Rabu, 23 November 2011

MTV News

MTV News

Britney Spears Video Tournament Down To Sweet 16!

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

'Toxic' and 'Oops! I Did It Again' sail into round two, while 'Sometimes' and 'I Wanna Go' are early casualties.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker


Britney Spears
Photo: Jive

After a surprisingly tight race among the 30 Britney Spears music videos in the first round of MTV News' Britney Spears Tournament: 30 Videos for 30 Years, we are now down to 16 candidates for her best video of all time!

Perez Hilton and Jordan Miller ofBreatheHeavy.com helped the MTV News correspondents weigh in on the first round, which saw the surprising and merciless elimination of the classic "Sometimes" and the newer hit "I Wanna Go."

"I think that 'I Wanna Go' is one of Britney's all-time best videos," Perez said of the clip, which was defeated by her even newer video for "Criminal," co-starring real-life boyfriend Jason Trawick. "I like the 'Criminal' video; I don't love it."

Meanwhile, some videos were huge leaders early on, like "Toxic," "Oops! I Did It Again," "I'm a Slave 4 U," "Me Against the Music" and early "TRL"-era hit "(You Drive Me) Crazy."


Head over to Britney30.MTV.com and vote for your favorite music video in MTV News' Britney Spears Tournament: 30 Videos for 30 Years.

The race between "Lucky" and "Boys" was a closer call than MTV News expected, with only a 7 percent margin between the two videos; "Lucky" was the eventual winner. Another interesting twist was the dark "My Prerogative" clip's triumph over the happy-go-lucky vibe of "Sometimes."

With 16 videos left, the race gets much tighter. Now, Britney's most epic and most-celebrated videos will be up against each other. "(You Drive Me) Crazy" will take on the double-pop queen-powered "Me Against the Music," featuring Madonna, while Britney's first video, " ... Baby One More Time," takes on her most recent clip, "Criminal."

"Till the World Ends" and "Piece of Me," which had byes in the first round, are no longer safe, as they are pitted against "My Prerogative" and "Hold It Against Me," respectively, in round two, which closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. The Elite Eight will be announced at 7 a.m. Monday. Help your favorite videos win by voting as many times as you can and campaigning.

What's your favorite Britney video? Make sure to vote at Britney30.MTV.com or the MTV Newsroom blog, and share your picks in the comments below!

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J.R. Martinez Wins 'Dancing With The Stars'

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

Ricki Lake and Rob Kardashian leave empty-handed as war hero nabs season 13 mirror-ball trophy.
By Kelley L. Carter


J.R. Martinez wins "Dancing With the Stars"
Photo: ABC

On Tuesday night's "Dancing With the Stars" finale, there was much pomp before the circumstance. By the time the dust settled, war hero J.R. Martinez and his partner Karina Smirnoff were crowned season 13 champs.

The three finalists -- Ricki Lake, Rob Kardashian and Martinez -- danced one last time before Martinez's win was announced.

Lake and her partner Derek Hough were up first, redoing what they considered to be one of their best dances. The judges thought it was unforgettable. "This is one of the most memorable dances of this or any season. The first time around, I really liked it. I love it the second time around," head judge Len Goodman told the pair. The judges scored them 30/30.

Next up, was Kardashian and his partner Cheryl Burke, redoing their emotional dance from earlier in the season, which Kardashian dedicated to his late father. The judges noted a quick mistake he made on a slide, but Bruno Tonioli said, "You really have improved beyond everyone's expectations. You make even the little hiccup look charming." The judges scored them 26/30.

Martinez and Smirnoff rounded out the routines by taking another shot at a jive, and even though they had a few missteps, judge Carrie Ann Inaba said, "You are such a catalyst for joy whenever you get out on this dance floor." The judges scored them 28/30.

The judges finally revealed which of the three would be the first to head home. Surprisingly, it was Lake and Hough, who were favorites for much of the season.

"I've loved basically every minute of this. I really feel like I had the best partner, the best teacher and the best motivator. For someone's who's a middle-aged mom, I hope I made my children proud, my fiancé and my family. I really appreciate everyone who voted for me along the way," Lake said.

With just a few minutes left in the show, Martinez and Smirnoff were announced as the victors.

"Thank you, America, for believing in us," Martinez said, giving it up for the fans and his partner, Smirnoff, who has never won the coveted trophy before.

Were you happy J.R. won? Let us know in the comments!

Daniel Radcliffe: Actor We're Most Thankful For In 2011

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

'Harry Potter' star refers to 2011 as 'not a breakout year, a breakaway year.'
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Daniel Radcliffe
Photo: MTV News

After our nods to rising stars Elizabeth Olsen, Michael Fassbender and Tom Hiddleston, MTV Movies' Thankful Week continues with — drum roll, please — the actor we're most thankful for in 2011: Daniel Radcliffe.

Really, what's not to like about this talented young man? He's dazzled audiences for more than a decade as "the boy who lived" in eight "Harry Potter" films and has most recently been the talk of the Great White Way with his critically acclaimed work in the musical "How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying." We feel pretty confident in saying that the future looks bright for this guy.

MTV News recently caught up with Radcliffe to get a sense of how he's feeling post-Potter and where he wants to be in 10 years.

MTV: This is your first full year working outside "Harry Potter." How has it been?

Daniel Radcliffe: It's been a great first year away from "Potter." It's been very successful. I've done some work I'm really proud of in that time, particularly onstage in "How to Succeed." Just the process of doing it and doing it and doing it, I've got so much better, I think, during the run, as is the way it should be. It's been a great year, but I think next year is the big one for me. "The Woman in Black" is coming out, and I've also got a couple other things I'll be doing. The next two or three years are going to be pretty important, I think, and if [2011] is not a breakout year, it's a breakaway year.

MTV : What was the highlight for you this year?

Radcliffe: [Performing at] the Tony Awards, definitely. We were the first show to perform, and there is just that weird moment when you're all standing there. I haven't been that nervous in a long time. I don't think I was as nervous on our opening night as I was at the Tonys. I was really, really nervous. Suddenly that huge LED screen goes up, and you're all revealed like prizes on a game show, and Al Pacino is in the front row, sitting next to Bobby Cannavale, sitting next to Mark Rylance, all these brilliant actors, and you have to do your number. That's probably a surreal, weird triumphant moment of that year, performing on the Tonys. That's pretty cool. That's something I will be able to tell my grandchildren that I did.

