Thursday, June 30, 2011
KarmaloopTV proudly introduces Girlhattan
?Girlhattan? is the story of Rachel and Joanna, two wildly self-confident girls from Orlando who move to New York to work in PR and ?run this town.? Starring Jonathan Sollis and Fabrizio Goldstein (The Fat Jew). The first season follows Rachel and Joanna on their quest to become ?It? PR Girls and absolutely dominate anyone [...]
Michael Jackson - Beat It
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Director: Bob Giraldi
- Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel
Justin Bieber's Grammy Performance Will Be 'A Crossover,' Usher Says
The 'O.M.G.' singer looks forward to sharing the stage with his protégé on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery
Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.
Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.
"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."
And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.
"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."
And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.
"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."
Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!
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Lady Gaga's Meat Dress Stays Fresh At Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
It's 'definitely one of the stranger pieces' on display, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame curator Jim Henke tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga at the 2010 VMAs
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images
Oh, that meat dress! Nearly a year after Lady Gaga wore it at the MTV Video Music Awards, the costume made of various cuts of meat that designer Franc Fernandez and stylist Nicola Formichetti put together is still making headlines.
On Thursday (June 16), that dress will join the "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power'' exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, where it will sit on display along with Gaga's childhood piano and Armani Prive orbit gown, which she wore to the 2011 Grammys, until February 2012.
"I was talking to Lady Gaga's managers, and this is probably around November [of last year], and basically talked about different things, and we talked about the meat dress and we thought it would be great to add it to the exhibit just because of all the notoriety it has, so that's basically how it came about," RRHOF chief curator Jim Henke told MTV News. "We thought the meat dress would really be cool."
So, how will the folks at the Rock Hall keep it fresh until it wraps up its stint there? "It's going to be in a case and we are putting some canisters in there to control the humidity, and then we have this other canister that soaks up the glutens," he explained. "But it's in a sealed case and we have the gels to control the environment in there."
However, it took some work to get it to the point where it can hang around the Rock Hall along with a number of other high-profile memorabilia without seeming super-gross. Henke explained, "We went back to Franc Fernandez ... ultimately what we decided to do, we sent it to a taxidermist, they put it into a meat locker and then we started working on it and created this [chemical] solution and treated it with that.
"And then they had a body form, and when it was still wet, they put it on the body form and then it dried on there," he continued. "And then they had to do a little bit of painting to bring it back and give it a little bit more color."
Gaga hasn't been shy about making the dress into jerky or wanting to have her extensive wardrobe in a museum, as she shared on "The Graham Norton Show." "I keep everything and dream of having a museum of all my clothes. I have an archive house for all my clothes," she said. "[The dress has] been jerked. It stank. It was fabulous. I never want to talk to anyone at those big celebrity functions because I feel awkward, and it was great — because it stunk, I didn't have to talk to anyone."
Having the dress in the exhibit is quite an honor and it's an interesting piece, but Henke notes this isn't the most bizarre exhibit at the RRHOF. "Definitely one of the stranger pieces," he laughed about the dress, adding, "There are some other weird things. We actually have [pioneering radio DJ] Alan Freed's ashes."
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Amber Rose isn?t taking any chances with current flame Wiz Khalifa after losing Kanye West last year
Spies at the Mirage’s club Jet said that Rose — sporting a form-fitting, orange leopard-print jumpsuit — got tetchy when female fans paid the “Black and Yellow” rapper attention at a party after his concert. “She was hanging right over Wiz’s shoulder to deter other women,” a source said. When he played a set, Rose [...]
Hilary Swank Isla Fisher Ivana Bozilovic Ivanka Trump Izabella Miko
Britney Spears' 'I Wanna Go': A Pop-Culture Cheat Sheet
From 'Crossroads' to seashells, here's a look at the references in Britney's latest video.
