Friday, December 31, 2010
Around the Web?
Some stories for your Thursday afternoon: The pros and cons of gender-neutral baby naming ? Jezebel Advice on getting your little ones to sleep at night ? Just the Facts, Kid Myths and facts about C-sections ? Health.com A Maryland hospital bans baby photography until five minutes after birth ? lilSugar Alicia Keys sings about [...]
Britney Spears' Producer Opens Up About Her New Album
'She is actually damn professional,' Shellback says in radio interview.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Eric Charbonneau/ Le Studio/ Wireimage
Britney Spears fans are gearing up for the release of the singer's new music in 2011. With the album due out in March, and a single expected to drop before then, details are slowly emerging about the music and what it was like to work with Spears on the follow-up to 2008's Circus.
"Right now we are preparing for Britney's upcoming album, which will be released in March. Some other things too, but the main focus is the album," Swedish producer Shellback said in a recent radio interview. "It works in many different ways [when you work with Britney]. You can make something absolutely new, or take a beat that's three years old and come up with a good sound."
Shellback, who worked with Pink on "Raise Your Glass," collaborated with Dr. Luke and Max Martin on music for Spears. The producers are donating a guitar they used on the album to charity.
"[Britney]'s actually damn professional. You read a lot on the Internet that Britney is not singing and mimes, but she is actually damn professional," Shellback said. "She's done it since she was 16. And just rhythmic way, she is f---ing awesome! And you do not have to go through and talk about the rhythms and stuff that you sometimes have to do. She's very easy in the studio."
Spears has shared her excitement about the new album with fans via her Twitter page. "I'm almost done with my new album and it will be coming out this March," she wrote. "I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!"
Are you excited for Britney's new album? Tell us in the comments below!
Related Photos Related ArtistsColdplay, Led Zeppelin Album Covers Featured On New British Stamps
Album art from Pink Floyd, Blur and David Bowie also included.
By James Montgomery
Coldplay's new British stamps
Photo: Royal Mail
On Thursday (January 7), the U.K.'s Royal Mail unveiled a series of 10 new stamps, honoring the most iconic album covers of the past 40 years.
The albums featured in the new series are the Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed, Led Zeppelin's IV, David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, The Clash's London Calling, New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies, Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Pink Floyd's The Division Bell, Blur's Parklife and — the most recent album on to make the cut — Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head.
Meant to honor "the most potent graphic images of modern times, many of which have provided a visual soundtrack to people's lives," the series is the end result of a lengthy research process by the Royal Mail, who looked through thousands of album covers by British artists before deciding on the final list. And, during a Wednesday night BBC Radio broadcast, it was revealed that the queen herself actually approved each design.
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page — who helped design the cover for IV — was on hand to celebrate the release of the stamps and recalled the mysterious nature of the album's iconic imagery.
"Almost 40 years after the album came out, nobody knows the old man who featured on the cover, nor the artist who painted him," he said. "That sort of sums up what we wanted to achieve with the album cover, which has remained both anonymous and enigmatic at the same time."
Of course, any great honor is befitting of an equally great contest, so, on the same day the stamps were made available to the general public, Coldplay decided to give one of their Rush of Blood stamps away. In a message on their official site, the band held a contest to send one lucky fan "a letter using a Coldplay stamp, postmarked with today's issue date."
"We visited our local post office earlier today and bought some of the Coldplay stamps," the message read. "Very nice they are too."
Related Photos Related ArtistsAndrew Garfield Says Tobey Maguire Gave His 'Spider-Man' Blessing
'It was generous of him to reach out and say something, so I'm thankful,' new Spidey tells BBC News.
By Terri Schwartz
Andrew Garfield
Photo: Jon Furniss/ Getty Images
One would expect that there were some hard feelings after Sony dropped their planned "Spider-Man 4" movie early this year and chose instead to pursue a reboot of the franchise focusing on a teenage Peter Parker. But the star of the upcoming "Spider-Man" film, Andrew Garfield, said that isn't the case.
In fact, during an interview with BBC News, Garfield said that, though he still hasn't met Tobey Maguire, the previous star of the "Spider-Man" franchise has willingly passed the torch to the young British actor.
"[Maguire] sent me a lovely message through a mutual friend," Garfield revealed. "He gave me his support, and it meant a great deal, of course, because part of the reason I love and have continued to love this character was because of his portrayal. To step into those shoes is no mean feat. It was generous of him to reach out and say something, so I'm thankful."
News that Garfield had been chosen to play Spidey was announced on July 1 after a series of casting rumors. This has been a big year for Garfield, as he earned his first Golden Globe nomination for his role in "The Social Network" and is likely to earn an Oscar nod as well. Maguire has been doing pretty well for himself since the news, too.
As a huge fan of Spider-Man since he was 4 years old, Garfield was thrilled to be cast as his comic book hero. This franchise is a big step away from his previous dramatic roles, but Garfield compared Stan Lee's comic books to a "modern kind of Greek mythology" in terms of their themes.
