MTV News |
- Scotty McCreery Will Be 'Smiling For A While' After 'American Idol' Win
- 'Hangover Part II' Stars Promise 'A Lot More Comedy' In Sequel
- Machine Gun Kelly Spits Bars, Vibes With Good Charlotte
- Lady Gaga's 'Inside The Outside': Meet The 'Perpetual Underdog'
- Inside 'American Idol,' Fans Hold Their Breath For Scotty McCreery Win
- Scotty McCreery Promised 'Big Show' Before 'American Idol' Finale
- Lady Gaga Dives And Dazzles On 'American Idol Finale'
- Scotty McCreery Wins 'American Idol'
- Beyonce Dons Her Diva Crown On 'American Idol' Finale
- Wale Jokingly Takes Credit For Lady Gaga's Success
- Drake Wasn't Dissing Jay-Z, Rick Ross Says
- Jennifer Lawrence Talks Training To Play Katniss Everdeen In 'Hunger Games'
- Lady Gaga Insiders To Chat Live After MTV Special
- Rick Ross Took Failure To Sign Wiz Khalifa As 'Motivation'
- 'Wolverine' Targets Eight Directors To Replace Darren Aronofsky
- Taylor Swift Teases Song Written During 'Crazy, Emotional' Time
- Amber Rose 'Will Always Love' Kanye West
- 'Glee'-Cap: New Directions Take Manhattan
- 'American Idol' Report Card: Can Lauren Alaina Steal The Title?
- Is Lady Gaga's <i>Born This Way</i> Launch The Biggest Ever?
| Scotty McCreery Will Be 'Smiling For A While' After 'American Idol' Win Posted: 25 May 2011 11:15 PM PDT 'Carrie Underwood asked us when we met her, 'Your cheeks hurt yet?' ' new champ laughs backstage.
Scotty McCreery couldn't be happier, which was obvious when the newly crowned champ of "American Idol" season 10 spent his coronation song hugging anyone within reaching distance. So will the glow of his victory ever wear off? One fellow "Idol" winner doesn't think so. "Carrie Underwood asked us when we met her, 'Your cheeks hurt yet?' " McCreery laughed to reporters backstage after Wednesday night's (May 25) finale, recalling a conversation with a woman who knows a thing or two about being in his shoes. "I'll be smiling for a good while now, I promise that."
Aside from hobnobbing with the country superstar, McCreery has also gotten tight with the "Idol" judges, who are pretty famous in their own right. "They're wonderful," he said. "When they first walked out [during the audition], I was intimidated. I was like, 'Oh my goodness, it's Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler [and] Randy Jackson.' But after a few weeks, they were just like friends to us. They were just joking around with us backstage. It's been really great getting to know them. They're really normal people, they really are." McCreery isn't expecting to nab big names like Underwood and Lopez on his debut album; he looked a little bit closer to home for that, name-dropping fellow finalist Lauren Alaina. "Me and Lauren have talked about it for a while," he teased of a potential duet. "We'll see if that works out. It'd be really cool." While "Idol" fans know Scotty as a singer, that isn't his only talent. As we learned from his friends and family in Garner, North Carolina, McCreery is a heck of an athlete too. "Sports and music have been my two main things in life," he said. "Baseball is my number one other than music. Hopefully I can get back out on the mound and see if I have anything left in the cannon." Which reminds us: This "Idol" champ is still in high school. And, unfortunately, he has an AP exam to tackle on Thursday. "I'm still a kid," he smiled. "I'm still 17. I'm a junior. We'll see. Hopefully I pass it!" Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. 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 |
| 'Hangover Part II' Stars Promise 'A Lot More Comedy' In Sequel Posted: 26 May 2011 03:53 AM PDT 'It was just utter excitement to play these characters again,' Bradley Cooper tells MTV News.
Given the incredible box-office success of 2009's mega-hit comedy "The Hangover," it seemed as though a future installment of the outlandish antics of "Wolf Pack" members Alan, Stu and Phil would be inevitable. Which brings us to "The Hangover Part II," which is opening in theaters this weekend.
MTV News caught up with the men behind the magic recently, actors Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis, who not only explained Cooper's head-shaving skills, but also revealed that the main castmembers were originally hesitant to venture into sequel territory. "I think it was more excitement once we got the second script, which was really wonderful — actually stronger than the first one," Cooper said of getting the gang back together again. "It was just utter excitement to play these characters again and hopefully deliver a movie where fans will be excited to see what happened. We get to see where Alan lives, we get to see Stu progress to two years, Phil as well, so I think it was just exciting to hopefully provide a lot more comedy for people who liked the first one." Helms has also said that there was some hesitancy to try and make lightning strike twice in a second film. "We had no idea that 'The Hangover' would do what it did, so we were all kind of blown away," Helms told us at a New York screening of the film. "But then very quickly a conversation for a sequel started, and we were all kind of like, 'I don't know.' And then Todd showed us the script, and it was amazing, so we were like, 'Yeah, let's do that.' " Regarding what audiences can expect from "Hangover Part II," Helms said to expect a bit more of the same. "[It's] disturbing, horrifying, unnerving," he said. "Oh, and also hilarious. I forgot that ... Lots of craziness happened on set, and you'll see all of that in the movie." Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Machine Gun Kelly Spits Bars, Vibes With Good Charlotte Posted: 26 May 2011 03:53 AM PDT Cleveland upstart talks to Mixtape Daily about working with the Madden brothers and keeping it really hip-hop.
Fire Starter: Machine Gun Kelly Go to one of Machine Gun Kelly's shows and you might find it hard to believe that you're at a rap concert. There's a drummer, Blink-182 covers and shirtless crowd-surfing. But at his core, the Cleveland representative can spit bars with the best of them. "If you like close your eyes and didn't pay attention to any of the rage going on, you'd be like, 'Yo, this kid is one rapping rap kid,' " MGK told Mixtape Daily of his live show. "It's really hard-core hip-hop; there is no mesh between anything else going on musically. But if you watch the performance and see the fans and open your eyes, it's like a Mötley Crüe concert or something."