By James Montgomery
Britney Spears in her music video for "I Wanna Go"
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears' new "I Wanna Go" video is, like some of her past clips, an all-out affront to the pesky paparazzi that follow her every move. But, unlike any video she's done previously, this one tackles the issue with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
See, "Go" is essentially one long dream sequence — instigated by the rote questions Spears is forced to endure by members of the media — and, as such, it's packed with pop-culture nods to film and television (and whistling dogs too). And that fact not only makes it pretty funny, but it sets it apart from most of Brit's other work. And though we've done pop-culture cheat sheets for her other videos, rarely have they been as much fun as they were this time out.
So, without further ado, alphabetized and cross-referenced for your perusing pleasure, here's our "I Wanna Go" cheat sheet:
"Crossroads": Epically bad 2002 coming-of-age flick starring Spears herself (written, interestingly enough, by "Grey's Anatomy" mastermind Shonda Rhimes). In a rare self-effacing moment, the supposed sequel — "Crossroads 2: Cross Harder" — is teased on a theater marquee in "I Wanna Go."
E*Trade Baby: Lippy, fiscally savvy infant who stars in an ongoing series of commercials for the financial company. In "I Wanna Go," there's a baby too, and while he doesn't dispense any trading tips, he does whistle, using the same creepy, CGIed mouth effects the E*Trade ads do.
"Half Baked": Cult 1998 stoner comedy starring Dave Chappelle as a weed-obsessed "master of the custodial arts" (and a weed-addled rapper named Sir Smoke-a-lot), who runs with an appropriately stony crew. Said crew includes actor Guillermo Diaz, who quits his crappy fast-food job in truly epic fashion. The scene is replayed verbatim at the beginning of "I Wanna Go," only with Britney delivering the "F--- you, f--- you, f--- you, you're cool and f--- you ... I'm out!" line. As an added bonus, Diaz also co-stars in the video. Truly the most inexplicably awesome part of the entire production.
"Kill Bill": Ultra-gory 2003 revenge flick written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, it stars Uma Thurman as Beatrix Kiddo, a bride out to avenge her wedding-day massacre. She battles several baddies throughout, including Gogo Yubari, a sadistic 17-year-old who wields a meteor hammer. In "I Wanna Go," Britney uses a microphone in much the same fashion — namely, to bash those pesky paparazzi.
"The Mickey Mouse Club": Oft-revived Disney variety show/ teen-sploitation factory that famously featured young stars like Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling (!) and, of course, Britney. She pays homage to her Mouseketeer days in "I Wanna Go" by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a Mickey Mouse skull.
Seashells: Hard, protective exoskeletons created by sea-dwelling creatures. In "I Wanna Go," Diaz's character gives Britney a handful of them, and since the majority of the clip takes place in her daydream, we're going to get deep here: In dreams, seashells represent security or protection.
"Terminator 2: Judgment Day": The 1991 sci-fi blockbuster featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular Terminator, sent back in time to protect a young John Connor from the nefarious T-1000. Arnie suffers severe battle damage throughout, including one scene where half his face is blasted off, revealing a glowing cyborg eye beneath his skin. That same scene is shown in "I Wanna Go," though it's the paparazzi who are revealed to be robotic killing machines.
"Thriller": Iconic 1984 Michael Jackson mini-movie that may very well be the greatest music video ever made. It concludes with a famous freeze frame (and subsequent zoom-in) of MJ with glowing eyes and Vincent Price's legendary cackle. Britney pays tribute to the scene at the ending of "I Wanna Go," though it's Diaz's eyes that are glowing. We're not sure who provides the cackle.
Did we miss anything? Share the pop-culture tidbits you picked up in the comments below!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsAisha Tyler Aki Ross Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio Alexis Bledel
'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' Trailer Premieres
First sneak peek at Tom Cruise's fourth 'Mission' teases death-defying stunts.
By Kara Warner
Paula Patton and Tom Cruise in "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
If there is one thing we can count on from Tom Cruise in a "Mission: Impossible" movie, it is mind-blowing action and stunt sequences. From his first foray into the spy-tastic world of Ethan Hunt to his fourth, the upcoming "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," Cruise has been one-upping himself in the stunt category. And judging from the first official trailer, which was released Tuesday evening (June 28), his work on the fourth "Mission," directed by "The Incredibles" helmer Brad Bird, is no exception.
