- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Friday, December 31, 2010
Michael Jackson - Thriller (Long Vers.)
Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Other Stars Make Forbes' Top-Earning Of 2010 List
Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus also made the magazine's top 20 list of Hollywood moneymakers.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Beyoncé
Photo: Columbia/Music World
On the East Coast, revenue streams are slowly rising as banks are still cratering and trying to recover from the recession. But out West, money ain't a thing, as Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z once rapped.
Forbes has released their list of Hollywood's 20 Highest Earners of 2010, with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus among those rubbing elbows with the likes of power players like Oprah Winfrey.
The venerable talk-show host topped the list with a whopping $315 million haul. Winfrey's earnings were generated for the most part by her multimedia deals, which include a syndication deal for her TV show, a magazine and her soon-to-be-launched network.
"Avatar" creator James Cameron came in second, more than $100 million behind Winfrey, with a tally of $210 million. Director and playwright Tyler Perry ($125 million), blockbuster movie producer Michael Bay ($120 million) and golfer Tiger Woods ($105 million) rounded out the top five.
Beyoncé was the only pop star to break the top 10. The "Single Ladies" superstar landed at #9, sandwiched between George Lucas and Dr. Phil. Mrs. Carter, whose hubby, Jay-Z, was named Hip-Hop's Cash King by Forbes in August with a tally of $63 million, pulled down $87 million over the past 12 months.
The blond-haired trio of Britney Spears ($64 million), Lady Gaga ($62 million) and Madonna ($58 million) made their mark on the list at numbers 13, 14 and 15, respectively.
Pop tarts Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift capped the list. The young stars placed at 18 and 19 on the list, with Disney star Cyrus pocketing $48 million, and country singer Swift depositing $45 million into her bank account.
Hollywood's 20 highest-earning men and women of 2010, according to Forbes:
1. Oprah Winfrey, $315 million
2. James Cameron, $210 million
3. Tyler Perry, $125 million
4. Michael Bay, $120 million
5. Tiger Woods, $105 million
6. Jerry Bruckheimer, $100 million
7. Steven Spielberg, $100 million
8. George Lucas, $95 million
9. Beyoncé, $87 million
10. Dr. Phil, $80 million
11. Simon Cowell, $80 million
12. Jerry Seinfeld, $75 million
13. Britney Spears, $64 million
14. Lady Gaga, $62 million
15. Madonna, $58 million
16. Sandra Bullock, $56 million
17. Ellen DeGeneres, $55 million
18. Miley Cyrus, $48 million
19. Taylor Swift, $45 million
20. Judge Judy Sheindlin, $45 million
Marla Sokoloff Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing
Britney Spears Inspired 'Country Strong' Lead, Director Says
'I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears,' filmmaker Shana Feste says of crafting upcoming flick.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Britney Spears
Photo: Fame Pictures
Gwyneth Paltrow may have honed her country-music skills for her role in the upcoming flick "Country Strong," but her troubled character was actually inspired by a pop sensation.
In the film, Paltrow plays embattled crooner Kelly Canter, who fights to resurrect her struggling career as a music superstar. Writer/director Shana Feste recently told the Los Angeles Times that Paltrow's onscreen drama was inspired by the very public meltdown of pop megastar Britney Spears.
"That's where this movie came from. I mean, I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears," Feste said.
The filmmaker also added that wrapping up the script coincided with the outsize media frenzy surrounding another superstar. "I finished the script when Michael Jackson passed away," she revealed.
Feste also lamented the dark side of celebrity-making, which entails ripping apart a once-beloved public figure at the first misstep. "I think it's tragic how we treat people who give us so much, and we love to see them knocked down to build them back up again, to knock them down again," she said. "It's a weird fascination."
Paltrow has said that work on the project was challenging, due to both the physical and creative demands of the role.
"It was brutal," she told MTV News in September. "It was a brutal shoot. I mean, I wasn't naked, naked, but I was semi-naked, in various stages of undress. [My character] has a drug and alcohol problem, so she's struggling a lot. It was a lot of fun for me, as an artist."
Check out everything we've got on "Country Strong."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related ArtistsUsher - Fed Up (featuring Usher, Young Jeezy, Drake, Rick Ross)
Fed Up (featuring Usher, Young Jeezy, Drake, Rick Ross)
- Artist: Usher
- Label: We The Best, E1 Music
- Director: Gil Green
Veronika Vaeková Victoria Beckham Victoria Pratt Victoria Silvstedt
Lindsay Lohan Inspires New Comedy 'Dogs In Pocketbooks'
Screenwriter Charles Casillo has hired heiress Lydia Hearst Shaw to star as a 'bratty movie goddess ... in trouble with the law.'
