2008 Video Of The Year: Britney Spears "Piece of Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Wayne Isham
- Album: Blackout
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Britney Spears - 2008 Video Of The Year: Britney Spears "Piece of Me
Usher - Lil Freak
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Natasha Bedingfield Natassia Malthe Nelly Furtado Nichole Robinson
Beyonc� - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Usher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V. Raymond
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 ArtistsBritney Spears, Nicki Minaj And Ke$ha 'Till The World Ends' Remix Leaks
Reworked tune features an opening verse by Minaj as Ke$ha sings atop Spears' vocals throughout the song.
By James Dinh
Britney Spears' "Til The World Ends"
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears isn't the only pop titan dancing until the world ends: Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha have joined forces to add a new spin on an all-female remix of Femme Fatale's second single, "Till the World Ends."
The reworked dance anthem, which leaked online Friday (April 22), appears to have surfaced earlier than expected as noted by a series of countdowns on all three of the stars' websites.
Mixing the dance tune's original sonic swirls with heavier bass, Britney tourmate Minaj starts off the remix by throwing down an aggressive verse, in which she calls out a female hater: "A-A-A-A-A-AYE!/ Chimpanzees is hatin', but I take it all in stride/ Put her in a jungle with bananas on the side/ Told you they'd revive your career, but somebody lied/ I ain't talkin' poultry when I say this chicken's fried."
After Minaj spits a few introductory bars, Spears delivers the song's first verse before an introduction for the all-star trio. "It's Britney, bitch. I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha!" the Young Money MC proclaims.
Ke$ha, who originally wrote the track for the pop princess, takes part in singing the club-ready track's chorus. Spears soon takes back control of the song as Ke$ha shadows the singer's lines toward the end of the second verse and bridge. Unlike the original version, the "Till the World Ends" remix also features a stuttering dubstep dance break.
News of a star-studded collaboration was hinted earlier this week when producer Dr. Luke tweeted, "@NICKIMINAJ killed it tonight!!!! thanks!!!"
Have you heard the all-star "Till The World Ends" remix? Share your reviews in the comments!
Related ArtistsMonday, May 30, 2011
Matt & Kim at Sasquatch 2011
The Who: Matt and Kim (7:30pm Saturday at the Bigfoot Stage) What you should know: This duo from Brooklyn, New York is only drums and keys but can fill an arena with their energy. They are an upbeat blend of pop punk infused with clips of everyone?s favorite club anthems. What you may have missed: [...]
Bright Eyes at Sasquatch 2011
The Who: Bright Eyes (8:15pm Saturday at the Main Stage) What you should know: Bright Eyes is the band fronted by the musical mastermind from Nebraska known as Conor Oberst. Oberst is also responsible for that little record label know as Saddle Creek. What you may have missed: The hour set was almost the respective [...]
Beyonc� - Ego (Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson
Coldplay, Led Zeppelin Album Covers Featured On New British Stamps
Album art from Pink Floyd, Blur and David Bowie also included.
By James Montgomery
Coldplay's new British stamps
Photo: Royal Mail
On Thursday (January 7), the U.K.'s Royal Mail unveiled a series of 10 new stamps, honoring the most iconic album covers of the past 40 years.
The albums featured in the new series are the Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed, Led Zeppelin's IV, David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, The Clash's London Calling, New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies, Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Pink Floyd's The Division Bell, Blur's Parklife and — the most recent album on to make the cut — Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head.
Meant to honor "the most potent graphic images of modern times, many of which have provided a visual soundtrack to people's lives," the series is the end result of a lengthy research process by the Royal Mail, who looked through thousands of album covers by British artists before deciding on the final list. And, during a Wednesday night BBC Radio broadcast, it was revealed that the queen herself actually approved each design.
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page — who helped design the cover for IV — was on hand to celebrate the release of the stamps and recalled the mysterious nature of the album's iconic imagery.
"Almost 40 years after the album came out, nobody knows the old man who featured on the cover, nor the artist who painted him," he said. "That sort of sums up what we wanted to achieve with the album cover, which has remained both anonymous and enigmatic at the same time."
Of course, any great honor is befitting of an equally great contest, so, on the same day the stamps were made available to the general public, Coldplay decided to give one of their Rush of Blood stamps away. In a message on their official site, the band held a contest to send one lucky fan "a letter using a Coldplay stamp, postmarked with today's issue date."
"We visited our local post office earlier today and bought some of the Coldplay stamps," the message read. "Very nice they are too."