Filming began on the movie two weeks before Christmas, and the star confirmed that the footage is being shot in 3-D for its planned 2012 release. Garfield said footage was shown on the camera monitors in 3-D as well, so director Marc Webb and the rest of the production staff would sit behind the camera wearing their "silly glasses" while he and co-star Emma Stone performed.
As for his casting, Garfield told BBC News, "It's wonderful in theory, isn't it? You kind of go, 'Well, this is going to be great.' But then, of course, in practice, it's obviously a great deal of hard work and a great deal of pressure, but wonderful. It's incredible."
Check out everything we've got on "Spider-Man."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies -- updated around the clock -- visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related PhotosNo hay más Led Zeppelin
A pesar de lo dicho ayer, Peter Mensch, manager del guitarrista Jimmy Page, se retractó totalmente en eso que la banda buscaría un reemplazo al ultragenial Robert Plant para seguir rockeando y toureándola por el mundo tras su show de 2007 en el O2 Arena de Londres por el poder de la música más sexual de la historia. No habrá más Led Zeppelin, no hay planes de que lo haya.
Mensch comentó: "Led Zeppelin se acabó. Si no los vieron en el 2007, se los perdieron. Probaron reemplazantes a Robert Plant, pero nada funcionó. Se acabó. No hay planes para continuar. Francamente, ojalá todos dejaran de hablar al respecto."
Los fans no están nada contentos, especialmente los británicos, considerando los precios delirantes de las entradas del show reunión.
¿Y a ti? ¿Qué te parece todo esto?
Related Artists
Candace Cameron Bure: Bulimia Confession
In her new book Reshaping It All, Candace Cameron Bure makes a bulimia confession revealing her battle with the deadly eating disorder. There is more on Cameron, her new book and this dangerous disease when you keep reading. Plus there are some gorgeous pictures and video of the actress as well.
She grew up playing [...]
She grew up playing [...]
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Beyonce Says She Wants To 'Make My Own Genre Of Music'
Singer is in the studio working on Sasha Fierce follow-up.
By Gil Kaufman
Beyoncé
Photo: Getty Images
Beyoncé doesn't have that much left to prove in her career. She's a megaplatinum artist, an accomplished actress, half of one of the most successful musical couples in history and a fashion icon.
But on the follow-up to her smash 2008 Grammy-winning album I Am ... Sasha Fierce, the singer is aiming to carve an entirely new lane for herself.
"I love to dance, I love to sing, and I'm actually in the studio now writing songs and producing," the singer told "Entertainment Tonight" from the set of a new commercial she's filming for Vizio televisions. "I have a lot of live instruments that I'm putting into the tracks to try to change the sound and make my own genre of music." The commercial will debut on Thanksgiving day, just after the singer rocks prime-time TV with an ABC Thanksgiving special entitled "I Am ... World Tour."
Among the producers and songwriters working with Beyoncé on the new, as-yet-untitled album is Ne-Yo, who helped write one of the 29-year-old singer's biggest hits, "Irreplaceable."
Ne-Yo told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Beyoncé's fourth solo effort is "coming along nicely. I can't speak too much on it, but it's another direction for her, and she's carving out her own niche. ... In a minute nobody will be in Beyoncé's lane. They really can't get in her lane now, but they really can't get in her lane after this album."
In the meantime, producer Jim Jonsin, who produced her song "Sweet Dreams," has also said he has some new directions in mind for Beyoncé. "I'd like to take it even more Depeche Mode-ish, like '80s electro with just some hard drums," he told Rap-Up TV. "I'd love to go there."
That fits with what songwriter Sean "The Pen" Garrett recently told Entertainment Weekly. Garrett, who was behind such hits as "Video Phone," "Diva" and "Upgrade U," said that he was slated to hit the studio with Beyoncé in September and that the results would be hard-hitting.
"I think we are doing a lot of uptempo records for this one," he said. "She's in such a good place right now in life that she is interested in making party music, definitely."
Related ArtistsJustin Bieber Interview: How It All Began...
He's a global success now, but life was not always so sweet for Justin Bieber.
In an interview with The Early Show, the 16-year old recounts how he got his start in the business: "I just started posting videos online and then it just got to the point where they wanted to move me out to Atlanta and start recording songs."
A lot happened in between, of course, the sort of stuff about which one could make a movie.
The cute singer also touches on his relationship with Usher below and how much he "loves girls." Watch and swoon now:
Carson Daly Rings The Opening Bell At The New York Stock Exchange
Carson Daly With Siri Pinter and Jackson James
Best Of 2010 | News | Breakout Stars Of 2010
Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and more made their mark in '10.
Photo: MTV News & Docs
Related Artists
Spotted: Diddy?s Lovely Little Ladies
Sean 'Diddy' Combs keeps a tight grip on his precious cargo -- 4-year-old twin daughters D'Lila Star and Jessie James -- as the trio enjoyed a relaxing vacation on the singer's yacht in St. Barts Monday.
