Britney Spears' 'I Wanna Go' Video: Pop References
Related ArtistsWednesday, August 31, 2011
Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover
Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman
Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610709/adam-lamberts-whole-lotta-love-story-behind-cover.jhtml
Demi Lovato 'Stoked' About Missy Elliott, Timbaland Collabo
Unbroken track with legendary duo is a jam about 'staying up all night long,' Demi tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Demi Lovato
Photo: MTV News
LOS ANGELES — Demi Lovato is ready to launch the next phase of her music career. She dropped her moving ballad "Skyscraper" earlier this summer and now fans are ready to hear what else the singer has up her sleeve when she releases her album Unbroken in September.
While the album will feature a number of collabos with artists like Jason Derülo, Iyaz and Dev, one track in particular, "All Night Long," features two of urban radio's biggest '90s superstars, Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Last week, Lovato spoke to MTV News and told us that working with the legendary duo, who helped shape the careers of singers like Aaliyah, couldn't have been more of a dream come true.
"I was so stoked when I went into the studio. I was working with Timbaland, and Missy was there, and she was like, she heard one of the songs and she asked if she could rap on it," Lovato recalled about their July recording session.
"And I was like, 'Of course, that's not even a question.' And she did, and she killed it."
According to Lovato, the party track is pretty much the polar opposite of "Skyscraper," showing off a whole new side of the 19-year-old. "The song that Missy and I did together, Timbaland's actually on it, too, and it's fun," she said. "It's about staying up all night long and singing it to the boy that you like, and it's flirty and fun and it's not too grown-up, but it's grown-up enough."
Lovato has already started making the rounds to promote the upcoming album, including a fan meet-and-greet in Los Angeles last week and a performance at Perez Hilton's pre-VMA party. She went on to present Best Collaboration at the VMAs on Sunday night.
Next month, Lovato will play two shows, one each in New York and one in Los Angeles.
Are you looking forward to Demi's album? Tell us in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670058/demi-lovato-timbaland-missy-elliott-collabo.jhtml
Kristin Cavallari Shares A Photo From The ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Set
Yesterday we learned that Kristin Cavallari, star of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and The Hills, will be competing in the upcoming 13th season of Dancing with the Stars and today we get our first look at KC on the set of the show. Kristin tweeted a photo of herself in costume today as [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/EUz_6oypUrc/
Shia LaBeouf Calls Marilyn Manson Video 'A Cool Diversion'
Unlikely duo will celebrate 'Born Villain' short film with book signing and screening Thursday in L.A.
By Kara Warner with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Marilyn Manson, Narcissister and Shia LaBeouf attend the "Born Villain" screening in Los Angeles on August 29
Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
File this story under the most surprising of pairings: "Transformers" superstar Shia LaBeouf and Marilyn Manson have teamed up for Manson's new music video, "Born Villain."
So how did these two artists come together? Well, they met at a Kills concert, where LaBeouf, a longtime Manson fan, casually approached the "Beautiful People" singer and struck up a conversation that sparked a genuine friendship.
"Marilyn Manson to me is an indelible figure," LaBeouf told MTV News, speaking exclusively about the collaboration for the first time. "He's a big deal to me, and in my childhood, I don't know of a scarier figure in art. He, in my teenage years, was the scariest thing in the world, so part of me has always been intrigued."
LaBeouf told Manson that he would love to direct his next video and showed him his previous work, Cage's "Maniac" clip, as proof that he knows what he's doing behind the camera.
"I played 'Maniac' for [Manson], and he freaked the f--- out," LaBeouf recalled. "Manson goes crazy. Manson's like, 'I want you to do my video.' "
The two then began prep work on "Born Villain," which draws heavily from very intense, graphic imagery, specifically a famous French surrealist short film, Shakespeare and theology.
"The song has all these references to 'Macbeth' and all this Shakespeare and heavy theology, so we tried to make Manson's 'Un Chien Andalou' macabre 'Macbeth' — that's sort of what that became."
To celebrate the LaBeouf-directed video, which is much more short film than standard clip, LaBeouf and Manson will be appearing together at a one-time-only book signing and screening Thursday at Hennessey + Ingalls bookstore in Los Angeles from 8 to 10 p.m. The 18-and-up event is private and limited to 150 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to receive tickets, those who wish to attend must purchase the limited-edition "Born Villain" photo book at the Hennessey + Ingalls website, which also comes with a copy of the short film.
Unsurprisingly, the imagery in the video is very graphic and very adult. Those who only know LaBeouf from his clean-cut film roles will likely be shocked by this directorial effort, but LaBeouf isn't worried about those reactions.
"This, for me, this is a really cool diversion for me when I'm not making a movie," LaBeouf explained. "It gives me an opportunity to work with musicians I admire who I would otherwise never get to work with in any other capacity. I really have a fun time doing it. It allows me to be creative in another art form and work with heroes.