Related Photos Related ArtistsBritney Spears - Womanizer
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Zomba Label Group/Jive
- Director: Joseph Kahn
- Album: Circus
Michael Jackson - Gone Too Soon
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic
- Director: Bill Dicicco
- Album: Dangerous
American Idol: Season 10, Top 2 ? Finale Recap
Well, there you have it. That wise prophet Randy Jackson was right. Scotty was, in fact, “in it to win it,” and he is now your American Idol. This is surprising to exactly nobody, unless you haven’t been watching all season or you are a crazy person. I know I said that Lauren might have [...]
Sunday, May 29, 2011
'Grease' Actor Jeff Conaway Dies At 60
In recent years, Conaway was known for being treated by Dr. Drew on 'Celebrity Rehab.'
By Kara Warner
Jeff Conaway
Photo: MTV News
Troubled actor Jeff Conaway, star of TV and film classics "Taxi" and "Grease," has died. The 60-year-old actor passed away Friday morning (May 27) at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, where he had been hospitalized in a coma since May 11.
E! Online reports that Conaway's family members, including his sister, decided Thursday to have doctors remove the feeding tube and ventilator that had been essentially keeping the actor alive. Conaway's longtime girlfriend, Vikki Lizzi, reportedly objected to the family's decision and went to court to try to block the move, but the family did not relent.
Conaway was found unconscious and was hospitalized following a suspected drug overdose that involved pain pills. Dr. Drew Pinsky, who worked with Conaway during his time on VH1's "Celebrity Rehab" to treat his drug and alcohol addictions, took to his Twitter account last week to refute claims that Conaway's condition was due to an overdose.
"Just visited Jeff Conaway," Pinsky tweeted. "He is stable & looks like he will recover from his pneumonia. Not an OD like press is alleging & certainly not dead."
Conaway's manager Phil Brock told The Associated Press that the actor was a "gentle soul" but one who has been unable to "exorcise his demons."
Conaway is perhaps best known for his portrayal of high school bad boy Kenickie in 1978's hit movie adaptation of the "Grease" musical, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. He also appeared in the Broadway version of "Grease" and played struggling actor Bobby in the sitcom "Taxi," alongside Danny DeVito and Tony Danza, from 1978 to 1981.
Share your thoughts for Conaway's friends and family in the comments.
Christina Applegate Christina DaRe Christina Milian Christina Ricci
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 ArtistsBeyonce 'Felt Honored' To Perform On 'Oprah'
Singer's choreographer gives MTV News the inside scoop on B's 'Oprah Winfrey Show' farewell-week performance.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé performs on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"
Photo: Harpo productions
The first part of the two-part "Oprah Winfrey Show" star-studded surprise episode aired Monday (May 23), and with appearances from Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Halle Berry, Diane Sawyer and Madonna, it was Beyoncé and her over-the-top, girl-powered stage spectacle that had the audience — and Oprah — moving.
Donning a tuxedo bodysuit and surrounded by a cavalcade of all-female backup dancers, Beyoncé strutted her stuff as she performed her new single, "Run the World (Girls)."
"Oprah, your persuasion can build a nation," B said mid-song. "We love you, Oprah. Thank you," she told the talk-show host at the end of the performance, giving a hug to Winfrey.
Last week, MTV News spoke to Beyoncé's longtime choreographer, Frank Gatson Jr., who commented on the honor of performing for Oprah during her epic farewell week. (The final "Oprah Winfrey Show" episode airs Wednesday.)
"It's amazing. Me, myself, Beyoncé, people of color — we have so much respect for that woman" Gaston said. "How can we say no to [Oprah]? She possesses something that God has given her, 'cause when I saw her onstage, of all the people that were there, everyone's in awe of her — Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Madonna — so we felt honored, privileged. That's why Beyoncé pushed us so hard. She wanted to make sure that Oprah's proud of what she did for her show. She did such an important number.
"In Oprah's world, women rule the world, so how coincidental that Beyoncé's song is called that?" he continued. "So it was just appropriate, perfection. I loved it. It was great to be there. The energy in that place was unbelievable."
What did you think of Beyoncé's "Oprah" appearance? Let us know in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsChristina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe Christina Milian
Robert Pattinson In 'Cosmopolis': First Look!
RPattz and co-star Sarah Gadon appear to be in the back of a cab in photo from David Cronenberg movie.
By Eric Ditzian
Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in "Cosmopolis"
Photo: Caitlin Cronenberg's Twitter
Robert Pattinson spent eight months on the set of "Breaking Dawn" and was immediately pulled from the set to begin his whirlwind press duties for "Water for Elephants" last month. After perhaps just enough time to take a quick nap, RPattz is now back on a new set: "Cosmopolis," director David Cronenberg's adaptation of the slim Don DeLillo novel.
