- Artist: Beyoncé
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Airlines, hotels roll out deals to lure tourists back to Thailand
As expected, Thailand?s embattled tourism industry is trying to win back tourists by casting its tried and tested lures: cheap airfares and hotel rooms.
AirAsia has launched a deal called ?Mai Ben Rai, Thailand," running from now until December 11, for travel between December 5, 2011 and March 31, 2012.
Domestic one-way flights start at 790 baht (not including tax). International flights are also on sale. For example, one-way flights from Bangkok to Hong Kong are 2,590 baht.
Michelle Malkin Michelle Rodriguez Michelle Trachtenberg Mila Kunis
Michael Fassbender Looks Back On 'Surreal' 2011
From 'X-Men: First Class' to 'Shame,' Fassbender is one of the actors MTV News is most thankful for this year.
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Michael Fassbender
Photo: MTV News
Every once in a while, an actor with a breakout role will come along and capture the attention of both moviegoers and the people behind the films. Soon, you can find that same actor headlining films at festivals as well as scoring top billing on blockbusters.
For 2011, that actor was undoubtedly Michael Fassbender, who wowed the art-house crowd in 2008 with "Hunger" and found wider audiences a year later with Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" as the British Lieutenant Archie Hicox, who reserves a circle of hell for people who waste good scotch.
This past year, Fassbender became a superstar. He helped lead a brand-new team of mutants to box-office success as a young Magneto in "X-Men: First Class," and then delivered critically praised performances in "Jane Eyre," "A Dangerous Method" and "Shame," for which he's receiving Oscar buzz.
That's why we've named Michael Fassbender one of the actors we're most thankful for this holiday season. We sat down with Fassbender and gave him a chance to look back on 2011 and tell us why a different year — 2007 — meant everything to him.
MTV: Every year at MTV, we choose a few actors that we're most thankful for around Thanksgiving, and you've made the cut.
Fassbender: Have I really?
MTV: You have.
Fassbender: Nice one.
MTV: Obviously, a couple years back, when "Inglourious" hit, especially, that was a big moment for you, but it feels like this year has to be professionally the most satisfying year.
Fassbender: No, I got to say, for me, definitely 2007 changed my life.
MTV: "Hunger."
Fassbender: Yeah, Steve McQueen gave me an opportunity, a possibility to show some sort of capability in my profession. It was coming at a point when we were about to go into a recession. That was going to affect this business as much as any business — less jobs for less actors. For him to take a risk on an unknown in a lead role, it changed my life, really. From that, I had all these amazing experiences with Andrea Arnold, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Cary Fukunaga, David Cronenberg, Ridley Scott.
MTV: It feels like this is where it all bears fruit. The seeds that were planted then, now it all starts to come out.
Fassbender: Yeah, you start off and you just want to be working, so jobbing actors, you're already thankful for that opportunity. To be in this position that I'm in now, it's ridiculous. Somebody pull the plug on me now. I have to say I'm blessed. When I started out when I was 17, this was the pinnacle, to be working with people that I find inspiring, I can learn from. It's a very privileged position.
MTV: Was there one particular moment in this year of 2011 that was the most surreal, the biggest high for you? A lot of premieres, a lot of production work, a lot of press. Was there one moment you can pinpoint?
Fassbender: Just lots of surreal moments. When I was sitting in a balcony in Venice — I've never been to Venice before — and I'm there with family and friends, and we're like, "Wow, this is a trip, isn't it?" We're all sort of experiencing this together. You're always sort of pinching yourself.
Being on a Quentin Tarantino set. When I was 18, I did a stage version of "Reservoir Dogs" with my friends, where I directed, produced, played Mr. Pink. I mean, I was totally green. I didn't know what the hell I was doing, but I knew that with hard work and enthusiasm, things get done. So then to be sitting on set with him, I was like, "This is weird." Already at the audition with him was strange, because he reads all the other parts. That was surreal.
To have this sort of reception we've had for both films in Venice, to be there with two films, all those things are pretty mad.
