to Chris, man," Sean said, before adding how he felt about the media's and public's rehashing of Brown's 2009 assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna. "I feel like when you're a celebrity, people dehumanize you and they forget you're a real person. He's a real person and, at that, he's a young dude too, man, and he made a mistake. "Not only did he make a mistake that was real bad, but he apologized so many times for it publicly, personally," Sean added. "Not necessarily that that makes it right or wrong, but it's a mistake he made a long time ago. I feel like people should just let him live." Big Sean also revealed that he spoke to Brown shortly after Tuesday's "Good Morning America" appearance, where the enraged singer allegedly shattered a dressing-room window. "I told him, 'Yo, you the greatest. ... It's people me and your age wondering what they want to do in life that are living with their parents. We get paid to do what we love to do and have people that love us back. Don't let these questions get you down or anything. Just know you're, like, the greatest, man. We making history, you making history.' He was like, 'Thanks, you're a real friend.' "That's definitely one of the realest G's," Sean added in reference to Brown's appreciation of his music. "That's dope that he said that. It's taken me by surprise that he said that. That's what's up." What do you think of Sean and Chris' collaborations? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Has Chris Brown Ruined His Chance At A Comeback? Posted: 23 Mar 2011 12:00 AM PDT Singer's 'GMA' outburst may hinder his ability to gain new fans, experts say.
As details begin to bubble to the surface about Chris Brown's "Good Morning America" outburst, fans and the media are wondering if he ruined his chances at the musical comeback he'd planned to have with the release of F.A.M.E. on Tuesday. "Of all the places not to have a public meltdown!" Popeater.com correspondent Rob Shuter told MTV News about the chair-throwing fit he reportedly threw after "GMA" host Robin Roberts brought up his 2009 assault of Rihanna. "It shows you his level of arrogance and stupidity. He has proved he has temper tantrums and is a violent person, which is exactly what we were talking when he hit Rihanna. What he did yesterday confirmed what an out of control fellow he is."
Ian Drew, senior music editor at Us Weekly, thinks that this will certainly have an effect on his album sales. "I definitely think this is a huge step back for him," he said. "It was a huge mistake. You control how you react. He didn't react the right way. He showed in one breath that he still has a huge temper and he can't control himself. He just ruined everything he had built up again. He chose to act up that way and now he'll bear the repercussions." So what's next? "I think the fans that stuck with him through Rihanna will stick with him through this," Shuter said. "What isn't going to happen is he's not going to be able to grow his fanbase. ... I think you say sorry and put out good work. You can come back. He has to apologize now. He has to be an angel, I think. Now, for the rest of his life, he has to be careful. He is young, but he's had every advantage, and I think that's what makes people angry: To have all these advantages and still mess it up is very hard to forgive." "Good Morning America" has asked the star to appear on the show again, but Drew believes that instead, Brown should take a rest from his promotional plans. As of press time, Brown hadn't accepted the show's offer to appear again. "There's always a way back, anyone can. My advice to him would be: Just don't do any interviews and put out a strong record and let it speak for itself," Drew said. "Let the music do the talking. Let that be the statement." Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Motown Preview: Will Casey Abrams Bounce Back? Posted: 23 Mar 2011 02:32 AM PDT Naima Adedapo and Haley Reinhart hope to avoid a return trip to the bottom three this week.
There was a time when a Motown-themed evening was an "American Idol" institution. Kelly Clarkson delivered such a dizzying take on Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "You're All I Need to Get By" in season one that a bewildered Simon Cowell tried on a Southern accent and told her, "As they say in Texas, y'all did a great job!" Ruben Studdard soared with the Four Tops the next year, and then Fantasia, also trying on a Gaye tune, wowed the judges on her way to the title.