With production under way, Cronenberg's daughter has posted the first look at Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in character. The photo appears to capture the duo in a cab, though the great majority of the action, or lack thereof, in the book takes place in a limousine. Pattinson plays Eric Packer, a young and rich asset manager who, over the course of one day, manages to lose millions of dollars yet remain oddly detached from it all as his limo plods through horrendous New York City traffic. Gadon portrays Elise, a rich and beautiful heiress who is married to Packer but who doesn't seem to care for him very much at all and who certainly won't sleep with him.
"I had read the script about eight months ago and thought, 'Wow, this is something that hasn't been made in a long time,' "Pattinson told MTV News in March. "Which I think, like 'Water for Elephants' as well, I'm just trying to find that kind of stuff, because what else is the point? There's so much generic, everything's the same. So you might as well attempt to try something different."
When we caught up with him again in April, Rob revealed that he'd been working with a dialect coach to achieve a "very specific accent." But he still hadn't spoken with Gadon about the upcoming project. "I've seen a couple of things she's done," he said. "She's really good."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Beyonce's 'Run The World (Girls)' Video: Fans Sound Off!
After video's 'American Idol' premiere, B's fans say it 'looks fabulous,' compare her to Lady Gaga.
By James Montgomery
Beyoncé in her music video for "Run the World (Girls)"
Photo: Columbia
On Wednesday night during "American Idol" (and then on her official website), Beyoncé premiered her new video for "Run the World (Girls)": an eye-popping, hip-displacing clip full of haute couture costuming, daring dance steps and even a little geocentric gender-politicking.
Of course, most of that is nothing new for a Bey video: But what is new about "Run the World," both the song and the video, is the brash new edge she's displaying. Over Major Lazer's rattling "Pon de Floor," Beyoncé gets hard, proudly proclaiming that it's the girls who are really running things. And the video doesn't pull any punches, either. She's never strutted or preened the way she does here. And, the dance moves: Well, let's just say she probably had her chiropractor on speed-dial following the shoot.
As is often the case when a beloved artist pushes the envelope, reaction to "Run the World" has been mixed. Some fans praise her new direction, while others are a bit mystified. At the same time, some didn't think the song or the video went far enough. And then there are the complaints about the video's choreography (not hot enough!) and the comparisons to Lady Gaga (they're wearing similar shoes!).
In fact, the debate has gotten so fierce that we decided to spotlight some of it. Below are comments by B's fans and critics, both of whom couldn't wait to weigh in on her new song, video and attitude. And if you still haven't added your two cents, you can do so in the comments below.
"I am a die-hard Beyoncé fan, I really like her as a person and for the artist she is, but this song really SUCKS. Beyoncé can do way better than this. Still really lookin' forward to the new album but I hope that the songs are better than that one." — Rikira
"People aren't accepting of this song because it's not a typical pop song arrangement. Everyone is so used to everything sounding the same on the radio, so Bey brings something different and people aren't feeling it? Just wait until she performs it live. You know that if she performs this at the VMA's this WILL be the most highly anticipated performance and WILL be the best one of the night." — StunnaSton7
"Looks fabulous, but what Bey video doesn't? It seems kind of safe though, she could've pushed the envelope much further. It's written here that it was supposed to be post-apocalyptic ... the outfits should have been more tattered. No glamour, no accessories, just dramatic makeup. An AK-47 or bazooka would've sufficed for Bey herself to hold and work with." — BackdraftBelle
"What in the world? Beyoncé has officially lost it. She kind of reminds me of Lady Gaga ... She has changed tremendously." — Chanel Glover
"I don't understand why people HATE so much. This video is awesome, she came back hard despite not having a good reception for the single.
Stop with the comparisons she is the QUEEN." — Tayvion Meadows
"Choreography is much weaker than I expected. Predictable." — James Barnette
"I love you B, but the Sean Bankhead production put your video to sleep." — Amber Barrons
"I'm def a Bey fan, but was not a fan of this song ... until now. I love the video, and will def be working out some of these moves this weekend at party near you!" — Brandi Wood
"Definitely a disappointment from Beyoncé ... [both the] song and video. Plus I believe it's a slap in the face to Major Lazer!" — Mattie Brown
"I don't know about anyone else, but I actually get symbolism in the video, and I love the song. Complete departure from anything else that's happening on the radio at the moment in terms of pop. I love her and she runs it." — Pearl Sakoane
Share your review of the "Run the World (Girls)" video below!
