The platinum songwriter and producer talks about his work with Kelly Rowland and Good friend Usher.
Photo: Triple C's
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Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Casey Anthony Party Pics
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Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.
You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.
Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.
And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.
And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.
To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.
"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."
Related Videos Related ArtistsChristina Aguilera -- I Didn't Bruise Up My Baby!
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Who Was Your Worst Dressed at the MTV Video Music Awards?
Fashion's notorious risk-takers brought the crazy to the MTV Video Music Awards last night. In addition to Nicki Minaj, Jessie J, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry all made our worst-dressed list. We...Justin Bieber's Early Christmas Gift: A Holiday Album
'We are going to try and raise alot of money this year for charity!' teen pop star tweets about next project.
By Terri Schwartz
Justin Bieber
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Beliebers have more to look forward to this holiday season than just chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Justin Bieber announced Thursday (August 25) on Twitter that he'll be releasing his first Christmas album later this year.
"So it's true...been in the studio doing something special for christmas. we are going to try and raise alot of money this year for charity!" the 17-year-old Canadian pop star tweeted.
This will be Bieber's second studio album, since his first release, My World, was technically an EP. Barring the release of Never Say Never -- The Remixes, which featured the new single "Never Say Never," this will be the first new music Bieber has released in more than a year. He didn't share whether he will be collaborating with any other artists on his holiday record or when fans can expect it to hit stores.
Bieber is no stranger to using his musical talents for charitable causes. In 2010, he took part in "We Are the World 25" alongside Miley Cryus, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. Bieber has supported charities like Give Back Hollywood, Jumpstart and Children's Miracle Network in the past, though he did not specify which charity he would be donating the proceeds of his Christmas album to in his tweet.
The "Baby" crooner isn't the only artist to announce a Christmas album recently. Zooey Deschanel shared the news over Twitter earlier this month that her band She & Him will be releasing their first holiday album -- and third album overall -- later this year. In addition, Bieber's fellow Canadian Michael Bublé has been releasing a series of promos for his holiday album, Christmas, on his official website over the past few weeks.
Which Christmas carol are you hoping Justin covers on his holiday album? Share your suggestions in the comments!
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Kate Hudson: I Have D-Cup Boobs Now!
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Kate has always known to be flat chested so everyone assumed she got a boob job. If she did in fact get a boob job...READ MORE
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Monday, August 29, 2011
TLL Classics: Robot USB Keychain Totally Looks Like Bender from Futurama
Robot USB Keychain Totally Looks Like Bender from Futurama
Look-alike by: Unknown
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Adele Owns Video Music Awards, Performs "Someone Like You"
There were crazy outfits, alternate personalities, curse-filled acceptance speeches and a lot more at the MTV Video Music Awards.
But, sometimes, it's all about the voice. Enter Adele.
The British sensation took home three trophies at the event, as well as non-stop praise from the country's leading artists. Said Lady Gaga during the pre-show: “She’s a breath of fresh air and she’s so exciting and her music is adding another dimension to radio that’s so important. She’s [also] a truly lovely person - which, to me, is always my favorite.”
Watch Adele sing "Someone Like You" at the VMAs now:
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Michael Jackson Family Announces Tribute Concert
Lineup for October show in Cardiff, Wales, will be revealed August 3.
By Gil Kaufman
Siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson after announcing 'Michael Forever,' in Beverly Hills July 25, 2011.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Michael Jackson's family has announced a tribute concert to the late King of Pop that is slated to take place on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales. The four-hour show at the 75,000-capacity Millennium Stadium will be broadcast via satellite on pay-per-view and into movie theaters with a cast of big-name performers whose identities have not yet been revealed.
At the Beverly Hills press conference on Monday revealing the details of the "Michael Forever" show, Jackson family matriarch Katherine was joined by sons Tito, Jackie and Marlon and daughter LaToya; siblings Jermaine, Randy, Janet and estranged husband Joe were not in attendance.