Future seasons would ditch Motown as a whole for specific artists like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, but there remains a vast trove of "Idol" history for singers to mine as both cautionary tales and I-hope-I-can-sound-so-damn-good aspirations. And as the Motown theme returns Wednesday night (March 23) for the first time since season eight, contestants would be wise to consult those reality-show history books before taking the stage. Folks who aren't exactly R&B- and soul-inclined, like James Durbin, should note that there are ample risks when it comes to reinventing these classic songs. Just ask Scott MacIntyre, whose honky-tonk rendition of the Supremes' "You Can't Hurry Love" had Cowell referencing the song's lyrics: "How much more can I take?" Other, more thematically conversant season 10 crooners — Jacob Lusk, we're looking in your direction — might find salvation in Motown. Or not. Anything can happen when the show goes live. Here's what we'll be looking for from each singer. Casey Abrams Haley Reinhart Jacob Lusk James Durbin Lauren Alaina Naima Adedapo Paul McDonald Pia Toscano Scotty McCreery Stefano Langone Thia Megia Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday on MTV.com, following the "American Idol" results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, 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 |
| Big Sean Says Lil' Kim Should 'Hop On A Track With Another Big' Posted: 23 Mar 2011 06:15 AM PDT 'She's one of the greatest rappers of all time, straight up,' MC says during 'RapFix Live' after seeing Kim's kind words about him.
Kanye West isn't Big Sean's only notable co-signer. During Lil' Kim's recent appearance on MTV News' "RapFix Live," one of the up-and-coming MCs she said had plenty of potential was the G.O.O.D. Music/ Def Jam artist. "There's a new rapper. I don't know if he's a rock star yet, I don't know if he's really gotten that chance, but his name is Big Sean," Kim told MTV News. "I like him. I think he's dope."
It was Sean's turn on Wednesday's (March 23) "RapFix Live." During his sit-down interview, the flashy Detroit rapper was humbled after seeing the video of the Queen Bee speaking highly of his talents. "That's crazy, man," Sean told MTV News' Sway Calloway. "That's a legend right there. She's one of the greatest rappers of all time, straight up. Somebody told me that she said that, but that's my first time actually hearing her really say that. It's an honor. That just really goes to show me I'm just doing something right, through all the hate. Through all the people telling me, 'Man, you'll never do whatever, whatever, man,' stuff like that keeps me going." With props from Lil' Kim, Sean said he intends to inquire about a possible collaboration with the Brooklyn rapper. "Lil' Kim's a real G, man," Sean said. "She need to come holla at me. Hop on a track with another Big. ... I need her phone number to hit her up." For now, Big Sean's debut album, Finally Famous, is due in stores May 3. Would you like to hear a Sean and Kim collabo? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Panic! At The Disco Face A 'Tough Matchup' In Musical March Madness Posted: 23 Mar 2011 09:28 AM PDT Will they come out on top against Florence and the Machine? Second-round voting is under way on the Newsroom blog.
Panic! at the Disco came into the 2011 Musical March Madness tournament brimming with championship confidence, and, after making quick work of Avril Lavigne in the opening round, it appears as if that swagger was justified. But now, as we enter the second round of MMM, the guys in Panic! face another tough challenge, this time in the form of #13 Florence and the Machine, who handled Brandon Flowers with relative ease in their first-round matchup.
Second-round voting is now under way in the Panic/Florence matchup over on the Newsroom blog! So while Panic! still like their chances of advancing to the Sweet 16, they're not about to overlook Florence (or her Machine). The way they see it, they're in for the fight of their lives against an upset-minded underdog. "I'm no Florence Welch, I'll tell you that. I don't have that voice," frontman Brendon Urie told MTV News. "But, God, I wish I did." "[They're an] awesome band, so we're not going to be able to do the trash-talking thing ... they've got some strong stuff going for them," drummer Spencer Smith added. "Florence has a lot of success recently, and it's sort of the new thing. It's a tough matchup." But even though they won't admit it, thanks to the undying support of their fans, Panic! are definitely the favorites in their second-round matchup — and are quickly emerging as a dark-horse contender to dethrone Coheed and Cambria as MMM champs. After all, confidence is one thing; being able to back it up is something else entirely. And so far, Panic! at the Disco have certainly backed it up. "We'll see what happens. I'm kind of surprised we moved on to the second round," Urie laughed. "I think it's definitely a possibility [we could win the tournament]. We worked so hard ... and I think if we pace ourselves, we can come out in front." MTV's Musical March Madness has moved on to the second round! Voting is now open and will continue until Sunday, when we'll begin the Sweet 16. All winners are determined by your votes, so if your favorite act is still in the tournament, it's up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM — but get ready, things only get tougher from here on out! Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Nicki Minaj Ready For <i>Pink Friday</i> Follow-Up -- After Mystery Collabo Posted: 22 Mar 2011 11:52 PM PDT 'I handed in a verse to a very special lady that I think is gonna rock people's world,' she teases MTV News.