Related ArtistsEmmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Britney Spears - 3
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive, Jive Label Group
- Director: Diane Martel
Cameron Diaz Cameron Richardson Camilla Belle Carla Campbell
Janet Jackson Thrills Fans With Greatest Hits, Michael Tribute At Radio City
Singer covered songs ranging from classic 'Pleasure Principle' to 2008's 'Feedback' at New York show.
By Vaughn Schoonmaker
Janet Jackson (file)
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
NEW YORK — Often imitated, never duplicated, Janet Jackson's outbursts of meticulous choreography, sassy exclamations and smoldering gazes into the audience kept them on their feet for the entire two-hour set of her greatest hits at Radio City Music Hall. Monday night marked the last of three sold-out shows at the historic venue on her monumental Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour.
Up-and-coming boy band Mindless Behavior opened the show with songs including "#1 Girl," "Future" and their debut single, "My Girl." With their Usher-esque dance moves and shouts like "Where the ladies at?" the boys brought the tween girls out of hiding, judging by the shrill screams escaping various corner of the music hall.
At 9:00 sharp, the lights went down and Janet's fans were on the edge of their seats, watching music videos for "The Best Things in Life Are Free" and "Rhythm Nation" projected on big screens across the venue. A small shadow drifted toward center stage, and when the colorful lights came up, Jackson, wrapped in a shoulder-padded catsuit, complete with slick short hair, blasted into "The Pleasure Principle," dancing as hard and intensely choreographed as she did when the song first came out in the 1980s.
With barely a spare second between songs, Janet dazzled her way through her biggest hits, including "Miss You Much," "All for You" and "Nasty," and more recent hits like 2008's "Feedback."
Videos displayed during Jackson's costume changes included vintage clips from "Diff'rent Strokes," a funny scene from "Poetic Justice" where Jackson slyly rejects the advances of Tupac Shakur's character, and a rather heavy scene, as Jackson's character in "Why Did I Get Married" destroys her husband's house with a golf club, screaming hysterically.
Considering the tough couple of years the Jackson family has faced, the dark moments in the video seemed fitting, and everyone was beside themselves with bittersweet joy when Michael Jackson's face popped up on the big screen and she performed their hit single "Scream."
Janet emerged for her encore in a tight white one-piece disco suit, and performed "Diamonds," "Make Me" and "Together Again," which appeared to be the biggest hit of the evening. As Jackson graciously bowed out, her straight face transitioned into a smirk, suggesting that despite the hard times she has experienced recently, we can expect to see this singing and dancing pop legend shine far into the future.
"Its amazing!" Janet fan Elena Mercantini gleamed afterward. "It's like she's still 20 years old!"
"She's hot, she's amazing and she's still got it after all these years" added Alison Klinger of Long Island. "Best concert I've ever been to!"
Related Photos Related ArtistsBeyonc� - Ego (Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson
Beyonc� - Halo
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Philip Andelman
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe
Britney Spears Hosts As Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, More Bring Wango Tango To L.A.
Pitbull, Matthew Morrison, Selena Gomez, Far East Movement and others filled the Staples Center on Saturday night.
By Matt Elias
Britney Spears hosts KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2011 on Saturday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears makes headlines at concerts, even when she's not performing. That's probably why Los Angeles radio station KIIS FM tapped the pop princess to guest-host their annual Wango Tango music festival along with Ryan Seacrest on Saturday night at the Staples Center.
The bill was a balance of pop and hip-hop, with acts like Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Selena Gomez, "Glee" 's Matthew Morrison, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain, Jason Derülo, Far East Movement, New Boyz, Cobra Starship and newcomer Cody Simpson.
Backstage, the media room went into a frenzy when Spears arrived in a red, geometric-print dress and a beaming smile. Owning her "femme fatale" moniker, Spears worked the carpet for a few moments while all of the cameras in the room were pointing at her. It was the second red carpet appearance by Brit this week, after her Beverly Hills benefit on Wednesday night for the St. Bernard Project.
Check out photos from Wango Tango 2011.
Spears' Femme Fatale collaborator Ke$ha, who was returning to the festival for the second time, said that an onstage collab between to the two would have to require one thing.
"That would have to include me finding her and attacking her," Ke$ha told MTV News, with the best intentions. "I'm planning on pouncing her."
While that never happened, at least not onstage, Ke$ha delivered on her promise of a set heavy on her glitter gun. And she assured us she knew the dos and don'ts of handling that kind of firepower.
"Do not spray yourself in the face with it," she said. "Do spray everybody else with it. That's pretty much it."
While Joe Jonas wasn't performing at the show, he took a break from recording his solo debut to catch up with almost everyone backstage.