MTV : What have you learned about yourself and your work abilities?

Radcliffe: I think the most vital thing I've learned — and this is a thing I have to adapt and be able to find throughout my career, be it onstage or film in comedy or drama — is that the more I try and suppress my own natural oddness, the less successful I am. I have a slightly staccato way of moving and talking ... the realization hit me that I'm working so hard to try and be something else, and actually, I just have to learn to be my most natural self onstage or onscreen, however that comes across. That is one of the biggest lessons there is: Don't shy away from your own weirdness. Own your oddness.

MTV : Would you consider taking a role in a movie musical?

Radcliffe: Yeah, definitely. My hesitation about doing this one ["How to Succeed"] is that I've played parts for a long time, and I'll have spent a long time with this, and I want my career to be about getting as many different characters under my belt as I possibly can. But yeah, I would love to, provided it was the right one, because they can go wrong. They can go spectacularly wrong, so we'll see.

MTV : Looking back at "Potter" and going through the huge promotional push surrounding the final film, was any of that surprising in any way even though you'd been through it so many times before?

Radcliffe: It's always what it is. I have a slight tendency when you're doing these insane press days where you do a few interviews then the red carpet and it's just mad, I have a slight tendency to shut down and go on autopilot just to get through it and not feel completely weirded out by the whole thing. What was strange to me was, in a way I felt slightly bad because I wasn't getting upset like everyone else was. I've seen Rupert Grint cry once, on the last day of filming, when I was also in bits, but I've never seen Rupert get emotional like he did at the premiere ... I cannot go on enough about how much I loved my time on "Potter." It was the most amazing, happy time, but all good things must come to an end. We couldn't have gone on forever. As much as people wanted us to, it would have been terrible. I'm glad to have done it and gone out on such a high note and now be moving on as we all are.

MTV : Do you hope you'll continue to have a relationship with J.K. Rowling?

Radcliffe: I hope so, yeah, I really hope so. For somebody that was indirectly and directly such a huge influence on my life, I really hope so. I don't know if she's going to write anything else about Harry, but maybe I could direct something in years to come or something; we know each other.

MTV : Looking ahead 10 years, what do you hope to be doing, best and worst case scenario?

Radcliffe: My worst nightmare is that in 10 years, I will be not working and not doing anything. Even if in five years time I decide to leave the film industry and go off and become an archaeologist, even if I'm doing that, that's great, fine. Best-case scenario is that in 10 years time, I'll have got a good few films under my belt, I don't know how many that would be ... suppose we did eight "Potter" movies in 10 [years]; double that, maybe 16? Who knows. Hopefully I'll do a few films with very different parts, very different directors, and ideally, I would have liked to direct something by then; that's the ambition. I do feel having spent so much time on a film set, I would have a very good idea of how to run a film set, how to lead that set and, I don't know, I love telling stories, so I would like that as a job.

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'X Factor': Astro Raps Through His Drama

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 08:16 AM PST

Two contestants will go home on Wednesday's results episode.
By Adam Graham


Astro on "X Factor"
Photo: FOX

Teen rapper Astro addressed his blow-up last week and promised to not let his fans down again during Tuesday's (November 22) performance episode of "The X Factor," which found the competition's top nine contestants dedicating their performances to special people in their lives.

Astro, the 15-year-old Brooklyn rapper who had a near meltdown and almost refused to perform after landing in the bottom two on last week's results episode, explained in a pre-packaged introduction he "didn't know how to control my emotions" last week and he "could have handled it better." He then went on to address the situation further in an original song he performed set to Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got," in which he rapped, "Got my head in the right place and I'm back to win."

Before the judges weighed in on his song, he explained to his fans, "To Team Astro and all the Astronauts across the world, but mostly hip-hop, I'll never let you down again."

Simon Cowell, who harshly criticized Astro for his attitude last week, took to the young MC's apology. "The music business needs unpredictability," Cowell said, explaining he admired Astro for speaking his mind. His mentor L.A. Reid went with the cooler-heads approach as well. "As long as you keep a good head on your shoulders and always do your very best, you'll be fine," he told him.

Here's how the rest of the evening's performances shook out.

The Girls
Rachel Crow opened the show and dedicated Yolanda Adams' "I Believe" to her adoptive parents. The performance sparkled, and never one to exaggerate, Abdul said Crow was proof angels exist on earth. Melanie Amaro enjoyed her biggest moment yet on the show, and following her performance of R. Kelly's "The World's Greatest" she excitedly celebrated onstage, shouting out her upbringing in the Virgin Islands. Cowell said she is needed in the competition, and Nicole Scherzinger stopped the show to give her a hug, nearly giving ultra time-conscious host Steve Jones a heart attack. And L.A. Reid showed another lapse in his musical knowledge when he criticized Drew for not singing "age appropriate" material, after the 15-year-old sang 19-year-old Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper." That put Cowell on the offensive, and he spat back at his rival, "I'm sick to death of your pointless, stupid criticism," going on to call it "unfounded," "inaccurate" and "complete and utter rubbish." In this case, we sort of have to agree with Cowell.

The Boys
Marcus Canty dedicated Boyz II Men's "A Song for Mama" to his own mama, who was sitting at the foot of the stage, and earned unanimous praise from the judges. "I've worked with some great singers, you are as great as any great singer I've ever worked with," Reid told him, while Cowell said Canty put himself back in the competition with the performance. Chris Rene, meanwhile, sang a mix of the Beatles' "Let It Be" and his own "Young Homie," which he sang in the early audition rounds. "You reminded everyone why we liked you," Cowell said, echoing the sentiments of all the judges.

The Over 30s
Josh Krajcik closed the show singing the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses" alone at his piano, surrounded by a series of spotlights that made him look like a prisoner in some sort of light jail. Abdul called the burrito maker "larger than life" and Cowell said he was "outstanding," while Scherzinger told him, "Beyond this competition, I strongly believe your music can change the world." LeRoy Bell took on Sarah McLachlan's "Angel," the soundtrack to way too many of those wrenching animal cruelty awareness ads, and dedicated the song to his late mother. The judges thought it was his best performance, save for Reid, who called it "heartfelt for sure, but not your very best."

