Rabu, 30 November 2011

MTV News

MTV News


The 2012 Grammy Nominees Revealed ... Possibly

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

Adele, Kanye West and more Grammy guesses, in Bigger Than the Sound.
By James Montgomery


Adele
Photo: Getty Images

On Wednesday night (November 30), CBS will officially kick off the self-congratulatory season with "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!," an emphatically titled extravaganza that not only features performances from some of music's biggest stars (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Usher, etc.), but also boosts the network's burgeoning LL Cool J branch by something like 20 percent, since he's taking leave from "NCIS" duties to host the telecast.

Oh, and as the title implies, they'll also be unveiling a handful of Grammy nominees too, which means that, once again, it's time for me to blindly speculate on who will get the nods. After all, it was less than 10 months ago that acts like the Arcade Fire and Esperanza Spalding shocked the world — or at least Steve Stoute — by taking home half of the so-called "Big Four" Grammys, victories that seemed out of place in just about every conceivable way, especially when you realize Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and the Kings of Leon were the big winners at the previous year's show (though it should be noted people were still plenty mad about that too).

Combine that annual confusion with everything that goes on before the show — the addition of the so-called "Lady Gaga Rule," the subtraction of some 30 categories (farewell, Best Hawaiian Music Album) and the expansion (and subsequent contraction) of the Grammy eligibility period itself — and you can understand why trying to predict who will pick up nominations is nearly as impossible as attempting to figure out Herman Cain's taste in women.

Then again, perhaps this year is different. You'd have to be crazy to bet against Adele, who not only has the year's best-selling album and a pair of smash singles, but, as her previous Grammy wins prove, is exactly the kind of artist voters love. Katy Perry built off her Grammy noms last year by notching three #1 singles this year; Rihanna had two of her own. Lady Gaga sold 1.1 million albums in a week. Nicki Minaj broke through to the big time. Taylor Swift continued to be Taylor Swift. In short, 2011 was a year dominated by female artists, which means you can probably expect the same from the Grammy nominations too.

Then again, keep in mind there are a bunch of albums released last year that are eligible this year — efforts like Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Bruno Mars' Doo Wops & Hooligans — not to mention token old-dude releases by Tony Bennett and Paul Simon. And don't forget about country acts like Lady Antebellum and Jason Aldean. Or time-tested (Grammy-rich) rock outfits like Foo Fighters or Coldplay. Things aren't as cut-and-dried as you'd figure. These are the Grammys after all.

So here, without further ado, are my nomination predictions. And even though the Grammys cut back on categories, I'm just focusing on the Big Four: Album, Record and Song of the Year, plus Best New Artist. Cut me some slack — it's hard enough trying to sort through everyone who's even eligible.

Album of the Year
» Adele, 21
» Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
» Lady Gaga, Born This Way
» Taylor Swift, Speak Now
» Tony Bennett Duets II

Like I said, Adele is a mortal-friggin'-lock here (and just about everywhere else), and since Gaga's last two efforts picked up AOTY noms, I think Born This Way is a shoo-in too. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was a critical smash, and Kanye's been an AOTY nominee three times before, so pencil him in too. In a pinch, I'll take Taylor Swift and Tony Bennett in the last two slots, though they could easily go to Lady Antebellum's Own the Night and Simon's So Beautiful or So What, depending on the whims of Grammy voters. Having said all that, it wouldn't surprise me to see Doo Wops & Hooligans or the Foos' Wasting Light grab a nom either.

Record of the Year
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks"
» Jason Aldean (featuring Kelly Clarkson), "Don't You Wanna Stay"
» Katy Perry, "Firework"

The award given to the artist, producer and mixer. Last year, Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" bested the likes of B.o.B, Jay-Z and Eminem to win it, so the voters like to mix it up here. "Rolling in the Deep" is a no-brainer, and Bruno Mars was nommed last year for his work on "Nothin' on You," so I think he gets a nod for "Grenade." Katy Perry's "Firework" has been pushed hard by her label, so voters will probably reward its success with a nomination. I have a sneaking suspicion Foster the People are this year's token left-field nom (taking their place alongside former nominees like M.I.A. and Gorillaz), and since he's performing at the aforementioned nominations concert (and because his song was such a hit), I'll give the final slot to Aldean. Other dark-horse candidates include Gaga's "Yoü and I," Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera's "Moves Like Jagger," Coldplay's "Paradise" or even (pleasepleaseplease) Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass."

Song of the Year
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Katy Perry, "Firework"
» Lady Gaga, "Yoü and I"
» Taylor Swift, "Back to December"

The award given to the actual songwriters. Generally speaking, Grammy voters like to get classy when it comes to nominees, which is why last year you saw folks like Ray LaMontagne and Miranda Lambert snag nods. I don't even have to tell you that "Rolling in the Deep" is the favorite, and I think Gaga gets a nod here too, since she was nominated for "Poker Face" a few years back and, well, "Yoü and I" just has a certain gravitas to it. Voters love Swift, which means they'll probably love her mature turn on "December" too. I'll give Mars and Perry the final slots here, since the former knows how to write a surefire smash and the latter (or, more specifically, her team of writers) dared to get inspirational with "Firework." Then again, you could remove either of them and put defending champs Lady Antebellum (they won this one too) in the mix for "Just a Kiss" or maybe Aldean. A super long shot is Minaj's "Super Bass," but stranger things have happened.

Best New Artist
» The Band Perry
» Bon Iver
» Ellie Goulding
» Foster the People
» Nicki Minaj

Ah, Best New Artist — where "new" is a relative term. You've probably noticed I keep mentioning Nicki Minaj, who may get shut out of Record and Song of the Year, but seems like a lock to get nommed here (she probably won't win, though). Foster the People seem like sure bets too, as do the Band Perry, who fill the token country slot. My last two picks — eh, I'm basically just guessing, though Bon Iver's album sold surprisingly well and was a critical darling, and Ellie Goulding is, uh, British, and given that both Adele and Amy Winehouse won BNA previously, that may be enough to get her in. Other choices: the other Brit, Jessie J; the other country act, the Civil Wars; pop-meisters Hot Chelle Rae; singer/songwriter Christina Perri; or pintsize "America's Got Talent" runner-up Jackie Evancho.

Did we get it right? Share your Grammy predictions in the comments!

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'Dark Knight Rises' And More: 20 Best Trailers Of 2011

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

Teasers for 'Hunger Games' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2' also left us hungry for more.
By Eric Ditzian


Christian Bale in "The Dark Knight Rises"
Photo: Warner Bros.

