- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia
- Director: Francis Lawrence
Melissa Joan Hart Melissa Rycroft Melissa Sagemiller Mena Suvari
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Q-Tip's Documentary Comments Confuse Michael Rapaport
'It was confusing to me,' director tells 'RapFix Live' in response to the MC encouraging rappers to tell their own stories.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Kara Warner
Michael Rappaport
Photo: MTV News
Despite all of the controversy surrounding "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest," ATCQ's Q-Tip has encouraged fans to see the documentary, which opens July 8 in select cities.
The Queens MC has bucked at how the group was portrayed in the film, and during a visit to "RapFix Live" this past March, Tip encouraged other rap artists to tell their own stories.
The doc's director, Michael Rapaport, who has weathered criticism from Tip in the past, appeared on "RapFix Live" Wednesday (June 29) and admitted that he was confused by the rapper's comments on the live stream.
"We crack the mold, we break the rules. We define this culture that we in right now, this Western culture, the sh-- that's moving around the world, whether it be Tribe to Lil Wayne, Drake to Kanye, I don't care," Q-Tip said to Sway back in March. "This hip-hop sh-- is our sh--, and when we start moving in, control your stories, man. Tell your stories — that's what I learned from this."
"I don't understand what [Q-Tip] was talkin' about with 'telling their own stories,' " Rapaport told MTV News. "I don't know if it was like, 'Hip-hop artists should direct movies about hip-hop artists,' or maybe he was saying, 'I should direct a documentary about myself,' which has never been done before."
Rapaport argued that a filmmaker doesn't need to be a hip-hop artist to effectively document the culture on film and used "Goodfellas" and "Casino" director Martin Scorsese to illustrate his point. "Martin Scorsese does movies about gangsters, and if you've ever been around Martin Scorsese, he's the furthest thing from a gangster, so I don't understand the thing about 'tell the stories yourself,' " Rapaport said, sounding perplexed.
"I don't know if he meant, 'We're from hip-hop, it should be a hip-hop director' or — I don't know who would go under the auspices of being a hip-hop director. Or if it was a racial thing like, 'We're black and shouldn't have a white director.' It was confusing to me."
The filmmaker did acknowledge that despite the back and forth between him and the rapper, he did appreciate Q-Tip asking fans to support the movie. Whether the two can reconcile is up in the air. According to Rapaport, the last time he heard from Tip was through email and it seems that the message was less than encouraging. "I haven't talked to Q-Tip," he said. "Last time I heard from Q-Tip he sent me an email and he said, 'All you gotta do is stay white and be privileged.' "
What do you think of Michael Rapaport's response to Q-Tip on "RapFix Live"? Sound off in the comments.
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New Led Zeppelin On The Way? Jason Bonham Hints At 'Jam' Sessions With Jimmy Page -- But Not Robert Plant
Drummer admits he doesn't know what will come of 'new material.'
By Chris Harris
Jason Bonham
Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images
On Friday morning, mere hours before he was due to take the stage with classic rockers Foreigner at Detroit's GM Renaissance Center, drummer Jason Bonham — the son of late Led Zeppelin kitman John Bonham — told Jim Johnson and Lynne Woodison of local rock station 94.7 WCSX that he'd be an ex-member of Foreigner as of September 1. But that's not the only thing he said.
Much to the delight of Led Zeppelin fans everywhere, Bonham revealed that he's been meeting up with Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones in recent months and that they've been "trying to do some new material and writing."
It was the first time since Led Zeppelin announced they would re-form for a single performance (which happened late last year at London's O2 Arena, in honor of the late Ahmet Ertegün, who signed the band to Atlantic Records in 1969) that anyone connected to the band has confirmed publicly that new music could be on the horizon for the iconic rockers. While the bandmembers have stopped short of definitively ruling out such a reunion, singer Robert Plant insisted in the wake of last year's show that he intended to focus on promoting and touring behind his critically lauded album with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, Raising Sand.
Not that Bonham knows what — if anything — will happen with the new material he's been working on with Page (who collaborated with pop singer Leona Lewis on an uneven version of Zep's "Whole Lotta Love" at the Olympic closing ceremonies in Beijing on Sunday night) and Jones. He said he just shows up and takes his seat behind the kit.
"I've been over [to England] a couple of times," Bonham said. "I've been working with Jimmy and John Paul and trying to do ... some new material and some writing. I don't know what it will be, but it will be something. At the moment, all I know is I have the great pleasure to go and jam with the two guys and start work on some material. When I get there, I never ask any questions. If I get a phone call to go and play, I enjoy every moment of it. Whatever it ends up as, to ever get a chance to jam with two people like that, it is a phenomenal thing for me. It's my life. It's what I've dreamed about doing."
He said it's still too early to tell what will become of these "jam" sessions, but admitted that the "possibility of doing something is in the cards. I really felt it was in the cards from the moment we walked offstage at the O2." Bonham also explained that, before there could be a Led Zep LP, "lots of politics [would need to] get ironed out," but added that recording with Zep is "something I've always wanted to do."