The Group
Lakoda Rayne, the sole remaining group in the competition, chose to sing Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" -- an odd choice for a dedication, though they were celebrated by the judges. But Cowell seemed to already be acknowledging their fate when he said, "I genuinely wish two people weren't going home tomorrow."

Yes, two acts are slated to get the ax during Wednesday's results episode --- so much for the warmth of the season! --- which is also set to feature performances by Kelly Clarkson and Bruno Mars.

What did you think of Tuesday's "X Factor"? Did you believe Astro's explanation for his behavior? Let us know in the comments!

Rihanna's <i>Talk That Talk</i> Is 'Edgy And Passionate'

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 01:18 AM PST

'She's at a place right now where her voice just sounds incredible,' vocal producer Kuk Harrell tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf


Rihanna
Photo: Getty Images

Rihanna is pretty feisty on Talk That Talk. The pop star sings quite candidly about what she likes (and doesn't like) between the sheets on the new album, which relies heavily on dance and house influences.

During her Loud Tour, Rihanna hooked up with frequent vocal producer Kuk Harrell and found her voice for the just-released album.

"They scheduled me to go out to Europe and start recording. It's an amazing process, working with her while she's on the road. It's great to see how she does a show every single night [and then records]," he told MTV News, before adding that, "Sure enough at 2, 3 o'clock in the morning, I get the call: She's on her way."

Making Talk That Talk was a brisk process. "We were in the studio probably like three weeks total," he recalled. When it came to the album's sound, Rihanna and Harrell — as well as producers like The-Dream, Bangladesh, Calvin Harris and Dr. Luke — concocted a mixture of emotions and sounds to define the record.

"At points, it's a combination of edgy and passionate at the same time, and when you listen to the album, it's just like Loud," he explained. "She's at a place right now where her voice just sounds incredible, and she's such a great presence."

Rihanna has certainly experimented with dance music in the past, especially on tracks like "Only Girl (In the World)," but she went deep into the genre on this album. It didn't change the way Harrell and Ri worked together very much, the producer said.

"It doesn't change anything for me. ... The goal is always getting the best performance out of her," he explained. "So it's just a matter of making sure we capture the vibe of the record. If it's up and moving, we gotta make sure her performance matches that.

"She's definitely ready to do it, but there are times throughout the whole process I do have to — I'm not coaching her, I'm just producing how to get this performance," he continued. "When she sings a line, if I don't think it matches the intensity of the lyric, then I'll go 'Man, push a little harder.' "

Rihanna seems to be pushing herself these days too. She just revealed on Twitter that she's set to work on her second Talk That Talk video, for the track "You Da One." "I can't stop listening to #YouDaOne ... So addictive!!!!" she tweeted. "Maybe because we shooting the vid soon! Workin on treatment all now...."

Have you checked out Rihanna's latest album yet? Share your reviews in the comments!

For 'Breaking Dawn' Fans, One Viewing Isn't Enough

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 04:37 AM PST

'Twilight' enthusiasts' repeat viewings could keep flick box-office king.
By Kara Warner


Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"
Photo: Summit

Happy "Twilight" Tuesday! It's time for another installment in our resurrected series of columns dedicated to all things regarding Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Jacob Black and the rest. Today's topic: Just how long will "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1" reign as box-office king?

Knowing the serious dedication the "Twilight" fanbase has to the film franchise, it's no surprise "Breaking Dawn" dominated the box office during its opening weekend. And even with a slew of highly anticipated films opening this weekend — "The Muppets," "Hugo" and "Arthur Christmas" among them — the fervor still surrounding "Breaking Dawn" and fans' commitment to see the film multiple times means that the vampires and werewolves are very likely to hold the #1 spot for a while.

"I have seen the movie twice," Cade Johnson, of Salinas, California, told MTV News via email. "I would like to see it in theaters at least four times, maybe five," he said. "It is definitely the best out of the four so far, in my opinion."

Yvonne R. Villani of Hiram, Georgia, has also vowed to see the film multiple times and has a strategy in place for how to keep herself immersed in "Twilight" goodness as long as possible: "I've seen this movie multiple times and plan on seeing it a few more times because I just really liked it!" she said. "I have been waiting all year and part of last year, since I read the book, for this movie to come out. I have 'Breaking Dawn' both in paperback and audio CD, so I figure I will start either reading it or listening to it again this week, then when I get to where the movie left off, I will go see it again to remind myself of the differences and really compare."

"Twilight" expert Laura Byrne-Cristiano, who runs TwilightLexicon.com, said she's noticed a lot of fans changing their opinions about "Breaking Dawn" the book now that the film version has opened.

"I've also noticed a real shift in opinion that caught me by surprise so much so that I ran a poll about it," said Byrne-Cristiano said. "When the novel 'Breaking Dawn' came out, it was a love/hate thing. But from what I've seen, people have really started to change their minds about it, and have come to like it.

"The people who got into 'Twilight' after the movies came out seem to pick 'Breaking Dawn' as their favorite book by a landslide, which is something that never occurred to me in a million years because of all the backlash when it first came out."

So, what is it about these films that has fans so engrossed and committed? It's a "clean movie" with universal appeal, according to fan and repeat viewer Alessandra Sorgato, who wrote to us all the way from Milan, Italy.

"I'm glad that so many people can identify themselves with the characters of 'The Twilight Saga,' " she said. "It kind of surprises me because Stephenie Meyer wrote a love story which is anything but ordinary — it's not based on sex, adultery and things like that. Lately it has become quite unusual to see movies focused on morals like eternal love, true friendship, the value of family at the top of the box office," she added. " 'Breaking Dawn' is a 'clean movie,' still it's very successful all over the world, and I love it."

Speaking of worldwide love and success, we found out via a quick Twitter poll that there are a slew of very dedicated fans out there who have already seen "Breaking Dawn" six times, with one on her way to a 20th viewing!

"I will keep going till they stop playing it!" wrote Robyn Smyly.

"I will see it 6 times and my fave scene is when Bella takes her 'human minutes' when they get on the island," said Kalynn Drake.

"I've officially seen it 5 times now as of yesterday afternoon. What can I say? I'm addicted," admitted fan Jodi-Lynn.

"I plan on seeing BD at least a dozen times in theatre, I've already seen it three times," Mel Douglas chimed in.

There are so many more where those came from, but the award so far for most viewings definitely goes to Fran Richards, who wowed us with this stat: "I have seen Breaking Dawn [Part] 1 a total of 19 times so far," she wrote. "Doing a 5 show marathon today!"

