Family & Friends Say Goodbye To Michael Jackson
Related ArtistsCharlies Angels Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Cheryl Burke
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
We Are Hex: BeatCrave Fav
Every now and then we refer to a specific style of music as something we’ve never heard before. Indianapolis, Indiana-based experimental rock group We Are Hex has taken that reference and applied it a million times over to their brand of rock, which is an overall cross between indie and exploratory sounds. Having formed in [...]
Emma Stone Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier
Janet Jackson Thrills Fans With Greatest Hits, Michael Tribute At Radio City
Singer covered songs ranging from classic 'Pleasure Principle' to 2008's 'Feedback' at New York show.
By Vaughn Schoonmaker
Janet Jackson (file)
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
NEW YORK — Often imitated, never duplicated, Janet Jackson's outbursts of meticulous choreography, sassy exclamations and smoldering gazes into the audience kept them on their feet for the entire two-hour set of her greatest hits at Radio City Music Hall. Monday night marked the last of three sold-out shows at the historic venue on her monumental Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour.
Up-and-coming boy band Mindless Behavior opened the show with songs including "#1 Girl," "Future" and their debut single, "My Girl." With their Usher-esque dance moves and shouts like "Where the ladies at?" the boys brought the tween girls out of hiding, judging by the shrill screams escaping various corner of the music hall.
At 9:00 sharp, the lights went down and Janet's fans were on the edge of their seats, watching music videos for "The Best Things in Life Are Free" and "Rhythm Nation" projected on big screens across the venue. A small shadow drifted toward center stage, and when the colorful lights came up, Jackson, wrapped in a shoulder-padded catsuit, complete with slick short hair, blasted into "The Pleasure Principle," dancing as hard and intensely choreographed as she did when the song first came out in the 1980s.
With barely a spare second between songs, Janet dazzled her way through her biggest hits, including "Miss You Much," "All for You" and "Nasty," and more recent hits like 2008's "Feedback."
Videos displayed during Jackson's costume changes included vintage clips from "Diff'rent Strokes," a funny scene from "Poetic Justice" where Jackson slyly rejects the advances of Tupac Shakur's character, and a rather heavy scene, as Jackson's character in "Why Did I Get Married" destroys her husband's house with a golf club, screaming hysterically.
Considering the tough couple of years the Jackson family has faced, the dark moments in the video seemed fitting, and everyone was beside themselves with bittersweet joy when Michael Jackson's face popped up on the big screen and she performed their hit single "Scream."
Janet emerged for her encore in a tight white one-piece disco suit, and performed "Diamonds," "Make Me" and "Together Again," which appeared to be the biggest hit of the evening. As Jackson graciously bowed out, her straight face transitioned into a smirk, suggesting that despite the hard times she has experienced recently, we can expect to see this singing and dancing pop legend shine far into the future.
"Its amazing!" Janet fan Elena Mercantini gleamed afterward. "It's like she's still 20 years old!"
"She's hot, she's amazing and she's still got it after all these years" added Alison Klinger of Long Island. "Best concert I've ever been to!"
Related Photos Related ArtistsLady Gaga - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Drake Looks To Lil Wayne, Rick Ross For Take Care Inspiration
'I just want to make this album as incredible as I can,' Drake tells MTV News of his upcoming LP.
By Rob Markman
Drake
Photo: MTV News
Last year Drake had to release his platinum debut while his mentor Lil Wayne was in the midst of an eight-month jail bid. This year, as he gears up to drop his sophomore LP, Take Care, the Toronto MC is looking to Wayne for some firsthand inspiration.
"I think for me to be part of a team and have the general, the boss, go sit it down for like eight months is always a difficult thing," Drake told MTV News at the album release party for Weezy's Tha Carter IV in Los Angeles on Sunday night. "That's like a real responsibility. I'm just proud of the fact that myself and Nicki [Minaj] and the entire family were able to keep things afloat until he got out and was able to release this album."
Now that C4 is finally in stores and looks to be successful — Billboard is projecting the album to sell as many as 900,000 copies in its first week — Drake is up next.
Drizzy is currently putting the finishing touches on Take Care, and with his October 24 release date fast approaching, Young Angel doesn't have much time. Watching Weezy's work ethic gives him plenty of inspiration, even in the YMCMB crew's most celebratory moments. "It's like if I choose to go after this and go kick it with a woman or go out for drinks, I know I'm potentially slippin' because I have brothers like [Rick] Ross and Wayne that are working nonstop," Drake said of his possible post-party plans. "Me being a kid from Canada coming into this whole thing, being able to observe my heroes do this sh--, it's like all I want to do is work. I just want to make this album as incredible as I can."
Ross is also getting ready to drop an album — his fifth to be exact. His upcoming God Forgives, I Don't is due later this year, and he is proud of his friend Wayne, who closed out the 2011 MTV VMAs on Sunday and then dropped his album digitally at midnight to mark the occasion. "He dropped his album at the VMAs like a boss. That's something an artist can only dream of, when you talk about timing, after doin' time," he said before turning his attention back to his work. "So I just think it's time for us to keep focus, keep grinding. Of course, we're gonna celebrate tonight, but tomorrow we're back at it."