Bonham noticeably didn't mention frontman Plant's name during the discussion. A spokesperson for Page's management had no comment on the matter, and a spokesperson for Jones' management could not be reached by press time.
Related Artists'Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Leads Teen Choice Awards Nominees
'Glee,' 'Harry Potter,' Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift also up for awards.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in "Eclipse"
Photo: Summit
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" is the undeniable lead contender at this year's Teen Choice Awards. The flick received 12 nods, including Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for both Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Kristen Stewart.
The other big nominations for the flick include two for Choice Movie: Liplock (for K-Stew's kisses with both Lautner and RPattz), Bryce Dallas Howard for Choice Movie: Villain, Kellan Lutz for Choice Movie: Male Scene Stealer and Ashley Greene for Choice Movie: Female Scene Stealer.
But there are some other movies, TV shows and musicians vying for surfboards on August 7. "Glee," "The Vampire Diaries," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and "The Hangover Part II" all received nominations for the show, which airs on Fox.
Gomez and Swift face off against each other in the Choice Music: Love Song category for their songs "Love You Like a Love Song" and "Mine," respectively. They are up against Allstar Weekend ("Come Down With Love"), Bruno Mars ("Just the Way You Are") and Katy Perry ("Teenage Dream").
Interestingly enough, exes Joe Jonas (who is also up for Choice Male Hottie) and Swift battle it out in the Choice Break-Up Song category. Swift is nominated for "Back to December" and Jonas for his solo single "See No More." They go up against Adele ("Rolling in the Deep"), Cee Lo Green ("Forget You") and Mars ("Grenade").
Voting has kicked off, and for a complete list of nominees, fans can visit the show's official website. More information on the host, presenters and performers will be announced closer to show day.
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related PhotosDenise Richards Welcomes Daughter Eloise Joni
"Eloise Joni Richards is named after Denise's mom (Joni), and Denise and her daughters Sami and Lola chose the name Eloise," the rep says.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Chris Cornell Filling In For Robert Plant On Led Zeppelin Tour? That's News To Him
'I have not been approached to fill in for Robert Plant on the Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be,' singer says.
By Chris Harris
Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News
Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.
Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.
"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."
Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."
Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.
According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "
"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."
In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."
But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."
Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.
"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.
"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."
Related ArtistsMichael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: MJJ
- Director: Spike Lee
- Album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Michael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic
- Director: Wayne Isham
Sienna Guillory Sienna Miller Simone Mütherthies Sofía Vergara
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
First Listen: Bj�rk, ?Crystalline?
Earlier this month we got our first tease of Bj�rk‘s new single Crystalline, the first from her upcoming new album Biophilia. As you may recall, Bj�rk released a video of her driving in Iceland with her song playing thru the speakers. Today we get to listen to Crystalline in full! Click below to check it [...]
Rachael Leigh Cook Rachel Bilson Rachel Blanchard Rachel Hunter
Which Gossip Girl Star's Getting High This Fall?
Ehnt! Wrong! It's not Chace Crawford! He only does that off the clock!
If you're a Weeds fan, then do we have a SPOILER for you!
Michelle Trachtenberg will be joining the show for a two-episode stint when the show returns for its seventh season. The Gossip Girl troublemaker will be doing some damage as a [...]
If you're a Weeds fan, then do we have a SPOILER for you!
Michelle Trachtenberg will be joining the show for a two-episode stint when the show returns for its seventh season. The Gossip Girl troublemaker will be doing some damage as a [...]
Christina DaRe Christina Milian Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh
Celebrity Twitter Pictures
Katy Perry shows her support at the Gay Pride Parade! Plus, check out more stars' cute, candid and crazy Twitter photos!
Spotted: Halle Berry and Nahla ? Denim Duo!
Halle Berry and daughter Nahla Ariela keep it casual -- in stylish denim duds! -- after the 3-year-old's preschool pick-up in Los Angeles, Calif. on Wednesday.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: MJJ
- Director: Spike Lee
- Album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Links for 2007-10-16 [del.icio.us]
- Kim Kardashian playboy nude photo leaked
BREAKING NEWS!
A photo of Kim Kardashian?s playboy photoshoot has been leaked. The photoshoot wasn?t supposed to appear to viewers until December. It is rumored that this will be the biggest playboy spread ever?..
Links for 2008-03-21 [del.icio.us]
- Chloe Marshall Sweet 16 headed to Miss England 2008
Chloe Marshall of the UK has just won the Miss Surrey 2008 beauty pageant. She is now advancing towards the Miss England contest, which is opened to females ages 17-24. If Chloe Marshall can win the Miss England 2008 pageant, she will advance to the Miss
Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen
Harry Potter, Severus Snape Soar In Early World Cup Voting
Hermione Granger is also dominating in the first round of the MTV News tournament.