Christina Aguilera Releases A New Batch Of Promo Photos
A new batch of previously unseen promo photos of popstar-turned-actress Christina Aguilera have made their way to the Internets and they are … interesting … to say the least. The photos were shot by Andrew Macpherson and feature a relatively fresh-faced Xtina. The pics are worth checking out, especially since Xtina is not wearing her [...]
Billy Boyd & Ali McKinnon's Wedding Day
Bringing his close friends together for a special occasion, Billy Boyd tied the knot with long-time girlfriend, Ali McKinnon, in Glasgow, London on Wednesday (December 29).
The ?Lord of the Rings? star had his good buddies and co-stars, Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan, right by his side for the momentous day.
Boyd and McKinnon met back in 2002 and have a 4-year-old son, Jack, also having been living together in Glasgow?s West End for several years.
Wedding coordinator, Louise Turner, told press that the ceremony had only about 30 people and the reception was planned for about 160 guests. "It's not a massive bash, and it will be quite intimate," Turner said.
Natalie Portman, JFK Flights And Amber Portwood In Today's Twitter-Wood
Lots of posters in the Twitter-Wood feed seemed to be shocked about one thing or another today, whether it was Michael Ian Black reacting to news of Natalie Portman's pregnancy or David Spade commenting on Amber Portwood's domestic battery charge.
Meanwhile, Paul Feig didn't seem shocked about his problems flying out of JFK yesterday so much [...]
Meanwhile, Paul Feig didn't seem shocked about his problems flying out of JFK yesterday so much [...]
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Ne-Yo: Daughter Has An Ear for Dad?s Tunes
"Sometimes she will fall into those places where she just wants to cry and scream," explains Ne-Yo. "If all else fails she will stay quiet for at least long enough to listen to that song."
Snooki?s New Year Stunt Cancelled!
Who does she really think she is? I was pretty stoked to hear that Snooki’s New Year stunt has been reportedly cancelled in New York City! Find out other celebrating details and see photos and a video right here!
A surprise New Year’s Eve stunt that Snooki and MTV was reportedly planning, has been [...]
A surprise New Year’s Eve stunt that Snooki and MTV was reportedly planning, has been [...]
Teena Marie Videos a Lasting Legacy
Though she may have passed, videos become a lasting way to remember R&B legend Teena Marie. Do you want to remember her by checking out some photos and videos of her career? Below I have all of that with more details on her life!
She was one of the only white women to make it big [...]
She was one of the only white women to make it big [...]
Michael Jackson Fans Celebrate Michael's Release With DJ Cassidy
'It was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson,' Cassidy says at album-release party Monday night.
By Steven Roberts
Michael Jackson's <i>Michael</i>
Photo: Epic Records
NEW YORK — Many a Michael Jackson fan lined up outside of the Roseland Ballroom on Monday night to celebrate the release of the King of Pop's posthumous Michael album. Dozens of dancers and fans filled the ballroom's floor, decked out in costumes inspired by MJ's iconic looks from throughout his esteem career. One of those fans also happened to be the evening's master of ceremonies, DJ Cassidy.
"I'm here to make the fans dance," he told MTV News. "I think that's why Michael essentially made the music. He wanted to make people dance. He wanted to make people feel the emotion he felt, and I'm here to do just that. I'm here to help the fans in the celebration of the king."
Dressed in a leather suit with a pink shirt and socks, a red bowtie and shell-top Adidas, Cassidy said that he's been a fan of Jackson for as long as he can remember. The late singer has been his inspiration in anything artistic in his life, from music to fashion.
"So much of my fashion comes from Michael," Cassidy explained. "So much of how I play music comes from how he formed his songs, how he created his sound that really inspired the way that I DJ. And really, it inspired me to want to be a DJ, to want to make people dance.
"So, when I became a DJ at the age of 10, it was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson," he added. "Tonight's just a small way for me to really celebrate his music."
The party's guests also included producers Teddy Riley, Eddie Cascio and Neff U, who each had a hand in producing Michael's tracks. But before he began to spin for the night, Cassidy was thinking back to the classics, particularly his favorite party song, 1979's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
"You can be anywhere in the world, any city, any small town, any type of crowd, black, white, old, young, poor, rich, at any type of venue," he said. "They could be wanting to hear house music, hip-hop music, anything in between, but 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' will turn that party out."
What's your favorite Michael Jackson song? Share it in the comments.
Related Photos Related ArtistsBritney Spears Set To Audition Dancers For Music Video
A Britney fansite reports that video will shoot in January.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Eric Charbonneau/ Le Studio/ Wireimage
Although Britney Spears' next album isn't set for release until March, her fans can start gearing up for new music now.
According to a Spears fansite, BreatheHeavy.com, a notice about auditions for a new Britney video was sent out by her camp.