"I also think there are fans of mine who aren't fans of Manson's and vice versa; that's why I think our collaboration is interesting. I don't really see it on paper," he continued. "I don't see fans of mine who went to see 'Holes' when they were 12 loving this. I don't think my audience is the only thing I should exercise my artistic muscle for. I don't necessarily always do things for the audience; this is one of those.
"I love Marilyn," LaBeouf said. "Manson is like a brother to me now. He's a real sweet dude, a real close friend."
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670077/shia-labeouf-marilyn-manson-born-villian-video.jhtml
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Jonas Akerlund
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=624145
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."
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598367/chris-cornell-debunks-led-zeppelin-rumors.jhtml
Joe Jonas Is Perfecting His Dance Moves For Fast Life
The JoBro says he's been working for over a year on a stage act to match his dance-heavy solo album.
By Christina Garibaldi
Joe Jonas
Photo: MTV News
Joe Jonas is gearing up for a very busy fall: He's heading out on the road with Jay Sean for a 19-city tour; his first solo album, Fast Life, hits stores October 11, and then he'll jet off with Britney Spears for the European leg of her Femme Fatale Tour. Though his single, "See No More," has been out for months, and he's been performing all over the place lately, there's still a chance this Jonas brother's new sound might surprise his longtime fans.
"The biggest difference is a little bit more urban and dance electronic stuff," Jonas told MTV News at the mtvU VMA Concert to Benefit Lifebeat - Music Fights HIV. "I've been influenced by a lot of different artists throughout my life and this is my opportunity to kind of show the world a little bit more about what I like writing and what I like coming up with musically."
If he's delivering that kind of sound, fans will probably expect him to show off his dance moves onstage, and Jonas says he's been working to perfect them for quite some time.
"It was a little bit difficult in the beginning to feel comfortable with it," Jonas said of learning his dance steps. " I've been rehearsing for a little over a year with Marty, who's a choreographer I work with, and he's made me feel a lot more comfortable onstage, a lot more comfortable in my own skin, which made the whole process 100 percent better."
Just last week, Jonas unveiled Fast Life's album cover, which he said is the perfect representation of the upcoming release.
"We had a couple of photo shoots trying to decide which direction we wanted to go in," Jonas said of the album cover. "And just kind of came together with having a really cool background and explaining Fast Life."
So what do those words mean for Jonas?
"I think my life has been so crazy busy for the past year and a half, and I kind of wanted to show people a little bit more of what my life is about, bring them into it a little bit more, so that's been a fun experience." Jonas said.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670049/joe-jonas-fast-life-album.jhtml
Sam Worthington Pays 'The Debt,' Prepares For 10 'Avatar' Movies
FROM NEXTMOVIE: Sam Worthington was plucked from obscurity (he says he was living in his car) when he landed his first American film role – that of a paraplegic marine in James Cameron's groundbreaking 3-D epic, "Avatar."
The 35-year-old Aussie has also played an empathic cyborg in "Terminator Salvation" and wore a mini-skirt (okay, a tunic) [...]
The 35-year-old Aussie has also played an empathic cyborg in "Terminator Salvation" and wore a mini-skirt (okay, a tunic) [...]
Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/08/31/sam-worthington-avatar-the-debt/
Katy Perry, Justin Bieber Are Sure Bets At The VMAs
Bodog oddsmaker also likes Lady Gaga's chances at Sunday's big show.
By James Montgomery
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News/ Jessica Hyndman
Earlier this week, we tried our hand at picking the winners for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, but with the big show just around the corner -- airing live from Los Angeles this Sunday at 9 p.m. — we figured it was time to let the pros have their say.
We reached out to the folks at the Bodog Sportsbook to get their take on Sunday's show ... and, as it turns out, much like us, they see it being a big night for Katy Perry. But it definitely won't be a clean sweep for the California Gurl; they also like Justin Bieber's and Lady Gaga's chances too.
So here, for your wagering pleasure, are Bodog's odds for the 2011 VMAs. Remember, it's only considered a "gambling problem" if you lose.
Best Male Video
» Justin Bieber, "U Smile," 7/5
» Cee Lo Green, "F--- You," 7/4
» Eminem (featuring Rihanna), "Love the Way You Lie," 7/2
» Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi), "All of the Lights," 9/2
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade," 12/1
Bodog's Take: "Justin Bieber makes millions of girls smile, which in turn makes his record company smile," Bodog Sportsbook manager Richard Gardner says. "Over at Bodog's online sportsbook, we're inclined to think that Bieber Fever is still running high."
