Thursday, March 1, 2012
Taylor Kitsch Takes Aim During 'MTV First: John Carter'
Kitsch will bring a brand-new clip to MTV at 7:56 p.m. ET Thursday, followed by a 30-minute chat on MTV.com.
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Taylor Kitsch
Photo: MTV News
Interviewing one of this summer's biggest stars, like, for instance, Taylor Kitsch, can be difficult. Asking the important questions while he's shooting hockey pucks at you is an entirely different story.
The star of "John Carter" and "Battleship" took aim at MTV News' Josh Horowitz while also taking your questions as a part of "MTV First: John Carter." Though he's known for his work on the football field in "Friday Night Lights," Kitsch originally hails from the Great White North, so hockey is in his blood.
That isn't a problem until you're the one playing goalie. During their interview, Horowitz strapped himself in and faced down Kitsch for a no-holds-barred round of movie questions and hockey.
But before all that, Kitsch will premiere a never-before-seen clip from "John Carter" on MTV. You'll have to tune in Thursday, March 1, at 7:56 p.m. ET to see the brand-new footage. Immediately afterward, on MTV.com, Kitsch will answer fan-submitted questions while shooting hockey pucks at his interviewer. It should be a good time.
It's going to be an epic showdown on the ice, and it's all going to take place on MTV and MTV.com.
In "John Carter," Kitsch plays a Confederate officer transported to Barsoom, or Mars, as it's more commonly referred to by humans. There, Carter finds himself embroiled in an epic war between two races for the fate of the planet.
The film will be released March 9 in digital 3-D and IMAX 3-D.
Catch Taylor Kitsch Thursday, March 1, on MTV at 7:56 p.m. ET, when he'll debut an exclusive, never-before-seen clip from "John Carter." Then head over to MTV.com for our 30-minute chat with Rudd and Aniston.
Catch Taylor Kitsch on MTV at 7:56 p.m. ET Thursday, when he'll debut an exclusive, never-before-seen clip from "John Carter." Then head over to MTV.com for our 30-minute chat with Kitsch.
'Glee'-Cap: Michael Jackson Invades McKinley High
King of Pop's takeover leads to some head-scratching song choices.
By Jim Cantiello
"Glee"
Photo: FOX
<P>"Glee" paid tribute to Michael Jackson during Tuesday night's episode and, shockingly, kept the story moving along in the midst of several MJ-inspired musical numbers. Kurt, Rachel and Quinn all received great news about college, Rachel finally accepted Finn's proposal and evil Sebastian's plot to harm Kurt with a doctored slushee backfired when Blaine took the hit for his boyfriend. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:730282.id:1671179" width="240" height="211"></div><p> Yet the forced "all Michael, all the time" song selection led to some head-scratching scenes including Kurt, Rachel and Finn serenading an injured Blaine with Jackson's love song to a rat, "Ben," and two different music-video re-enactments only appealed to Jackson superfans. The rest of us can enjoy my latest "Glee-cap"! Hit play on the embedded video and sing along with these lyrics. "Glee," "Glee" 's really hit the skids<br> MJ would have loved all the singing kids Time for a tribute<br> Veiled as a dispute<br> They all imitate<br> Michael's vocal takes Wish they didn't try<br> To simply ape his sigh<br> I guess "Glee" got paid<br> In tickets to <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/12/07/jackson-family-and-crew-talk-about-new-cirque-du-soleil-show-michael-jackson-immortal/">Cirque du Soleil</a> It's bad! It's bad! Come on! Oh, pointless themed episodes<br> Make me push fast-forward on my TiVo Artie's "Scream" remake<br> Complete with head shakes<br> Tired of getting dissed<br> Mike Chang's now his sis? Warblers fight for songs<br> No prob doing wrong<br> They're all blindly cruel<br> Since Blaine left their school Quinn sang goodbye to every ex<br> Have a seat, this'll take awhile<br> (She's had lots of sex)<br> Quinn got into Yale<br> And I'm all, "How?" <br> Then got distracted by Damian's hyper eyebrows They're bad! They're bad! Relax them! <br> If you don't, I will come wax them! Slutpig tried to slushee Kurt<br> But Blaine got in the way<br> Left him needing surgery<br> How dare you hurt my gay! <br> Despite Blaine's cute eye patch<br> Kurt is hungry for revenge<br> But that's a different better show on ABC, my friend "Glee," drop the shtick, you're better than this<br> Forcing Jackson songs is just as bad as this forced kiss<br> Just because you can afford it doesn't mean it has worth<br> Unless you're trying to give me nightmares<br> In that case, it worked No more bells and whistles, please<br> Clever songs are all you need<br> I get it, Ryan Murphy, Blaine had to bleed<br> So <a href="/news/articles/1676997/darren-crisis-how-to-succeed-in-business.jhtml">Darren could star in "How to Succeed"</a> But making Kurt and Finchel sing "Ben" to Blaine<br> Is the very definition of insane<br> I hope next week they get it right<br> With no stupid guests hogging "Glee" 's spotlight [<i>Cue clip of next week's episode starring Ricky Martin</i>] Whoops! <i>What did you think of this week's "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!</i></p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsBritney Spears Has 'Crazy' Cameo On will.i.am's Album?
