Selasa, 11 Oktober 2011

MTV News

MTV News

Beyonce's 'Countdown' Baby Bump Wasn't Planned

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:53 AM PDT

'I believe she had a number of commitments and had not anticipated her special arrival,' director Adria Petty tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyonce
Photo: Columbia

In case you didn't notice, Beyoncé's rocking one major baby bump in her "Countdown" video.

The clip, co-directed by Adria Petty, features not only several references to the '60s but also a smiling Beyoncé showing off her pregnancy.

Find out what else the director had to say about the video shoot!

"When you work with Beyoncé, you are not only working with an intelligent and strongly collaborative individual but you are also usually battling with time and the given circumstances in her work life at that moment and, in this case, her personal life," Petty told MTV News last Friday. "So it's an evolving process that remains flexible," she explained. "The target we are always trying to hit is something that feels good and genuine for her."

When it came to B's look, Petty said the baby bump was pretty much inescapable. "When we first started shooting, she had not made that announcement and I do not believe that was the goal. But as the process evolved, I believe she wanted that to be celebrated in the video," she said.

The director added, "It was shot per Beyoncé's availability over a couple of months. She did her Roseland shows and the MTV Awards in the interim. I believe she had a number of commitments and had not anticipated her special arrival."

Despite having a baby onboard, Beyoncé bounces around in the "Countdown video — a lot. And it's that joie de vivre that's captured in the candy-coated clip. "I believe the video speaks for itself. But it is mostly just fun, flirty stuff that feels good for B," Petty said. "I think it is iconic, playful and romantic like the song itself."

Of the many set-ups in the video, Petty shared her favorite with us. "My favorite scenes are the 'me and my boo' scenes, the hipster dance and the sort of avant-garde, 'Flashdance' stuff. The amazing, cool cat choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. and I worked hard in rehearsals to get those grooves going," she said. "And they make me super happy and were really fun to shoot."

While fans buzz about "Countdown," the busy mom-to-be is already preparing to drop her next video, for "Love on Top."

Share your thoughts on Beyoncé's "Countdown" video by leaving them on our Facebook!

Related Videos Related Photos

Britney Spears Remix Album 'Shines New Light' On EDM

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:53 AM PDT

B in the Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2, out Tuesday, features Tiësto's 'timeless' take on 'Piece of Me.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Damian Vaca


Britney Spears
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images

On Britney Spears' latest release, B in the Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2, which dropped Tuesday (October 11), a group of dance music's biggest names have put their stamp on some of the singer's most-popular tunes from the past few years.

Chopped, screwed and broken down, the songs reach new extremes. "It's cool that big mainstream pop artists let their music be remixed by people in the underground, like me," Kaskade, who contributed his version of "Gimme More," told MTV News. "It shines a new light on the EDM scene and how far it can reach. I give Britney props for taking chances and letting dance music be heard by the masses."

Kaskade is one of many EDM artists who appear on the album. He and other DJs who contributed say it's been a gratifying experience.

"She's been a pop icon for so long. I appreciate a lot of the values she brings to music," Cobra Starship's Alex Suarez explained. "She sings really well. I appreciate her talents. I definitely respect what she does and why she's successful.

"I'm impressed people stick by her, and when I got the opportunity, I was like, 'Wow.' Britney Spears is huge. She's a huge name worldwide.' "

Suarez remixed "Till the World Ends" and said he didn't want to go too far off course for his take on the Femme Fatale single. "I thought the original was really good to begin with," he explained. "I thought I wanted to make this as special as I can. I tried to stick true to the structure of the song.

"Sometimes, you get remixes and they chop it up and mix it around, which is cool. The thing with a Britney Spears remix is people like to sing along."

Kaskade explained that he was "excited at the chance to get to mess with" "Gimme More," and he wanted to make sure his remix worked with his musical style. "I wanted to make sure that it would be something that would eventually fit into my live set," he said. "That is the true test for me: Taking a huge pop vocal and making it work with my music can be a little tricky, but I find the challenge fun. I really dig what Brit does, and this song is awesome, so I was really excited."

The album is a blend of old and new remixes: EDM superstar Tiësto, who banked his "Piece of Me" remix ages before, said it's cool to be included. "That already happened like four or five years ago. That remix is pretty old, but it's funny they put it on the album 'cause it's a timeless remix," Tiësto told MTV News. "I was always proud of that remix, because the opinions about Britney are different, but what I did with that remix is pretty special. The melody, the atmosphere is totally different than the original. For me, it's always been a special remix. I'm glad they added that on the album."

The track list also includes "Radar" (Tonal Club Remix), "Womanizer" (Benny Benassi Extended), "Circus" (Linus Loves Remix), "If U Seek Amy" (U-Tern Remix), "3" (Manhattan Clique Club Remix), "I Wanna Go" (Gareth Emery Remix) and "Criminal" (Radio Mix).

Share your review of Britney Spears' new remix album in the comments below!

'Dancing With The Stars': Ricki Lake Nabs A Pair Of 10's

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 04:52 AM PDT

Next closest competitor is war hero J.R. Martinez, who went from tears last week to a humorous dance.
By Kelley L. Carter


Ricki Lake and Derek Hough
Photo: ABC

It was movie night on Monday night's "Dancing With the Stars," and the celebrities and their dance partners were hoping their stories would be the box-office draw with the judges.

Once again, former talk-show host Ricki Lake ended up on top of the board, earning this season's first perfect 10 scores from two of the three judges.

