Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson
Maggie Gyllenhaal Majandra Delfino Malia Jones Malin Akerman
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Beyoncé - Ego (Remix)
Ego (Remix)
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson
Stone Temple Pilots Reunited In Hopes Of Opening For Led Zeppelin, Bassist Says
'If time allows, there will definitely be new music,' Robert DeLeo adds of STP's future.By Chris Harris
Stone Temple Pilots' Robert DeLeo and Scott Weiland
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images
There are a number of reasons why Stone Temple Pilots decided to reunite after nearly five years apart — some are obvious, and others, not so much.
Of course, the financial windfall of reviving the grunge stalwarts for an extensive U.S. tour was too good to pass up, and bassist Robert DeLeo readily admits as much. And then there are the fans, the ones who had been with STP since the very beginning as well as those who discovered the band only after it first split back in 2003 and who, woefully, have yet to catch the Pilots live.
On a more personal level, though, Stone Temple Pilots' resurrection was purely selfish, and very much an anticipatory (not to mention optimistic) move on the band's part: If, after the months and months of rumors and denials, there ever is a full-on Led Zeppelin reunion tour, STP wanted to be ready to offer their services as an opening act.
"Believe me, that was one of the reasons," laughed DeLeo. "We thought, 'We should get together now, in case Zeppelin does tour.' I'm serious, man. That would be one hell of a bill: STP and Led Zeppelin. I mean, we could play a doghouse, out in the middle of the ocean, and if I got to play with Zeppelin, that would be a highlight of my life."
Yes, DeLeo — and the rest of the band — had several reservations about raising STP from the dead — a feat DeLeo jokingly referred to as "Mission Impossible." For the band's members, the idea of regrouping was terrifying at first, but with time, the boys settled their differences and tried to think positive.
"For me, it was about putting down some of the things that I was used to getting bitten by," explained the bassist — who, with guitar-playing brother Dean DeLeo, has been collaborating with Peter Frampton on material for his next LP. "After you get bitten, it's hard to go back. I wanted to go into this with an open frame of mind and a positive attitude and just have fun with it. We should have fun with it, which God knows we didn't always have with our career when we were younger. If that's all I can say, and that's what I can get out of this reunion, great.
"I think I speak for all of us when I say there's a lot of unfinished business that we didn't get around to the first go," he continued. "Enough time has gone by, and it feels really good to be back. I don't really want to put too much thought into how it feels — I'm just kind of going with it and keeping a good positive attitude about it. I just needed to get over the things that we all needed to get over, and that's been working so far. If everyone shows up and does this thing, I think it's going to be really amazing."
DeLeo claims that during recent rehearsals, STP were "sounding as good as ever," and he credits sobriety as part of the reason the band's in tip-top shape.
"My brother's going on four years of sobriety," he said. "We have a lot more clarity in the band now, and I think with clarity comes appreciation. I saw that the other night, when we played [a secret gig in Los Angeles]. I saw it in my eyes, and in the eyes of the rest of the band. There's a lot more rock in this band now."
As for an STP record, DeLeo is not 100 percent sure that's going to happen. The goal for STP over the next few weeks, he said, is to reacquaint themselves with their songbook and prepare for their return to the road. Once the band is back in that mindset, the bassist said new STP material is very possible.
"I've always got stuff written, and there's always a long list of songs that are always there — it's a matter of timing," DeLeo said. "If time allows, there will definitely be new music. I think it would be silly not to release new music. I'd like to believe we still have a writing relationship, but the first step is getting reacquainted with what we know."
While STP were on hiatus, frontman Scott Weiland teamed up with Velvet Revolver, and the DeLeo brothers joined forces with Filter's Richard Patrick for Army of Anyone — who are now on hiatus after releasing a poorly received self-titled LP. Does DeLeo foresee an AOA reunion somewhere down the line?
"You never know," he said. "It's just like STP — I didn't know if I was going to return. Whether we get back together and do anything, I think we made a great record, bottom line. That's all that matters to me. If we make another one, I want to make sure it's great, and that applies to STP and anything I do. But I was pretty heartbroken over [the feeble response to AOA's album]."
Related Photos
Stone Temple Pilots Launch 2008 Tour At L.A.'s Harry Houdini Estate
Related Artists
Stone Temple Pilots
Led Zeppelin
Stone Temple Pilots' Robert DeLeo and Scott Weiland
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images
There are a number of reasons why Stone Temple Pilots decided to reunite after nearly five years apart — some are obvious, and others, not so much.
Of course, the financial windfall of reviving the grunge stalwarts for an extensive U.S. tour was too good to pass up, and bassist Robert DeLeo readily admits as much. And then there are the fans, the ones who had been with STP since the very beginning as well as those who discovered the band only after it first split back in 2003 and who, woefully, have yet to catch the Pilots live.
On a more personal level, though, Stone Temple Pilots' resurrection was purely selfish, and very much an anticipatory (not to mention optimistic) move on the band's part: If, after the months and months of rumors and denials, there ever is a full-on Led Zeppelin reunion tour, STP wanted to be ready to offer their services as an opening act.
"Believe me, that was one of the reasons," laughed DeLeo. "We thought, 'We should get together now, in case Zeppelin does tour.' I'm serious, man. That would be one hell of a bill: STP and Led Zeppelin. I mean, we could play a doghouse, out in the middle of the ocean, and if I got to play with Zeppelin, that would be a highlight of my life."
Yes, DeLeo — and the rest of the band — had several reservations about raising STP from the dead — a feat DeLeo jokingly referred to as "Mission Impossible." For the band's members, the idea of regrouping was terrifying at first, but with time, the boys settled their differences and tried to think positive.
"For me, it was about putting down some of the things that I was used to getting bitten by," explained the bassist — who, with guitar-playing brother Dean DeLeo, has been collaborating with Peter Frampton on material for his next LP. "After you get bitten, it's hard to go back. I wanted to go into this with an open frame of mind and a positive attitude and just have fun with it. We should have fun with it, which God knows we didn't always have with our career when we were younger. If that's all I can say, and that's what I can get out of this reunion, great.
"I think I speak for all of us when I say there's a lot of unfinished business that we didn't get around to the first go," he continued. "Enough time has gone by, and it feels really good to be back. I don't really want to put too much thought into how it feels — I'm just kind of going with it and keeping a good positive attitude about it. I just needed to get over the things that we all needed to get over, and that's been working so far. If everyone shows up and does this thing, I think it's going to be really amazing."
DeLeo claims that during recent rehearsals, STP were "sounding as good as ever," and he credits sobriety as part of the reason the band's in tip-top shape.
"My brother's going on four years of sobriety," he said. "We have a lot more clarity in the band now, and I think with clarity comes appreciation. I saw that the other night, when we played [a secret gig in Los Angeles]. I saw it in my eyes, and in the eyes of the rest of the band. There's a lot more rock in this band now."
As for an STP record, DeLeo is not 100 percent sure that's going to happen. The goal for STP over the next few weeks, he said, is to reacquaint themselves with their songbook and prepare for their return to the road. Once the band is back in that mindset, the bassist said new STP material is very possible.
"I've always got stuff written, and there's always a long list of songs that are always there — it's a matter of timing," DeLeo said. "If time allows, there will definitely be new music. I think it would be silly not to release new music. I'd like to believe we still have a writing relationship, but the first step is getting reacquainted with what we know."
While STP were on hiatus, frontman Scott Weiland teamed up with Velvet Revolver, and the DeLeo brothers joined forces with Filter's Richard Patrick for Army of Anyone — who are now on hiatus after releasing a poorly received self-titled LP. Does DeLeo foresee an AOA reunion somewhere down the line?
"You never know," he said. "It's just like STP — I didn't know if I was going to return. Whether we get back together and do anything, I think we made a great record, bottom line. That's all that matters to me. If we make another one, I want to make sure it's great, and that applies to STP and anything I do. But I was pretty heartbroken over [the feeble response to AOA's album]."
Related Photos
Stone Temple Pilots Launch 2008 Tour At L.A.'s Harry Houdini Estate
Related Artists
Stone Temple Pilots
Led Zeppelin
Michael Madsen And James Woods Say Hello In Today's Daily TwitPic... Just Because, Really
(Weird-- I wrote this this morning and it somehow didn't publish. If you're reading this now, then I've fixed it.)
I'm not sure I really need to justify my reasoning for making a picture of kickass character actors Michael Madsen and James Woods the subject of today's Daily TwitPic. Does the raincloud explain why it lets [...]
I'm not sure I really need to justify my reasoning for making a picture of kickass character actors Michael Madsen and James Woods the subject of today's Daily TwitPic. Does the raincloud explain why it lets [...]
Marisa Tomei Marla Sokoloff Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Newly Single Rachel Bilson Hits The Beach
A couple weeks ago we learned that the formerly engaged Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen decided to call off the wedding and break up and today we get to see Rachel lookin’ all kinds of hot and SINGLE on a beach in Hawaii over the week. Get a load of what Hayden is missing out [...]
Melissa Howard Melissa Joan Hart Melissa Rycroft Melissa Sagemiller
TRAILER: Charles Ferguson?s economic meltdown doc, ?Inside Job? (video)
Documentarian Charles Ferguson, who made the Oscar-nominated 2007 Iraq War doc "No End in Sight," has his new film, "Inside Job," about to screen at the Toronto and New York film fests. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film, which takes a hard look at the beginnings of the economic meltdown in 2008, in mid-October.
Check [...]
Check [...]
Britney Spears - Break the Ice
Break the Ice
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Robert Hales
Album: Blackout
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Robert Hales
Album: Blackout
Links for 2007-10-18 [del.icio.us]
Stupid Celebrities Gossip » Myspace Drama, Riley Giles and Bree Tierney
Bree Tierney and Riley Giles get into a heated argument on Myspace after Bree started talking with the media about the two of them. You can thank lindsay Lohan for this one!
Check out the story
Bree Tierney and Riley Giles get into a heated argument on Myspace after Bree started talking with the media about the two of them. You can thank lindsay Lohan for this one!
Check out the story
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Photos | Lady Gaga, Elton John Perform At Rainforest Benefit
Lady Gaga, Elton John Perform At Rainforest Benefit
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Lady Gaga
Sting
Bruce Springsteen
Elton John
Related Artists
Lady Gaga
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Bruce Springsteen
Elton John
Justin Bieber 3-D Movie Is 'A Story For Our Time,' Director Says
'We're gonna tell the underdog story of where he came from,' Jon Chu says of the Bieb's YouTube-fueled success.By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Frederick Breedon/ Getty Images
Valentine's Day weekend won't just be lovers in 2011. Devoted Beliebers are counting down to the moment they can check out Justin Bieber's 3-D movie. Director Jon Chu promises fans will get an in-depth look at what it's like to be the VMA-nominated singer.
"Well, we're working on it right now. We've been touring with him, so we've been working on it," Chu ("Step Up 3D") told MTV News about the project. "The movie comes out in five months, so we're deep in it. It's been fun to get to know Justin. He's a really cool guy and we're gonna make a really fun movie."
Those who have yet to be infected with Bieber Fever should take note: This movie is for fans and non-fans alike, according to Chu.
"[It's] a movie for his fans, a movie for people who don't know him, and we're gonna tell the underdog story of where he came from," he explained. "Because it's a really fascinating story and it has a lot to do with our sort of digital lifestyle now. He was able to do what corporations try to do now when they use YouTube and they don't even know what to do with it yet. It's a pretty cool story for our time."
As for the film's format, Chu explained that it will be a mixture of concert footage and some documentary-style scenes. "There's not going to be acted-out scenes and I can't talk about the rest. It's not your typical concert film and it's not going to be a biopic ... but it is about his life. I think it's more of a documentary. We're going to figure it out as we go," he said. As for how much of it will be in 3-D, he said, "You'll have to see it. We're figuring that out now."
Chu had more praise for Bieber, telling us the singer has real staying power, as evidenced by artists like Kanye West seeking him out for collaborations.
"He ... isn't a flash in the pan," Chu said. "He has legitimate talent and I think other artists recognize that."
What part of Justin's biography do you most want to see played out in 3-D? Tell us in the comments!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Artists
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Photo: Frederick Breedon/ Getty Images
Valentine's Day weekend won't just be lovers in 2011. Devoted Beliebers are counting down to the moment they can check out Justin Bieber's 3-D movie. Director Jon Chu promises fans will get an in-depth look at what it's like to be the VMA-nominated singer.
"Well, we're working on it right now. We've been touring with him, so we've been working on it," Chu ("Step Up 3D") told MTV News about the project. "The movie comes out in five months, so we're deep in it. It's been fun to get to know Justin. He's a really cool guy and we're gonna make a really fun movie."
Those who have yet to be infected with Bieber Fever should take note: This movie is for fans and non-fans alike, according to Chu.
"[It's] a movie for his fans, a movie for people who don't know him, and we're gonna tell the underdog story of where he came from," he explained. "Because it's a really fascinating story and it has a lot to do with our sort of digital lifestyle now. He was able to do what corporations try to do now when they use YouTube and they don't even know what to do with it yet. It's a pretty cool story for our time."
As for the film's format, Chu explained that it will be a mixture of concert footage and some documentary-style scenes. "There's not going to be acted-out scenes and I can't talk about the rest. It's not your typical concert film and it's not going to be a biopic ... but it is about his life. I think it's more of a documentary. We're going to figure it out as we go," he said. As for how much of it will be in 3-D, he said, "You'll have to see it. We're figuring that out now."
Chu had more praise for Bieber, telling us the singer has real staying power, as evidenced by artists like Kanye West seeking him out for collaborations.
"He ... isn't a flash in the pan," Chu said. "He has legitimate talent and I think other artists recognize that."
What part of Justin's biography do you most want to see played out in 3-D? Tell us in the comments!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Artists
Justin Bieber
Michael Jackson Doctors Won't Be Charged In Singer's Death
California state investigators will not file charges against seven other doctors who treated the late star.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Michael Jackson
Photo: Getty Images
Seven doctors who treated the late Michael Jackson will not be charged in the singer's death. According to The Associated Press California officials said Wednesday (July 28) that they will not file charges against the doctors who were under scrutiny as part of an investigation launched by the state's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
Jackson passed away in June 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest. His personal doctor Conrad Murray — who was not one of the seven doctors included in the investigation — has been charged in his death and pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter after allegedly giving the star the potent anesthetic propofol.