What would you like to see on "Twilight" Tuesdays? Hit me up @KaraWarner on Twitter to make your voice heard!

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Michael Fassbender Looks Back On 'Surreal' 2011

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 04:54 AM PST

From 'X-Men: First Class' to 'Shame,' Fassbender is one of the actors MTV News is most thankful for this year.
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Michael Fassbender
Photo: MTV News

Every once in a while, an actor with a breakout role will come along and capture the attention of both moviegoers and the people behind the films. Soon, you can find that same actor headlining films at festivals as well as scoring top billing on blockbusters.

For 2011, that actor was undoubtedly Michael Fassbender, who wowed the art-house crowd in 2008 with "Hunger" and found wider audiences a year later with Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" as the British Lieutenant Archie Hicox, who reserves a circle of hell for people who waste good scotch.

This past year, Fassbender became a superstar. He helped lead a brand-new team of mutants to box-office success as a young Magneto in "X-Men: First Class," and then delivered critically praised performances in "Jane Eyre," "A Dangerous Method" and "Shame," for which he's receiving Oscar buzz.

That's why we've named Michael Fassbender one of the actors we're most thankful for this holiday season. We sat down with Fassbender and gave him a chance to look back on 2011 and tell us why a different year — 2007 — meant everything to him.

MTV: Every year at MTV, we choose a few actors that we're most thankful for around Thanksgiving, and you've made the cut.

Fassbender: Have I really?

MTV: You have.

Fassbender: Nice one.

MTV: Obviously, a couple years back, when "Inglourious" hit, especially, that was a big moment for you, but it feels like this year has to be professionally the most satisfying year.

Fassbender: No, I got to say, for me, definitely 2007 changed my life.

MTV: "Hunger."

Fassbender: Yeah, Steve McQueen gave me an opportunity, a possibility to show some sort of capability in my profession. It was coming at a point when we were about to go into a recession. That was going to affect this business as much as any business — less jobs for less actors. For him to take a risk on an unknown in a lead role, it changed my life, really. From that, I had all these amazing experiences with Andrea Arnold, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Cary Fukunaga, David Cronenberg, Ridley Scott.

MTV: It feels like this is where it all bears fruit. The seeds that were planted then, now it all starts to come out.

Fassbender: Yeah, you start off and you just want to be working, so jobbing actors, you're already thankful for that opportunity. To be in this position that I'm in now, it's ridiculous. Somebody pull the plug on me now. I have to say I'm blessed. When I started out when I was 17, this was the pinnacle, to be working with people that I find inspiring, I can learn from. It's a very privileged position.

MTV: Was there one particular moment in this year of 2011 that was the most surreal, the biggest high for you? A lot of premieres, a lot of production work, a lot of press. Was there one moment you can pinpoint?

Fassbender: Just lots of surreal moments. When I was sitting in a balcony in Venice — I've never been to Venice before — and I'm there with family and friends, and we're like, "Wow, this is a trip, isn't it?" We're all sort of experiencing this together. You're always sort of pinching yourself.

Being on a Quentin Tarantino set. When I was 18, I did a stage version of "Reservoir Dogs" with my friends, where I directed, produced, played Mr. Pink. I mean, I was totally green. I didn't know what the hell I was doing, but I knew that with hard work and enthusiasm, things get done. So then to be sitting on set with him, I was like, "This is weird." Already at the audition with him was strange, because he reads all the other parts. That was surreal.

To have this sort of reception we've had for both films in Venice, to be there with two films, all those things are pretty mad.

Check out everything we've got on "Shame."

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

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Birdman Won't Try To Change Busta Rhymes Musically

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 05:13 AM PST

'We like to let an artist be an artist and we support what they want to do,' Cash Money Records boss MTV News.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Travis Laurendine


Birdman
Photo: Prince Williams/ FilmMagic

Busta Rhymes made headlines when he inked with Birdman's Cash Money Records last week, but don't expect Baby to try and change up the Dungeon Dragon.

Nope, the #1 Stunna wants Bussa Bus to just be himself.

"Whatever they bring to the table, whatever their vision is, [my role is] just to back it up and let them be the artist that they want to be and we support what they want to do," Birdman told MTV News of recent CMR recruits Busta and Mystikal.

The new deal links Busta Rhymes' Conglomerate label with Cash Money and Google Music. "It's just amazing to see that they understood what Busta Rhymes means to the music, what Busta Rhymes means to the culture, what Busta Rhymes means to the embodiment of authentic hip-hop," the fire-spitting MC told MTV News when we spoke to him last week.

"We never was [the type] to try to tell no [artist] how to do music, that's not what we're about. We like to let an artist be an artist and we support what they want to do," Birdman told us while out in New Orleans handing out Thanksgiving turkeys to the local community on Friday.

Bus began his career in 1991 as one-fourth of the rap quartet Leaders of the New School, but after the group disbanded he kicked off his solo career in 1996. Now a 20-year rap vet, Busta is responsible for a number of solo hits, including "Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check," "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" and "Touch It," as well as scene-stealing cameos on A Tribe Called Quest's 1992 posse-cut "Scenario" and, more recently, Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now."

Some skeptics have questioned how Rhymes, a New York veteran, will blend with Birdman's Southern record label. Throughout the years, however, Busta has collaborated with the label's flagship artist Lil Wayne on Weezy's own Tha Carter III and IV, as well as Busta's 2009 single "Respect My Conglomerate." Bus also appears on YMCMB member Lil Twist's new single "Turnt Up," so chemistry shouldn't be a question.

Busta's latest single, "Why Stop Now," reunites the rap speed demon with Brown on a record that sounds like a continuation of this year's "Look at Me Now."

What do you think of Busta signing to Cash Money? Tell us in the comments.

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'X Factor': How Will Astro Address Last Week's Drama?

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 01:10 AM PST

Plus: Nicole Scherzinger's Over 30's step it up after Stacy Francis' ouster.
By Jim Cantiello


Astro on "X Factor"
Photo: FOX

MTV News' own Jim Cantiello is exclusively covering "The X Factor" rehearsals. Read on for his fly-on-the-wall backstage report!