Here's how everyone fared:

Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani
The couple danced the tango to the "Mission Impossible" theme song, and the judges noted the mistakes Phillips made in her routine. But they were merciful in their comments, saying that what she did right was beautiful and that she didn't lose her composure. "The challenge is for the professional," said head judge Len Goodman. "They've got to maintain the character of the dance but still show us a little bit of the flavor of the film. I thought you got it just about right. You lost it, you went wrong, you didn't know where you were and you panicked. I'm sure had you nailed it, it was going to be great. Unfortunately, there were a lot of mistakes." 21/30

David Arquette and Kym Johnson
Dancing the paso doble to the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" theme song, Arquette and Johnson were hoping his background in Hollywood might give them the leg up. It did the trick: The judges thought he was in control and loved his attitude. "I love the way you crack your whip!" Bruno Tonioli said of Arquette's Indiana Jones accessory. "Like an action hero! Ready to take us into a wild ride! Watch your turns." 23/30

Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya
Kressley earned a standing ovation last week and impressed the judges. This week, he took on the Viennese waltz to the "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl" theme song, and Goodman said it was like childbirth: terrible and then a joy when it is over. That said, he added that it was great fun, and if he were an at-home voter, he'd phone in for him. "I'm still recovering," judge Carrie Ann Inaba said. "It was kind of like being on the ride. But weirder. I have to say this is your most butch performance you've ever done. I am addicted to your performances because I know I'm going to have a great time, but then I watch the technique ... " 20/30

Nancy Grace and Tristan MacManus
The TV host took on the paso doble this week to a song from "Flash Gordon," and the judges thought her routine lacked expression. "I can't get excited about it. It was OK, but I can't get excited about it," Goodman said. 21/30

Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
The two danced the foxtrot to a tune from "Toy Story," and the judges found the Olympian's dance to be lovely. They thought their performance lit up the room and talked up the chemistry between the dancing couple. Goodman said he thought they could last until the end and win the whole thing. "It made me smile the whole way though," Inaba added. "This show is about beating our expectations, and that was exactly that. It was so refreshing to see you out there having fun. Well done." 24/30

Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke
The reality star and his partner danced the paso doble to the "Superman" theme song, and they were hoping to capitalize on last week's high note, when Goodman told Rob he put the "dash" in Kardashian). "I like the way you move," Inaba said. "There is something about the way you move that is steady and just the way a man should be in the ballroom. You're fluid. It all works. I love it. Today, you took it up a notch. It was spicy and had some Superman flavor going." 24/30

Ricki Lake and Derek Hough
Last week's top finisher tangoed to a song from "Psycho," and the talk-show host earned a standing ovation from the audience, which included celebrity attendees like Dr. Phil and Cher, mother of Chaz Bono. Inaba said her performance was "brilliance in the ballroom." Brilliance, indeed. They earned a pair of perfect 10's (from Tonioli and Inaba), the first of the season. "You ... always deliver," Goodman said, despite giving Ricki her only 9. "You've got to get a little bit more neck going. But I tell you what, top of the leaderboard, I think so." 29/30

Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer
Bono and Schwimmer landed in the bottom of the leaderboard last week but hoped to change all that with the paso doble to the theme from "Rocky." His mother seemed thrilled with his performance. The judges? They loved it too. Inaba cried and said Bono was an underdog and wanted to root for him. "Chaz, in the true spirit of 'Rocky,' no matter how many knocks you take, you keep coming back, you keep fighting, and you keep getting stronger," Tonioli said. 21/30

J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff
The war hero did the foxtrot to the "Pink Panther" theme. It was a whimsical way to chase last week's emotional dance that had the judges (and nearly everyone in the audience) in tears. This week, the judges were mixed. Goodman crowned him the best male dancer and liked his tweak of humor and Tonioli liked his technique, but Inaba wasn't all that impressed. "I thought it was OK," she said to loud boos from the audience. "I love your frame. The technique is all there. But for some reason, this fell a little flat for me. I think it's the humor. You didn't need the humor. I think the humor didn't quite make it tonight for me." 26/30

Did you expect Ricki Lake to get the season's first 10's? Let us know in the comments!

Related Photos

'Jersey Shore' Star Vinny Tries To Combat 'Viciousness'

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:53 AM PDT

On 'DISconnected' after show, Vinny Guadagnino talks online bullying: 'I want to help open people's eyes up ... to the negativity.'
By Kara Warner


Vinny Guadagnino
Photo: MTV News

If you haven't already joined MTV's anti-bullying movement via A Thin Line, you can connect with our latest awareness effort, the TV movie "DISconnected," which premiered Monday. The film revolves around four technology-dependent characters who all endure digital drama and suffer the consequences.

In addition to its star-studded premiere, MTV News' SuChin Pak hosted an exclusive after-show discussion with psychologist Jen Hartstein, "It Gets Better" founder Dan Savage and "Jersey Shore" stud Vinny Guadagnino.

"I see the viciousness of people every day," Guadagnino said. "I kind of want to be a soldier in the field, so to speak, and try to combat the negativity with a positive message. I want to help open people's eyes up, like this movie does, to the negativity."

The after show also featured in-depth discussions of sensitive subjects in social networking like sexting, cyber-bullying and online dating.

Guadagnino had two poignant bits of advice to offer on the subject of online bullying and dating: "Don't take things personally," he said, adding that when forging new friendships and relationships in the digital space, tread with caution and trust your gut. "If she has like two friends on her Facebook page and she's a supermodel, she's probably not real," he said. "If all her pictures are model pictures from Maxim, she's probably not real."

Savage recommended an even more-direct approach: "Get away from the ... computer," he said. "Sometimes, you talk to kids who are being bullied online, and it doesn't even occur to them that they can shut the computer and walk away from it. The bullies can't chase them out of the computer and across the house to another room. You can disconnect."

Check out the Facebook page for "DISconnected."

Related Videos

Occupy Wall Street: A Guided Tour

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:53 AM PDT

MTV News gets an inside look at the infrastructure built up to support New York demonstrators.
By Joel Hanek, with additional reporting by Steven Roberts


Photo: Getty Images

NEW YORK — Although the unseasonably warm weather has been favorable to Occupy Wall Street protesters who have set up shop in Zuccotti Park, the logistics and potential problems of living in a public space are not lost on the occupiers. Early concerns about basic needs and safety for the demonstrators quickly spawned a democratic system to provide resources for those on the ground who need them.

Colin Harris-Mctigue, a volunteer organizer and coordinator of the outreach program for Occupy Wall Street, has been frequenting the park (now deemed "Liberty Park" by protesters) since the movement's first day, on September 17.

"There was a loose conglomeration of people, and no one really had any idea of what was going on," Harris-Mctigue explained of the early days on the ground. Although there is no hierarchical system, groups began to form naturally. "The way [the outreach program] started was one day at 3 o'clock, we stood up and said, 'Does anyone want to join an outreach committee?' And that was the foundation. It was two people. And from there, we now have over 2,000 in our data list."