Though he's released a few songs like "Headlines" and "Marvins Room," it is still too early to try to make any qualitative judgment on Drake's Take Care, but it sure seems like he's putting that work in. "I really see the hardest-working people to ever do this. I see them, we speak, we have moments and talk and we're in the same sessions," Drizzy said of Wayne and Ross. "So I really sit back and digest it all and try to apply it to my own craft."
Related Artists
'Apollo 18' Exclusive Clip: What We Know So Far
There's a reason we've never gone back to the moon, and one unfortunate Russian cosmonaut seems to have discovered it in MTV News' exclusive clip from "Apollo 18."
Based on the fact that the "Apollo 18" trailer involves finding a dead Russian cosmonaut, we're assuming things don't go so well for the guy in our clip. [...]
Based on the fact that the "Apollo 18" trailer involves finding a dead Russian cosmonaut, we're assuming things don't go so well for the guy in our clip. [...]
Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum
Beyonce Puts 'Love On Top' At VMAs, Reveals Pregnancy
'I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me,' B says onstage as papa-to-be Jay-Z smiles proudly.
By Gil Kaufman
Beyoncé on stage at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: FilmMagic
It's hard to think of anything veteran VMA star Beyoncé could have done to make her Sunday (August 28) performance slot during the big show an even bigger deal. Except maybe using it to reveal that she's pregnant.
"Tonight I want you to stand up on your feet, I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me," Queen B said as an introduction to "Love on Top," hinting to the world the news that she had alluded to on the black carpet just an hour before when she cradled her belly and teased that she would be making some kind of "announcement."
With a blinding light beaming out behind her, Beyoncé took the stage in a purple spangly tuxedo jacket, black pants and white tuxedo shirt, still rocking her fierce six-inch heels of old, pregnant or not. Her blond hair blowing in the wind, and backed by six dancers wearing similar shimmering tuxes, the glowing diva gave new meaning to the lyrics, "Now everybody asks me why I'm smiling out from ear to ear."
The audience was clearly feeling the love also, with Adele singing along and Kanye West putting his arm around Jo Calderone (a.k.a. Lady Gaga) as they laughed and smiled at the set from their pal. Normally a spirited dancer who uses the whole stage, B kept her dancing to a minimum for most of the song, shuffling and rocking back and forth as she held onto the microphone stand while singing the 1960s-style R&B tune.
A veteran on the VMA stage, Beyoncé roped in upside down in 2003 to perform the first two singles from her solo debut, "Baby Boy" and "Crazy in Love." She returned three years later dressed in a trench coat over a black leather leotard for a run through "Ring the Alarm," which cemented her status as one of the event's MVPs. And if there was any doubt who runs the show, she put it to rest in 2009 when an army of female backup dancers joined her for an eye-popping version of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" that turned into a viral sensation.
While those appearances were full of her high-energy dancing, Lady B didn't pull it all the way up on Sunday, eventually making her way to the extended lip in front of the stage, throwing down and getting a bit wild as she brought the tune home with some of her signature, church-born power vocals. Rocking her body side-to-side and tossing her impressive head of hair as she encouraged the audience to put their hands together, Beyoncé ended the performance by dropping the mic, opening her jacket and rubbing her belly.
It was all smiles at that point, with Kanye giving his Throne-mate, proud papa-to-be Jigga, some heartfelt hugs and shoulder pats in honor of the blessed news.
If Jay sits on the throne and she's the Queen B, then that must mean their offspring will be a prince or princess, right?
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards are live now! Stick with MTV News for winners, photos, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything going down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsBryce Dallas Howard: Kate Spade Sexy
She?s lighting up theater screens all over the nation in her new movie ?The Help,? and Bryce Dallas Howard has also scored a gig with Kate Spade New York.
The ?Twilight Saga: New Moon? babe will be featured in the label?s new campaign to launch two flagship boutiques in London in September.
Kate Spade New York creative director Deborah Lloyd told press she?s pumped to be bringing such style across the pond to her homeland.
"As a Brit, I am thrilled to be opening two kate spade new york stores in London! We are in an amazing expansion mode right now, with openings around the world, and [...] I am eager to find out how the ever stylish London girls will work kate spade new york pieces into their look."
Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe Christina Milian
'Midnight In Paris' Star Corey Stoll Attributes Film's Success To 'Pleasant' And 'Uplifting' Appeal
With the summer movie season winding down, it's time to start looking back and assessing the good and not-so-good of the summer '11 season. One of the definitive highlights from this year's crop is Woody Allen's "Midnight In Paris." The ensemble sleeper hit, which has now crossed the $50 million mark, is Allen's most successful [...]
Justin Bieber's VMA-Nominated 'U Smile': Frame By Frame
'We took a more mature approach in the video, focusing on him as an artist,' director Colin Tilley says of clip, which is up for Best Male Video.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
In the Colin Tilley-directed "U Smile" video, Justin Bieber meets some girls on the street and becomes smitten with one of them. He then takes her to hang out with him at a big concert hall, where he makes her swoon by playing the piano for her.