Check out everything we've got on "Shame."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Both awards are [...]
'Breaking Dawn' Passes $500 Million Mark Worldwide
Movie hits half-billion mark in less than two weeks.
By Gil Kaufman
Photo: Summit
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" looks to dominate the box office for a good long time. After two weeks atop the list of top-grossing movies, the penultimate film in the vampires and werewolves epic has already raked in more than $508 million worldwide.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie is the ninth film this year to push past the half-billion mark globally, hitting the mark in just 12 days of release. So far, the movie has grossed $223.4 million in North America and $285 million internationally, for a grand total of $508.4 million.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the success of this film and a franchise that the fans have continued to support over the past several years," said Summit Entertainment co-chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger in a statement. "Thank you to all involved with the films from the actors, filmmakers and Stephenie Meyer to the most important group of all, the global fan base that continues to drive a desire for more Edward, Jacob and Bella."
MTV News asked experts how long this domination can go on, especially since the only competition this weekend is the NC-17-rated full-frontal indie flick "Shame."
"It'll be close between ['Breaking Dawn - Part 1'] and 'The Muppets,' because ['The Muppets'] has much better word of mouth," said Boxoffice.com's Phil Contrino, noting that it was too soon to say which would come out on top. He also predicted that the movie should finish its domestic run in the $300 million range and stay near the top until such holiday blockbusters as "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and "Mission Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" on December 21.
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters on November 16, 2012.
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1".
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
'Breaking Dawn' Passes $500 Million Mark Worldwide
Movie hits half-billion mark in less than two weeks.
By Gil Kaufman
Photo: Summit
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" looks to dominate the box office for a good long time. After two weeks atop the list of top-grossing movies, the penultimate film in the vampires and werewolves epic has already raked in more than $508 million worldwide.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie is the ninth film this year to push past the half-billion mark globally, hitting the mark in just 12 days of release. So far, the movie has grossed $223.4 million in North America and $285 million internationally, for a grand total of $508.4 million.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the success of this film and a franchise that the fans have continued to support over the past several years," said Summit Entertainment co-chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger in a statement. "Thank you to all involved with the films from the actors, filmmakers and Stephenie Meyer to the most important group of all, the global fan base that continues to drive a desire for more Edward, Jacob and Bella."
MTV News asked experts how long this domination can go on, especially since the only competition this weekend is the NC-17-rated full-frontal indie flick "Shame."
"It'll be close between ['Breaking Dawn - Part 1'] and 'The Muppets,' because ['The Muppets'] has much better word of mouth," said Boxoffice.com's Phil Contrino, noting that it was too soon to say which would come out on top. He also predicted that the movie should finish its domestic run in the $300 million range and stay near the top until such holiday blockbusters as "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and "Mission Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" on December 21.
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters on November 16, 2012.
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1".
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Howie D Doing Crunches Before Britney Spears Lap Dance
Backstreet Boy jokes to MTV News that he'll be ready 'if she does, by chance, pick me to do that' on Femme Fatale Tour.
By Jocelyn Vena
Howie D
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images
Howie D is set to hit the road with Britney Spears on her Femme Fatale Tour this weekend, but there's one thing he may not be ready for: getting one of her famous onstage lap dances.
"I just heard about it, and it just means that I have to go into major workout mode now," the Backstreet Boy joked to MTV News. "I have to do more pushups and crunches than I ever did, because I want to make sure that I represent myself and my group properly."
If Brit does decide to give him a lap dance, he already sees a potential perk. "If she does, by chance, pick me to do that, which I'm not opposed to, it's a good get-out-of-jail-free card for me," he laughed, pointing to his wedding band. "So I'm down with it. It's all in the name of music."
The string of South American tour dates happens to be timed perfectly to the release of Howie D's first-ever solo album, Back to Me, and he's got some fun stuff in store for lucky fans who come to check him out.