Nicki Minaj is still pushing her debut album, Pink Friday, but the Lil Wayne protégé is ready to get back in the studio.
She took time out from recording recently to prep for the I Am Still Music Tour. "I slowed down because I been rehearsing," Nicki told MTV News. "I couldn't do a lot of stuff. There's things that are pending that I have to turn in." But prior to the tour kickoff in Providence, Rhode Island, the Queens MC put pen to pad for several contributions to future projects from her Young Money/ Cash Money Records family and another she was particularly tight-lipped about. "I had to hand in a Carter IV verse. I handed in a verse to Birdman, and I handed in a verse to a very special lady that I think is gonna rock people's world," she told MTV News. "I love keeping secrets," Nicki added, smiling. "That [last] one is gonna rock some boats." Soon, she said, she'll begin the first stages on her follow-up to Pink Friday. Her video with Rihanna for "Fly" and the "Super Bass" clip are scheduled to arrive next. However, she already has a release date in mind for her sophomore set — though she's reluctant to broadcast the info. "I can give you an idea," she said, coyly. "But I don't want to. I'd rather not right now. Because then everybody is gonna jump on the bandwagon and say they're putting out their album the same day." Are you looking forward to new music from Nicki? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| Elizabeth Taylor's Influence Lives On In Pop Culture Posted: 23 Mar 2011 12:17 AM PDT From horse movies to tabloid marriages to AIDS activism, the late actress left her mark.
Hollywood screen legend Elizabeth Taylor made her mark on the screen in the 1950s as one of the last of the great silver-screen superstars of the studio era. From "Cleopatra" to "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," the English-born actress captivated with her onscreen intensity and beauty, even as her chaotic off-screen love life became a staple of tabloid coverage. With Taylor's passing on Wednesday (March 23) at the age of 79, the world has lost not only a great movie siren, but also a towering pop-culture figure whose influence ran well beyond her acting to philanthropy, fashion and American mores.
Since her early days as an actress, Taylor had a striking look that became a model for women in the 1960s. Her pale, pearl-colored lipstick and heavily lined eyes became a style template for aspiring starlets and housewives alike, and the signature white chiffon cocktail dress she wore in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" opposite Paul Newman became a best-seller for designer Helen Rose. It was just one of many looks Taylor modeled in her most famous films that provided inspiration for designers over the years. Taylor's offscreen diamond-dripping glamorous look can be directly linked to the gaudy, oversize jewels worn by today's actresses at big awards shows such as the Oscars. That fashion influence continues to this day, with actresses from Natalie Portman to Angelina Jolie often copping Taylor's raven-haired, smoky-eye looks. In fact, Jolie has long been linked to playing the title role in a new "Cleopatra," though it would use different source material than the bloated-budget 1963 film Taylor starred in that singlehandedly sunk the genre known as the "sword and sandal" epic. In other ways, Taylor was also a trailblazer for many of modern-day Hollywood's excesses as well. From her seven marriages, including two to onscreen foil Richard Burton — both were married to other people when they began an affair on the set of "Cleopatra" — to her status as the first star to earn a $1 million payday, Taylor was a model of bigger-is-better excess. No less an authority than the Vatican denounced her relationship with Burton, which was just one of many high-profile relationships she had with men, including a dalliance with the Iranian ambassador to Washington while on a break between her marriages to Burton. She also wed Paris Hilton's great uncle, Conrad "Nicky" Hilton; British actor Michael Wilding; producer Michael Todd; singer Eddie Fisher; five-term U.S. Senator John Warner and mullet-sporting construction worker Larry Fortensky. Her marriage to Warner became fodder for cartoonist Gary Trudeau in his long-running "Doonesbury" strip, which at one time referred to her as the "last star" in her middle age, describing Taylor as "a tad overweight, but violet eyes to die for." Her teenage performance in 1944's "National Velvet" created a template for the obligatory infatuation with the majesty of horses by young girls that has been mined for comedic gold by everything from the spoof movie "Hot Shots!" to the "Carol Burnett Show" and dozens of online memes. After her good friend actor Rock Hudson died of complications from AIDS in 1985, Taylor became a tireless advocate and fundraiser for AIDS/HIV charities, raising millions over the past three decades and paving a path for celebrities such as Madonna, Elton John and Lady Gaga to lend their names and fame to AIDS fundraising. In addition to her movie career, Taylor was also a successful entrepreneur, launching a series of best-selling perfumes, including the legendary White Diamonds line. It was the latter that also helped turn her into an icon for such young multi-media wannabe starlets as Kim Kardashian, who has spoken often about how Taylor's style influenced her own. "I am so saddened about the passing of Elizabeth Taylor! She will always be my idol!" Kardashian tweeted on Wednesday. From her friendship with late pop great Michael Jackson (who wrote a song called "Elizabeth, I Love You" for his pal on her 65th birthday) to an unexpected cameo as Fred's mother-in-law in 1994's "The Flintstones," to a pair of stints in rehab for addiction to alcohol and painkillers in the 1980s and several brushes with death over the course of her career, Taylor lived the kind of grandiose, larger-than-life existence that we are not likely to see again in our lifetime. Her influence will be with us for a long, long time. Related Photos |
| Tyler The Creator Wants To Take Justin Bieber 'Egging Cars' Posted: 22 Mar 2011 11:54 PM PDT After meeting the Biebs, Odd Future MC tells MTV News he wants them to 'do fun sh-- that I feel like he hasn't been able to do.'