Tryouts will reportedly be held on Wednesday (December 22), and Spears is looking for male and female dancers to join her in the video for the single, which is set for a January release, according to the notice. "Hold It Against Me" is rumored to be the title of the song, though no details regarding the single or video have been confirmed.
"The dates for the project are still to be determined but it will be happening on either the 9th and 10th of January with rehearsals anytime after Xmas and leading up to those dates or on the 15th and 16th with rehearsals leading in after Xmas as well," the notice reads. "He is looking for men and women with fabulous bodies and faces. They must be versatile. This is not for the tour at this time or even promo. It is just for the video."
Spears' choreographer, Brian Freidman, hinted about the auditions on his Twitter. He has worked with the singer on videos for "Toxic" and "Me Against the Music." "Countdown... 2 days till that very special audition I am holding in LA. Very exciting!!!" he wrote on Monday.
On Tuesday he wrote, "Breaking my body choreographing for 2moros casting. Get ready! I'm makin y'all work for this gig! The start of a new era! Stretch!!! I must go 2 bed NOW! Have 2 B up in 6 hours! Everyone who's auditioning get some rest & dress 2 impress! I want STARS not classroom dancers!"
Are you eager to hear new music from Britney? Tell us in the comments!
Related ArtistsRacy New Photos of Miley Cyrus Hit the Web
It's been quite the tumultuous year for Miley Cyrus, so it only makes sense that the 18-year-old superstar would close out 2010 with just a bit more scandalous material.
New photos of Cyrus have hit the internet, showing the scantily-clad Disney star in some compromising positions with her assistant, as well as a shot of Cyrus flashing a tattoo that sits right under her breast.
Just a few weeks ago, a video got out of the singer/actress, in which she was taking hits from a bong and telling the camera she was "having a little bit of a bad trip." Though Cyrus' people say she was smoking salvia, a drug that is legal in California, the clip of the stoned star was not something parents would be running to show their kids.
The former Hannah Montana star is also dealing with the split of her parents, Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, which may be the reason Miley has been acting out as much as she has in the last few months, but is she headed for disaster?
We're hoping someone steps in and gives Miley a good talking to before she gets herself into some serious trouble.
Do you think Miley Cyrus is on a downward spiral? Chime in below!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Leighton Meester Gets Stylish for Seventeen
In the midst of promoting her upcoming movie "Country Strong," Leighton Meester graces the cover of the February 2011 issue of Seventeen magazine.
Set to hit newsstands January 4, the "Gossip Girl" actress donned a stylish Spring Versus frock for the shoot which accompanies an interview touching on topics such as relationships and music.
Highlights from Miss Mester's Seventeen interview are as follows:
On if she still feels having a boyfriend isn?t a priority: ?I would say the same thing today as well. [But] I think that the importance of love is really strong for me in my life, whether it?s a guy or a friend or just my puppy. I think love changes you over time, and whether you have good or bad experiences, you always grow and learn from it.?
On starting a family: ?I want a family someday and I know that I have to let love in to create that and I think there is someone out there for me, but I?m not on some crazy hunt for that right now.?
On her new music: ?I?m working with a band right now, doing a lot of acoustic music through singing and writing. It?s really fun and fulfilling. It?s an expression of what I have in my life and what I?m going through, or what I have gone through, and of course, it?s mostly about love or relationships.?
Lady Gaga Dishes On Born This Way During London Show
During her concert on Friday, the pop star said her upcoming album 'doesn't have a bunch of rock ballads,' confirmed that it will feature 'You and I.'
By James Dinh
Lady Gaga (file)
Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News
Throughout the year, Lady Gaga has not only talked up her forthcoming album, Born This Way, but she's also previewed a few new tracks that may or may not appear on the release. On songs like "You and I" and "Living on the Radio," Gaga strays from her usual dance-hit formula to explore a more Elton John-esque sound. However, during her recent Monster Ball Tour stop at London's O2 Arena on Friday, the pop star told the roaring audience that the project won't be full of too many piano-driven ballads.
After asking concertgoers if they wanted to hear a new song, Mother Monster said, "Want to hear 'You and I'? This one is going to be on Born This Way. It's one of my favorites. The album doesn't have a bunch of rock ballads or anything, but this is one of them."
Following her chit-chat with the audience, Gaga launched into tune, which finds the singer recalling a reunion with a lover.
"There's something, something about this place/ Something about lonely nights and my lipstick on your face/ Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy/ Yeah something about/ Baby you and I," she sang while pounding away on her piano.
In the midst of her "You and I" performance, the songbird took time to give herself props for the originality and creativity she puts into her material.
"Now I don't know if you know this, but for those of you who don't know, I write all my own music," she announced. "Every single lyric, melody and note was created by me. I am not manufactured. I'm a bad cat and coming for you 'cause I believe in you and I."
Later on in the song, she added, "It's not that I don't like to be humble, it's just that pop music has a pretty bad rap," before indulging in some of her usual impulsive piano antics.