The trailer opens with the ominous words of Tom Wilkinson, whose character name we have yet to learn, essentially laying out the nuts and bolts of the plot.
"An hour ago, a bomb blew up the Kremlin," he says, as footage of the Kremlin blowing up appear onscreen. "The president has initiated Ghost Protocol, the entire IMF has been disavowed," he explains of Ethan Hunt's (Tom Cruise) spy organization. "Now, I've been ordered to take you to Washington where they will hang the Kremlin bombing on you and your team, unless you were to escape after assaulting Brandt and me," says Wilkinson, shown seated in a car with Brandt (played by Jeremy Renner) and Hunt. "But if any of your team is caught, they'll be branded as terrorists."
"So what happens now?" Hunt asks.
"Your mission, should you choose to accept it," Wilkinson begins, recalling the series' famous line before being cut off so he won't spoil the plot entirely (although, if were to guess, the mission is probably to prove his team's innocence in the Kremlin bombing). His words are followed by a series of quick cuts that showcase and introduce the various castmembers, potential villains, etc. Renner as Brandt, Paula Patton, a serious-looking Josh Holloway, Cruise as Hunt in a series of wardrobe changes ranging from dapper formal wear to more rugged leather.
Then we see snippets of those famous Cruise-brand action sequences: car chases, underwater escapes, machine-gun fire, hand-to-hand combat, lots of running, more fighting and martial arts, more running, and plenty of spy-associated breaking and entering, which all leads up to a potential character reveal about Brandt.
"Who are you really, Brandt?" Hunt asks, in a scene where the two characters apparently come to blows.
"We all have our secrets," Brandt responds. "Don't we, Ethan?"
Cue the famous bars of Lalo Schrifin's "Theme From Mission: Impossible," which plays over Hunt looking out over Dubai, standing on the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. This is followed by a quick cut to a previous scene wherein tech master Benji Dunn (played by Simon Pegg) shows Hunt how to use a pair of fancy gadget gloves, which we soon see help him scale the Burj.
"You're not going to make it!" Brandt yells to Hunt, who is climbing and jumping up and around the side of the building.
"You're not helping," Hunt says, before the final shot, which shows the superspy repelling away from the Burj with a rope, which he loses midair and looks to plummet to the ground. Fade to black and the film's official titling.
Cruise's wife, Katie Holmes, told MTV News recently that she was privy to a sneak peek of the film and that it's "amazing." "The movie is going to be very cool and intense and the best 'Mission' yet."
First-time live-action director Bird echoed Holmes' sentiments, adding that Cruise did a lot of the craziest and most dangerous stunts himself.
"It's big and it is crazy," he said. "I think the craziest thing is that [the stunts] are real they're not digital. That's Tom Cruise on the tallest building in the world, he's doing all that stuff," Bird said of Cruise's death-defying stunts. "People won't believe it, but we shot it in IMAX so it's there for everyone to see."
Check out everything we've got on "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez
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."
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Justin Bieber - Next To You
- Artist: Justin Bieber
- Label: Jive, JLG
- Director: Collin Tilley
Carmen Electra Carol Grow Carrie Underwood Cat Power Catherine Bell
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Lindsay Lohan Released from House Arrest
Things are looking up for Lindsay Lohan. The 24-year-old actress was released from her court-ordered house arrest on Wednesday after serving just 35 days of her four-month sentence, which she received for a probation violation stemming from her 2007 DUI arrest.
"She completed her home dentention today and she's now back under the supervision of the courts and probation," an L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman confirms to People. Although Lohan still has community service, psychological counseling and a Shoplifters Alternative program on her plate, she can now walk out of her Venice Beach, Calif., townhouse a free woman and is no longer subject to drug and alcohol tests. As the cherry on top of this good-news sundae, she'll also be celebrating her 25th birthday this weekend.
Knowing Lindsay, she's not going to let her house-arrest release or her birthday slip by without a party -- and MSNBC says that she's already got one booked. So what's on the agenda? Non-alcoholic beer? "Congrats on the End of House Arrest" balloons? Well -- not quite.