Time, like the theatrical run of "Your Highness," has disappeared quickly this year. It's hard to believe it was almost 12 months ago that we were settling into our seats to check out Nicolas Cage's "Season of the Witch." That didn't work out so well.

And so, as the MTV Movies team begins our look back at the cinematic year that was 2011, we're reminded that time is precious. We don't have much of it; we must use it wisely. That's why we're beginning our series of best-of stories with movie trailers — those neat little packages of footage that let us know in a few minutes' time whether the full movie is going to be worth it. Picking our 20 favorite trailers was a tough call; just look at the ones that didn't make it, like "The Avengers," "The Amazing Spider-Man," "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "Breaking Dawn - Part 1."

In the end, though, we selected the trailers that truly stuck with us — some since the early days of the year and some newer ones that are sure to haunt us into next year. Read on for our picks for the 20 best movie trailers of 2011.

20. "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
The trailer teases everything the movie delivers — a slowly building whodunit of a plot, an ominous score, period details so depressingly '70s-era British that the footage should come with a voucher for lithium — while at the same time succeeding in one area where the movie falters: It's not pull-your-hair-out, whisper-to-the-person-next-to-you, throw-your-hands-up-in-defeat confusing.

19. "The Muppets"
An unlikely companion piece to the "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" teaser listed below, this "Muppets" trailer — one in a long line of pop-culture mash-ups — had the lovable felt creatures laser-beaming one message to viewers: Our movie may be rated PG, but we swear you'll totally dig it. And hey, if you want to get stoned in the parking lot beforehand, that's fine, dude.

18. "Battleship"
The "Battleship" trailer got a lot of crap when it dropped in July — was this just "Blue Crush" meets "Armageddon," with neither the former's sugary, shameless sex factor nor the latter's Bruce Willis? Instead let us float another way of viewing it: as an utterly wacky, probably nonsensical yet potentially blockbustering summer movie for a "Transformers"-less 2012.

17. "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
The footage builds and builds its claustrophobic tension, finally giving way to John Hawkes' homespun singer/songwriter tuneage, which somehow still doesn't allow you any catharsis, any chance just to catch your breath: All is not well in Elizabeth Olsen's world. And it's simply addicting to watch.

16. "The Woman in Black"
The tagline could have been, "Abandon hope, all ye Muggles who enter here." The first full trailer for Daniel Radcliffe's first post-"Harry Potter" film was simple and creepy and effective — and unlike anything the boy wizard has ever encountered.

15. "Red Tails"
The second trailer starts off a little hokey, but it soon morphs into a shoot-'em-up dogfight between the Tuskegee Airmen and the Axis powers. Every piece of American history should come wrapped in such fiery pop-culture packaging.

14. "Devil's Double"
Torture, guns, chicks in bikinis, Dominic Cooper doing double duty as wide-eyed innocent and psychotic tyrant — what else can one ask for in a trailer?

13. "Super 8"
While our favorite "Super 8" trailer dropped in 2010, the one J.J. Abrams unleashed this past March — with its classic movie-monster intrigue and Spielbergian patina — was still pretty kick-ass. If only the film itself had lived up to the potential of these early looks.

12. "Drive"
In a word: cool. In a few more: awesome score, awesome car chases, awesome hints at violence, awesome performance by Ryan Gosling. Mainly, though: cool as sh--.

11. "John Carter"
After checking out this trailer, we'd gladly jet off to Mars and battle a few of Edgar Rice Burroughs' baddies if it meant catching an early screening of this sci-fi epic.

10. "American Reunion"
We didn't realize we actually missed Jim and his randy pals until we glimpsed the goofball and his flute-loving wife separately, secretly pleasuring themselves to R. Kelly's "Bump N' Grind."

9. "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance"
Nicolas Cage pees fire. He f---ing pees fire and says it feels awesome. When do tickets go on sale?

8. "Like Crazy"
One of the best movies at Sundance became the hands-down finest trailer for a romantic drama in 2011, capturing all the beauty and sadness and magic that echoes between Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones in the film.

7. "Rise of the Apes"
Anyone mocking the idea of bringing back those damn dirty apes with James Franco in tow was roundly silenced when the teaser dropped in April and we peeped Andy Serkis' Caesar and his ilk unleashing simian fury on San Francisco.

6. "X-Men First Class"
Was it the sizzling score? The historical weight imbued by JFK's voice-over? The quick looks at all those mutants? Every single frame in which Michael Fassbender was onscreen? It was all of it and more that made this "X-Men" trailer one of the most epic of the year.

5. "The Hunger Games"
After the most teaser-y of teaser trailers debuted at the MTV Video Music Awards, Lionsgate came through with a ton of footage in November: districts, tributes, games-makers, the Hunger Games arena and three teens looking to swipe the throne of tween obsession-dom from Edward, Bella and Jacob.

4. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
The feel-bad movie of Christmas gave us zero dialogue, oodles of fresh looks without anything so troublesome as context getting in the way, and Trent Reznor and Karen O's cover of "Immigrant Song." Oh, and chills: it gave us chills.

3. "Snow White and the Huntsman"
Our expectations were not high. So let us apologize to Kristen Stewart and all who are involved with this adaptation: Well done, folks! Sweeping in scale and containing some truly creative visual effects (huge crows splintering into hundreds of smaller crows, an anthropomorphic golden mirror), the trailer already would have been a 2011 highlight on its own merits. But when the silly trailer for "Mirror, Mirror," a competing Snow White flick, dropped days later, we had to revise our expectations for "Huntsman": This is how you adapt a centuries-old fairy tale for the 21st-century multiplex.

2. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Sure, we whooped it up to "Woman in Black." But the final "Deathly Hallows, Part 2" trailer? That sucker was not only the best "Deathly Hallows" trailer, it was arguably the best trailer of the entire franchise.

1. "The Dark Knight Rises"
This teaser should be encased in glass and studied at every studio in Hollywood as the perfect way to build excitement, deliver what core fans wants and yet not give away the whole shebang — and leave everyone dying to see more, more, more. There is simply no question: This was the best trailer of 2011, and we have a feeling it's teasing what will be the best movie of 2012.

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

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Avril Lavigne 'Re-Inspired' By 'X Factor' Mentor L.A. Reid

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

'I never had that connection with anyone ever again,' she tells MTV News of label exec, who signed her at age 15.
By Jocelyn Vena


L.A. Reid and Avril Lavigne in 2006
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Avril Lavigne made headlines earlier this month when she signed with Epic Records, reuniting her with early mentor L.A. Reid.