Gaga's Little Monsters can expect to hear even more new tunes as early as February. Just a few weeks ago, she told fan site Lady-Gaga.net that the lead single from Born This Way will be released that month, while comparing the album to "bad kids going to church, having fun on a high level."
What kind of tracks are you looking forward to hear on Born This Way? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Related Photos Related Artists'Glee' Britney Spears Episode Slammed By Parents Television Council
Group describes show as 'an endorsement of narcotics abuse, public masturbation, and school-sanctioned burlesque.'
By James Dinh
Heather Morris in the "Britney/Brittany" episode of "Glee"
Photo: FOX
Last week's episode of "Glee" found Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) shouting, "It's a Britney Spears sex riot!" as she attempted to put a stop to the glee club's saucy rendition of "Toxic."
But she's not the only one who had an issue with the Spears takeover at William McKinley High School. The hit Fox show has come under fire as the Parents Television Council has deemed the "Britney/Brittany" episode the "Worst TV Show of the Week" due to the broadcast's "explicit sexual content."
A message posted on the organization's website decries the episode's "skimpy outfits" and "sultry grinds" during "I'm a Slave 4 U." And even though "Glee" castmembers show very little skin in the re-creation for the 2001 Madonna duet "Me Against the Music," the PTC said the interpretation included "plenty of girl-girl bumping and grinding."
According to the group, the tribute to the always-controversial Spears wasn't appropriate because the singer is far from a suitable role model.
"Glee earned its highest ratings ever with this Britney Spears tribute, drawing 13.3 million viewers," the message continued. "A scary thought considering that the mostly young teen/tween audience basically witnessed an endorsement of narcotics abuse, public masturbation, and school-sanctioned burlesque. But perhaps most troubling is the deification of a troubled pop star into a symbol of empowerment and self-esteem. Considering her stints in rehab, her very public breakdowns, and her questionable parenting skills, there is absolutely no way Spears should be considered a role model. The producers of the show can spare us the old song-and-dance about fallen celebs turning their lives around. What's next? Portraying Ike Turner as a reformed feminist?"
Spears knows controversy and criticism far too well. Since the beginning of her career, she's always raised eyebrows with everything from her sex-kitten public image to her sometimes-questionable parental judgment. While the pop star has played it relatively safe since her comeback, the singer did make headlines last year for her suggestive single "If U Seek Amy," the third offering from her album Circus.
Do you think the "Britney/Brittany" episode of "Glee" was inappropriate? Tell us in the comments below!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSimon Le Bon From Duran Duran Celebrates His 25th Wedding Anniversary
Duran Duran star Simon Le Bon celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife Yasmin on Monday, insisting he’s “lucky” they have such a good relationship. The singer started dating the model after he saw her on the cover of a magazine and rang her modelling agency to track her down, before marrying the beauty [...]
Kelsey Grammer Wants A Quickie Divorce So He Can Marry His New Fianc�e
Former Cheers and Fraiser star Kelsey Grammer, who is currently still married to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Camille Grammer despite the fact that he has been carrying on an extra-marital affair [which included a failed pregnancy] for the past year, has petitioned the judge overseeing his divorce to put the proceedings on the [...]
Alanis Morissette Gives Birth To A Baby Boy On Christmas Day
It’s a boy for Alanis Morissette and Mario “Souleye” Treadway. A representative for the 36-year-old singer said in an e-mail Monday that Ever Imre Morissette-Treadway was born Dec. 25. The e-mail says “all are healthy and happy.” No other details were available. Morissette, whose songs include “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know,” has won several Grammys, [...]
Ronald Isley, Anita Baker Honored At Soul Train Awards
Rihanna, Eminem, Usher, B.o.B, Alicia Keys among winners at event celebrating 40th anniversary of classic music show.
By Joel Hanek and Gil Kaufman
Anita Baker at the 2010 Soul Train Awards
Photo: Moses Robinson/ Getty Images
Only at the Soul Train Awards could you have a tribute to R&B icons such as Anita Baker and Ronald Isley alongside a segment in which rap legend Doug E. Fresh attempts to teach CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer how to do the Dougie.
It was that kind of night at the 2010 Soul Train Awards, as rookies, veterans and legends came together in Atlanta for the second annual event — which was taped November 10 and aired Sunday night on BET. The show, hosted once again by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, featured a night of performances from some of the biggest names in soul and R&B.
Host Howard told MTV News that the show is meant to be an extension of the long-running and legendary '70s TV series that brought soul, disco, R&B and rap stars into viewers' living rooms. "It reminds me of the advancement black people have made over the years because 'Soul Train' really was the beginning of that Black Power movement when we could actually see ourselves — and to have an awards show based upon that 'Soul Train' — it's headed somewhere," Howard said. "We have a black president now. The country seems to be more tolerant towards the diversity inside of it so it seems like the train is moving well down the tracks."