"When I was told some of the names of the artists performing, I knew it would be fit for a king. If my son was here today he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," Katherine Jackson said of Michael, who died in June 2009 of a heart attack caused by a prescription drug overdose.
According to Wales Online, the show will feature artists Jackson admired and will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the start of his solo career.
"I will be there along with as many members of my family that can make it," Katherine said. "It is intended to be the biggest and best concert in the world for many years to come." LaToya added, "This event is far, far overdue. He was an entertainer who I feel no one can ever stand up to or hold a candle to as far as his talent is concerned. This tribute will be something spectacular and I know that he would approve."
One of the show's producers said that despite taking place in a large stadium, the event will have a more intimate atmosphere with the building's roof closed. Proceeds from the show will benefit three charities Jackson supported: the Prince's Trust, AIDS Project Los Angeles and a cancer charity. The show's lineup will be announced on August 3.
As with many things related to MJ's legacy, there was controversy, as brothers Randy and Jermaine said they thought the timing of the show was inappropriate. In a statement, the two said, "While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death. As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20."
That date is when Jackson's former doctor, Conrad Murray, is slated to go on trial for manslaughter charges in the singer's death.
Jermaine attempted to put on a tribute concert to his late brother in September 2009, but the show fell apart after many of the top acts were unable to commit to the event.
Related Photos Related ArtistsBritney Cozies Up To Beyonce: VMA Seating Revealed!
Presenter Kim Kardashian has a VMA seat, but where's hubby Kris Humphries?
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello
Kim Kardashian's seat at the 2011 Video Music Awards
Photo: John Shearer/ MTV
It's that time of year again, everyone. The seating cards are being placed inside the Nokia Theatre in sunny Los Angeles as producers work to put the finishing touches on Sunday's 2011 Video Music Awards.
So what types of match-ups have they thought up this year? MTV News' Jim Cantiello investigated and found out some tasty tidbits.
"Tony Bennett: This guy is a baller, and whoever is behind him is going to have the craziest contact high," he teased of the 85-year-old crooner, who will pay tribute to the late Amy Winehouse at Sunday's show. So who snagged that seat? Wiz Khalifa, naturally.
Kim Kardashian will also be in the house as a presenter, but Jim wondered: "Where's her husband at? Her husband doesn't get a seat card. You thought when you marry Kim Kardashian you'd instantly get more famous. Dude, you're still not famous enough to get your own card at the VMAs," Jim warned the newlywed. His advice? "#DealWithIt."
"This is going to be a very rowdy section at the VMAs Sunday night," Jim said as he made his way through the theater. "This is the land of Odd Future. Now, there are like 100 members of Odd Future. I'm only seeing three cards. So sorry, Hodgy, you're not invited this year."
When Jim noticed there were some potato sacks lying around, he had a thought: "Here at the VMAs, we are prepared for anything in the audience, so if Lady Gaga wants to have a potato-sack race with Lil Wayne, we got them covered."
Of course, Justin Bieber and girlfriend Selena Gomez are seated next to each other. Jim, however, knows how to make it even more adorable. "The only thing that would make this cuter is if Maru the cat was trying to get in between them," he suggested.
Perhaps the section of the room fans will be most excited to see contains two of pop's ruling divas. "I'm in section Queen B at the VMAs," he said. So what does that mean? Beyoncé and Britney Spears are sitting next to each other!
Who else will be there? Well, the "Jersey Shore" kids will be sitting front row, right near the cast of "Teen Wolf." And the cast of MTV's newest hit show "Awkward." will be there as well.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related Photos Related 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!
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Saturday, August 27, 2011
Will Smith's Son: My Dad Is NOT Getting a Divorce!