The "X Factor" judge helped shape the early part of the Canadian pop star's career when he discovered her at the top of the millennium and signed her to Arista, launching her to pop-star status. Now that Reid is at Epic, he decided it was a good time to get back together with the singer.

Lavigne couldn't be happier that Reid snatched her up.

"It's really exciting for me, because L.A. Reid signed me. He met me when I was 15, and he signed me on the spot. We did my first album together, and it was really successful and then what happens in the record industry, you know, changes are made," she told MTV News. "We didn't get to work together, and I was so bummed out, 'cause I never had that connection with anyone ever again, like, my whole career at the record company."

Ever since they were split up, Lavigne and Reid have hoped to reunite. "Every time we'd see each other, [we'd be like] 'We want to work together again,' so we've been waiting for this day," she said. "Now he is the president of Epic Records, and I just was able to move over, and so he's taking over for me and we're working together again."

Thanks to their reunion, Lavigne is able to focus on what she does best: make music. "We're also starting music for a new record for 2012," she said. "So I feel, like, really re-inspired, and I feel like it happened at the right time, 'cause I was really discouraged with record-company stuff on my last album. It was not something I was looking forward to dealing with again. Now I'm so excited."

Earlier this year, Lavigne released her album Goodbye Lullaby, which features her current single, the Max Martin-produced ballad "Wish You Were Here."

What are you expecting from Avril and L.A.'s reunion? Let us know in the comments!

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Big Time Rush Preparing For 'Crazy' U.S. Tour

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 03:53 AM PST

'It's going to be nuts,' Carlos Pena tells MTV News of Better With You Tour.
By Christina Garibaldi


Big Time Rush
Photo: MTV News

Big Time Rush already have some big plans heading into the New Year. Starting in February, the boys from the hit Nickelodeon TV show will hit the road for their Better With You Tour. The 16-stop trek will be the band's first U.S. headlining tour, and they'll be promoting their recently released second album, Elevate.

"It's going to be crazy," Carlos Pena told MTV News of the upcoming tour. "The summer tour was just a little taste of what it is. We're doing, like, four weeks of basically a tour boot camp in January and it's going to be nuts."

The boys of Big Time Rush will be going through a rigorous training to get in shape for what's sure to be a high-energy show.

"You have to condition yourself," Kendall Schmidt said. "Because being onstage for over an hour, especially the kind of show that we have, we have so much energy onstage that it's literally an hour-and-a-half workout."

Training isn't the only thing they have on their mind — the group plans to be heavily involved in every aspect of planning the tour.

"We need to relearn a whole new album," James Maslow said. "So we literally have to prepare, create, design everything from what we're gonna do with lighting and sound effects and then physically onstage, dance moves. So we've got a lot of work ahead of us for this tour, but we're excited."

Big Time Rush will be bringing another boy band along for the ride: British group One Direction will be hitting the road for a few of their show dates. However, they still have an open slot for the first leg of their tour, and they seem to have the perfect idea of who should fill it.

"It would be cool to have Jordin Sparks," Pena said. "We did a whole episode with her, and just hanging out with her that week was awesome, so it would be cool to have her on tour with us."

Are you going to see Big Time Rush on tour? Let us know in the comments!

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Conrad Murray Sentence 'Not Enough,' MJ Fans Say

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 04:37 AM PST

But other Michael Jackson supporters outside L.A. courthouse tell MTV News 'justice has been served.'
By Katie Byrne, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf


Conrad Murray
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — During the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's fans have been as much a fixture at the courthouse as the Jackson family. When Murray was sentenced to four years in jail Tuesday (November 29), MTV News spoke with those loyal fans outside the court to see if the maximum sentence was an apt punishment.

"Four years — not enough, but at least something," said one fan, sporting a red jacket in tribute to MJ. "And where I come from, a little something is always better than nothing."

One pair of friends might have been wearing matching Thriller T-shirts, but their opinions on Murray's sentence certainly didn't match. "If four years is the maximum and he got the maximum — I know she's not happy, but I'm happy," one of the women said, gesturing to her less-than-pleased companion. "I feel like justice was served and that L.A. can now be proud and stand tall."

"It's better than nothing, but it's not even close to justice," said another fan, wearing Jackson's trademark fedora and sequined glove. "Not only was [Murray] negligent; he let the man die. It's unconscionable. He didn't even try. How would a heart doctor not know how to give CPR? It's insane."

The cardiologist, who was found guilty of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter November 7, was facing up to four years in state prison in the death of the pop icon, but due to recent changes to alleviate overcrowding in California prisons, the judge in the case said he was unable to send the doctor to state prison for his crime. On top of that, legal expert Mike Cavalluzzi told MTV News that Murray will likely serve less than half of his four-year sentence.

Those legal loopholes concerned a female fan outside the courthouse, but she was also happy that the maximum punishment was doled out.

"The only thing I'm worried about now, with the overcrowding of the jails, he might get one year and house arrest," she told MTV News. "I'm just hoping it'll be four years, that's what I'm praying. I'm just glad that justice has been served today, and I'm glad justice can be served to the family and to the fans, and everybody around today will be happy and celebrate that justice has been served. And I'm sure Michael's looking from heaven right now."

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Britney Spears Experts Debate Elite Eight Videos

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 01:26 AM PST

Celebuzz's Amber James makes a case for 'Slave 4 U' in MTV News' Britney Spears Tournament: 30 Videos for 30 Years.
By Christina Garibaldi


Britney Spears in her video for "I'm a Slave 4 U"
Photo: Jive

We are down to the Elite Eight in our Britney Spears Tournament: 30 Videos for 30 Years. The competition has already had some shocking eliminations in the second round, including the iconic " ... Baby One More Time" and "Oops! I Did It Again" videos.

Round three is open for voting, and there will no doubt be some surprising eliminations leading us to the Final Four, which will be announced Wednesday. The matchups are tight in round three, with "Me Against the Music" holding a slight edge over "Hold It Against Me," with 51 percent of the votes. "Till the World Ends" is starting to take a more commanding lead with 55 percent of the votes over "Lucky," which barely made it through to the second round with a late win against "Everytime."