Needless to say, Justin Bieber has a lot fans. From Kanye West to Kim Kardashian to nearly every teenage girl in the world, Bieber has amassed quite a dedicated following. But he seems to have picked up a rather odd fan along the way as well. Odd Future's Tyler, the Creator has Bieber Fever in a big way. In fact, the MC has called the teenage Canuck his idol. In the days leading up to the premiere of Bieber's 3-D movie, "Never Say Never," Tyler could be found online tweeting down the days until its release. So of course, when the two finally met late last month, Tyler was excited.
"I WAS JUST WITH JUSITN F---ING BIEBER. F---," Tyler tweeted. "HE LIKED YONKERS, F---." Two photos emerged of the two together, one blurry and the other showing the teen sensations posing side-by-side. When MTV News caught up with Tyler — and the rest of Odd Future — at South by Southwest, he still had a huge smile on his face. "We [were] kicking it with him for like 10, 20 minutes. He's a chill dude. First thing he was like, 'Oh, I just finished talking about your video, that sh-- was crazy," Tyler said. "He just started asking me questions about my sh--, and it was kind of weird because I was going to ask him sh--. But he was intrigued enough [about] what we had going on." He also said he showed the Biebs how to pose for their photo. Initially, Bieber threw up the peace sign, but Tyler convinced him to swag it out another way. Bieber was really chill and Tyler hopes they'll hang out soon. "I want to take him egging cars and f---ing sh-- up and paintball and just go skate and go do fun sh-- that I feel like he hasn't been able to do," the MC said. What do you think of Tyler and Justin's budding bromance? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Lindsay Lohan Turns Down Plea Deal In Jewelry Theft Case Posted: 23 Mar 2011 01:08 AM PDT Actress will now go to trial; a preliminary hearing is set for April 22.
Lindsay Lohan will not accept a plea deal in her ongoing felony grand theft case, deciding instead to go to trial. That's according to TMZ, who reported Tuesday that Lohan — charged in early February with felony grand theft after allegedly taking a $2,500 necklace from a Venice, California, jewelry store — had met with her lawyer, Shawn Holley, and opted not to take a plea being offered by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. She will now proceed to trial before Judge Stephanie Sautner; a preliminary hearing in the case is set for April 22. Late last month, Lohan was told by Judge Keith Schwartz that had she accepted the DA's deal — reportedly six months of jail time — she would have been found in violation of her probation and would serve time. "I don't care that you're Lindsay Lohan," the judge added, bluntly. "One of the things about me is that I treat everybody the same," Schwartz said at the time. "What I look to in sentencing is, 'What is the prior record?' In this particular case, there has been so much speculation in the press [that] I'm just going to tell you a couple of things: If you plead in front of me, you are going to jail. There might be an issue about the amount of time, but if the case settles here, you will be going to jail." By going to trial, Lohan now faces both jail and prison time — jail if Judge Sautner decides she's violated her probation, prison if she is convicted of grand theft — but the actress has long proclaimed her innocence on the theft charge, tweeting that she "was not raised to lie, cheat or steal" and saying in TV interviews that she "feels great." In March, security-camera footage showing Lohan trying on jewelry and texting appeared on "Entertainment Tonight," who had apparently purchased 45 minutes of tape from the jewelry store in question. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Elizabeth Taylor, Legendary Actress, Dead At 79 Posted: 23 Mar 2011 07:21 AM PDT Oscar winner was one of the screen's great beauties and object of tabloid fascination.