According to MSNBC, Lohan is on the guest list for an exclusive party in Southampton, New York, on July 2, which happens to be her birthday. The party's theme is "L.A. Takes Over the Hamptons," and the celebs expected to attend includes Chloe Sevnigny, Liv Tyler, and Lohan's ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson.
In other words: Lindsay, who is trying to act more responsibly, is going to be around hard-partying New York socialites, free-flowing drinks and her most recent ex. Is this a good idea?
"We're choosing to let Lindsay celebrate her birthday with family and friends privately," says Lohan's rep, refusing to comment on the actress' weekend plans.
We wouldn't blame Lohan for wanting to get out and enjoy herself -- but we hope she's keeping in mind that just last week, she was nearly sent back to jail for violating her probation by drinking alcohol (turns out, she hadn't violated probation because she was no longer required to take drug/alcohol tests). So fingers crossed she keeps that in mind when celebrating her re-release into the world. At least Lohan's keeping her goals in mind; she tweeted this week that she would love to work with The Kids Are All Right director Lisa Cholodenko.
Lohan is due back in court on July 21, and still has community service to complete. So even if she is partying in the Hamptons this weekend, she'll soon be returning to Los Angeles... to mop floors at the county morgue. Nobody ever said making a comeback was easy!
Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears Brittany Daniel Brittany Lee Brittany Murphy
Ke$ha - Blow
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Chris Maars
Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlies Angels
Alicia Keys Is Amazed With Her Wax Double At Madame Tussauds
Alicia Keys celebrated the 10th anniversary of her debut album Songs In A Minor by unveiling her wax likeness in her native New York on Tuesday. The Fallin’ singer posed for photographers next to her double at Madame Tussauds, and confessed she was amazed by the likeness. Keys said, “I actually think it’s really, really [...]
Jennifer Sky Jenny McCarthy Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel
Beyonce Set To Perform At 2011 BET Awards
Singer joins performers Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Drake and others at the live June 26 show.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyonce
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
Two days after her album 4 is officially released, Beyoncé is set to perform at the 2011BET Awards, which air live from Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium on June 26.
The "Run the World (Girls)" singer, known for power--packed performances, hasn't announced what she'll sing yet, but as it turns out, she's also nominated for an award at the show. The singer is up against Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson and Marsha Ambrosius in the Best Female R&B Artist category.
According to EW.com, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Trey Songz are also slated to perform on the awards show. And "The Voice" judge and "F--- You" singer Cee-Lo Green will make a special appearance on the show, the website reported. Previously announced performers include Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, Drake and Chris Brown, who's up for six awards.
Other big nominees for the night include Lil Wayne with 5 nods, as well as Kanye West, Drake and Rihanna, each with four noms. There's a surprising mix of contenders in the Video of the Year category, including Willow Smith for "Whip My Hair," Marsha Ambrosius' "Far Away," B.o.B's "Airplanes," Brown's "Look at Me Now," Hilson's "Pretty Girl Rock" and West's "Runaway."
Fans will have their say that night when they'll be asked to decide on the Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award. Competing in that category are Brown ("Look at Me Now," featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes), Rihanna ("What's My Name?"), Lil Wayne ("6 Foot 7 Foot," featuring Cory Gunz), Mindless Behavior ("My Girl"), Nicki Minaj ("Moment 4 Life," featuring Drake) and Trey Songz ("Bottoms Up," featuring Nicki Minaj).
Are you excited to see Beyoncé perform at the BET Awards? Tell us in the comments!
Related ArtistsUsher - Trading Places
- Artist: Usher
- Label: Zomba/LaFace Records
- Director: Chris Robinson
- Album: Here I Stand
Nik Richie Of ?The Dirty? Sued For $50 Million By Fox Reporter
Nik Richie Of “The Dirty” Sued For $50 Million By Fox Reporter
A Fox television reporter named Lauren Lee Gauck of Tennessee is suing the owner of TheDirty.com, Nik Richie, for posting fake nude photos of her [...]
Nik Richie Of “The Dirty” Sued For $50 Million By Fox Reporter Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Ananda Lewis Angela Marcello Angelina Jolie Anna Faris Anna Friel
Pet Tags
Man, I'm so irritated.