The sugary-sweet clip is up for Best Male Video at the 2011 Video Music Awards, and Tilley, who also worked with Bieber on "Never Let You Go," spoke to MTV News about the behind-the-scenes of making the video just days before the VMAs go live Sunday.
The video opens with Bieber meeting some fans outside a theater, and the Flip cam footage they used for audio ended up making the final cut. "During this scene, we were only outside for 15 minutes, but literally paparazzi were everywhere," Tilley recalled. "It was pretty difficult, but I'm happy with the finished product. This whole intro scene was actually done very fast, because we didn't have much time before the sun set, so we really just had to go full-throttle."
While paparazzi and nature proved to be obstacles, a third was making sure that Tilley cast the perfect leading lady. "The girl's gotta be really great ... she was really nice and she did a great job," he said. "Justin and her clicked really well."
The video is actually pretty simple, with the focus of it being on "our classic piano in this beautiful theater, lots of great lighting. This is pretty much focused on Justin's performance.
"This song, in general, when I first heard it, I kind of got the feel that it was a more mature feel for Justin," Tilley continued. "So we took a more mature approach in the video, focusing on him as an artist and as a kid growing up. ... For me, this was kind of the place he goes every night to practice, so he was willing to take this girl he saw on the street and take her into his world."
For Tilley, the standout shots are of Bieber hanging out in an alleyway, calling to mind the images in Michael Jackson videos. "This is probably my favorite setup in the video," he said. "In this alleyway, it had a whole Michael Jackson feel. It was pretty iconic for Justin at the time."
As it turns out, the video was shot right after the 2010 VMAs, when Bieber took home his first-ever Moonman. "The night before, he had won an award and he just came to set with a great attitude; he was super positive," Tilley said. "I hadn't worked with Justin for probably a year. He's so much fun to work with. He's got a really cool attitude on set."
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists'Avengers' Star Tom Hiddleston Teases 'Shady Deals'
His Loki, from the 'Thor' universe, 'intends to rule the human race as their king,' Hiddleston tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner
Tom Hiddleston
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images
Judging from the overwhelmingly positive response to the "Avengers" footage screened at Disney's D23 convention over the weekend, the film's marketing and PR teams are doing a bang-up job of keeping the buzz building for the highly anticipated summer 2012 film.
The actors are doing a fine job as well, given the fact that they can't ever reveal too much about the plot. When MTV News caught up with the actor behind the film's master of mischief, "Thor" star Tom Hiddleston, we asked him what kind of villainy Loki will be up to in his second big-screen appearance.
"He's the god of mischief and the god of menace," Hiddleston said. "He's still complicated. He's still motivated by this tragic jealousy of Thor and the fact he doesn't have a place in the universe, the sort of awful history of his genealogy."
The Englishman added that jealousy is a key emotional motivator for the complex character.
"It's making him evolve. That jealousy has made him more self-possessed," Hiddleston said. "He knows who he is. He knows what his powers are. So he's definitively more menacing, but it's still motivated by this awful spiritual desolation," he explained.
"Out of that, he's come to the Earth and he intends to rule the human race as their king," he continued. "He thinks — like all the delusional autocrats of history — he thinks that absolute power will get him self-respect."
But it's not all about being dark and brooding, Hiddleston assured us. "He has a lot more fun too," he said, before impressing us with a pretty spot-on impression of his "Avengers" director, Joss Whedon. "Joss Whedon's perpetual note to me is: 'Tom, more feral, more unpredictable, and enjoy yourself.' "
In addition to his impressionist skills, Hiddleston teased that Loki won't be making mischief all by himself. "He's made some shady deals. That's what I'm allowed to tell you," he said. "In the footage [screened at D23], there is a line where I say to Iron Man, Robert Downey, 'I have an army,' and that's definitely true," he promised. "I have amassed an army to help me subjugate the earth."
Check out everything we've got on "The Avengers."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Evening Quickies: Is Madonna A Toilet Tyrant — Or Is This Story Just Crap?
- In Touch claims Madonna doesn't allow her boyfriends or her kids to use her toilet, a claim her rep called "crap." No pun intended, I'm sure. [Gossip Cop]
- Bravo has decided "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" will debut on it's original date, September 5. The network considered pushing back the premiere after the suicide of cast member Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of Taylor Armstrong, but instead decided to re-edit the show. [The Wrap]
- Alyssa Milano gave birth to her first child this morning, a boy named Milo Thomas Bugliari. Congratulations! [People]
Gina Philips Gisele B¸ndchen Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez
Kevin Hart Breaks Eddie Murphy's Box Office Record + Michael Jai White & Tasha Smith Trailer For "For Better Or Worse"
Could Kevin Hart be the new "King of Comedy?" The comedian recently broke one of Eddie Murphy's long-standing box office records.
Get the deets inside and watch Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith reprise their Why Did I Get Married? characters in a sneak peek for "Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse" show.....
Comedian Kevin Hart, who'll be starrng in the film adaptation of Steve Harvey's advice book Think Like A Man, broke Eddie Murphy's box-office record when his comedy tour stopped through L.A recently.