"I didn't see Britney backstage, just said 'hello' to a couple of my friends," Jonas said. "Backstage is always [full of] people, especially having it at the Staples Center this time, I think compared to all the way out in the desert, it changes everything."
Also happy to have Wango Tango in Los Angeles were locals Far East Movement.
"Man, we grew up literally a few blocks away from here, and you can only imagine basketball games being played here," Kev Nish said. "So to come in here as performers, to be able to do our songs in this arena is a little crazy. We used to pass out CDs a few blocks [away], so we're very thankful. And the lineup is nuts, so we're extremely excited to be a part of this lineup."
Were you at Wango Tango? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Pinot: BeatCrave Fav
There are various styles of purely-instrumental that we find actually work, and Los Angeles-based funk fusion group, Pinot, certainly fits among them. They found their start on campus at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music in 2006, and have since proven what a lot of hard work and belief in your craft [...]
Friday, May 27, 2011
'Glee' Season Finale Exclusive: Listen To 'Yeah!' Here
An a cappella girl group covers Usher's hit for Nationals in next week's episode.
By Aly Semigran
Usher
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
During this week's episode of "Glee", the gang from New Directions took a big risk when they decided they would compete in Nationals by singing their own original songs. Well, the stakes just got a little higher.
MTV News has an exclusive first listen to one of the rival groups who will go up against the McKinley High glee club in New York City during next Tuesday's (May 24) big season two finale. In the upcoming episode, an all-female a cappella group sings Usher's 2004 club and radio smash "Yeah!," which may have the Nationals judges saying just that.
Singers replace synthesizers for the four-note melody that repeats throughout the song, and lead vocalists RaVaughn Brown and Missi Hale match the high energy that Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris brought to the track.
Granted, a few things have been tweaked in the version for the tween-friendly show, including the length (the original is over four minutes long, while the "Glee" version comes in at three and a half minutes) and the tune's instructions to "Take that and rewind it back ... got the rhythm make ya booty go."
Also, instead of Ludacris' verse, "We want a lady in the street/ And a freak in the bed," one girl sings, "You know you want a kiss on the lips, old red." The line, "Ludacris fill cups like double D's" has also been cut from the song.
But, it's not all PG. At one point in the girls' rendition of the track, they page homage to Lil Jon's crunk hit "Get Low," singing, "From the windows to the walls" and even Mystikal's booty-happy single "Shake Ya Ass," when they urge, "Show me whatcha' workin' with."
At the 2005 Grammy Awards, the power trio of Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris won the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah!" But, will the song bring the same sort of fortune to this girl group at Nationals? Or will the glory all belong to New Directions this time? Gleeks will still have to wait a few more days to find out.
The "Glee" season finale airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on Fox, while "Glee": The Music, Volume 6, including the three new original songs "Light Up the World," "Pretending" and "As Long as You're There," will be available on Monday.
What do you think of this a cappella group's version of "Yeah!"? Let us know in the comments section below!
Related ArtistsKe$ha Touched By Fan's Tattoo
Singer tells MTV News about gay fan inspired by her song 'Animal.'
By Gil Kaufman
Ke$ha
Photo: MTV News
Ke$ha knows all about the perks of being a headliner. On her Get $leazy Tour, the singer gets to call all the shots, blast her fans in the face with tons of glitter and handpick which dudes she wants to party and share the stage with.
But it's not all backstage shenanigans and groupie love. When MTV News sat down with the "Blow" singer in New York earlier this week before her gig at Roseland Ballroom, Ke$ha said that amid the nightly onstage parties there have also been some poignant moments on her first headlining outing.
"Best moment? There are so many. Every night's amazing. I have kids outside right now chanting my name and it's awesome," she said of the first leg of the tour. "There was one night a fan came onstage, I invited him onstage, and he had a tattoo of the dollar sign. I was like, 'Oh, that's awesome! Badass. You're part of the cult, man.' "
And then, she said, he began to cry and explained that he was able to come out of the closet to his friends and family thanks to her song "Animal."
"And I'm standing onstage about to sing a song about growing back a pair of testicles ["Grow a Pear"] and I had tears rolling down my face and chills all over my body," she said. "Because that's really the reason I do music, to inspire people to be themselves."
Ke$ha has been a vocal supporter of the "It Gets Better" video project, which aims to help gay, bisexual and transgender youth find hope in the face of teasing and bullying.
The "Get $leazy" juggernaut continues on Saturday night with a show at Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania.
Are you planning to see Ke$ha on her Get $leazy Tour? Tell us in the comments.