By Eric Ditzian
Alan Rickman as Professor Snape in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros.
Don't pooh-pooh Filius Flitwick! That's just one of the lessons coming into focus little more than 24 hours into the epic showdown we call the "Harry Potter" World Cup.
Though the diminutive master of Charms nabbed just a 10 seed in our monthlong tournament, in which fans have been voting online to choose the greatest character in the fantasy franchise, Professor Flitwick has raced out to a commanding first-round lead over his fellow Hogwarts colleague, and number-seven seed, Sybill Trelawney. But voting in the initial round doesn't close until midnight on Monday, meaning there's more than enough time for Trelawney fans to divine a whole lot of votes in her honor.
Other contests seem less prone to an upset. Honestly, what are the chances Harry Potter himself, facing off against Dark Arts devotee Quirinus Quirrell, gets an unexpected first-round ouster from the World Cup? As of this writing, the boy wizard has wrangled more than 95 percent of the vote. His pal Hermione Granger, meanwhile, has garnered more than 98 percent of the vote in her battle with often-salacious journalist Rita Skeeter.
See photos of all of the "Potter" World Cup players.
But that was all to be expected. Early voting has also shown us some characters that could become Cinderella stories. Dobby the House Elf, the adorable rascal who made the ultimate sacrifice to save Harry and company, shot out to a maybe-we-should-call-it-now lead over Gryffindor half-blood Dean Thomas. Maybe now it's time for Dobby, who's always been the servant until now, to lead a fan-supported charge. Yet the floppy-eared elf could well run up against Severus Snape, who himself is dominating a first-round matchup with Death Eater spawn Vincent Crabbe, in the Sweet 16.
Snape, as "Potter" buffs know, has one of the most complex and satisfying character arcs in the entire series. Only Dobby, we presume, stands between him and an Elite Eight showdown with Harry. That's the main action in the Privet Drive quadrant of the bracket. Over in Godric's Hollow, while Hermione is busy wiping the floor with Rita, the phoenix Fawkes is straight up embarrassing poor Nearly Headless Nick. But voting in Albus Dumbledore's game hasn't even started. If you ask us, anyone who thinks someone like Dark Arts defender Remus Lupin is going to stand in the way of a Hermione vs. Dumbledore Elite Eight face off is crazy.
See the full bracket and vote!
Things haven't even gotten started on the other side of the bracket. There's a whole lot of Weasley brawling going on in the Hogsmeade section, not only with Ron securing the top seed but with Arthur cruelly conjuring up a war with his son Percy. But all that may become background noise once Cedric Diggory (memorably, if briefly, portrayed onscreen by one Robert Pattinson) gets in on the action. Even Ron Weasley, he who won the heart of Hermione, might not be able to take down the "Twilight" heartthrob. Voting kicks off Wednesday.
And then in Diagon Alley, we find perhaps the tournament's most competitive corner. Count 'em off: Lord Voldemort, Draco Malfoy (whose Tom Felton has collected two straight MTV Movie Award Best Villain wins), Sirius Black and his murderer, Bellatrix Lestrange. About the only thing we can predict at this point is that Lord V is going to freaking destroy Moaning Myrtle, who might need a new nickname soon. Voting in these matches begins on Thursday.
Who is the best "Harry Potter" character of all time? The "Harry Potter" World Cup will find out! Voting is going on now over on the MTV Movies Blog, and you can also get the debate going on Twitter with the hashtag #mtvpottercup.
Related Videos Related PhotosNo Pippa Fling! Prince Harry Is "100% Single"
Sorry royal fans!
It seems that Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton are NOT dating.
After splitting with his on-and-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy last month, Harry says he is now "100% single."
Spotted at the Hard Rock Calling concert in Hyde Park Friday night, the prince was seen chatting up some very lovely ladies, including a blonde American.
When asked [...]
It seems that Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton are NOT dating.
After splitting with his on-and-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy last month, Harry says he is now "100% single."
Spotted at the Hard Rock Calling concert in Hyde Park Friday night, the prince was seen chatting up some very lovely ladies, including a blonde American.
When asked [...]
Monet Mazur: Having Two Kids ?Is Like Having 10?
"It's easier the second time around because it's less scary, but it's harder having two because two is like having 10," the actress, 35, tells PEOPLE at the I Heart Ronson & JCPenney party on Tuesday.
Luján Fernández Magdalena Wróbel Maggie Grace Maggie Gyllenhaal
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Britney Spears Drops Official 'Till The World Ends' Remix
New track with Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha follows leaked version, plus Brit tweets single's cover art.
By Jocelyn Vena
The "Till the World Ends" Femme Fatale remix
Photo: Jive
Just days after it was leaked on Friday, Britney Spears and her femme fatales, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha, dropped their official remix of "Till the World Ends."