Among the makeshift facilities on site are a kitchen, a compost station, a medical center, a comfort station where blankets and clothes are donated, a translation service, a legal service, a press center, an information center, charging stations and a multimedia library. All of the on-site staff who work the centers are volunteer and all food and goods are made possible by donations.

The infrastructure established by the protesters is a reflection of their ideals: They are demonstrating effective community living and sharing.

"I don't want to speak for everyone, but I believe everyone here desires equality in the United States in one form or another," Harris-Mctigue said. "I think that's what everyone's different aspirations and issues boil down to — having a fair share of the pie. It's not all economic equality. It's racial equality, sexual equality and everything that you can imagine. That's what the '99 percent' means to me."

Share your thoughts on the ongoing Wall Street protests in the comments below.

Related Videos

Kanye West Joins Occupy Wall Street Protesters

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 03:47 AM PDT

Russell Simmons also takes part, calling the demonstrators 'our future leaders.'
By Kara Warner


Kanye West appears at the Occupy Wall Street demonstration on October 10
Photo: Timothy A. Clary / Getty Images

With a group of protesters that has grown steadily in numbers, the Occupy Wall Street movement received a one-two celebrity punch Monday (October 10) in the form of supporters Kanye West and Russell Simmons.

The hip-hop heavyweights caused a stir when they visited the demonstrators' "base camp" at Zuccotti Park, where Simmons appeared on Al Sharpton's radio show to speak in support of the group's efforts.

"People are here with an honest heart and honest intentions," Simmons said, according to New York's Daily News. "These young people are our future leaders.

"I'm happy to pay a little more taxes if it means better education for our children," he added. "I don't pay enough taxes, and I know it."

Simmons and West are the latest celebs to jump onboard the Occupy Wall Street movement. When MTV News caught up with Talib Kweli last week, he spoke out about why he's in full support of the protests.

"There's no other place in New York City to be," Kweli told us. "People are taking their destiny in their own hands. This is one of the most American, if not the most American, things that I've ever seen.

"When I see things like Occupy Wall Street, I just try to align myself with things that make sense," he continued. "Shame on me if I know something and don't spread it, you know? If I know, it becomes my responsibility to spread the information."

Occupy Wall Street, which has also spread to cities like Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles, marked its 24th day of protest Monday.

Related Videos Related Artists

Beyonce Puts 'Love On Top' In New Video Tease

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 08:28 AM PDT

Queen B is reportedly set to release her latest 4 video this week, just a week after she dropped 'Countdown.'
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyonce in the "Love on Top" music video teaser
Photo: Columbia

Just days after she released her video for "Countdown," are you feeling like you already need a new Beyoncé video? No problem. Queen B's got your back!

Even though she just released the Adria Petty-directed, retro-fied clip for "Countdown" last Thursday on MTV and her "Party" clip is waiting in the wings, Beyoncé isn't holding back her video for "Love on Top." A teaser for the latest single from 4 dropped over the weekend.

Find out what the "Countdown" director had to say about B's video shoot!

The short clip features Beyoncé in an all-black spandex bodysuit, rocking a bedazzled captain's hat, tights and high-top sneakers. She shimmies in perfect step with her all-male backup singers as she smiles her way through the song. The video has the appearance of a performance rehearsal taking place in a loft space full of windows.

While her baby bump was on full display in her "Countdown" video, she doesn't appear to be rocking one in this video. Essence.com reported that the video is slated to drop this week, though no further details are available.

In the minute-plus video tease for "Love on Top," we see B on the same set with the same group of dancers — a far cry from the multicolored, manically edited "Countdown" clip that premiered on MTV last Thursday. The mom-to-be referenced everything from "Funny Face" to "Flashdance" in the fast-paced video, which matched the song's urgent beat. Co-director Adria Petty told MTV News that she and Beyoncé handpicked the video's many pop-culture references. "I brought Beyoncé a number of references and we picked some out together," Petty revealed. "Most were German modern-dance references, believe it or not. But it really evolved."

Beyoncé famously performed "Love on Top" at the VMAs back in August. As she danced around the stage in her sequined blazer, it was her baby bump reveal at the end of her performance that made headlines, serving as confirmation that she and Jay-Z are expecting their first baby together.

The video tease is a variation on the VMA performance, which featured Beyoncé performing the track with several backup singers. That night, Beyoncé took the stage and, during the opening notes of the song, told the room, "Tonight I want you to stand up on your feet. I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me."

Share your thoughts on Beyoncé's "Countdown" video by leaving them on our Facebook!

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Hilary Duff Thinks She's Having A Baby Boy

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 04:17 AM PDT

'I don't care what I get, but every time I think about it or dream about it, I see a boy,' mom-to-be tells MTV News.
By Christina Garibaldi


Hilary Duff
Photo: MTV News

Hilary Duff is a busy mom-to-be. The former Disney star, who is more than four months pregnant, is positively glowing as she promotes her second novel, "Devoted," which hits bookstores Tuesday.

The book is a supernatural tale about love, destiny and adventure and picks up right where she left off in her first book, "Elixir." The best-selling author isn't just busy writing the third installment of her book series; she's also gearing up to be a first-time mom. And other than the lack of sleep the past few months, pregnancy has been a smooth ride so far.

"I feel really good. It's been pretty easy, and I haven't gotten sick at all, and I don't have too many cravings," Duff told MTV News. "It's so different. It's literally like an alien has taken over your body. One day I'll have a good day, and one day I'll have a bad day, and it kinda goes like that."

The former "Lizzie McGuire" star is eagerly awaiting the news of the sex of her baby, but she's holding out for two special people to be there to share in her excitement.

"I can already find out, but I want my mom and my sister to be there, but they've both been out of town. When they are both in the same city and we're all there, then we'll find out," Duff said.

We're not sure Duff can wait much longer. "I'm going crazy! Pregnancy is kind of boring. There's not too much you can do, so those dates are very important to you, so you count down."

What does Duff think she and professional hockey player husband Mike Comrie will be having?

"Everyone else says it's a girl, but I think it's a boy," Duff said. "I'd be happy with a girl, but my sister's like, 'You can't keep saying that, because then when it's a girl, everyone's gonna be like, 'You really wanted a boy!' I don't care what I get, but every time I think about it or dream about it, I see a boy."

Duff, who plans to "take a break" from having kids after her pregnancy, is now on to the hardest part: picking out a name.