Best Female Video
» Lady Gaga, "Born This Way," 6/5
» Katy Perry, "Firework," 11/4
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep," 11/4
» Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass," 9/2
» Beyoncé, "Run the World (Girls)," 8/1
Bodog's Take: "Lady Gaga has just been awarded the #1 spot on Forbes' Celebrity 100, #1 Social and #1 Web lists; she also owns the #2 position in Press, #3 in TV/Radio, #8 in Money and is sitting pretty at #11 on their 'World's Most Powerful Women' list," Gardner says. "This woman has to be a clear favorite to win Best Female Video."
Best Rock Video
» Mumford & Sons, "The Cave," 7/4
» Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks," 9/4
» Foo Fighters, "Walk," 3/1
» The Black Keys, "Howlin' for You," 4/1
» Cage the Elephant, "Shake Me Down," 6/1
Bodog's Take: "If Noel Gallagher loves [Mumford & Sons], then that's saying something, right?" Gardner says. "And what about Marcus Mumford and Carey Mulligan's recent engagement? That's huge. The awards they've picked up along the way for 'The Cave' are added insurance for our bettors."
Best Pop Video
» Katy Perry, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)," 6/5
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep," 7/5
» Pitbull (featuring Ne-Yo, Nayer and Afrojack), "Give Me Everything," 5/1
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade," 7/1
» Britney Spears, "Till the World Ends," 14/1
Bodog's Take: " 'Last Friday Night' made Billboard history last week as it made Katy Perry the first woman to hit five #1 spots with one album," Gardner explains. "Clearly, Perry is the reigning pop princess."
Best Hip-Hop Video
» Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi), "All of the Lights," 2/1
» Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass," 9/4
» Lil Wayne (featuring Cory Gunz), "6 Foot 7 Foot," 5/2
» Chris Brown (featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes), "Look at me Now," 3/1
» Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes On," 12/1
Bodog's Take: "Kanye may have fallen onstage while performing this song in Norway, but he'll get the last laugh when he picks up the award for 'Best Hip-Hop Video' at this year's MTV Video Music Awards," Gardner says. "At least that's how we think this one will go down with bettors."
Best New Artist
» Wiz Khalifa, "Black and Yellow," 7/5
» Kreayshawn, "Gucci Gucci," 7/4
» Tyler, the Creator, "Yonkers," 3/1
» Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks," 6/1
» Big Sean (featuring Chris Brown), "My Last," 12/1
Bodog's Take: "Khalifa's $11 million haul over the past year earned him the #11 spot on Forbes' annual Hip-Hop Cash Kings list," Gardner pointed out. "But it was when 'Black and Yellow' became the Pittsburgh Steelers' anthem during their Super Bowl run ... that's what our bettors will be counting on."
Video of the Year
» Katy Perry, "Firework," 6/5
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep," 7/4
» Beastie Boys, "Make Some Noise," 4/1
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade," 9/2
» Tyler, the Creator, "Yonkers," 16/1
Bodog's Take: "This one comes down to basic math. Katy Perry has been nominated for 10 [awards]," Gardner explained. "While there's no such thing as a sure thing, she's cutting it pretty darn close with this one."
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
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669765/katy-perry-justin-bieber-vma.jhtml
'Dark Knight Rises' On Set: Best Pittsburgh Sneak Peeks!
As production on the 2012 Batman flick wraps in the Steel City, we detail the five coolest looks to hit the Net.
By Eric Ditzian
On the set of "Dark Knight Rises" in Pittsburgh
In late May, to mark the start of "Dark Knight Rises" production in Pittsburgh, we got our first look at the newest villain to face off against Batman: Tom Hardy as the broad-backed, rubber-face-mask-rocking Bane. That juicy, studio-approved first look, it turned out, was a harbinger of spoiler-y sneak peeks to come.
Over the next three months, we feasted our eyes upon villains and vehicles and massive action set pieces and more. The free-for-all, though, is probably at an end, as "Dark Knight Rises" production in Pittsburgh has wrapped ahead of a shift to Los Angeles, where on-set security is likely to be significantly tighter. So as we bid goodbye to Batman's adventures in the Steel City, let's take a look at the five coolest things we've peeped since May.
Check out photos from the set of "Dark Knight Rises."
Kickoff at Heinz Field
Early in August, director Christopher Nolan took over the Pittsburgh Steelers' home stadium of Heinz Field for an epic action sequence in which NFL stars like Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu got into character as the Gotham Rogues in front of 10,000 extras. For once, these gridiron greats weren't the center of the action, as the game was interrupted by the explosive arrival of Bane and a few camouflaged tumblers.
Crashing Catwoman
We need not rehash the not-exactly-warm reception to the photographic debut of Anne Hathaway in character as Catwoman. A far more perilous situation unfolded days later when Hathaway's stunt double crashed the Batpod into a cameraman working with a super-expensive IMAX camera. Reportedly, neither the camera nor the operator was injured. So that's good, as was the peek at the scene they were shooting: police officers beating the heck out of people outside Gotham City Hall.