The awards show marked the 40th anniversary of the classic music showcase hosted by Don Cornelius, and celebrated the careers of Baker and Isley, while handing out trophies to such contemporary stars as B.o.B (Song of the Year for "Nothing on You"), Melanie Fiona (Best New Artist), Eminem and Rihanna (Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "Love the Way You Lie"), Usher (Album of the Year for Raymond vs. Raymond) and Alicia Keys (Record of the Year for "Unthinkable [I'm Ready]" and Best Female R&B Soul Artist).
Though top winners such as Trey Songz, Usher, Ciara, Eminem and Rihanna were not in the house, Blitzer graciously agreed to accept Slim Shady's award for him, joking, "Who better to accept this award on behalf of Eminem ... I know he's thrilled."
Weaving through a series of skits involving magic tricks and jovial bickering by the hosts, the performance-heavy program delivered on talent. R. Kelly opened by teasing the crowd with his classic "Bump n' Grind," then diving into his new single "When a Woman Loves" — transforming the song from a slow jam into an all-out '50s rock-and-roll epic. Ne-Yo kept the show moving with a showcase of his singles from this year, including "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million."
The tribute to Baker featured an all-star cast, with artists like Chrisette Michele, Goapele, Lalah Hathaway, Dionne Farris, Kem, Tamia, Faith Evans and El DeBarge covering a medley of the singer's greatest hits. Baker told the crowd that the biggest honor of the night for her was that real musicians were performing live with an actual band. "It's amazing because you've got children behind you singing 'Rapture' — it's lovely," she said, adding, "Let's do it again!"
Ronald Isley, co-founder and lead singer of the Isley Brothers, also received a special homage that featured Jeffrey Osborne, Freddy Jackson, DeBarge, Tank, Eric Benet, Bilal and Peabo Bryson. Isley also came out to perform his own medley of hits and was joined onstage by Chanté Moore and R. Kelly for a rendition of "Contagious," their 2002 single that featured the Isleys. In addition, Cee Lo Green closed the show with a duet on the Isleys' classic 1959 hit, "Shout."
Among the event's other highlights was Cee Lo's performance of his smash "Forget You," which took place on a golden stage that resembled a cross between Kanye's Egyptian fusion and an OK Go video, and found the singer gliding down conveyor belts while belting his number.
Erykah Badu delivered a stripped-down version of her 2010 breakout "Window Seat" that featured the singer perched on the floor over a web of lights while appearing to orchestrate the vibrations of light flickers with her hands.
Soul singer Eric Benet performed "Sometimes a Cry" — a song that Lil Wayne cited as one of his favorites while in prison — bringing down the house with a soaring falsetto that bested his studio rendition of the track.
The evening's other performers included Bruno Mars, who sang his new hit "Grenade," and Jazmine Sullivan, who did a medley of "10 Seconds" and "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)."
Did you watch the 2010 Soul Train Awards? Tell us about your favorite highlights in the comments.
Related ArtistsMonday, December 27, 2010
Usher - Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)
- Artist: Usher
- Label: JLG
- Director: Chris Robinson
- Album: Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)
Justin Bieber Working On New Music With Rascal Flatts
'I love Rascal Flatts and I'm honored that they are making music with me,' the pop superstar tweeted over the weekend.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Sure Justin Bieber has some hip-hop swag, thanks to friendships with rappers like Diddy, Ludacris, Drake and Kanye West, but it seems that the pop superstar now is going a little bit country.
Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary LeVox made one big reveal recently when he spoke to country radio station WSIX, according to CNN. "[Justin] asked us to do a duet with him on his next record," LeVox explained. "It's actually a really good song! The kid is really talented. He plays five or six different instruments really well."
On Sunday, Bieber confirmed LeVox's statements on his Twitter while sending some praise the country band's way. "I love @RascalFlatts and Im honored that they are making music with me," he wrote. "And for those that dont know ... they have great records like this one. #GREATMUSIC." He then included a link to a Bieber fan video with the Rascal Flatts track "My Wish" playing in the background.
Bieber also tweeted on Sunday that he was hanging out with Lil Twist, who he has been collaborating with on a mixtape for some time now. "I don't know man," he recently shared with MTV News about their work together. "Lil Twist is my homey and we're working on stuff for fun."
The teen singer is indeed hard at work on new music. Last Tuesday, Bieber was spotted at Diddy's studio in New York City working on tracks for a forthcoming album. "I've missed the studio. Just making music," Bieber tweeted that day. "Made some great records tonight."
What do you think about Bieber possibly going country? Tell us in the comments.
Related Videos Related ArtistsTeena Marie's Influence Found In Mary J. Blige, Hip-Hop, More
Late soul veteran paved the way for several of today's hitmakers.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Teena Marie
Photo: Larry Marano/Getty Images
R&B great Teena Marie died over the weekend, but her enduring legacy can be found in the legions of soul stars who followed in her footsteps.
Marie joined the iconic Motown label in the late '70s and spent the next three decades building a reputation as a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist with a gift for penning lyrics and belting with soulful abandon. Her influence — from her top-flight musicianship to her pioneering image as a white, female R&B artist — can be found in many of today's hitmakers.