"I am very disappointed," said Brian Oxman, an attorney for Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson. "The misuse of medications by Michael Jackson in the last years of his life was excessive and to fail to bring that to the public eye is ignoring reality." Oxman is serving as Joe Jackson's lawyer in a wrongful death suit against Murray.
Bureau spokesperson Christine Gasparac told the AP that one of the doctors who was under investigation was referred to the California Medical Board for prescribing drugs to one of Jackson's aliases, however, a spokesperson for the board did not confirm the referral. A spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Agency told the AP that it has also dropped its investigation into Jackson's doctors.
Murray lawyer Ed Chernoff has maintained that the doctor did not administer a fatal dose of propofol and has suggested that either Jackson gave himself the anesthetic or another person may have supplied the late star with the dose. However, an anesthesia expert has said the possibility of Jackson administering the drug himself is unlikely.
A preliminary hearing in the Jackson manslaughter case is slated for August and Murray faces a sentence of up to four years in jail.
Related Photos
Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
Related Artists
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Photo: Getty Images
Seven doctors who treated the late Michael Jackson will not be charged in the singer's death. According to The Associated Press California officials said Wednesday (July 28) that they will not file charges against the doctors who were under scrutiny as part of an investigation launched by the state's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
Jackson passed away in June 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest. His personal doctor Conrad Murray — who was not one of the seven doctors included in the investigation — has been charged in his death and pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter after allegedly giving the star the potent anesthetic propofol.
"I am very disappointed," said Brian Oxman, an attorney for Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson. "The misuse of medications by Michael Jackson in the last years of his life was excessive and to fail to bring that to the public eye is ignoring reality." Oxman is serving as Joe Jackson's lawyer in a wrongful death suit against Murray.
Bureau spokesperson Christine Gasparac told the AP that one of the doctors who was under investigation was referred to the California Medical Board for prescribing drugs to one of Jackson's aliases, however, a spokesperson for the board did not confirm the referral. A spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Agency told the AP that it has also dropped its investigation into Jackson's doctors.
Murray lawyer Ed Chernoff has maintained that the doctor did not administer a fatal dose of propofol and has suggested that either Jackson gave himself the anesthetic or another person may have supplied the late star with the dose. However, an anesthesia expert has said the possibility of Jackson administering the drug himself is unlikely.
A preliminary hearing in the Jackson manslaughter case is slated for August and Murray faces a sentence of up to four years in jail.
Related Photos
Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
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Michael Jackson
'Piranha 3D' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know
Dive into the campy horror flick with these fun facts!By Eric Ditzian
Jerry O'Connell in "Piranha 3D"
Photo: Gene Page / Dimension
In a year when 3-D has seemed to take over the multiplex — you almost can't walk past the candy counter without dodging flying spacemen, fire-breathing dragons or Johnny Depp in a wacky top hat — "Piranha 3D" might win the award for most outrageous flick of them all.
It might simply be the bloodiest and raunchiest film ever to be presented in three dimensions. It was actually a running debate among the cast, when we visited the Lake Havasu, Arizona, set in June 2009, whether the movie showcased more blood or more boobs. No definitive answer was ever reached.
Directed by horror maven Alexandre Aja ("The Hills Have Eyes"), the movie is the most high-tech installment of the "Piranha" horror/comedy franchise, a series spearheaded in 1978 by producer and schlock guru Roger Corman and then helmed by James Cameron in 1981. This time, the movie takes place during spring break, when thousands of hormone-addled college students descend on a sun-drenched resort spot just as an earthquake unleashes a swarm of prehistoric piranhas with a taste for blood. And boobs.
Unlike those unfortunate spring breakers, MTV News is not unprepared for these nasty fishies. We've been tracking the production for years and now present a blood-soaked (though still family-friendly version of our big-screen cheat sheets: everything you need to know about "Piranha 3D."
Before Disaster Strikes
The script had been floating around Hollywood for years — Aja first read it five years ago — and made its way into the hands of several potential directors, including Chuck Russell ("The Scorpion King"), before Aja signed on.
"It's going to be unique because it's going to be completely in 3-D," Aja told MTV News at Comic-Con in 2008. "I think people don't realize the effect of all the elements coming out from the screen at you. It's very traumatic."
The film was supposed to go into production that same year but was eventually delayed because of weather and location concerns, as well as the general difficulties of shooting a 3-D film set on the waterfront. "There's so many problems that we're going to have to solve," Aja told us early in 2009. "After doing a movie with mirrors where it was kind of like a nightmare to avoid all the reflections, making a movie in 3-D underwater and on the water is going to be the biggest challenge."
But the production delays did not damper the filmmakers' enthusiasm about the project. "We realized that, with the advent of 3-D, that we thought we could make the ultimate 'Jaws' for this generation," producer Mark Canton ("300") told us in early May '09. "It's a multi-invasion. You have the invasion of youth expecting to have that wild spring break, and then you have the invasion of this prehistoric, rather unpleasant species."
By that point, the cast was in place: Elisabeth Shue as a local sheriff, Jerry O'Connell as an adult-entertainment producer, Jessica Szohr as a college student, Christopher Lloyd as a scientist and Richard Dreyfuss, returning to the water decades after his starring turn in "Jaws." Production kicked off days after our chat with Canton.
Boobies and Blood
MTV News swooped into Lake Havasu in June, chatting with the cast and trying to wrap our heads around the madness. "The movie is going to be insane, because as much blood as it has, it has the equal amount of boobies," co-star Paul Scheer laughed. "It's boobies and blood. And we supply the boobies!"
"This movie is probably going to win the record of most dead people — and most blood and most nakedness and most everything," co-star Kelly Brook added.
The shoot wrapped up at the end of the summer, and it wasn't without its perils. "I get claustrophobic, so when we were in a boat, I was kind of halfway under water at one point and it was like a really small little cage," Szohr told us. "I was freaking out, actually. I was like, 'I can't breathe! I can't get out of here!' "
Before the summer-movie season kicked off in earnest, Aja gave MTV News a call to assure us that as bloody and breast-filled as we thought his movie was going to be, we had no idea what he had planned. "There's going to be 3-D double-D boobs!" he laughed. "I want to know exactly how many different girls' boobs are in the movie. I think it's a lot. I think blood-wise, I have to get the final number, but we are beyond anything you can even imagine."
Don't Go in the Water
We got a few gruesome clues about Aja's crazy plans when the first trailer dropped in May, delivering CG fish and lots of unclothed flesh, much of which the fish promptly chew to shreds.
A couple of months later, a few more clips popped up online, once again showcasing a ton of flesh and blood, a lovely boat ride that turns into a bikini-filled horror show, Shue going for an unexpected midnight swim and Szohr getting freaked out that "there's something in the water!"
Indeed there is, Jessica. Indeed there is. "It's a fun horror movie," Scheer told us recently. "The same way when you saw 'Jaws,' and you were like, 'Oh, this is fun.' Lately a lot of horror is like, 'I'm going to cut your toe off with this razor blade.' This is going back to the date, fun horror movie."
Check out everything we've got on "Piranha 3D."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
MTV Rough Cut: 'Piranha 3D'
Jerry O'Connell in "Piranha 3D"
Photo: Gene Page / Dimension
In a year when 3-D has seemed to take over the multiplex — you almost can't walk past the candy counter without dodging flying spacemen, fire-breathing dragons or Johnny Depp in a wacky top hat — "Piranha 3D" might win the award for most outrageous flick of them all.
It might simply be the bloodiest and raunchiest film ever to be presented in three dimensions. It was actually a running debate among the cast, when we visited the Lake Havasu, Arizona, set in June 2009, whether the movie showcased more blood or more boobs. No definitive answer was ever reached.
Directed by horror maven Alexandre Aja ("The Hills Have Eyes"), the movie is the most high-tech installment of the "Piranha" horror/comedy franchise, a series spearheaded in 1978 by producer and schlock guru Roger Corman and then helmed by James Cameron in 1981. This time, the movie takes place during spring break, when thousands of hormone-addled college students descend on a sun-drenched resort spot just as an earthquake unleashes a swarm of prehistoric piranhas with a taste for blood. And boobs.
Unlike those unfortunate spring breakers, MTV News is not unprepared for these nasty fishies. We've been tracking the production for years and now present a blood-soaked (though still family-friendly version of our big-screen cheat sheets: everything you need to know about "Piranha 3D."
Before Disaster Strikes
The script had been floating around Hollywood for years — Aja first read it five years ago — and made its way into the hands of several potential directors, including Chuck Russell ("The Scorpion King"), before Aja signed on.
"It's going to be unique because it's going to be completely in 3-D," Aja told MTV News at Comic-Con in 2008. "I think people don't realize the effect of all the elements coming out from the screen at you. It's very traumatic."
The film was supposed to go into production that same year but was eventually delayed because of weather and location concerns, as well as the general difficulties of shooting a 3-D film set on the waterfront. "There's so many problems that we're going to have to solve," Aja told us early in 2009. "After doing a movie with mirrors where it was kind of like a nightmare to avoid all the reflections, making a movie in 3-D underwater and on the water is going to be the biggest challenge."
But the production delays did not damper the filmmakers' enthusiasm about the project. "We realized that, with the advent of 3-D, that we thought we could make the ultimate 'Jaws' for this generation," producer Mark Canton ("300") told us in early May '09. "It's a multi-invasion. You have the invasion of youth expecting to have that wild spring break, and then you have the invasion of this prehistoric, rather unpleasant species."
By that point, the cast was in place: Elisabeth Shue as a local sheriff, Jerry O'Connell as an adult-entertainment producer, Jessica Szohr as a college student, Christopher Lloyd as a scientist and Richard Dreyfuss, returning to the water decades after his starring turn in "Jaws." Production kicked off days after our chat with Canton.
Boobies and Blood
MTV News swooped into Lake Havasu in June, chatting with the cast and trying to wrap our heads around the madness. "The movie is going to be insane, because as much blood as it has, it has the equal amount of boobies," co-star Paul Scheer laughed. "It's boobies and blood. And we supply the boobies!"
"This movie is probably going to win the record of most dead people — and most blood and most nakedness and most everything," co-star Kelly Brook added.
The shoot wrapped up at the end of the summer, and it wasn't without its perils. "I get claustrophobic, so when we were in a boat, I was kind of halfway under water at one point and it was like a really small little cage," Szohr told us. "I was freaking out, actually. I was like, 'I can't breathe! I can't get out of here!' "
Before the summer-movie season kicked off in earnest, Aja gave MTV News a call to assure us that as bloody and breast-filled as we thought his movie was going to be, we had no idea what he had planned. "There's going to be 3-D double-D boobs!" he laughed. "I want to know exactly how many different girls' boobs are in the movie. I think it's a lot. I think blood-wise, I have to get the final number, but we are beyond anything you can even imagine."
Don't Go in the Water
We got a few gruesome clues about Aja's crazy plans when the first trailer dropped in May, delivering CG fish and lots of unclothed flesh, much of which the fish promptly chew to shreds.
A couple of months later, a few more clips popped up online, once again showcasing a ton of flesh and blood, a lovely boat ride that turns into a bikini-filled horror show, Shue going for an unexpected midnight swim and Szohr getting freaked out that "there's something in the water!"
Indeed there is, Jessica. Indeed there is. "It's a fun horror movie," Scheer told us recently. "The same way when you saw 'Jaws,' and you were like, 'Oh, this is fun.' Lately a lot of horror is like, 'I'm going to cut your toe off with this razor blade.' This is going back to the date, fun horror movie."
Check out everything we've got on "Piranha 3D."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
MTV Rough Cut: 'Piranha 3D'
Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks Eyeing 'Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close'
Pre-production work has begun on film adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's 9/11 novel.By Adam Rosenberg
Sandra Bullock
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
After several years in development, Jonathan Safran Foer's second novel just got a little bit closer to getting a film adaptation. Preproduction work on the "Everything Is Illuminated" author's 2005 9/11 novel, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," is under way.
Offers are going out to talent while co-producing studios Warner Bros. and Paramount figure out how things will work, Deadline reports. It is also revealed that Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks are "circling the project," something Bullock's rep confirmed to MTV News.
A call to Hanks' rep had not been returned as of press time.
"Extremely Loud" follows a 9-year-old New York boy in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, in which his father was killed. The boy finds a key that belonged to his dad, but he doesn't know what it unlocks. The story charts his search to answer that question. Foer's book employs an untraditional writing style that incorporates multiple interconnected story lines, photographs and the like.
The rights to the novel were first acquired several years ago. Scott Rudin is producing and Stephen Daldry ("The Hours") is attached to direct, with a script from "Forrest Gump" writer Eric Roth. Warner Bros. is described as the lead studio on the project.
Hanks recently wrapped shooting on "Larry Crowne," which he directed and stars in (he co-wrote the script with Nia Vardalos). It is his second feature effort as a writer/director, following the 1996 drama/comedy "That Thing You Do!" Bullock had a dynamite 2009 as one of the highest-grossing performers that year, between "All About Steve," "The Proposal" and "The Blind Side," for which she won the Best Actress Oscar, her first win in that category.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Photos
The Evolution Of: Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
After several years in development, Jonathan Safran Foer's second novel just got a little bit closer to getting a film adaptation. Preproduction work on the "Everything Is Illuminated" author's 2005 9/11 novel, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," is under way.
Offers are going out to talent while co-producing studios Warner Bros. and Paramount figure out how things will work, Deadline reports. It is also revealed that Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks are "circling the project," something Bullock's rep confirmed to MTV News.
A call to Hanks' rep had not been returned as of press time.
"Extremely Loud" follows a 9-year-old New York boy in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, in which his father was killed. The boy finds a key that belonged to his dad, but he doesn't know what it unlocks. The story charts his search to answer that question. Foer's book employs an untraditional writing style that incorporates multiple interconnected story lines, photographs and the like.
The rights to the novel were first acquired several years ago. Scott Rudin is producing and Stephen Daldry ("The Hours") is attached to direct, with a script from "Forrest Gump" writer Eric Roth. Warner Bros. is described as the lead studio on the project.