"If we give the baby kind of a unique name, we need to give it a normal middle name in case it hates it and wants to like fit in better and then maybe we just need to go totally traditional," Duff said. "And we're like, 'How can we be naming it before we even see it?' There's so much to think about!"

Share your well-wishes for Hilary and Mike in the comments below!

Related Artists

'Avengers' Trailer: Five Things We Want To See

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 04:21 AM PDT

Most importantly, we want to see the whole crew together at one time.
By Kevin Sullivan


Scarlett Johansson in "The Avengers"
Photo: Marvel

Last week, we previewed what we're hoping to see from the "never-before-seen" footage from "The Avengers" announced for this Saturday's New York Comic Con. That was before we found out that Marvel plans to release the first official trailer for the ultimate superhero meet-up online Tuesday.

Expectations have always been high for "The Avengers," but the surprisingly little footage we've seen from the actual film has put interest on a whole new level. Fans of comic book movies everywhere have been waiting a long time to get their hands on another scrap of official "Avengers" info, so for the trailer to not miss the mark, there are some specific things we need to see:

The New Hulk
He's the 1,500-pound, gamma-radiated gorilla in the room. The trading of Edward Norton for Mark Ruffalo caused a good amount of controversy, but if there had to be a recasting, it wasn't a terrible move. If you consider the Hulk and Bruce Banner two separate characters, the big green guy is the only major character we haven't seen a single picture of, which is odd considering that we've already seen two iterations of a CGI Hulk. His absence would make more sense if this was something entirely new, but it isn't.

Nick Fury in Action
To be fair, the wait to see Ruffalo's Hulk seems short compared to how long we've all waited to see Samuel L. Jackson kick some ass as Nick Fury. He showed up eight years ago in the first Iron Man movie with promises of an Avengers gathering and some killer S.H.I.E.L.D. action. Jackson has talked up Fury's eventual action scenes for months, but we have yet to see any proof to back it up besides a still released last week. It's time to quit the talk and unleash the Fury.

Helicarrier
Speaking of S.H.I.E.L.D., what is a secret military law-enforcement agency without the signature ride to prove it? So far, most of the material we've seen with the Avengers assembled, specifically the set photos and the footage after "Captain America: The First Avenger," has shown what is most likely the inside-flying aircraft carrier, and that's probably because the film is still in production with effects shots far from completed. With an event like the first trailer, Marvel hopefully arranged for a handful of effects shots to be ready. An obvious choice for one of these shots would be the non-spoiler Helicarrier.

Who's Helping Loki?
For as long as we've known about "The Avengers," there's been talk about who the villain might be. And as long as people have been talking about the villain, they've been throwing the Skrulls around. It's been one of the longest-lasting rumors around the movie, and some set footage with Cap and Thor fighting off mo-cap actors only seemed to confirm it. Other than the Skrulls, Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet have been part of the discussion for quite some time. The Infinity Gauntlet showed up in "Thor" and at San Diego Comic-Con in 2010. Thanos, on the other jewel-encrusted hand, was at the center of a supposed scoop by the Latino Review all the way back in May.

Avengers Assembled
The last time we checked, the movie was called "The Avengers," and we were expecting at some point to see them all together. You know, in one shot. The closest we've come so far was at Comic Con, and they weren't even in character. If Marvel really wants to make an impact with the trailer, they need to give the fans what they've been promising for three years: get all the heroes onscreen all at once. Everything else that will inevitably be missing from the trailer is forgivable as long as we get the big group shot.

Check out everything we've got on "The Avengers."

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

Kanye West's 'Lost In The World' Still Set To Be A Single

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 02:56 AM PDT

Tiësto tells MTV News the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy track, which he remixed, is coming to radio.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Damian Vaca


Kanye West
Photo: Getty Images

Kanye West told fans on his 2004 track "Late" that he isn't always the most punctual of individuals, but he sure is worth the wait.

While at the Big Chill music festival in August, the Louis Vuitton Don announced that he would be releasing "Lost in the World" as the next single from 2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album. Though two months have already passed, Tiësto — who remixed the song earlier this year — is providing renewed hope.

"I spoke to Kanye a couple of weeks ago, and he told me it's going to be his new single," he told MTV News over the weekend at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, where he had just set the world record for largest DJ event, performing for 26,000 concertgoers.

In March, the Dutch DJ/producer debuted his "Lost in the World" remix at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami and has been spinning it ever since.

"The remix is going to come out a lot later than expected, which is cool for me, because I've been playing the track exclusively for the last five, six months, and it's gone well in my set," he said of his globetrotting gigs. "Especially in America, they really love that song. It's like a journey anthem."

With Kanye getting ready to embark on his Watch the Throne Tour alongside Jay-Z at the end of the month, there is no telling when West will have time to promote a "Lost in the World" single, but when it comes to 'Ye, there is no telling.

Are you excited for another Fantasy single? Let us know in the comments!

Related Artists

Method Man Gets Improv Lessons From Jonah Hill

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 03:21 AM PDT

'I applaud people that can think that quick on their feet,' he tells 'RapFix Live,' while offering an update on his acting career.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Photo: MTV News

Throughout his career, Method Man has been able to earn his respect in hip-hop and Hollywood simultaneously. As a prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Meth has released four solo albums, two with Redman and a number of Clan-related projects. As an actor, he's starred in major films like "Belly" and "Cop Land," as well as the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire."

Look for Meth to take his acting to another level in the next few months. First, in December he will star alongside Jonah Hill in "The Sitter." While on set with the "Superbad" actor, Tical learned a lesson in improv.

"I didn't know that they did these long-ass rants, to the point where, like, you're waiting to get your line in, and just when you're about to say your line — cut! — ran out of film," he said when he appeared on "RapFix Live" last week. "I applaud people that can think that quick on their feet. Now I watch a Will Ferrell movie, I can see it now. I can see what he's doin'."

At the top of 2012, Meth will transition into more of a dramatic role as a Tuskegee pilot in the World War II drama "Red Tails." In preparing for the role, the rapper learned a lot about the historical significance of the African-American military aviators who had to conquer a racially segregated armed forces. "I met some of the actual pilots, and they would sit there telling us the stories," he said.