By Terri Schwartz
Lindsay Lohan
Photo: Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images
Lindsay Lohan's troubled life and recent scandals don't necessarily seem particularly funny, but screenwriter Charles Casillo apparently is aiming to put a comedic spin on the actress's trials in the new film "Dogs in Pocketbooks." The New York Post reports that Casillo has chosen heiress Lydia Hearst Shaw, in her first Hollywood film role, to play the Lohan-esque character at the center of his movie.
The writer told the Post that Shaw will portray a "bratty movie goddess in and out of rehab, in trouble with the law, and hounded by greedy agents, predatory paparazzi, off-the-wall stalkers and crazed media." TMZ pointed out that the only Lohan-related aspect missing from this picture are "scheming, sponging parents whose lives derail their child," although that might take away from some of the flick's comedic value. The film is set to start shooting in New York and Los Angeles in February.
Casillo emphasized to the Post that "Dogs in Pocketbooks" is "in no way mean-spirited toward Lindsay," adding, "It's the kind of thing she has spoofed about herself in the past. It's more of a satire about the crazy people around her and the situations they generate. It satirizes the obsession with modern celebrity."
Though Shaw has not acted in a feature film before, she is well known for her modeling career — including campaigns for Bottega Veneta, Escada and Lord & Taylor — and dating Jeff Goldblum. She also is the daughter of famous 1970s kidnapping victim Patty Hearst. Casillo said he spent a lot of time trying to find the right woman to play the big-screen version of Lohan, and that Shaw is perfect for the part.
"She's one of the few supermodels who can actually act," he insisted. "She's smart, well-read, charming and very beautiful. We looked at a lot of actresses for this role, and I was really knocked out." The fact that she knows what it's like to be a pursued celebrity probably only helped as well, considering she is the heir to the William Randolph Hearst fortune.
The film also has already cast "Dynasty" actress Joan Collins as the main character's agent. The veteran star told the Post, "The script is a hoot — a satire on the crazed hysteria surrounding show-biz celebrities. I'm playing an aggressive, sexy, powerful woman. For a change."
This month, Lohan has been involved in a scandal where a woman who worked at the rehab facility at which the actress was staying accused her of assault, though charges have now been dropped. She also was recently replaced by Malin Akerman as the star of the Linda Lovelace biopic "Inferno" because Lohan was not going to be out of rehab in time to shoot the movie.
What do you think about "Dogs in Pocketbooks"? Share your opinion in the comments.
Related Photos Related ArtistsThursday, December 30, 2010
Usher Most Admires Justin Bieber's 'Excitement And Innocence'
Bieber's mentor tells MTV News the teen sensation has 'so much more in store for the future.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Tim Kash
Usher and Justin Bieber at the 2010 AMAs
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
With so much accomplished in 2010, Justin Bieber has certainly set the bar high for 2011. But the teen singer is already gearing up for next year. Bieber will not only release his much-anticipated 3-D flick, "Never Say Never", but he has also teased that he'd like to release an album of all-new material sometime later next year.
His mentor, Usher, thinks that at this point, the sky's the limit.
"As far as music and entertainment, that's the beginning," Usher told MTV News at Sunday's AMAs, where Bieber performed and took home four awards.
"There's so much more in store for the future, or at least there's a ton of things we can do and will, and with the support of his fans who will continue to just grow and grow and grow."
At 16, Bieber has accomplished what few manage with many more years in the music business, but Usher said he wants to ensure that Bieber doesn't stop enjoying it all as his popularity continues to grow and his schedule gets busier.
Asked what he admires most about Justin, Usher said, "His excitement and innocence in it. And I don't mean that in a light way because I think that he's absolutely enjoying every moment of it, as any young man his age would, but in a different way because [of] the hard work that has gone in and led to the dream that has become a reality. And every time you have an opportunity do something incredible, I tell him to do his best and be conscious that what you're doing today should last forever and eternity."
What did you think of Justin's AMA performance on Sunday? Tell us in the comments!
Related Photos Related Artists
Britney Spears - Radar
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: RCA, Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Dave Meyers
- Album: Circus
Michael Jackson - Thriller (Long Vers.)
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
No hay más Led Zeppelin
A pesar de lo dicho ayer, Peter Mensch, manager del guitarrista Jimmy Page, se retractó totalmente en eso que la banda buscaría un reemplazo al ultragenial Robert Plant para seguir rockeando y toureándola por el mundo tras su show de 2007 en el O2 Arena de Londres por el poder de la música más sexual de la historia. No habrá más Led Zeppelin, no hay planes de que lo haya.