Hanks recently wrapped shooting on "Larry Crowne," which he directed and stars in (he co-wrote the script with Nia Vardalos). It is his second feature effort as a writer/director, following the 1996 drama/comedy "That Thing You Do!" Bullock had a dynamite 2009 as one of the highest-grossing performers that year, between "All About Steve," "The Proposal" and "The Blind Side," for which she won the Best Actress Oscar, her first win in that category.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Photos
The Evolution Of: Sandra Bullock
Gina Philips Gisele Badchen Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez
Dimmu Borgir Release Live DVD; Plus Led Zeppelin, Brujeria, & More News That Rules, In Metal File
'It shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums,' guitarist says.By Chris Harris
Dimmu Borgir's Silenoz
Photo: Nuclear Blast
On October 14, Dimmu Borgir — who just happen to be Demi Lovato's favorite black-metal band — will release a a three-disc DVD/CD set called "The Invaluable Darkness," the band's first visual offering since 2002's "World Misanthropy." Boasting live footage shot last year, during gigs in Norway, Germany and England, "The Invaluable Darkness" demonstrates the unbridled furor of seeing Dimmu live, guitarist Silenoz said.
"It shows the honest rawness and atmospheric darkness of our concerts," the Norwegian told Metal File last week, after dismissing recent online rumors that his band's next LP would be coming out through Roadrunner Records. "Basically, it shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums. It's just a different side to the band, basically."
Dimmu Borgir began thinking about "The Invaluable Darkness" two years ago, but didn't start capturing footage until last summer, Silenoz explained, adding that the band will use its current stint on the Blackest of the Black Tour — which got underway Thursday night in Miami Beach, Florida, and also features the tour's founder, Danzig, along with
Moonspell, Winds of Plague and Skeletonwitch — to promote the DVD. Dimmu Borgir will not, however, use the tour to write material for their next LP.
"It's our first time on Blackest, but Glenn [Danzig] had wanted to bring us out before [on the tour], but we weren't available until now," Silenoz said. "We've done Ozzfest before, but we're looking forward to this tour more. We did the main stage on Ozzfest, playing in f--_ing broad daylight. This tour will let us play in bigger places, but at the same time showcase more of what the band's about, visually. We are going to concentrate on the tour for now. Some years ago, we tried putting [material] together on the road, but once we got home, we listened back to it, and were like, 'What the f--- is this?' So, we just scrapped it all. We find it's so much better to totally focus on one thing at a time, and then, when that's over, you move on to the next [thing]. We don't really feel like we need to rush things, anyway, so we'll just take our time, and it's going to be what it's going to be."
Dimmu Borgir hope to reconvene in late December to begin writing the follow-up to 2007's diabolically titled In Sorte Diaboli. "We have some ideas floating around already, but we haven't arranged any material yet," he said. "We'll start doing that once the touring for this DVD is over." The band's frontman, Shagrath, is also due to marry soon — he's engaged to actor Nicolas Cage's ex-girlfriend, Christina Fulton, so that may have an effect on when Dimmu finish their next album, which Silenoz said could be out this coming spring.
"I'm sure [Shagrath] won't let anything get in the way [of] the band — I think, I hope," the guitarist said. "We don't need a Yoko [Ono] situation."
While Dimmu have been at it going on 15 years now, Silenoz said he doesn't think their forthcoming material will be much of a departure from their previous black-metal offerings.
"And we have always been about more than just that term, 'black metal,' " he said. "Luckily for us, the older you get, the less concerned you get with the categorization and putting labels on your music. Things start getting more and more limitless with us, and we know that we operate within certain frames. But we try not to analyze things too much, because it's just going to be working against you in the end. When we write new stuff, we don't think about what we should write — we just get together, and put material together, and if we like it, we keep it. That's the formula, if we even have a formula."
Dimmu Borgir are definitely getting older — guitarist Galder will be missing Blackest because of a recent addition to his family, and Susperia's Cyrus will be filling in for him; while former Vader drummer Dariusz Brzozowski takes over for Hellhammer, who had to leave the band in 2007 after sustaining a neck injury that's now limited the use of his right arm. As Dimmu has gotten on in years, Silenoz admits they have failed to keep pace with some of the more extreme black-metal acts that have followed in their wake.
"We helped open doors for the more extreme bands out there," Silenoz said. "I'm sure we helped open doors for bands like Watain, [insomuch as] people that had maybe started listening to us first then went on to the more extreme stuff. Let's face it — we're not as extreme as Watain and other bands like that, but we're fine with that."
The Blackest of the Black Tour continues through November 10 in San Francisco.
The rest of the week's metal news:
Dimmu's tourmates on Blackest, Winds of Plague, have announced ex-Azusa drummer Art Cruz has joined their ranks — he replaced Jeff Tenney. According to the band's blog, "Art has already added a new spark to the band and has provided us with a solid backbone that will allow us to continue our rampage stronger than ever." ...
What the world really needs is another
Led Zeppelin box set, so, on November 4, Rhino Records will issue the Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica CD box set. For just $200, you'll get 1969's Led Zeppelin, 1969's Led Zeppelin II, 1970's Led Zeppelin III, 1971's Led Zeppelin IV, 1973's Houses of the Holy, 1975's Physical Graffiti, 1976's Presence, 1976's The Song Remains the Same, 1979's In Through the Out Door and 1982's Coda, as mini-LP replicas, with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. Now, you know what you can get your dad for Christmas. ...
Former Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach and current Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have teamed up for a new project they're calling Times of Grace, and they've already started working on material for their debut album. According to Leach, "We have two songs to go and we will be finished with all of the vocals. Adam has taken lead vocals in three songs as of yet and he is doing a great job. We also worked on a track yesterday that is so epic — we trade vocals and do two different melodies at the same time. This album went from a melodic metal album to an epic mix of metal/rock/pop/shoegaze and punk. So all of your metal expectations will be incorrect — we are pushing genre boundaries." To quote "Meet the Parents," we'll look forward to that, Greg. ...
The Funeral Pyre and Early Graves will be hitting the road together next month, starting November 7 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Dates are booked through November 21 in Hollywood. ...
The latest incarnation of Brujeria, which features Carcass frontman Jeff Walker and Napalm Death's Shane Embury, have lined up several U.S. dates for this winter. The band will begin its brief trek November 28 in Denver, and wrap things up in Dallas on December 7. ...
Demiricous will be touring with the Gates of Slumber starting November 9 in Denver, for a jaunt that's scheduled to run through December 6 in Indianapolis. ...
Nearly three years after Roadrunner Records' Roadrunner United concert, which took over the Nokia Theater in New York's Times Square, the label is now releasing footage from that special night as "Roadrunner United: The Concert." The DVD, which hits stores December 9, will boast two discs and 24 live tracks, including Life of Agony's "River Runs Red," King Diamond's "Abigail," Killswitch's "My Last Serenade," Type O Negative's "Black No. 1" and Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist." ...
According to Blabbermouth, Verrot, bassist for Swedish black-metal outfit Elimi, committed suicide on October 3. In a statement, the band said, "Verrot was a very good friend, brother, an excellent bass player/musician and an important part of Elimi; we respect his decision and hope he'll find his way with the dark gods of Chaos. Let your black flame be a part of what brings forth the day of wrath."
Related Artists
Dimmu Borgir
Led Zeppelin
Brujeria
Dimmu Borgir's Silenoz
Photo: Nuclear Blast
On October 14, Dimmu Borgir — who just happen to be Demi Lovato's favorite black-metal band — will release a a three-disc DVD/CD set called "The Invaluable Darkness," the band's first visual offering since 2002's "World Misanthropy." Boasting live footage shot last year, during gigs in Norway, Germany and England, "The Invaluable Darkness" demonstrates the unbridled furor of seeing Dimmu live, guitarist Silenoz said.
"It shows the honest rawness and atmospheric darkness of our concerts," the Norwegian told Metal File last week, after dismissing recent online rumors that his band's next LP would be coming out through Roadrunner Records. "Basically, it shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums. It's just a different side to the band, basically."
Dimmu Borgir began thinking about "The Invaluable Darkness" two years ago, but didn't start capturing footage until last summer, Silenoz explained, adding that the band will use its current stint on the Blackest of the Black Tour — which got underway Thursday night in Miami Beach, Florida, and also features the tour's founder, Danzig, along with
Moonspell, Winds of Plague and Skeletonwitch — to promote the DVD. Dimmu Borgir will not, however, use the tour to write material for their next LP.
"It's our first time on Blackest, but Glenn [Danzig] had wanted to bring us out before [on the tour], but we weren't available until now," Silenoz said. "We've done Ozzfest before, but we're looking forward to this tour more. We did the main stage on Ozzfest, playing in f--_ing broad daylight. This tour will let us play in bigger places, but at the same time showcase more of what the band's about, visually. We are going to concentrate on the tour for now. Some years ago, we tried putting [material] together on the road, but once we got home, we listened back to it, and were like, 'What the f--- is this?' So, we just scrapped it all. We find it's so much better to totally focus on one thing at a time, and then, when that's over, you move on to the next [thing]. We don't really feel like we need to rush things, anyway, so we'll just take our time, and it's going to be what it's going to be."
Dimmu Borgir hope to reconvene in late December to begin writing the follow-up to 2007's diabolically titled In Sorte Diaboli. "We have some ideas floating around already, but we haven't arranged any material yet," he said. "We'll start doing that once the touring for this DVD is over." The band's frontman, Shagrath, is also due to marry soon — he's engaged to actor Nicolas Cage's ex-girlfriend, Christina Fulton, so that may have an effect on when Dimmu finish their next album, which Silenoz said could be out this coming spring.
"I'm sure [Shagrath] won't let anything get in the way [of] the band — I think, I hope," the guitarist said. "We don't need a Yoko [Ono] situation."
While Dimmu have been at it going on 15 years now, Silenoz said he doesn't think their forthcoming material will be much of a departure from their previous black-metal offerings.
"And we have always been about more than just that term, 'black metal,' " he said. "Luckily for us, the older you get, the less concerned you get with the categorization and putting labels on your music. Things start getting more and more limitless with us, and we know that we operate within certain frames. But we try not to analyze things too much, because it's just going to be working against you in the end. When we write new stuff, we don't think about what we should write — we just get together, and put material together, and if we like it, we keep it. That's the formula, if we even have a formula."
Dimmu Borgir are definitely getting older — guitarist Galder will be missing Blackest because of a recent addition to his family, and Susperia's Cyrus will be filling in for him; while former Vader drummer Dariusz Brzozowski takes over for Hellhammer, who had to leave the band in 2007 after sustaining a neck injury that's now limited the use of his right arm. As Dimmu has gotten on in years, Silenoz admits they have failed to keep pace with some of the more extreme black-metal acts that have followed in their wake.
"We helped open doors for the more extreme bands out there," Silenoz said. "I'm sure we helped open doors for bands like Watain, [insomuch as] people that had maybe started listening to us first then went on to the more extreme stuff. Let's face it — we're not as extreme as Watain and other bands like that, but we're fine with that."
The Blackest of the Black Tour continues through November 10 in San Francisco.
The rest of the week's metal news:
Dimmu's tourmates on Blackest, Winds of Plague, have announced ex-Azusa drummer Art Cruz has joined their ranks — he replaced Jeff Tenney. According to the band's blog, "Art has already added a new spark to the band and has provided us with a solid backbone that will allow us to continue our rampage stronger than ever." ...
What the world really needs is another
Led Zeppelin box set, so, on November 4, Rhino Records will issue the Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica CD box set. For just $200, you'll get 1969's Led Zeppelin, 1969's Led Zeppelin II, 1970's Led Zeppelin III, 1971's Led Zeppelin IV, 1973's Houses of the Holy, 1975's Physical Graffiti, 1976's Presence, 1976's The Song Remains the Same, 1979's In Through the Out Door and 1982's Coda, as mini-LP replicas, with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. Now, you know what you can get your dad for Christmas. ...
Former Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach and current Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have teamed up for a new project they're calling Times of Grace, and they've already started working on material for their debut album. According to Leach, "We have two songs to go and we will be finished with all of the vocals. Adam has taken lead vocals in three songs as of yet and he is doing a great job. We also worked on a track yesterday that is so epic — we trade vocals and do two different melodies at the same time. This album went from a melodic metal album to an epic mix of metal/rock/pop/shoegaze and punk. So all of your metal expectations will be incorrect — we are pushing genre boundaries." To quote "Meet the Parents," we'll look forward to that, Greg. ...
The Funeral Pyre and Early Graves will be hitting the road together next month, starting November 7 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Dates are booked through November 21 in Hollywood. ...
The latest incarnation of Brujeria, which features Carcass frontman Jeff Walker and Napalm Death's Shane Embury, have lined up several U.S. dates for this winter. The band will begin its brief trek November 28 in Denver, and wrap things up in Dallas on December 7. ...
Demiricous will be touring with the Gates of Slumber starting November 9 in Denver, for a jaunt that's scheduled to run through December 6 in Indianapolis. ...
Nearly three years after Roadrunner Records' Roadrunner United concert, which took over the Nokia Theater in New York's Times Square, the label is now releasing footage from that special night as "Roadrunner United: The Concert." The DVD, which hits stores December 9, will boast two discs and 24 live tracks, including Life of Agony's "River Runs Red," King Diamond's "Abigail," Killswitch's "My Last Serenade," Type O Negative's "Black No. 1" and Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist." ...
According to Blabbermouth, Verrot, bassist for Swedish black-metal outfit Elimi, committed suicide on October 3. In a statement, the band said, "Verrot was a very good friend, brother, an excellent bass player/musician and an important part of Elimi; we respect his decision and hope he'll find his way with the dark gods of Chaos. Let your black flame be a part of what brings forth the day of wrath."
Related Artists
Dimmu Borgir
Led Zeppelin
Brujeria
Usher - OMG
OMG
Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond v Raymond
Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond v Raymond
Xintiandi expands again with Style
If there weren?t enough shopping options in Shanghai already, the mother of all shopping areas, Xintiandi, is expanding for a third time in September, under the name ?Xintiandi Style.?