"Criminal" and "Stronger" are neck-and-neck in the competition, with "Criminal" having less than a 1 percent lead. Could Britney herself have given "Criminal" a helping hand during this competition? The pop star, who stars with boyfriend Jason Trawick in the steamy clip, recently tweeted, "Which video do you think is gonna win it all on @MTV's bracket? I know which one Jason is rooting for!!"


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

Looking to be the most intense matchup of the competition is "Toxic" vs. "Slave 4 U." "Slave" currently has the lead with 52 percent of the votes over "Toxic." Both are huge videos for the pop star, but for Celebuzz's Amber James, "Slave" just might take the title as the Best Britney Video of All Time.

"I love 'Slave 4 U,' " James told MTV News. "That's when she started to push her image. Then she did the [2001 Video Music Awards] performance with the snake, and I think people associate those two things. It was a sexy video, there is no denying that."

Round three is open for voting until Wednesday at 7 a.m. The Final Four will be announced and open for voting soon after.

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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Patrice O'Neal Mourned By Charlie Sheen, Aziz Ansari

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 01:49 AM PST

Sarah Silverman and Nick Cannon also remember late comedian.
By James Dinh


Patrice O'neal
Photo: Tasos Katopodis/ WireImage

The death of Patrice O'Neal hit the comedy world hard, prompting fellow stand-ups and actors to share their sadness online following Tuesday's (November 29) news.

Charlie Sheen — who was roasted by O'Neal this past September during "The Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen" — posted a short blog post about the news, admitting he's even shed tears for the comic's death. "The entertainment world as well as the world at large lost a brilliant man today," Sheen wrote. "Patrice had that rare 'light' around him and inside of him. I only knew him for the few days leading up the Roast. Yet I will forever be inspired by his nobility, his grace and his epic talent. My tears today are for the tremendous loss to his true friends and loving family."

Aziz Ansari kept his response simple, writing, "RIP Patrice O'Neal," alongside a YouTube link to one of O'Neal's comedy bits.

Click for photos from the life and career of Patrice O'Neal.

"RIP Patrice O'Neal. You made us laugh til we cried," Sarah Silverman wrote on Twitter.

A rep for O'Neal confirmed the news to MTV News on Tuesday with this statement: "It is with terrible sadness we must report that Patrice O'Neal has passed away this morning at 7:00am due to the complications of the stroke he suffered on October 19. Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius. His mother, who was also his best friend, was at his side. Patrice is survived by his wife, Vondecarlo, his step daughter Aymilyon, sister Zinder, and his mother Georgia. The family wishes to thank all of the fans and friends who have expressed an outpouring of love and support for Patrice these past weeks. We ask that you please respect the family's request for privacy at this difficult time."

Fellow comedian/actor Nick Cannon hit Twitter to remember O'Neal. "An amazing comedian and an even better person. RIP Patrice O'Neal," he wrote. Cannon continued his thoughts on his website: "Patrice was also known for his famous laugh that could be heard coming from dark corners in the back of comedy rooms when he wasn't performing. The comedy world loved him, we loved him, it is a sad day because it's a day without Patrice. He will be missed. Patrice was 41."

"Jersey Shore" star Vinny Guadagnino chimed in on as well. "RIP Patrice O'neal..You were one of the best," he tweeted.

Share your memories of Patrice in the comments below.

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Tupac Shakur Was 'Mad Talented,' Phife Dawg Recalls

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 03:49 AM PST

Phife will appear on 'Yo! MTV Raps: Classic Cuts' on MTV2 on Sunday.
By Rob Markman


Tupac Shakur
Photo: Steve Granitz/ Wireimage

During its history, "Yo! MTV Raps" documented the rise of hip-hop's most revered artists. One of rap's most iconic figures, Tupac Shakur, gave the show many memorable moments; one in particular found a fiery 'Pac airing out his beef with "Menace II Society" film directors Albert and Allen Hughes. Still, as controversial as Tupac was, he sure did get a lot of love.

"Dude was just mad talented," Phife Dawg told MTV News of Tupac. "He's a human being, he's made some mistakes along the way, blah, blah, blah, but the love was there. You couldn't tell the ladies nothing about Tupac. Now that I live on the West Coast, I really see for myself firsthand how much love that dude gets."

Phife, a former member of A Tribe Called Quest, will appear on "MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps: Classic Cuts" on December 4. He made his bones in the early 1990s, much like 'Pac. While they both hailed from New York, Shakur called California home. "A lot of people forget he's originally from Harlem, went to school in Baltimore with Jada Pinkett Smith — they forget that he's actually from the East Coast," Phife explained. "But one thing I heard 'Pac say is, 'I learned the game of life from the West Coast.' So I guess he can say West Coast is home."

When the topic of the greatest MC of all time comes up, Shakur's name is usually mentioned, but in Phife's opinion, when out in California, there's not even an argument: Tupac reigns supreme. " 'Pac is king on the West Coast," he said. "Nobody touches Tupac out there."

Watch "MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps: Classic Cuts" on December 4 at 12 a.m. ET, immediately after the "2011 Sucker Free Awards."

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Conrad Murray Not Expected To Serve Full Four Years

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 12:41 AM PST

Legal expert Mike Cavalluzzi tells MTV News he isn't surprised by sentence but doesn't think it's justified.
By Gil Kaufman


Dr. Conrad Murray in court on Tuesday
Photo: Mario Anzuoni-Pool/ Getty Images

Though he dodged a potential four-year prison term, former Michael Jackson physician Conrad Murray was sentenced to an equal amount of time in Los Angeles County Jail on Tuesday (November 29) in the death of the pop singer.

But the same overcrowding problems that spared the cardiologist from doing time in a federal pen might also save him from serving his entire sentence in county as well. Shortly after the sentence was handed down by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, Los Angeles Sheriff spokesman Steve Whitmore told E! News that Murray would likely end up serving "a little less than two years." Due to overcrowding, most county jail sentences are immediately cut in half, and given the 46 days credit Murray has already been given, he is looking at even less than that.

Do you think Conrad Murray deserved the maximum sentence? Let us know on Facebook.

Murray's lawyers said afterward that they believed the sentence was unnecessarily long. "Yes, of course [Judge Pastor] was harsh. He gave the stiffest penalty he was entitled to give under the law," Murray's attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, told reporters. "He was openly hostile. ... [Murray has] led 56 years of exemplary life. He was really dreading [sentencing]. I think anybody would dread going into it. He's an honorable man, and he'll get through this. The family is suffering more than Dr. Murray is. ... Dr. Murray is the provider in that family."