When his 90-city comedy tour dubbed, "Laugh At My Pain" rolled through L.A.'s Nokia Theater, he became the first African-American comedian to net over $1.1 million for two-day ticket sales....bumping Eddie Murphy from the top slot.
He discussed his feat with Black Voices saying,
“I try not to think about it. It's huge, but I'm one of those guys who tries to stay ignorant to his success," Hart recently told The Huffington Post. "When you think about it, that's when you get caught up in the things that make you think that you're above the world. When you don't acknowledge it, it's easier for you to maintain a humble mindset and continue to work hard and try to achieve all of these goals that you set for yourself."
Congrats to Kevin!
And coming to TV ths fall.......
Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith will be bring their popular characters from the Tyler Perry film Why Did I Get Married? to the small screen this fall via TBS.
Debuting on November 23, Michael and Tasha play Marcus and Angela, a married couple with a "few" problems. The show itself is shot to look like a movie and blends both drama and comedy (and of course a slice of Jesus). Other actors in the series are Cocoa Brian, Brad James, Jason Olive and KiKi Haynes.
Tyler Perry both the writing and directing the show.
Watch a trailer for the show here:
Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears Brittany Daniel Brittany Lee
Facebook Attempts to Save the Music Industry?By Taking Myspace?s Place
According to Forbes, RootMusic will be announcing today that it has raised $16 million in funding. Where is that hefty wad of cash going? To make Facebook the go-to place of music, allegedly. Says Forbes: “Founder J Sider says he plans to use that capital to establish Root Music as the go-to place for musicians [...]
Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park Gretha Cavazzoni
Kelly Clarkson Sasses Off On New Single 'Mr. Know It All'
Singer drops first track from October's Stronger album on her website.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kelly Clarkson
Photo: RCA Records
Kelly Clarkson dropped her new single, "Mr. Know It All," on her website this week. It's the first track off her Stronger album, due in October.
The song is an obvious Clarkson joint: feisty and straightforward, with a strong melody and a sing-along chorus. The midtempo breakup tune is about a girl letting her guy know that despite thinking he's got it all figured out, he doesn't.
On the chorus, she blasts, "Oh, you think that you know me/ Know me/ That's why I'm leaving you lonely/ Lonely/ 'Cause baby you don't know a thing about me/ You don't know a thing about me."
She's equally sassy on the bridge when she sings, "So what, you've got the world at your feet/ And you know everything about everything/ But you don't/ You still think I'm comin' back, but baby you'll see."
The track was written by Brett James (who has a country pedigree, having written for Carrie Underwood), Ester Dean (Beyoncé, Usher) and Dante Jones. Brian Kennedy (Chris Brown, Rihanna, Backstreet Boys) also co-wrote and produced the track.
Stronger is Clarkson's fifth album release. It's the follow-up to 2009's All I Ever Wanted. "Usually, on most albums, I'll fight and be like, 'No, this needs to be the single.' There's no real fighting on this," she told EW.com about the album. "The label and I, we love all of them. We're just going to see what everybody digs."
She added of "Mr. Know It All" that she "can't wait to perform it. It's everything I am as a woman and a singer. I love telling men off!"
In early 2011, Clarkson teased her influences for the album on Facebook. "This album was influenced by Prince, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, Radiohead and there's a little bit of a country vibe/influence on a couple of songs," she said.
What do you think of Clarkson's new single, "Mr. Know It All"? Tell us in the comments.
Related ArtistsSebastian Bach's Home Destroyed by Hurricane Irene
Rocker Sebastian Bach is publicly grieving the loss of his New Jersey home due to flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Irene. The former Skid Row frontman Twittered, "I am numb, in shock, & devastated to report that my home of 21 years, my house featured on MTV Cribs, has been destroyed, condemned, & deemed uninhabitable due to the extreme flooding courtesy of Hurricane Irene"
Bach, 43, was on the road in Colorado performing with fellow hard-rockers Twisted Sister, Godsmack, and Fuel when Hurricane Irene swept across the East Coast. When Bach returned home on Sunday to Red Bank, N.J., he discovered a bridge adjacent to his property had broken and slammed into his home, "knocking the house off of its foundation" and completely flooding the basement and first level.
In an emotional post to fans on his Facebook page, Bach explains that he lost valuable KISS memorabilia and one-of-a-kind Skid Row master tapes, videos, concerts, press clippings, and artwork that he can never replace. His New Jersey mansion, where he raised three children with his ex-wife, also housed his entire vinyl collection, including LPs that belong to his late father, the Canadian artist David Bierk.
"I will always love New Jersey but now there is literally nothing left for me here except memories of a past life," he wrote of his hometown of 20-plus years. He announced that he is relocating to Los Angeles: "Hello, New Life. Here I Am. It's time for a new start. Like I have a choice."
Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Light Up Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show
Foursome is joined by special guests and tons of lights for smash-hit medley.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Black Eyed Peas perform during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show
Photo: Getty Images
The Black Eyed Peas promised a party at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday (February 6), and the pop supernovas definitely delivered, with a performance teeming with lights, dancers and surprise appearances from celebrity pals.