Influenced by DMX ("He's my favorite rapper of all time"), Kells began battle-rapping around 2004 while he was still in high school. His passion grew from the corner ciphers to the studio where he would lay tracks for his 2006 mixtape, Stamp of Approval. Back then, the MC who got the Machine Gun part of his moniker because of his rapid-fire raps was just getting his feet wet. In 2010, MGK would drop two tapes, 100 Words and Runnin' and his breakthrough Lace Up. Rather than build his buzz through the hip-hop blogs like many young rappers do, MGK crafted his fanbase in a more organic fashion. "Since we didn't have the opportunity to be on the blogs and have that presence, we had to take it to the hand-to-hand, which turned out to work in our favor," Kelly said. "I'd honestly say, three-fourths of my fans, I've shook hands with and personally handed them my CD and personally looked them in the eyes and be like, 'Yo, thank you, I really appreciate your support,' rather than just them typing on a keyboard and seeing me that way." MGK's popularity grew so much that the Cleveland Cavaliers began playing his hometown ode, "Cleveland," in their arena at home games during the 2010-2011 NBA season. Now, MGK is on tour promoting his music and working on his debut album. Kelly didn't have many details to give about the yet-untitled LP, but recently tweeted about a recording session he had with the Madden brothers of rock band Good Charlotte during his L.A. tour stop. "Benji and Joel from Good Charlotte came over to the house and we vibed really well," Kells recalled. "We went to the studio after the show and we just started listening to this electronic music. We sampled this guy name Skrillex and we made a great song." With some great rhymes, we're sure! For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines. Related Videos |
| Lady Gaga's 'Inside The Outside': Meet The 'Perpetual Underdog' Posted: 25 May 2011 03:40 AM PDT New documentary reveals early struggles, unyielding quest to prove the doubters wrong, in Bigger Than the Sound.
There is a moment during Lady Gaga's "Inside the Outside" documentary when she refers to herself as "a perpetual underdog," which seems like an odd thing for a woman who's sold more than 15 million albums worldwide to say. But then you listen to her new Born This Way album, you take a look at her rather astonishing career, her never-ending tour, her collection of over-the-top music videos, and that statement begins to make sense. Lady Gaga truly is a perpetual underdog, at least in her own mind, and there's a surprising amount of evidence to support that claim.
Before she was adored by millions, she was a misunderstood kid, then a rebel, and then she struck out on her own, struggling to get noticed as a piano-playing singer/songwriter and a bikini-clad performance artist/party girl. And then, when she finally earned a small piece of recognition — she was signed to Def Jam at age 19 — she was summarily dropped after just three months. No one, it seemed, believed in her or her music, no one "got it" (as she repeatedly says in the doc), and it hurt. Bad. In fact, you could argue that her entire career — like all great careers, from Elvis and Michael Jackson (both of whom overcame overbearing parents) to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan (who had to force folks to listen) — has been fueled by that hurt, by rejection, by her belief that she is the eternal long shot. It's why she does everything she does, why she works so incredibly hard. She is eternally trying to prove the naysayers wrong. That's just one lesson you learn in "Outside," which premieres Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV (and then re-airs again at 11 just in case you missed it), but it's an important one. Because it helps you make sense of Gaga's rapid ascent to the top of the pop stratosphere, a rise that was powered by little more than her undying work ethic and that rather sizeable chip on her shoulder — a rise that you begin to realize wasn't really all that rapid. In her own words, Gaga reveals that she's actually been working toward her fame ever since she was a child, first barely able to reach the keys of her parents' piano, then meticulously working to master the instrument: Hanon exercises, Bach, Chopin until her wrists ached. Then, after her father promised he'd buy a baby grand if she learned how to play Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road," she spent hours toiling over the intricate progressions. And she got the piano. As a teen, she longed to play the lead in a production of "Guys and Dolls," but could never warrant consideration because she was a brunette. So she bought a blond wig and she got the part. When she moved out on her own, she haunted the Lower East Side, playing music wherever they'd have her (her first show, she humorously recounts, was 90 minutes long. "I didn't give a sh--," she laughs) and working as a go-go dancer and a waitress to make ends meet. Then she teamed with Lady Starlight and launched the next stage of her career: a theatrical pop star who pissed off local promoters with her homemade pyro. No one got the act, but slowly — by nothing more than sheer determination, it would seem — the duo began to catch on, which eventually led to Gaga inking that deal with Def Jam. When she got dropped, she was crushed. But, as she says in the doc, she took some inspiration from her grandmother, who allowed her to cry, but only for a day, because after that "you have to go kick some ass." And, not surprisingly, if you've been following along here, that's exactly what she did. Six years later, she is one of the hugest pop stars on the planet, an icon and an inspiration to millions. But she's never truly gotten over those past rejections; they have shaped her into the artist she is today. And though they stung, watching her re-live them, you get the feeling she wouldn't have suffered any other way. And it's that drive, that compulsion, that makes "Inside the Outside" a truly compelling thing. You learn who Gaga was, and, more importantly, who she is. And in doing so, you even begin to come around to her belief that she is "the perpetual underdog." She's certainly put in the work to prove that fact. Don't miss "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" to hear Mother Monster herself open up about the creative forces behind her generation-defining career. Our exclusive documentary airs Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, followed by a live stream on MTV.com hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery and featuring special guests Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter from Semi Precious Weapons, documentary director Davi Russo, producer Fernando Garibay and Gaga's biggest Little Monsters. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Inside 'American Idol,' Fans Hold Their Breath For Scotty McCreery Win Posted: 25 May 2011 11:15 PM PDT Crowd gasps at Lady Gaga performance, cheers Pia Toscano.
LOS ANGELES — Country fans were out in full force at the Nokia Theater on Wednesday night (May 25) for the "American Idol" finale, a showdown between country kids Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. L.A. is a ways from Nashville, but you wouldn't know it from the cowboy boots clomping into the theater and the biggest cheers of the night coming for Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood. The support for eventual winner Scotty McCreery was especially apparent in the house. Following the final surprise performance of the night, from judge Steven Tyler, a row of Scotty fans stood with their heads in their hands for the entire commercial break leading up to the results. They didn't come up for air till their boy was announced season 10 Idol, and they erupted in cheers.