"Well, I'm actually taking a lot from what I've learned from the Backstreet Boys and implementing it into my show," he revealed. "Actually, on the show with me I have a DJ that's behind me and we're kind of working on some stuff together. [There's] even some Backstreet Boys songs. I'm definitely not shying away and presenting what the fans want to hear, but at the same time premiering some of my new songs off the record and it's just gonna be a fun, energy-packed, 'get your mind away for 20 minutes' on my set [show]."
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Justin Bieber Brings Christmas Spirit To 2011 AMAs
Pop star croons 'Mistletoe' during light-filled set Sunday.
By James Dinh
Justin Bieber performs at the 2011 American Music Awards
Photo: Getty Images
Holiday cheer filled the 2011 American Music Awards on Sunday night (November 20) when Justin Bieber took to the stage to perform his festive hit "Mistletoe," from his chart-topping Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe.
Presented by friend and collaborator Sean Kingston, the Biebster began the song atop a high platform as smoke spread below his feet. In an all-white ensemble, the singer strolled from each side of the platform, igniting a string of neon lights. As he crooned his way through the Messenger-produced song, Bieber walked onto lower platforms before making his way onto the main stage.
And it wasn't just JB who lit up with arena, but also the audience. Cameras panned to shots of attendees waving glow sticks.
Bieber took to Twitter over the weekend to hype up his AMA performance, writing, "AMA blocking rehearsal. @dankanter is here. sounds like fun." Kanter, his musical director, echoed similar sentiments about the star's set. "AMA rehearsal. JB is killing it! Just wait until you all see him tomorrow night!!!" he tweeted.
JB has many more stuffers left in his stocking, including appearances on NBC's Christmas tree lighting November 30 and TNT's annual "Christmas in Washington" TV special December 11.
What did you think of Bieber's AMA performance? Share your reviews below!
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Lady Gaga Gets Crafty In Thanksgiving Special Preview
'A Very Gaga Thanksgiving,' airing Thursday on ABC, will feature a performance of 'Marry the Night.'
By James Dinh
Lady Gaga in ABC's "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving"
Photo: ABC
Gather 'round, Little Monsters! Lady Gaga is serving up something special during a preview for her very-first 90-minute holiday TV special, "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving," which will air at 9:30 p.m. ET Thursday on ABC.
"So excited for everyone to see the Thanksgiving Special I directed!" the pop star wrote on Twitter alongside a link to a preview. "Getting into the holiday spirit!"
In a three-minute teaser, Mother Monster gathers with a crowd of third-grade children from her former elementary school to make some festive crafts and share personal holiday-food traditions. "I want everyone to go around the room and say one thing that their family makes for Thanksgiving," she tells the swarm of girls. Gaga is met with a number of answers, including turkey, ham and pumpkin pie, and one girl's choice leads Gaga to reveal one of her favorite Thanksgiving foods: "I love cranberry sauce. My mom makes the best cranberry sauce ever!" she tells the student. It's just some simple chit-chat as they create Thanksgiving crafts and later help the pop superstar tie her apron.
In addition to the festive footage, Gaga also takes to an intimate stage to perform "Bad Romance" and, later on, to an outside balcony for her latest single, "Marry the Night." Dressed in a shoulder-less black dress with matching hand gloves, the songstress channels her inner Audrey Hepburn as she offers fans some dramatic poses during the number.
Can't get enough of Gaga's holiday tunes? The singer just released a four-track digital EP called A Very Gaga Holiday on iTunes, which includes "White Christmas," "Orange Colored Sky," "Yoü & I" and "The Edge of Glory."
Will you be watching "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving"? Let us know in the comments!
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'Hugo': The Reviews Are In!
Most critics praise film's visuals and performances, although some take issue with its length.
By Eric Ditzian
Asa Butterfield in "Hugo"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
We're big "Hugo" fans here in the MTV Newsroom, as we make clear over at Movies Blog, calling Martin Scorsese's 3-D film a "love letter to cinema" and "like nothing you've ever seen from the Oscar-winning filmmaker before."