Mensch comentó: "Led Zeppelin se acabó. Si no los vieron en el 2007, se los perdieron. Probaron reemplazantes a Robert Plant, pero nada funcionó. Se acabó. No hay planes para continuar. Francamente, ojalá todos dejaran de hablar al respecto."
Los fans no están nada contentos, especialmente los británicos, considerando los precios delirantes de las entradas del show reunión.
¿Y a ti? ¿Qué te parece todo esto?
Related Artists
'Empire Strikes Back' Added To National Film Registry
'Saturday Night Fever,' 'Airplane!' among other movies recognized by Library of Congress.
By Jayson Rodriguez
"Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back"
Photo: FOX
Thirty years ago, moviegoers were stunned when Darth Vader revealed in "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" that he was Luke Skywalker's father. On Tuesday (December 28), however, there was no surprise when the venerable sci-fi flick was selected by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Film Registry, according to The Associated Press.
The honor recognizes the iconic 1980 movie for being artistically, culturally or historically significant. A copy of the original film will be preserved by the registry at the Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia, for future generations.
"The Empire Strikes Back" was produced by "Star Wars" auteur George Lucas but directed by Irvin Kershner. It was joined by 24 other films; more than 2,500 were nominated. The John Travolta-powered disco vehicle "Saturday Night Fever," the Watergate drama "All the President's Men" and Spike Lee's biopic "Malcolm X" were among the popular titles to make the cut.
The films will be added to a library that includes upwards of 550 titles, including Lucas' "American Graffiti" and the first installment of "Star Wars." Comedies including "The Pink Panther" and "Airplane!" were also selected by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, who has picked every film in the registry since its inception in 1989. "Airplane!" is a hilarious spoof of disaster movies that starred Leslie Nielsen, who died less than a month ago at the age of 84.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Photos
Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Director: n/a
- Album: Moonwalker
Shannon Elizabeth Shannyn Sossamon Shiri Appleby Sienna Guillory
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Ke$ha's Cannibal: A Cheat Sheet
Singer has already scored a hit with new single 'We R Who We R.'
By Gil Kaufman
Ke$ha
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/ Getty Images
It's been a pretty phenomenal year for Ke$ha. The brash, glitter-loving club kid burst onto the scene in January with her debut album, Animal, hot on the heels of the smash debut single "Tik Tok."
In short order, she ended the chart run of Susan Boyle when Animal debuted at #1, made her first trip to the Grammy Awards, teamed up with pals 3OH!3 for another hit video with "Blah Blah Blah," dropped in on "American Idol" and hit the road with Rihanna. And that's just the first three months of the year!
But after scoring another hit with "Your Love Is My Drug" and flipping the bird to haters over their critiques of her wobbly debut on "Saturday Night Live," Ke$ha unleashed another single, "Take It Off."
For a minute, there was talk of a follow-up album that might have a country twang, not out of the question considering that she's a Nashville native and her mom penned songs for Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. But as she said at the time, "I'm also really digging being called, like, half-jokingly, a white-girl rapper. I think it's really funny, and I'm going to ride that train for a little bit."
By August, she was already plotting her next move, telling MTV News, "I'm always writing and kind of thinking of the next step. I'm still executing this record properly onstage, but the next record is definitely on my mind, and potentially in the works soon." She described waking up in Tokyo at 4 in the morning with a brainstorm for a new song and then spending seven hours making a "horrible" beat on "Garage Band" and singing and rapping into her computer.
A short time later, it was announced that her nine-song follow-up, Cannibal, would hit stores November 22 as a "companion" album to a reissue of Animal. The disc was reported to contain eight new songs produced by heavy-hitters like Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Bangladesh and to be preceded by "We R Who We R."
"This year has been carnivorous and life-changing. I have my rowdy, gorgeous fans to thank for taking me on the ride of a lifetime," Ke$ha said in a statement. "My only goal with this record is to keep them dancing. The songs on Cannibal were made to inspire people to ignore any hate or judgment and be themselves unapologetically. It's the perfect companion to Animal and I hope you guys like it. And if you don't like it — bite me."
Though a rumored hookup with Drake was false, a confirmed track list proved to have plenty of profane and silly titles, including (ahem) "C U Next Tuesday," "Sleazy," "Blow," "The Harold Song," "Cannibal," "We R," "Crazy Beautiful Life" and "Grow a Pear," plus a remix of "Animal." After winning an MTV EMA for Best New Act, the singer also locked in her first headlining affair, the Get $leazy Tour, which is slated to kick off February 15 in Portland, Oregon.