Black Eyed Peas mastermind teases a collabo with the pop princess on #willpower, set for 2012 release.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears performs in San Francisco
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images
<P>In a sea of A-list contributions for will.i.am's forthcoming solo album, the Black Eyed Peas mastermind recently dropped one name that will really get pop fans excited. Speaking with <a href="http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/william/news/britney-spears-alicia-keys-new-album/" target="_blank">Capital FM</a>, will teased that his <i>Femme Fatale</i> collaborator Britney Spears will make an appearance on the album, dubbed <i>#willpower.</i> </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:638813" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "I have a song with Alicia Keys — me, Alicia and Swedish House Mafia. I have a song with the Beats, which is pretty grand. Me and Shakira have been trying to finish the stuff we started, and me and Britney is really crazy," he said. "So we got a song with me, LMFAO and Eva Simons, a song with me and Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz — I got a whole other bunch of collaborations." Spears and will.i.am last worked together on "Big Fat Bass," a spacey, grinding party tune complete with clapping noises and some rapping from will himself. Their recording session was featured on the MTV special <a href="/news/articles/1660830/britney-spears-femme-fatale-previews.jhtml">"I Am the Femme Fatale."</a> There's been no word yet from will's camp about the song and whether this is a new track or if he will be including "Big Fat Bass" on the album. The rapper/producer's love for Brit is hardly anything new: He <a href="/news/articles/1662289/britney-spears-will-i-am-big-fat-bass.jhtml">gushed to MTV News about the pop princess</a> months after they recorded together. "[I discovered] her love for music. I never seen anyone, like, come alive, full of excitement and giggling and laughing behind the mic," will recalled to MTV News. "She was like a little kid when she was recording the song, and it just brought the whole atmosphere, it changed the whole atmosphere when someone really loves music. So it was great working with her." His latest single, "T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)," featuring Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger, dropped late last year. <i>#willpower,</i> which also features "X Factor" judge Nicole Scherzinger, will be released later this year. <i>What are you expecting from will and Brit's collabo? Let us know in the comments!</i></p>
Related ArtistsWednesday, February 29, 2012
Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Files Appeal
Murray will represent himself as he contests involuntary manslaughter conviction for which he faces up to four years in state prison.
By Kara Warner
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
<P>As expected, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson</a>'s former doctor <a href="/news/articles/1673957/conrad-murray-appeal-verdict-michael-jackson.jhtml">Conrad Murray has filed an appeal</a> to challenge his involuntary manslaughter conviction. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:708788.id:1673923" width="240" height="211"></div><p> According to <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/02/conrad-murray-files-appeal-involuntary-manslaughter" target="_blank">TMZ</a>, Murray filed the petition in pro per, which means he has decided to forego hiring legal representation and represent himself. He reportedly listed "Men's Central Jail" and his booking number in the space on the appeal document where a lawyer would normally list a firm's name or contact information. TMZ also reported that although Murray seems to be without a lawyer, he is still in communication with Nareg Gourjian, one of the attorneys who represented him during his manslaughter trial. "This case presents a gold mine of issues for any appellate lawyer," Gourjian told TMZ. "Dr. Murray is confident that the Court of Appeal will vindicate him." Following the guilty verdict, Murray's lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff told CNN, "What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community. That's what we're focusing on right now, and we'll deal with an appeal after that." <a href="/news/articles/1675062/conrad-murray-sentence.jhtml">Murray was sentenced to four years</a> in jail Tuesday, but due to overcrowding, he's unlikely to serve his full term. </p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsMichael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Files Appeal
Murray will represent himself as he contests involuntary manslaughter conviction for which he faces up to four years in state prison.