Pastor had leeway in the sentencing, with options ranging from probation to the full sentence, but in a lengthy ruling from the bench, he said Murray's lack of remorse and negligent behavior called for the highest possible penalty. "He is and remains dangerous ... the request of probation is denied, the court imposes the high term of four years imprisonment in this case," Pastor said during the 90-plus-minute hearing.

Los Angeles-based criminal defense attorney Mike Cavalluzzi told MTV News that he wasn't surprised by the sentencing but that he didn't believe it was justified. Cavalluzzi said Pastor had incentive to give the full sentence because of the prominence of Jackson and his family and to create the perception that he is tough on crime. "He gets that perception by sentencing him to the max while not having to surrender the defendant to the full sentence," said Cavalluzzi, who was not involved in the case. "He gets the self-satisfaction of being perceived as being tough on crime and making the Jackson family happy, but I don't think it was a fair sentence."

Cavalluzzi said when deciding prison versus probation, judges have to look at someone's criminal history and whether a person is likely to complete the terms of their probation, which he believes Murray would. "I'm not seeing aggravating factors here, and I think it was just a chapter in [Murray's] life and he does not have a history of being a mercenary doctor always after money, but of being a good, responsible doctor who was seduced by the celebrity and money that Jackson offered," he said.

As to why Pastor gave such a dramatic, lengthy explanation for why he was sentencing Murray to the max, Cavalluzzi said the judge has to have a justification for his actions in the public record. "Because he doesn't have the discretion to give a high prison term, [Pastor] has to justify his sentence in the record and have very specific reasons for it. I don't think there's any way that anyone truly believes that from this day forward Dr. Murray truly represents a threat to society. That's just ludicrous."

And while he doesn't agree with the four-year term, Cavalluzzi said the high-profile nature of the case and the glare of the media could have played into the sentence. "It probably gives [Jackson's family] great comfort to have someone to blame," he said. " 'If not for this awful man, my son, brother, father would be alive.' But it's not fair to do that and it feels like a capitulating judgment in favor of feeding the emotional needs of the family."

Upon leaving the courthouse, Michael's brother Jermaine, when asked if the four-year sentence was enough, shook his head and said, "No." Mother Katherine Jackson told local TV station KTLA, "Four years is not enough for someone's life. It won't bring him back. But at least he got the maximum, and I thought the judge was very, very fair."

The prosecution, however, was satisfied with the ruling.

"We're pleased. That's what we thought was appropriate. The judge obviously agreed with us," deputy district attorney David Walgren said. "It was our position that it was not a simple, one-time mistake; it was a series of mistakes culminating in the abandonment of Michael Jackson when he died ... the judge agreed with that sentiment. A brother and a son and a family member was killed, and whatever the sentence may be, the family of the victim deserves justice. And we did everything to bring them that justice."

As for how much time Murray will spend locked up, Cavalluzzi said it is likely to be less than two years and, frankly, he predicted, the doctor could be out even sooner than that. "He might be eligible for house arrest very quickly," he said.

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Jennifer Lopez Planning Greatest-Hits Album

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 03:12 AM PST

Vocal producer Kuk Harrell tells MTV News he'll team with Tricky Stewart and The-Dream for the project.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf


Jennifer Lopez
Photo: Mike Coppola/ Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez certainly has had some big hits. Since releasing her debut album, On the 6, in 1999, J.Lo has commanded pop radio with tracks like "If You Had My Love," "I'm Real," "Love Don't Cost a Thing" and "Jenny From the Block."

And she hasn't stopped. This year, she released Love?, featuring club bangers like "On the Floor." Now, J.Lo plans to give her fans a proper greatest-hits album.

"I just got the call a week ago that the greatest-hits album for Jennifer Lopez is coming up," vocal producer Kuk Harrell told MTV News. "Now I'm just waiting for them to put on the schedule [and] let me know what songs we're actually cutting and stuff like that."

While he didn't have too many details about what fans should expect on the album, Harrell did share who else Jenny is hitting the studio with. "I think [when] I find out what the direction is, I will definitely go in the lab. I will get in the lab with Tricky Stewart and The-Dream and see what we can come up with for it."

Harrell has certainly been busy this year. He worked with Rihanna on her Talk That Talk album, Justin Bieber on Under the Mistletoe (and will work with him again on his next album) and now has plans to hook up with Lopez. He's grateful for all the opportunities he's been given.

"I'm so fortunate to be able to work with Rihanna and Justin Bieber ... and Jennifer Lopez for that matter, so anytime a call comes in to work with the three of them, it's always 'yes,' because it's just assumed [it'll be good]," he said. "They're superstars, so how are you going to turn them down? Unless we have a scheduling conflict, but it's always a 'yes.' It's always an immediate 'we're gonna kill it.' That's when my competitive edge comes out. It has to be the best. It has to be better than anything we've ever done."

What tracks do you hope to see on J.Lo's greatest-hits album? Let us know in the comments!

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T.I./B.o.B Joint Album 'Started As A Joke'

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 12:54 AM PST

'It seems to be taking form in a very organic way,' Bobby Ray tells MTV News.
By Rob Markman


B.o.B
Photo: MTV News

T.I. has definitely been making up for lost time.

Since being released from prison in September, the King of the South has been working overtime in the studio releasing his own singles ("I'm Flexin'," "Pyro") and remixes of other artists' songs (the Throne's "N---as in Paris," 2Chainz's "Spend It"). For his next album, Trouble Man, Tip said he's already recorded 45 songs. And then there is his collaboration album with B.o.B.

During an October interview with Shade 45's "Sway in the Morning," the Grand Hustle CEO said he was "flirting" with the idea of doing a tag-team album with Bobby Ray. On the set of his "Strange Clouds" video, B.o.B confirmed that the two are in the studio.

"The joint album, it actually started as a joke," B.o.B told MTV News. "Tip would always refer to me as the Martian, and in one of his lyrics, he said, 'It's the man and the Martian,' and we said, 'Man that could be an album title.'

"We kinda just played around with it. But it seems to be taking form in a very organic way," he added.

Just because they are recording together doesn't mean things are finalized. In his October interview, Tip wouldn't fully commit. "Even this, this is a conversation that we had, this is an idea," he said about the possibility of a B.o.B joint album. "It's not set in stone. It's not concrete as of yet."

