- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: MJJ
- Director: Spike Lee
- Album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Mía Maestro Michael Michele Michelle Behennah Michelle Branch
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us
Miley Cyrus' Movie 'LOL' Picked Up By Distributor
Remake of 2008 French hit co-stars Demi Moore and Ashley Greene
By Gil Kaufman
Miley Cyrus
Photo: Fotonoticias/ WireImage
Miley Cyrus will cement her transition from kiddie TV star to teenage vixen in her upcoming movie "LOL," which was just picked up for distribution by Lionsgate, according to Variety.
The English-language remake of the 2008 French hit reportedly includes a number of scenes that might make Cyrus' "Hannah Montana" fans blush; her character is said to lose her virginity, smoke pot and kiss two girlfriends on the lips.
Co-star Demi Moore told MTV News in April that though Cyrus — whose parents announced their divorce this week — plays a wild child in the film, in real life she's "incredibly grounded" and not at all like her "LOL" character.
"[Miley] is a true professional, and she truly has a wonderful family," Moore said. "It really shows." The veteran actress plays the overbearing, confounded mom of Cyrus' character, who gets freaked out after accidentally reading her daughter's journal and finding out just how out of touch they have become.
The movie, which also stars "Twilight" alum Ashley Greene, does not have a release date. Like the French original, it is written and directed by Lisa Azuelo; the cast also includes Thomas Jane ("Hung"), Gina Gershon ("Rescue Me"), Marlo Thomas ("That Girl"), Fisher Stevens ("Awake"), Adam Sevani ("Step Up 3D"), Jay Hernandez ("Takers") and Austin Nichols ("One Tree Hill").
Cyrus and Greene were spotted shooting scenes for the film in Detroit earlier this summer and recently moved to Paris to continue production. In photos released last month, a smiling Cyrus, embraced at the waist by co-star Douglas Booth, is standing alongside a pensive-looking Greene and other castmembers Ashley Hinshaw and Lina Esco. In other shots, Booth and Cyrus are snuggling on a double-decker bus while Greene is on another bus. Booth and Cyrus also were filmed standing on a bridge chatting.
Cyrus has said that in her post-"Hannah Montana" career, she's looking to film more serious, mature movies, and that she intends to take a break from music to pursue her film career.
"I'm working on lots of different films: drama, action, comedy," she said. "I like challenges, so I'm doing a little bit of everything.
"The more I make music that doesn't truly inspire me, the more I feel like I'm blending in with everyone else," she added. "I'm taking some time off [from music]."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Photos Related ArtistsMila Kunis Milla Jovovich Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen
Michael Jackson - Earth Song
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: MJJ
- Director: Nick Brandt
- Album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Natalie Zea Natasha Bedingfield Natassia Malthe Nelly Furtado
Beyonce Could Release New Single In Next Few Weeks
'Listening to New B record Dream wrote ... Y'all C in 3 weeks!' producer Los Da Mystro tweeted Wednesday.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
Fans are slowly but surely getting more and more details about Beyoncé's next album. And the latest word is that the singer could release her first single from the album within the next three weeks. While the name of the song is still unknown, it appears that Lady B is well on her way to releasing new music off her follow-up disc to 2008's I Am ... Sasha Fierce.
"Listening to New B record Dream wrote ... F---INg INSANE! WOw!! She About to Kill the game again! Had to Listen again!! Y'all C in 3 weeks!" producer Los Da Mystro, a frequent collaborator of The-Dream, who worked with Tricky Stewart on Beyoncé's hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," tweeted. "Thats what they sayn now.. But it is the music Business. could b sooner r lata."
MTV News hadn't received comment by Beyoncé's label by press time.
However, the producers and songwriters she's been working with on the album have been dropping hints about what fans might expect on Beyoncé's fourth studio album. So far Ne-Yo, Jim Jonsin and Sean Garrett have all opened up about penning tracks for the album. And with the tweet from Los Da Mystro, it's evident that she's once again working with The-Dream and Stewart.
B's last album spawned the hits "Single Ladies," "If I Were a Boy," her Gaga-collabo "Video Phone" and "Halo." And while it is unknown what direction this next album will take, Ne-Yo has pointed out that Beyoncé has an "agenda" all her own.
"She's an artist that knows exactly what she wants to do," he told MTV News. "She's going to give you directions [like], 'Here's where I'm going, so here's where I need you to be.' And, you know, I'm a person that follows direction well. [And she'll be like], 'So this is the sound, this is the vibe; make it happen.' And I write and she likes it or she doesn't. And in this case she did, and there you have it."
Since she killed off her alter-ego Sasha Fierce for her next album, this record will be all Beyoncé. Producer Jim Jonsin recently noted that while he wants to go even more '80s than the pair did on "Sweet Dreams," he's also looking to try out some other genres with the singer. "Even some sexy mid-tempos, see if she likes that and I'll try that too," Jonsin said.
Whatever the album ends up sounding like, Garrett promised that it won't be a rehash of previous material. He explained, "We're working on some really incredible music. We're going to stretch a little bit — take it to a whole new level, if Beyoncé can go to a whole new level. ... It's going to be her biggest album ever. We're going to take it to a whole other level."