By Kara Warner
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
<P><P>As expected, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson</a>'s former doctor <a href="/news/articles/1673957/conrad-murray-appeal-verdict-michael-jackson.jhtml">Conrad Murray has filed an appeal</a> to challenge his involuntary manslaughter conviction. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:708788.id:1673923" width="240" height="211"></div><p> According to <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/02/conrad-murray-files-appeal-involuntary-manslaughter" target="_blank">TMZ</a>, Murray filed the petition in pro per, which means he has decided to forego hiring legal representation and represent himself. He reportedly listed "Men's Central Jail" and his booking number in the space on the appeal document where a lawyer would normally list a firm's name or contact information. TMZ also reported that although Murray seems to be without a lawyer, he is still in communication with Nareg Gourjian, one of the attorneys who represented him during his manslaughter trial. "This case presents a gold mine of issues for any appellate lawyer," Gourjian told TMZ. "Dr. Murray is confident that the Court of Appeal will vindicate him." Following the guilty verdict, Murray's lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff told CNN, "What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community. That's what we're focusing on right now, and we'll deal with an appeal after that." <a href="/news/articles/1675062/conrad-murray-sentence.jhtml">Murray was sentenced to four years</a> in jail Tuesday, but due to overcrowding, he's unlikely to serve his full term. </p></p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsMichael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Files Appeal
Murray will represent himself as he contests involuntary manslaughter conviction for which he faces up to four years in state prison.
By Kara Warner
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
<P>As expected, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson</a>'s former doctor <a href="/news/articles/1673957/conrad-murray-appeal-verdict-michael-jackson.jhtml">Conrad Murray has filed an appeal</a> to challenge his involuntary manslaughter conviction. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:708788.id:1673923" width="240" height="211"></div><p> According to <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/02/conrad-murray-files-appeal-involuntary-manslaughter" target="_blank">TMZ</a>, Murray filed the petition in pro per, which means he has decided to forego hiring legal representation and represent himself. He reportedly listed "Men's Central Jail" and his booking number in the space on the appeal document where a lawyer would normally list a firm's name or contact information. TMZ also reported that although Murray seems to be without a lawyer, he is still in communication with Nareg Gourjian, one of the attorneys who represented him during his manslaughter trial. "This case presents a gold mine of issues for any appellate lawyer," Gourjian told TMZ. "Dr. Murray is confident that the Court of Appeal will vindicate him." Following the guilty verdict, Murray's lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff told CNN, "What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community. That's what we're focusing on right now, and we'll deal with an appeal after that." <a href="/news/articles/1675062/conrad-murray-sentence.jhtml">Murray was sentenced to four years</a> in jail Tuesday, but due to overcrowding, he's unlikely to serve his full term. </p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsUsher's Next Album 'Soulful, Catchy,' Taio Cruz Teases
'He always wants there to be the soul in there,' Cruz tells MTV News about his 'Without You' collaborator.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias
Usher
Photo: Todd Williamson/ WireImage
<P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> is hard at work on his next album. Set to work with fellow hitmaker <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/cruz__taio/artist.jhtml">Taio Cruz</a>, the two already cooked up some magic with their <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/guetta_david/artist.jhtml">David Guetta</a> anthem <a href="/news/articles/1670301/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml">"Without You,"</a> and it seems they are hoping to recapture that spirit for Usher's follow-up to 2010's <i>Raymond v. Raymond</i>. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:717257" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "I saw Usher a few times, but I spoke to him at length at David [Guetta]'s house when we were in Ibiza [Spain]," he told MTV News in L.A. after his Jingle Ball set. "He has very specific ideas of where he wants to go musically and sound-wise." Given that Usher has never shied away from exposing a bit of himself in his music, while also keeping the party going, Cruz wants to make sure they can connect the mind, body and soul for this next release. "He always wants there to be the soul in there," he explained. "I'm kind of, not the opposite, but I'm always like, 'Let's get straight to the point and be really clear with the message and be simple.' "So we try to match those two worlds together: being soulful and, at the same time, catchy," he added. Cruz can't yet discuss what they're working on: Besides "Without You," he said, "Everything else is secret." Usher said he was drawn to the <a href="/news/articles/1674782/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml">Guetta hit</a> because he connected to it emotionally, explaining to MTV News recently what an important part that plays in his musical philosophy. "I think the world wanted a record like that. That [song] really spoke to the journey that I've actually been on in the last three years," he said. "Traveling all around the world, music sounds different. There's many different genres, and when you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is." <div style="background-color:#000000;width:428px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:713197/cp~vid%3D713197%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A713197" width="420" height="236" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed></div></div></p></p>
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Oscars 2013 Predictions: Our Picks For Next Year
Because it's never too early to start the wild speculation.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Martin Freeman in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
Photo: James Fisher/ New Line Productions
Well, everyone, that's it for our 2012 Oscars coverage. It's been a great awards season. Can't wait to see you next year. ... ... ... Hello, everyone, and welcome to MTV News' 2013 Oscars coverage. It seems like just yesterday that "The Artist" won big and took home Best Picture, but who cares about that movie anymore? That's old news.
This year is sure to be a huge year at the movies, and the nominees for next year's Oscars are already lining up. MTV News has your first look at the likely nominees for the Academy Awards based on everything we know about the Oscars.
Best Supporting Actor
A rare, wide-open race this late in the game, Best Supporting Actor nominations could go to any number of great actors who were not great enough to be considered for the lead. The one lock at this point has to be Christoph Waltz for his work in Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained." Waltz won an Academy Award for playing essentially the same character in "Inglourious Basterds," but this time he's a good guy. What could be bad about that?
Best Actress
Here's a category already locked in a dead heat, with a wide variety of potential nominees vying for one of the five spots. The real shock here could be young Quvenzhané Wallis in "Beasts of the Southern Wild," who won over audiences at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and the Academy will jump at any opportunity to honor a child actor. Other potential nominees include Sandra Bullock in "Gravity," a largely solo performance from a previous winner, and Keira Knightley in "Anna Karenina" because it's Keira Knightley in a Joe Wright-directed costume drama. Also, either Charlize Theron or Noomi Rapace could earn nominations for "Prometheus," depending on whose face doesn't get eaten first.
Best Actor
For Best Actor, expect to see a lot of familiar faces and perhaps one familiar face that actually belongs to someone else. I'm speaking, of course, about Joseph Gordon-Levitt in "Looper." It's unclear whether JGL will be in a more supporting role, but early reports peg his prosthetic-enhanced performance as a young Bruce Willis as a career-best. Also, the Academy loves an actor in makeup. You might see the rest of the category filled out with award favorites because they're award favorites, like Daniel Day-Lewis ("Lincoln"), Philip Seymour Hoffman ("The Master"), Brad Pitt ("Cogan's Trade"), and a second nomination for John Hawkes ("The Surrogate").
Best Picture
The 2013 Best Picture category should shake out like filling out the cast of a heist movie. Everyone has a unique role to play. You have the musical ("Les Miserable") and the obligatory Tolkien nominee ("The Hobbit"). There's the populist Ben Affleck film ("Argo") and the critic-loved Ben Affleck film ("Untitled Terrence Malick Project'). Plus, you need a current affairs film ("Untitled International Thriller," formerly known as "Kill Bin Laden") and a movie everyone loved but will never win ("The Dark Knight Rises"). That should just about do it.
Leave your predictions for the 2013 Oscars in the comments section!
The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com for updates on the night's big winners and the best red-carpet fashion.
Sarah Gellman Sarah Michelle Gellar Sarah Mutch Sarah Polley
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Ludacris Taps Usher For Upcoming Spring Album
'I'd say we're maybe about 40 percent done,' Luda tells Billboard about his Ludaversal.
By Rob Markman
Ludacris attends MAGNUM Live Large project at Highline Ballroom on April 4, 2011 in New York City.