Totaled Tumbler
Everywhere you looked in Pittsburgh, there were tumblers — those armed vehicles Christian Bale made into his newfangled Batmobile. Where'd they all come from? And what the heck happened to one of them, which wound up buried in rubble? Our guess is Batman's latest badass vehicle is responsible for the damage.
Batwing Takes Flight
The latest vehicle, of course, is the Batwing. In mid-August, we got our first look at the craft, which has popped up in previous "Batman" films but never before in Nolan's versions. Gone was any resemblance to director Tim Burton's earlier iteration, or the Batplanes present throughout comic-book history; in their place was an ultra-realistic aircraft that seemingly owes its existence, like the tumbler, to a military design.
Bane Takes on Batman
Of all the many character-centric set pics, our favorite is probably this one of Bane grappling with Batman. For all the high-tech gadgets this movie will feature, the fight between these two adversaries might well come down to some old-fashioned fisticuffs. The photo also showcased a fat scar on Bane's neck, perhaps Nolan's way of explaining the villain's life-or-death addiction to an experimental drug called Venom.
Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related Photos- On The Set Of 'The Dark Knight Rises'
- Analyzing Anne Hathaway's Catwoman Costume In 'Dark Knight Rises'
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669438/dark-knight-rises-photos-on-set.jhtml
New Promo Images Of Sarah Michelle Gellar Hit The Internets
The countdown to the series premiere of Ringer is on and we are just over 2 weeks away from Sarah Michelle Gellar‘s return to television … can I get a Woot! Woot! As we countdown the days, let’s feast our eyes on a new batch of Ringer promo images of the beautiful SMG along with [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/jFyaJm0SS3Y/
Britney Spears, In 10 Minutes, Backstage At The VMAs
Meeting the princess of pop, behind the scenes at the biggest awards show of the year, in Bigger Than the Sound.
By James Montgomery
Britney Spears
Photo: Getty Images
I'm not sure how many times this has happened to you, but when you're in the middle of recording voice-overs during the Video Music Awards and all of a sudden you get an email from the assistant of your bosses' boss telling you that you have to interview Britney Spears in her dressing room in 10 minutes -- man, that's weird.
Because it's Britney Spears. One of the hugest pop stars on the planet, constant target of the tabloids, decided enigma. She's not exactly forthcoming with the press (for reasons that are certainly understandable) and not particularly interested in sitting down for a chat -- especially when said chat is supposed to take place in her dressing room, surrounded by her team of publicists, makeup artists and friends. Needless to say, the odds of the whole thing going down in a ball of flames are pretty high.
And yet, there I was on Sunday night, winding my way through the backstage corridors of the Nokia Theatre, the VMAs literally happening all around me, on my way to meet Britney. Armed only with an email (and a rather paltry level of security clearance), I talked my way past the stone-faced security guards -- who, it should be noted, didn't seem to believe that I was about to interview Britney Spears either -- found my way to her dressing-room door and awaited further instructions. As I stood there, my mind raced: What, exactly, was I going to ask her, anyway? And, perhaps more importantly, what is she really like?
After a few minutes, the door swung open, one of her publicists poked his head out and told me, quite matter-of-factly, "Britney's ready." I entered the tiny dressing room, scanned the faces lining the walls (publicist one, publicist two, manager Larry Rudolph, makeup artist, sister Jamie Lynn) and suddenly came face to face with Britney herself, eyes wide and sparkling, head cocked slightly, big smile on her face. I noticed the tiny pair of red dice she has tattooed on her left wrist, the hem of her black dress, the way she crossed her ankles. And then, I noticed she was looking right at me.
"Hi, I'm Britney," she said.
No kidding.
I am happy to report that Britney Spears is a very nice person; she is funny and carries herself with a relaxed grace that belies her superstardom. We spoke about her VMA tribute -- during which she spent much of the time praising others -- and how, even after winning a boatload of awards, she's still blown away each and every time her name is called. Shoot, we even laughed about Lady Gaga's alter ego, Jo Calderone ("She's definitely in character," Brit laughed). In fact, the thing that struck me the most about her was her quick wit: She cracks jokes like they're going out of style.
And while I guess you could say that I learned an awful lot about Britney on Sunday night, the biggest lesson was probably this: Basically everything you think you know about her is wrong. It's sort of a shame she doesn't do more interviews, because, really, I think most folks would leave feeling the same way I do. Then again, I can understand why she doesn't. It's sort of an uphill battle at this point.
Regardless, interviewing her was definitely a highlight, and not just because she's press-shy. It most certainly ranks as my greatest VMA moment, even ahead of the pre-show I hosted live Sunday night. So the next time you get a panicked email and an invite to sit down with Britney, I highly recommend you respond immediately. It will definitely be worth your time.