Related Videos Related ArtistsTaylor Swift Explains How Her Songwriting Has Grown
Since recording her first album at 16, what's changed most is 'the kind of things you say when you're hurt.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Taylor Swift and Sway
Photo: MTV News
Taylor Swift's musical evolution has been pretty clearly aligned with her age. While she's writing about love and heartbreak, as she did when she was a teenager, the way she expresses that joy and pain has grown from the puppy-love lyrics to more mature reflections.
Back in the day, on her self-titled debut album, she was writing odes to country superstars, like in "Tim McGraw," and using metaphors to try to understand emotions that she hadn't yet fully experienced. With a career in full swing and a highly publicized love life, three albums later, it's apparent that Swift drew on real-life experiences for Speak Now.
When she sat down with MTV News earlier this week during "MTV First: Taylor Swift" Sway asked what she felt about her musical coming of age. "I don't know," she said. "I think retrospect will tell a lot. Years from now [and] I'll look back and go, 'I didn't know anything then.' "
Swift said the biggest difference between her teenage songs and her current ones is "the kind of things you say when you're hurt."
"I had this song called 'Picture to Burn,' that's talking about how 'I hate your truck,' and 'I hate that you ignored me,' 'I hate you,' " she explained. "Now, the way that I would say that and the way that I would feel that kind of pain is a lot different."
But Swift has no regrets about her earlier songs. "But I think that my first record came out when I was 16, the next one, Fearless, came out when I was 18 and this one came out when I was 20, so I think there's a lot of personal growth.
"I look back on the record I made when I was 16, and I'm so happy I made it," she continued. "I got to immortalize those emotions that when you're so angry, you hate everything. It's like recording your diary over the years, and that's a gift."
What do you think about Swift's growth as a musician? Tell us in the comments!
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Lee DeWyze Speaks Out About 'American Idol' Dis
Last year's champ says he wasn't asked to be involved in finale until the last minute.
By Eric Ditzian
Lee DeWyze
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images
The controversy over whether or not Lauren Alaina would be able to perform because of a torn vocal cord (manufactured drama? true curtain-time nail-biter?) wasn't the only one swirling around "American Idol" in the lead-up to Wednesday's finale. Supporters of season-nine champ Lee DeWyze were up in arms that the singer wasn't asked to take part in the final show, as is usually the custom with past winners. Instead, he was reduced to standing meekly in the background, often just over Ryan Seacrest's shoulder as the host emceed the event.
It was not a good look for a former "Idol" with lackluster album sales. Following the show, though, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe took to Twitter to make clear that he had, in fact, asked DeWyze to join in the fun. "I was so upset Lee DeWyze wouldn't present the winner's trophy to Scotty," he wrote. "Especially as he'd been on the show this season. I guess he was shy."
What Lythgoe failed to note, it seems, is the circumstances of that invitation. DeWyze himself hopped on Twitter to clear the air and set the record straight in one extended message.
"Hey everyone, first off I want to say congrats to Scotty & Lauren, awesome job," Lee began. "Well done, Scotty! Secondly, just for the record... I was not asked to be involved in the finale. It wasn't until about 2 minutes before they announced that Nigel had approached me and asked if he could 'borrow' me for a second.
"I didn't feel a last second jump onstage was appropriate," he continued. "It was Scotty's moment. I appreciate 'American Idol,' and the opportunity it has given me. And the people who have made that show possible. I am not angry, or bitter etc. It was an amazing finale, and I would have loved to be a part of it. I just wasn't asked."
Staying above the fray and declining to take any shots at Lythgoe, DeWyze concluded his tweet, "Good luck to all the contestants and stay true to yourself. Thanks everyone for your support, tour coming up... Good times :) I'll talk to you all soon. Love ya!"
Were you disappointed that Lee DeWyze didn't participate in the finale? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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 ArtistsSelena Gomez Producer Weighs In On Britney Spears Songwriting Rumors
Kevin Rudolf says the work he's doing on Gomez's new album 'has nothing to do with Britney.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
Last week, "Round and Round" producer Kevin Rudolf was quoted as praising not one but three tracks Britney Spears reportedly penned for Selena Gomez's new album. But when MTV News spoke to Rudolf recently, he denied knowing anything about the tracks Britney wrote for Gomez.
"I honestly don't know anything about it," he said. "I never said that ... I don't know. I didn't hear anything about it. I'm doing some stuff for it [Gomez's album], but it has nothing to do with Britney," he said.