The new version of the song was produced by Dr. Luke and Dream Machine. Brit half-whispers " 'Till the World Ends' remix" before the beat kicks in and Nicki hits her verse hard. She spits fierce lines like, "Sniff, sniff, cries/ I done slayed your whole entire f---ing life."
Then Britney's sex-kitten vocals kick in for the song's first verse. "That's Britney, bitch! I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha," the Queens MC declares before K sings the chorus. The beat is harder, the loops are sassier and the song is grimier than the original version, which was the second single from Femme Fatale. The newly added dubstep portion takes the one from "Hold It Against Me" to a new level by adding in bass-heavy synths.
Ke$ha, of course, wrote the track for Britney, and the ladies certainly don't seem to mind sharing the spotlight with each other. The official track isn't much different than the version that leaked over the weekend, though Spears did have something brand-new to share with her fans just as the song dropped on iTunes and streamed on her website.
Spears tweeted the artwork for the single, which features the original press photo of Spears along with separate photos of Nicki on the left and Ke$ha on the right. Spears wrote, "@NickiMinaj @Keshasuxx Too much fierceness for one cover! Thanks for lending your voices girls... #TTWEREMIX — Brit"
Spears and Minaj have been hanging out a lot in the lead-up to their summer tour. They hung out at the Factory nightclub on Friday night after Minaj's show in Los Angeles. Spears later wrote, "Early rehearsal after a late night with my girl @NickiMinaj. Can't WAIT to get out on the road with you."
What do you think of the "Till the World Ends" remix? Tell us in the comments!
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Ke$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!
Related Videos Related ArtistsCameron Diaz Bad Teacher Interview
From Bad Teacher costar Justin Timberlake to current beau Alex Rodriguez, Cameron Diaz has certainly had her share of hot celebrity boyfriends. And the actress admits that her acute interest in the opposite sex goes all the way back to middle school.
"I was always boy-crazy," the actress, 38, tells iVillage exclusively. "I always loved the boys, so junior high was sort of torture for me because it was the puberty time and everyone was like awkward and not knowing."
Luckily, Diaz outgrew the puberty phase, but the awkwardness returned when she teamed up with ex-boyfriend Timberlake for the upcoming raunchy comedy, Bad Teacher (in theaters June 24). Diaz and and the singer-actor, who dated for four years until 2007, not only had to work together -- they also had to simulate sex while clothed for the cameras! "We strived to create the least sexiest sex scene ever put on film," she says. "So it was all about the awkwardness."
Watch our exclusive video interview above to hear Diaz dish about the sexy teacher from her own school days and find out why she (jokingly) says she'll "only marry for money."
Mary Margaret's First Flight
So I'm at O'Hare right now getting ready to fly back to New York with my babies. Bev and Mary Margaret are in one bag together.
Earlier there was some cuddling, but now I hear a bit of growling. Mary Margaret has a tendency to terrorize poor Beverly...
The big thing I'm afraid of, however, isn't the growling—it's that Mary Margaret will poop in her bag. If she does poop, I've decided that I'm going to poop too, because me shitting myself will totally trump her shitting herself, right?
That's gross... girls shouldn't talk about poop.
Poop, poop, poop.
Anywho... I'll check in later to tell you how it goes. The flight is delayed right now, which just makes the possibility of pooping more likely. For me and her.
(I know, I know... girls shouldn't talk about poop.)
?Wee-Man? Gets Tattoo Tribute To Ryan Dunn (Video)
“Wee-Man” Gets Tattoo Tribute To Ryan Dunn (Video)
Jason “Wee-Man” Acuna has paid tribute to his late “Jackass” co-star, Ryan Dunn, by having his face tattooed on his leg.� Check out the video [...]
“Wee-Man” Gets Tattoo Tribute To Ryan Dunn (Video) Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Britney Spears Takes Down Paparazzi In 'I Wanna Go' Teaser
Spears sashays around NYC knocking out photogs with her microphone in the video, which debuts Wednesday.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears in her "I Wanna Go" video
Photo: Jive
It's been a while since Britney Spears decided to take down the paparazzi in one of her music videos (see "Pieces of Me"). In a new teaser for her "I Wanna Go" clip, a fit and smiling Spears is seeking ninja-like vengeance against her biggest enemies: the paparazzi and their prying lenses.
In the 30-second tease of the Chris Marrs Piliero-directed video, set to officially drop on Wednesday, Spears stands on a Los Angeles soundstage that's set to look like New York City and surveys the scene. She's standing atop a taxi, while cameramen surround her from all angles. Wielding a microphone, the singer whips it around like a weapon, knocking the paps from their positions.
These scenes are intercut with Spears standing alone and singing into that same microphone, wearing the T-shirt depicting a skull with Mickey Mouse ears from the single's cover art.
Spears tweeted out some stills from the video as well. In one, she's seen walking down a city street past an NYPD cop car. In another, with her hair undone and wearing a tight red shirt and lots of necklaces, she poses in profile up against a wall, lights flashing around her.