A representative from Ruian Affairs, the company that is helping to organize the launch, says that the new Xintiandi Style ?will be an indoor version of the current outdoor, popular two-block complex? that runs from Taicang Lu to Zizhong Lu.
read more
A representative from Ruian Affairs, the company that is helping to organize the launch, says that the new Xintiandi Style ?will be an indoor version of the current outdoor, popular two-block complex? that runs from Taicang Lu to Zizhong Lu.
read more
Natasha Bedingfield Natassia Malthe Nelly Furtado Nichole Robinson
Photos | Justin Bieber And His Many Lady Friends
Justin Bieber And His Many Lady Friends
Related Artists
Justin Bieber
Related Artists
Justin Bieber
Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel
The Way You Make Me Feel
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic
Ne-Yo 'Doesn't Know What To Do' With Songs He Wrote For Michael Jackson
'I can't sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful,' the singer said.By James Dinh
Ne-Yo
Photo: Getty Images
While producer Rodney Jerkins is expecting to begin work on an album of unreleased Michael Jackson music, Ne-Yo, on the other hand, isn't sure what to do with the material he wrote for the late King of Pop before MJ's death last year. The R&B singer/songwriter told Australia's Daily Telegraph that he was sending Jackson three or four drafts a week prior to his unexpected death. More than a year later, Ne-Yo now still stands at a crossroads as he contemplates what to do with the songs he created specifically for the one and only MJ.
"I can't sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful, but I also think it might be disrespectful to bring them out myself. So I don't know, I'll sit on them and wait. It's definitely quality music but they were songs written absolutely for Michael Jackson."
According to the newspaper, Jackson hand-picked Ne-Yo as well as Black Eyed Peas producer Will.I.Am to work on his comeback album. It was only a matter of time before Ne-Yo was met face to face with his musical idol.
"I felt quite bad, as I'd allowed what the media had done to his name and image to have me thinking, 'OK, what's this about to be? Is this going to be weird?' " he recalled. "But he walked in a black suit and some sunglasses and was a genuine, nice guy. And it wasn't because he wanted something from me, he just had no reason other than to be a decent guy."
During their meeting, the duo talked about the current state of the music industry, something Ne-Yo says Jackson wasn't too pleased with. "He believed what was wrong with a lot of music today is that people aren't singing about anything. If it's not about a party or sex then it's about money, and there's not really much to that."
Ne-Yo, who has penned hits for Beyoncé and Rihanna as well as himself, explained that the entertainer wanted songs that were "melodic and meaningful." "Michael told me the melodies needed to be the ones you heard once and could sing back, and the lyrics needed to have meaning and depth," he said.
Unfortunately, Ne-Yo's submissions weren't recorded by Jackson, because the singer put his album on hold to rehearse for his This Is It concert series at London's 02 Arena before passing away.
But Ne-Yo has hope that one day he'll figure out what to do with the Jackson tracks. "Hopefully the songs will see the light of day, it just has to be the right way," he said.
What do you think Ne-Yo should do with the songs he created for Michael Jackson? Should he keep them locked up or let someone else give them a try? Let us know what you think below!
Related Photos
Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
Related Artists
Ne-Yo
Michael Jackson
Ne-Yo
Photo: Getty Images
While producer Rodney Jerkins is expecting to begin work on an album of unreleased Michael Jackson music, Ne-Yo, on the other hand, isn't sure what to do with the material he wrote for the late King of Pop before MJ's death last year. The R&B singer/songwriter told Australia's Daily Telegraph that he was sending Jackson three or four drafts a week prior to his unexpected death. More than a year later, Ne-Yo now still stands at a crossroads as he contemplates what to do with the songs he created specifically for the one and only MJ.
"I can't sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful, but I also think it might be disrespectful to bring them out myself. So I don't know, I'll sit on them and wait. It's definitely quality music but they were songs written absolutely for Michael Jackson."
According to the newspaper, Jackson hand-picked Ne-Yo as well as Black Eyed Peas producer Will.I.Am to work on his comeback album. It was only a matter of time before Ne-Yo was met face to face with his musical idol.
"I felt quite bad, as I'd allowed what the media had done to his name and image to have me thinking, 'OK, what's this about to be? Is this going to be weird?' " he recalled. "But he walked in a black suit and some sunglasses and was a genuine, nice guy. And it wasn't because he wanted something from me, he just had no reason other than to be a decent guy."
During their meeting, the duo talked about the current state of the music industry, something Ne-Yo says Jackson wasn't too pleased with. "He believed what was wrong with a lot of music today is that people aren't singing about anything. If it's not about a party or sex then it's about money, and there's not really much to that."
Ne-Yo, who has penned hits for Beyoncé and Rihanna as well as himself, explained that the entertainer wanted songs that were "melodic and meaningful." "Michael told me the melodies needed to be the ones you heard once and could sing back, and the lyrics needed to have meaning and depth," he said.
Unfortunately, Ne-Yo's submissions weren't recorded by Jackson, because the singer put his album on hold to rehearse for his This Is It concert series at London's 02 Arena before passing away.
But Ne-Yo has hope that one day he'll figure out what to do with the Jackson tracks. "Hopefully the songs will see the light of day, it just has to be the right way," he said.
What do you think Ne-Yo should do with the songs he created for Michael Jackson? Should he keep them locked up or let someone else give them a try? Let us know what you think below!
Related Photos
Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
Related Artists
Ne-Yo
Michael Jackson
Monday, August 23, 2010
Exclusive: Raekwon Talks Finished Justin Bieber Remix With Kanye West
'I definitely didn't give him anything that I thought was too hot to be spoken on by a 16-year-old,' Rae tells MTV News.By Shaheem Reid
Raekwon
Photo: Getty Images
Kanye West's Twitter spawned one of the most talked-about (and unexpected) musical collaborations in years — and the song was only finished Wednesday.
West and Justin Bieber started talking on Twitter a few days ago about making a remix of the Biebs' "Runaway Love." 'Ye suggested Raekwon get involved, and the next day, the Chef and the Louis Vuitton Don were in New York's Electric Lady Studios knocking out verses.
"Kanye was just being Kanye," Rae told MTV News about the session. "He was definitely excited. The energy in the room was already speaking for itself. It was time to get up and have fun on the track together. We was drinking, laughing, being normal cats. At the same time, we had a houseful of celebrities in the house as well. [Kanye] was moving through the facility checking out the studios he had. He had three studios in there.
"You had Akon in the building. Mos Def was just chillin'. Mos is a good friend of 'Ye's," Rae added. "You had Charlie Wilson, the legendary cat from the Gap Band. Chris Rock walked in. These are guys that really respect who 'Ye is. 'Ye's energy is cool. He's a normal cat. A normal Chicago/world cat. Very mature. Having a great time."
Rae said his followers on Twitter alerted him that Kanye and JB were talking on their pages about collaborating and had brought his name up. He didn't hesitate to let them know he wanted in.
"This is a conversation that extended from the Twitter thing," the Staten Island general explained. "Kanye was having a conversation with Justin over the Twitter. They came up with this great idea to have me involved. I was told to check it out and see what they talking about. They was right. They was saying, 'This is something Kanye and Justin want to do.' So automatically, first thing I do is hit them back and say I'm with it. Definitely, it created a movement. A lot of people want to see what could be the outcome to this remix. It's definitely a hot remix."
For the past year, most of Rae's accolades have been coming via his raw street music, most exemplified by 2009's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II LP. Obviously, Rae didn't go into the "Pyrex Vision" or "Surgical Gloves" zone with his rhymes for Bieber's fanbase.
"All I did was ride the beat and listen to what he was singing to," Chef said of his rhymes on the "Runaway Love" remix. "I can go basic when I want to. I can go rated R, I can go rated PG. I definitely didn't give him anything that I thought was too hot to be spoken on by a 16-year-old. I know how to read beats, and listening to the record, I just complemented. At the end of my 16 [bars], when you do hear Justin coming, it fits and it's a great sound. I didn't go crazy. One thing people gotta recognize about me, I'm the Chef. I know how to make spicy food, I know how to make food that ain't spicy. I made something that fit the criteria.
"Me and Kanye are just here to sprinkle a little bit more love on this man's success and all our success," he added.
Rae didn't exactly have Bieber Fever before this collabo, but he respects the teen's work. Chef said he recognized Bieber's star quality and potential when he saw him perform last year. The MC hasn't heard an entire Justin album yet, but his kids are big fans.
The "Runaway Love" remix has also sparked the opportunity for more Raekwon/ Kanye West collaborations. "We sat down and we talked about it, we talked about doing things in the future. This is just the beginning," the Wu-Tang co-founder revealed. "This is something that was supposed to happen a long time ago. He started throwing on them tracks, ideas started coming to my head. I was like, 'If this cat produces a Rae and Ghost record, what could come out of it?' Every album, he evolves. He's always doing the extra, or absurd, the abnormal, but it sounds crazy."
On Tuesday, Rae released his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II: Gold Edition on iTunes. The set includes new songs, remixes and music videos. The project helps commemorate the 15th anniversary of his classic first Linx.
Are you excited to hear the "Runaway Love" remix? Let us know in the comments!
Related Artists
Raekwon
Justin Bieber
Kanye West
Raekwon
Photo: Getty Images
Kanye West's Twitter spawned one of the most talked-about (and unexpected) musical collaborations in years — and the song was only finished Wednesday.
West and Justin Bieber started talking on Twitter a few days ago about making a remix of the Biebs' "Runaway Love." 'Ye suggested Raekwon get involved, and the next day, the Chef and the Louis Vuitton Don were in New York's Electric Lady Studios knocking out verses.
"Kanye was just being Kanye," Rae told MTV News about the session. "He was definitely excited. The energy in the room was already speaking for itself. It was time to get up and have fun on the track together. We was drinking, laughing, being normal cats. At the same time, we had a houseful of celebrities in the house as well. [Kanye] was moving through the facility checking out the studios he had. He had three studios in there.
"You had Akon in the building. Mos Def was just chillin'. Mos is a good friend of 'Ye's," Rae added. "You had Charlie Wilson, the legendary cat from the Gap Band. Chris Rock walked in. These are guys that really respect who 'Ye is. 'Ye's energy is cool. He's a normal cat. A normal Chicago/world cat. Very mature. Having a great time."
Rae said his followers on Twitter alerted him that Kanye and JB were talking on their pages about collaborating and had brought his name up. He didn't hesitate to let them know he wanted in.
"This is a conversation that extended from the Twitter thing," the Staten Island general explained. "Kanye was having a conversation with Justin over the Twitter. They came up with this great idea to have me involved. I was told to check it out and see what they talking about. They was right. They was saying, 'This is something Kanye and Justin want to do.' So automatically, first thing I do is hit them back and say I'm with it. Definitely, it created a movement. A lot of people want to see what could be the outcome to this remix. It's definitely a hot remix."
For the past year, most of Rae's accolades have been coming via his raw street music, most exemplified by 2009's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II LP. Obviously, Rae didn't go into the "Pyrex Vision" or "Surgical Gloves" zone with his rhymes for Bieber's fanbase.
"All I did was ride the beat and listen to what he was singing to," Chef said of his rhymes on the "Runaway Love" remix. "I can go basic when I want to. I can go rated R, I can go rated PG. I definitely didn't give him anything that I thought was too hot to be spoken on by a 16-year-old. I know how to read beats, and listening to the record, I just complemented. At the end of my 16 [bars], when you do hear Justin coming, it fits and it's a great sound. I didn't go crazy. One thing people gotta recognize about me, I'm the Chef. I know how to make spicy food, I know how to make food that ain't spicy. I made something that fit the criteria.
"Me and Kanye are just here to sprinkle a little bit more love on this man's success and all our success," he added.
Rae didn't exactly have Bieber Fever before this collabo, but he respects the teen's work. Chef said he recognized Bieber's star quality and potential when he saw him perform last year. The MC hasn't heard an entire Justin album yet, but his kids are big fans.
The "Runaway Love" remix has also sparked the opportunity for more Raekwon/ Kanye West collaborations. "We sat down and we talked about it, we talked about doing things in the future. This is just the beginning," the Wu-Tang co-founder revealed. "This is something that was supposed to happen a long time ago. He started throwing on them tracks, ideas started coming to my head. I was like, 'If this cat produces a Rae and Ghost record, what could come out of it?' Every album, he evolves. He's always doing the extra, or absurd, the abnormal, but it sounds crazy."
On Tuesday, Rae released his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II: Gold Edition on iTunes. The set includes new songs, remixes and music videos. The project helps commemorate the 15th anniversary of his classic first Linx.
Are you excited to hear the "Runaway Love" remix? Let us know in the comments!
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The Pilot Episode Of ?No Ordinary Family? Goes Online
On September 28, ABC will air the pilot episode of their new superhero family TV show No Ordinary Family (think, live action version of the Disney/Pixar film The Incredibles). But you can watch the pilot episode of the show online … right now: The Powells are about to go from ordinary to extraordinary. After 16 [...]
Justin Bieber 3-D Movie Is 'A Story For Our Time,' Director Says
'We're gonna tell the underdog story of where he came from,' Jon Chu says of the Bieb's YouTube-fueled success.By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Frederick Breedon/ Getty Images
Valentine's Day weekend won't just be lovers in 2011. Devoted Beliebers are counting down to the moment they can check out Justin Bieber's 3-D movie. Director Jon Chu promises fans will get an in-depth look at what it's like to be the VMA-nominated singer.
"Well, we're working on it right now. We've been touring with him, so we've been working on it," Chu ("Step Up 3D") told MTV News about the project. "The movie comes out in five months, so we're deep in it. It's been fun to get to know Justin. He's a really cool guy and we're gonna make a really fun movie."
Those who have yet to be infected with Bieber Fever should take note: This movie is for fans and non-fans alike, according to Chu.
"[It's] a movie for his fans, a movie for people who don't know him, and we're gonna tell the underdog story of where he came from," he explained. "Because it's a really fascinating story and it has a lot to do with our sort of digital lifestyle now. He was able to do what corporations try to do now when they use YouTube and they don't even know what to do with it yet. It's a pretty cool story for our time."