Mary J. Blige
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has pointed to Marie as an early influence when the budding superstar was coming up in her scrappy Yonkers, New York, neighborhood. "Tina Mari inspired me vocally as a child. Her songs I sang in the mirror with a hair brush. I'm so hurt," she tweeted on Sunday. "I'll love u forever Tina Mari. Portuguese Love, Casanova Brown, Square Biz, I need your lovin, all of your music will live forever through me. In my heart she's Tina, So rest in peace Tina, i love u. Every girl that grew up in the hood , with her blasting through the windows, Cars and radio waves can Feel me."
Faith Evans
Like Marie, former Bad Boy singer Faith Evans boasts a bold voice and a headline-making relationship with a labelmate and music icon. Marie hooked up with Motown funk architect Rick James early in her career and would go on to spark a romance with the R&B great. James also served as a mentor to Marie, and the two teamed up for memorable collaborations such as James' Street Songs jam "Fire and Desire." In addition to churning out soulful hits with Bad Boy, Evans is known for marrying Brooklyn MC Notorious B.I.G. soon after meeting her charismatic labelmate. Marie has even commented on the similarities between the two vocalists in the bio for the soul legend's 2009 album, Congo Square, which featured their collabo "Can't Last a Day."
"I've always loved Faith and her vocal style. She reminds me of me. Her correlation with Biggie — having a career with him and without him — reminds me of me and Rick," she said. "I feel like she's a younger me. Of the younger ladies, she's the one I love most."
Alicia Keys
Marie was also a masterful musician, often manning everything from the keyboards to guitar on her albums and heading behind the boards as a producer. She helped establish a blueprint for female R&B stars who are actively involved in various aspects of the production process, such as pianist and producer Alicia Keys, who tweeted after Marie's death, "God bless Teena Marie & her Family!Sending Blessings &prayers I was jus sayin tht fire & desire is 1 of the most beautifully performd songs!"
Pink
Marie's race was somewhat controversial when she first debuted on Motown as a white woman belting soul-stirring R&B. Her picture was left off the album packaging her first LP, and many fans assumed Lady T was another new black artist making her mark in the R&B scene. However, she was ultimately accepted because of her undeniable talent and conviction in her voice. She has paved the way for many contemporary artists such as Joss Stone and Pink, who initially hit the scene with an R&B-tinged sound. After hearing of Marie's death, Pink re-tweeted a missive from Go-Go's bassist Kathy Valentine that read, "THIS SUCKS-- heard that Teena Marie passed away. RIP. she was an original and one of a kind. sad."
As Marie told Essence in 2009, "I'm a black artist with white skin. At the end of the day you have to sing what's in your own soul."
Hip-Hop
While she made her name as a soul veteran, Marie's music has popped up in hip-hop cuts from many of the game's finest lyricists. Marie's 1981 jam "Square Biz" was revamped for rap supergroup the Firm's (Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, Nature, Cormega) 1997 single "Firm Biz," and Mase reworked the track's jocular bass line for the Harlem World album cut "Love U So." The chorus for the Fugees' 1996 smash "Fu-Gee-La" features similar crooning to Marie's hit "Ooo La La La" from the 1988 album Naked to the World.
Even hip-hop stars who may not have reimagined Marie's catalog for their own hits, such as Game, Big Boi and ?uestlove , recalled Marie's influence and legacy on Twitter.
Where else do you see Teena Marie's influence? Let us know in the comments.
Related Photos Related ArtistsAlanis Morissette Welcomes Son Ever Imre
"Alanis Morissette and Mario 'Souleye' Treadway welcomed a baby boy, Ever Imre Morissette-Treadway, on Dec. 25th," says a rep for the new mom. "All are healthy and happy."
Zsa Zsa Gabor?s Husband Hospitalized
Talk about a sticky situation! Zsa Zsa Gabor’s husband, Prince Frederic Von Halt, was hospitalized for mistaking eye drops for his wife’s nail glue. Ouch! Find out more tacky details and see photos and a video right here!
Prince Frederic Von Halt accidentally glues his eye shut after a big time mix up [...]
Prince Frederic Von Halt accidentally glues his eye shut after a big time mix up [...]
'The Smurfs' Land In Central Park In New Photo
"The Smurfs" might not be invading New York City until August 2011, but that doesn't mean that they won't remind us that they're coming. In a new image from the upcoming film, Papa Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Smurfette, Grouchy Smurf, Gutsy Smurf and Panicky Smurf just landed in Central Park on a nice sunny Manhattan day. [...]
Michael Jackson - Beat It
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Director: Bob Giraldi
- Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Sunday, December 26, 2010
MTV News' 2010 Superlatives
Best smile? Most likely to succeed? These ain't your high school's superlatives.