Like most major new albums, Cannibal leaked online a week before it hit shelves, perhaps the finest proof yet that Ke$ha has truly hit the big time. Only this time, after most of the songs had hit the Web, Ke$ha just posted the damn thing herself on her website and told her fans to enjoy.
"This is my album premiere, and it's top secret, and it's really fun and it's wild," Ke$ha said in a message posted on her site. "Things are going to get crazy and a little awkward, it'll be okay. Listen to it."
She's going to have plenty of major competition on the charts this week with new releases from Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and My Chemical Romance, but something tells us Ke$ha isn't that worried.
Open the floodgates! It's Mega-Release Week, with Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Ke$ha, My Chemical Romance and Lloyd Banks all dropping new albums. Stick with MTV News for everything you need to know about the brand-new music.
Related ArtistsSienna Guillory Sienna Miller Simone Mütherthies Sofía Vergara
Stone Temple Pilots Reunited In Hopes Of Opening For Led Zeppelin, Bassist Says
'If time allows, there will definitely be new music,' Robert DeLeo adds of STP's future.
By Chris Harris
Stone Temple Pilots' Robert DeLeo and Scott Weiland
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images
There are a number of reasons why Stone Temple Pilots decided to reunite after nearly five years apart — some are obvious, and others, not so much.
Of course, the financial windfall of reviving the grunge stalwarts for an extensive U.S. tour was too good to pass up, and bassist Robert DeLeo readily admits as much. And then there are the fans, the ones who had been with STP since the very beginning as well as those who discovered the band only after it first split back in 2003 and who, woefully, have yet to catch the Pilots live.
On a more personal level, though, Stone Temple Pilots' resurrection was purely selfish, and very much an anticipatory (not to mention optimistic) move on the band's part: If, after the months and months of rumors and denials, there ever is a full-on Led Zeppelin reunion tour, STP wanted to be ready to offer their services as an opening act.
"Believe me, that was one of the reasons," laughed DeLeo. "We thought, 'We should get together now, in case Zeppelin does tour.' I'm serious, man. That would be one hell of a bill: STP and Led Zeppelin. I mean, we could play a doghouse, out in the middle of the ocean, and if I got to play with Zeppelin, that would be a highlight of my life."
Yes, DeLeo — and the rest of the band — had several reservations about raising STP from the dead — a feat DeLeo jokingly referred to as "Mission Impossible." For the band's members, the idea of regrouping was terrifying at first, but with time, the boys settled their differences and tried to think positive.
"For me, it was about putting down some of the things that I was used to getting bitten by," explained the bassist — who, with guitar-playing brother Dean DeLeo, has been collaborating with Peter Frampton on material for his next LP. "After you get bitten, it's hard to go back. I wanted to go into this with an open frame of mind and a positive attitude and just have fun with it. We should have fun with it, which God knows we didn't always have with our career when we were younger. If that's all I can say, and that's what I can get out of this reunion, great.
"I think I speak for all of us when I say there's a lot of unfinished business that we didn't get around to the first go," he continued. "Enough time has gone by, and it feels really good to be back. I don't really want to put too much thought into how it feels — I'm just kind of going with it and keeping a good positive attitude about it. I just needed to get over the things that we all needed to get over, and that's been working so far. If everyone shows up and does this thing, I think it's going to be really amazing."
DeLeo claims that during recent rehearsals, STP were "sounding as good as ever," and he credits sobriety as part of the reason the band's in tip-top shape.
"My brother's going on four years of sobriety," he said. "We have a lot more clarity in the band now, and I think with clarity comes appreciation. I saw that the other night, when we played [a secret gig in Los Angeles]. I saw it in my eyes, and in the eyes of the rest of the band. There's a lot more rock in this band now."
As for an STP record, DeLeo is not 100 percent sure that's going to happen. The goal for STP over the next few weeks, he said, is to reacquaint themselves with their songbook and prepare for their return to the road. Once the band is back in that mindset, the bassist said new STP material is very possible.
"I've always got stuff written, and there's always a long list of songs that are always there — it's a matter of timing," DeLeo said. "If time allows, there will definitely be new music. I think it would be silly not to release new music. I'd like to believe we still have a writing relationship, but the first step is getting reacquainted with what we know."
While STP were on hiatus, frontman Scott Weiland teamed up with Velvet Revolver, and the DeLeo brothers joined forces with Filter's Richard Patrick for Army of Anyone — who are now on hiatus after releasing a poorly received self-titled LP. Does DeLeo foresee an AOA reunion somewhere down the line?