As for the film's format, Chu explained that it will be a mixture of concert footage and some documentary-style scenes. "There's not going to be acted-out scenes and I can't talk about the rest. It's not your typical concert film and it's not going to be a biopic ... but it is about his life. I think it's more of a documentary. We're going to figure it out as we go," he said. As for how much of it will be in 3-D, he said, "You'll have to see it. We're figuring that out now."
Chu had more praise for Bieber, telling us the singer has real staying power, as evidenced by artists like Kanye West seeking him out for collaborations.
"He ... isn't a flash in the pan," Chu said. "He has legitimate talent and I think other artists recognize that."
What part of Justin's biography do you most want to see played out in 3-D? Tell us in the comments!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Artists
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Photo: Frederick Breedon/ Getty Images
Valentine's Day weekend won't just be lovers in 2011. Devoted Beliebers are counting down to the moment they can check out Justin Bieber's 3-D movie. Director Jon Chu promises fans will get an in-depth look at what it's like to be the VMA-nominated singer.
"Well, we're working on it right now. We've been touring with him, so we've been working on it," Chu ("Step Up 3D") told MTV News about the project. "The movie comes out in five months, so we're deep in it. It's been fun to get to know Justin. He's a really cool guy and we're gonna make a really fun movie."
Those who have yet to be infected with Bieber Fever should take note: This movie is for fans and non-fans alike, according to Chu.
"[It's] a movie for his fans, a movie for people who don't know him, and we're gonna tell the underdog story of where he came from," he explained. "Because it's a really fascinating story and it has a lot to do with our sort of digital lifestyle now. He was able to do what corporations try to do now when they use YouTube and they don't even know what to do with it yet. It's a pretty cool story for our time."
As for the film's format, Chu explained that it will be a mixture of concert footage and some documentary-style scenes. "There's not going to be acted-out scenes and I can't talk about the rest. It's not your typical concert film and it's not going to be a biopic ... but it is about his life. I think it's more of a documentary. We're going to figure it out as we go," he said. As for how much of it will be in 3-D, he said, "You'll have to see it. We're figuring that out now."
Chu had more praise for Bieber, telling us the singer has real staying power, as evidenced by artists like Kanye West seeking him out for collaborations.
"He ... isn't a flash in the pan," Chu said. "He has legitimate talent and I think other artists recognize that."
What part of Justin's biography do you most want to see played out in 3-D? Tell us in the comments!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Justin Bieber
Soulja Boy Tell'em Calls Justin Bieber's YouTube Game 'Crazy'
'For him to be younger than me and have that amount of people tune in to him,' he says on 'RapFix Live.'By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Soulja Boy Tell'em
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News
Does Soulja Boy Tell'em have to watch his back online?
Justin Bieber has taken SB's digital playbook (YouTube, Twitter, etc.) and used it to catapult him to success. But when the two Twitter rivals — SB has more than 2 million followers to Bieber's gang of more than 4 million — connected to shoot a Nickelodeon movie earlier this year, they discovered they were actually fans of each other's work.
"He told me how he liked my songs and stuff like that," Soulja Boy revealed during "RapFix Live" on Thursday (August 19). "And I was really going off the stuff I saw on YouTube," he told host Sway of the Biebs. "His YouTube views was up there, and for me coming off of YouTube, that's crazy ... for him to be younger than me and have that amount of people tune in to him."
But while SB didn't make any plans, at least on-air, to collaborate with Bieber, he did accept an offer to record together from last week's "RapFix Live" guest, Lloyd Banks.
Meanwhile, the 20-year-old rapper is putting the finishing touches on his forthcoming album, The DeAndre Way, which is set for a fall release. His tentative next single is the Boi-1da-helmed "Speakers Going Hammer."
"Basically, it's all about the sound of the music," SB told MTV News last month about the track. "I got bars on this one. First verse, second verse, all bars — another anthem, as far as the hook. The hook is catchy. The video is gonna match the song perfect. And it's another hit.
Who do you follow on Twitter: Soulja Boy, Justin Bieber or both? Let us know in the comments!
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'RapFix Live' With Soulja Boy
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Soulja Boy Tell'em
Justin Bieber
Soulja Boy Tell'em
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News
Does Soulja Boy Tell'em have to watch his back online?
Justin Bieber has taken SB's digital playbook (YouTube, Twitter, etc.) and used it to catapult him to success. But when the two Twitter rivals — SB has more than 2 million followers to Bieber's gang of more than 4 million — connected to shoot a Nickelodeon movie earlier this year, they discovered they were actually fans of each other's work.
"He told me how he liked my songs and stuff like that," Soulja Boy revealed during "RapFix Live" on Thursday (August 19). "And I was really going off the stuff I saw on YouTube," he told host Sway of the Biebs. "His YouTube views was up there, and for me coming off of YouTube, that's crazy ... for him to be younger than me and have that amount of people tune in to him."
But while SB didn't make any plans, at least on-air, to collaborate with Bieber, he did accept an offer to record together from last week's "RapFix Live" guest, Lloyd Banks.
Meanwhile, the 20-year-old rapper is putting the finishing touches on his forthcoming album, The DeAndre Way, which is set for a fall release. His tentative next single is the Boi-1da-helmed "Speakers Going Hammer."
"Basically, it's all about the sound of the music," SB told MTV News last month about the track. "I got bars on this one. First verse, second verse, all bars — another anthem, as far as the hook. The hook is catchy. The video is gonna match the song perfect. And it's another hit.
Who do you follow on Twitter: Soulja Boy, Justin Bieber or both? Let us know in the comments!
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T.I. Prepping Animated Series, 'Lil Homies'
MC thinking about lending his voice to the cartoon, which he is producing.By James Montgomery
T.I.
Photo: Brad Barket/Getty Images
T.I. is still deciding on the final track list for his upcoming album King Uncaged — a rather daunting process, considering he recorded some 80 songs (including a track featuring Lady Gaga) for the project. But that doesn't mean he's not working on other endeavors — like, for example, a cartoon.
In an interview last week on Sirius' Shade 45, Tip confirmed that he's developing an animated series called "Lil Homies." He'll serve as a producer on the show, and he's also considering lending his vocal talents to the project.
"I'm actually working on a TV show right now as a producer," he told Shade 45's Angela Yee. "[It's] a cartoon ... called 'Lil Homies.' I may do, like, voice over [work] ... like a narrator."
T.I. said that "Homies" still is without a network, but he's pushing ahead with the series regardless, even saying that he'd use his producer clout to cast Yee as "a neighborhood freak."
If and when the series hits TV, Tip will join a long list of rappers who have crossed over to the animated world: Outkast's Andre 3000, whose series "Class of 3000" ran on the Cartoon Network in 2006; T-Pain, who served as executive producer of (and lent his voice to) "Freaknik: The Musical" earlier this year; and Danger Mouse and MF Doom, who released an album and an EP (2005's The Mouse and the Mask and '06's Occult Hymn) that featured beats taken from Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" programming, and more than a few cameos by "Adult Swim" stars.
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T.I.
T.I.
Photo: Brad Barket/Getty Images
T.I. is still deciding on the final track list for his upcoming album King Uncaged — a rather daunting process, considering he recorded some 80 songs (including a track featuring Lady Gaga) for the project. But that doesn't mean he's not working on other endeavors — like, for example, a cartoon.
In an interview last week on Sirius' Shade 45, Tip confirmed that he's developing an animated series called "Lil Homies." He'll serve as a producer on the show, and he's also considering lending his vocal talents to the project.
"I'm actually working on a TV show right now as a producer," he told Shade 45's Angela Yee. "[It's] a cartoon ... called 'Lil Homies.' I may do, like, voice over [work] ... like a narrator."
T.I. said that "Homies" still is without a network, but he's pushing ahead with the series regardless, even saying that he'd use his producer clout to cast Yee as "a neighborhood freak."
If and when the series hits TV, Tip will join a long list of rappers who have crossed over to the animated world: Outkast's Andre 3000, whose series "Class of 3000" ran on the Cartoon Network in 2006; T-Pain, who served as executive producer of (and lent his voice to) "Freaknik: The Musical" earlier this year; and Danger Mouse and MF Doom, who released an album and an EP (2005's The Mouse and the Mask and '06's Occult Hymn) that featured beats taken from Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" programming, and more than a few cameos by "Adult Swim" stars.
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'Glee' Creator Ryan Murphy, Cast Talk 'Big' Britney Spears Episode
"It was [Britney's] idea. I think she loves what the show's about, paying tribute to pop culture," Murphy said.By James Dinh
Britney Spears
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images
Much like "Glee" 's Madonna-themed episode, the hype building around the show's Britney Spears tribute is growing. Show creator Ryan Murphy and cast members Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison recently dished some details about the upcoming "Britney/Brittany" episode, which is scheduled to air September 28.
"I just started directing it today at 5 [a.m.], which is why I look like hell," Murphy said during the TCA Press Tour on Monday, according to Zap2it. "She is arguably the most important female [musician] other than Lady Gaga in the last 10 years, so we're sort of doing an episode not only of her music but also her public image."
Murphy explained that most of the younger cast pursued music backgrounds due to Spears' impact on pop culture. "All the kids on the show, many of them went into singing and dancing because of her. At the heart of it, it's a show designed to show off the skills of Heather Morris, who plays Brittany," he said.
"It was [Britney's] idea. I think she loves what the show's about, paying tribute to pop culture in a very loving, respectful, kind way. She responded to that," the show's creator continued.
Murphy has previously described the tribute as "hallucinogenic," saying, "We're paying tribute to her in a sort of fun and unexpected way."
"Glee" star Lea Michele spoke to "Access Hollywood" about the music-jammed episode and it appears that the intercoms of William McKinley High School will be transmitting nonstop Spears for the show. "I just read the script last night. It was awesome. It's gonna be a big episode. I called Ryan [series creator] this morning and said, 'How are we gonna do this?' There's like 15 music videos within this episode, like the Madonna episode. I'm super-excited and I've always loved Britney Spears, and I get to do something really cool," she said.
"What I loved about the episode is there's old songs, there's new songs, and Ryan also does what was really cool in the Madonna episode, how he took a song and had the boys sing it. He does the same thing with Britney and I can't wait to hear it because the idea sounds so cool," Michele continued.
And as the old saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The actress revealed that she's "re-creating a Britney video" but couldn't mention which one.
While Michele was always ready to put on her schoolgirl outfit, Matthew Morrison, who plays Glee club director Will Schuester, wasn't originally too keen on an episode devoted to the singer. "I like Britney. I got in trouble earlier for comments I made saying I'm anti-Britney, but I'm not," he told E! Online.
Morrison's comments will now be part of the episode's storyline. "I think in this episode, they're going to mirror those comments and I'm going to be very anti-Britney in the episode because I don't like what she represents. ... It's gonna be a lot of fun and some crazy stuff is gonna happen."
What songs and public scandals do you think should be used in the Britney Spears-themed episode? Let us know in the comments!
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The Evolution Of: Britney Spears
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Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images
Much like "Glee" 's Madonna-themed episode, the hype building around the show's Britney Spears tribute is growing. Show creator Ryan Murphy and cast members Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison recently dished some details about the upcoming "Britney/Brittany" episode, which is scheduled to air September 28.
"I just started directing it today at 5 [a.m.], which is why I look like hell," Murphy said during the TCA Press Tour on Monday, according to Zap2it. "She is arguably the most important female [musician] other than Lady Gaga in the last 10 years, so we're sort of doing an episode not only of her music but also her public image."
Murphy explained that most of the younger cast pursued music backgrounds due to Spears' impact on pop culture. "All the kids on the show, many of them went into singing and dancing because of her. At the heart of it, it's a show designed to show off the skills of Heather Morris, who plays Brittany," he said.
"It was [Britney's] idea. I think she loves what the show's about, paying tribute to pop culture in a very loving, respectful, kind way. She responded to that," the show's creator continued.
Murphy has previously described the tribute as "hallucinogenic," saying, "We're paying tribute to her in a sort of fun and unexpected way."
"Glee" star Lea Michele spoke to "Access Hollywood" about the music-jammed episode and it appears that the intercoms of William McKinley High School will be transmitting nonstop Spears for the show. "I just read the script last night. It was awesome. It's gonna be a big episode. I called Ryan [series creator] this morning and said, 'How are we gonna do this?' There's like 15 music videos within this episode, like the Madonna episode. I'm super-excited and I've always loved Britney Spears, and I get to do something really cool," she said.
"What I loved about the episode is there's old songs, there's new songs, and Ryan also does what was really cool in the Madonna episode, how he took a song and had the boys sing it. He does the same thing with Britney and I can't wait to hear it because the idea sounds so cool," Michele continued.
And as the old saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The actress revealed that she's "re-creating a Britney video" but couldn't mention which one.
While Michele was always ready to put on her schoolgirl outfit, Matthew Morrison, who plays Glee club director Will Schuester, wasn't originally too keen on an episode devoted to the singer. "I like Britney. I got in trouble earlier for comments I made saying I'm anti-Britney, but I'm not," he told E! Online.
Morrison's comments will now be part of the episode's storyline. "I think in this episode, they're going to mirror those comments and I'm going to be very anti-Britney in the episode because I don't like what she represents. ... It's gonna be a lot of fun and some crazy stuff is gonna happen."
What songs and public scandals do you think should be used in the Britney Spears-themed episode? Let us know in the comments!
Related Photos
The Evolution Of: Britney Spears
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Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams
Sweet Dreams
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Adria Petty
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Adria Petty
Drake Channels Frank Sinatra In VMA Promo
'I like to get into characters,' former TV star says on the set of his '50s-themed shoot.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Drake on the set of his 2010 VMA promo
Photo: Jorge Rios/Picturegroup
Drake is taking it way back for his 2010 MTV Video Music Awards promo.
Donning a dapper suit, complete with a gentlemanly pocket square, the singer and rapper is surrounded by midcentury glamour as he takes the mic for a commercial touting his VMA appearance. The Toronto lyricist makes a dramatic entrance under a brightly lit "Drake" marquee and steps onto a stage populated by a sprawling big band sporting white jackets.
"I get to channel my inner [Frank] Sinatra," Drizzy — who is up for Moonmen for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Male Video — said on the set. "In the acting world, you gotta have reference points. I like to get into characters."