We're not the only ones raving about it. Critics are celebrating the movie's bold visual style and strong performances. The only issue anyone seems to have with "Hugo" is that there's just too much of it: The story — following the young orphan Hugo's (Asa Butterfield) adventures in a 1930s Parisian metro station, his battles with the station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen) and his friendship with a girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) also living in the station who is being raised by film pioneer Georges Méliès (Ben Kingsley) — chugs forward too slowly before finally springing to life. Read on for those critiques and more in our "Hugo" review roundup.
The Story " 'Hugo' is the tale of a boy, one of fiction's sentimental orphans, and the world he invents, yet, unsurprisingly, its most heartfelt passages are about Méliès. The old filmmaker is as broken and in need of revival as the automaton, and while you can guess what happens, it's the getting there — how the clock is wound — that surprises and often delights. Waves of melancholy wash over the story and keep the treacle at bay, as do the spasms of broad comedy, much of it nimbly executed by Mr. Baron Cohen." — Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
< b>The Visuals " 'Hugo's' use of the third dimension is exceptionally well thought out and essential to the film's ability to make a children's vision of the world come to life. Making that world a Parisian one has also inspired 'Hugo's' visual team, led by production designer Dante Ferretti, and the film's numerous shots floating over the rooftops of Paris are always fantastic. As with the original novel, the wordless parts of 'Hugo,' including a masterful re-creation of a famous train wreck, are very much its strength." — Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
The Performances "Although he ultimately comes through with a winning performance, Butterfield, previously seen in 'Son of Rambow' and 'The Wolfman,' seems a bit stiff and uncertain in the early-going. ... By contrast, Moretz ('Kick-Ass,' 'Let Me In'), with her beaming warmth and great smile, is captivating as a girl who leaps at the chance for some adventure outside of books. Refusing to sentimentalize, Kingsley catches both the deeply submerged hurt and eventual pride of an artist long but not forever erased from history." — Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter
The Finale "[D]uring 'Hugo's' final 20 minutes or so, when Scorsese mounts a lavish reenactment of those early days of the art form, the film truly comes to life, as the story's preoccupation with mechanics and logistical dot-connecting gives way to imagination, magic and swashes of lurid color. ... With the director so clearly in his element and so affectionately in control, 'Hugo' ends as a triumph, bursting with the poetry, verve and irrepressible love befitting a match made in movie heaven." — Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post
The Final Word "[T]he story — period details and mysteries notwithstanding — is too slight to support this length. It's an 80 minute bon bon struggling to break out of a two hour and ten minute souffle. Still, movie buffs, especially fans of early cinema history, will be transfixed by scenes in the latter acts — movie-making, as it was being invented. It's why Scorsese chose to make the film. It's where his heart truly is with this material. And it's no surprise that this corner of his wondrous little picture is where he chose to take a cameo, immortalizing himself in the history of the medium he grew up loving and mastering." — Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Check out everything we've got on "Hugo."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosBeyonce And Jay-Z Expecting A Baby Girl?
Kelly Rowland seemingly let the news slip on a red carpet in London.
By James Montgomery
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Are Beyoncé and Jay-Z expecting a baby girl? Well, according to one of Bey's closest friends, the answer is "yes."
While in London to attend the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards on Thursday, it was none other than Beyoncé's former Destiny's Child mate Kelly Rowland who let it be known — rather inadvertently, it would seem — that the high-powered couple would be having a girl.
"I'm so happy for my sister and her husband. They're so happy in this moment right now, as they should be. They made a little bundle of love. I'm so excited for them," Rowland told U.K. news agency Bang Showbiz. "I have no idea what I'm going to buy Beyoncé at the baby shower because Jay is going to buy that little girl every single thing possible. She won't be spoiled, but she will be very well looked-after."
So there you have it. Of course, there's yet to be an official statement from the couple, and a spokesperson for Beyoncé did not respond to MTV News' request for comment on the matter.