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 ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669958/britney-spears-vmas.jhtml
Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia/Music World Music
- Director: Jake Nava
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=288236
Will Lady Gaga And Jo Calderone Ever Collaborate On A Song?
' I tried to show her that I could work hard to be with her,' Jo told MTV News backstage at the VMAs.
By Gil Kaufman, with reporting by Rob Markman
Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
You can imagine why Lady Gaga would be a bit pissed. After all, not only did her male alter ego/ pretend boyfriend Jo Calderone air out their relationship woes in an monologue opening the VMAs, but then he shared a kiss with Britney Spears after presenting her Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
"I'm hopin' that she'll take me back," said a clearly emotional Calderone backstage after the show, as he clutched Jo Gaga's two Moonmen for Best Female Video and Best Video With a Message. "I'm hoping she's gonna wanna roll around with me again in bed, you know what I'm sayin'?"
The pair, who shared the screen in the video for "Yoü and I," may be reuniting professionally too. "Well, tonight I got to show a little bit of what I can do," he said, alluding to the show-opening monologue and piano-pounding tear through "Yoü and I" that featured Queen guitarist Brian May. "But I'm just an amateur, you know. I just don't really do this, but I tried to show her that I could work hard to be with her, and I hope she likes it. That's all."
See photos of Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone backstage at the VMAs.
Gaga was clearly jacked about the wins, writing on Twitter after the show, "I couldn't be more overwhelmed+grateful as I am tonight. Little Monsters inspire me. Never give up on your vision, you were born this way," she wrote. "To win 2VMAs, Best Video with a Message + Best Female Video for 'Born This Way' means the world. I have never believed in a work so much."
She also thanked her fans for throwing their love to Calderone. "Thank u monsters for supporting @jocalderone attending instead of myself," she wrote. "He came over last night with 2 moonmen, whiskey + we watched VMAs."
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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669983/lady-gaga-jo-calderone-vma.jhtml
Britney Spears, In 10 Minutes, Backstage At The VMAs
Meeting the princess of pop, behind the scenes at the biggest awards show of the year, in Bigger Than the Sound.
By James Montgomery
Britney Spears
Photo: Getty Images
I'm not sure how many times this has happened to you, but when you're in the middle of recording voice-overs during the Video Music Awards and all of a sudden you get an email from the assistant of your bosses' boss telling you that you have to interview Britney Spears in her dressing room in 10 minutes -- man, that's weird.
Because it's Britney Spears. One of the hugest pop stars on the planet, constant target of the tabloids, decided enigma. She's not exactly forthcoming with the press (for reasons that are certainly understandable) and not particularly interested in sitting down for a chat -- especially when said chat is supposed to take place in her dressing room, surrounded by her team of publicists, makeup artists and friends. Needless to say, the odds of the whole thing going down in a ball of flames are pretty high.
And yet, there I was on Sunday night, winding my way through the backstage corridors of the Nokia Theatre, the VMAs literally happening all around me, on my way to meet Britney. Armed only with an email (and a rather paltry level of security clearance), I talked my way past the stone-faced security guards -- who, it should be noted, didn't seem to believe that I was about to interview Britney Spears either -- found my way to her dressing-room door and awaited further instructions. As I stood there, my mind raced: What, exactly, was I going to ask her, anyway? And, perhaps more importantly, what is she really like?
After a few minutes, the door swung open, one of her publicists poked his head out and told me, quite matter-of-factly, "Britney's ready." I entered the tiny dressing room, scanned the faces lining the walls (publicist one, publicist two, manager Larry Rudolph, makeup artist, sister Jamie Lynn) and suddenly came face to face with Britney herself, eyes wide and sparkling, head cocked slightly, big smile on her face. I noticed the tiny pair of red dice she has tattooed on her left wrist, the hem of her black dress, the way she crossed her ankles. And then, I noticed she was looking right at me.
"Hi, I'm Britney," she said.
No kidding.
I am happy to report that Britney Spears is a very nice person; she is funny and carries herself with a relaxed grace that belies her superstardom. We spoke about her VMA tribute -- during which she spent much of the time praising others -- and how, even after winning a boatload of awards, she's still blown away each and every time her name is called. Shoot, we even laughed about Lady Gaga's alter ego, Jo Calderone ("She's definitely in character," Brit laughed). In fact, the thing that struck me the most about her was her quick wit: She cracks jokes like they're going out of style.
And while I guess you could say that I learned an awful lot about Britney on Sunday night, the biggest lesson was probably this: Basically everything you think you know about her is wrong. It's sort of a shame she doesn't do more interviews, because, really, I think most folks would leave feeling the same way I do. Then again, I can understand why she doesn't. It's sort of an uphill battle at this point.
Regardless, interviewing her was definitely a highlight, and not just because she's press-shy. It most certainly ranks as my greatest VMA moment, even ahead of the pre-show I hosted live Sunday night. So the next time you get a panicked email and an invite to sit down with Britney, I highly recommend you respond immediately. It will definitely be worth your time.