Related ArtistsThis Should Be Interesting?
Perhaps this is some scary Halloween prank??
TBS has announced the opening guest lineup for Lopez Tonight's Second Season and one star just really sticks out for us.
During the opening week, some of the guests that George Lopez will sit down with are Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Howie Mandel, Hillary Duff and….DMX??
Hmmm, okaaaaay, we're not exactly [...]
TBS has announced the opening guest lineup for Lopez Tonight's Second Season and one star just really sticks out for us.
During the opening week, some of the guests that George Lopez will sit down with are Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Howie Mandel, Hillary Duff and….DMX??
Hmmm, okaaaaay, we're not exactly [...]
Ke$ha Works On Her 'Psychic Abilities'
Singer tells Seventeen about touring with spiritual healer: 'We center our chakras before every show.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Ke$ha on the November cover of <i>Seventeen</i>
Photo: Hearst Communication, Inc.
Ke$ha is a party monster who sings about cute boys and dancing the night away. She regularly paints herself in body glitter and is about as outspoken as they come, so it might come as a surprise to her fans that the "Tik Tok" singer brings a spiritual healer with her when she hits the road.
"I have a spiritual healer on tour with me, and we center our chakras before every show," the Seventeen magazine November cover girl reveals. "We meditate and try to hone in on my psychic abilities, and go to acupuncture, and eat super organic."
But, as she promises in so many of her tunes off Animal, she is also a big-time party girl. "I could party in a cardboard box with people who are funny and don't care," she explains. "For me, it's really about who I surround myself with, so I just try to always be with hilarious people."
And even though she has topped the charts with rollicking party anthems, there are still those who criticize the singer.
"I accidentally read a review, and it was really positive, but at the end it said, 'We don't really know if she has the best voice,' which is bullsh--!" she says. "That's the one thing I'm most confident about. I don't have the best body in the world, but I know for a fact that I have a really good voice.
"It really bummed me out that somebody didn't see that, and then I got upset. But it just made me realize that this is an unveiling process; it's just going to take time. I'm just proving myself to people."
As much as she is known for her songs, she is also known for her interesting fashion choices, which include body paint, feathers, fur, boots and just about anything you might find in a gypsy's suitcase.
"I just like playing with makeup and clothes — so I really don't feel like there are rules, and if there are rules, then I think it's up to you to break them," she says. "That's why I'm wearing blue lipstick right now, because most people would probably say it's not a good color for your lips, but I'm here to show them that it is.
"I love wearing the exact same thing all the time because I think it makes you like a cartoon character," she confesses. "They always wear the same outfit, and everybody always remembers them for it, so I feel like I should do the same thing."
Are you surprised to hear about Ke$ha's spiritual side? Tell us in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsSaturday, October 30, 2010
Kristen Stewart's 'Welcome To The Rileys' Cheat Sheet
We tell you everything you need to know about the 'Twilight' star's gritty turn as a 16-year-old stripper in this indie flick.
By Eric Ditzian
James Gandolfini and Kristen Stewart in "Welcome to the Rileys"
Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films
You can go with the conventional wisdom that Kristen Stewart truly arrived as a Hollywood player when "Twilight" whipped up a $70 million opening in the fall of 2008. She's gone on to star in subsequent Twi-flicks as well as mature roles in films like "The Runaways" and the upcoming "On the Road."
Or you could take something of a contrarian stance and argue Stewart began her ascent as an A-list star before "Twilight" hit theaters, when the then-18-year-old threw herself into the role of an emotionally scarred stripper in "Welcome to the Rileys," proving, to herself and others, that she had the chops, maturity and creativity to accomplish anything she wanted onscreen.
Fans and critics, however, didn't get to check out her "Rileys" work until the Sundance Film Festival this past January. Now audiences in select cities will get to take in her work, in which she plays a 16-year-old (real name Allison, working-girl name Mallory) who flees to a New Orleans strip club and meets a man (James Gandolfini) who becomes her father figure and attempts to help her pick up the pieces of her broken life.
Whether you're lucky enough to have a theater near you showing the movie or simply want to know everything there is to know about it, MTV News has got you covered with our "Welcome to the Rileys" cheat sheet.
Wait, Bella's Playing a Stripper?
The fact that Stewart was playing a stripper/prostitute flew mostly under the radar — aside from a few quotes she dropped here and there — until the first photos popped up online in late 2009. One photo showed Stewart in a string bikini top, another the actress as she cowered next to a bed
Sundance arrived the next month, and Stewart made clear audiences shouldn't characterize the film as simply one about a stripper. "[The shocking thing is] maybe that it's not, like, shocking," Stewart told us. "It's really not a stripper movie at all."
Instead, she explained, "Rileys" is best understood as a story of a girl trying to make it on her own — and lacking the skills to pull it off. KStew called it the most personal role of her career.
"It's about understanding who you're playing and you have a responsibility because you feel like you can't let them down," she told us. "[My character] really became a part of me. I haven't felt so personally involved in something."