I just received four pets tags that I ordered for Bev and Mary Margaret (two for Brooklyn and two for LA) and they're all messed up. Not only did they leave off the "Margaret" on Mary Margaret's tags, but the text isn't centered correctly and runs off the right side on all four of them. (The last letter of the address is cut in half.) The tags themselves are also ugly. The edges aren't smoothed out... they look like someone just cut them from a piece of sheet metal and called it a day.
So anyway, I got them this morning on my way to Starbucks (yesterday's mail), so while I was there, I started drafting a strongly-worded letter in my head, like what I was going to say to these people when I sent them back.
And then I saw it.
In tiny print on the bottom of the invoice it said, "Our handicapped employees appreciate your order."
So now I can't send them back. If I did I'd be a total asshole.
I'm just going to order new ones from someplace else. Any recommendations?
Gina Philips Gisele Bündchen Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park
Newsweek Cover Shows What Princess Diana Would Look Like Today
The latest Newsweek cover contains a ghostly sight: a computer-generated image of a stylish Princess Diana, as she might look now, walking with Kate Middleton. The article inside was written by Diana biographer and longtime provocateur Tina Brown. She’s also Newsweek’s editor-in-chief, having taken over after her online publication, the Daily Beast, merged late last [...]
Estella Warren Esther Cañadas Eva Green Eva Longoria Eva Mendes
Family Photo: The Wilkinson-Basketts ? Bubblicious
Kendra Wilkinson soaks up a little sun ? and fun! ? during an afternoon in an L.A. park Friday with her boys, hubby Hank Baskett and son Hank Jr., 18 months.
Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Beyonce Takes Fans Inside 'Year Of 4' In MTV Special
Queen B takes fans behind the scenes of the year spent making her new album in special airing Thursday at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé in her "Year of <i>4</i>" special
Photo: MTV
Beyoncé released 4 on Tuesday (June 28), and she's taking fans behind-the-scenes of her new album in the MTV special "Beyoncé: Year of 4," set to premiere on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET/PT on MTV and BET, and at 7:30 on VH1 and Palladia (encore presentations will air later on MTV.com, MTV Hits and MTV Jams).
The special was filmed during Beyoncé's year off, as she set out to discover what she wanted next in her career. It kicks off as B wraps up her I Am Tour, and finds herself at a crossroads before eventually giving into her mother's advice to take some time off.
"My life was award shows and tour buses and hotels and it kind of goes by so fast ... I couldn't even hear it anymore," she says of her whirlwind schedule. "I'm just thinking about the next shoot ... the next video ... the next tour."
Fans are with Queen B as she travels, hangs out with family, friends and husband Jay-Z, and takes time to reflect on her crazy successful career. "I never even realized I needed a year off," she later says. "And I never realized I don't know how to take a year off."
During this reflective time in her life, Beyoncé also began working on her most eclectic album to date, mixing genres and styles to make 4. The special also takes a look at her career as she takes charge of her business. "It was very risky for me to set out on my own," she says. "Sometimes we don't reach for the stars, sometimes we are satisfied with what people tell us we're supposed to be satisfied with, and I'm just not going for it."
4, B's fourth solo album, is a mix of sassy uptempo tracks like the lead single "Run the World (Girls)," soft ballads like "1+1," as well as sassy midtempo songs like "Best Thing I Never Had." She worked with producers and artists like The-Dream, Kanye West and Andre 3000 for the release.
"Being able to take viewers behind the creative curtain of one of the world's most amazing and talented artists, Beyoncé, in the lead-up to her album release is a pure thrill," Van Toffler, President, MTV Music Group, LOGO and Film, said in a statement. "This honest and intimate special provides her audience and fans a rare opportunity to witness a true, musical genius at work and the stories that defined and inspired her incredible new album."
Tune in to "Beyoncé: Year of 4," airing Thursday, June 30, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on MTV and BET, and at 7:30 p.m. on VH1 and Palladia. Encore presentations follow on MTV.com, MTV Hits and MTV Jams.
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Is Kim Cattrall the Foxy Brown of East Hampton?