One of Hollywood's most legendary beauties, Elizabeth Taylor, died on Wednesday (March 23) at the age of 79 after spending two months in a Los Angeles hospital for treatment of congestive heart failure. One of the brightest stars in the history of the American movie business, Taylor starred in a string of hit movies in the 1950s and 60s, including "Giant," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Cleopatra," while becoming an international sex symbol and object of tabloid fascination for her string of love affairs with leading men.
Photos from the life and career of Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to being a fashion icon, perfume mogul and movie legend, later in life Taylor also became one of the leading advocates for victims of AIDS, raising millions for research and treatment of the disease in the wake of the 1985 death of her good friend the actor Rock Hudson, who died from the illness. According to reports, Taylor died in the early morning on Wednesday surrounded by her four children — Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd and Maria Burton — at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. "My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest with great passion, humor and love," said Michael Wilding in a statement read on "Good Morning America." "Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contributions to our world." Born Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor in London, England, on February 27, 1932, to American parents, Taylor left England with her family on the eve of World War II and relocated to Los Angeles. Already turning heads for her beauty, Taylor took a screen test as a child and was cast in her first film at age 10, 1942's "There's One Born Every Minute." She followed with movies such as "Lassie Come Home," "Jane Eyre" and 1944's hit film "National Velvet." She continued working steadily throughout the late 1940s and '50s, becoming known as one of the world's great beauties thanks to her piercing violet-colored eyes and alluring come-hither gaze. Playing opposite James Dean in 1956's "Giant," Taylor emerged as a star in her own right, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in 1957's "Raintree County." She was nominated again the next year for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," losing again, but earned yet another nomination in 1959 for "Suddenly, Last Summer." After three straight losses, Taylor finally got her award in 1960 for her peerless performance in "Butterfield 8," in which she played Gloria Wandrous, a call girl who gets entangled with a married man. One of her most famous films was the 1963 epic "Cleopatra," one of the most expensive movies of all time when it was filmed. She met her future husband Richard Burton on the set and the two began a torrid affair that scandalized Hollywood because both she and Burton were married to other people. Burton would later become her fifth (and sixth) husband after the couple divorced in 1974 after 10 years of marriage and then remarried in 1975 only to divorce again the next year. She won a second Oscar in 1966 for her role in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" That would mark the last of her major big-screen roles. Although she continued to sporadically make movie and TV appearances in the 1970s and '80s, Taylor would never again reach such a pinnacle of fame. The actress, who married eight times in total and became a confidante of late singer Michael Jackson, supporting him during his child molestation cases in the late 1990s and early 2000s, suffered a brain tumor in 1997 and would continue to battle a variety of ailments throughout the next decade and a half. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Snoop Dogg And Wiz Khalifa Boast About Their Stashes In 'The Weed Iz Mine' Posted: 22 Mar 2011 10:26 PM PDT Track is from their upcoming movie 'High School.'
Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa aren't at odds on their new track, but the lyricists draw the line at partaking in their recreational activities without chipping in. On the latest track from their forthcoming movie "High School," Snoop and Wiz retool Brandy and Monica's "The Boy Is Mine" and Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's "The Girl Is Mine" into an ode to — what else? — their favorite environmental supplement. "The Weed Iz Mine" features both rappers boasting about their pot stashes. "I hear n----s talk about what they rolling up," Wiz spits on the synth-heavy number. "Smell what I smoke 'fore the bag open up." "This is church music, listen to the choir," Snoop raps. "To burn my kush you must use fire." Late last year, the veteran MC and the upstart lyricist announced they were teaming up for a movie and soundtrack venture called "High School." "We decided to go ahead and say, 'You know what? Let's do a movie and a soundtrack and just become, you know, bosom buddies and do what we do 'cause we love what we do and we love each other and at the same time we know what the people want,' " Snoop Dogg said. "The people want to see the two generations come together where hip-hop ain't about old school and new school. It's just about good music and making good moves and putting something out there that's classic where people can respect it and say, 'Yeah, so now, this was some gangsta sh-- that really made hip-hop gradually grow to another level.' " Related Artists |
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