We're five weeks into the "X Factor" live shows, and sleep deprivation has finally caught up with everyone. Not just the contestants, mind you, but the crew too. With Thanksgiving shifting the production schedule up a day, Team X has been working for almost two weeks straight without a day off. During rehearsals, contestants are cramming in this week's performances as well as next week's songs to allow for a day or two off this holiday week — not to mention a double elimination looming over everyone's heads.

And you thought last week's Astro drama was intense.

Speaking of 'Stro, the young MC is ready to accept any backlash headed his way after his defiant moment in the bottom two. He's already apologized on his Facebook wall and on Twitter, but I'm also hearing rumblings of an apology in his pre-performance package. Plus, as he always does, he'll be performing an autobiographical original verse, so you might want to pay extra-close attention to his sly wordplay.

Fresh off sending Stacy Francis home, Nicole Scherzinger is pushing her remaining Over 30's to be as bold as possible. Perhaps that's why one dude's tackling an instrument — a live-show first! — and the other dude is trying his hand at a girl's song. Will the risks pay off? (They certainly did in rehearsals.)

Over the weekend, one of Simon Cowell's girls got a taste of movie magic as she performed in front of a giant green screen. Creative director Brian Friedman shouted descriptions to her to help situate her in a virtual world, which was then digitally added in postproduction. She won't be performing in front of a green screen come Tuesday night, however. All that work was just for a background graphic that will play behind her as she sings live.

Thanks to everyone's exhaustion, some "X Factor" team members are getting even punchier and zanier. Stylist June Ambrose popped outside of her trailer in a glittery head wrap that would have been perfect for Gloria Swanson had she ever visited Studio 54. "I'm disco, darling," she proclaimed to the crew members walking by. Her playful antics caught the eye of judge and mentor Paula Abdul, who quickly ran over to the trailer for an impromptu dress-up play date. If only I got an invite ...

In other Paula news, the mentor all but gave away country-pop group Lakoda Rayne's song choice during a Ustream broadcast with fans. "It's a song by someone who did pretty great these past 24 hours. And won lots of awards," she coyly said. (One only needs to check out the list of 2011 American Music Awards winners to be able to whittle down what artist Lakoda Rayne will be paying homage to in Tuesday's live show.)

And I'll leave you with my biggest burning question of the week: Will the paint dry in time? Seriously! Hours before showtime, one particular set piece was being slathered with a new coat at the last minute. And considering a contestant will be performing on this Aggro Crag-like structure, will her outfit get soiled by wet paint? Keep your eyes peeled, those of you with HD TVs!

You can catch Jim on the "X Factor Pepsi Pre-Show," streaming at 7 p.m. ET tonight on TheXFactorUSA.com!

Britney Spears Fan Perez Hilton Roots For 'I Wanna Go'

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 01:25 AM PST

Blogger can't believe 'Criminal' is pulling ahead of one of his faves in MTV News' Britney Spears Tournament: 30 Videos for 30 Years.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker


Britney Spears in her music video for "I Wanna Go"
Photo: Jive

The first round of the Britney Spears Tournament: 30 Videos for 30 Years is well under way, and we asked celebrity blogger and Britney mega-fan Perez Hilton to weigh in on some of the closest competitions in the tournament:

"Sometimes" vs. "My Prerogative"
While "Sometimes" — as one of Britney's oldest videos — holds a special place in the hearts of her fans, Perez thinks "My Prerogative" has the advantage in this matchup. "In terms of video-making, spectacle, big grandiosity, 'My Prerogative' feels like a much larger to-do," Perez said. "If I was to pick a winner between these two, I would go with 'My Prerogative.' "

"Lucky" vs. "Boys"
"I am not a fan of the 'Boys' music video," Perez admitted of the clip, featuring Pharrell Williams and Mike Myers as Austin Powers. "To me, the competition between that and 'Lucky' is easy. 'Lucky' all the way.

"It's such a classic Britney video," Perez said about the clip, featuring Britney's movie-star alter-ego (in the pre-"Crossroads" world). "She looks so beautiful in it! It's from the golden era of Britney — those first few years where she was pretty much untouchable."

"I Wanna Go" vs. "Criminal"
Perez echoed other Britney experts' surprise that Britney's latest video, "Criminal," is significantly pulling ahead of "I Wanna Go."

"I think that 'I Wanna Go' is one of Britney's all-time best videos," Perez said. "She looked amazing in it, it's fun, it feels different for her, and she had never done a video quite like that before."

As for "Criminal," Perez shook his head. "I like the 'Criminal' video; I don't love it. I was also distracted and slightly unhappy with the casting of her boyfriend [Jason Trawick] in it."

What's your favorite Britney video? Make sure to vote at Britney30.MTV.com or the MTV Newsroom blog, and share your picks in the comments below!


Head over to Britney30.MTV.com and vote for your favorite music video in MTV News' Britney Spears Tournament: 30 Videos for 30 Years.

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Lady Gaga's Holiday Workshop Is 'Super Cool,' DJ Says

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 12:28 AM PST

'It's Santa's Workshop, but all Gaga stuff,' DJ White Shadow tells MTV News of over-the-top Barneys display in New York.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga premieres the Lady Gaga Workshop at Barneys New York
Photo: Getty Images

On Monday night, Lady Gaga launched the holiday-themed Gaga's Workshop at Barneys in New York. It was an event that brought out some of the city's biggest fashionistas, many members of the Haus of Gaga (including the event's curator and Gaga's stylist Nicola Formichetti) and the Mother Monster herself.

DJ White Shadow, who produced several tracks on Gaga's Born This Way, was on hand providing tunes for the big shindig.

"They spent a lot of time on the installations," he told MTV News on Tuesday afternoon (November 22). "I didn't understand what it was until I walked up to it. It's Santa's Workshop, but all Gaga stuff. But the windows are super cool. They had a video installation, they had a mockup of the motorcycle on the [Born This Way] cover that's spinning all the time and a Gaga crystal kingdom."

While the party and Gaga's presence made for a hectic night, White Shadow kept partygoers dancing without any chaos. "I totally skirted around all the insanity," he said. "[Gaga] went one way and I went the other way. I saw her parents and some friends I haven't seen in a while.

"There was some very fashionable people there," he added. "There was a guy that had a mop on his head — like, legit, it looked like a mop — and then there was people like 17 feet tall with a nipple hanging out, and then there's me, someone who hasn't shaved in five days," he joked.