Stewart Grows Up
Months passed without much "Rileys" news. Then in July the trailer hit the Web, showing the world a very un-Bella-like character. We then brought you a slew of new photos. As Stewart explained to us, she dove into research for the role — and almost ended up with a new job.
"One shocking thing was to find how easy it is [to flaunt your sexuality]," she explained. "Like, I went to a strip club with the director and the costume designer and it being an odd grouping of people going into a strip club in the middle of the afternoon, I was, like, straight-up offered a job."
We're glad she didn't take them up on the offer. Stewart was coming into her own, and she looked and sounded as confident as we've ever seen her when she hit the "Rileys" red carpet earlier this month.
"She's grown up. She's a woman now," "Welcome to the Rileys" director Jake Scott told us, adding that she possessed the seeds of that maturity in October '08 when production on the movie kicked off. "It was an act of courage on her part, especially when you consider she was just 18."
Check out everything we've got on "Welcome to the Rileys."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosThis Should Be Interesting?
Perhaps this is some scary Halloween prank??
TBS has announced the opening guest lineup for Lopez Tonight's Second Season and one star just really sticks out for us.
During the opening week, some of the guests that George Lopez will sit down with are Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Howie Mandel, Hillary Duff and….DMX??
Hmmm, okaaaaay, we're not exactly [...]
TBS has announced the opening guest lineup for Lopez Tonight's Second Season and one star just really sticks out for us.
During the opening week, some of the guests that George Lopez will sit down with are Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Howie Mandel, Hillary Duff and….DMX??
Hmmm, okaaaaay, we're not exactly [...]
A Photo Of Kanye West?s Penis ?Comes Out?
For the past few weeks there’s been talk of a Kanye West penis picture that has been floating around and today Media Takeout got their hands on said photo and present to the world an intimate and NSFW side of Kanye that few have had the pleasure to see: Remember those lil NEKKID pics of [...]
Mía Maestro Michael Michele Michelle Behennah Michelle Branch
Michael Jackson Doctors Won't Be Charged In Singer's Death
California state investigators will not file charges against seven other doctors who treated the late star.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Michael Jackson
Photo: Getty Images
Seven doctors who treated the late Michael Jackson will not be charged in the singer's death. According to The Associated Press California officials said Wednesday (July 28) that they will not file charges against the doctors who were under scrutiny as part of an investigation launched by the state's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
Jackson passed away in June 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest. His personal doctor Conrad Murray — who was not one of the seven doctors included in the investigation — has been charged in his death and pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter after allegedly giving the star the potent anesthetic propofol.
"I am very disappointed," said Brian Oxman, an attorney for Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson. "The misuse of medications by Michael Jackson in the last years of his life was excessive and to fail to bring that to the public eye is ignoring reality." Oxman is serving as Joe Jackson's lawyer in a wrongful death suit against Murray.
Bureau spokesperson Christine Gasparac told the AP that one of the doctors who was under investigation was referred to the California Medical Board for prescribing drugs to one of Jackson's aliases, however, a spokesperson for the board did not confirm the referral. A spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Agency told the AP that it has also dropped its investigation into Jackson's doctors.
Murray lawyer Ed Chernoff has maintained that the doctor did not administer a fatal dose of propofol and has suggested that either Jackson gave himself the anesthetic or another person may have supplied the late star with the dose. However, an anesthesia expert has said the possibility of Jackson administering the drug himself is unlikely.
A preliminary hearing in the Jackson manslaughter case is slated for August and Murray faces a sentence of up to four years in jail.
Related Photos Related Artists'Cast in Metal: Final MTV Interview with Ronnie James Dio
In spring 2009, just as Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio) were getting ready to put out their debut full-length, 'The Devil You Know,' Dio and bassist Geezer Butler sat down in an apartment in New York's East Village to talk about the making of the disc, the sorry state of the [...]
Watch a Sneak Peek of 'Conan' Before the Show Premieres
Conan O'Brien has been pulling out all the promotional stops for his new TBS talk show, Conan. First he made a wacky video to announce the name of the show. Then there was the 24-hour live stream from the show's offices (which is sadly now over) that featured everything from dancing tacos to intern Twister. Next he created the giant orange Conan Blimp, which flies from coast to coast through Nov. 30.
And now that we're getting super close to the actual premiere of his show (Nov. 8, 11 p.m., TBS), O'Brien has one more trick up his sleeve: On Nov. 1 at 11 p.m. he'll debut Show Zero -- the online warm-up premiere episode of his show, which will lead up to the official launch one week later.
Though the Conan staff is giving little away about Show Zero ("What is Show Zero!? (Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?)" reads a post on the TeamCoco website), we do know this much: Andy Richter, who has rejoined the show, will make an appearance, the Basic Cable Band will perform and unnamed celebrities will be guests.
The web-only show will be triple-simulcast, so you can watch it at any of these three places: TeamCoco.com, YouTube.com/TeamCoco or Facebook.com/teamcoco. So, if you can't wait until Nov. 8 for O'Brien's return to the small screen, Show Zero should hold you over. And as the Team Coco staff points out, "You guys are in for a treat!! You might want to have an extra pair of pants handy on Monday night." Challenge accepted!