Residents in The Springs say the “Sex and the City” diva was “nose-to-nose” screaming at an 80-year-old neighbor over the weekend after she accused the man and his wife of trespassing. It started when Cattrall’s neighbors got fed up listening to work being done on the star’s driveway past 7 p.m. Saturday, sources said, and [...]
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Emma Watson Reveals Harry Potter Cast Crush
Emma Watson has stayed out of the relationship spotlight over the years, mostly because every second of her time has been spent filming or promoting the Harry Potter franchise.
But the 20-year old opens up in the latest issue of Seventeen and says she had a crush on a certain castmate back in the day.
"For the first two movies, I had a huge crush on Tom Felton," she says. "He was my first crush. He totally knows. We talked about it – we still laugh about it. We are really good friends now, and that’s cool.”
Watson and Felton will both play key roles in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, of course. It comes out on July 15 and you can check out its final trailer NOW!
Pick up the latest issue of Seventeen for a lot more from one of the most respected young stars out there.
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Tia Mowry Gives Birth To A Son!
She popped!
Tia Mowry and her husband of two years, Cory Hardrict, welcomed their first son today in EL Lay!
Such wonderful news!
Can't wait to hear about the little guy! What's his name, gurl?!
Congratulations are most certainly in order!
Hope you guys are getting some well-deserved rest as a family!
[Image via WENN.]
Tia Mowry and her husband of two years, Cory Hardrict, welcomed their first son today in EL Lay!
Such wonderful news!
Can't wait to hear about the little guy! What's his name, gurl?!
Congratulations are most certainly in order!
Hope you guys are getting some well-deserved rest as a family!
[Image via WENN.]
Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel
RZA Joins Cast Of 'G.I. Joe' Sequel
Wu-Tang Clan member will play martial arts character Blind Master.
By Gil Kaufman
RZA
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
When the "G.I. Joe" sequel gets under way, fans will see an almost all-new cast that not only includes Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson but could also feature Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer-turned-actor RZA.
The beatmeister will play a martial arts expert named the Blind Master, who once trained Joe commandos Snake Eyes and Jinx (Elodie Yung of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In addition to returning star Channing Tatum, another potential new face will be D.J. Cotrona, currently appearing on the TV show "Detroit 1-8-7." Both RZA and Cotrona are in negotiations to join the movie, which is being directed by Jon Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never").
" 'Joe' is something I've loved since I was a kid," Chu confessed to MTV News when word of his possible involvement first leaked earlier this year. "My era was 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' 'G.I. Joe' and 'Transformers.' When 'Joe' changed their theme song from the old-style 'Go Joe!' to 'Got to get tough, go Joe!' that was the era I was in. Those are the fun, glory years that I remember."
Cotrona is slated to play a character named Flint, one of Joe's soldiers best known from the 1980s comics for his signature shotgun and beret.
The mainstream flick is one of the most high-profile popcorn movie roles to date for RZA, who has previously appeared in films such as "Due Date," "Kill Bill," "Funny People" and "American Gangster." He recently wrapped work directing the martial arts movie "The Man With the Iron Fists," in which he co-stars with Russell Crowe and blaxploitation icon Pam Grier.
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
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Hugh Hefner's Two New Girlfriends
Hugh Hefner has certainly bounced back from his breakup with Crystal Harris!
A little over a week after his wedding plans to Crystal Harris came to a screeching halt, the Playboy mogul is tweeting about cozying up to not one, but two new sexy blondes.
As previously reported, Hefner has been spending a lot of time with Harris' best friend, Anna Sophia Berglund (right). And now he's adding another lady to the mix. Hef revealed that his latest love (who he calls "darling") is 27-year-old Canada native Shera Bechard (left).
"Shera is both our November 2011 Playmate & my new girlfriend," he twittered Monday. He added later, "A new GF is the only logical response to heartbreak."
Just last week, the jilted groom informed the Twitterverse that he had already replaced Harris, who called off their wedding five days before they were set to walk down the aisle.
"With Crystal gone, Anna is my best girl," Hefner, 85, twittered Friday. "Anna is really one in a million."
Well, maybe one of two in a million, now that Bechard is in the mix.