Last month, Rowland told MTV News that she was excited "to be an auntie" to the couple's child and added that she can't wait to babysit. And assuming she hasn't been placed on Jayoncé's blacklist for letting the information slip, Rowland also told Bang Showbiz she's planning to make herself available to help out the couple as much as possible.
"I'll be on hand for babysitting duties," she said. "And I'm actually very good with messy diapers."
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Ke$ha Is Channeling 'Sexiness' Of '70s Rock For New Album
Glitter-heavy pop star tells MTV News she's going for 'balls-out, irreverent rock and roll.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias
Ke$ha
Photo: MTV News
Ke$ha's already got the face paint down pat, and, during recent live sets, she's even taken to guzzling blood out of a human heart, so it should come as no surprise that, on her upcoming album, the pop star is taking things back to the most theatrical era of rock: the prop-heavy, arena-spanning heyday of the 1970s.
Ke$h revealed her plans over the weekend in Los Angeles, on the red carpet of KIIS FM's annual Wango Tango concert, where she told MTV News that the follow-up to her breakout Animal album (and, we suppose, Cannibal too) would be heavy on hard riffs and light on pretty much everything else.
"The next album ... I've been working on writing on the road, but as far as a sound, I just know it's gonna be balls-out, irreverent rock and roll," she said. "I've been pretty much in this '70s rock and roll kick and I just want to capture some of the true essence of what rock and roll is, and that's just irreverence and sexiness and fun and not giving a f---, so we'll definitely put a bit of rock and roll in it."
So, does that mean that fans can expect the likes of Alice Cooper or Peter Frampton to show up on her new album? Perhaps. Because while Ke$ha's new album is still a ways off, she's already begun calling in favors, hoping to line up a killer collabo for the new disc.
"I'm trying, trust me," she laughed. "I really would love to connect with one of my idols, I mean, that's my dream. I'm working on it."
What do you think of Ke$ha going rock for her next album? Tell us in the comments!
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Usher Gets 'Emotional' On David Guetta's 'Without You'
DJ/producer calls their collabo the 'biggest record' on his just-released Nothing but the Beat.
By Akshay Bhansali
Usher
Photo: Todd Williamson/ WireImage
David Guetta recently told MTV News that the Usher collabo "Without You" is the "biggest record" on his just-released Nothing but the Beat.
It's a rather bold statement, considering his latest album also features Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, will.i.am, Akon, Timbaland, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Hudson, just to name a few. But Guetta has a soft spot for the cinematic team-up with Ush, which he says is equal parts sentimental and hands-in-the-air euphoric.
"It's just totally emotional," Guetta said. "Some of the record is a proper ballad, and then it goes to that crazy dance beat. It's perfect for him, because he's famous for his ballads. And he's also now famous for those big club records that he comes with. He's an amazing dancer, so I felt like he was the artist that I needed."
Usher and Guetta first previewed the song in Ibiza, Spain, earlier this summer, with the crowd demanding an encore performance of the sure-to-be-hit song.
"It was amazing," Guetta gushed. "We were not supposed to do this. I always do these kinds of stupid things, playing records when I'm not supposed to play them. And Usher was so excited for this time to be in Ibiza performing in front of those people. He called me onstage and said, 'Come on. Let's do it.' So we did it, and, yeah, they loved it. We had to do it again! They asked for one more."
For some, the combination of Usher and Guetta might seem out of left field. While the DJ/producer works with a variety of artists, he has a pretty tight-knit musical family — but it may come as a surprise that Guetta has known Usher the longest.
"I actually speak very often about how thankful I am to will.i.am because he called me to produce 'I Gotta Feeling'; Akon, when we started to work together, because I wasn't famous in America; Kelly Rowland and all those guys that came to me when I was not known yet," Guetta said. "But I have to say that the very first time when someone big from America asked me if I want to work with him, it was Usher. Like, a really long time ago, but we never had the time to do it. So I was so happy to be finally in the studio with him, because he spotted me when I was really not famous yet."
Usher and Guetta already shot the video for "Without You" in Ibiza. The song will follow up Guetta's current single, "Little Bad Girl," which features Ludacris and Taio Cruz.