The enthusiastic crowd had some other favorites: Early castoff Pia Toscano's first appearance garnered the biggest cheers aside from the top two, and the last-minute arrivals of season-seven winner David Cook and season-eight runner-up Adam Lambert sent the devoted "Idol" fans into a tizzy. There had been rumors leading up the finale that Lady Gaga would perform, and they were confirmed for the crowd when Gaga's creative director, Laurieann Gibson, walked down the aisle during a commercial break and got behind the sound board to steer the "Edge of Glory" spectacle. Speaking of the theatrical performance, the overtly sexual routine between Mother Monster and a backup dancer had audience members saying, "Um, wow!" But they forgot all about the bump-and-grind when the duo descended into the stage at the end, with fans gasping audibly at their fall. A couple of other on-the-scene observations: » Beyoncé has a lot of songs about girl power, but she really lived it when she walked the ladies of the top 13 offstage, holding their hands and celebrating their medley performance. » Some of the audience members apparently hadn't gotten the memo that U2's Bono and The Edge were going to perform a song from Broadway's "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark." When the two Spider-Men got in their positions in the rafters to dive into the aisles and kick off the performance, one fan cracked, "I hope this doesn't go down as badly as the Broadway musical." Um, this is the Broadway musical. » During the finale's requisite "biggest train wrecks" package, viewers were reminded of one mom who really didn't want the cameras to follow her daughter any longer post-audition, swearing up a storm and pushing the lens out of her face. As that mom made her way out of Nokia (yes, she was in the house), one man tapped her on the shoulder and said, "We had your back." The woman responded, "I had to protect my baby!" » After the show wrapped, Ryan Seacrest called the cameras over for one last order of business. With the confetti still falling and all the "Idol" finalists gathered onstage, the host told fans that this could all be theirs next season. "It's worth it, isn't it?" Seacrest asked a still-dazed Scotty. "You better believe it," McCreery smiled. Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. 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 |
| Scotty McCreery Promised 'Big Show' Before 'American Idol' Finale Posted: 25 May 2011 07:12 AM PDT 'Idol' champ teased his first single, 'I Love You This Big,' to MTV News, while Haley Reinhart revealed her song wish-list on red carpet.
The 10th season of "American Idol" has come to a close. Where has the time gone? MTV News has been all over season 10 of the reality-TV ratings juggernaut from the get-go, so it was fitting that we head to downtown Los Angeles, specifically the Nokia Theatre red carpet, for Wednesday night's (May 25) big finale. Our trusted "Idol" expert Jim Cantiello spoke with a bevy of "AI" stars past and present — stick with MTV.com as we roll out our coverage over the next couple of days — everyone from former contestants Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and David Cook to celeb guests Judas Priest, Jack Black and the very surprising appearance of "Real World: Hawaii" alum Teck Holmes. First and foremost, however, are the sonorous words from Scotty McCreery and third-place finisher Haley Reinhart.
When asked about McCreery's proposed single and final "Idol" performance, "I Love You This Big," the sweet-voiced country crooner said the song is a perfect fit for him. " 'I Love You This Big' is great," McCreery told us. "It was a great song to start off with and I was so excited when they played that for me in a demo. I thought this could really be a good one," he added, before promising fans a "great show" on Wednesday night. Moving on to Reinhart, who didn't have a proposed single to discuss (yet), so instead we asked her for the inside scoop on what songs she wanted to sing on the show, but didn't get to. "I wanted to do 'Crazy' by Gnarls Barkley," Reinhart revealed. "I thought a girl doing it would be awesome. I had a jam band going on for the past four summers, and we did that song and I had loads of fun with that, and it's pretty soulful so I like it," she explained. " 'What Is and Should Never Be," I plugged from the start and they told me I was probably not going to get it," Reinhart said of the song she performed during her final week as a contestant on the show. "They've got to pull a ton of strings for that, man. I got the approval from [Led Zeppelin's] Robert Plant and Jimmy Page themselves, and that to me is just the coolest. And having my dad up there with me, even cooler." Reinhart went on to say that there were lists and lists of songs she wanted to do, but never had the opportunity or, in some cases, the approval from the show's producers. "I wish I could just pull them out of my brain, which ones I was thinking about, because I had literally lists of songs I wanted to do," she said. "I did want to do 'Que Sera,' a version from Corinne Bailey Rae; it's a stripped-down, total blues, it's totally different," she revealed. 'I was plugging for it for weeks and everybody is like, 'It's going to go like this Haley [gestures with her hand whooshing over her head], over their heads,' so I figured hopefully someday. Maybe it's not right for 'Idol,' but it would have been a cool jam." What do you think about Scotty and Haley's song choices? Who will have the first hit single? Tell us in the comments! Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. 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 |
| Lady Gaga Dives And Dazzles On 'American Idol Finale' Posted: 25 May 2011 07:34 AM PDT Mother Monster joined by E Street Band sax hero for a performance of 'Edge of Glory.'
Lady Gaga took her performance to the edge — and then took a diving leap over it — during Wednesday's (May 25) "American Idol" season finale.
Gaga, who memorably mentored the contestants earlier this season — advising Haley Reinhart to up the drama quotient in her performance, she told her, "Give them a little, 'I'm crazy and I'm a laugh away from a tear' " — performed her new single "Edge of Glory." She was perched on a mountain top of sorts made of faux rocks high above the "Idol" stage, not unlike Kanye West's volcano-top performance at the 2010 BET Awards. Dressed in a long cape and a bedazzled headpiece draped with hanging chains, Gaga was rendered practically immobile, as she didn't have much space to maneuver atop her spot. A trio of dancers were at the base of the set performing choreographed dance steps while Gaga belted high above them. Gaga ditched her cape and headpiece after the song's first verse, revealing a Xena the Warrior Princess-type battle-ready bikini ensemble, accented by a flowing blond wig and an oversize cross. Bathed in deep blue lights, she fingered at a piano that was built into her set, and wailed the song's booming, summertime-ready chorus. She was joined up top by a shirtless male dancer as Bruce Springsteen sidekick Clarence Clemons (who performs the gigantic sax solo at the center of the song) reprised his role on the Nokia Theatre stage. Dressed in an oversize black coat and a black hat, he was barely visible, but his sax lines were immediately recognizable, even if they wavered in and out of audibility. Gaga and her dancer friend, who were laid out at the top of the set during Clemons' sax intermission, rose to their feet during the song's final chorus. As Gaga sang, "I'm on the edge of glory/ And I'm hanging on a moment with you," they held hands as they inched to the edge of the platform. They embraced, took a breath and then dove off the edge of the stage, landing out of sight, behind a bed of fake rocks. Steam shot up high in the air and the curtain closed on the latest in a long string of memorable televised Lady Gaga performances. The performance was well-timed to the release of Gaga's Born This Way, which hit stores on Monday and is on pace to become the year's fastest-selling album. What did you think of Lady Gaga's performance? Let us know in the comments! Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. 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 Artists |
| Scotty McCreery Wins 'American Idol' Posted: 25 May 2011 07:49 AM PDT Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Bono perform on star-studded season 10 finale.