Sinatra isn't the only legend that influences Drake's gentlemanly style in the promo. The "Degrassi" actor-turned-chart-topping MC also looked to Denzel Washington's troubled trumpeter in Spike Lee's 1990 flick "Mo' Better Blues."
" 'Mo' Better Blues' is like one of my favorite movies of all time. This reminds me of Denzel, who played a character [called] Bleek Gilliam," Drake explained. "I'm trying to channel that today."
Drake may have mined the mannerisms of a pair of jazzy icons for the promo, but the period set and crew of extras donning retro looks also helped the MC get in character.
"There's a '50s theme. They got it right, though. They got the set and the wardrobe," Drake said. "I feel like I'm here."
What are you expecting from Drake's VMA performance? Let us know in the comments below!
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.
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VMA 2010: Behind The Scenes At The Promo Shoot
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Drake
Drake on the set of his 2010 VMA promo
Photo: Jorge Rios/Picturegroup
Drake is taking it way back for his 2010 MTV Video Music Awards promo.
Donning a dapper suit, complete with a gentlemanly pocket square, the singer and rapper is surrounded by midcentury glamour as he takes the mic for a commercial touting his VMA appearance. The Toronto lyricist makes a dramatic entrance under a brightly lit "Drake" marquee and steps onto a stage populated by a sprawling big band sporting white jackets.
"I get to channel my inner [Frank] Sinatra," Drizzy — who is up for Moonmen for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Male Video — said on the set. "In the acting world, you gotta have reference points. I like to get into characters."
Sinatra isn't the only legend that influences Drake's gentlemanly style in the promo. The "Degrassi" actor-turned-chart-topping MC also looked to Denzel Washington's troubled trumpeter in Spike Lee's 1990 flick "Mo' Better Blues."
" 'Mo' Better Blues' is like one of my favorite movies of all time. This reminds me of Denzel, who played a character [called] Bleek Gilliam," Drake explained. "I'm trying to channel that today."
Drake may have mined the mannerisms of a pair of jazzy icons for the promo, but the period set and crew of extras donning retro looks also helped the MC get in character.
"There's a '50s theme. They got it right, though. They got the set and the wardrobe," Drake said. "I feel like I'm here."
What are you expecting from Drake's VMA performance? Let us know in the comments below!
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.
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VMA 2010: Behind The Scenes At The Promo Shoot
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BULLSEYE 8/13 Follow-Up: ?Expendables? have no ?Love? for ?Scott Pilgrim?
The boxoffice results this weekend played out as many expected, though I gave the geek crowd more credit than they apparently deserved in terms of supporting "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." But preliminary results matched the Risky Bullseye from Thursday fairly closely.
"The Expendables" trampled the competition with $35 million, though I put my prediction up [...]
"The Expendables" trampled the competition with $35 million, though I put my prediction up [...]
Scarlett Chorvat Scarlett Johansson Selita Ebanks Shakara Ledard
Metal Bullets: Clips From the Front
Rockstar Energy Drink is getting ready to corner the metal touring market. On July 10 in San Bernardino, California they?ll launch this year?s Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, which features Korn, Rob Zombie, Lamb of God, Five Finger Death Punch, Atreyu and others. And three days after the tour ends in Aug 14 in Oklahoma City, [...]
Sunday, August 22, 2010
'Expendables' Continues Box Office Domination
Stallone and crew hold down the #1 spot for the second week in a row.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Sylvester Stallone in "The Expendables"
The Box-Office Top Five
#1 "The Expendables" ($16.5 million)
#2 "Vampires Suck" ($12.2 million)
#3 "Eat Pray Love" ($12 million)
#4 "Lottery Ticket" ($11.1 million)
#5 "The Other Guys" ($10.1 million)
"The Expendables" continues to spank the competition at the box office. The firepower-packed flick closed out the weekend with $16.5 million in ticket sales. The Sylvester Stallone ode to macho action movies has raked in a total of $64.9 million throughout its two-week run in theaters.
"Vampires Suck" lagged behind "Expendables" with $12.2 million. The horror spoof, which takes several shots at pop-culture's current fascination with smoldering, mortal-loving vampires, took the second-place slot. The film has stacked $18.6 million in ticket receipts since the comedy hit theaters on Wednesday.
"Eat Pray Love" continued to cull a steady stream of theatergoers with a weekend draw of $12 million. "Vampires" just barely fended off the Julia Roberts vehicle, which settled into third place during its second week on screens. The weekend bumps "Love" 's total gross to $47.1 million.
Boasting a rap-friendly cast, "Lottery Ticket" took fourth place during its debut weekend. The comedy, which features hip-hop star Bow Wow as a young fella forced to bat away hangers-on after he lands a winning lotto ticket, rang up $11.1 million in ticket scans.
"The Other Guys" maintained a healthy presence at theaters, besting three new flicks for a top-five slot. The Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg cop comedy pulled in $10.1 million, bringing its overall haul to $88.2 million.
In a weekend packed with new movies, three debuts failed to crack the top five. "Piranha 3D" nipped at "Guys" ' heels with $10 million for sixth place while "Nanny McPhee Returns" and "The Switch" struggled through the weekend with $8.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more -- updated around the clock -- visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Sylvester Stallone in "The Expendables"
The Box-Office Top Five
#1 "The Expendables" ($16.5 million)
#2 "Vampires Suck" ($12.2 million)
#3 "Eat Pray Love" ($12 million)
#4 "Lottery Ticket" ($11.1 million)
#5 "The Other Guys" ($10.1 million)
"The Expendables" continues to spank the competition at the box office. The firepower-packed flick closed out the weekend with $16.5 million in ticket sales. The Sylvester Stallone ode to macho action movies has raked in a total of $64.9 million throughout its two-week run in theaters.
"Vampires Suck" lagged behind "Expendables" with $12.2 million. The horror spoof, which takes several shots at pop-culture's current fascination with smoldering, mortal-loving vampires, took the second-place slot. The film has stacked $18.6 million in ticket receipts since the comedy hit theaters on Wednesday.
"Eat Pray Love" continued to cull a steady stream of theatergoers with a weekend draw of $12 million. "Vampires" just barely fended off the Julia Roberts vehicle, which settled into third place during its second week on screens. The weekend bumps "Love" 's total gross to $47.1 million.
Boasting a rap-friendly cast, "Lottery Ticket" took fourth place during its debut weekend. The comedy, which features hip-hop star Bow Wow as a young fella forced to bat away hangers-on after he lands a winning lotto ticket, rang up $11.1 million in ticket scans.
"The Other Guys" maintained a healthy presence at theaters, besting three new flicks for a top-five slot. The Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg cop comedy pulled in $10.1 million, bringing its overall haul to $88.2 million.
In a weekend packed with new movies, three debuts failed to crack the top five. "Piranha 3D" nipped at "Guys" ' heels with $10 million for sixth place while "Nanny McPhee Returns" and "The Switch" struggled through the weekend with $8.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more -- updated around the clock -- visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
First Look: ?The Real Housewives Of New Jersey? Season 2 Reunion
The finale ep of The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 2 won’t air on Bravo TV until Monday night but People magazine is already giving us our first look at the “explosive” 2-part reunion episode of the show which will begin airing next week. Here is a photo from the RHONJ reunion along with [...]
'The Expendables' Stars Want Justin Bieber For Sequel
Dolph Lundgren also suggests first-film holdout Jean-Claude Van Damme for the next film — as their victim.By Eric Ditzian
Sylvester Stallone and Terry Crews at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday
Photo: Devan Pratt/MTV News
Where does "Expendables" star Sylvester Stallone turn now, after his cinematic smorgasbord of '80s action giants fire-bombed the competition and won the weekend box-office title? Can you hear the collective cry of $35 million worth of ticket-buyers? They're calling for a sequel!
Sly has plans to give the people what they want — he already has a second flick plotted out in his head — but for now, he's waiting on even greater box-office bucks and the chance to see which co-stars will return and which fresh faces he can entice to join the crew of gun-totting mercenaries. Stallone's fellow Expendables have some strong ideas about who they want to see in a sequel.
"Justin Bieber!" Terry Crews suggested to MTV News as the actors took over the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell. "I want Justin Bieber! I want Justin Bieber's ass!"
Ya hear that, Bieber? Perhaps before you hop in front of the 3-D cameras for your upcoming biopic, you can hang with some old dogs like Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and Crews.
Lundgren, meanwhile, has his eye on a different guy to join the second installment — one who actually turned down a part in the first flick.
"I'd like to kill [Jean-Claude] Van Damme, please!" Lundgren said.
"He's hunting Van Damme down!" Stallone laughed.
Added Jason Statham: "I'll be the cut man for that!"
Two guys Stallone wants to reprise their roles are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. In fact, Sly revealed he's already been in contact with them about returning for a sequel. "The main thing is to find out who's available, who wants to be in it," he said. "I'm talking to Arnold and Bruce [about] different schedules and other actors. Then you have to bring in some new guys, some young blood.
"I haven't had an opening like this," Stallone added. "To me, it's miraculous. And what sunk in finally is, in this day and age, it's all about concept, it's not about the actor. No one actor can open a movie anymore, so you need the help of your friends. This was a group effort. I had the biggest opening because they helped. That's the name of the game."
Who do you want to see join the Expendables crew for a sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Check out everything we've got on "The Expendables."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Sylvester Stallone and Terry Crews at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday
Photo: Devan Pratt/MTV News
Where does "Expendables" star Sylvester Stallone turn now, after his cinematic smorgasbord of '80s action giants fire-bombed the competition and won the weekend box-office title? Can you hear the collective cry of $35 million worth of ticket-buyers? They're calling for a sequel!
Sly has plans to give the people what they want — he already has a second flick plotted out in his head — but for now, he's waiting on even greater box-office bucks and the chance to see which co-stars will return and which fresh faces he can entice to join the crew of gun-totting mercenaries. Stallone's fellow Expendables have some strong ideas about who they want to see in a sequel.
"Justin Bieber!" Terry Crews suggested to MTV News as the actors took over the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell. "I want Justin Bieber! I want Justin Bieber's ass!"
Ya hear that, Bieber? Perhaps before you hop in front of the 3-D cameras for your upcoming biopic, you can hang with some old dogs like Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and Crews.
Lundgren, meanwhile, has his eye on a different guy to join the second installment — one who actually turned down a part in the first flick.
"I'd like to kill [Jean-Claude] Van Damme, please!" Lundgren said.
"He's hunting Van Damme down!" Stallone laughed.
Added Jason Statham: "I'll be the cut man for that!"
Two guys Stallone wants to reprise their roles are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. In fact, Sly revealed he's already been in contact with them about returning for a sequel. "The main thing is to find out who's available, who wants to be in it," he said. "I'm talking to Arnold and Bruce [about] different schedules and other actors. Then you have to bring in some new guys, some young blood.
"I haven't had an opening like this," Stallone added. "To me, it's miraculous. And what sunk in finally is, in this day and age, it's all about concept, it's not about the actor. No one actor can open a movie anymore, so you need the help of your friends. This was a group effort. I had the biggest opening because they helped. That's the name of the game."
Who do you want to see join the Expendables crew for a sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Check out everything we've got on "The Expendables."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Jim Carrey To Bring Classic 'Mr. Popper's Penguins' To Big Screen
Film will be upscale adaptation of popular children's book.By Kara Warner
Jim Carrey
Photo: Todd Brown/ MTV News
The last time Jim Carrey lit up the big screen, he did so as four different CGI characters in Disney's animated "A Christmas Carol" reboot. Now, in addition to the recently announced project "Pierre, Pierre," with "Bruno" director Larry Charles, Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox has lined up the funnyman to star in "Mr. Popper's Penguins," based on the classic children's book of the same name.
The film adaptation is said to be an upscale spin on the book, with Carrey in the role of the titular Mr. Popper, now a high-powered businessman who suddenly inherits six penguins. As Popper becomes increasingly attached to his feathered friends, his life unravels and, you guessed it, wackiness ensues. According to the script synopsis, Popper's swanky apartment turns into a winter wonderland, and he almost lands in jail.
"But thanks to his new charges," the logline reads, "Popper comes to understand the importance of family, human and otherwise."
Fans of the book, written by Richard and Florence Atwater, will note that this proposed film version is a departure from the 1938 original, in which Popper is a poor housepainter who receives the surprise gift of a penguin by mail after writing into a radio broadcast hosted by Antarctic explorer Admiral Drake. Eventually, one penguin turns into 12, and in order to support their expansive brood, the Poppers train the penguins to perform.
Perhaps Carrey can convince the filmmakers to reintroduce the painter aspect of Popper's character, given the actor's newfound passion for painting, which he has been chronicling via his Twitter account.
No word on when production is scheduled to begin, but Mark Waters ("Mean Girls" and "The Spiderwick Chronicles") is set to direct.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Jim Carrey
Photo: Todd Brown/ MTV News
The last time Jim Carrey lit up the big screen, he did so as four different CGI characters in Disney's animated "A Christmas Carol" reboot. Now, in addition to the recently announced project "Pierre, Pierre," with "Bruno" director Larry Charles, Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox has lined up the funnyman to star in "Mr. Popper's Penguins," based on the classic children's book of the same name.
The film adaptation is said to be an upscale spin on the book, with Carrey in the role of the titular Mr. Popper, now a high-powered businessman who suddenly inherits six penguins. As Popper becomes increasingly attached to his feathered friends, his life unravels and, you guessed it, wackiness ensues. According to the script synopsis, Popper's swanky apartment turns into a winter wonderland, and he almost lands in jail.
"But thanks to his new charges," the logline reads, "Popper comes to understand the importance of family, human and otherwise."
Fans of the book, written by Richard and Florence Atwater, will note that this proposed film version is a departure from the 1938 original, in which Popper is a poor housepainter who receives the surprise gift of a penguin by mail after writing into a radio broadcast hosted by Antarctic explorer Admiral Drake. Eventually, one penguin turns into 12, and in order to support their expansive brood, the Poppers train the penguins to perform.
Perhaps Carrey can convince the filmmakers to reintroduce the painter aspect of Popper's character, given the actor's newfound passion for painting, which he has been chronicling via his Twitter account.