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BREAKING NEWS!
A photo of Kim Kardashian?s playboy photoshoot has been leaked. The photoshoot wasn?t supposed to appear to viewers until December. It is rumored that this will be the biggest playboy spread ever?..
Monday, November 28, 2011
Confirmed: Jennifer Lopez Is Vacationing In Hawaii With Toy Boy Casper Smart
Well well now … yesterday we learned that Jennifer Lopez was RUMORED to be on holiday in Hawaii with her much younger toy boy Casper Smart but at the time there was no photographic evidence that the pair were holidaying together. Today we learn unequivocally that J. Lo and Casper — Jasper, if you will [...]
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Lady Gaga, Britney, Taylor Swift, Beyonce Drop Concert DVDs
Four pop divas released concert specials on Monday — just in time for Black Friday!
By Jocelyn Vena
Taylor Swift
Photo: Getty Images
Music fans planning to burn off those post-Thanksgiving calories with some holiday shopping are in luck: Some of pop's biggest divas dropped live DVDs on Monday (November 21): Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears all have concert specials out, just in time for your Black Friday wish list. Here, MTV News breaks down the four releases (and one more to watch out for).
Taylor Swift
Just as Taylor wraps up her Speak Now Tour this week, the American Music Award winner is releasing "Speak Now World Tour - Live." The 18-song DVD features Swift performing some of her biggest tracks during that arena-filling trek. And if that's not enough Taylor, there's also a 16-song CD that fans can snatch up.
Beyoncé
Filmed over four shows in New York, weeks before B announced her pregnancy at the VMAs, the "Live at Roseland" DVD special shows the Queen B recounting some of the greatest moments of her career before launching into a nonstop live performance of her 4 album. It also includes behind-the-scenes footage that gives fans their first look at the wedding dress Beyoncé wore the day she married Jay-Z.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is giving her little monsters a front row seat to her epic Monster Ball Tour. Filmed during stops at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, the concert originally aired on HBO and earned the pop star an Emmy. The DVD also includes previously unseen material that didn't make the final cut on HBO. In addition, Gaga is releasing a new album, Born This Way - The Remix, today.
Britney Spears
After debuting her Femme Fatale live concert special on Epix earlier this month, Spears is releasing the spectacle on DVD this week for those who may have missed it. Full of costume changes, swirling dance numbers and a sexy lap dance, this special is perfect for the Brit enthusiast.
One to Pre-Order: Adele
A fifth diva will get into the game on Cyber Monday. On November 28, Adele drops her own concert special, "Live at the Royal Albert Hall." And given that it might be a while before the singer hits the road again (she's on the mend from throat surgery), the DVD will at least give fans a taste of Adele's live stage show.
Share your concert DVD shopping picks in the comments section!
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Britney Spears Recruits A Backstreet Boy For Tour
Howie Dorough says he's 'so excited' to open for South American leg of Britney's Femme Fatale Tour.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: David Tonnessen/ PacificCoastNews/ Newscom
Nineties pop fans rejoice! Britney Spears has recruited the Backstreet Boys' Howie Dorough to open for a string of South American dates on her Femme Fatale Tour. The gigs will coincide with the release of his first-ever solo album, Back to Me, out November 15.
"I'm so excited that I'm going [to be] joining @britneyspears on several dates of the Femme Fatale tour!" Dorough tweeted on Monday."Can't wait to see all my lovelies in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela!! VIP info will be coming next week."
According to Dorough's site (and as he also tweeted), the Backstreet Boy's initial stint on Britney's tour will kick off on November 20 in La Plata, Argentina, with stops in Santiago, Lima and Bogota before it wraps up in Caracas, Venezuela, on November 28. He's just the latest supporting act to join the worldwide Femme Fatale trek, stepping in the spot once occupied by artists like Joe Jonas, Nicki Minaj and DJ Pauly D.