"You never know," he said. "It's just like STP — I didn't know if I was going to return. Whether we get back together and do anything, I think we made a great record, bottom line. That's all that matters to me. If we make another one, I want to make sure it's great, and that applies to STP and anything I do. But I was pretty heartbroken over [the feeble response to AOA's album]."
Related Photos Related ArtistsJustin Bieber, Usher Top American Music Awards Winners List
Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna also nab trophies.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Justin Bieber wins Breakthrough Artist, Pop/Rock Favorite Male Artist and Artist Of The Year Award during the 2010 American Music Award
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
The 2010 American Music Awards dished out hardware to many of pop, R&B and country music's biggest names. Like most high-profile awards shows, there were showstopping performances, off-the-runway fashion and emotional moments. Unlike most trophy fests, the AMA winners aren't determined by the inner circle of music-industry professionals, but rather the fans who plunk down cash for hit records.
This year, fans handed over pyramids to the artists who also cranked out many of the biggest hits. Justin Bieber made off with the most AMA booty, nabbing four trophies. Taylor Swift, Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas, Eminem and Bieber's mentor Usher also snagged AMA loot.
Check out the list of AMA winners below:
Pop or Rock Music
Favorite Male Artist
Justin Bieber
Favorite Female Artist
Lady Gaga
Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Favorite Album
Justin Bieber, My World 2.0
Country Music
Favorite Male Artist
Brad Paisley
Favorite Female Artist
Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Lady Antebellum
Favorite Album
Carrie Underwood, Play On
Rap/ Hip-Hop Music
Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Favorite Album
Eminem, Recovery
Soul/ Rhythm & Blues Music
Favorite Male Artist
Usher
Favorite Female Artist
Rihanna
Favorite Album
Usher, Raymond v. Raymond
Soundtracks
Favorite Album
Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers
Alternative Rock Music
Favorite Artist
Muse
Adult Contemporary Music
Favorite Artist
Michael Bublé
Latin Music
Favorite Artist
Shakira
Contemporary Inspirational
Favorite Artist
MercyMe
Artist of the Year
Justin Bieber
T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist
Justin Bieber
- Performances At The 2010 American Music Awards
- 2010 American Music Awards Red Carpet
- Justin Bieber's AMA Night
AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel
BeatCrave?s Top Stories and Interviews of 2010
As another year comes to an end, it’s time for us to go through the brightest and the best of 2010. A lot has happened in the news regarding some of our favorite musicians from the past and the present. Some artists went on tour, while some dropped new albums, and others dropped out of [...]
Monday, December 27, 2010
Justin Bieber Causes Mall Frenzy On Boxing Day
'Of course i had to join in on Boxing Day....Im Canadian!' he tweets after hectic shopping day.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber (file)
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ AMA2010/ FilmMagic
If Justin Bieber thought he could hit up his local mall on Boxing Day without stirring up a frenzy, he was wrong. When Bieber decided to partake in the post-Christmas holiday on Sunday, hoardes of teenage girls took notice ... and freaked out.
According to Canada's Record, when Bieber arrived at the Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener, Ontario, the day after Christmas, he couldn't fly under the radar while trying to shop. "There were vases being broken and people climbing over other people and a lot of screaming," Bieber fan Taylor Inder told the newspaper. The fan added that there was lots of "chaos" and "screaming, screaming and more screaming."
Bieber first made a stop at a jeans store in the mall and then went to check out sunglasses, when he was followed by hundreds of female fans. Police officers also followed Bieber and his entourage. Bieber hails from Stratford, Canada, near the mall.
"I thought, 'My God it's a 16-year-old boy who's shopping; what's the big deal here?" Sunglass Hut manager Sarah Pelletier recalled about being asked to shut down for the pop star's arrival. "I was concerned because there were hundreds of girls out there and three police officers at my glass doors, and I'm like, 'I don't think this is a good mix.' "
She explained that she wanted to get Bieber in and out as quickly as possible. "I'm glad he supports his local economy, and he said he keeps some of his money in Canada," she added.
While many Bieber fans delighted at the chance to catch a glimpse of the star, Bieber himself tweeted: "Of course i had to join in on Boxing Day....Im Canadian."
Related Photos Related ArtistsBeatCrave?s Christmas 2010 Playlist
As anyone who has flipped on a radio during the month of December knows, there’s plenty of Christmas songs to listen to during the holiday season. Sure, hearing them three dozen times in one day can get a little irritating, but they’re not all bad, and if you’re having family or friends over for a [...]