Either way, a teenage country singer was going to take home the season 10 "American Idol" crown Wednesday night (May 25), it was just a matter of whether it was Scotty McCreery or Lauren Alaina. After Tuesday night's final performance episode, Fox announced that more than 122 million votes poured in, marking a new record in "Idol" history, bringing the season total to more than 730 million votes. And while Scotty looked like the unbeatable favorite, there was some doubt going into the finale, thanks to Lauren's gutsy performance just 24 hours before and her knockout delivery of what could have been her "Idol" coronation tune, "Like My Mother Does."
Two hours into the final show, Seacrest finally got the golden envelope, and McCreery and Alaina gave each other a playful, youthful shove in anticipation of the news. To almost no one's surprise, the name inside was Scotty's, and the Garner, North Carolina, baseball star and church choir member burst into tears, bending over with his hands on his knees as the giant screen behind him flashed "Scotty Wins!" A smiling Alaina gave him a warm kiss, and the two pals embraced as judge Jennifer Lopez walked over to present a microphone-shaped trophy to the 17-year-old country crooner who never wavered from his signature, deep-voiced delivery throughout the competition. The rest of the season's finalists engulfed Scotty in a group hug as Seacrest brought him center stage and raised his hand like a boxing champ after a 12-round brawl to end it all. "It's been a year since me and Lauren Alaina tried out, and me and her have been together since day one and we're gonna stay together. ... Never in my wildest dreams," said a shell-shocked McCreery. "I gotta thank the Lord first, he got me here." Handing the platinum microphone off to James Durbin, McCreery moseyed out to the audience to hug his folks and his family (but not disappointed actor Jack Black), as he sang his coronation tune, "I Love You This Big," stopping along the way to hug each finalist and tell them he loved them while sparks and confetti rained down on his big moment. As the song ended, he crumpled into a heap center stage for a good cry and then a few more embraces for the rest of the cast. The performance-packed two-hour finale opened with the season's top 13 -- dressed in white and silver lamé -- taking a peppy, Broadway jukebox musical-style run at Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." Speaking of Gaga, Mother Monster returned to the "Idol" stage for a surprisingly sedate performance of "The Edge of Glory." Standing at the top of a rocky crag while wearing an elaborate diamond-shaped headdress and black cape that she tossed aside to reveal a metal-studded leather bikini, Gaga mostly stood in place until a male dancer approached to engage her in a hip-to-hip ballet interlude that ended with a lover's leap. He wanted to bring metal back, and fourth-place finisher James Durbin got his chance. Slipping into some studded metal duds to rock the stage with hard-rock legends Judas Priest on their classics "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law," Durbin traded snarling vocals with singer Rob Halford and unleashed some of his signature rebel howls to the likely confusion of many in the audience and at home. Jacob Lusk hooked up with gospel great Kirk Franklin and R&B legend Gladys Knight for Franklin's sanctified "I Smile"; bearded lover-man Casey Abrams threw down with "Kung Fu Panda 2" star Black on a greasy, scat-tastic romp through Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls"; and the ladies of "Idol" (minus Lauren) did a sassy medley of Beyoncé songs, including "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," "Irreplaceable," "Get Me Bodied" and "If I Were a Boy." Things were seeming a bit long until B herself showed up to show the girls how it's done, with a fierce, heel-stomping "Crazy in Love." Queen B got another chance a bit later, debuting her emotional new ballad "1+1," from her upcoming album 4. With composers Bono and The Edge in tow, Reeve Carney, star of the troubled Broadway musical "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark," sang the meditative beat-rock ballad "Rise Above," capably trading vocals with the Irish rock icon in a pleading voice that was eerily reminiscent of Bono's own plaintive wail. The top 13 guys also got a chance, singing Prince's "Kiss," which allowed Stefano Langone to break out his squeaky falsetto and Paul McDonald to do his scarecrow dance once more for Tom Jones' "She's a Lady," before Sir Jones himself came out to bring it home with "It's Not Unusual." Haley Reinhart got to show off her jazz roots during a duet with musical icon Tony Bennett on a finger-snappin' "Steppin' Out," which included a bit of soft-shoe and fancy dance moves from the duo. One of the night's biggest surprises was the reunion of the two remaining members of 1990s girl group TLC with rapper Lil Jon and the top 13 girls for "Scrubs" and "Waterfalls." Finally, it was time for McCreery to get the spotlight, sharing a microphone and holding his own with Tim McGraw on "Live Like You Were Dying." Also getting a chance to shine after mentoring the "Idol" contestants behind-the-scenes all season was Latin star Marc Anthony, who brought some salsa fire with "Aguanile," during which he was joined by wife Lopez, who showed off her dancing assets during a Sheila E. timbale breakdown. In keeping with the judges' sharp use of the biggest platform in TV to plug themselves, Steven Tyler took the spotlight to sing an abbreviated version of Aerosmith's "Dream On," though, curiously, not his new debut solo single. Alaina also got her time to shine, singing a grinding version of Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," with a California-beach-babe-looking Underwood sauntering out to trade sassy verses, with the two Southern gals making beautiful music together. And so season 10 ended with the coronation of the first country "Idol" winner since season four's Underwood, who just happens to be the biggest star in the show's history. So Scotty's got that going for him. Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. 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 |
| Beyonce Dons Her Diva Crown On 'American Idol' Finale Posted: 25 May 2011 06:38 AM PDT 'Idol' finalists joined the pop diva for an all-girl medley of B smash hits.
Who run the world? Girls! The ladies of "American Idol" proved it during Wednesday's (May 25) season-closer when they performed a medley of Beyoncé hits, and were joined at the finish by Beyoncé herself.
The girls — Pia Toscano, Karen Rodriguez, Naima Adedapo, Ashthon Jones, Thia Megia and Haley Reinhart — hit the stage in various red-and-black ensembles and shared the stage during B's #1 smash "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." Adedapo opened the song and threw some sass on it before passing the mic to Jones, the season's 13th-place finisher, who was eliminated during the first week of semifinals competition. The girls took their turns with the vocals and aped the familiar moves from the single's iconic video, which one rapper sort-of semi-famously referred to once as one of the greatest music videos of all time. Megia and the frequently bilingual Rodriguez took center stage and duetted on "Irreplaceable," another #1 hit for Beyoncé, while the rest of the group chimed in on the "you must not know 'bout me" chorus. That transitioned into "Get Me Bodied," with each singer working the stage with maximum 'tude. "If I Were a Boy" was next, with the contestants sitting down on the side of the stage and Reinhart tackling the chorus with her big, growly vocals. Jones was also allowed to flex her muscles on the song, and Toscano soon took center stage as the song segued into "Déjà Vu." Toscano, frequently criticized during her "Idol" run for only attempting big, old-fashioned ballads, came off well during the uptempo song. But then the Queen B herself hit the riser at the top of the stairs and showed the ladies a thing or two about being a diva. The big horns from "Crazy in Love," her first solo hit, signaled her arrival, and she hit the stage with an abundance of style and authority. She danced in a long line with the "Idol" ladies (and a few backup dancers to boot) and ran through a verse of the song, strutting across the stage and whipping her hair like a true star. The performance ended with the "Idol" gals wrapping their arms around Beyoncé in a big group hug, and without even performing her new single, Beyoncé showed that girls run the world, or at least the "Idol" stage. Later in the show, Beyoncé returned to debut her new song, "One Plus One." She introduced the dramatic piano-led ballad as her "favorite" song, and sang it on a sparse, smoke-filled stage, dropping to her knees at one point and shaking hands with the fans gathered in front of her. What did you think of the Beyoncé medley? Let us know in the comments! Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. 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. |
| Wale Jokingly Takes Credit For Lady Gaga's Success Posted: 25 May 2011 08:24 AM PDT 'I made her whole career,' Wale says with a laugh of his 'Chillin' ' collaborator on 'RapFix Live.'