Will Smith 's son wants everyone to know ... his father's marriage is NOT OVER. Trey Smith -- Will's son from a previous marriage -- went to his Twitter page and blasted the message, "Will and Jada getting a DIVORCE ..NOT TRUE AT ALL !! RETWEET." Early…
Lady Gaga Found Perfect 'Fit' In Cher For Duet
'Cher heard the song and loved it and wanted to do it together,' Mother Monster tells MTV News of 'The Greatest Thing.'
By Christina Garibaldi
Lady Gaga and Cher at the 2010 Video Music Awards
Photo: WireImage
Two of pop's biggest divas, Lady Gaga and Cher, are teaming up for a highly anticipated collaboration, fittingly titled "The Greatest Thing." Late last week Cher confirmed via Twitter that the song will be out in September, but few details have been revealed about the Gaga-penned track.
So when MTV News caught up with the VMA-nominated Mother Monster herself last week, we asked her to dish about the track. It turns out that "The Greatest Thing" was a song she had been holding onto for some time.
"I wrote that song a long time ago, and I've never put it on one of my own albums for, really, no particular reason," Gaga told us. "I always write these concept records, and it just didn't fit in. But it's always been, like, this big, massive, beautiful hit record and everyone always says, 'Why don't you put that on your album?' And I said, 'I don't know, it just doesn't fit with everything else.' "
The song was, however, a good fit for Cher's new record and it will reportedly be the lead single off of her yet-untitled 26th studio album.
"Cher heard the song and loved it and wanted to do it together," Gaga added. "And I said, 'F--- yeah, it's Cher!' "
Of course, this collaboration may never have happened if it were not for last year's VMA show, where Cher handed Gaga her Video of the Year Moonman for "Bad Romance." Lady Gaga graced the stage in her infamous meat dress, making a memorable first impression on Cher — and the rest of the world.
"I don't think she realized I was handing her meat," Gaga recalled.
So what was Cher's response to Gaga asking her to hold her meat purse?
"She was like, 'No problem, I'll hold your purse.' And then she just sort of had a steak in her hand, and was like, 'Thanks, bitch!' " the "Born This Way" singer joked.
Gaga is gearing up to create more memorable moments at the 2011 Video Music Awards. She'll open the big show with a performance on Sunday night.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com.
Watch Out, Kim: Molly Sims Planning "Wedding of the Century!"
Unless you live under a rock, you've heard about the upcoming A-list affair that is Kim Kardashian's Aug. 20 wedding.
Supermodel-actress Molly Sims is in the midst of planning...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Usher Says New 'Rev Pop' Project Is A 'Movement'
Singer teases his new project by pointing to past hits like 'Yeah!' and 'OMG.'
By James Montgomery
Usher
Photo: MTV News
With the success of songs like "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," "Hot Tottie" and "OMG," Usher had himself a fairly massive 2010. But rather than rest on his laurels, he's looking to build on his big year, not with an album, but with a "movement."
It's something he's calling "Rev Pop" — or, simply, "Rev" — and though he's already teased his idea in a video with David Guetta (Akon is also involved), he has yet to speak in full about it. So when MTV News caught up with Ush before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles at the (Belvedere) RED launch party, we asked him about his next musical endeavor. And though he didn't reveal much, he did let it be known that "Rev" isn't exactly something new. In fact, he's been doing it for a while now.
"I'll give it to you this way: At a later date, I'll tell you more about Rev Pop, but if I were to give you a flash: I've done it before, I did it with 'Yeah!' " he said, "taking a cultural experience, and also worldwide recognition of a feeling, and putting the soul in the middle of it. Not allowing it to shift heavily to R&B genre, or pop. I did it again with 'OMG,' once again putting the soul in the middle of it, which was an electric-pop experience, with the soul.
"It's bringing those elements together to tell a story, that was born here," he said, gesturing toward his heart, "And that's what Rev Pop is. There's more, I mean, I could really elaborate, but that's just what I'm going to tell you right now. 'Rev' is what it's called ... the movement is called Rev."
Usher wouldn't say just when his fans would be getting their first taste of Rev, but whenever they do, it sounds like they're going to be impressed ... if not a little shocked.