Are you excited for Conan O'Brien's return to late night?
Liam Neeson Brings 'Gravity' To 'Hangover 2,' Director Says
Plus: 'Hangover' breakout star Ken Jeong is 'just happy' he's involved in the sequel.
By Kara Warner
Todd Phillips
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
With all the talk surrounding "Hangover 2" — specifically Mel Gibson's heavily hyped cameo being scrapped/ switched to Liam Neeson due to alleged disgruntled reactions from Zach Galifianakis and the rest of the cast — what we're really missing are details about the plot.
Here's what we know so far: The film is being shot in L.A. and Thailand, with the boys (Bradley Cooper, Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha) headed to the Far East on some sort of all-dude excursion.
When we caught up with director Todd Phillips and breakout star Ken Jeong at the premiere of "Due Date," we asked them for a few sequel teases. What takes the boys to Thailand?
"A plane," Phillips answered cheekily, indicating he wouldn't be divulging any secrets at all.
And how did Phillips choose Neeson for the cameo? "There's a lot of people [we considered]," he said. "He has gravity. Liam brings a sense of gravity. But, you know, it's a cameo, and we don't like to talk about it, because it's [supposed to be] a surprise and now it's ... I don't like to justify it."
As for Jeong, we tried our best to find out what his zany character might be up to as well.
"No comment!" he exclaimed. "I'm just happy that I'm in it. For me, this is not predestined to happen so I'm just so happy I'm involved in any moment. Anything Todd asked me to do, I would do. Anything."
What do you think of all the "Hangover 2" talk? Will it be as good as the first film? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Meet ?The Real Housewives? Of ?Saturday Night Live?
The ladies of Saturday Night Live, including Amy Poehler, Ana Gasteyer, Cheri Oteri, Kristen Wiig, Laraine Newman, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, Nora Dunn, Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey will be joined by funnylady Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bravo TV honcho Andy Cohen in a comedy skit spoofing The Real Housewives franchise for their upcoming The Women [...]
MSNBC Commentator Rachael Maddow Gives Props to Florida Death Metal
When political commentators mention extreme metal on the air it's usually in reference to something tragic like a school shooting, church burning or suicide pact. But when MSNBC liberal correspondent Rachael Maddow invoked the names of Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under, Obituary, Death and Deicide it was mostly to take a stab at Republicans, not [...]
Ronnie James Dio Dead at 67
Today, the heavy metal world lost a true legend. Ronnie James Dio, who most recently fronted the Black Sabbath-without-Ozzy band Heaven & Hell, lost his battle with stomach cancer at 7:45 a.m. PST. He was 67.
?My heart is broken,? said his wife and manager, Wendy Dio in a statement. ?Many, many friends and family were [...]
?My heart is broken,? said his wife and manager, Wendy Dio in a statement. ?Many, many friends and family were [...]
Beyoncé - Ego
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson, Sheryl Murakami
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce [Deluxe Edition]
'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' Announces Eight New Castmembers
Rookies' characters haven't yet been revealed.
By Kara Warner
Olga Fonda
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Hey, "Twilight" fans! Hot off the press-release presses at Summit Entertainment, we have yet another slew of actors who have been added to the "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" cast.
According to Summit, these eight new additions will be featured in supporting roles, but the studio is reportedly keeping their characters under wraps for now. So, without further ado, feast your eyes on the lucky new blood (pun intended!): Olga Fonda ("Love Hurts"), Janelle Froehlich ("Hacienda Heights"), Masami Kosaka ("The Runaways"), Sebastiao Lemos (Brazilian TV series "Força-Tarefa"), Amadou Ly ("The Tested" "The Bridge"), Ty Olsson ("2012"), Wendell Pierce ("Ray") and Carolina Virguez (Spanish TV series "Matalobos").
With production set to begin in the very near future, Summit has been teasing us with "Breaking Dawn" casting announcements for months now. Here's a full rundown of the most recent additions: Mackenzie Foy as Edward and Bella's daughter Renesmee; the Denali coven: Maggie Grace as Irina, Christian Camargo as Eleazar, Mia Maestro as Carmen, Kasey LaBow as Kate and MyAnna Buring as Tanya; the Amazon Coven: Tracey Heggins as Senna and Judi Shekoni as Zafrina; the Egyptian Coven: Omar Metwally as Amun, Andrea Gabriel as Kebi, Rami Malek as Benjamin and Angela Sarafyan as Tia; the Irish Coven: Marlane Barnes as Maggie, Lisa Howard as Siobhan and Patrick Brennan as Liam; the Romanian Coven: Noel Fisher as Vladimir and Guri Weinberg as Stefan; the American Nomads: Lee Pace as Garrett, Toni Trucks as Mary, Bill Tangradi as Randall, Erik Odom as Peter and Valorie Curry as Charlotte; the European Nomads: Joe Anderson as Alistair.
"I think it's going to be great," Malek told "Entertainment Tonight" when his casting was announced. "It's going to be super exciting, and I'm thrilled."
What do you think of all these new castmembers? Who is your early favorite? Let us know 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.