Meth — who co-stars with Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard and Tristan Wilds in the George Lucas-produced, Anthony Hemingway-directed film — also spoke on the physical training he had to endure in preparation for the film. According to the rapper, it was a lot like boot camp, but also a valuable bonding experience.

"By the time I was done with the movie, I can actually call the majority of those dudes on the set friends," he said.

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

Related Videos Related Artists

'Breaking Bad' Star Talks Explosive Season Finale

Posted: 09 Oct 2011 10:12 PM PDT

AMC series' latest gruesome death was an 'Oh my god moment,' three-time Emmy winner Bryan Cranston tells MTV News.
By Josh Wigler


Bryan Cranston in "Breaking Bad"
Photo: AMC

"Breaking Bad" fans, it's time to pick your jaw up off the floor (or scrape it off the wall, as the case may be) and let reality soak in: The AMC Network's fourth season finale, which aired Sunday night, was about as explosive as it gets ... and we mean that quite literally. Spoiler mode is officially on.

Sunday night's finale, appropriately titled "Face Off," offered closure on one of the show's most longstanding conflicts: the seasons-long battle between drug kingpin Gustavo Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) and our "hero," mild-mannered chemistry teacher-turned-ruthless meth cook Walter White (Bryan Cranston). And it ended the only way it could — with the immaculately dressed Gus in a body bag. But it's not merely the fact that the Pollos Hermanos founder took the big adios that's become such a water-cooler moment today, it's the fiery, almost "Dark Knight"-inspired way he went out.

Walt, already unsuccessful in his most recent attempt to assassinate Gus by way of a car bomb, adopted the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" philosophy and joined forces with the physically invalid Hector "Tio" Salamanca (Mark Margolis), Gus Fring's sworn nemesis. With revenge in his heart and Walt's plan in his mind, Tio successfully lured Gus out of hiding and tricked him into a one-on-one encounter, one that Gus was certain would end in his longtime rival's demise ... except that Walt rigged his explosive device to the underside of Tio's chair, and after a few frantic rings of his infamous communication bell, the deal was sealed and the bomb went off.

With his final act, Gus took a few steps away from the explosion, adjusted his tie as was his wont, and fell to his knees with half of his face completely missing. In a show that's seen severed heads on the backs of turtles and fully liquefied bodies leaking through ceilings, Gus' death was perhaps the most gruesome moment "Breaking Bad" has ever seen ... so much so that it even shocked series lead Bryan Cranston.

"It's that 'Oh my god' [kind of] moment," Cranston told MTV News in an exclusive interview on Monday morning (October 10), weighing in on Gustavo Fring's gruesome final scene. "What's great about it is, for some reason, I didn't see it coming. You have a situation where Walt is trying to make this bomb. He has a detonator. It doesn't work because [Gus] didn't go to the car, so now he has to think up some ulterior motive.

"What I wanted to do when Walt goes to the senior citizen home to talk to Tio was to not have that case [containing the bomb] in evidence anywhere," Cranston continued. "I didn't want to telegraph what was going to happen. I think I hid it pretty well; we could assume that maybe he's trying a different tactic, because the bomb thing didn't work so well. Now he's going to try a different way. Is Tio going to pull out a gun? What's he going to do? We know they're talking and in cahoots with each other — Walt says, 'Do you have any second guesses?' and he doesn't — but I didn't know [how Gus was going to die] until I read it. I didn't know how they were going to connect it. It came out perfect, with ringing the bell as the detonator."

For many fans, Gus' death was a long time coming, and his final moments onscreen certainly did not disappoint in the shock and awe departments. But the loss of Gus also means the loss of Giancarlo Esposito, the veteran actor who brilliantly played the cool, collected villain for three seasons of "Breaking Bad." For Cranston, the moment was "bittersweet. It was a fitting end to their struggles."

"We lose Gus Fring as a character, but I've gained Giancarlo Esposito as a friend," he added, looking on the bright side. "That's more valuable than anything. He's a wonderful man and a terrific actor, a very gracious, very giving, spiritually sound guy who's just embraceable. I have that [friendship] to look forward to."

What did you think of the "Breaking Bad" finale? Tell us in the comments!

Mary J. Blige To Celebrate <i>My Life</i> With Concert

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 12:30 AM PDT

New York show will be November 23, two days after Blige drops My Life II.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ade Mangum


Mary J. Blige
Photo: Mike Coppola/ Getty Images

The true measure of a classic album is not its immediate impact, but rather its ability to stand the test of time. On November 29, 1994, Mary J. Blige released her groundbreaking My Life LP, and on November 23, almost 17 years to the day, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul will be celebrating with a special Mary J. Blige My Life concert at New York's Terminal 5.

"I think My Life is so relevant now and will always be relevant. It's etched in stone in the music world and people's personal lives because it was the very first time that someone said something that people were thinking," Mary told MTV News while on the set of her "Mr. Wrong" video. "I was speaking from my own life and my own trials and tribulations. Turns out 4 million other people were feeling the exact same thing at the same time."

Soul-baring songs like "I'm Going Down," "Be Happy" and the LP's title track painted a picture of a love-torn woman on a road of self-discovery. The RIAA has certified the album three-times platinum, and My Life was named one of Rolling Stone's 50 Essential Women in Rock Albums and 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. With all of the LP's accolades, it makes sense for MJB to revisit her classic work.

Just two days before the show, Blige is scheduled to release My Life II ... The Journey Continues (Act I). "When something that big hits the universe — it's a big deal. I think that's why it's around: It's a self-help book to remind people of how far they've come or to let them know somebody can relate to your pain as well," MJB said of the original 1994 album before relating it to the sequel. "And that's what this album is about as well."

Tickets for Mary J. Blige's November 23 My Life Concert are on sale now at Live Nation and start at $105.

Related Artists

'Wolverine' R Rating Not 'Off The Table,' Hugh Jackman Says

Posted: 09 Oct 2011 11:53 PM PDT

'There is even talk about us doing two versions,' actor tells MTV News.
By Kevin Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Hugh Jackman
Photo: MTV News

After months of delayed start dates and a change of directors, the best thing Wolverine fans have going for them is a star who is just as eager to get the man with the adamantium claws back on the screen.

Hugh Jackman stopped by MTV News and gave an update on "The Wolverine," its potential R rating, whether any familiar faces from the Marvel Universe would show up and a new hint about the setting. As of now, the darker follow-up to 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" has a director in James Mangold but no definite start date.