And when Dorough spoke to MTV News over the summer about his first solo recording, he said it felt good to finally get the chance to show fans a new side of himself as an artist. "I finally have been able to put [my album] together and I'm excited and very, very proud to be able to make this body of work," he told us. "I feel [it's] a total representation of where I'm at right now in my life and [it represents] things that are going on, positive-ness and energy. I think it's really a chance for people to hear me and know my voice."
That's not all, Howie D fans. Next year, Dorough will hit the road again with NKOTBSB — yes, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys — for a European tour that kicks off in April.
"It's awesome," Dorough told MTV News of touring with NKOTBSB. "It all kind of spun from that show at Radio City [Music Hall]. I think we did something that was a shock factor for people. I don't think a lot of people would have thought the two of us being onstage together would have been fathomable."
What do you think of Howie D opening for Britney Spears? Tell us in the comments!
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Britney Spears 'Saddened' By Irish Fan's Death
After Spears' Dublin concert, a fan was thrown off a fairground ride outside the venue.
By Kara Warner
Britney Spears
Photo: Danny Martindale/Getty Images
Britney Spears expressed her condolences Tuesday (October 25) to the family of a fan who died after attending her concert Monday in Dublin, Ireland.
Siobhan Healy, 31, was on a fairground ride called the Tip Top outside the concert venue when she was thrown to the ground and killed instantly. According to the U.K.'s Daily Mail, Healy had attended Spears' concert earlier in the evening at the nearby O2 arena.
"I was saddened to hear of the tragic accident in Dublin," Spears tweeted Tuesday. "My heart goes out to the family. --Britney"
A family friend told the paper that the accident has devastated the residents of Healy's hometown of Willsborough. "The community is very shocked," Michael McGreal said. "I know her family very well, we are all very upset."
An investigation has been launched to find out what caused the accident, with some speculating that the recent severe weather that has swept through Ireland might have been a contributing factor.
Kenneth McFadden, the owner of the company that runs the Tip Top ride, also expressed his condolences. "We can't say [what happened], it all happened so quick," he said. "We are just in bits at the moment, we are just devastated."
McFadden also told the Daily Mail that he has had the Tip Top ride for nearly five years and never experienced any problems with it.
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'Muppets' Writer Teases Miss Piggy's Canceled Katy Perry Tribute
If you head out to theaters this weekend to see "The Muppets" (and believe me, you should), you'll be treated to a rare opportunity when Jason Segal and his writing partner and director of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," Nicholas Stoller, deliver a big screen "welcome back" for the famous troupe of puppets.
It's no spoiler to say [...]
It's no spoiler to say [...]
Marla Sokoloff Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing
Beyonc� - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.
You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.
Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.
And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.
And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.
To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.
"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."
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Five Reasons You Need To See 'The Muppets'
It's time to play the music! It's time to light the lights! It's time to meet the Muppets at? uh? "The Muppets," hitting theaters today!
Watch the "Muppets" trailer!
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the rest of their delightfully bizarre pals are back in action at long last with this week's release of "The Muppets," directed [...]
Watch the "Muppets" trailer!
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the rest of their delightfully bizarre pals are back in action at long last with this week's release of "The Muppets," directed [...]
Alanis Morissette Food Blogs For iVillage
Thus far, musician Alanis Morissette has written blogs for iVillage about being a mother and about being a wife … today, on this fine Thanksgiving holiday which is centered squarely on eating, Alanis blogs about her personal relationship with food and fat. In her expertly adept way, Alanis writes about our culture’s fascination with food [...]
Lady Gaga Cuts Ties With Laurieann Gibson
Gibson had been Gaga's creative director for several years.
By Gil Kaufman
Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
After a long and fruitful creative partnership, Lady Gaga has broken ties with creative director Laurieann Gibson. MTV News confirmed the split on Monday (November 14), which came after reports that the two women had a serious falling out.
Gibson has been part of Gaga's inner circle since well before the singer became an international superstar, beginning with the choreography for the 2008 "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" video and continuing through the soon-to-be famous steps in clips for "Just Dance," "Poker Face," "Love Game," "Paparazzi" and "Bad Romance."