Before that, fans will most likely see solo LPs from each of the MCs. On Monday, B.o.B released his mixtape E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial), and it's safe to assume his sophomore LP, Strange Clouds, is next. "It's all about the fusion between the outer limits and the inner limits, from the sky to the ground; it's everything in between, above and below, so Strange Clouds, for me, it's my 'Twilight Zone,' " he told MTV News of his upcoming Adventures of Bobby Ray follow-up.

What are you expecting from a T.I. and B.o.B team-up? Let us know in the comments!

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Lil Boosie Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 12:29 AM PST

Louisiana rapper pleaded guilty to drug-smuggling charges.
By Nadeska Alexis


Lil Boosie
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

Lil Boosie has been incarcerated since June 2010, awaiting trial for a murder charge. On Tuesday (November 29), the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native (born Torrence Hatch) pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiring to smuggle drugs into prison and was sentenced to eight years behind bars.

Local TV station WFAB reports that District Judge Mike Erwin passed down the sentence after Boosie admitted that he tried to smuggle drugs into Louisiana's Dixon Correctional Center and Angola State Penitentiary. Upon hearing his sentence, the 29-year-old rapper requested admittance to a drug rehab program, and while the judge agreed to recommend treatment, he wouldn't order it. Boosie will receive credit for the time he has already served behind bars.

Last June, Boosie pleaded not guilty to one count of first-degree murder, two counts of conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal institution, three counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics and three counts of conspiracy to commit possession with intent to distribute narcotics.

The first-degree murder charge stemmed from the October 2009 death of Terry Boyd. Boosie is accused of paying hit men to kill the 35-year-old man and, if convicted, he may face the death penalty. During Boosie's stint behind bars, the East Baton Rouge DA's office also began to build another case against Boosie, trying to link him to five additional murders.

During a prison interview in May, the Trill Entertainment rapper told XXL magazine he was being unfairly targeted by the justice system. "[I'm here] 'cause of the songs I made, before I was indicted, about the police in Baton Rouge and what's going on here," he said. "There's a lot with our record label that the system don't like. ... They took my hard drive out of my house after I got arrested. I have albums for days in there. They still haven't returned it. They've had it for damn near a year now. I need that music."

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'Breaking Dawn' Best Scenes: Fans Share Their Picks

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 11:37 PM PST

In 'Twilight' Tuesday, Twilighters tell MTV News their favorite moments.
By Kara Warner


Kristen Stewart in "Breaking Dawn"
Photo: Summit

With "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" still crushing all competition at the box office, it's clear from the film's overwhelming fan support that the highly anticipated instant hit will be raking in more dough in the coming weeks and months.

In last week's installment of "Twilight" Tuesday, we asked fans how many times they planned on seeing "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" in theaters, and their revelations were both impressive and astounding: One young woman had seen the film 19 times in the first six days and claimed that she wasn't finished yet. So, with those multiple viewings in mind — and the dedicated masses who have now seen the film enough times to re-enact it from memory — today's "Twilight" Tuesday is about fans' favorite scenes.

As expected, plenty of folks had trouble selecting just one favorite scene from the action-packed, 117-minute movie. In addition to the three early favorites — the honeymoon scene, birth scene and wedding scene — according to our quick poll, fans seem happiest with the family toasts at Edward and Bella's wedding and Jacob imprinting on Renesmee.

"Love wedding scene and Charlie's speech, also Jake's imprinting to Renesmee scene," Daniela Imrichova said.

"I feel the wedding speeches were a well-thought addition 2 the movie - since it wasnt in the books. LUV Emmet's the best!" gushed Kristen Grumbine.

"My favorite scene was Jake imprinting on Renesmee it really touched my heart that Jake finally found true love," Christine Waters chimed in.

"Jacob imprinting its perfect. I've seen it four times so far and still cry," admitted Desiree Kozlowski.

"I have already watched it 3 times. #Favoritepart = THE WHOLE MOVIE," wrote Valentina.

"I will keep going till they stop playing it!! And my favorite scene?? The whole movie was amazing! #obsessed," wrote Robyn Smyly.

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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Comedian Patrice O'Neal Dies At 41

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 10:52 PM PST

Charlie Sheen roaster suffered a stroke in October.
By Jocelyn Vena


Patrice O'Neal
Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Patrice O'Neal has died at age 41.

The news of his death was was confirmed by his co-star on "The Opie & Anthony Show." The comedian and radio personality suffered a stroke back in October.

O'Neal was best known for his work as a stand-up comedian but also appeared in several films like "25th Hour," "Scary Movie 4" and "Furry Vengeance." In addition to being a regular guest on Opie and Anthony's show, he also made multiple appearances on "Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn," "Chappelle's Show" and "The Office."

Click for photos from the life and career of Patrice O'Neal.

Just this past September, he was one of the many comedians who poked fun at Charlie Sheen during his "Comedy Central Roast." He also hosted VH1's "Web Junk 2.0" back in 2006. Earlier this year, his Comedy Central special "Elephant in the Room" premiered on the network.

For those who knew him best, it was his bigger-than-life personality that will be missed most. "Yes it's true that our pal Patrice O'Neal has passed away," Opie, a.k.a. Gregg Hughes, tweeted. "The funniest and best thinker i've ever known PERIOD. #devastated." He then tweeted out a link to a video of the late comedian laughing on the radio show, simply adding, "Patrice O'Neal Greatest Laugh EVER."

Born in Boston on December 7, 1969, O'Neal got his start on the stage and in the early '90s and moved to Los Angeles to shoot for the big leagues. Eventually, his stand-up career resulted in smaller roles in films, as well as the HBO comedy special "One Night Stand." He had been living in the New York area at the time of his death.

The New York Daily News reports that O'Neal died Monday night. Shortly after his October stroke, his friend and fellow comedian Jim Norton opened up about his condition on the radio. "We don't know how he is. We don't know how he's going to be," Norton said. "I didn't want to do this by myself. I wish we had more news for you."

Share your condolences for O'Neal's family and friends in the comments below.

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Conrad Murray Sentenced To Four Years In Jail

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 10:40 PM PST

Former Michael Jackson doctor faces another hearing in January to potentially provide more than $101 million in restitution to the Jackson family.
By Gil Kaufman


Dr. Conrad Murray receives sentencing in court on Tuesday
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images

Former Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray was back in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday morning (November 29), where he was ordered to serve the maximum of four years in county jail. The cardiologist, who was found guilty of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter November 7, was facing up to four years in state prison in the death of the pop icon, but due to recent changes to alleviate overcrowding in California prisons, the judge in the case said he was was unable to send the doctor to state prison for his crime.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor had leeway in the sentencing, with options ranging from probation to the full sentence, but in a lengthy ruling from the bench he said that Murray's lack of remorse and negligent behavior argued for the highest possible penalty.