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/ Getty Images
<P>Are you ready for another <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/ludacris/artist.jhtml">Ludacris</a> album? It's been two years since 'Cris dropped his last album, <i>Battle of the Sexes,</i> and the Atlanta MC estimates that his next one will hit stores this spring. "I get the beats together and I put out my ideas, so I'd say we're maybe about 40 percent done," the rapper told <a href="http://www.billboard.com/column/the-juice/ludacris-eyes-spring-ludaversal-release-1005831952.story#/column/the-juice/ludacris-eyes-spring-ludaversal-release-1005831952.story" target="_blank"><i>Billboard</i></a> of his upcoming eighth LP, <i>Ludaversal,</i> which he anticipates will be out around May with a first single dropping in March. Luda, who dropped his <a href="/news/articles/1674369/ludacris-1.21-gigawatts-mixtape.jhtml"><i>1.21 Gigawatts</i> mixtape</a> in November, also revealed one big-time guest on the LP. "<a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> is one person that I've already worked with," he said. "In terms of other artists, you can say that there's going to be a lot of surprises on here." <center><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:711235/cp~id%3D1674412%26vid%3D711235%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A711235" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></center> The pair already have a few collaborations under their belt. Who can forget Usher's inescapable smash "Yeah!" from his 2004 <i>Confessions</i> album? The two also hooked up on Lil Jon's "Lovers and Friends" in the same year and then again two years ago on Usher's "She Don't Know." As far as what the two have cooked up for <i>Ludaversal,</i> fans will just have to wait and see. Throughout his career, Luda has shown a ton of versatility. An undeniable hitmaker, at times the nimble-tongued lyricist has been comical (2001's "Area Codes" and 2004's "Number One Spot") and in other instances delivered healthy amounts of substance (2006's "Runaway Love" and 2008's "Do the Right Thing"). For <i>Ludaversal,</i> he will get a little personal. "It's been a minute since I've been away from music, and there is just so much to talk about," he said. "So [the album] is mostly about my personal life, my travels, my experiences, rumors, gossip — you know, everything coming together in one." <i>What are your expectations for Ludacris' new album? Tell us in the comments!</i></p>
Related Videos Related Artists
Usher And David Guetta 'Proud' Of 'Without You'
'When you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is,' Usher tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Jim Cantiello
Usher
Photo: MTV News
<P>When <a href="/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> and <a href="/music/artist/guetta_david/artist.jhtml">David Guetta</a> hooked up for the French DJ's latest album, <i>Nothing but the Beat,</i> the two superstars created a chart-topping smash, <a href="/news/articles/1670301/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml">"Without You,"</a> that combines Guetta's ear for house beats and Usher's ability to convey a range of emotions with his voice. It's a song that has really stuck with fans of all genres of music. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:713197" width="240" height="211"></div><p> The track — a swirling pop ode to not giving up on love in the face of adversity — struck Usher with its emotional core. "David Guetta is an amazing artist," he told MTV News last week at a <a href="/news/articles/1674705/justin-bieber-usher-advice.jhtml">Pencils of Promise charity event</a>. "We talked for many years about working together, and we found a record that was incredible." Usher said it was a song that resonated with him personally. "I think the world wanted a record like that. That [song] really spoke to the journey that I've actually been on in the last three years," he said. "Traveling all around the world, music sounds different. There's many different genres, and when you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is." </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:688619" width="240" height="211"></div><p> When MTV News talked to Guetta on the <a href="/news/articles/1674728/ama-taylor-swift-nicki-minaj-katy-perry.jhtml">American Music Awards</a> red carpet Sunday, he said "Without You" is a standout track on the album. The LP dropped earlier this year and also includes <a href="/news/articles/1674756/american-music-awards-nicki-minaj-david-guetta.jhtml">Nicki Minaj, who performed with Guetta at the AMAs</a>. "It's one of my favorite songs," he said. "It's just, I'm a DJ, so I want to make people dance always, but I also want to give emotions. When it comes to that, 'Without You' is probably one of the most emotional songs that I've done, and yes, I'm very proud of that record." <i>What do you think about "Without You"? Share your reviews in the comments!</i></p>
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