Following a Chatter.com commercial that showed animated versions of the Peas showing off their social-media skills, the group kicked things off with their 2009 smash "I Gotta Feeling," descending from the ceiling on illuminated platforms onto a stage surrounded by a cluster of dancers clad in white bodysuits. The foursome led the team of fist-pumping troops in "Tron"-like getups, with Taboo sporting an outfit covered in flashing lights, will.i.am rocking a shiny hairpiece, Apl.de.ap wearing huge bright studs and Fergie vamping it up in bling-laden shoulder pads.
When the speaker-busting bass of "Boom Boom Pow" dropped, the dancers dispersed across the field to create arrow-shaped formations as the glow-in-the-dark lights on their suits illuminated the stadium. Then rumored surprise guest Slash of Guns N' Roses rose from below the stage for a "Sweet Child O' Mine" duet with Fergie. The GNR great rocked a finger-searing solo in a studded version of his signature black top hat as more angular platforms and dancers moved across the gridiron. The platforms were bearing scores of marching-band musicians who blasted their horns and pounded away on their drums as the Peas went into "Pump It" and blue lights splashed across the production.
Quick streams of fog heralded the arrival of the Peas' second surprise guest, Usher, who swooped in on a long chain to bust out his will.i.am-assisted joint "OMG." Rocking a sparkly collar on an otherwise all-white ensemble, the R&B hitmaker cranked out several counts of energetic choreography, enlivening moves from his "OMG" video and at one point jumping over Will and landing in a split.
A spray of pyro ushered in the collective's breakout 2003 hit "Where Is the Love?" as the oddly shaped platforms spelled out the word "Love" in bright-red letters. The team of dancers, which appeared to have multiplied to over 100, formed hearts across the field as will updated the lyrics of the smash with lines like, "Obama, let's get these educated."
Then the group jumped ahead to their most recent single, 2010's "The Time (Dirty Bit)," as several back up hoofers rocking cubed helmets joined the Peas onstage and dancers lined up along the gridiron to simultaneously bust out the Running Man, a move which drew cheers from the crowd.
The platinum-selling Peas wrapped up the performance with a reprise of "I Gotta Feeling," as the quartet triumphantly signed off amid of blitz of fog, firepower and flashing lights.
Ripping the halftime show was clearly a touching moment for will, who tweeted beforehand, "Me and apl started the peas when we were 16 yesterday we were dreamin now were livin it. Wow. I'm not crying out of sadness or nervousness its joy and pride and memories and the journey."
And once the crew left the stage, the frontman was not only proud, but pumped. "That was so freakin sick," he wrote. "Wow...!!!"
What did you think of the Black Eyed Peas' Super Bowl performance? Let us know in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsBeatCrave Fav of the Month Poll: Who Will You Pick?
We selected eight bands for the month of August, and now we need�you�to vote for your favorite�BeatCrave Fav�of the month! Your choices include: Los Angeles-based alternative band�The Nocturnes�(listen here), a tight 5-piece band from Cali�Brown Shoe�(listen here),�a largely instrumental duo from Baltimore�The Water�(listen here), English electronic singer/songwriter�Neon Hitch�(listen here), a mysterious experimental singer/songwriter Zola Jesus�(listen [...]
Britney Spears Calls VMA Tribute 'An Honor'
Spears tells MTV News her onstage smooch with Lady Gaga's Jo Calderone wasn't planned.
By James Montgomery
Britney Spears with Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
Britney Spears played it humble during her Video Music Awards tribute -- using her time onstage to shine the spotlight on her fellow performer, Beyoncé -- not an easy feat to accomplish in between nabbing the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and getting kissed by Lady Gaga's male alter ego Jo Calderone.
When MTV News caught up with Spears minutes after stepping offstage, she stayed humble, calling the tribute "an honor" and once again deflecting the spotlight.
"It was really crazy. I had no idea what to expect," Spears said. "The kids were amazing and so entertaining, and it was a really fun night. It was really cool. I was like, 'Wow, that's really sweet!'
"I loved the little girl in the 'Slave' outfit," she continued. "She was just so tiny and she delivered and she had such a great performance. ... They were all so great, and you could tell they worked really hard."
Watch the Britney Spears VMA Tribute now!
And Spears didn't stop there either. For an artist who's won more than her fare share of VMAs in her career, she was blown away by Sunday night's Best Pop Video triumph. "Every year ... just to come here is such an honor, you never get used to it," she smiled. "But tonight means so much to me." In a night full of high-water moments, it was her tribute smooch from Gaga -- er, Calderone -- that she gushed about backstage. Especially because she said the kiss was totally unplanned.
"She was in full character!" Spears said. "We just got onstage and we just kind of felt it out; we didn't know what was going on, so it was interesting!"
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards have wrapped, but the real action is just getting started! Stick with MTV News for winners, fashion pics, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything that went down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsBlake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan
Concert Picks: Whitman, Saint Motel, The Dodos?