Beyoncé - Ego
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson, Sheryl Murakami
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce [Deluxe Edition]
Britney Spears - Break the Ice
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Robert Hales
- Album: Blackout
Salma Hayek Samaire Armstrong Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton
Celebrate Wendy O. Williams' Birthday With Bobblehead Doll
What better way to celebrate Wendy O. Williams' 61st birthday on May 28 (if she hadn't blown her head off at age 48) than with a cute, scantily clad bobblehead doll.
Yes, Aggronautix, the company that, in 2009, presented a bobblehead of GG Allin -- the lovable now-deceased counter culture character who beat up audience members, [...]
Yes, Aggronautix, the company that, in 2009, presented a bobblehead of GG Allin -- the lovable now-deceased counter culture character who beat up audience members, [...]
Michael Jackson - Hold My Hand
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Columbia Records/SMG
- Album: Michael
Sara Foster Sara Spraker Sarah Gellman Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Beyonce's Mom Says Daughter's Style Has Always Been 'Edgy'
'It's just a result of her constantly evolving,' Tina Knowles says of the fashion in Beyonce's "I Am ... World Tour" DVD concert special.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage
Beyoncé has never been shy about hitting the stage in stunning costumes. Her appearance has always been a mixture of showgirl sparkle and pop star razzle-dazzle. And her style is on full display in her new DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour."
Her mom and stylist, Tina Knowles, said that while the looks may seem a bit edgier than what fans have seen from the singer in the past, she thinks that her superstar daughter has always been ahead of the style curve.
"Well, the wonderful Thierry Mugler designed the costumes, and I actually worked on some of the dancers and the band, and it was just amazing to work with him because he is so creative," Knowles told MTV News at a New York screening of the special. "So it's just a result of her constantly evolving, but she's been edgy. It's funny for people to say she went more edgy, but she's been wearing body suits and that type of thing."
And while Knowles may act as her daughter's stylist and costume designer, she says that Bey's style decisions are all her own. "Well, we discussed her working with Thierry Mugler, and I'm the biggest fan. And so she had seen some of the fashions and she loved it," she said. "So we always discuss things, but it's her decision, it's her career."
Beyoncé, who also directed the concert special , said it gave her a better understanding of the filmmaking process. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it. ... Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled."
Related ArtistsKe$ha Proclaims 'We R Who We R' At AMAs
Ke$ha destroys hate with her American Music Awards performance.
By Jocelyn Vena
Ke$ha performs at the 2010 American Music Awards
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
Whirring sirens and post-apocalyptic stage design certainly set the tone for Ke$ha's energetic American Music Awards performance on Sunday (November 21). Surrounded by keyboards, Ke$ha kicked it all off in a glowing robot helmet and began her Animal track, "Take It Off."
Soon she was surrounded by dancers, some of whom broke through mirrors to join the singer on the stage as she transitioned into her Cannibal track "We R Who We R." For the performance, Ke$ha let her hair down and graced the stage in a mirrored bodysuit and leather jacket. She danced and gyrated her way through the track off her latest release, out this week.
When she wasn't dancing, she played a white guitar as confetti fell from the ceiling toward the song's synth filled and Auto-Tuned finale. As the song wrapped, she turned the guitar around and revealed that it said "hate" with a slash through it. She destroyed the guitar as sparks flew from behind her.
"This year has been carnivorous and life-changing. I have my rowdy, gorgeous fans to thank for taking me on the ride of a lifetime," she said in a statement. "My only goal with this record is to keep them dancing," she said of the new album. "The songs on Cannibal were made to inspire people to ignore any hate or judgment and be themselves unapologetically. It's the perfect companion to Animal and I hope you guys like it. And if you don't like it -- bite me."
What did you think of Ke$ha's AMA Performance?
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsKatharine McPhee Katharine Towne Katherine Heigl Katie Cassidy
Jeff Bridges Heaps Praise On 'True Grit' Co-Star Hailee Steinfeld
Bridges calls the 14-year-old actress' performance 'remarkable.'
By Terri Schwartz
Jeff Bridges
Photo: MTV News
With the Coen brothers' "True Grit" making its way into theaters this week, all eyes likely will be turning to newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, who plays the film's young leading lady, Mattie Ross. In her first major role, the 14-year-old actress ultimately has to carry the first portion of the movie, and her performance has been garnering some serious buzz during this awards season. When MTV News caught up with Steinfeld's co-star Jeff Bridges while he was promoting "True Grit," he said he was impressed by the intensity of her performance while they were filming on set.
"What a tough, challenging role for a seasoned actor. All that dialogue, kind of tricky way of speaking. Thirteen-year-old girl, never been in a movie, and she comes up with that performance," Bridges gushed. "Isn't that remarkable?"