Related PhotosBetty White Does ?Parade? Magazine
The Golden one Betty White is featured on the cover of this week’s issue of Parade magazine and in her coverstory interview, Betty opens up about what kind of men she likes, what she learned from her parents, her thoughts on marriage equality and more. Here is our first look at Betty‘s Parade coverphoto and [...]
Michael Jackson - Gone Too Soon
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic
- Director: Bill Dicicco
- Album: Dangerous
Mariah OBrien Marika Dominczyk Marisa Coughlan Marisa Miller
Kanye West Explains Michael Jackson 'Runaway' Scene
MC says he used King of Pop's likeness to represent cult mentality.
By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Photo: Def Jam
In a production wrought with powerful imagery, the Michael Jackson procession scene in Kanye West's film debut, "Runaway," is among the most impactful and intriguing.
Around seven minutes into the movie, which centers on the ill-fated romance between West's character, Griffin, and a phoenix played by Selita Ebanks, fireworks herald a parade of a crimson-clad marching band flanked by a mob of followers sporting pointed hoods reminiscent of the garb worn by the Ku Klux Klan. The band surrounds a larger-than-life illuminated bust of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, while Griffin and the phoenix excitedly look on.
When West sat down with MTV News' Sway for a live Q&A session that followed the film's premiere Saturday (October 23) on MTV, he explained that he juxtaposed Jackson's likeness with the hooded marchers to make a comment about the potent pull of cult mentality.
"The hood, what it does represent to me ... in relation to the Michael Jackson thing is not the KKK but the concept of cult, because it's multiple people with this hood on," West explained. "It's me taking [the phoenix] to my world and saying, 'Let me show you what my world is about.' "
West said he invoked the image of the late icon, whose expansive cultural reach was unparalleled, to demonstrate the energy of the pop realm.
"The greatest, biggest pop-cultural figure of all time, arguably bigger than Jesus Christ, is Michael Jackson. You have the band in front of him, marching ... and you have the cult around it," West said, before explaining the scene that precedes the procession, of a young boy in mid-sprint brandishing a flaming baton.
"If you saw the kid in the beginning, he's running and running at top speed holding his torch, and his torch represents his thoughts and ideals. At the end, after he's been cultivated, he has the hood on now and he's walking extremely slow. That's basically how people think," West said. "It's the way society has set people up to be able to control them, slave mentalities."
Yeezy added that coaxing people into social conformity is an effective form of control — assuming the followers don't decide to break away on their own trails.
"[By] just creating this mentality by cultivating the ideals ... you could just make people just stand in their own mental jails," he said. "What happens when someone isn't in a mental jail?"
What do you think of Kanye's explanation of the Michael Jackson "Runaway" scene? Sound off in the comments!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsThursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Usher - Moving Mountains
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records/Zomba Label Group
- Director: The Brothers Strauss
- Album: Here I Stand
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Lady Gaga Challenged To $1 Million Sing-Off By L.A. Performer
'This contest gives people a chance to choose which they prefer: plastic or real,' singer Alisa Apps says.
By James Montgomery
Alisa Apps and Lady Gaga
Photo: Alisa Apps/ Reverb Nation
Alisa Apps is a Los Angeles-based singer who really, truly believes she is better than Lady Gaga ... and she's willing to go head-to-head with her to prove it.
On Tuesday, Apps challenged Gaga to a televised sing-off — which she proposed would take place at either New York's Madison Square Garden or London's O2 Arena — with the winner taking home a cash prize of $1 million. Each artist would perform a series of songs, with a panel of judges determining just who is the superior singer.
Challenging the reigning queen of pop music is a pretty ingenious way to garner headlines, but according to Apps, she's not stepping to Gaga to make a name for herself. She's doing it out of pity — and to prove a point.
"I feel sorry for Lady Gaga — she's just a plastic doll generated by the music money marketing machine," Apps said in an alliteration-heavy press release. "I stand for the voice of your heart. Be real with me. Come to my world and feel. I want to hear you and for you to hear me. This contest gives people a chance to choose which they prefer: plastic or real."
Oh snap. Apps — who, according to her MySpace page, is signed to a "major" label (but has, to the best of our knowledge, yet to release a major-label album) — does command a rather robust YouTube fanbase, with a video of her performing an original song called "How Do I Make Right?" racking up more than 1 million views. It also bears mention that, back in 2008, on her official YouTube channel, she took aim at diva Mariah Carey with a stunt she called "The Pop Star Challenge".
Apps did not respond to MTV News' request for comment on the Gaga challenge by press time; nor did a rep for Gaga, though, really, that didn't surprise us all that much.
Related Photos Related ArtistsKe$ha Goes 'Hard' On New Single, 'We R Who We R'
Singer keeps the party going with first single from Cannibal.
By Jocelyn Vena
Ke$ha
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Ke$ha has found a chart-topping formula — combine killer beats with lyrics about super-fun parties and hot pants. And her latest single, "We R Who We R," certainly fits that mold.