So let’ face it – some of you have started school, some of you are about to start school; some of you are working so summer break really means nothing to you. Yet, with the weekend being a somewhat universal concept, there’s no reason we can’t all come together and hang loose to some pretty [...]
Emma Stone Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier
George Clooney Is A Sexy Silver Fox
Oh my yum! Isn’t George Clooney smokin hot!? He is definitely an actor that gets hotter with age, and totally sizzled at the Venice Film Festival on August 31. The actor, who is set to hit the silver screen with … Continue reading
China Chow ChloÎ Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate
2012 collection of Agua Bendita Swimwear with Bar Refaeli
Spotted: Sandra Bullock and Louis ? Baby Steps
Sandra Bullock keeps in touch with her marching munchkin, 19-month-old son Louis Bardo, during a sunny afternoon out in Los Angeles on Monday.
Kirsten Dunst: Wonderland Cover Girl
Adding some spice to the recipe, Kirsten Dunst is on the cover of Wonderland magazine?s September/October 2011 issue.
The ?Crazy/Beautiful? babe sports a cropped coif as she works her posing magic for the camera in a pair of tight leather trousers.
And inside there?s plenty more of Ms. Dunst getting sexy for the photographer, a fitting feature for the magazine?s ?Priceless? issue.
Sharing Kirsten?s cover glory is her ?Melancholia? costar Alexander Skarsgard. The issue is on newsstands now.
Usher Says New 'Rev Pop' Project Is A 'Movement'
Singer teases his new project by pointing to past hits like 'Yeah!' and 'OMG.'
By James Montgomery
Usher
Photo: MTV News
With the success of songs like "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," "Hot Tottie" and "OMG," Usher had himself a fairly massive 2010. But rather than rest on his laurels, he's looking to build on his big year, not with an album, but with a "movement."
It's something he's calling "Rev Pop" — or, simply, "Rev" — and though he's already teased his idea in a video with David Guetta (Akon is also involved), he has yet to speak in full about it. So when MTV News caught up with Ush before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles at the (Belvedere) RED launch party, we asked him about his next musical endeavor. And though he didn't reveal much, he did let it be known that "Rev" isn't exactly something new. In fact, he's been doing it for a while now.
"I'll give it to you this way: At a later date, I'll tell you more about Rev Pop, but if I were to give you a flash: I've done it before, I did it with 'Yeah!' " he said, "taking a cultural experience, and also worldwide recognition of a feeling, and putting the soul in the middle of it. Not allowing it to shift heavily to R&B genre, or pop. I did it again with 'OMG,' once again putting the soul in the middle of it, which was an electric-pop experience, with the soul.
"It's bringing those elements together to tell a story, that was born here," he said, gesturing toward his heart, "And that's what Rev Pop is. There's more, I mean, I could really elaborate, but that's just what I'm going to tell you right now. 'Rev' is what it's called ... the movement is called Rev."
Usher wouldn't say just when his fans would be getting their first taste of Rev, but whenever they do, it sounds like they're going to be impressed ... if not a little shocked.
"Stay alive," he smiled, "Because you're definitely going to be in for a surprise."
Related ArtistsCharisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlies Angels Charlize Theron
Taylor Lautner Likes Both Of The Snow Whites
Jacob Taylor Lautner seems very excited for Bella Kristen Stewart?s new role as Snow White. He said:
?Kristen?s going to be cool and edgy and dark, and I think that?s really exciting.?
Yeah, that movie could have some potential… but what does he think about the OTHER Snow White movie, starring another costar, Lily Collins, from [...]
?Kristen?s going to be cool and edgy and dark, and I think that?s really exciting.?
Yeah, that movie could have some potential… but what does he think about the OTHER Snow White movie, starring another costar, Lily Collins, from [...]
Links for 2007-10-16 [del.icio.us]
- Kim Kardashian playboy nude photo leaked
BREAKING NEWS!
A photo of Kim Kardashian?s playboy photoshoot has been leaked. The photoshoot wasn?t supposed to appear to viewers until December. It is rumored that this will be the biggest playboy spread ever?..
Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez
'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Returns To IMAX
Michael Bay's robot flick will hit theaters again on Friday and run for two weeks.
By Terri Schwartz
Bumblebee in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Photo: Paramount
The moon will go dark again as Paramount gears up to re-release "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" in IMAX this Friday.
The third "Transformers" flick is currently the second-highest-grossing film of the year in the U.S., coming in second to "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" with $348.5 million. "Dark of the Moon" will get a second life in 246 IMAX theaters in North America beginning on Friday, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and will run in IMAX through September 8.
In most cases, that means the Michael Bay flick will screen alongside already running movies like "Deathly Hallows, Part 2," "Cowboys & Aliens" and "Final Destination 5," given that Steven Soderbergh's soon-to-open "Contagion" doesn't hit IMAX until September 9.
Last year, "Avatar" made a similar move at the end of the summer, attempting to recapture moviegoers' interest before the end of the blockbuster movie season. The major difference between re-releases for "Avatar" and "Dark of the Moon" is that James Cameron stuffed "Avatar" with nine more minutes of previously unreleased footage to entice moviegoers.