"Stay alive," he smiled, "Because you're definitely going to be in for a surprise."
Related ArtistsBlake Shelton, Incubus Take Over Billboard Chart
Beyonce's 4 knocked down to #5 in third week out.
By Gil Kaufman
Blake Shelton
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images
Blake Shelton was already a beloved country star before he became a reality-TV double-threat. But thanks in part to his breakout role on "The Voice," Miranda Lambert's better half is reaping plenty of benefits, including a #1 debut on the Billboard 200 charts next week for his new album, Red River Blue.
According to figures provided by SoundScan, Shelton's sixth studio album, his first #1 debut ever and highest-charting album to date, sold 116,000 copies last week. Just behind was the first album in five years from floaty rockers Incubus with If Not Now, When, which debuts at #2 on sales of 80,000. They lead a parade of new faces in the top 10 that also includes country singer Chris Young, whose Neon hit #4 in its first week (73,000), pop smoothie Colbie Caillat's All of You (#6, 66,000), head-bangers Theory of a Deadman's Truth Is (#8, 38,000) and the debut from the rebooted Sublime with new singer Rome, Yours Truly (#9, 35,000).
The rest of the top 10: Adele's 21 (#3, 77,000), Beyoncé's 4 (#5, 72,000), Jason Aldean's My Kinda Party (#7, 42,000) and Selena Gomez and the Scene's When the Sun Goes Down (#10, 33,000).
A couple of former top 10 dwellers fall to the second rung, including Eminem's Hell: The Sequel project under the Bad Meets Evil banner (#11, 30,000), Lady Gaga's Born This Way (down five to #13, 25,000) and Jill Scott's Light of the Sun (#14, 21,000).
The soundtrack to "Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows, Part 2" comes in at #25, while indie darlings Washed Out crash in at #26 with the excellent Within & Without (#26, 15,000). And it was a short trip to the top 10 for R&B crooner Lloyd, who plummets 39 spots to #49 in the second week for King of Hearts (9,000).
Over on the iTunes chart Caillat sits atop the album tally, followed by Shelton, Incubus, Adele, Sublime, Chris Young, Theory of a Deadman, Beyoncé, Bad Meets Evil and the unstoppable Mumford & Sons' Sigh No More.
LMFAO continue to rule the iTunes singles chart with their summer hit "Party Rock Anthem," which beats out Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper," Katy Perry's "Last Friday (T.G.I.F.)," Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" and Hot Chelle Rae's "Tonight Tonight." Rounding out the top 10 at #6 are Lil Wayne's "How to Love," Pitbull's "Give Me Everything," Adele's "Rolling in the Deep," OneRepublic's "Good Life" and Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem."
Things should be fairly static next week, with the only new titles including a new Kidz Bop Kids title and albums from 311, 3 Doors Down and DJ Khaled.
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Katy Perry, Lil Wayne And More (Possible) VMA Winners
Bigger Than the Sound guesses who will take home Sunday's biggest Moonmen.
By James Montgomery
Katy Perry
Photo: Graham Denholm/ Getty Images
The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on MTV this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, but if you're a Katy Perry fan, well, you probably knew that already. After all, the California Gurl is the most-nominated artist at this year's VMAs, leading the pack with an eye-opening 10 nods, including Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and the biggie, Video of the Year.
Following closely behind her are the likes of Adele, Kanye West and Bruno Mars, but really, all eyes will be on Perry. Will she take home her first-ever Moonman? Will she sweep the night's major categories? And, most importantly of all, what color will her hair be?
Of course, KP's not the only story line heading into Sunday's show: Can Gaga win the only major award she's up for? Can Tyler, the Creator shock the world? Luckily, I'm here to provide answers. Much like I've done in previous years (and mostly because I have a rather insatiable gambling addiction), I'm throwing on the old prognostication cap and trying my hand at picking the winners in all the major VMA categories. Of course, while I can't guarantee my accuracy, I can promise you that I spent, like, 25 minutes on this, which is a pretty thorough investment.