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 ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669958/britney-spears-vmas.jhtml
STS “Cliche” [Video]
STS drops a new video for his song "Cliche" and he's dressed to the nines and ready to impress with his lyrics...
Source: http://www.xxlmag.com/bangers/2011/08/sts-cliche-video/
Pablo Dylan “Regular” [World Premiere]
The grandson of Bob Dylan, young Pablo's family tree is far from regular...
Source: http://www.xxlmag.com/bangers/2011/08/pablo-dylan-regular-world-premiere/
Skyzoo “Rocket Science”
Skyzoo again shows his lyrical prowess on this new song "Rocket Science," produced by !llmind, off of Sky's The Great Debater deluxe edition...
Source: http://www.xxlmag.com/bangers/2011/08/skyzoo-rocket-science/
Beyoncé - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=455581
Katy Perry, Adele, More: VMA Ladies' Night?
Fellow Best Female Video nominees Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj have also had a massive past 12 months.
By Jocelyn Vena
Best Female Video nominees Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Adele
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
Video of the Year might be the top prize at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, but this year, there is some serious competition in another category: Best Female Video.
With pop heavyweights Adele, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj all looking to take home the Moonman, it's a battle between five women who have all had stellar years. Leading up to their showdown, MTV News takes a look back at the divas' massive past 12 months:
Katy Perry
Nominated Video: "Firework"
Her Massive Year: Katy Perry dropped the feel-good clip in October, saying she "believed in people" when she wrote the track. Months later, in January, she announced the dates on her sugar-coated California Dreams Tour. In late June, Perry threw herself a party in her other VMA-nominated video, for "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)," which director Marc Klasfeld said "is definitely '16 Candles'- and John Hughes-influenced."
In July, it was announced that Katy was the lead nominee for the VMAs, racking up nine nods. To top it all off, weeks before the VMAs, it was announced that Perry had tied with Michael Jackson's record of five #1 singles from the same album.
Check out our "VMA Time Machine" — an interactive timeline celebrating the ladies' epic year!
Beyoncé
Nominated Video: "Run the World (Girls)"
Her Massive Year: In November, just two months after last year's VMAs, Beyoncé started teasing fans about her fourth album. What was her plan? To "make my own genre of music," she declared. B later added that her musical influences on the then-untitled project included Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill.
Fans finally heard and saw what she was talking about when she dropped the VMA-nominated video for "Run the World (Girls)" in May. Her album 4 eventually leaked three weeks early but still managed to debut at #1 on the Billboard albums chart. The year of 4 culminates when Beyoncé hits the VMA stage Sunday.
Lady Gaga
Nominated Video: "Born This Way"
Her Massive Year: Fans were teased with a taste of "Born This Way" at the 2010 VMAs when the meat-dress-wearing Lady Gaga belted out part of the chorus as she accepted her award for Video of the Year. By the time the full song dropped in mid-February, it broke a record as the fastest-selling single in iTunes history. Weeks later, the video, directed by Nick Knight, had everyone talking, thanks to its spacey theme.
Then Gaga finally released the album of the same name and it sold 1.1 million in its debut week on the charts, doing what no one has done since 2005. To celebrate her successes, Gaga is set to open the VMAs this year. Anything is possible with Gaga kicking off the show.
Nicki Minaj
Nominated Video: "Super Bass"
Her Massive Year: Since hitting up the VMA Pre-Show last September, putting on what she described as an "amazing look" along with will.i.am, Nicki Minaj dropped her debut album, Pink Friday. The album debuted at #2 on the charts, only topped by Kanye West's Runaway, leaving Minaj feeling "so grateful and kind of still in shock."
In March, Minaj proclaimed she was "letting it all hang out" in her "Super Bass" video. Whatever she did, it worked, earning her first VMA nomination. Then she not only had a "crazy" set on the I Am Still Music Tour along with Lil Wayne, she also told us that touring with Britney Spears "raises the bar" for her own stage show.
Adele
Nominated Video: "Rolling in the Deep"
Her Massive Year: Adele's 21 was a smash from the start, hitting #1 on the charts in its first week. Then, week after week, the album kept reaching #1. Adele's only hiccup in her banner year was having to shuffle around tour dates after she got sick in June.
Adele bounced back in a big way by earning seven noms for her video, feeling "flabbergasted" by the honor. Just weeks ago, her album topped the charts again, as the singer geared up for the VMAs and her performance on the show.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday from 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.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Chris Brown's High-Flying VMA Set: Behind The Scenes
'Yeah 3X' singer's choreographers Rich and Tone talk to MTV News about pulling out 'tricks' like levitation on Sunday.