Nicola Formichetti, Lady Starlight, Fernando Garibay, Jimmy Iovine and Wale? While many can claim that they've contributed to Lady Gaga's musical success, D.C. rapper Wale insists that he wants full credit — jokingly, of course. "I made her whole career," he said Wednesday (May 25) on "RapFix Live" of Gaga, who is the focus of MTV's documentary "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," airing Thursday at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on MTV.
In 2009, Gaga appeared on Wale's "Chillin'," the lead single off of his debut album Attention Deficit. Though Gaga had already released her own debut a year earlier, it took some time for The Fame to earn the multiplatinum success it has now, giving Wale the lane to joke about staking claim to her meteoric rise. All jokes aside though, Wale told host Sway that his recording session with Gaga was one that he'd never forget. "It's one of those things; it's a moment that I hold near and dear to me, 'cause she's probably the most famous person in this generation right now," Wale said. "I don't think she'd probably ever get on a rap record again." Wale remembered traveling from D.C. to New York after a long night of partying for the session with LG. "We got here and I was kinda faded a little bit still. She was in the studio with this big rubber ribbon in her hair. She was like, 'Marc Jacobs made it for me; it's a one of one.' " At first, the "cultural differences" were tough for the two artists to get past. In an effort to warm up to each other they made small talk about their respective record deals with Interscope. "It took a while. Once we finally got the ball rolling, it was almost time to go," Wale said. "It was natural though. It's wack when you get in the studio with somebody and it's automatically music time — it feels fake. We were trying to feel each other out." The MMG MC also remarked that Gaga was a hard worker and laid five different hooks for his Cool & Dre-produced single. "I still got the vocal sessions, you might here another song with her vocals on it," he laughed. Don't miss "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" to hear Mother Monster herself open up about the creative forces behind her generation-defining career. Our exclusive documentary airs Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, followed by a live stream on MTV.com hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery and featuring special guests Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter from Semi Precious Weapons, documentary director Davi Russo, producer Fernando Garibay and Gaga's biggest Little Monsters. Related Videos |
| Drake Wasn't Dissing Jay-Z, Rick Ross Says Posted: 25 May 2011 03:08 AM PDT 'I know he wouldn't disrespect Jay,' the Boss tells 'RapFix Live.'
Rick Ross is making it clear: Drake was not dissing Jay-Z on any of his new verses. Ricky Rozay, along with a few of his Maybach Music Group infantrymen (Meek Mill, Wale, Pill), stopped by "RapFix Live" and made the clarification while heaping praise on Hova.
After telling MTV News' Sway Calloway that he and Drake converse often, and sometimes via iChat, Ross spoke highly of Jay-Z, who was president of Def Jam when the Miami rapper first signed to the label as a solo artist. "We all gotta give it up to Jay-Z," Ross told MTV News. "When it comes to this music game, Jay is the exception to the rule. That's the big homey that put me on; that's the big homey that showed young black entrepreneurs how to move. He gave us so many classic gems and so many classic maneuvers. He also showed us how we can carry ourselves as bosses." According to Rozay, Jay-Z's ascension from the street corner to the boardroom serves as inspiration for people from the "jungle," meaning ghettos and poor neighborhoods. "We rarely see a young, black, rich, wealthy young dude carry [himself] with a certain level of class and still get the job executed," he said. "I think that was something if you was black and from the 'hood, it was something that you could relate to and respect outside of music." The Boss then squelched any notions that certain Drake lyrics on DJ Khaled's "I'm On One" and the Toronto rapper's own "Dreams Money Can Buy" were thinly veiled shots at Hov. "I know when those records are released and those vibes are in the air, I know the certain excitement that people anticipate and want to make it into," Ross explained. "But I know Drake, and I know when he's writing, he's most definitely being the most creative, but I know he wouldn't disrespect Jay." Do you think Drake was going after Jay-Z in his verses? Tell us in the comments. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Jennifer Lawrence Talks Training To Play Katniss Everdeen In 'Hunger Games' Posted: 25 May 2011 02:17 AM PDT 'I've done archery for about six weeks, rock climbing, tree climbing and combat and running and vaulting,' star tells MTV News.
For all the "The Hunger Games" fans out there — and we're talking about those who've been onboard since reading (and likely becoming obsessed with) author Suzanne Collins' spellbinding dystopian trilogy — the news surrounding Lionsgate's big-screen adaptation has been almost as intriguing as the books themselves.
MTV News has been hot on the trail of as many details we can muster, and we were lucky enough to chat recently with the young woman who will be Katniss Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence, about landing the coveted role. "I was a huge fan of the books before I even really knew about the movies," Lawrence said. "I met with [director] Gary Ross, and we had a very long, nice meeting before the audition," she explained. "And then by the time the audition came around, we were familiar with each other." Lawrence also spoke about the intense amount of training she's undergone to prepare for Katniss' intense action sequences. "It's lots of training, but the training is actually really fun," she revealed. "I've done archery for about six weeks, rock climbing, tree climbing and combat and running and vaulting," she said. "Also yoga and things like that to stay cat-like." The 20-year-old has also addressed the group of folks who took to the Internet to express their less-than-pleased opinions about Lawrence's casting as Katniss. "I wasn't aware that everybody was so upset until I after I got my hair dyed, and people were like, 'Oh my gosh, blond hair can turn brown. Wow. It's a miracle,' " she joked. "So now is the only time that I'm being told that people hated me at first." Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. |
| Lady Gaga Insiders To Chat Live After MTV Special Posted: 25 May 2011 01:24 AM PDT Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter of Semi Precious Weapons and more join MTV News' rock critic for an in-depth convo at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.com.
On Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, MTV will premiere "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," an in-depth documentary that tells the story of the singer's voyage from Lower East Side oddball to the biggest pop star on the planet ... in Gaga's own words, of course.
In fact, those words are so compelling that we've decided to continue the conversation immediately after the doc's premiere, with "Lady Gaga: The After-Show," a live stream hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.com. The after-show will delve deeper into Gaga's early days, her creative process and her meteoric rise to fame, as told by those who know her best: Friend and collaborator Lady Starlight, Born This Way producer Fernando Garibay, tourmate Justin Tranter of Semi Precious Weapons and "Inside the Outside" director Davi Russo will all appear on the stream. We'll also be unveiling an exclusive deleted scene from the "Inside the Outside" documentary. And, of course, the whole thing will go down before an audience of Gaga's most fervent fans — and viewers can even submit their comments and questions using the hashtag #MTVGaga. "Lady Gaga: The After-Show" will stream live on MTV.com beginning at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday and will be followed by an encore presentation of the "Inside the Outside" documentary. If you're looking for your fix of all things Gaga, then MTV and MTV.com are the place to get it! Tune in Thursday for the premiere of "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" at 9 p.m. ET/PT, then switch over to MTV.com to take part in the "After-Show." Don't miss "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" to hear Mother Monster herself open up about the creative forces behind her generation-defining career. Our exclusive documentary airs Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, followed by a live stream on MTV.com hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery and featuring special guests Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter from Semi Precious Weapons, documentary director Davi Russo, producer Fernando Garibay and Gaga's biggest Little Monsters. Related Videos |
| Rick Ross Took Failure To Sign Wiz Khalifa As 'Motivation' Posted: 25 May 2011 03:48 AM PDT 'At the time, Maybach Music wasn't really where we were supposed to be,' Ross says on 'RapFix Live'
Before he got to signing Wale, Meek Mill and Pill, Rick Ross was eyeing 2010 MTV News Breakthrough MC Wiz Khalifa to join his Maybach Music Group. Actually, it was on the first episode of "RapFix Live" last year where Ross first revealed his intentions to sign Khalifa.
Instead of MMG, Wiz, who was already signed to Pittsburgh indie Rostrum, took his talents to Atlantic Records, where he released his debut album, Rolling Papers, this past March. On Wednesday's (May 25) "RapFix Live," Rozay revealed to Sway that his attempts to sign the "Black and Yellow" MC were real, and when Wiz didn't sign with the rotund rapper, Ross took that as motivation. "I actually flew Wiz down, I flew Curren$y down to my studio in Atlanta. We recorded some records, we Ustreamed, we put some fruit loops in the air, and we just kinda talked music," Ross said. "And I put the proposition out there. But at the time, Maybach Music wasn't really where we were supposed to be, which was a lot of motivation." Rather than hold a grudge, Ricky Rozay actually applauds Wiz's decision. "The homey made a great decision, going to Atlantic Records. He's released a classic album, and I wish him much success," he told Sway. "But it also inspired me and it also reassured me that I had a certain eye. I remember when I put Wiz on the 'Super High' remix, a lot of people was like, 'Why would you put a rookie on your record?' " In the end, seeing Khalifa's success helped Ross trust his vision and, in turn, build his MMG roster, who released their first compilation, Self Made, on Monday. Do you think Wiz made the right call? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| 'Wolverine' Targets Eight Directors To Replace Darren Aronofsky Posted: 25 May 2011 04:40 AM PDT 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' helmer Doug Liman and 'Training Day' 's Antoine Fuqua reportedly among those in contention.
In March, just as Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan" had crossed the $100 million mark domestically on its way to a superhero flick-like $310 million global haul, the director ditched his plans to helm an actual comic book film. In announcing his plans to depart the Hugh Jackman-starring "The Wolverine," Aronofsky cited the project's lengthy production schedule and said, "I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time." Ever since, "Wolverine" has been wandering in the swirling winds of online rumors, as the likes of David Slade ("New Moon") and Duncan Jones ("The Source Code") were said to have interest in taking on helming duties. Now, according to Variety, Fox has narrowed the directorial search to eight candidates: José Padilha ("Elite Squad 1"), Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith"), Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day"), Mark Romanek ("Never Let Me Go"), Justin Lin ("Fast Five"), Gavin O'Connor (the forthcoming "Warrior"), James Mangold ("Knight and Day") and Gary Shore (a director of commercials). As Variety points out, the studio is targeting a diverse group of directors, from ones with blockbuster experience (Liman, Lin, Mangold) to music video skills (Romanek) to relatively untested talents (Shore). That's hardly a surprise. Aronofsky, after all, had been known as more of an art-house darling than a director ready — and interested — in taking on more commercial fare. Although Fox is pushing forward with "Wolverine," the project still has many question marks clouding its future. The film is said to take place largely in Japan, and the recent earthquakes there have reportedly disrupted plans to shoot on location. "Fox is very anxious to make the movie and we're moving ahead full steam to find another director," Jackman said in March. "We need to find another director and once we've found that, we'll be able to know." Who would you like to see at the helm of "Wolverine"? Tell us in the comments! For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com. |
| Taylor Swift Teases Song Written During 'Crazy, Emotional' Time Posted: 25 May 2011 09:02 AM PDT 'It'll probably be on the next record,' she tells MTV News' Sway.
Taylor Swift sat down with MTV News on Tuesday night to chat about her latest music video, for "The Story of Us." During the discussion about the Noble Jones-directed, Vanderbilt University-set video, fans who submitted questions on Twitter wanted to know more about Swift's songwriting process. She said that touring can be the best time to write tracks, even teasing some song ideas for her follow-up to Speak Now.
With Swift's next tour set to kick off on Friday, the singer revealed that a song she wrote on her last tour could make the final cut for her next album, whenever she feels the need to begin work on it. "I was in Madrid, and I was in my hotel room all day. And I was going through this crazy, emotional [thing] and I wrote a song about it and it'll probably be on the next record," she teased. "I'm telling you that. I'll tell you [the title] afterwards." That isn't quite the strangest place that Swift has ever received some inspiration. During the sit-down, she opened up about getting an idea for a song and having to be creative about how she jotted it down. "The weirdest [place] I have ever written a song is probably in an airport, and I got an idea so fast that I had to run to the bathroom at the airport, grab a paper towel and write lyrics on the paper towel," she explained. "I still have it. I still have it in a box in my room." Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Amber Rose 'Will Always Love' Kanye West Posted: 25 May 2011 02:23 AM PDT 'People think me and Kanye are enemies,' Amber Rose tells Vibe magazine.