Do you think Conrad Murray deserved the maximum sentence? Let us know on Facebook.

"He is and remains dangerous ... the request of probation is denied, the court imposes the high term of four years imprisonment in this case," Pastor said during the 90-plus minute hearing. Murray will serve his time in the Los Angeles County Jail, as well as pay nearly $900 in court fees and face another hearing in late January 2012 on a request by the prosecution to provide more than $101 million in restitution to the Jackson family.

Murray was found guilty by a jury of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors convinced them that Murray's reckless use of the surgical anesthetic propofol led to the singer's death. Before Pastor's ruling, prosecutors not only asked for the maximum sentence, but also that Murray pay Jackson's children more than $100 million in restitution, which is the amount they believe the singer would have earned had he lived to perform his "This is It" comeback tour, in addition to nearly $2 million in funeral expenses.

Prior to handing down the sentence, a peeved-looking Pastor answered a defense question regarding a last minute notice from the prosecution noting that two previous cases suggest that involuntary manslaughter could be considered a "serious" offense and thus should subject Murray to federal prison time.

"I don't think these cases have any impact on the realignment statute," Pastor ruled, referring to the new rules regarding sentencing that he believed superseded the earlier cases.

Attorney and friend Brian Panish read a statement from the Jackson family at the beginning of the proceedings. "There is now way to adequately describe the loss of our beloved father, son, brother and friend," Panish said. "We still look at each other in disbelief, is it really possible that he is gone? As Michael's parents we never could have imaged we would live to witness his passing. It is simply against the natural order of things. As his brothers and sisters we will never be able to hold, laugh, or perform again with our brother Michael. And as his children, we will grow up without a father, our best friend, our playmate and our dad. We are not here to seek revenge, there is nothing you can do today that will bring Michael back. But we will keep the love in our in our hearts that Michael embodied throughout his life. His passion was for unifying the world through the gift of his artistry. We respectfully request that you impose a sentence that reminds physicians that they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder and cast aside their Hippocratic oath to do no harm. As we all know from this tragedy, doing so can have devastating results. The bible reminds us that men cannot do justice they can only seek justice. And that is all we ask as a family and that is all that we can ask for here."

As in the past, Murray, 58, sat stone-faced, listening to the statement and prosecutor David Walgren's quick rehashing of the facts in the case. "He looked out for himself and not Michael Jackson," Walgren said, going on to argue why the court should deny the defense's request for probation. He quoted Pastor's own comments about the dangerous nature of Murray's action following the verdict as evidence that Murray should face a more serious penalty than probation.

He said Murray's abandonment of a vulnerable Jackson in the time of the singer's need, as well as the planning the doctor underwent to procure the propofol and to not keep clear medical records about their administration were also reasons to deny probation. "It is the people's position that prison is warranted," Walgren said, adding that it was Murray's negligent actions before, during and after Jackson's death, as well as his lack of remorse and failure to take personal responsibility — as evidenced in clip from a documentary interview nine days before the verdict in which he denied culpability — that call for the longer term.

A number of Jackson's family members, including mother Katherine and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Randy and Rebbie, were reportedly on hand for the court date.

When asked by the judge if the new sentencing laws allowed Murray to be sent to prison for the full term, Walgren said they did not. While the defense did not call any witnesses to testify — and Murray did not wish to speak — defense attorney Ed Chernoff did reference more than 30 pages of support memorandum from friends, family and patients in his brief statements. He agreed that Murray's actions do warrant punishment, but asked how the court viewed the book of Murray's life, versus one chapter. "He shouldn't have done it," he said of Murray's actions. "We're going to be honest about vulnerability. Michael Jackson was a drug seeker and he sought it out from Dr. Murray who was wrong in providing it."

Chernoff painted Jackson as a rich, powerful person who had the means to do whatever he wanted and asked the court to consider Murray's life before the doctor began working for Jackson. He described Murray's currently cloistered existence in jail in protective custody and asked, "but what about the rest of his life? What about before Michael Jackson asked for propofol?" he wondered, noting that for 56 years Murray had never run afoul of the law and had raised a family following his destitute beginnings on the island of Grenada. "Does any of that matter at all?" Chernoff asked dramatically as he unspooled his client's rise from poverty and what he described as a professional life dedicated to helping poor and disadvantaged patients.

"I think it should matter," he answered. "But when the glow of vengeance has faded, he still is someone else's problem. And Dr. Murray can do things for the community on probation that he could never do sitting in that room."

Pastor noted that he had discretion in sentencing in this case and that he took into account that both sides have said that Murray's actions did result in the death of Jackson, though pointedly noted that Murray did not take responsibility in the MSNBC documentary that aired days after the guilty verdict.

Because the case involved criminal negligence, which requires more than carelessness or mistake in judgment, but reckless actions that result in death, Pastor said it was important to focus on those factors. "This is not a question about what might have happened or what if someone else had been involved if not for Dr. Murray," he said. "That is an insult to the medical profession. The fact is that Michael Jackson died because of the action of and the failure to perform the medical duties of Dr. Murray."

The judge said he had taken into account the full story of Murray's life, but said the "unconscionable lies" to medical personnel and a series of "inconceivable" decisions the doctor made on June 25, 2009 jeopardized the life of his patient and superseded what the doctor had done before. "Why give probation to someone who is offended by the whole idea that that person is even before the court," he said, referring to a "failure of character" on behalf of Murray, most specifically, a secret recording the physician made of the singer that Pastor characterized as a type of "insurance policy" against a potential future conflict between the doctor and patient that seemed beyond the pale.

The day before the sentence was handed down, Murray's mother, Milta Rush, reportedly wrote a letter to judge Pastor asking him for mercy, saying, "his [Murray's] compassion and his soft heartedness for others led to this dilemma."

Pastor said he could find no reason to grant probation to Murray, whose actions he called a "gross, continuing deviation" from medical standards, and who he claimed is and remains a danger to the community. Without the legal authority to send Murray to state prison, Pastor said, "the court has determined that the appropriate term is the higher term of four years imprisonment ... because I find that Dr. Murray had abandoned his patient, who was trusting him ... he has absolutely no remorse."