By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Rob Markman
Chris Brown performs at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
On Sunday night, Chris Brown nearly stole the show during his high-flying VMA performance, and considering everything that went down during the 2011 Video Music Awards, that's saying a lot.
Find out how Beyoncé and Jay-Z Celebrated Their VMA Baby News!
Brown, decked out in all white, danced to a medley of old favorites from acts like Wu-Tang Clan and Nirvana, as well as his own tracks "Yeah 3X" and "Beautiful People." The performance was packed with tight dance moves — including some ninja-style moves — and finished with Brown flying over the A-list crowd on nearly invisible wires. While hanging high above the room, the singer displayed moves that looked as acrobatic as a Cirque Du Soleil performer.
We spotted Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and more hanging out backstage!
Days before Brown took the stage, MTV News caught up with two members of his creative team, choreographers Tone and Rich. The pair had promised that Brown would take the game to the next level at this year's VMAs, and he certainly delivered on that.
"We've been working with Chris for many years; I've never seen him this way on this performance ever," Tone teased last week. "He's pulling out all his tricks on this one. He's definitely gonna show you something fresh and new; something he has never done before."
Go Behind the Scenes with Wiz Khalifa, Kreayshawn, more at VMA Pre-Show
He went on to add that while Brown always steps up his performance game, Sunday night would be unlike previous shows. "All the past performances he always came with it 100 percent, but this one, for some reason he has something special about this one," Tone said.
"He's going to create so much centrifugal force, there might be some levitation going on," Rich teased.
And although it was unclear what exactly Rich meant by that prediction a few days ago, now Brown's fans know he wasn't exaggerating.
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.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669934/chris-brown-vma-performance-behind-the-scenes.jhtml
Britney Spears, In 10 Minutes, Backstage At The VMAs
Meeting the princess of pop, behind the scenes at the biggest awards show of the year, in Bigger Than the Sound.
By James Montgomery
Britney Spears
Photo: Getty Images
I'm not sure how many times this has happened to you, but when you're in the middle of recording voice-overs during the Video Music Awards and all of a sudden you get an email from the assistant of your bosses' boss telling you that you have to interview Britney Spears in her dressing room in 10 minutes -- man, that's weird.
Because it's Britney Spears. One of the hugest pop stars on the planet, constant target of the tabloids, decided enigma. She's not exactly forthcoming with the press (for reasons that are certainly understandable) and not particularly interested in sitting down for a chat -- especially when said chat is supposed to take place in her dressing room, surrounded by her team of publicists, makeup artists and friends. Needless to say, the odds of the whole thing going down in a ball of flames are pretty high.
And yet, there I was on Sunday night, winding my way through the backstage corridors of the Nokia Theatre, the VMAs literally happening all around me, on my way to meet Britney. Armed only with an email (and a rather paltry level of security clearance), I talked my way past the stone-faced security guards -- who, it should be noted, didn't seem to believe that I was about to interview Britney Spears either -- found my way to her dressing-room door and awaited further instructions. As I stood there, my mind raced: What, exactly, was I going to ask her, anyway? And, perhaps more importantly, what is she really like?
After a few minutes, the door swung open, one of her publicists poked his head out and told me, quite matter-of-factly, "Britney's ready." I entered the tiny dressing room, scanned the faces lining the walls (publicist one, publicist two, manager Larry Rudolph, makeup artist, sister Jamie Lynn) and suddenly came face to face with Britney herself, eyes wide and sparkling, head cocked slightly, big smile on her face. I noticed the tiny pair of red dice she has tattooed on her left wrist, the hem of her black dress, the way she crossed her ankles. And then, I noticed she was looking right at me.
"Hi, I'm Britney," she said.
No kidding.
I am happy to report that Britney Spears is a very nice person; she is funny and carries herself with a relaxed grace that belies her superstardom. We spoke about her VMA tribute -- during which she spent much of the time praising others -- and how, even after winning a boatload of awards, she's still blown away each and every time her name is called. Shoot, we even laughed about Lady Gaga's alter ego, Jo Calderone ("She's definitely in character," Brit laughed). In fact, the thing that struck me the most about her was her quick wit: She cracks jokes like they're going out of style.
And while I guess you could say that I learned an awful lot about Britney on Sunday night, the biggest lesson was probably this: Basically everything you think you know about her is wrong. It's sort of a shame she doesn't do more interviews, because, really, I think most folks would leave feeling the same way I do. Then again, I can understand why she doesn't. It's sort of an uphill battle at this point.
Regardless, interviewing her was definitely a highlight, and not just because she's press-shy. It most certainly ranks as my greatest VMA moment, even ahead of the pre-show I hosted live Sunday night. So the next time you get a panicked email and an invite to sit down with Britney, I highly recommend you respond immediately. It will definitely be worth your time.