At Gaga's Workshop, there are many products to pick from, ranging from chocolates to leather jackets, but there was one item that really caught White Shadow's eye.

"I just was perusing the goods ... and there were some books that were her favorite books, and they have a special Barneys cover. I was trying to grab small things," he recalled. "But there's these hulking giant candles [in the shape of Gaga's head] that you light from the top. It's like you light the candles in the back and then the wax drips down through the eyes of the candle. So I was pretty impressed with it. I definitely procured one."

If that's not enough Gaga-fied gifts in your life, next week, she's dropping a holiday EP. A Very Gaga Holiday will include four songs that will also be featured on ABC's "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving," airing Thursday. What tracks made the final cut? "White Christmas" and "Orange Colored Sky," as well as the BTW tracks "Yoü and I" and "The Edge of Glory," the latter of which White Shadow produced.

Will you check out Gaga's Workshop at Barneys? Let us know in the comments!

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'Breaking Dawn' Carolina Herrera Wedding Gown To Hit Stores

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 06:58 AM PST

Also, Alfred Angelo's official replica of the designer's 'Twilight' dress is available nationwide for $799.
By Rob Markman


Alfred Angelo's replica of Bella Swan's dress from "Breaking Dawn"
Photo: Alfred Angelo

You too can look like Bella Swan on her wedding day now that the official replica of the elegant gown Kristen Stewart wore in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" is available in stores. The Carolina Herrera-designed dress that Stewart wears when she and Robert Pattinson trade vows onscreen arrived in stores on Monday, priced at $799, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In addition to the movie's much ballyhooed sex scene, fans eagerly anticipated the wedding scene, where Bella dons the glorious long-sleeve lace bridal gown. Though the film's version of the dress was designed by Herrera, bridal retailer Alfred Angelo handled the replication and has been working with Summit Entertainment since May to get the item in stores in time for the film's premiere. The dresses are available at Alfred Angelo stores nationwide.

Herrera herself will also be selling the gown in her CHNY boutiques next year, according to a Reuters report. Details on how many dresses will be produced and how much the gown will cost have not been released.

During our "MTV First: Breaking Dawn" live stream earlier this month, Stewart, flanked by co-stars Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, described the fantasy nuptials as "realistically ceremonial" and "very, very emotional." She even kept the dress a secret from her castmates, except for Pattinson, who caught a sneak peek, much to her dismay.

"Nobody saw it until I walked out, which made me so ...," Stewart said, struggling for the right word. "It wasn't about the dress, it was just everything involved. I was like, ugh, so very the center of attention at that very moment."

Herrera's original design was, of course, inspired by the book. "I was called by Stephenie Meyer. We had to discuss a lot, but I was very inspired by her book and the description of the wedding," Herrera said at the film's premiere. "I was very flattered I was asked to do it; it's a big scene for me."

Though she made the dress for Stewart, a big-time actress in one of the highest-grossing films of the year, Herrera approached the design just as she would any other bride.

"Wedding dresses are different, because you have to know that it's the most important day in the life of a woman," she said. "You have to please the bride first of all, and it has to be a secret. I cannot talk about the dress before the groom sees it.

"I treated [Kristen Stewart's Bella] like every other bride," she admitted. "I think [Stewart] was very moved when she tried it on. And that means a lot, because she felt that it was the right one."

Would you purchase a replica of Bella Swan's wedding gown for your special day? Tell us in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Nickelback Detroit 'Debacle' Perfect For Funny Or Die

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 12:15 AM PST

'We're huge fans of Funny or Die and anything Will Ferrell is associated with — we're there,' Chad Kroeger tells MTV News.
By James Montgomery


Chad Kroeger of Nickelback
Photo: Getty Images

The ongoing situation between fans of the Detroit Lions and Nickelback — which, for the uninitiated, involves the band's performance during the team's Thanksgiving game, an online petition and the United Way — is the kind of thing that practically lends itself to parody. So it's no surprise that the folks over at Funny or Die have decided to enter the fray, with a new video that actually stars the Canadian quartet.

Given the rather vehement acrimony the band has suffered thanks to the petition (which, at last count, includes more than 75,000 signatures and messages like "Haven't the good people of Detroit been through enough?"), you'd probably be surprised to learn that, as soon as they were approached by FoD, Nickelback said yes to the spoof. Then again, they're the kind of band that is definitely aware of their public perception.

"They called us up. They said, 'This whole debacle that's going on in Detroit it just lunacy. We here in the comedy field think it's just perfect for making fun of, and if you guys would like to come down here ... ' " frontman Chad Kroeger told MTV News. "We're huge fans of Funny or Die and anything Will Ferrell is associated with — we're there. So we're like, 'Absolutely, we'd love to come and make fun of the whole thing and ourselves at the same time.' "

Of course, Nickelback will also be the first to admit that perhaps their acting skills aren't up to par. Which is why the only thing standing in the way of their Funny or Die clip's viral success may be Nickelback themselves.

"As soon as they get real actors to take our places, then it's going to be viral," guitarist Ryan Peake laughed.

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Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg Video Debuts Wednesday On MTV

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 10:16 PM PST

'Young, Wild & Free' is first clip off 'Mac & Devin Go to High School' soundtrack.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Matt Elias


Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa on the set of "Young, Wild & Free"
Photo: Matt Elias/MTV News

The school year may already be in full swing, but on Wednesday, fans will get their first glimpse of Snoop Dogg and Wi Khalifa's "Mac & Devin Go to High School" film when the smoked-out duo premiere the video for "Young, Wild & Free" on MTV.

Starting at 6 a.m. ET the video will debut across MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV.com and MTV Jams, where it will play every hour. Directed by Dylan Brown, "Young, Wild & Free," featuring Bruno Mars on the hook, is the first video from the official "Mac & Devin Go to High School" soundtrack.

While integrating movie scenes into music videos sometimes gets cumbersome, Dogg and Khalifa worked things out by cleverly filming the clip in a Montclair, California, drive-in theater.

"We got some more party scenes where we just gonna be doing our verses and having the scenes from the movie play on the big screen from the actual movie 'Mac & Devin Go to High School,' " Snoop told MTV News on the video set back in October. "So people get a chance to see a few scenes and see us perform at the same time."

In one particular scene, the pair race in off-road karts, with some choice video models in tow. "We just getting it crackin' in the parking lot, man, turning this thing out, so we had a couple of our little friends in the car and we drove fast," Wiz said.