Oh, and for the record, I'm going with "puce" for Katy's hair color. The rest of my picks right now:
Best Male Video
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Cee Lo Green, "F--- You"
» Eminem (featuring Rihanna), "Love the Way You Lie"
» Justin Bieber, "U Smile"
» Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi), "All of the Lights"
My Take: In a year so thoroughly dominated by the ladies, I'm surprised they didn't find a way to sneak Adele or Katy Perry in here. As it stands, five worthy videos will rep for the Y chromosome, and, to be honest, each has about the same shot of winning (though it would be fitting if one of the two clips featuring Rihanna got the W).
My Pick: Whenever things are this close, always go with the old awards-show adage: "If they show up, they'll go up." I can't vouch for the Sunday night plans of Cee Lo, Em, Bieber or Kanye, but I do know Bruno will be in the house, which means he'll probably be making at least one trip to the podium. Pencil "Grenade" in as my favorite to win here.
Best Female Video
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Beyoncé, "Run the World (Girls)"
» Katy Perry, "Firework"
» Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
» Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass"
My Take: Almost by default, it's the night's biggest award — or at least the most hotly contested. All five females have done big things on the charts, and all five would be considered legitimate front-runners in any other year. But this is 2011 ...
My Pick: ... which means that, essentially, this is down to a three-woman contest: Adele, Katy and Gaga (in a big year for female artists, you've gotta go with the biggest of them all). I suspect Katy will triumph elsewhere, and Adele, well, she'll have the Grammys. So let's go with Gaga; it's the only major award she's up for, and if she didn't win something, the Little Monsters would riot in the streets.
Best Rock Video
» Cage the Elephant, "Shake Me Down"
» Foo Fighters, "Walk"
» Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks"
» Mumford & Sons, "The Cave"
» The Black Keys, "Howlin' For You"
My Take: As I was writing this, the MTV Newsroom started shaking, a residual tremor of the earthquake that hit Virginia on Tuesday afternoon. And if that isn't a sign that God isn't happy with this year's Best Rock Video noms, well, then I don't know what is.
My Pick: No pick, for fear of Divine Retribution.
Best Hip-Hop Video
» Chris Brown (featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes), "Look at Me Now"
» Kanye West (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi), "All of the Lights"
» Lil Wayne (featuring Cory Gunz), "6 Foot 7 Foot"
» Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes On"
» Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass"
My Take: Nicki's nod for "Super Bass" makes her the first female to be nominated in Best Hip-Hop Video since Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine" in 2008, which doesn't really mean much, but should still be noted. Also for the first time since 2008: Eminem will not win, since he didn't get nominated.
My Pick: I think it boils down to Weezy and Nicki, though given that fan voting will help determine the winner, you can't discount Chris Brown's chances either. In a pinch, I'll say it's Wayne, especially given everything he's got planned during — and immediately following — the VMAs.
Best Pop Video
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Britney Spears, "Till the World Ends"
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Katy Perry, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)"
» Pitbull (featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer), "Give Me Everything"
My Take: Another knock-down, drag-out category, featuring three of the biggest female stars on the planet — plus Bruno Mars and Pitbull.
My Pick: Katy Perry. The coronation begins here and (quite possibly) picks up steam later in the night.
Best New Artist
» Big Sean (featuring Chris Brown), "My Last"
» Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks"
» Kreayshawn, "Gucci Gucci"
» Tyler, the Creator, "Yonkers"
» Wiz Khalifa, "Black and Yellow"
My Take: Perhaps the oddest assortment of BNA noms since 2004 (in which Kanye West and Maroon 5 went head-to-head with the Darkness, Jet, JoJo and Yellowcard), it's another take-your-pick tossup. So, in that case ...