Sneak peeks of the "I Wanna Go" video seem to prove that the visuals will certainly match the song's reckless-abandon lyrics about busting loose from the confines of life, regardless of the consequences. She sings, "Lately I've been stuck imaginin'/ What I wanna do and what I really think, time to blow out/ Be a little inappropriate 'cause I know that everybody's/ Thinkin' it when the lights out/ Shame on me/ To need release/ Un-uncontrollably."
Related Videos Related ArtistsSaturday, June 25, 2011
Tori Amos Unveils The Album Artwork For ?Night Of Hunters?
Early last month, singer/songwriter Tori Amos announced the forthcoming release of a new album titled Night of Hunters. Along with the album announcement, Tori also unveiled the first batch of tour dates for the Night of Hunters Tour (which kicks off in Europe in September). Today, ToriAmos.com has been updated with the unveiling of the [...]
Michelle Obama Has 'Profound' Meeting With Nelson Mandela
We get an inside view of the first lady's meetings with South African leaders.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Lola Ogunnaike
Michelle Obama and Nelson Mandela
Photo: Whitehouse.gov
All this week, first lady Michelle Obama has been touring Africa with her mother and daughters as part of her ongoing work to engage and empower young people at home and abroad. Journalist Lola Ogunnaike has been covering the entire trip for BET as part of an upcoming special, "Impact on Africa: On a Mission With the First Lady." Ogunnaike called MTV News to share her insight and exclusive information about the experience. These are her words.
First lady Michelle Obama met with Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela's wife, at the Nelson Mandela Foundation earlier this week. It's clear to me the two of them enjoy a genuine rapport. Graça really seems to have an affinity for our first lady. She walked her around the museum, and the two of them looked at everything from old diaries to old itineraries to books to letters that he'd written.
One of the facts that seemed to take Obama aback was that at one point while Mandela was incarcerated — because he was incarcerated for 27 years — he was allowed to write only one letter every six months. You could see her face recoil. Can you imagine being able to communicate with the outside world only once every six months? I think it was something she was amazed by and which moved her in a profound way.
The first lady's mother and two daughters were there, and she joked with her daughters that they were going to be quizzed later on everything they'd learned. That got a cute laugh from the crowd.
The first lady also met with Nelson Mandela. It was a private meeting, but when I spoke about it with her during our interview, she said it was like meeting with family. It was one of the most profound moments of the journey for her. It was clear to me that it was a moment she'll hold dearly in her heart forever.
When she spoke about meeting him, her eyes lit up. She never thought she'd have the chance to meet him, let alone to have the opportunity to have her family meet him. To be sitting there with someone who was so instrumental in changing the direction of the world — and that's not an overstatement — was both a full-circle moment and a call to action for her.
Related VideosUsher - Fed Up (featuring Usher, Young Jeezy, Drake, Rick Ross)
Fed Up (featuring Usher, Young Jeezy, Drake, Rick Ross)
- Artist: Usher
- Label: We The Best, E1 Music
- Director: Gil Green
Cameron Diaz Cameron Richardson Camilla Belle Carla Campbell
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Thought She Bombed 'Transformers' Audition
'Dark of the Moon' director Michael Bay called and said, 'You're the girl,' the first-time actress tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
One of the many intriguing stories to emerge from the production and release of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is the casting of new leading lady and first-time actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. In addition to making headlines for replacing Megan Fox as the new "Transformers" "It" girl, the fact that Whiteley comes to Hollywood from the equally glamorous world of modeling has only added to her appeal.
The Victoria's Secret model's acting abilities have already been touted and praised by her co-stars, Shia LaBeouf and Tyrese Gibson, but when MTV News caught up with the newbie, we asked her about the intensity of the audition process.
"I went to the audition and really I knew nothing about the role," Whiteley said. "No one had said anything; it was just a role in 'Transformers,' so I kind of thought it would be an extra part or a cameo or something. I went in a bit blind and also, it was my first-ever audition. I went in completely not knowing what I was doing. I left feeling not confident."
Whiteley didn't have long to wallow in her uncertainty, because a couple days after that audition, director Michael Bay phoned her directly. "He was like, 'Yeah, you're the girl,' " she recalled.
Before landing the big-screen role, Whiteley had dabbled in some amateur acting via school plays and a short film for lingerie company Agent Provocateur, but "Dark of the Moon" was definitely her first real gig.
So has she been bitten by the acting bug?
"Yeah, I've been so lucky because doing this film, I got to try a little bit of everything," she said. "There's something for everyone in it: There's the romance, the comedy, the drama, the action, there's the special effects."
But as to whether we'll see her back on the big screen soon, Whiteley wasn't so sure. "I'm really hoping to do another movie," she said. "I'm working toward that, although I very much hope to stay in the fashion industry; it's my first love. We'll see what happens. I've got no idea."