So what should fans expect from "The Wolverine" once filming begins in Japan? First of all, there will be more locations. "Not all of it takes place in Japan. That's my other little tip for you," Jackman told MTV News' Josh Horowitz. Japan, up until now, had been a focal point for the concept of the film, which centers on Logan's encounters with samurai. How Wolverine's native Canada plays into the equation is yet to be seen.

Any talk of taking the franchise "darker" is going to welcome the follow-up question, "Well, how dark?" In the case of "The Wolverine," many older fans have held on to the hope of a more realistic, R-rated sequel, as sharp objects like adamantium claws tend to result in blood. "There's such great temptation to make an R-rated 'Wolverine.' I've always felt that, and I know a lot of fans would like that," Jackman said. "If there's ever going to be a superhero that is going to be R-rated, it's going to be Wolverine."

And while an R rating isn't "off the table," there are considerations to be made, specifically the character's younger fans. "You see it in their eyes. He's everything to them," said Jackman, who's concerned with alienating those fans with an R-rated film. "You need to have a really good reason to exclude those fans."

In the meantime, Jackman and Mangold may have come up with one possible solution to their rating dilemma. "There is even talk about us doing two versions, as in finding a way to do both while you shoot it, which could be really cool."

With Wolverine, there is always the unique question of the X-Men timeline and who might show up to the party, because the ageless mutant can more or less pop up in any era since the beginning of the 19th century. Jackson was less talkative on the subject of whether we'd see some familiar faces, but suggested that most of the cast would be filled with new characters, possibly leaving room for a cameo or two.

Ever since "3:10 to Yuma" director James Mangold stepped in to replace Darren Aronofsky, the biggest obstacle has been Jackman's starring role opposite Russell Crowe in Tom Hooper's "Les Misérables." Jackman recently told reporters that "The Wolverine" would immediately follow "Les Misérables" as his next movie, so the waiting may soon be over.

Check out everything we've got on "The Wolverine."

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

Related Videos

Roots' Album Will Be 'Movie Without Visuals'

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 12:05 AM PDT

'This is our first album in which it's an actual narrative,' ?uestlove tells MTV News of December's Undun.
By Rob Markman


?uestlove
Photo: MTV News

Dating back to their 1993 debut, Organix!, the Roots have always pushed the envelope as far as hip-hop creativity goes. And on their upcoming December 6 album, fans should expect the Philadelphia band to take things a few steps further.

"We are working on our 13th album; it is titled Undun," ?uestlove told MTV News when we caught up with him last month at Jay-Z's fundraising event in New York City. "It is our first concept album. Mostly, our albums are thematic, but this is our first album in which it's an actual narrative, so sort of like a movie without visuals; kind of like a storybook record."

On Do You Want More?!!!??!, the Roots set a precedent for live bands in rap. Their 1999 album Things Fall Apart was inspired by Chinua Achebe's famous novel, and the group's 2002 album, Phrenology, featured cover art from satirical artist Tom Huck. Safe to say that the Roots usually go beyond standard rap fare, but now that they're the house band for "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," ?uest believes they can be even more forward-thinking.

"I guess having the security of the Fallon job gives us room to do more experimentation and stuff that we always wanted to do without the fear of, 'Oh my god, what's our plan B?" he said. "Now our day job is our plan B."

The famed drummer confirmed that Undun will be released on Def Jam Records and said he considered himself lucky to have the creative freedom he and his band of brothers currently enjoy. "Most rappers, poverty leads them to whatever the public determines and it really prevents them from being real artists, because a lot of artists I meet are like, 'I wish we could be like y'all,' " he explained. "We just create music on our own accord."

It's that creativity that has ensured the Roots' longevity, and for that, ?uestlove is grateful. "Not many groups can say they are in their 20th year and on their 13th record, so I'm happy."

Are you looking forward to new music from the Roots? Tell us in the comments!

Related Artists

Irv Gotti And Suge Knight Planned To Unionize Artists

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 12:00 AM PDT

James Prince was also involved in plan to organize musicians, Gotti reveals to 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Irv Gotti
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News

Throughout the course of his 16-year music career, Irv Gotti has served as a DJ, record producer, A&R, video director and label CEO, but when he appeared on "RapFix Live" last week, the Murder Inc. founder revealed that he was at one time also looking to add labor organizer to his already-extensive résumé.

In the early 2000s, it was rumored that Irv, along with Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight and Rap-A-Lot CEO James Prince, was looking to start a black-owned record distribution company. Gotti, however, revealed that the now-aborted plan was much bigger.

"It wasn't a distribution; it was a union. In the music business, the artists, we have no union. There's no health care, it's nothing like that. It should be done," Gotti said, crediting Suge with devising the plan.

"It was all his plan, and it was a hell of a plan," Irv said of the union that would include all artists of every genre. "He was like, 'OK, say you got a million-dollar budget. We're gonna make the record label make it a million and one.' Now, this will all get recouped back to the artist, but that hundred thousand will go for the union."

Under the plan, record labels would front the union dues to artists by including the extra money in their recording budgets. The artist would then have to pay the label back the recoupable costs, just as they would with any advance when their album is sold. In theory, the deal would provide artists with necessary health care and retirement plan options. "Now you can take your kids to [the doctor] — because we have no insurance, no dental, no nothing," he said. "It'll go towards an annuity, it'll go towards a retirement fund, so now when you're a rapper and you aren't making so many records no more, maybe you got a million dollars that built up when you were hot."

Irv told Sway that he, Suge and Prince even went as far as to meet with the same labor organizers who helped set up the player's union for Major League Baseball, but shortly after, things went awry. "Baseball, football, all the other forms of entertainment have a union, they have representatives, they have pensions, they have all this other stuff. So he was talking everything right, it was right," Gotti said. "The Feds came in shortly after we were talking."

In January 2003, Irv's Murder Inc. New York offices were raided by federal instigators, and the producer and his brother Chris were later charged with money laundering and faced up to 20 years in prison. The Gotti brothers beat the charges in 2005, but despite Irv's claims, there was no documented link to his case and his plans to unionize the music industry.