The track, the first single off her November 22 release Cannibal, hit the Internet on Thursday (October 14). It's another uber-fun tune about how awesome it is to dance the night away, with Ke$ha singing on the chorus: "Tonight we're going hard/ Just like the world is ours/ We're tearing it apart/ You know we're superstars/ we are who we are."
While the song doesn't veer much from prior club bangers like "Tik Tok" and "Take It Off," the singer admits that "We R" is in part inspired by the recent rash of suicides among gay youth. "I wanted to inspire people to be themselves," she told EW.com. "It's a celebration of any sort of quirks or eccentricities."
In January, Ke$ha released her debut album Animal and it went straight to the top of the charts. Cannibal — a nine-song set that features collaborations with Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Bangladesh — is set to be released both on its own and as a bundle with Animal.
"I don't want to go away!" she said. "I feel like I'm creating this hopefully very youthful and irreverent movement of the kids, of, like, adolescence. I feel like the parents don't get it, but the kids get it. And they deserve to have more good, positive music ... It's fun as sh--! So I wanted to give [my fans] that."
The Seventeen cover girl also tweeted a message to her fans about the tune: "WE R WHO WE R! on the radio today you guys like??? dancin liiiiike were dumbbbb we be forever younggggg."
Related ArtistsJustin Bieber, Nicki Minaj And More VMA Virgins
Sunday is a big night for these first-time nominees and performers.
By Kelley L. Carter
Justin Bieber
Photo: Robyn Beck/ Getty Images
Be gentle with these guys — it's their first time as nominees or performers at the MTV Video Music Awards. Here's a look at this year's VMA virgins and where you'll see them come Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Ke$ha
It was almost impossible to turn the radio on and not hear Kesha's party-happy pop track "Tik Tok" over the past year. (She also did the background vocals on Flo Rida's ubiquitous "Right Round.") The singer is up for Best New Artist, and she'll present an award Sunday. "This is such a monumental thing for me to be nominated, because it really means people do really like what I'm doing," she said.
Nicki Minaj
Lil Wayne's wig-loving protégé will perform during the VMA pre-show on Sunday, and perhaps the mixtape diva will give us a taste of her forthcoming debut album, Pink Friday. "Obviously, this is something everybody dreamed of being part of, and I'm no exception to that rule," she said. "I just feel like this is my coming-out party. This is major for an artist with no album out."
Cascada
Natalie Horler fronts this German Eurodance group, and along with DJ Manian and Yanou, the band will make their VMA debut Sunday. They'll be competing in the newly revamped Dance Music Video category. Earlier this year, it was announced that they were the second-most-downloaded dance artists of all time. Who's the most downloaded? French DJ David Guetta, which brings us to our next rookie ...
David Guetta
The French DJ is responsible for sweating up dance floors, both international and domestic, and he finally nabs his first VMA for "Sexy Chick," featuring Akon.
B.o.B
The Atlanta rapper is up for five VMAs, and he'll take the stage for the first time.
Florence and the Machine
Florence and the Machine's Florence Welch is bringing her funked-out, soulful vocals to the VMA stage this year, where she's up for four awards.
Jason Derülo
The pop singer feels like he already won at the VMAs. Last year, he attended the awards, but he sat in the back of the house. "This year, I'm nominated for two awards. It's incredible," said the singer, who has opened for Lady Gaga. "I've watched these awards my whole entire life, so to finally be a part of it is a dream come true. Pinch me, please." Derülo will be taking the stage with VMA house artist Deadmau5.
Justin Bieber
Bieber presented a VMA with Ke$ha at the 2009 show, but this year, he's up for Best New Artist and is set to perform.
Deadmau5
In case you're wondering, it's pronounced "dead mouse" (real name: Joel Thomas Zimmerman), and he's a Canadian house producer. He'll be working as this year's house artist.
Chelsea Handler
The comedian is the first woman to host the VMAs since 1994. Prepare for laughter beyond belief from the E! talk-show hostess.
Drake
The Toronto rapper (and Lil Wayne protégé) is up for three Moonmen; he'll also perform at the VMAs for the first time.
Robyn
Fresh off a tour with Kelis, Robyn, a Swedish pop singer, will perform with deadmau5 on Sunday at the VMAs.
Bruno Mars
Up for one VMA (along with collaborator B.o.B), Bruno Mars will also perform for the first time at the VMAs.
Who's your favorite VMA virgin? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News' VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday.
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Chris Cornell Filling In For Robert Plant On Led Zeppelin Tour? That's News To Him
'I have not been approached to fill in for Robert Plant on the Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be,' singer says.
By Chris Harris
Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News
Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.
Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.
"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."
Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."
Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.
According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "
"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."
In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."
But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."
Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.
"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.
"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."
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Justin Bieber Designing Nail Polish Line
Singer's polish, with colors inspired by his hits, will be at Wal-Mart in December.
By Gil Kaufman
Justin Bieber
Photo: Kevin Mazur/KCA2010/WireImage
You know what would go great with that eye shadow? Some One Less Lonely Girl lavender nail polish. Luckily, your boy Justin Bieber is thinking only of you and is about to launch an exclusive line of polishes called One Less Lonely Girl at Wal-Mart, inspired by his biggest hits.