Check out everything we've got on "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosLindsay Lohan Reportedly Fails An Alcohol Test While On House Arrest
Lord … you knew it was bound to happen AGAIN sooner or later. Wonder of wonders, Lindsay Lohan — who is currently on house arrest after being convicted of jewelry theft and probation violation — has been ordered back to court this morning after she reportedly failed at least one of two alcohol tests. Lohan [...]
Friday, June 24, 2011
Tom Cruise Is 'Astonishing' In 'Rock Of Ages,' Julianne Hough Says
'I'm not kidding, the guy can sing,' the 'Dancing With the Stars' alum tells MTV News.
By Christina Garibaldi
Tom Cruise in "Rock of Ages"
Photo: Courtesy Tom Cruise
On Friday, Tom Cruise posted a photo of himself on his website as '80s rocker Stacee Jaxx, for his role in the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical "Rock of Ages." Cruise, who is shirtless in the photo, is sporting long hair and tattoos for his character, who will belt out '80s classics such as Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive," Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and a group performance of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."
Yet, the question on everyone's mind is: Can he sing? Well, according to co-star Julianne Hough, the answer is yes.
"I'm not kidding, the guy can sing," Hough told MTV News on Monday (June 20) at the CESAR Canine Cuisine and American Humane Association's voting kickoff for the Hero Dog Awards. "The guy can dance, the guy obviously can act. I mean, he can do it all, and he does it all very well."
Yet, unfortunately for Hough, she wasn't on set the first day Cruise transformed into character, but that doesn't mean she didn't hear all about it.
"I wasn't there for the first day of shooting for his stuff, but I just got people emailing me, like, 'Oh my gosh,' chills, standing ovation, holy crap, the crew was blown away," Hough gushed. "And I'm like, 'I missed it! What the heck?' So, he's astonishing."
However, the "Dancing With the Stars" alum did get to hear Cruise's singing voice, and she had to agree with the rest of the crew: He is the real deal.
"Yeah, oh yeah, it's ridiculous." Hough said. "There are no words to describe how amazing Tom is. I mean, he's so in it."
Hough, who wraps shooting on "Rock of Ages" in August, plays lead character Sherrie Christian alongside an all-star cast, including Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige.
"It's hilarious. None of us take each other seriously, because we are all decked out, '80s-style." Hough said of being on set. "Alec Baldwin is wearing a blond wig. I mean, having Russell Brand on set is a hoot in itself. We are literally having the time of our lives."
Yet, it hasn't all been fun on set: Hough had to get down and dirty for a love scene with co-star Diego Boneta, but it's not what you think.
"We did a shoot, a very, very romantic scene between Diego, who is my co-star, on top of a landfill," Hough revealed. "So we had to be very romantic and make out, and all we could smell is nastiness and garbage. Nothing says romance like garbage."
Check out everything we've got on "Rock of Ages."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Lady Gaga Is 'Just A Normal Girl' ... On 25-Inch Heels
As Born This Way rules the charts another week, producer DJ White Shadow says Gaga hasn't changed since they first met.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
As Lady Gaga holds onto the #1 spot on Billboard, for the second straight week, with her chart-topping album Born This Way, DJ White Shadow is no doubt enjoying the success. When we caught up with the producer recently, he told us how their collaboration started off as a long-distance relationship.
Back in 2009, White Shadow was approached to work on a co-headlining tour for Lady Gaga and Kanye West. After their Fame Kills Tour was canceled, though, Shadow was asked to focus on the next phase in Gaga's career. The producer and the pop star had already built quite a foundation by the time they finally met in person in the summer of 2010. And while Shadow wasn't completely sure what the encounter would be like, he had some clue that they would get along famously.
"We had talked for so long before [we met in person]. We had talked on the phone or talked on iChat, in emails; I think we kind of knew about each other's personalities," he told MTV News. "I mean, obviously, I was excited to meet her. I felt like we were long-distance pen pals."
What he found out is that despite all of the unusual costumes, Gaga is a pretty regular 25-year-old. "She's, like, super cool. I think everybody gets weirded out by 'Oh, she looks so crazy on those 25-inch heels and the hair-bow,' or whatever's going on at the time, but she's just a normal girl. Like, she's funny. She's really funny and super cool."
Shadow worked closely with Gaga and BTW musical director Fernando Garibay to create a pop album that would push the envelope. The DJ/producer worked on heavy-hitting tracks like "Born This Way," "Government Hooker," "Americano" and "Bloody Mary," to name a few.
So, how is Gaga as a boss, we wanted to know. "She's the best boss. She's a great friend," he said. "She's amazing.
"Here's the funny thing about this: People ask that question but I'm telling you, 'cause everyone wants to [know], 'Does she say something to you as her friend or someone you know that she writes music with that she doesn't say to us? Does she talk about New York in a way that she wouldn't have done into a camera?' And the answer is no," he explained. "I've never seen her say something that was disingenuous."