Amber Rose may have a new love in Pittsburgh rap rookie Wiz Khalifa, but the bald beauty still has a special place in her heart for ex Kanye West. Rose, who will grace the cover of Vibe's 2011 Sexy Issue (Rick Ross is on the other) dished about Yeezy in her feature story, titled "Amber Rose's Life Doesn't Suck." Rose holds no hard feelings despite her breakup with 'Ye; actually, she still holds the rapper in high regard.
"People think me and Kanye are enemies, and we are not enemies. He wants the best for me, still," she said in the magazine. "Let me say this: I still love Kanye. I will always love him as a person. I will always love him for what he's done for me. I still always have that soft spot in my heart for him. I am not in love with him. I do not look at him in a sexual way anymore. I'm in love with someone else. I still love him as a person and want him to find happiness like I did. Everyone deserves that." The model also admitted that she briefly dated New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush post-Yeezy, and of course she is now dating Wiz. Though she takes quite a bit of criticism for courting such famous fellows and for her newfound fame, Amber insists that she is just living her life. "What am I supposed to do? Crawl up in a corner and die 'cause I'm not with Kanye anymore? Am I supposed to go back to the strip club and not take these opportunities that I have?" To read the rest of Amber Rose's Vibe story, pick up the June/July issue on stands June 6. What do you think about Amber's Kanye comments? Let us know below! Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Glee'-Cap: New Directions Take Manhattan Posted: 25 May 2011 09:05 AM PDT Of course, the Broadway antics were nothing compared to a perfect 'Klaine' moment in the season finale.
There was much excitement surrounding the "Glee" finale's New York setting this week. But despite the show's use of our hometown, original songs and some Broadway tie-ins, it was a special scene in Ohio that made the episode for us. Rap along, Gleeks! [Rapping to the tune of "Empire State of Mind."]
Season two finale Will puts them on lockdown Holy crap, Charice is back. Quinn is super jealous Schue ditches his Broadway dreams, [A second Jim enters, wearing sunglasses and singing.] [First Jim raps some more.] [Jim 2 enters again, singing.] [Jim 1 and 2 both sing.] And that was "Glee." Related Videos |
| 'American Idol' Report Card: Can Lauren Alaina Steal The Title? Posted: 25 May 2011 09:14 AM PDT Singer overcame vocal problems for a great performance of Carrie Underwood's 'Flat on the Floor,' but our money's on Scotty McCreery.
Contrary to our earlier predictions, "American Idol" on Tuesday night was indeed packed with surprises — just none that had anything to do with Scotty McCreery's and Lauren Alaina's performances. The two finalists, as expected, kept the penultimate "Idol" a strictly country affair.
Instead, the shocking twists and turns took place before and between the singers' onstage appearances (though, sadly, not even these oddities could turn the show into a particularly compelling viewing experience). Ryan Seacrest hit pause on the proceedings just minutes after they began, telling the audience (as had been widely reported online) that Lauren had severely strained her vocal chords but wouldn't bow out of the competition. "I'm here. I'm ready to sing," she said, attempting to maintain her composure. "And I'm fine — don't worry about me." So much for the possibility of Haley Reinhart rising up from the heap of "Idol" castoffs to challenge Scotty for the win. No sooner had the 17-year-old country boy finished his first performance than Seacrest rushed through the voting numbers and tossed to commercial. What, Randy Jackson doesn't get to weigh in with a "yo dog" this and "for me for you" that? Steven Tyler doesn't get to see how times he can say "beautiful" in a 15-second sound bite? As our MTV News colleague Jim Cantiello put it, "I guess 'Idol' producers finally realized what viewers have been saying for months: These judges are useless." Randy, Steven and Jennifer Lopez, in fact, wouldn't get a chance to offer up their opinions until after the second set of performances, by which time one thing was clear: If you aren't a country fan, this show was a super-boring affair. But a hoedown is what voters wanted in this "Idol" finale, and who are we to argue? Our job, instead, is to line 'em all up and lay down some grades. It's time for our final "American Idol" report card of the year! Excellent Lauren Alaina: "Flat on the Floor" by Carrie Underwood Early in May, Lauren's take on this track stood as a sort of comeback moment for the teen: After weeks of tentative performances in which the carefree and confident Lauren we knew seemed to disappear under the sweat-inducing reality-show spotlight, the singer stormed back. We had to stop ourselves from aping Randy and declaring, "She's back, baby!" On Tuesday, she took that performance up a notch, not in spite of but perhaps because of her injured instrument. There was a welcome raspy quality to her vocals, and she overcame some initial nervousness to really let loose. Good Scotty McCreery: "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry When Scotty performed this tune a few weeks ago, we marveled at the kid's swagger: He skipped around the stage, busted out a little call-and-response with the backup singers, and generally seemed to have reached a new level in his onstage persona. This time around, both by comparison and on its own, the performance was a bit of a letdown. Sure it had all sorts of energy, but Scotty mumbled his way through the early lines and didn't soar to the kinetic heights he had before. It was a perfectly good performance, but it was by no means great. Scotty McCreery: "Check Yes or No" by George Strait Back in April when Scotty took on a Strait song, he let his vocals stretch further than at any point in the season. Yet he still stayed within his country comfort zone. It was a winning combination. "Check Yes or No" was another winner, though his vocals didn't necessarily have the power to compete with all that instrumentation. Still, Scotty held his guitar like Elvis, wagged his eyebrows like a patient undergoing electroshock therapy and somehow came out looking like a future country superstar. With Scotty standing up there in a row with the band, the stage presented something of an "Idol" hero shot. Lauren Alaina: "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis We know Carrie Underwood's heart was in the right place when she selected this song for Lauren. At least in genre, it truly is a great fit for the teenager. But mangled voice or not, Lauren doesn't possess the vocal delicateness the song requires. Making up for the lack of artistic grace, however, was the grittiness with which her ailment had gifted her. Satisfactory Lauren Alaina: "Like My Mother Does" Call it a brilliant production move or contrived even for "Idol," but Lauren's ode to mothers was about as savvy a song choice as any contestant could ask for during a finale. There was a lovely little chorus, and who except the hard of heart can complain about the unvarnished, emotional hug she shared with her mom during the performance? Here's the thing: By this point, Lauren's voice really was struggling, the rasp giving way to a warble. Nonetheless, the judges fawned over her, with J. Lo declaring that the song might have won her the competition. Let's not go overboard, but let's also be clear: Anything can happen on Wednesday's (May 25) elimination show. Unsatisfactory Scotty McCreery: "I Love You This Big" Maybe it was the video playing overhead, maybe it was the zombies waving their hands in the front rows, but this tune was undeniably, inescapably cheesy. When the song finally busted open, Scotty's notes were flat, never soaring to the heights to which the song clearly aspired. Yet we have to give credit where it's due. Scotty possesses the icy confidence you want in an ace pitcher: someone who can shut out the pressure, step on the mound and hurl some effing heat; and when a pitcher doesn't have his best stuff on any given day, you need him to find ways to win. If you ask us, that's what Scotty did on Tuesday. He didn't have his best stuff, but his confidence in his gifts carried him through. Again, anything can happen, but we'll call it now: Scotty McCreery for the win! Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. 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 |
| Is Lady Gaga's <i>Born This Way</i> Launch The Biggest Ever? Posted: 25 May 2011 01:09 AM PDT Singer has blanketed airwaves, newsstands and Internet to push her latest album.