No word on when production is scheduled to begin, but Mark Waters ("Mean Girls" and "The Spiderwick Chronicles") is set to direct.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Britney Spears Set To Appear On 'Glee'
Creator Ryan Murphy confirms to Ryan Seacrest that pop singer will guest star on tribute episode.By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Audrey Kim
Britney Spears
Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images
Lady Gaga: Check. Madonna: Check. "Glee" has featured the music of the pop stars to acclaim in its first season. Yet the show has yet to get high-profile singers Madge and Gaga to appear in person on the show. But another diva is about to change that.
On Tuesday (August 10), show creator Ryan Murphy confirmed to Ryan Seacrest that Britney Spears will make an appearance on "Glee." Now, fans are anxious to see what they'll do with the Spears discography in an episode set to air next season.
And the cast seems just as excited as the Gleeks about what's to come. Heather Morris couldn't wait to have Spears on set when MTV News spoke to her at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday.
"I get to do Britney Spears! I'm hearing rumors from other people that she's supposed to be coming ... that'd be so nerve-racking," she said. "I like 'Toxic' the best or the 'Slave' video. It was always her best performance. She's rocking! I don't care what I do."
"I mean I can't really give away songs, but I know we've seen pictures of Lea [Michele] in a sports bra," Jenna Ushkowitz added, confirming online reports that Michele would sing the classic Britney tune " ... Baby One More Time."
"Some old Britney, some new Britney, some Brittany of our Brittany from the Glee club. So it should be funny," Ushkowitz teased of featured songs. "We're really excited. I love Britney Spears."
Fans also want to know whether Matthew Morrison will go all the way and shave his head as rumored for the episode. But the only thing he would confirm is that he couldn't confirm anything.
"All rumors," Morrison told us. "I think you might be surprised. I don't think I'll be performing any [songs]. I might sing a little bit of 'Toxic,' " he shared. "I'm not sure. We haven't really got too far in the script yet, which is why I don't know too much about the head-shaving thing."
Morrison's castmate Amber Reilly is already convinced the episode will be great.
"I can tell you it's going to be a really great episode and you're going to love it," she said. "And they're doing the big hits from Britney."
Which Britney songs do you think are absolutely essential to the "Glee" tribute episode? Tell us in the comments!
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What Other 'Glee' Music Videos Do We Want To See?
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Britney Spears
Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images
Lady Gaga: Check. Madonna: Check. "Glee" has featured the music of the pop stars to acclaim in its first season. Yet the show has yet to get high-profile singers Madge and Gaga to appear in person on the show. But another diva is about to change that.
On Tuesday (August 10), show creator Ryan Murphy confirmed to Ryan Seacrest that Britney Spears will make an appearance on "Glee." Now, fans are anxious to see what they'll do with the Spears discography in an episode set to air next season.
And the cast seems just as excited as the Gleeks about what's to come. Heather Morris couldn't wait to have Spears on set when MTV News spoke to her at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday.
"I get to do Britney Spears! I'm hearing rumors from other people that she's supposed to be coming ... that'd be so nerve-racking," she said. "I like 'Toxic' the best or the 'Slave' video. It was always her best performance. She's rocking! I don't care what I do."
"I mean I can't really give away songs, but I know we've seen pictures of Lea [Michele] in a sports bra," Jenna Ushkowitz added, confirming online reports that Michele would sing the classic Britney tune " ... Baby One More Time."
"Some old Britney, some new Britney, some Brittany of our Brittany from the Glee club. So it should be funny," Ushkowitz teased of featured songs. "We're really excited. I love Britney Spears."
Fans also want to know whether Matthew Morrison will go all the way and shave his head as rumored for the episode. But the only thing he would confirm is that he couldn't confirm anything.
"All rumors," Morrison told us. "I think you might be surprised. I don't think I'll be performing any [songs]. I might sing a little bit of 'Toxic,' " he shared. "I'm not sure. We haven't really got too far in the script yet, which is why I don't know too much about the head-shaving thing."
Morrison's castmate Amber Reilly is already convinced the episode will be great.
"I can tell you it's going to be a really great episode and you're going to love it," she said. "And they're doing the big hits from Britney."
Which Britney songs do you think are absolutely essential to the "Glee" tribute episode? Tell us in the comments!
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What Other 'Glee' Music Videos Do We Want To See?
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'The Switch' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know
Don't get mixed up: Check out all our fun facts about the Jennifer Aniston/ Jason Bateman romantic comedy.By Kara Warner
Juliette Lewis and Jason Bateman in "The Switch"
Photo: Miramax
In case you've missed all the talk of bodily fluids and "basting" around MTV News this week, we've been gearing up for Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman's new romantic comedy, "The Switch," which opened Friday (August 20).
In brief, the story revolves around BFFs Wally (Bateman) and Kassie (Aniston). One day, Kassie informs Wally that she's ready to have a baby via a sperm donor, and Wally is surprised, to say the least. Kassie moves on with her plan, enlists a donor whom she dubs "the Viking," played by Patrick Wilson, and Wally manages to crash the scene and mess up the donation and ends up replacing it with his own. Kassie moves away to have the baby, and no one figures out the switch until many years later.
We've been following the film from its humble beginnings, cast additions, title changes, trailers, etc. Here is everything you need to know about "The Switch"!
The Aniston/Bateman team-up was initially announced as "The Baster" in February 2009, a title that raised a few eyebrows.
When our Hollywood Crush caught up with screenwriter Allan Loeb to discuss the film just two weeks later, the studio's marketing department had already set the wheels in motion to change the title.
"As a movie title, it doesn't seem to be as exciting to the powers that be that are going to have to market it," Loeb explained to MTV News. "So the title will change.
"I can tell you that the movie is wonderful," he added. "I am very proud of it and very happy with it. ... Fans of Jason Bateman and Jennifer are going to be very happy and very excited to see their performances in this picture." Loeb went on to compare the Aniston/Bateman chemistry in the film to that of "When Harry Met Sally."
"The chemistry between them isn't as much they're going to rip each others' clothes off and you want to see them go to town on each other. It's much more 'Harry Met Sally,' " Loeb explained. "It's much more fun. It's a lot of good banter, if I do say so myself, as I wrote it. But it's a lot of good banter, and it's real shorthand between them."
Earlier this year, the first trailer debuted, along with the film's new title. Hollywood Crush awarded points to the studio's marketing team for not revealing the entire plot of the film, as trailers sometimes do.
After the trailer and new title dropped, news about the film was almost nil for several months. A couple of weeks ago, a new clip was released, and at that point, it was time for us to attend the film's press day, during which we learned a lot about the "basting" process and a bonus fact from Aniston: she's "obsessed" with MTV's own "Warren the Ape."
Last but most certainly not least, MTV News attended the Hollywood premiere, where we posed a very important question to the cast: Which fluid is the sexiest to donate — sperm or blood?
Check out everything we've got on "The Switch."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, More At 'Switch' Premiere
Juliette Lewis and Jason Bateman in "The Switch"
Photo: Miramax
In case you've missed all the talk of bodily fluids and "basting" around MTV News this week, we've been gearing up for Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman's new romantic comedy, "The Switch," which opened Friday (August 20).
In brief, the story revolves around BFFs Wally (Bateman) and Kassie (Aniston). One day, Kassie informs Wally that she's ready to have a baby via a sperm donor, and Wally is surprised, to say the least. Kassie moves on with her plan, enlists a donor whom she dubs "the Viking," played by Patrick Wilson, and Wally manages to crash the scene and mess up the donation and ends up replacing it with his own. Kassie moves away to have the baby, and no one figures out the switch until many years later.
We've been following the film from its humble beginnings, cast additions, title changes, trailers, etc. Here is everything you need to know about "The Switch"!
The Aniston/Bateman team-up was initially announced as "The Baster" in February 2009, a title that raised a few eyebrows.
When our Hollywood Crush caught up with screenwriter Allan Loeb to discuss the film just two weeks later, the studio's marketing department had already set the wheels in motion to change the title.
"As a movie title, it doesn't seem to be as exciting to the powers that be that are going to have to market it," Loeb explained to MTV News. "So the title will change.
"I can tell you that the movie is wonderful," he added. "I am very proud of it and very happy with it. ... Fans of Jason Bateman and Jennifer are going to be very happy and very excited to see their performances in this picture." Loeb went on to compare the Aniston/Bateman chemistry in the film to that of "When Harry Met Sally."
"The chemistry between them isn't as much they're going to rip each others' clothes off and you want to see them go to town on each other. It's much more 'Harry Met Sally,' " Loeb explained. "It's much more fun. It's a lot of good banter, if I do say so myself, as I wrote it. But it's a lot of good banter, and it's real shorthand between them."
Earlier this year, the first trailer debuted, along with the film's new title. Hollywood Crush awarded points to the studio's marketing team for not revealing the entire plot of the film, as trailers sometimes do.
After the trailer and new title dropped, news about the film was almost nil for several months. A couple of weeks ago, a new clip was released, and at that point, it was time for us to attend the film's press day, during which we learned a lot about the "basting" process and a bonus fact from Aniston: she's "obsessed" with MTV's own "Warren the Ape."
Last but most certainly not least, MTV News attended the Hollywood premiere, where we posed a very important question to the cast: Which fluid is the sexiest to donate — sperm or blood?
Check out everything we've got on "The Switch."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Saturday, August 21, 2010
'Breaking Dawn' Star Nikki Reed Is 'Starting To Get' Justin Bieber
'He's a talented kid,' the actress tells MTV News of her late-breaking case of Bieber Fever.By Kara Warner
Nikki Reed
Photo: James Lacsina/ MTV News
When it comes to rabid fans, it would seem that the "Twilight" franchise fanbase and that of teen chart-topper Justin Bieber have a lot in common. For instance, both have extremely dedicated fans, complete with playful nicknames — Twilighters and Beliebers. Both groups are prone to burst into ear-piercing screams and heavily influence awards-show voting. So when MTV News recently caught up with "Breaking Dawn" star Nikki Reed, we asked whether she had any special insight into Bieber Fever, having experienced the kind of fan-demonium he has.
"I didn't really understand that for a while, and I finally get it," she said about the singer while promoting her new flick "Last Day of Summer."
Reed said her "a-ha" moment came when she stumbled upon vintage Bieber videos online, which show the singer at 6 years old, playing guitar on the side of the road. "The excitement and passion in his eyes and his voice, this little tiny kid holding this big huge guitar ... he's singing, his voice penetrates into the world," Reed recalled. "People across the street were listening, it's truly incredible. He's a talented kid."
The "Twilight" actress added that while she might not personally fit into his demographic, she has slowly come to realize the power of Bieber. "He's got a very specific look and style thing that he's going for. I didn't understand or connect with that [at first], just like the Jonas Brothers, but I'm starting to get it with the Biebs."
Are you surprised to hear Nikki Reed is a fan of the Biebs? Tell us in the comments!
Check out everything we've got on "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
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Nikki Reed
Photo: James Lacsina/ MTV News
When it comes to rabid fans, it would seem that the "Twilight" franchise fanbase and that of teen chart-topper Justin Bieber have a lot in common. For instance, both have extremely dedicated fans, complete with playful nicknames — Twilighters and Beliebers. Both groups are prone to burst into ear-piercing screams and heavily influence awards-show voting. So when MTV News recently caught up with "Breaking Dawn" star Nikki Reed, we asked whether she had any special insight into Bieber Fever, having experienced the kind of fan-demonium he has.
"I didn't really understand that for a while, and I finally get it," she said about the singer while promoting her new flick "Last Day of Summer."
Reed said her "a-ha" moment came when she stumbled upon vintage Bieber videos online, which show the singer at 6 years old, playing guitar on the side of the road. "The excitement and passion in his eyes and his voice, this little tiny kid holding this big huge guitar ... he's singing, his voice penetrates into the world," Reed recalled. "People across the street were listening, it's truly incredible. He's a talented kid."
The "Twilight" actress added that while she might not personally fit into his demographic, she has slowly come to realize the power of Bieber. "He's got a very specific look and style thing that he's going for. I didn't understand or connect with that [at first], just like the Jonas Brothers, but I'm starting to get it with the Biebs."
Are you surprised to hear Nikki Reed is a fan of the Biebs? Tell us in the comments!
Check out everything we've got on "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
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Britney Spears Will 'Kind Of' Play Herself On 'Glee'
'She sort of wants to do a 'Where's Waldo?'-type thing with 'Where's Britney?' ' creator Ryan Murphy reveals.By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Britney Spears
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Ladies, gentlemen and Gleeks, Ryan Murphy has revealed a few more details about what fans can expect when Britney Spears makes a cameo in an episode of "Glee" dedicated to her and airing next season.
While the show creator wouldn't say exactly what part Spears will have, he did hint that she would be playing some version of herself.
"Well, it's her idea. She sort of wants to do a 'Where's Waldo?'-type thing with 'Where's Britney?' " Murphy told MTV News at the "Eat Pray Love" premiere in New York City on Tuesday night. Spears will "kind of" be playing herself, he added. "Yes, that's all I can say."
With so much anticipation surrounding the upcoming episode, Murphy said the cast is equally pumped to have the pop icon on set. In fact, many of them had long been pushing for a Spears episode.
"You know, I met with Britney Spears years and years and years ago right when '(Hit Me) ... Baby One More Time' came out and I was sort of starting my career, and I've always loved her," he explained. "I think what she's done in turning everything around is remarkable, and the show is just a love letter to her music.
"And the reason we're doing it is because so many of the kids on the show say, 'We grew up with Britney. We want to do Britney,' " Murphy continued. "So I said, 'OK,' but I'm filled with admiration for her."
One Gleek who's particularly excited to get Spears onboard is Heather Morris, who over the weekend at the Teen Choice Awards admitted she couldn't believe Spears might actually show up on set. "That'd be so nerve-racking," she said.
When asked which Britney songs she'd like to perform on the show, Morris said, "I like 'Toxic' the best or the 'Slave' video. It was always her best performance. She's rocking! I don't care what I do."