The pair were closely associated throughout Gaga's rise to fame, with Gibson providing the choreography and artistic input on such landmark videos as "Telephone," "Alejandro" and "Born This Way." Gibson, who previously appeared on MTV's "Making the Band" with Diddy and the "Starmaker" reality show, has been stepping out on her own lately, including a starring role in the BET dance competition show "Born to Dance" and another dance reality series, E!'s "The Dance Scene."
Gibson co-directed Gaga's Judas" video and directed "Yoü and I, "but the women reportedly clashed on the set of the former, with Gibson expressing discomfort with the religious imagery in the clip. According to the Reporter, the tension was already showing during the filming of the "Judas" video, during which Gibson told the magazine, "At one point, there was two completely different views and after the third glass of wine, I was like, 'Listen, I don't want lightning to strike me. I believe in the Gospel and I'm not going there."
Think this is the right move for Gaga? Let us know on Facebook!
She was less adamant when talking to MTV News about the controversy, expressing pride in the final product. "I think the concept stuck with this one because, ultimately, there was a place where we wanted to leave the interpretation up to each individual and not take away [Gaga's] power as a performer, as a dancer, as a star," Gibson explained, alluding to the creative clashes the pair had about the "Born This Way" video. "And to leave the moments for you to interpret and be inspired by the fact that everyone has a Judas in their life and that there is a place of deliverance. For me, I interpret differently than her, and for someone else, they'll interpret it differently."
A spokesperson for Gaga confirmed the split for MTV News.
Gibson also spoke out after she and Gaga failed to see eye-to-eye on the concept for the "Edge of Glory" video. After reports that video vet Joseph Kahn would be directing, Gaga instead went for a simpler cityscape treatment that drew some fire from fans. "Listen u disrespectful f--k they had an issue on set I don't lie!!!!!" Gibson tweeted at the time. "Creative Changes happen always educate ignorant Monster's!!!"
The Reporter noted that relations between the two continued to fray this summer over disagreements about the "Yoü and I" video and Gaga seemed to confirm the end with a November 6 tweet in which she announced that Gibson's former #2, Richard Jackson, is her new choreographer.
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- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic
- Director: Bill Dicicco
- Album: Dangerous
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Drake's Take Care Tops Billboard
Michael Bublé, Adele round out the top three on the albums chart.
By Rob Markman
Drake
Photo: George Pimentel/ WireImage
Drake has a lot to be thankful for this week. His sophomore LP, Take Care, officially debuts in the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart Wednesday (November 23). "I can't even find the words to express my appreciation. ... 'Thank you and I owe you' is all that comes to mind ... truly," Drizzy tweeted Tuesday night in reaction to the news.
SoundScan tallies that Drizzy pushed over 631,000 copies of the album, which was released on November 15. It was forecasted that the Young Money soldier would sell as many as 700,000 copies, but he fell just south of that, not that he or anyone at his label is sweating over sales. YM CEO Lil Wayne told MTV News that he was more concerned with how Take Care is received critically.
"Pardon me for sounding however I sound with this statement, but we rich as sh--, so numbers and record sales, that doesn't matter to none of us," Wayne said. "We just want to get a perfect point across, a swell opinion across."
Michael Bublé's Christmas lands at #2, leading the pack of other holiday albums including Justin Bieber's Under the Mistletoe (#5) and Glee: The Music, the Christmas Album, Vol. 2 (#6). Adele's 21 continues its reign, moving another 112,000 units this week, easily putting the U.K. singer in the #3 position. Andrea Bocelli's Concerto: One Night in Central Park debuts in the #4 slot, while Now 40, Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto, the "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" soundtrack and Susan Boyle's Someone to Watch Over Me round out the top 10.
Childish Gambino also scores a huge win in his first week, selling 52,000 copies of Camp, but last week's top album, Blue Slide Park by Mac Miller, slides down to #24, selling another 25,000 copies independently.
Which albums did you pick up last week? Tell us in the comments!
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