"I had to level out the playing field; I had some weight issues so I had a couple of girls roll with me to level out my car," Snoop jokingly added.

The song is a carefree affair, with Mars singing, "So what we get drunk, so what we smoke weed/ We're just having fun, we don't care who sees" on the track's hook.

Keeping in tune with the single's theme, Wiz raps about rolling up and sagging his jeans while Snoop rhymes like he's 17 years old all over again. Khalifa teases that the entire soundtrack will carry a similar mood. "We got the homey Juicy J on the soundtrack, we got Curren$y on the soundtrack, but mainly it's just me and Dogg," he said. "It's a real big deal because nobody's done it like that as far as a veteran, an O.G. in the game, a pioneer, and then the newest, youngest, most exciting dude in rap coming through and really just giving the people a complete project."

"The music is quality," Snoop said.

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Mike Posner Is 'A Rapper Trapped In A Singer's Body'

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 11:49 PM PST

'I got love and acceptance in that community, and that's something that I really take seriously,' Mike Posner tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman


Mike Posner
Photo: MTV News

Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: The Layover

Key Cameo: "Rocket Man" (featuring Bun B)
Essential Info: Mike Posner is in touch with his rap side. On his new mixtape The Layover, he enlists the help of noted spitters like Bun B, Big K.R.I.T., Twista, Slim Thug, Cyhi the Prynce and Machine Gun Kelly — not that the "Cooler Than Me" singer lacks hip-hop swag, though.

"I'm kind of like a rapper trapped in a singer's body," Posner told Mixtape Daily. "That was the whole idea of me starting to sing in the first place. It took me a long time to stumble upon a sound, and I figured out I wanted to kinda sing rapper's lyrics."

Maybe it's his smoky voice or the way he intertwines slang into his lyrics, but the seemingly poppy Posner is a definite product of the hip-hop generation. Doubters need look no further than the recently released Layover. For much of the tape, Posner takes classic records like Oasis' "Wonderwall" and Elton John's "Rocket Man" and adds his own swag.

On "Henny & Purple" the Detroit crooner dedicates an entire song to getting high and drinking drank; for "On Fire," he and Machine Gun Kelly revisit Posner's 2009 track "Drug Dealer Girl" and deliver a well-equipped sequel. Things get even dustier when Mike enlists former Slum Village lyricist Elzhi to jump on "Mittens Up."

On the bouncy track, Mike borrows from 50 Cent's "Wanksta" when he sings, "Damn, homey, in high school you was the man, homey," but it is Elzhi who has the tape's most densely packed lyrics.

"That's why I make mixtapes, that's why I work with Don Cannon, that's why i work with Big Sean," Posner said. "Even though I don't rap, I got love and acceptance in that community, and that's something that I really take seriously and hold close to my heart."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Elizabeth Olsen Talks 'Amazing' 2011

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 09:12 AM PST

Actress' banner year has been 'learning experience,' she tells MTV News as part of Thankful Week.
By Eric Ditzian


Elizabeth Olsen
Photo: MTV News

By any sort of Hollywood metric, Elizabeth Olsen has had a wonderful year. In January, the actress became the talk of Sundance with the debut of the harrowing drama "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and a claustrophobic horror flick, "Silent House."

In subsequent months she took on roles opposite everyone from Zac Efron to Robert De Niro, and she'll soon star with Glenn Close in the period drama "Therese Raquin." And as 2011 inches to a close, her name has cropped up in awards-season talk: She's already nabbed an ensemble Gotham Awards nomination and could well find herself in the Golden Globe and Oscar mix.

Not bad. But when you consider this is the first year that Olsen has been on the entertainment scene — unless you count long-ago appearances with her sisters in those "Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley" musicals — the 22-year-old's 2011 goes from generally wonderful to simply magical (and no doubt jealousy-inducing for her peers).

And that's why we've named Elizabeth Olsen one of the actresses we're most thankful for this year. We recently sat down with her to look back at her accomplishments, to look forward to what she has coming down the line, and to find out what she'll do if she ends up winning awards this season.

MTV News: You know you might have to start giving some speeches soon ...

Elizabeth Olsen: I have zero expectation on any of that. I didn't even have anything beforehand that I could think the movie would become what it has become, with a great distributor, good buzz. This year has been such a learning experience. It's been amazing. I feel like I have an understanding of so many different aspects after making a movie. Before I didn't even know how to make a movie, and then I realized I didn't even know how to promote a movie, and then I realized there's a whole process of doing that that's even longer than making the movie. You just have to be thankful that you have the opportunity to get to do that and people want to talk to you about your work.

MTV: Is there one surreal moment from this year that encapsulates what a crazy run you've been having?

Olsen: The first thing that came to my head when you said that was I remember when I finished making ["Martha Marcy"] and I had dinner with my friend in the East Village. I was totally thrown off because I was in upstate New York for three months, and then I was in the East Village on a Saturday night and was so confused that people acted the way they acted. I was like, "Why are people so abrasive? It's so weird." I remember telling my friend, talking about making this movie, that I literally had the best experience of my life working on something. And that's including all the fun stuff you made with your friends in elementary school.

MTV: Speaking of promoting a film, do you read your own press at this point?

Olsen: At this point I'm interested in those things. Give me a couple months and I probably won't be. I don't know why. I think those opinions change all the time. Right now I'm just interested because I'm fascinated by the movie so I'm fascinated about what people think and get from the movie, because it is very unique.

MTV: Your co-star John Hawkes has compared your performance in "Martha Marcy" to Jennifer Lawrence's in "Winter's Bone." With "Hunger Games" she's now made the leap to a high-profile franchise. Is it only a matter of time before we see you in a "Transformers" or a "Spider-Man"?

Olsen: I don't know, but I don't think so. I'm just trying to pick whatever's most interesting to me at that point. I'm not trying to think of things studio or non-studio. There are a bunch of things I'd like to do in 2012 that are all very different from each other. What they all have in common are amazing people to work with and an interesting character to try and create.

MTV: Above and beyond the acting, do you have ambitions to write or direct?

Olsen: No, I don't. I like doing this. Dialogue I'm very bad at. I do like writing essays.

MTV: That is kind of nerdy.

Olsen: I know! I like writing essays. I have to write one tonight. So much fun!