A future date in January was set to begin discussing the prosecution's request for restitution. After being given credit for 46 days of time served and good time credit, Murray was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. The Los Angeles County Sheriff will determine how much time Murray will actually do in his equally overcrowded jail and Murray's lawyers have indicated that they plan to launch an appeal at a later date.

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Ellie Goulding Brings <i>Lights</i> To National Christmas Tree

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 12:18 AM PST

Big Time Rush and will.i.am also will perform Thursday at White House tree-lighting ceremony.
By Steven Roberts


Ellie Goulding
Photo: MTV News

While another English songstress has received a tremendous amount of well-deserved praise here in the States this year, Ellie Goulding has been working slowly but steadily, making a name for herself on this side of the Atlantic. Her debut album, Lights, hit #1 on the U.K. charts, she won Critic's Choice at the 2010 BRIT Awards, and she's even had the opportunity to perform at the Royal Wedding reception for Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Of course, Americans don't really care about any of that. They do, however, really like Christmas. Goulding is set to perform at the White House during the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, along with will.i.am, Big Time Rush and the incomparable Kermit the Frog. The ceremony will take place Thursday at the National Park, and the laidback, always-chill Goulding said she's just as excited about this event as she was about performing at the royal reception.

"Prince William saw me about a year earlier, and they were both really big fans of my record. It was simple as that," Goulding said casually. "I'm quite relaxed about things, probably too relaxed, and so when I found out, I was probably like, 'Cool.' "

Goulding, who performed on "Saturday Night Live" earlier this year, said she wasn't sure who recommended her for the tree-lighting gig. While it's uncertain whether President Obama had heard of her, or maybe his daughters are fans, her lead single "Lights" might have had a hand in it.

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'Dark Knight Rises' Commissioner Gordon 'Very World-Weary'

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 11:18 PM PST

'He's a little reminiscent of the Gordon you see in 'Batman Begins,' ' actor Gary Oldman says.
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Gary Oldman in "The Dark Knight"
Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

This holiday season, fans looking forward to next year's release of "The Dark Knight Rises" should be thankful for "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and all the press its star Gary Oldman is doing.

MTV News' Josh Horowitz caught up with Oldman, who stars in both of those films, on the red carpet for the Gotham Independent Film Awards and noticed something different about his face. The iconic Commissioner Gordon mustache was missing. After wrapping the film recently, Oldman lost the mustache in favor of a cleaner look.

"The Gordon mustache is retired," Oldman confirmed. "They gave me a shadow box, and it has my badge, my glasses and the mustache. He is retired."

Empire magazine's recent on-set feature dropped the detail that "The Dark Knight Rises" will take place seven years after the end of its predecessor "The Dark Knight." This obviously leaves a lot of time out of the story and a lot of changes for the characters, including Gordon. Oldman said that his character has a return to an earlier form for the trilogy's finale.

"He's a little reminiscent of the Gordon you see in 'Batman Begins.' They've tidied up the city, but there's still work to be done. He's very world-weary," Oldman said.

One of the more mysterious cast additions, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as beat cop John Blake, meant an extra man in Gordon's Gotham PD. Oldman described his time working with Gordon-Levitt as a little distracting, but in a good way. "Someone that talented, I do these scenes with him and you can't put a pin through an insincere moment," he said. "It's wonderful. You come out of character sometimes because ... you're in the scene and you find your head going, 'Wow. He's pretty good.' "

Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."

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

Michael Jackson's Family Not Out For 'Revenge'

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 11:04 PM PST

'There is nothing you can do here today that will bring Michael back,' Joe and Katherine Jackson say in a statement read at Conrad Murray hearing.
By Andrea Duncan-Mao, with reporting by Gil Kaufman


Katherine Jackson arrives at the Los Angeles Superior Court for the sentencing of Dr. Conrad Murray on Tuesday
Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images

At Tuesday's (November 29) sentencing hearing for Dr. Conrad Murray — where Michael Jackson's former personal physician received four years in jail for involuntary manslaughter — a statement from Jackson's parents was read in court.

"We still look at each other in disbelief: Is it really possible he is gone? It is simply against the natural order of things," Joe and Katherine Jackson said in the statement, read by Jackson family attorney Brian Panish. "We are not here to seek revenge. There is nothing you can do here today that will bring Michael back."

Do you think Conrad Murray deserved the maximum sentence? Let us know on Facebook.

Along with Katherine, Michael's siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Randy and Rebbie were also reportedly in attendance at the hearing.

In regards to the sentence, the family said in the statement: "We respectfully request you impose a sentence that reminds physicians they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder."

The judge agreed, lamenting that due to a new California law to address overcrowding in prisons, he was unable to sentence Murray to state prison. Stating that Murray practiced "horrible medicine" and had "absolutely no remorse," Judge Michael Pastor declined the defense's motion for probation and handed down the stiffest sentence possible — four years — which Murray will most likely serve in a Los Angeles county jail or on home confinement.

Upon leaving the courthouse, Michael's brother Jermaine, when asked if the four-year sentence was enough, shook his head and said, "No." Katherine told local TV station KTLA, "Four years is not enough for someone's life. It won't bring him back. But at least he got the maximum, and I thought the judge was very, very fair."

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Justin Bieber Tops Kim Kardashian As Bing's Most-Searched Person

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 08:21 AM PST

Bieber overtakes last year's champ on search engine's annual list of the year's most-Binged people.
By James Montgomery


Justin Bieber
Photo: FilmMagic

Having already bested Lady Gaga in the race to 2 billion YouTube views, Justin Bieber can now lay claim to another e-title: He's just been named the year's most-searched person on Internet search engine Bing, edging out his old pal Kim Kardashian for the title.

Yes, Bieber sits atop Bing's annual list of the most-searched people of 2011, making the leap from #6 on last year's list and knocking Kardashian down from the top spot, which she held last year. Jennifer Aniston came in at #3 on the list (up from #9 in 2010), and a whole host of other females — including Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus — round out the top 10.

Bieber was the only male to make Bing's most-searched people list, which last year featured Jesse James, Michael Jackson, Tiger Woods and Barack Obama (who plummeted from #5 to #49 in 2011 ... always a good sign in the lead-up to an election) in the top 10. Also dropping out of the top 10 were actress Sandra Bullock and reality TV mother-of-the-year Kate Gosselin.

Not surprisingly, Bieber also tops Bing's list of most-searched musicians ... and not surprisingly, he's also the only male to make the top 10. JB bested Katy Perry to take the top spot, followed by Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. Bieber's girlfriend Selena Gomez made the list at #6, just ahead of Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

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