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'Glee' Season Finale Exclusive: Listen To 'Yeah!' Here
An a cappella girl group covers Usher's hit for Nationals in next week's episode.
By Aly Semigran
Usher
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
During this week's episode of "Glee", the gang from New Directions took a big risk when they decided they would compete in Nationals by singing their own original songs. Well, the stakes just got a little higher.
MTV News has an exclusive first listen to one of the rival groups who will go up against the McKinley High glee club in New York City during next Tuesday's (May 24) big season two finale. In the upcoming episode, an all-female a cappella group sings Usher's 2004 club and radio smash "Yeah!," which may have the Nationals judges saying just that.
Singers replace synthesizers for the four-note melody that repeats throughout the song, and lead vocalists RaVaughn Brown and Missi Hale match the high energy that Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris brought to the track.
Granted, a few things have been tweaked in the version for the tween-friendly show, including the length (the original is over four minutes long, while the "Glee" version comes in at three and a half minutes) and the tune's instructions to "Take that and rewind it back ... got the rhythm make ya booty go."
Also, instead of Ludacris' verse, "We want a lady in the street/ And a freak in the bed," one girl sings, "You know you want a kiss on the lips, old red." The line, "Ludacris fill cups like double D's" has also been cut from the song.
But, it's not all PG. At one point in the girls' rendition of the track, they page homage to Lil Jon's crunk hit "Get Low," singing, "From the windows to the walls" and even Mystikal's booty-happy single "Shake Ya Ass," when they urge, "Show me whatcha' workin' with."
At the 2005 Grammy Awards, the power trio of Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris won the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah!" But, will the song bring the same sort of fortune to this girl group at Nationals? Or will the glory all belong to New Directions this time? Gleeks will still have to wait a few more days to find out.
The "Glee" season finale airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on Fox, while "Glee": The Music, Volume 6, including the three new original songs "Light Up the World," "Pretending" and "As Long as You're There," will be available on Monday.
What do you think of this a cappella group's version of "Yeah!"? Let us know in the comments section below!
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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.
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Adriana Lima: Victoria?s Secret Sexy
Giving ladies another reason to hit up their local shopping center, Adriana Lima appears in a new photo shoot for Victoria?s Secret.
The fabulous supermodel shows off her hot body in the new line of apparel from the lingerie giant, offering a wide range of items on which to splurge.
Adriana explained that beauty is all about self-confidence. ?Being a bombshell is about embracing yourself and feeling confident.?
She continued, "You have to find something you feel comfortable in. It's not about showing more or less, it's about you feeling confident with what you're wearing. I love triangle-shaped tops and bottoms, the smallest ones possible because I hate tan lines."
And Ms. Lima is a big proponent for getting into a regular exercise regimen. ?Also it helps with your mood, you look great, it helps with your skin, and also it helps with my immune system too. I never get sick when I work out. I have actually more energy. Working out should be a part of everybody?s routine.?
Bar Refaeli Beyoncé Bianca Kajlich Bijou Phillips Blake Lively
Monday, June 27, 2011
Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Director: n/a
- Album: Moonwalker
Ke$ha - Blah Blah Blah
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Brendan Malloy
- Album: Animal [Clean]
America Ferrera Amerie Amy Cobb Amy Smart Ana Beatriz Barros
Music Executive Tommy Mottola & Singer Thalia Welcome Son
Music Executive Tommy Mottola & Singer Thalia Welcome Son
Tommy Mottola is a daddy again after his wife, Mexican singer Thalia, gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday. Tommy Mottola, who is the [...]
Music Executive Tommy Mottola & Singer Thalia Welcome Son Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Ana Hickmann Ana Ivanovi Ana Paula Lemes Ananda Lewis Angela Marcello
Michael Jackson - Hold My Hand
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Columbia Records/SMG
- Album: Michael
Aubrey ODay Audrina Patridge Autumn Reeser Avril Lavigne Bali Rodriguez
Usher - Spotlight
- Artist: Usher
- Label: Warner Bros. Records, Asylum, Mizay Ent
- Director: Benny Boom
- Album: The State vs. Radric Davis
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