While "Dark of the Moon" doesn't have new footage, the newest releases haven't been big draws at the box office and that may make it a good time to try to nab any stragglers who still want to see giant robots blow things up.
Christopher Nolan's Batman flick also benefited from this strategy. After its initial July 2008 opening, Warner Bros. gave "The Dark Knight" a February 2009 IMAX re-release. And even though the studio bypassed the summer movie season for the second release, the stunt still worked. There was plenty of residual interest in the flick following its Academy Awards success, and the second run helped push "Dark Knight" onto the list of the highest-grossing films of all time.
It will be interesting to see if this becomes a trend in summers to come, with blockbuster films like "Prometheus," "Men in Black III," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "The Dark Knight Rises" all set to hit theaters in 2012.
Check out everything we've got on "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosLady Gaga Was 'Fearless' As Jo Calderone At VMAs
VMA executive producer says Gaga's commitment to her character raises the bar for future performers.
By James Montgomery
Britney Spears and Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone backstage at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
One of the breakout stars of the 2011 Video Music Awards was Jo Calderone, the smoke-spouting, slightly stained mechanic who stormed the big show to deliver a lengthy monologue about his former love Lady Gaga, and then launched into an epic performance of her current hit, "Yoü and I."
And while you may think that Calderone was just Gaga playing dress up, well, you'd be wrong. Because for all intents and purposes, Gaga became Calderone ... diving deep into the character during, after and, rather surprisingly, before the show.
"We had talked to her about the creative [for the performance] a few weeks before the show. We had a call with her, and it became clear that she's going to be Jo," VMA Executive Producer Dave Sirulnick explained.
"She showed up as Jo, rehearsed as Jo ... if you said 'Gaga,' she wouldn't respond. After rehearsals, she comes over, she says to me, 'It's nice to meet you,' and I say to her, 'I know your friend Gaga,' and she says, 'That Gaga, what a bitch!' " Sirulnick recalled. "She did not break character once. She walks in backstage and, in front of a whole bunch of people, went into the men's room. Later, we had all the Young the Giant fans lined up waiting for the band to rehearse their performance, and Jo was walking out of the building to her dressing room and someone yelled 'It's Gaga!' But she didn't respond, just kept on walking, until finally someone yelled, 'Hey, Jo!' and then she turned and waved."
So given all that, it wasn't exactly shocking that the commitment to character continued long after Gaga — er, Calderone — had finished the show-opening performance of "Yoü and I." Jo, of course, not only returned to the stage to help pay tribute to (and kiss) Britney Spears, she also accepted the Best Female Video Moonman for "Born This Way" with an impassioned speech.
But even when she wasn't in the spotlight, Gaga didn't break ... not even for a second.
"Over the years, lots of people have done lots of things, lots of people have worn lots of things, but no one has been that committed, that in character," Sirulnick laughed. "She's smoking in the building, she was holding court in the crowd, you know, Kanye, Katy, Adele, Tony Bennett, they loved it. They respected her commitment and her level of artistry."
And, of course, they couldn't help but be inspired by it too. Because by never wavering, by putting it all out there as Jo Calderone, Gaga raised the bar for her fellow VMA performers, too, and it was up to them to match the heights she achieved.
"For her to go out there and just be so into this character, it was fearless, and you saw a lot of that at the VMAs," Sirulnick said. "Chris Brown was fearless in the way he flew across the stage. Beyoncé was fearless in her amazing vocal performance and what she revealed. Jay and Kanye were fearless in saying 'Here we are, watch us.' Adele was fearless in her performance, doing it in one shot, saying 'I'm going to stand here and put it all on display.' "
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards have wrapped, but the real action is just getting started! Stick with MTV News for winners, fashion pics, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything that went down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.
Related Videos Related PhotosJennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez
Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: MJJ
- Director: Spike Lee
- Album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Amy Winhouse?s ?Back To Black? Has Become The U.K.?s Bestselling Album Of The Century
Because if there is one thing that people do really well, it?s pretending as if we cherished a dead artist without any bias whatsoever back when they were alive (see also: Michael Jackson), The AV Club reported today that Amy Winehouse?s Back to Back is the U.K.?s top selling album of the 21st Century. Before [...]
Matthew Fox Accused of Assaulting Female Bus Driver
Matthew Fox is not doing so hot in Cleveland. The Lost and Party of Five actor found himself in handcuffs this weekend after allegedly assaulting a 29-year-old female bus driver in the Ohio city.
According to the police report, the victim says that Fox approached her around 1 a.m. on Sunday, seeking a ride back to his hotel. When he tried to board the private party bus that she was driving, the woman informed him that the bus was rented and she couldn't give him a ride. The actor tried to come on board anyway, so she got up from the driver's seat to block his way.
That's when Fox, 45, "punched her in the chest and stomach area," according to the victim's statement. She retaliated by punching him in the mouth, "causing a cut on his lip." She told police that she was worried her hand had been broken during the punch. Another man who witnessed the fight says that he intervened to help the bus driver.