Do you think artists should have a union? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos Related Artists

Kid Rock Tour To Benefit Struggling U.S Cities

Posted: 09 Oct 2011 10:43 PM PDT

Detroit rocker announces shows will raise money for local charities in each stop.
By Gil Kaufman


Kid Rock
Photo: JulNeil Lupin/ Redferns

Kid Rock has made every effort to help his beleaguered hometown of Detroit rebound from decades of economic distress. But now D-Town's favorite son and original "American Badass" is expanding his scope with an upcoming club tour that will attempt to raise a few bucks for other struggling U.S. cities.

The 10-city swing will hit intimate (at least for Rock) clubs in Maryland, New York, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, Colorado and Missouri, beginning on November 16 with a show at the Fillmore Auditorium in Silver Spring, Maryland. According to a press release announcing the tour, Rock "has assembled a team of Detroit titans to show support for other cities in need, and to show that Detroit, while experiencing [its] own difficulties still has the power to unite to help others around the country."

Working with this group of Detroit business leaders, Rock and company have pledged to donate money to local charities, causes and individuals through the Kid Rock Foundation at every stop. Radio stations in the local markets will help determine worthy causes.

The tour was Rock's idea, timed to coincide with the release of his latest single, "Care," a duet with Martina McBride and T.I. on Rock's Born Free album that urges Americans to stop bickering and take care of those in need of help.

"The song says 'the least that I can do is care' — and I want to put my money where my mouth is. Everyone knows that Detroit is hurting," he said in the statement announcing the tour. "But I want to show that even though we don't have a lot on our own plate, it doesn't mean the people of my hometown don't have compassion to share with others all over the country. At the end of the day we're all Detroit, we're one country, one family."

Considering that Kid Rock played to 12,000 or more each night on his summer Born Free arena/amphitheater tour, the upcoming dates are a big shift in terms of capacity, but also a rare opportunity to see him up-close-and-personal in such legendary rooms as Nashville's 2,300-seat Ryman Auditorium; the 2,800-capacity Beacon Theatre in New York; and Boise, Idaho's 1,000-capacity Knitting Factory. Tickets for the tour go on sale on Saturday.

Dates and venues for Kid Rock tour, according to a press release:

» Nov. 16 - Silver Spring, MD @ Fillmore
» Nov. 19 - New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
» Nov. 20 - Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
» Nov. 22 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
» Nov. 23 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Theatre
» Nov. 26 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
» Nov. 29 - Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre
» Dec. 1 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
» Dec. 3 - Magna, UT @ The Great Saltair
» Dec. 4 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

Related Artists

Mikey Welsh, Former Weezer Bassist, Dead At 40

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 05:48 AM PDT

Welsh was found unresponsive in a Chicago hotel room on Saturday.
By Gil Kaufman


Mikey Welsh in 2001
Photo: John Shearer/WireImage

One-time bassist for Weezer Mikey Welsh was found dead in a Chicago hotel room on Saturday. Forty-year-old Welsh played in the group between 1998 and 2001, leaving more than a decade ago after suffering a nervous breakdown.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Welsh was found unresponsive on the floor of his room at the Raffaello Hotel on Saturday after failing to check out on time. A cleaning crew tried to open the door to his room and was unable to get in, at which point they found his body lying unresponsive near the door.

He was pronounced dead a short time later, and while the cause of death was not announced pending further toxicology results, authorities suspect a drug overdose. Police said prescription drugs were found in the room, along with a plastic baggie containing white powder believed to be heroin.

Welsh was the band's second bassist, replacing original member Matt Sharp, playing on the band's "Green" album, which featured the hits "Hash Pipe" and "Island in the Sun." After leaving the group, he focused on a second career as a visual artist, and recently wrote on his Twitter page that he was looking forward to seeing Weezer in Chicago at the Riotfest on Sunday night.

"Today is a hard day for Weezer and all Weezer friends, fans, and family," the band's webmaster, Karl Koch, wrote on Sunday. "While everyone is still in shock over yesterday's tragic loss of Mikey Welsh, we know damn well he would never have wanted to stop the rock at today's RIOTfest, the show he was planning on attending. On the contrary, the rock was what he loved, both in music and art. To play the show and play it well tonight is to honor him and his memory. We have a feeling he will be watching."

The band also posted a tribute to Welsh on the site, describing the bass player as "our beautiful, creative, hilarious and sweet friend," who was "never one to shy away from the absurd, dangerous or strange."

On October 1, Welsh wrote excitedly about taking his first vacation in "quite a long time," saying he was headed to Nashville to be photographed working on a large-scale painting with a friend and then to Chicago to see Weezer. "I'm excited to see the boys, hang out and have some fun," he wrote.

The man who replaced Welsh, Scott Shriner, tweeted his condolences, writing, "Really bummed about Mikey. Heart goes out to his family and friends. Such a talent ... he made a special mark on the world with his art."

Share your wishes and condolences by leaving them on our Facebook page.

Related Artists

Michael Jackson's Children Appear At Tribute Concert

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 08:28 AM PDT

Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo performed at Wales show, but Jennifer Hudson dropped out at last minute.
By Gil Kaufman


Prince Jackson, Blanket Jackson and Paris Jackson at the "Michael Forever" concert in Cardiff on Saturday
Photo: Dave Hogan/ Getty Images

"Michael Forever," the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday featured sets from Christina Aguilera, Jamie Foxx, Cee Lo Green and Ne-Yo, with a special surprise appearance from the late King of Pop's three children, Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II (a.k.a. Blanket).

Paris, Prince and Blanket introduced the video tribute to MJ from one of the night's biggest stars, Beyoncé, with Paris modeling one of her dad's signature red and black leather jackets and Blanket wearing another classic MJ look with a black suit and tie, accented by a red shirt and armband.

"She is always pushing the envelope with her boundless energy and talent," Paris said. "She carries the torch lit by our father and it gives me great pleasure to introduce this woman."

Appearing via pre-taped video and wearing a giant afro wig and silver mirrored catsuit, Beyoncé spoke of how inspirational Jackson had been to her career and sang "I Wanna Be Where You Are." The video appeared to have been shot during the singer's tour earlier this year, before she announced her pregnancy.

"I remember seeing Michael Jackson for the first time. Lord knows I fell in love. Watching him, I realized exactly what I wanted to be," Beyoncé said before her set. "He inspired me so much. As a matter of fact, the first song I performed with Destiny's Child was a Jackson 5 song. It's the song we auditioned to get our record deal. It was the beginning of our future. I love you forever, Michael Jackson."