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 ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669958/britney-spears-vmas.jhtml
Glasses Malone ft. Kam, Lupe Fiasco, Wyclef Jean & LaToiya Williams “My Turn”
Glasses Malone's long-delayed album Beach Cruiser hit stores today, and here's a new song called "My Turn" featuring Lupe Fiasco, Wyclef Jean and LaToiya Williams...
Les News, 082811
It is, apparently, against the law to go rafting in the streets of Philadelphia, PA. Ryan Gosling flies into LAX Airport. For the protection of Saint Super Mario. Sofia Coppola got hitched. THIS doesn’t look very smart. At all. Joe Jonas gives fans a tour of his home. Marion Cotillard for Dior. Hurricane Irene hits [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/kEBEPA_TVmY/
Britney Spears Drops Official 'Till The World Ends' Remix
New track with Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha follows leaked version, plus Brit tweets single's cover art.
By Jocelyn Vena
The "Till the World Ends" Femme Fatale remix
Photo: Jive
Just days after it was leaked on Friday, Britney Spears and her femme fatales, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha, dropped their official remix of "Till the World Ends."
The new version of the song was produced by Dr. Luke and Dream Machine. Brit half-whispers " 'Till the World Ends' remix" before the beat kicks in and Nicki hits her verse hard. She spits fierce lines like, "Sniff, sniff, cries/ I done slayed your whole entire f---ing life."
Then Britney's sex-kitten vocals kick in for the song's first verse. "That's Britney, bitch! I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha," the Queens MC declares before K sings the chorus. The beat is harder, the loops are sassier and the song is grimier than the original version, which was the second single from Femme Fatale. The newly added dubstep portion takes the one from "Hold It Against Me" to a new level by adding in bass-heavy synths.
Ke$ha, of course, wrote the track for Britney, and the ladies certainly don't seem to mind sharing the spotlight with each other. The official track isn't much different than the version that leaked over the weekend, though Spears did have something brand-new to share with her fans just as the song dropped on iTunes and streamed on her website.
Spears tweeted the artwork for the single, which features the original press photo of Spears along with separate photos of Nicki on the left and Ke$ha on the right. Spears wrote, "@NickiMinaj @Keshasuxx Too much fierceness for one cover! Thanks for lending your voices girls... #TTWEREMIX — Brit"
Spears and Minaj have been hanging out a lot in the lead-up to their summer tour. They hung out at the Factory nightclub on Friday night after Minaj's show in Los Angeles. Spears later wrote, "Early rehearsal after a late night with my girl @NickiMinaj. Can't WAIT to get out on the road with you."
What do you think of the "Till the World Ends" remix? Tell us in the comments!
Related ArtistsBritney Spears - I Wanna Go
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Chris Marrs Pillero
- Album: Femme Fatale
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=667190
Hugh Jackman Throws His Daughter Into The Ocean
Hugh Jackman, a man who NEVER fails to take time out of his bizzy work schedule to spend bonding time with his children, was spotted frolicking in the ocean with his daughter Ava Eliot this week and the pair were snapped during their beach playdate together. As you can see in the photos below, Hugh [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/Y0JCkX2VcA0/
Lady Gaga, Beyonce Win Early VMAs
Gaga's 'Born This Way' took home Best Video With a Message early Sunday night.
By Eric Ditzian
Lady Gaga
Photo: Getty Images
Lady Gaga — trailblazer in yet another pop culture realm! The singer's "Born This Way" won the first-ever Moonman for Best Video With a Message at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday evening.
"I'm really proud of the 'Born This Way' video, and for it to be nominated is an absolute honor," Gaga earlier told MTV News.
The winner of the Best Video With a Message award, devoted to videos where music and social activism unite with positive messages that delve into some of the biggest issues of the day, was announced during the black carpet Pre-Show — just one of a handful of early awards.
Adele won big, taking home three professional awards. She bested Gaga, Katy Perry and Kanye West to win Best Art Direction for "Rolling in the Deep." The Brit chanteuse's video also took Editing (over 'Ye and 30 Seconds to Mars) and Cinematography (over Beyoncé and Eminem). But Beyoncé and Katy didn't head into the Nokia Theatre for the main show empty handed.
Beyoncé nabbed Choreography for "Run the World (Girls)," beating out Gaga's "Judas," Britney Spears' "Till the World Ends" and Bruno Mars' "The Lazy Song." Perry, meanwhile, who entered the night as the most-nominated artist, secured Special Effects for "E.T."
"Even teasing people with different images from 'E.T.,' people are so perplexed," Perry told MTV News back in March. "They're like, 'Katy Perry, you're supposed to be Betty Boop! You're supposed to be wearing pink!' It's exciting to be able to push my audience, to be like, 'There's always more, I've got all of this hidden up my sleeve that I've really longed to show people.'"
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday from 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.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669826/lady-gaga-best-video-with-a-message-vma.jhtml
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