If it feels like Lady Gaga has been everywhere lately, that's because, well, she has. In the run-up to Monday's launch of her eagerly anticipated Born This Way album, the chameleonic pop superstar has pushed into hyper-drive to get the word out about the disc. In the process, she's set new high-water marks for album promotion by blanketing the airwaves, newsstands, billboards and the Internet with images and stunts aimed at making it impossible to avoid hearing or reading about her second studio effort.
"Her quote to me was 'I want to penetrate pop culture,' " said senior writer Brian Hiatt, who wrote the upcoming Rolling Stone magazine cover story on Gaga after spending a week on-and-off with the singer a month ago as she was finishing up vocals and playing the last gigs on her Monster Ball Tour. "Which is why she'll compromise if necessary to get an edited version of her video on 'American Idol.' She' a pop star, so she doesn't come from that punk or indie pose where certain things are anathema." What's unusual about Gaga, Hiatt added, is that she's both an uncompromising artist and a pop star, with the latter side allowing for unlimited promotion from the seemingly inexhaustible 25-year-old who is willing to push herself to the limits of human endurance and beyond to get the word out. That has included a well-received performing (and acting) spot on last weekend's "Saturday Night Live," her mentoring stint on "Idol" (as well as a rumored appearance on Wednesday night's season finale), a drop in to the final rounds of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," time on the couch with David Letterman and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as her much-hyped HBO special, an ongoing series of behind-the-curtain "Gagavision" webisodes, guest editorships of several magazines and a landmark deal with game-maker Zynga for a custom version of its popular Facebook game "FarmVille" called "GagaVille" that featured exclusive listens to new songs from the album. With a one-day 99 cent download offer, Born This Way crashed Amazon.com's new cloud service's servers, and Best Buy reported strong response to a deal in which it is giving the disc away to anyone who buys a mobile phone with a service contract. You can find it at Starbucks (which is hosting an online Gaga-themed scavenger hunt), in a touching Google Chrome commercial and a $4.99 version of "Tap Tap Revenge" called "Born This Way Revenge" that give fans access to the whole album. She's even squeezed in time to do an old-fashioned in-store appearance in New York this week to greet fans at a Best Buy store. Gaga also sat down with MTV for "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," a one-hour documentary that airs Thursday at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. "I don't know if it's the biggest push ever, but it's definitely big, and she's definitely giving it her all," said Ian Drew, senior music editor of Us Weekly, which just released a special edition of the magazine dedicated to Gaga. "Beyoncé has had some huge ones and Madonna back in the day ... so it's not bigger, but just different. Gaga's success is built on her incorporating new technologies. She was the first one to take over Twitter and Facebook and use those mediums, and that's why she's so big. ... She's been a risk-taker, and that's what it takes to be successful." That focus on technology has clearly paid dividends during the Born This Way push. According to online media measurement company BigChampagne, Gaga's weekly number of new Twitter followers and Facebook "likes" has nearly doubled since the beginning of the month, and views of her music videos on YouTube tripled between the first and second weeks in May, from around 6.7 million to 21.7 million. The blitz has also included the release of elaborate, high-concept videos for "Born This Way" and "Judas" and a splashy visit to the Cannes film festival, where she stole the spotlight from some of the world's biggest directors thanks to a waterfront performance as part of a nearly constant jet-setting schedule that makes 16-year-old pop machine Justin Bieber look like a slacker by comparison. While Michael Jackson put up giant statues of himself to promote his HIStory album and the Backstreet Boys raced across six continents in four days to get the word out on Black and Blue, the tireless push by Gaga begs the question of whether her pop peers will now have a new, exhausting standard to live up to. "I think it will change, but not to emulate Gaga, but to find their own voice and way of doing things," Drew said. "If you copy it, it won't work. It works for her because she's the only one doing it." While Born This Way has gotten mostly solid reviews so far, Billboard reported that it was on track to sell at least 800,000 copies in its first week. That figure, while gaudy for any artist, is below the numbers put up by fellow young stars such as Lil Wayne and Taylor Swift, who each managed to sell more than a million copies of, respectively, Tha Carter III and Speak Now in recent years. Is all this running around worth it then? "Wayne's audience is built in, so he doesn't really have to advertise at all to get them to come out, but Gaga's platform is different," said Leah Greenblatt, music editor at Entertainment Weekly. "Artists like Rihanna and Katy Perry can sell a ton of records without doing what [Gaga's] doing, but for Gaga's core fanbase, it's about quality, not quantity. She has a core group she's speaking to, and she speaks so much and so constantly to these fans, but not necessarily to casual fans. She's got that army who will support her, and all those other casual fans will still buy all the other stuff [out there]." Hiatt said he witnessed Gaga's singular drive during his week in her orbit, including her one day off, which she canceled in order to fly out to appear on DeGeneres' show. "There is no one in the music industry who can outwork her," he said, noting that she has, literally, been watching the "Rocky" movies to get herself psyched up for the sleepless album-release push. "I don't think she sees it as a promotional push. She still thinks of herself as the underdog. She still feels misunderstood. ... She sees it as a fight to get her message out there and to get her music out there." Don't miss "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" to hear Mother Monster herself open up about the creative forces behind her generation-defining career. Our exclusive documentary airs Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, followed by a live stream on MTV.com hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery and featuring special guests Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter from Semi Precious Weapons, documentary director Davi Russo, producer Fernando Garibay and Gaga's biggest Little Monsters. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
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