Wearing a body-hugging corset, Aguilera did a spirited rendition of "Dirty Diana" and "Smile." Ne-Yo opened the show with "Billie Jean," Yolanda Adams took on a cover of "Earth Song" and R&B legends Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight got together for a duet on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You." Cee Lo sang "I Can't Help It." The night also featured a number of Jackson-related acts, including Tito Jackson and his sons, 3T, who performed "Why" and "Heartbreak Hotel," as well as sister LaToya, appearing onstage for the first time in over two decades. One of the biggest reactions of the night was when British boy band JLS hooked up with Jackson brothers Tito, Marlon and Jackie on the Jackson 5's "Blame It on the Boogie." Also on hand was Jackson's mother, Katherine.

One of the biggest names slated to take the stage, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, was a no-show. According to TMZ, Hudson had already been paid to perform, but the singer bailed on the gig because of "major production issues." Unnamed sources told the site that Hudson felt the show's producers hadn't given her enough time with the music she was supposed to sing; the song was not identified. The week before the show, one of the other big announced performers, the Black Eyed Peas, dropped off the bill as well, citing "unavoidable circumstances."

Among the other contributors: Pixie Lott sang "I Want You Back" and "You Are Not Alone," Alexandra Burke took on "Who's Loving You" and "Scream," Burke, Adams and Knight collaborated on "Gone Too Soon" and Leona Lewis did "I'll Be There" while surrounded by ballerinas dressed in white. Nineties rockers Alien Ant Farm did their signature take on "Smooth Criminal" as well as "PYT (Pretty Young Thing)," Foxx took a solo turn on "Rock With You," Craig David sang "Human Nature," Robinson tackled "She's Out of My Life" and the Diversity dance group did a medley of some of Jackson's greatest moves.

The show was hosted by Oscar winner Foxx, who took part in the finale, which featured Ne-Yo, LaToya, Tito, 3T, Robinson, Jackson's children, Alien Ant Farm, Knight, Burke and a number of Jackson grandchildren and great grandchildren busting out "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."

According to Rolling Stone, the show at the 50,000-capacity Millennium Stadium in Cardiff was not quite sold out, with 40,000 superfans showing up to watch the gig, which took place on a giant stage in the shape of one of Jackson's signature white gloves.

The tribute went on despite protests from some of Jackson's family members who felt that the concert should not coincide with the involuntary manslaughter trial of the singer's doctor, Conrad Murray.

Related Photos Related Artists

Tiesto Headlines Largest DJ Event In U.S. History

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 06:39 AM PDT

'Today is a very special day. You and me are a part of history now,' Tiesto told the crowd at Home Depot Center in California.
By Damian Vaca


Tiësto
Photo: Jesse Sinkiewicz/MTV News

CARSON, California — On Saturday night, the Home Depot Center in Carson was home to 26,000 revelers who attended the final stop of Tiësto's Club Life College Invasion Tour. To say that the night was oozing with high energy, a vibe of genuine happiness, a sense of community from one dancer to another, would be an understatement. It was all of that and much more.

With speakers placed around the entire stadium, the boom of the beats infiltrated your body to the core on this historic night. Standing in the middle of the general-admission floor, revelers were surrounded by dance battles happening to the left of them and thousands of pumping fists and jumping bodies to the right. Looking up, you were greeted by a massive light show that lured your eyes to the moon and clear skies above.

"I'm really excited," Tiësto told us backstage. "I've been coming to L.A. for a long time. Even three to five years ago, [I would] never have expected to be able to pull off such a big show here."

When planning his College Invasion Tour, which started off last month in Madison, Wisconsin, Tiësto knew that he wanted to play Los Angeles, but none of the venues that he was looking at were available. Then in August, word came that the Home Depot Center was available and all energy was focused on making this night the largest single DJ event in U.S. history. In the middle of his set, Tiësto spoke to the crowd. "Today is a very special day. You and me are a part of history now. Today is the day you realize dance music is bigger than anything else in the world, and I thank you for that."

The night started out with a heart-pounding set by 19-year-old DJ/producer Porter Robinson, who has been creating beats since he was 12 and has been warming up the crowd for Tiësto since the start of the tour. "This is sort of the iconic Tiësto tour show. This is the big one, and so of course, we are all really excited going into it," Porter told us. "But at the same time, we are sad to see [this tour] come to an end."

After Porter finished his set, the crowd welcomed the energetic and personable Dada Life. Revelers who donned the duo's trademark banana costumes rushed the stage to get as close as they could to the two gents from Sweden. Their show made you feel you were attending the house party of close friends. "Being here is like forgetting about tomorrow and just like having fun," Dada Life's Stefan said.

After the banana peels and pillowcases were cleaned up from the stage, the crowd welcomed the stylish Diplo to the scene. As the sun set and the moon started to rise, Diplo brought the ever-growing crowd to its feet with his unique musical stylings and pairings. With the massively successful joint track that Tiësto and Diplo did called "C'mon," the crowd crammed to the stage as Diplo dropped in a new beat or brought in a new track. With collaborations under his belt with Beyoncé, Usher, Lil Wayne and No Doubt (for their new album), it will be interesting to see Diplo's influence on music in the near future.

Then the man of the hour took the stage, and the 26,000-deep crowd welcomed him to the start of his historic night. As Tiësto's set started, the crowd entered a realm that was not only about the music but about the journey they would all embark on with the elaborate light show — one that many of today's touring music acts dream they could afford. Flanked on both sides of the stage by three large screens that displayed an array of colorful Tetris-style images to artistic digital videos, Tiësto's grin was seen by every single person in that stadium. Every now and then, the crowd was greeted with a giant billow of smoke and streamers, fireworks shot off from the stage, to what may have been the most memorable moment of his set: The stage lit up with pyrotechnics and completely surrounded Tiësto from one end to the other.

From dance battles to hook-ups, costumes to glittery face paint, dubstep to progressive house, this historic night welcomed dance music as a growing part of American culture and solidified once again that Tiësto is still at the top of it all.

Related Artists
Diposting oleh computer game di 05.05

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

Langganan: Posting Komentar (Atom)