According to AOL's Stylelist, Bieber has teamed up with Nicole by OPI to design for a collection of nail polishes that will hit stores just in time for the holidays. Among the primary colors on tap are One Less Lonely Glitter (lavender), Prized Possession Purple (grape), Give Me the First Dance (silver), Me + Blue (dark blue), OMB! (bright red) and Step 2 the Beat of My Heart (heart-shaped glitter). The first six shades will be available in December, with eight others to follow in January.
After debuting exclusively at Wal-Mart, the shades will then be available at Target, Sears and other mass merchandisers in February. That's not the only Bieb schwag that will be hitting stores over the next few months. The singer has his first book, "Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story," out in stores on October 12, a bevy of Halloween costume options, his upcoming line of dolls (also due in December) and his in-process 3-D concert movie, slated for release on February 11.
If none of those is up your alley, Bieber has plenty of other gift ideas in his official store), from a set of Christmas cards ($30), to a full-size cardboard stand-up ($35), aluminum water bottle ($15), lunch box ($30) and rubber bracelet ($10).
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Saturday, October 16, 2010
Christina Aguilera Makes Her Way To Hawaii
On Tuesday, it was reported that Christina Aguilera and hubby Jordan Bratman were dunzo … On Thursday, Xtina filed for divorce from Jordy — making the dunzoness officially official. Shortly thereafter, Xtina boarded a plan and flew her ass to Hawaii to escape all the break-up drama here on the main land so that she [...]
Lupe Fiasco: A Child Rebel Soldier LP Depends On 'Demand'
MC says that if fans want an album from supergroup featuring Kanye West and Pharrell, 'then we'll do it.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Lupe Fiasco
Photo: Joe Corrigan/Getty Images
The hip-hop supergroup Child Rebel Soldier — a collaborative effort between Kanye West, Pharrell and Lupe Fiasco — has scored buzz with sporadic releases over the past few years. Although they recently dropped "Don't Stop" as part of Yeezy's G.O.O.D. Friday series, Lupe maintains the future of the project is at the mercy of fans.
When MTV News caught up with the Chicago lyricist in New York last weekend, he said the trio is gauging the feedback to their music and will then decide whether to forge ahead with new tracks.
"We'll see what the reaction is to ['Don't Stop']. Every time we put out a record, whether it be ... that or [N.E.R.D.'s] 'Everybody Nose' remix or the original record ... 'Us Placers,' it always gets a crazy reaction," Lupe said. "So we just seeing if it's there, seeing if the demand is there, if people really want it."
However, Lupe also said that the demands of each MC's individual career may impinge upon the trio's ability to carve out quality CRS time. "It's going to take a lot of time to come off our schedules," the "Superstar" MC explained. "Everybody got albums coming out: N.E.R.D., Kanye's next album, my album drops in March."
Ultimately, an enthusiastic reception from fans will determine when a full-length LP comes from the hip-hop crew.
"If people really want it, then we'll do it," Lupe said. "But if the demand is not there, it'll just be as we get to it."
The "I Gotcha" spitter has also said that "Don't Stop" is an experiment aimed at sussing out the CRS sound.
"That song is like a song that we did in the midst of being CRS, when we were actually going to put out an album and just really wanted to test records and see if we should do more records like that, or should we do more records like 'Us Placers' or ... more down-low records, up-top records," Lupe explained. "We were just trying to figure out what should we do and that was one of the experiments that was bananas."
Do you want Child Rebel Soldier to put out an album? Let us know in the comments!
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Jay-Z, Eminem Joined By Kanye West, Beyonce, Others At Yankee Stadium
Drake, Chris Martin, Nicki Minaj also appear at first New York stop of Home and Home tour.
By Shaheem Reid
Eminem and Jay-Z perform at Yankee Stadium on Monday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
NEW YORK — A year ago, Jay-Z showed why he's music's Emperor of the Empire State with a historic charity concert at Madison Square Garden, which Jay called "the house that Hovie built." On Monday night, "the God MC" took his mastery of performance to the front stoop of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, Yankee Stadium. And because that's no setting in which to go small, he brought out special guests like Kanye West, Drake, Chris Martin, Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj and, of course, Beyoncé.
After kicking off in Detroit two weeks ago, Jay and Eminem's Home and Home concerts landed on the Jiggaman's soil for shows on Monday and Tuesday (September 14). This time, after J. Cole opened, Slim Shady shook the stadium in the second slot, with special guests the G-Unit and Dr. Dre. Then Jay took over with a bevy of surprises and a catalog of hard-line hits.
"Before I start this piece, let me say, rest in peace to the boss, George [Steinbrenner]," Hov began, freestyling a reference to the late Yankees owner after commencing his program with the "Dynasty Intro."
"By the time we sliding home/ I hope we playing in the dome," he continued rapping.
During "Run This Town," Jay asked, "Where you at, boy?" And out came 2010 VMA closer Kanye West in a red suit. The roar was thunderous for the Louis Vuitton Don, who also rocked a huge gold link chain.