Fox was detained but not arrested, and no charges have been pressed. TMZ reports that the fight took place outside of a bar, and the police report classifies the incident as "alcohol-related" -- though it doesn't say specifically if Fox had been drinking.
The actor is in Cleveland filming the movie adaptation of James Patterson's I, Alex Cross, in which he plays a serial killer.
Beyonc� - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
HOT Guy Of The Day ? Joe Manganiello
I had to capitalize HOT in the title because Alcide Hervaux deserves all caps!!! Joe Manganiello plays my favourite werewolf on HBO?s True Blood and he was spotted strolling back to his car after lunch at Urth Cafe in Beverly … Continue reading
Demi Lovato Defends Her Weight Gain
Demi Lovato is done listening to the haters! The 19-year-old "Skyscraper" singer, who has been open about her struggle with eating disorders, looked curvy, confident and healthy at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night. But as a famous female, Lovato still has to live with constant criticism of her body. During the awards ceremony, the singer discovered she was a trending topic on Twitter -- with much of the discussion focused on her weight. Fortunately, Lovato's response shows that she's stronger than her critics.
Perhaps Lovato was checking her phone during commercial breaks when she noticed the obnoxious Twitter comments -- like the follower who decided to inform her that her "arms were looking a tad bit chunky." (What, did she expect a 'thank you'?) The singer immediately snapped back a very appropriate "Who cares?"
She followed that with a message to all the haters: "I've gained weight. Get over it. That's what happens when you get out of treatment for AN EATING DISORDER."
Seriously! But Lovato soon thought better of showing her anger, and replaced that message with a more diplomatic tweet: "Guess what, I'm healthy and happy, and if you're hating on my weight you obviously aren't. :) #UNBROKEN."
The former Disney star was clearly annoyed, but didn't let it ruin her good time at the VMAs. And she even got some support from a surprising source: Ashley Greene, who was rumored to be at odds with Lovato when she was dating their now-mutual ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas. The Twilight actress tweeted the message "Girl... your beautiful," to which Lovato responded, "This is why you're my friend... Thank you girl." Lovato also sent an appreciative tweet to all the fans who sent her messages of love and support.
For what it's worth, Demi Lovato made our list of the best-dressed at the VMAs. But a person could go crazy trying to please everyone all the time -- and if that's something she learned from her months in rehab, then it was time well-spent.
George Clooney Leaves Steven Soderbergh's 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.'
George Clooney would probably make for one kick-ass uncle, but sadly, he will no longer be the man from "U.N.C.L.E."
The Oscar winning actor has long been attached to Steven Soderbergh's adaptation of the 1960s spy drama, but Deadline reports that Clooney is now walking away from the project. It's unclear exactly why he's stepping aside, [...]
The Oscar winning actor has long been attached to Steven Soderbergh's adaptation of the 1960s spy drama, but Deadline reports that Clooney is now walking away from the project. It's unclear exactly why he's stepping aside, [...]
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Stranger Danger
My sister recently had a talk with my four-year-old nephew Jack about strangers. Here's how it went:
SISTER: Now, Jack, if a stranger says, "Come here, I want to show you something," what do you do?
JACK: I turn around and run!
SISTER: If a stranger says, "Come here, I want to give you some candy," what do you do?
JACK: I turn around and run!
SISTER: If a stranger says, "Come here, I want to show you my puppy," what do you do?
JACK: Oh, I love puppies...
Michael Jackson - The Behind The Mask Project
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic
- Director: Dennis Liu
LeBron "Bags" Savannah At SAKS, Hits Dinner With Carmelo & LaLa
Looks like LeBron James is continuing girlfriend Savannah Brinson's birthday celebrations throughout the week. This time with a shopping spree for the now 25-year-old. Pics of the Miami Heat star treating the mother of his 2 kids to a shopping spree at Saks (he even picks out a few bags for her), plus their post-shopping dinner with LaLa & Carmelo Anthony, inside...
LeBron and girlfriend Savannah headed to NYC to continue Savannah's birthday festivities. They had a big party at their home in Akron over the weekend. And this week, with Savannah's uber cute multi-colored sparkling hobo tote in tow, they stocked up on the latest collection of hot bags at Saks. A girl can never have too many bags.
Aww how sweet. Bron's trying to pick his girl out something special. Wonder how that ended up.
Savannah's such a pretty chick. Cute coupledom indeed.
Oh, and after their shopping spree, they had dinner with fellow NBA couple the Anthonys:
La tweeted: Enjoying a night out in NYC...@KingJames, @SavannahRB, @carmeloanthony, and me.. #greattimes!. Savannah responded, "Great Brainstorming Session!" Fab times.
Pics via SPLASH
Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright
Javier, Brad, Angelina, Kate, and More in a Look Back at the Venice Film Festival!
The 68th Venice Film Festival gets started tomorrow, and there are plenty of hot stars expected to make the trip overseas. George Clooney already kicked off the fun by arriving with Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber on a boat today! The Italian festival has brought out lots of big names in years past, so let's take a look at Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Javier Bardem, Kate Hudson, and more making their mark in Venice!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)