Bottom line: Gaga is always Gaga. "The stories that she tells, the way that she looks on camera and the way that she acts ... that's how she is. That's her character. She is the same."
In fact, like most New Yorkers, Gaga loves to shop for a good bargain. "I was walking down the street in front of the studio one day and she's shopping for $20 shoes. She's New York. We've been to dinner a couple times ... just go to normal restaurants. It's New York, it's her home, right?" he said. "So, I've definitely heard all the stories that she's telling. She's very open."
What's your favorite Born This Way track? Tell us in the comments!
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'Transformers' Stars Talk Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Vs. Megan Fox
'Rosie is going to surprise a lot of people,' 'Dark of the Moon' co-star Tyrese Gibson tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
Much ado has been made about the upcoming "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." From casting to the story line to the 3-D, it seems nothing about the filmmaking process on the third installment of the franchise has gone unnoticed. Thankfully, with the film's June 29 release date quickly approaching, the castmembers have not only been out promoting the movie, but also dispelling some of the anxiety and nitpicking that has surfaced on the Interwebs.
Regarding the casting, specifically the addition of Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley after the departure of former "Transformers" "It" girl Megan Fox, the action flick's male stars expressed nothing but love and admiration for the first-time actress.
"Rosie is going to surprise a lot of people," Tyrese Gibson told MTV News recently. "I have to go on record and say that she did not replace Megan Fox. She's a brand-new character; her name is Carly in the movie," he explained. "Her name is not Mikaela, it's Carly," he reiterated, referring to Fox's character in the previous installments. "She's going to surprise a lot of people with her focus and energy that she's bringing to the franchise.
"She was very focused, very classy, very easy to work with," he continued. "I was really glad she came aboard."
Shia LaBeouf said that while Megan Fox seemed a bit overwhelmed by all of the sudden attention she received post-"Transformers," Huntington-Whiteley, with her experience as a swimsuit and underwear model, came to the set fully prepared for what would be required of her in the summer blockbuster.
"She completely owns her sexuality, which I think helps especially on a movie like this where it's a blanket summer movie and there are certain requirements of a woman in a summer movie," LaBeouf explained. "She owns her sexuality and she doesn't shy from it. I think it was a harder gap to cross, in terms of Megan going from complete obscurity to being the sexiest woman in the world in a movie. [It] is a greater leap and transition than to go from being a Victoria's Secret model to then being the hottest actress in the world," he added. "It's an easier transition because she already had that in her pocket when she came to set. She was able to be strong in her femininity as opposed to trying to shy away from it.
"[That attitude] helps everything," he continued. "Especially with Mike [Bay] where conversations are blunt and they lack tact, and you're in the middle of a firefight so it's bare essentials. "
Do you think Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was a good choice to succeed Megan Fox? Tell us in the comments!
Check out everything we've got on "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Beyonce Responds To 4 Album Leak
'While this is not how I wanted to present my new songs, I appreciate the positive response,' she tells MTV News in a statement.
By Gil Kaufman
Beyonce's <i>4</i>
Photo: Columbia
Beyoncé is taking a glass-half-full approach to the leak of her entire 4 album three weeks before its June 28 release date.
In a statement released to MTV News on Wednesday (June 8), Beyoncé lamented the early arrival but said she's making the most of the eagerness of her fans to get their hands on her first new batch of songs since 2008's double-disc I Am ... Sasha Fierce.
"My music was leaked and while this is not how I wanted to present my new songs, I appreciate the positive response from my fans," the singer wrote. "When I record music I always think about my fans singing every note and dancing to every beat. I make music to make people happy and I appreciate that everyone has been so anxious to hear my new songs."
Beyoncé fans were psyched Tuesday when her collabo with Andre 3000, "Party," leaked weeks before the new album was due. It was one of several leaks the album has faced over the past week. A short time after the Kanye West and Consequence-produced "Party" slipped out, another song, "Countdown," which samples the Boyz II Men tune "Uhh Ahh," also surfaced, followed by the entire album.
While B's team scrambles to take down the offending links that have popped up all over the Web, some online rogues have taken to Twitter to put up links, making it harder for the label to track down the music. Fans have already gotten a number of listens to tunes from the disc, including the uptempo dancehall first single "Run the World (Girls)," the lush ballad "1+1" and the second official single "Best Thing I Never Had." Another tune, "End of Time," which samples late Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti, has also leaked online.
Have you heard any of the leaked album, or are you waiting for the official release? Let us know in the comments.
Related ArtistsJennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux: "Inside the Actor's Studio"
Finished up with the day's press duties, Jennifer Aniston was spotted at Pace University in New York City on Thursday night (June 23).
The "Marley & Me" actress was on-hand for a taping of "Inside the Actor's Studio" with host James Lipton while joined by boyfriend Justin Theroux - with the segment set to air at an undisclosed date next month.
The "Inside the Actor's Studio" stop coincides with the upcoming release of Miss Aniston's new movie "Horrible Bosses" - which hits theaters on July 8th.