They followed up with the first live performance of the "Power" remix — where all 50,000-plus people did the soulful "power clap" — and "Monster." There was no Rick Ross on the latter, but 'Ye and Hov brought out Nicki Minaj, who was showered with love from her hometown.
Hov said that since they were in New York, he couldn't let Kanye off the hook that easy. West told the audience he was going to "take them back." The Chicago-born icon then crushed the concert with "Can't Tell Me Nothing" and a follow-up haymaker of the stadium-friendly "Good Life."
"It's one of the most unbelievable feelings in the world, being from New York and being in Yankee stadium," Jay said about the night.
"That's how you feel, New York City?" Hov continued, in response to the crowd's overwhelming cheers. "New York City, is that how you feel tonight? I can't believe this sh--!"
Jay's next guest was Bronx native Swizz Beatz, who was also celebrating his birthday. What a present!
Further along in his set list, Jay rolled out his jaw-dropping verse from "Free Mason." Like in most of his shows, the Jiggaman constantly spoke to the crowd. "Just because you question religion doesn't mean you don't believe in God," he said after his rumor-admonishing verse. "Don't let anybody scare you into having their beliefs. Be a muthaf---in' renegade."
Out came Eminem for their classic colossal meeting of the minds. No matter how many times they perform "Renegade," it's still surreal to see the two biggest names in rap stand unified, side by side.
Memphis Bleek then came out for a parade of familiar Jay knockers, including "U Don't Know," "99 Problems" and "Big Pimpin'."
There was a tribute to hip-hop's gone-but-not-forgotten greats that included B.I.G., D12's Proof, Pimp C and Tupac Shakur. Monday was the 14th anniversary of Pac's tragic death.
Chris Martin from Coldplay came out to sing the hook on "Heart of the City." Martin was crisp and soulful on the mic. Jay kicked the graceful lines to "Most Kingz," and then Martin took the energy up a few levels with "Viva la Vida."
"I used to rule the world," the crowd sang. "Seas would rise/ When I gave the word/ Now in the morning I sleep alone/ Sweep the streets I used to own/ I used to roll the dice/ Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes."
Hov then told his DJ to throw on any song, and out came Drake for "Miss Me."
"Tellllllll me/ What's really going / Drizzy back up in this bitch/ What's happenin!!!" Drake came on rapping. The approval for the 23-year-old was vibrant.
"Say, 'Free Weezy!' " Drake commanded during Lil Wayne's verse. Jay and Drizzy then let the mics explode with "Light Up."
Not letting the audience catch their breath, Beyoncé came out for "Forever Young."
"One word, Beyoncé, make some noise," Jay said about his wife. "That girl baaad! That girl tough!"
After "Already Home" came "Empire State of Mind." No Alicia Keys, but Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly was on her A-game with the vocals. Not that it mattered, because the NYC crowd drowned the song out.
"This is better than any Grammy. Better than any MTV award," Jay said about being able to rock his city.
He then went into overtime with a barrage of classics such as "Jigga My N---a" and "Izzo."
He told the fans he wasn't going anywhere and continued to keep the energy high with "Where I'm From" and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder." Most of the sold-out crowd stayed until the very end, which featured Jay doing the Linkin Park mash-up version of "Encore."
"This night was like a gift for me," said the man who seemingly has everything. "I hope I returned it tenfold."
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Friday, October 15, 2010
Justin Bieber Has an Alter Ego! Which Other Stars Could Use One?
On Wednesday evening, Justin Bieber introduced the world to a new young rapper named Shawty Mane (see video below). Shawty Mane is the Clark Kent to Bieber's Superman: a version of the pop star with wide-rimmed glasses and a whole different attitude. Yes, like many music superstars before him, Justin Bieber has created an alter ego.
Why do so many high-profile stars create alter egos for themselves? Maybe it's a safe way to change your image without isolating your hardcore fans. Beyonce became Sasha Fierce to get in touch with her sexy side; country star Garth Brooks released a rock n' roll album as Chris Gaines; Christina Aguilera shed her teenybopper image when she became Xtina.
Now that Bieber has his rapper alter-ego, we wonder if he'll inspire a new wave of secret identities among his fellow chart-toppers. Here are our alter-ego recommendations for a few of music's hottest stars!
Kanye West
Real Identity: Egomaniac hip-hop star, still trying to win back fans after that whole Taylor Swift thing.
Alter Ego: Reggie East, a Marvin Gaye-esque soul singer who croons ballads about how we should all just get along.
Lady Gaga
Real Identity: Pop music megastar who may one day run out of shocking costumes and dance hits.
Alter Ego: Dutchess Rahrah, a piano-playing singer-songwriter who dresses in black and sings about her feelings.
Amy Winehouse
Real Identity: R&B singer with a lot of Grammys -- and a lot of personal issues.
Alter Ego: Janet Beercastle, a sultry chanteuse who wears ballgowns, sings jazz standards, and never has a hair out of place.
Which celebrities could use an image makeover? Chime in below!
Like This? Read These:
- Justin Bieber Wants Your Nails to Look Pretty!
- Is Justin Bieber Seriously Hosting the New Punk'd?
- Available Soon: Your Very Own Pocket-Sized Justin Bieber
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