Steinfeld found herself surrounded by a full cast and crew of cinema veterans. The Coen brothers won an Oscar for directing 2008's "No Country for Old Men" and have been nominated two other times, Bridges took home a Best Actor Oscar for his role in last year's "Crazy Heart," and Matt Damon and Josh Brolin both have received Academy Award nods in acting categories in the past. But Bridges said Steinfeld didn't need any acting tips from himself or any of the other castmembers.
"I might have slipped out a tip once or twice, and I always regret when I would do that. It's almost like a reflex action — you can't help but put yourself into the other actor's position sometimes," he explained. "I always appreciate a tip from some guy, one of the other players, but no, I let her run free. The brothers directed her beautifully."
With all the buzz Steinfeld has been getting for her "True Grit" performance, she now is one of the main actresses being looked at to play another strong female character: Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games." When Steinfeld spoke with MTV recently while promoting "True Grit," she said it "would definitely be an honor" to even be considered for the Katniss role.
"I didn't even realize that people were mentioning my name," she said. "It's every actor's dream to be recognized for something that they love to do, and to get recognized for that is pretty amazing. I thank the people out there who think that."
Check out everything we've got on "True Grit."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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It's Britney Spears' Birthday! A Look At What's Next For Her
Spears, who turns 29 on Thursday (December 2), hints about new tracks.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Fame Pictures
Britney Spears remained relatively low-key in 2010. She was too busy recording her new album, a follow-up to 2008's Circus, to do much more than make an appearance on an episode of "Glee" dedicated to her.
As 2010 comes to a close, and Spears blows out another candle on her birthday cake — she turns 29 on Thursday (December 2) — fans are readying to hear some new jams from the pop princess.
In November, Spears' manager, Adam Leber, revealed that she would be recording a track with "... Baby One More Time" mastermind Max Martin, as well as fellow superproducer Dr. Luke, calling the tune a likely "smash." He also shared that the album would sound "progressive" and that ''it'll be a departure from what you've heard" in the past.
In mid-November, she tweeted about the Martin/Luke track, writing, "Just finished recording a monster with @TheDoctorLuke and #MaxMartin. Get ready..."
And Dr. Luke, while not specifying that he's referring to Britney, in a not-so-subtle hint tweeted last week, "Time to get this song out the door and out to mix.. I think you know what artist i'm talking Bout... Right???"
While not much has been confirmed about the album or when it might be released, several producers have talked about working on songs for the singer. "We can start one way and end up a totally different way. I really don't know," Danja said earlier this year. "I'm definitely gonna do my part and try to make it hard-hitting, up-tempo, high-energy. That's what I think we need, and that's what I'm gonna shoot for."
Send birthday wishes to Britney in the comments section below!
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Akon Recalls Meeting Michael Jackson For The First Time
Before recording 'Hold My Hand,' the two spent quality time together.
By James Montgomery
Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In 2007, long before Michael Jackson's death and everything that proceeded it (including the just-released "Hold My Hand" video and the upcoming Michael album), Akon met with the King of Pop in Las Vegas to work on a batch of songs, then intended for MJ's comeback album.
To date, only two of those songs have ever been released: a remix of Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " that appeared on the 25th-anniversary edition of the Thriller album, and, of course, "Hold My Hand." And with the Thursday (December 9) premiere of that song's video — and the pending release of Michael — MTV News went back to our August 2009 interview with Akon, to get the inside story of what it was like to work with MJ. And though the two men recorded "days" of music, what Akon remembers most about those sessions was getting to know Michael Jackson, the man.
"My favorite moment was the day we actually met, because I didn't expect him to be that cool," Akon said. "I expected him to be this diva — just hard to deal with, rarely speaks, got to send his message through someone else, you know? Because these are the stories you hear."
But, as Akon quickly learned, Jackson wasn't a diva — quite the opposite, in fact.
"So I'm going upstairs [to meet him], I knock on the door, his bodyguard opens and says, 'OK, he's waiting to meet you.' I walk in, and [Michael's] in this spinning chair, but it's facing backwards," he said. "So I walk in the room, but his back is turned, and the guard says, 'Hey, Mike, Akon's here.' So he spins around, like it was all choreographed — so, off the top, I'm like, 'Oh boy.'
"But as soon as he turns around, gets up, 'Yo, what up, man?!' and I was like, 'What up, Mike?' and he gave me a pound, we hugged each other," he continued. "He's like, 'Yo, I've been waiting to meet you for so long, this is a great honor, thanks for showing up, thanks for making the time.' And in my mind I'm like, 'You know, I should be thanking you for making the time.' "
And though "Hold My Hand" was born out of the sessions that would soon follow, Akon's greatest memory from meeting MJ was that initial meeting, when all his preconceived notions melted away and he got to spend real time with the legend.