MTV: Have you adjusted to being on set away from friends and family? Because that experience can be isolating.

Olsen: I would like to think that I'm really good at adjusting to changes. But I'm not as good as I thought I was. When I was working in Spain, that was really hard. It was a long shoot and it was Spain and I was coming in the middle of shooting, so everyone had already been there for six weeks and no one was going out to explore the city anymore. I was just by myself. But in situations like that, you do call your family. My sisters came and visited me. It was hard to be there and not even have the option of making a quick phone call and meeting up with someone. But now when I look back on being in Spain, I don't really think of it as being lonely. But at the moment, you know, I thought I really knew what loneliness was. I was like, "This is so lonely!"

MTV: Let's talk about "Very Good Girls," in which you'll be co-starring with Dakota Fanning. When is that shoot going to happen?

Olsen: We have to wait, because it's set in New York in the summertime. We'll do it next year. Dakota and I know each other, since we have the same mutual friends and went to the same high school. We've had dinner with the director, just chatting and trying to figure out what we can do to maybe change the script a bit, change scenes.

MTV: What was the key thing that attracted you to the role?

Olsen: The thing that's great about this script is I treat my relationships with my girlfriends as family and as probably the most important relationships in my life. I've had the same friends since I was in kindergarten. I feel like a lot of times in film and television, you don't get a chance to understand that type of relationship. "Sex in the City" is the closest thing you get to it. I think ["Very Good Girls"] is a great depiction of two young girls' friendship when they're graduating high school.

MTV: It seems like this role is the closest to your experience.

Olsen: Totally. It's important to be in a film like that. And everyone involved is going to be great to work with.

Check out everything we've got on "Martha Marcy May Marlene."

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

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Demi Lovato Is A 'Powerhouse,' Hot Chelle Rae Say

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 09:35 AM PST

'She took it up a notch in a way that we couldn't have imagined,' lead singer Ryan Keith Follese says of Whatever duet.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello


Demi Lovato
Photo: MLB/Getty

Riding high off the success of their track "Tonight Tonight," Nashville's Hot Chelle Rae are prepping the release of their album Whatever, due out November 29.

In addition to the top 40 hit, HCR also show off their skills on 10 tracks, and they invited some pals to the party. Among those friends is Demi Lovato, who appears on "Why Don't You Love Me." The group's lead singer, Ryan Keith Follese, dished about the Unbroken singer to MTV News when we caught up with them at Sunday's American Music Awards (the group took home the prize for New Artist of the Year).

"Honestly, I'm really, really proud of the song we did with Demi," Follese said. "We did a song called 'Why Don't You Love Me' ... and we're such a huge fan of hers."

Lovato's big voice made her the perfect choice for the track. "She's such a powerhouse female vocalist for our generation and the one below us," he gushed, "And I just can't wait for the world to hear that song. She took it up a notch in a way that we couldn't have imagined."

So what should fans expect from the track? "It is such a ballad, such a duet. If you can imagine a classic love song, that's what it is," he teased.

Whatever features Lovato, but also appearances from the New Boyz on "I Like It Like That." Bei Maejor, who dropped the track "Trouble" with J. Cole earlier this year, appears on the song "Radio."

Are you looking forward to Hot Chelle Rae's duet with Demi? Tell us in the comments!

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Foo Fighters Opener Joy Formidable Talk 'Surreal' Tour

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 09:40 AM PST

'We're loving every single minute of it,' Welsh rockers tell MTV News of playing large venues.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker


The Joy Formidable
Photo: Getty Images

Shortly before Welsh rock band the Joy Formidable took the stage at New York's Madison Square Garden to open for the Foo Fighters earlier this month, they sat down with MTV News to discuss what a great experience the tour has been for them.

"It's such a delight being on tour with the Foos and Social Distortion," lead singer Ritzy Bryan said, giving a shout-out to the tour's other opening act.

"The Foos heard a track of ours on the radio and really liked it," she explained of how they came to be on the tour. "It just happened really naturally, you know, picking up on a band, supporting new music. [They] invited us on tour on the back of that.

"It's very surreal," she added. "We've been playing some really big venues."

Though the band is accustomed to playing larger venues back in the U.K., all three members, including bassist Rhydian Dafydd and drummer Matt Thomas, agree that playing Madison Square Garden really means something special.

"When you talk to people about Madison Square Garden back on home soil, it's like, 'Wow, what an iconic venue,' " Dafydd weighed in with a big smile.

The already chipper musicians all lit up even more when we asked them what's next for them.

"We're very, very busy now writing our next record," Bryan said. "[We're] just losing ourselves in that at the moment. We're very, very happy to be here and loving every single minute of it."

The Joy Formidable are currently headlining their own leg of a North American tour. Visit their website for dates.

Are you a fan of the band? Let us know in the comments below!

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Beyonce Slinks Around In 'Dance For You' Teases

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 08:25 AM PST

Full-length video will be featured on deluxe edition of B's 'Live at Roseland' DVD.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé in "Dance For You"
Photo: Columbia Records

Beyoncé just wants to "Dance for You" in new teases for her 4 album track. The sexy video will be featured in the deluxe edition of Queen B's "Live at Roseland" DVD special, out November 29.

In two clips posted on Aceshowbiz.com, Beyoncé dons hot pants, garters and a slinky wrap dress as she performs a sexy dance routine on a desk. The video has a film noir vibe, as a private eye-type character watches Beyoncé as she dances. In the other tease, Beyoncé, in the same outfit, dances seductively in front of a chair as the camera cuts to the detective fellow watching her.

"Dance for You" is one of three tracks featured as bonus material on the deluxe version of 4, along with "Lay Up Under Me" and "Schoolin' Life." The track was produced by The-Dream and features writing credits from Tricky Stewart as well as Beyoncé. It's a sexy R&B jam about keeping things hot with her man. On it, she sings, "Tonight I'm gonna dance for you/ Tonight I'm gonna dance for you/ Tonight I'm gonna put my body on your body/ Boy, I like it when you watch me/ Tonight it's going down."

"Live at Roseland" was filmed in August over four shows performed at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. It features Beyoncé recounting anecdotes about her career while she performs some of her older tracks, before launching into a nonstop performance of 4 played straight through.

The standard edition of "Live at Roseland" hit shelves this week, along with concert specials from Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Adele also drops her "Live at Royal Albert Hall" DVD on November 29.

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