Well, with that rumor cleared up, he went on to describe what he and Gomez are actually up to in the studio, which includes writing "a great song. As far as the new stuff goes, it's about trying to write a great song and hope it's something she connects with, really. It's not that deep. It's really hard to guess where people are in their lives, and I don't try to do that. If I'm writing for someone, I get a sense of what they're about and then I do what I would do," he explained. "I think it's gonna honestly be more straight, not straight dance, but straight pop; hopefully really great songs."
Once Rudolf wraps up work with Gomez, he has some other big projects up his sleeve. "I'm working on a lot of new stuff. I'm really excited about another album of my own that I'm working on. I think I get typecast outside of the producer world as rock/rap, the Cash Money thing or with Wayne on the track. It's really not what I'm about at all. It's one side of me that came out in the beginning," he said. "I really want to use this album to transform people's visions of myself ... more organic, more heartfelt."
Rudolf also teased about helping out Wayne on his forthcoming Tha Carter IV album. "I mean it's awesome [that Wayne's back]. The thing about Wayne is he's been the most supportive person at Cash Money. He's really on my side and he's just really backed me up since day one. And I really appreciate him for that," he said. "Obviously, Baby and Slim found me there and they kind of, I guess, discovered me, but Wayne always wanted to get on the tracks and always wants me to bring him stuff. ... We're working on some stuff for Tha Carter IV and it's all good stuff."
Related Videos Related ArtistsAdam Lambert Making His 'Dream Album'
Ryan Tedder, Nikka Costa and Sia help create 'honest and real' follow-up to For Your Entertainment.
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Jim Cantiello
Adam Lambert at the "American Idol" finale
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
Adam Lambert's debut album, 2009's For Your Entertainment, was very much a product of his time on "American Idol" — written and produced by a hand-picked team of hitmakers, it was the kind of the thing the folks at 19 Entertainment wanted to hear. So it's somewhat understandable that, on his follow-up disc, Lambert is very much determined to make the kind of album he wants to hear.
"I think I've probably written about 18 to 20 songs. I've been spending the past two and a half months in the studio," Lambert told MTV News on the red carpet of Wednesday's "Idol" finale in Los Angeles. "I'm writing most of the material with people myself this time ... I'm really involved. It's really exciting because I think I'm making my dream album. I know that sounds a bit clichéd, but I'm making exactly what I want to listen to."
That echoes the sentiments Lambert shared with us earlier this year, when he said he was taking his time to work on his new album, and that the goal was to "write the most personal songs, the most powerful songs. I really want it to be something that's really honest and real."
Helping him achieve that goal are a variety of seasoned pros — Ryan Tedder, Nikka Costa and Sia, to name just a few — and while there's still no release date for the album, Lambert said he's in no rush. He's enjoying the writing process, and getting an education in songwriting in the process.
"I'm learning so much from everybody, so that's probably the best part," he said.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsThursday, May 26, 2011
Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers
'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll
Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News
You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.
In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.
But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.
"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."
Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.
"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.
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MTV Movie Awards Mania Kicks Off With Sneak Peek Week
Stars of 'Fright Night,' 'The Help' and more stop by next week for live interviews and exclusive clips.
By Eric Ditzian
Christopher Mintz-Plasse in "Fright Night"
Photo: DreamWorks
Each year, we jam 12 months' worth of movie magic into just one day for the MTV Movie Awards. This time around, there's simply too much Golden Popcorn goodness to contain, so we're opening up things with a full five days of cinematic treats that we call MTV Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week.
Starting on Monday, May 30, and running through Friday, June 3, we'll be bringing you exclusive looks at some of this summer's hottest films, including "Fright Night," "Horrible Bosses" and more. Each night at 11 p.m. ET, we'll welcome a film's cast onto MTV to present an exclusive clip. Then you can continue the live conversation with the stars online, as our own Josh Horowitz hosts an extended chat with the talent. As always, you'll have the chance to ask the stars your own questions; just tweet at @MTVNews using the hashtag #SPW.
It's all building up to the Movie Awards themselves, which will be hosted by Jason Sudeikis and air live on Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.
On Monday, we'll be sitting down with "Fright Night" star Christopher Mintz-Plasse and director Craig Gillespie for an early glimpse at this horror remake. Mintz-Plasse and Anton Yelchin play high school seniors who get pulled into their neighbor's creepy world, eventually finding out that the stranger (Colin Farrell) is a vampire preying on the town.
The next night, the stars and director of "The Art of Getting By," a Sundance fave earlier this year, will be stopping by. Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser and director Gavin Wiesen will introduce a clip, then stick around to discuss their indie about a lonely student (Freddie Highmore) and the unlikely friendship he strikes up with Roberts' charismatic and complicated teen girl.