My Pick: ... I'll go with Tyler, the Creator. He'll be in attendance, and they're gonna want to get him up onstage somehow. So if he doesn't win here, that only leaves ...
Video of the Year
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Beastie Boys, "Make Some Noise"
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Katy Perry, "Firework"
» Tyler, the Creator, "Yonkers"
My Take: The night's biggest award and one that can go two ways. Either voters keep with recent history (the last four winners: Gaga, Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Rihanna) or they decide this is the year to shake things up (see: 2006's Panic! at the Disco triumph). Which way will they go? You may be surprised.
My Pick: Much like when I sorta called Arcade Fire's shocking Album of the Year win at the Grammys earlier this year, I can't seem to shake the fact that VMA voters seem to have a soft spot for the underdog, which is why my first pick is Tyler, the Creator. Of course, I can't overlook the fact that Katy Perry has never won a VMA (she's definitely the Susan Lucci of the awards), so I'm making her my alternate pick. Remember, folks, you heard it here first. Sort of.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday from Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for your favorites in the general categories by visiting VMA.MTV.com.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Three Helpful Tips on How you can Buy a New Car
If you plan to buy a new car, you must take all features into cautious consideration or you might end up regretting your purchase Make sure that you are getting your moneys price, especially since you might be spending a lot for it
Natalie Portman Surfaces In Public For The First Time Since Giving Birth
Yesterday we got our first look at new mama (for the 4th time) Victoria Beckham out and about in public for the first time since she gave birth to Harper Seven last month. Today we get our first look at new mom (for the first time) Natalie Portman out and about in public for the [...]
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Julia Eats & Prays in Paris, But Loves in Spain With Javier
The cast of Eat Pray Love is still on a long promotional journey and Julia Roberts is leading the way! Julia attended the Paris premiere of Mange, Prie et Aime on Sunday without Javier Bardem by her side before heading to San Sebastian, Spain on Monday to meet back up with the handsome star. It [...]
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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Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Ke$ha, Black Eyed Peas, More Featured In O Music Awards Roundtable Debate
Music-video director Wayne Isham will join Most Innovative Video debate, which streams live Monday on OMusicAwards.com and MTV.com.
By MTV News Staff
Ke$ha
Photo: Noel Vasquez/ Getty Images
Ever since they were first announced, the O Music Awards have proudly proclaimed themselves the untraditional alternative to the staid world of red carpets, acceptance speeches and celebrity glad-handing.
And for further proof of that point, consider the following: Though the inaugural O Music Awards won't premiere until April 28, the first award will be handed out on Monday at 4 p.m. ET ... and it's a big one.
For weeks, fans have been voting for the Most Innovative Music Video through the O Music Awards official site, and on Monday — in a roundtable debate moderated by MTV News' James Montgomery — a winner will be crowned.
The O Music Awards Debate for the Most Innovative Music Video, presented by FUZE®, will stream live on OMusicAwards.com and MTV.com. Joining Montgomery around the table will be acclaimed video director Wayne Isham, Mashable's Brenna Ehrlich and some super-secret celebrity guests.
The Black Eyed Peas, Ke$ha, My Chemical Romance and more will also take part in the discussion about just what makes a video truly innovative, and the folks who are nominated for the award — a list that includes Arcade Fire, Robyn, OK Go and Andy Grammer — will also Skype in to make the case for why their video deserves to be named Most Innovative.
On Monday morning, the original list of 10 nominees will be whittled down to the top five vote-getters, and then, during the debate, our roundtable and the Internet audience will cut that list down to the final three. At the very end, we'll announce the winner of the very first O Music Award for Most Innovative Video.
The inaugural O Music Awards will stream live from Las Vegas at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on OMusicAwards.com. Tune in to see who will reign supreme in categories like Most Viral Dance, Funniest Music Short and NSFW Music Video!
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LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian already made it official when they got hitched in April, and now LeAnn is planning to give herself a permanent piece of Eddie.
When the couple was out and...
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