Co-starring Jason Bateman and Kevin Spacey, the film is about "three friends who conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness."
Usher - Trading Places
- Artist: Usher
- Label: Zomba/LaFace Records
- Director: Chris Robinson
- Album: Here I Stand
Katharine McPhee Katharine Towne Katherine Heigl Katie Cassidy
Thursday, June 23, 2011
'The Departed' Inspiration Whitey Bulger Captured by FBI
After 16 years on the lam, James "Whitey" Bulger, a fugitive Boston mob boss who inspired Jack Nicholson's character in The Departed, has been captured by the FBI. According to People, the FBI nabbed Bulger -- a staple on the Bureau's Ten Most Wanted list for the better part of the last two decades -- in California on Wednesday.
Bulger, now 81, was wanted for his role in 19 murders in the 1970s and 1980s in connection with his organized crime ring in the Boston, Mass., area. A former FBI informant, Bulger fled from authorities in January 1995, when retired agent John J. Connolly warned him that his indictment was imminent on charges of racketeering. When Bulger's mob associates found out he was an informant, they aided the FBI in unearthing the graves of Bulger's various victims.
The FBI had long supposed that Bulger was hiding out in California, but hadn't been able to pin down his location. They caught a break in the case last week, after airing some new daytime TV spots aimed at female viewers, describing in detail what was known about Bulger's girlfriend, 60-year-old Catherine Greig. Greig, a dental hygienist, is obsessed with her appearance, frequenting plastic surgeons, teeth cleaners, and beauty salons, a very specific profile which the FBI utilized in notifying the public. After the spots ran for a couple of days, the FBI received a tip that a couple matching the description of Bulger and Greig were holed up in an apartment in Santa Monica, Ca. The FBI arrested them there without incident.
The capture of Bulger was a welcome relief to the FBI. As Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Kelly told reporters this morning, "It's a long time coming, and we're glad he's finally in custody."
Bulger is set to appear in court Thursday, where he will finally face charges of murder, money laundering, extortion and narcotics distribution. Greig will be charged with harboring a fugitive.
'True Blood' Rookies Introduce Their New Characters
Vedette Lim, Fiona Shaw, Javina Gavankar and more newbies give us the low-down.
By Kara Warner
Alexander Skarsgaard, Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer at the "True Blood" Season 4 premiere
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
For all the "True Blood" fans out there, the wait from the end of one season to the start of a new one can be quite grueling. So much so that HBO employed the Twitter hashtag #waitingsucks in its "True Blood" marketing campaigns — and fans couldn't agree more.
Luckily, the waiting game is about to end with the premiere of the fourth season on HBO this Sunday. MTV News spent some quality time with the cast at the show's premiere earlier this week, where we asked the newest faces of "True Blood" to introduce themselves to fans. Very minor spoilers ahead.
"I play Naomi, I am a good friend of Tara," newcomer Vedette Lim told us. And be advised to take Lim's use of "friend of Tara" loosely. "I'm a cage fighter, clearly," she added, showing off her not-so-intimidating guns.
"I'm a vampire, if you can see the pale skin," said Aaron Perilo, who plays devious Blackburn. "I'm pretty old so I'm very fast. I kind of have an attitude — I don't know if that's a talent. I have a bloodthirsty attitude where I like to get in trouble." Sounds like he'll fit right in then!
Next up is legendary actress Fiona Shaw, whose résumé is too lengthy to list, but many may recognize her from her recent work as Petunia Dursley in the "Harry Potter" film franchise. Shaw plays a very dedicated witch and coven leader Marnie. She's also already a cast favorite. Her work is so convincing that many of her "True Blood" co-stars claimed to be officially obsessed with her.
"Marnie is a witch. She's not a very good witch, but she becomes a very powerful witch as the thing goes on," Shaw explained. "It's been very interesting for me to play someone so out there, so weird, so lonely, so desperate, so isolated. It's been a very big challenge, the lack of vanity to really go there, and I think I have done that."
Three other witches to look out for are Roy, Casey and Antonia, played by Dean Chelcvala, Fiona Dourif and Paula Turbay, respectively. Roy and Casey are a part of Marnie's coven, while Antonia is the more mysterious and possibly dangerous presence.
"[Antonia] is a witch from the era of the Inquisition," Turbay revealed. "Her spirit is haunting the vampires, and she's around and she's causing a lot of trouble."
Last but certainly not least is Luna, a new shape-shifter and potential romantic interest for everyone's favorite bar owner Sam Merlotte.
"She is also a schoolteacher by day, shape-shifter by night," Javina Gavankar said of her character. "She is a nice girl with a big old past," added Gavankar, whom you might recognize from other TV roles on "The League" and the short-lived "Traffic Light." "[She] is just trying to do the right thing and be drama-free and keep it together and live a simple life in Bon Temps."
Which new character are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!
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