Wednesday brings us what's sure to be one of the funniest comedies of the summer. "Horrible Bosses" star Jason Bateman and director Seth Gordon will present an exclusive clip before diving into a chat about how Bateman and his onscreen cohorts hatch a plan to kill their nasty workplace superiors.
Then on Thursday, Emma Stone and Bryce Dallas Howard will jump into the action in support of "The Help." Based on the #1 New York Times best-seller, the film stars Stone as an unlikely civil-rights activist in '60s-era Mississippi.
Finally on Friday, the folks behind action-comedy "30 Minutes or Less" will bring Sneak Peek Week to a close. Stars Aziz Ansari, Michael Peña and director Ruben Fleischer will be on hand for the festivities, and stars Jesse Eisenberg and Danny McBride will deliver a special message for fans. The flick follows Eisenberg's pizza delivery boy, who's kidnapped and forced to rob a small-town bank.
After this week-long warm-up, the main event kicks off on Sunday, June 5. At this year's Movie Awards, "Eclipse" (eight nominations) will be facing off against "Inception" (seven noms) and "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1" (six noms). Voting in all the categories, from Best Kiss to Best Fight to Best Scared-as-S**t Performance and beyond, is currently under way over at MovieAwards.MTV.com. Voting is set to close on June 4. But voting for Best Movie will stay open through the show itself, meaning you have the chance to affect the night's biggest winner up until the very last minute.
The 20th annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET.
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'So You Think You Can Dance' Returns With Mary Murphy, Contortionists
Judge Nigel Lythgoe says season eight features 'more interesting' auditions and an emphasis on street dancers.
By Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Mary Murphy
Photo: FOX
As has become custom for several years, the echoes of the "American Idol" finale are still ringing our ears as Fox rolls out the first episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" on Thursday night (May 26) at 8 p.m. ET. But before we feast our eyes upon season eight's auditions, MTV News managed to get executive producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe and judge Mary Murphy to give us a little hint about what to expect this year.
"It truly is a much more interesting auditioning process this year because the kids are bringing something so new," said Lythgoe, who's been juggling his "American Idol" exec-producing duties with "SYTYCD" and its U.K. version. "Lots of different styles: turfing, this contortionism that looks like they're going to be dancing in the movie 'The Exorcist.' It's terribly exciting. Made Mary sick, didn't it, a few times."
Fortunately for fans of the loud, enthusiastic ballroom expert, Mary isn't actually sick anymore. After taking a season off to be treated for thyroid cancer, the hot tamale train is up and running again.
"I'm completely cancer-free right now, I'm happy to report, and doing fantastic," she told us. "It wasn't easy sitting at home [last season], I can tell you, judging from my chair."
Nigel said he actually missed Mary making his ears bleed with her excited comments on the judges' table. "And what's happened now with Mary's vocal cords is, she has gone from being the loudness of a jet engine to the loudness of a hairdryer, so it's eased a bit," he joked.
Another mix of new and old this season will be the format. After hearing complaints about last year's format, which narrowed the contestants down to 11 before the live voting rounds (instead of 20) and paired the dancers with "all-stars" from past seasons instead of with each other, Lythgoe said they're changing things up again.
"A lot of people were unhappy, unjustifiably to begin with, unhappy that we went to this all-star situation and [said], 'We want to see a top 20,' and 'We want to see them grow,' and 'We want to see the chemistry,' " he admitted, so they decided, "OK, let's try that this year. Let's do a top 20 and then introduce the all-stars into the top 10 and see if we can have the best of both worlds."
"It'll be great with the two things together," Murphy agreed. "The people that like the old format, it's back. The people that like the all-stars, fantastic."
After heading up a star-studded season of "American Idol," Lythgoe is spicing up "SYTYCD" with a few celebs too.
"Will.i.am is going to come on and be a guest judge," he said. "I worked with him on 'Idol,' and he really has got so much knowledge about music and dance. [He] has got the eye for dance and rhythm and everything."
And what about the dancers we'll see this season? Of course, they couldn't go into detail about the contestants, but Nigel did offer some hints. "We've invested a lot into street and hip-hop this year, more than contemporary," he said. "The contemporary kids are obviously formally trained and will find other styles a little easier. But if the street kids come through they're going to be very exciting."
Maffiss: BeatCrave Fav
Maffiss, whom recently assumed a new pseudonym,�Rivers & Robots,�is the solo project of Ogvidius, a musician from Manchester, U.K. with a knack for creating beautiful melodies with up-beat rhythms using a variety of instruments. �He studied piano, violin, and clarinet as a child, and later learning electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums. �He uses all [...]
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