Would you like to see Britney play herself or another character on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
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Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Ladies, gentlemen and Gleeks, Ryan Murphy has revealed a few more details about what fans can expect when Britney Spears makes a cameo in an episode of "Glee" dedicated to her and airing next season.
While the show creator wouldn't say exactly what part Spears will have, he did hint that she would be playing some version of herself.
"Well, it's her idea. She sort of wants to do a 'Where's Waldo?'-type thing with 'Where's Britney?' " Murphy told MTV News at the "Eat Pray Love" premiere in New York City on Tuesday night. Spears will "kind of" be playing herself, he added. "Yes, that's all I can say."
With so much anticipation surrounding the upcoming episode, Murphy said the cast is equally pumped to have the pop icon on set. In fact, many of them had long been pushing for a Spears episode.
"You know, I met with Britney Spears years and years and years ago right when '(Hit Me) ... Baby One More Time' came out and I was sort of starting my career, and I've always loved her," he explained. "I think what she's done in turning everything around is remarkable, and the show is just a love letter to her music.
"And the reason we're doing it is because so many of the kids on the show say, 'We grew up with Britney. We want to do Britney,' " Murphy continued. "So I said, 'OK,' but I'm filled with admiration for her."
One Gleek who's particularly excited to get Spears onboard is Heather Morris, who over the weekend at the Teen Choice Awards admitted she couldn't believe Spears might actually show up on set. "That'd be so nerve-racking," she said.
When asked which Britney songs she'd like to perform on the show, Morris said, "I like 'Toxic' the best or the 'Slave' video. It was always her best performance. She's rocking! I don't care what I do."
Would you like to see Britney play herself or another character on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
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Britney Spears - Do Somethin'
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VMA Nominations By The Numbers: Lady Gaga On Top
From Gaga's record 13 nods to the six first-time nominees, we take a closer look at the 2010 nominations.By Gil Kaufman
Lady Gaga
Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News
For an artist who has quickly made a habit of smashing records, Lady Gaga improbably did it again on Tuesday (August 2). She leaped past such career stars as "Telephone"/ "Video Phone" collaborator Beyoncé to set a new record for the most nominations in a single year for MTV's Video Music Awards, which air Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET.
The Mother Monster racked up 13 nods, far outpacing the artists with the second-most nominations, a resurgent Eminem, who racked up eight. On her way to setting the record, Gaga also became the first female artist nominated for two different clips in the coveted Video of the Year category for "Bad Romance" and "Telephone."
But 13 isn't the only significant number this year. We've pored over the nominations and here's a breakdown of the other figures popping out at the 2010 Video Music Awards:
1994: The year Usher's debut was released. As for the other nominees in the Best Male Video category, Eminem hit the scene in 1996, while the other three acts in the category — Drake, B.o.B and Jason DeRulo — didn't release their full-length debuts until 2010.
25: Nominated artists who've appeared on a NOW That's What I Call Music! Compilation: Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Rihanna, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Jason DeRulo, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Eminem, David Guetta, Katy Perry, 3OH!3, Kid Cudi, Pink, Beyonce, Coldplay, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias, Green Day, Gorillaz, Jay-Z, MGMT, Muse and Paramore.
23 years: Age difference between Best New Artists nominees Broken Bells' James Mercer (39) and Justin Bieber (16).
9: The record Gaga will have to beat if she wants to snag the distinction of most wins in a single night, currently held by Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer."
7: Number of nominated artists who are playing at this year's Lollapalooza festival: B.o.B., Dan Black, Green Day, MGMT, Mumford and Sons, Lady Gaga and the Black Keys.
6: First time nominees, including B.o.B., Ke$ha, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons.
2 1/2: Artists nominated in the Video of the Year category who were up for the award last year: Gaga (with assist from last year's winner, Beyoncé) and Eminem.
2: Previous times Eminem has been nominated for Video of the Year.
1: Number of times the band Ratatat has been mentioned before in connection with the VMAs.
1: Opportunities for a cast member of "Jersey Shore" to hop up onstage during an award acceptance, should Enrique Iglesias win for "I Like It" from the "Shore" soundtrack album.
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners in general categories, including Best New Artist, from Tuesday (August 3) through September 12.
Are you surprised by any of this year's nominees? Talk about it in the comments.
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Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News
For an artist who has quickly made a habit of smashing records, Lady Gaga improbably did it again on Tuesday (August 2). She leaped past such career stars as "Telephone"/ "Video Phone" collaborator Beyoncé to set a new record for the most nominations in a single year for MTV's Video Music Awards, which air Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET.
The Mother Monster racked up 13 nods, far outpacing the artists with the second-most nominations, a resurgent Eminem, who racked up eight. On her way to setting the record, Gaga also became the first female artist nominated for two different clips in the coveted Video of the Year category for "Bad Romance" and "Telephone."
But 13 isn't the only significant number this year. We've pored over the nominations and here's a breakdown of the other figures popping out at the 2010 Video Music Awards:
1994: The year Usher's debut was released. As for the other nominees in the Best Male Video category, Eminem hit the scene in 1996, while the other three acts in the category — Drake, B.o.B and Jason DeRulo — didn't release their full-length debuts until 2010.
25: Nominated artists who've appeared on a NOW That's What I Call Music! Compilation: Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Rihanna, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Jason DeRulo, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Eminem, David Guetta, Katy Perry, 3OH!3, Kid Cudi, Pink, Beyonce, Coldplay, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias, Green Day, Gorillaz, Jay-Z, MGMT, Muse and Paramore.
23 years: Age difference between Best New Artists nominees Broken Bells' James Mercer (39) and Justin Bieber (16).
9: The record Gaga will have to beat if she wants to snag the distinction of most wins in a single night, currently held by Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer."
7: Number of nominated artists who are playing at this year's Lollapalooza festival: B.o.B., Dan Black, Green Day, MGMT, Mumford and Sons, Lady Gaga and the Black Keys.
6: First time nominees, including B.o.B., Ke$ha, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons.
2 1/2: Artists nominated in the Video of the Year category who were up for the award last year: Gaga (with assist from last year's winner, Beyoncé) and Eminem.
2: Previous times Eminem has been nominated for Video of the Year.
1: Number of times the band Ratatat has been mentioned before in connection with the VMAs.
1: Opportunities for a cast member of "Jersey Shore" to hop up onstage during an award acceptance, should Enrique Iglesias win for "I Like It" from the "Shore" soundtrack album.
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners in general categories, including Best New Artist, from Tuesday (August 3) through September 12.
Are you surprised by any of this year's nominees? Talk about it in the comments.
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Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover
Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.By Gil Kaufman
Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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BULLSEYE 8/13 Follow-Up: ?Expendables? have no ?Love? for ?Scott Pilgrim?
The boxoffice results this weekend played out as many expected, though I gave the geek crowd more credit than they apparently deserved in terms of supporting "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." But preliminary results matched the Risky Bullseye from Thursday fairly closely.
"The Expendables" trampled the competition with $35 million, though I put my prediction up [...]
"The Expendables" trampled the competition with $35 million, though I put my prediction up [...]
Lady Gaga, Eminem Top VMA Nominations
The pop queen vies for a record 13 nods at the show, airing September 12.By Jocelyn Vena
The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards will feature yet another epic battle: Lady Gaga leading the nominations, with 13, followed close behind by Eminem, who has eight nods. And on September 12 at at 9 p.m ET, the pop diva and the Detroit MC will go head to head for the coveted Video of the Year Moonman.
The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards will feature yet another epic battle: Lady Gaga leading the nominations, with 13, followed close behind by Eminem, who has eight nods. And on September 12 at at 9 p.m ET, the pop diva and the Detroit MC will go head to head for the coveted Video of the Year Moonman.
Photos | Exclusive 'Michael Jackson' Comic Book Biography Preview
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Links for 2007-11-23 [del.icio.us]
Hayden Panettiere is GQ’s Obsession of the Year
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has been named Obsession of the Year in a recent issue of GQ. The teen celebrity is photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth. She is adorable in the photos and actually now that she?s eighteen, it?s okay to look at her ?in tha
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has been named Obsession of the Year in a recent issue of GQ. The teen celebrity is photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth. She is adorable in the photos and actually now that she?s eighteen, it?s okay to look at her ?in tha
Friday, August 20, 2010
Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour Will Gross Nearly $200 Million
Tour kicked off in November 2009 and will run at least through April 2011.By James Montgomery
Lady Gaga
Photo: Peter Wafzig/Getty Images
There's a reason Lady Gaga doesn't ever seem to want to wrap up her globe-trotting Monster Ball Tour: It's a moneymaking machine.
Billboard is reporting that, by the time the curtain finally falls on the Ball — which kicked off in November 2009 and is scheduled to run until at least April 2011 — it will have grossed nearly $200 million worldwide.
It's a huge number, to be sure, and it's more proof that Gaga has ascended to the upper echelon of touring acts. In 2009, U2's 360 Tour was the year's top-grossing jaunt, raking in more than $300 million, according to Billboard. Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour was at #2, with receipts of more than $220 million. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band landed at #3, grossing more than $156 million.
In the nearly 10 months it's been on the road, Gaga's Monster Ball has made stops in North America, Europe, the U.K., Asia and Australia. And a spokesperson for Live Nation Entertainment, which produced U2's and Madonna's tours — and also serves as the producer on the Monster Ball — told Billboard that Gaga's tremendous touring success only serves as further proof that she's arrived on the scene and has seized the public's consciousness.
"It's an opportunity," Live Nation global touring chairman Arthur Fogel said. "As an artist with that kind of talent and vision emerges, it creates a lot of excitement, and ticket sales worldwide demonstrate that people are really excited to see the show.
"Over the course of the next many months, we're trying to play to as many people in as many places as possible," he added. "It's an across-the-board home run."
Have you caught the Monster Ball yet? Let us know what you thought in the comments!
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Lady Gaga
Photo: Peter Wafzig/Getty Images
There's a reason Lady Gaga doesn't ever seem to want to wrap up her globe-trotting Monster Ball Tour: It's a moneymaking machine.
Billboard is reporting that, by the time the curtain finally falls on the Ball — which kicked off in November 2009 and is scheduled to run until at least April 2011 — it will have grossed nearly $200 million worldwide.
It's a huge number, to be sure, and it's more proof that Gaga has ascended to the upper echelon of touring acts. In 2009, U2's 360 Tour was the year's top-grossing jaunt, raking in more than $300 million, according to Billboard. Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour was at #2, with receipts of more than $220 million. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band landed at #3, grossing more than $156 million.
In the nearly 10 months it's been on the road, Gaga's Monster Ball has made stops in North America, Europe, the U.K., Asia and Australia. And a spokesperson for Live Nation Entertainment, which produced U2's and Madonna's tours — and also serves as the producer on the Monster Ball — told Billboard that Gaga's tremendous touring success only serves as further proof that she's arrived on the scene and has seized the public's consciousness.
"It's an opportunity," Live Nation global touring chairman Arthur Fogel said. "As an artist with that kind of talent and vision emerges, it creates a lot of excitement, and ticket sales worldwide demonstrate that people are really excited to see the show.
"Over the course of the next many months, we're trying to play to as many people in as many places as possible," he added. "It's an across-the-board home run."
Have you caught the Monster Ball yet? Let us know what you thought in the comments!
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Photos | 'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010
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Usher - There Goes My Baby
There Goes My Baby
Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Drake Channels Frank Sinatra In VMA Promo
'I like to get into characters,' former TV star says on the set of his '50s-themed shoot.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Drake on the set of his 2010 VMA promo
Photo: Jorge Rios/Picturegroup
Drake is taking it way back for his 2010 MTV Video Music Awards promo.
Donning a dapper suit, complete with a gentlemanly pocket square, the singer and rapper is surrounded by midcentury glamour as he takes the mic for a commercial touting his VMA appearance. The Toronto lyricist makes a dramatic entrance under a brightly lit "Drake" marquee and steps onto a stage populated by a sprawling big band sporting white jackets.
"I get to channel my inner [Frank] Sinatra," Drizzy — who is up for Moonmen for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Male Video — said on the set. "In the acting world, you gotta have reference points. I like to get into characters."
Sinatra isn't the only legend that influences Drake's gentlemanly style in the promo. The "Degrassi" actor-turned-chart-topping MC also looked to Denzel Washington's troubled trumpeter in Spike Lee's 1990 flick "Mo' Better Blues."
" 'Mo' Better Blues' is like one of my favorite movies of all time. This reminds me of Denzel, who played a character [called] Bleek Gilliam," Drake explained. "I'm trying to channel that today."
Drake may have mined the mannerisms of a pair of jazzy icons for the promo, but the period set and crew of extras donning retro looks also helped the MC get in character.
"There's a '50s theme. They got it right, though. They got the set and the wardrobe," Drake said. "I feel like I'm here."
What are you expecting from Drake's VMA performance? Let us know in the comments below!
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.
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Drake on the set of his 2010 VMA promo
Photo: Jorge Rios/Picturegroup
Drake is taking it way back for his 2010 MTV Video Music Awards promo.
Donning a dapper suit, complete with a gentlemanly pocket square, the singer and rapper is surrounded by midcentury glamour as he takes the mic for a commercial touting his VMA appearance. The Toronto lyricist makes a dramatic entrance under a brightly lit "Drake" marquee and steps onto a stage populated by a sprawling big band sporting white jackets.
"I get to channel my inner [Frank] Sinatra," Drizzy — who is up for Moonmen for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Male Video — said on the set. "In the acting world, you gotta have reference points. I like to get into characters."
Sinatra isn't the only legend that influences Drake's gentlemanly style in the promo. The "Degrassi" actor-turned-chart-topping MC also looked to Denzel Washington's troubled trumpeter in Spike Lee's 1990 flick "Mo' Better Blues."
" 'Mo' Better Blues' is like one of my favorite movies of all time. This reminds me of Denzel, who played a character [called] Bleek Gilliam," Drake explained. "I'm trying to channel that today."
Drake may have mined the mannerisms of a pair of jazzy icons for the promo, but the period set and crew of extras donning retro looks also helped the MC get in character.
"There's a '50s theme. They got it right, though. They got the set and the wardrobe," Drake said. "I feel like I'm here."
What are you expecting from Drake's VMA performance? Let us know in the comments below!
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.
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