"It was the craziest thing, because we sat down, we talked about Africa, we talked about my foundation, we talked about the music, we talked about girls. We had a great, incredible time that day," he said. "He was extremely funny, he told jokes, and he liked to have fun."
What do you think of MJ and Akon's collabo, "Hold My Hand"? Share your reviews in the comments.
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Jay-Z Talks Tupac, Beyonce During Charlie Rose Interview
Rapper chides veteran talk-show host for mispronouncing Tupac's name.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Jay-Z
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
BROOKLYN, New York — Jay-Z's new book, "Decoded," may be about translating the lyrics in his songs, but when the iconic MC sat down with talk-show host Charlie Rose, he promised to "decode" everything.
Rose interviewed the rapper on Thursday before an audience at the Brooklyn Museum for a future episode of his PBS program, and the pair touched on much more than music.
With Beyoncé, his mother and other family members seated in the front row, Jay-Z held court on an array of topics, including Tupac Shakur, his arrest for stabbing a record executive and his drug-dealing past.
"Did you ever do the drugs?" Rose asked the Roc Nation boss.
"Crack cocaine," Jay responded, drawing laughs from the audience. "C'mon, man. That's hard-core, man. Maybe a little weed. A Ballantine Ale. Or a Guinness Stout."
"Decoded," Jay-Z's first book, is part memoir and part deconstruction of his lyrics, which have helped to garner more #1 albums than any solo artist in history.
Sporting a gray blazer, black v-neck sweater, dark denim jeans and designer kicks, Jay-Z was casual and charismatic throughout the evening.
When Rose mispronounced Tupac's name, the rapper humorously chided the talk-show host.
"If it was Tupac," Jay said, pronouncing it "two-pack" and pausing to let the laughter build up, "it would be spelled with a 'k' and not a 'c' at the end. You're not the first to say it wrong, but hopefully, after tonight, you'll be the last." The veteran journalist redeemed himself when he leaned over to give Jay-Z a fist pound, signifying that he had learned his lesson.
Rose probed further into the "Run This Town" star's life, at one point asking about his arrest in the stabbing of former Biggie confidant Lance "Un" Rivera.
"He was stabbed, but he went home without taking an aspirin," Jay responded, defusing the headlines of the past. "He was fine. Don't feel bad for him."
As the conversation neared its end, Rose brought up the guarded rapper's marriage to singer Beyoncé. He pointed to a clip of the two from the video for "O3 Bonnie and Clyde," but Jay chimed in before Rose could ask his question.
"I don't know how I let her wear that Boston hat," Jay-Z said. "She took the B a little too far. That's what I thought of.
"How did I get out of that," he joked, after Rose was flustered and forgot his question.
As of press time, the broadcast date for the episode of "Charlie Rose" featuring Jay-Z had not been announced.
Related Videos Related Artists'Tron Legacy' Claims Friday Box Office Crown
Disney sci-fi sequel opens with $18 million.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Jeff Bridges in "Tron Legacy"
Photo: Disney
"Tron Legacy" is on track to turn the Disney sci-fi series into a money-making franchise.
The sequel to the innovative 1982 video-game fantasy flick snagged the top spot at the Friday box office. Jeff Bridges returns as a gifted programmer whose unexplained disappearance prompts his son, played by Garrett Hedlund, to venture into the computer world to search for him. The film ventured into theaters on opening day with $18 million.
Another visual effects extravaganza, "Yogi Bear," debuted in the top five as well, scoring the second-place slot. The CGI-enhanced revamp of the beloved animated Hanna-Barbera series, which features Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake voicing the picnic-basket-snatching duo or Yogi and Boo Boo, grabbed $4.6 million on Friday.
Debuting nationwide in third place is the pugilism drama "The Fighter." Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of scrappy Massachusetts-born welterweight boxer Micky Ward, which is backed by performances from Christian Bale and Amy Adams, nabbed $3.9 million on Friday.
"Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" headed into the weekend closely behind "The Fighter" with $3.5 million. The glossy onscreen adaptation of the classic literature series has pulled in an estimated $33.9 million since hitting theaters last week.
Rounding out the top five is the star-studded romantic comedy "How Do You Know." Boasting a top-flight lineup that includes Jack Nicholson and focuses on Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd who are caught up in an increasingly messy love triangle, the flick picked up $2.5 million as it headed into the weekend.
Check out everything we've got on "Tron Legacy," "Yogi Bear" and "The Fighter."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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