Photo: Theo Wargo/ Getty Images
Related Artists
Merry Xmas From Kylie Minogue
Aussie pop queen Kylie Minogue posted a cute video message on her official website this weekend wherein she sends Merry Xmas wishes to all her devoted fans around the world. Additionally, Kylie recorded her own version of the classic Xmas song Let It Snow (which she performed in NYC earlier this month at the lighting [...]
Scene-Stealing Kids in Movies
From Colin Baiocchi in Little Fockers to little Drew Barrymore, see the tykes that have stolen the show on the big screen
Octomom Nadya Suleman Will Be Evicted From Her LA Home In Early 2011
It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a Happy New Year for Octomom Nadya Suleman and her 14 children. After weeks of rumours and speculation it appears that Suleman and her entire brood could be evicted from their La Habre home just outside Los Angeles in 2011. Suleman borrowed money from Amer Haddadin back [...]
Jason Mraz and Tristan Prettyman: Engaged!
She's his.
While details of the proposal remain unclear, Jason Mraz has confirmed via Twitter that he's engaged to singer/songwriter Tristan Prettyman. The excited "I'm Yours" crooner simply wrote last night: “SHE SAID YES.”
Prettyman also Tweeted her joy over the news, posting soon after her new fiance: “For once, I am speechless... I did good! Holy crap! Man of my dreams!!! For the rest of my life!!!”
Congratulations to the happy couple! The announcement gives new meaning to the song played by Mraz above, doesn't it?
A Message To Ke$ha From The Transgender Community
The We R Who We R singer claims to sing about get pride, yet she's really pissing off the trans community!
Find out why (above)!
Find out why (above)!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Antoine Dodson's Ho Ho Hilarious "Chimney Intruder"
When Antoine Dodson came to his sister's defense against a home intruder, who could have possibly guessed this would be the outcome?
This summer Dodson became an overnight Internet sensation when his lively local news interview (and warning to his sister's alleged attempted rapist) about the incident went viral on YouTube.
The clip has been viewed over 25 million times and the music video/remix (also known as "The Bed Intruder Song") was an even bigger sensation, with over 54 million(!) hits on YouTube. The song (which Dodson and his family received earnings from) not only topped the iTunes charts, but even cracked the Billboard Hot 100 in August.
Now, months later, it seems Dodson still has his eye out for unwelcome guests. In a skit for Lopez Tonight, everybody's favorite Lincoln Park resident had some strong words of warning for arguably the world's most famous "intruder": Santa Claus!
Dodson, wearing the same black tank top that helped make him so famous in the first place (though he traded the red bandanna for a Santa hat and his hair is noticeably longer!), has likely created another viral vid with "Chimney Intruder."
The 24-year-old warns, in a very familiar tone, "Well, obviously we have someone coming to Lincoln Park, he's climbin' in your chimneys, he's snatchin' your cookies up, tryin' to eat 'em. So ya'll need to hide your gifts, hide your trees...and hide your eggnog, cause he's takin' everything up in here!"
Watch the entire clip below and decide if you think it's ho-ho-hilarious, or, "so dumb, so dumb":
Do you think Antoine Dodson's fifteen minutes of fame are up or are you still cracking up over the "Bed Intruder"? Chime in below!
Deadmau5 Brings Dance Music To The 'Masses,' Wolfgang Gartner Says
'He has a major role in the younger generation to this music,' producer/DJ tells MTV News of his collaborator.
By Adam Stewart
deadmau5
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images
It's no secret that 2010 was a pivotal year for electronic dance music here in the States. With deadmau5 and Swedish House Mafia becoming household names, the genre's momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Using a conduit of collaboration, artists such as deadmau5 (a.k.a. Joel Zimmerman) have paired up with various underground acts to further the rapid expansion of the genre.
Perhaps one of the most notable movers and shakers of the year is now-Grammy-Award-nominated producer and DJ Wolfgang Gartner, who recently sat down to chat with MTV News about deadmau5 and dance music's rise to the top.
"He has a major role in the younger generation to this music," Gartner says, "but there have been certain artists that have been instrumental in helping it cross over and reach the mainstream — which I think is a good thing. I think rap artists using dance beats is a great thing. I think it just brings more people towards this music that we all love."
Thanks to several key moments, such as deadmau5 taking the helm as house DJ (well, technically "House Artist") for the 2010 VMAs, dance music has been thrown into the forefront of America's youth, a key demographic for any genre.
"Everybody knows who he is now and he's kind of exposing the masses to dance music. These little five-, six- and seven-year-old kids latch on to this 'mau5head' logo — they get into the music and he's bringing this tiny young generation into this music that probably wouldn't be exposed to it."
Gartner certainly doesn't mind the exposure either. Unless you were living under a rock for the past six months, you probably heard one of this past summer's hottest anthems, "Animal Rights," a collaborative effort brought forth by deadmau5 and Gartner.
"It was interesting because I kind of had a preconceived notion about how he would be to work [with]," said Gartner. "I think our sounds are really similar, so I figured he would work in a similar way to me, but the way that he writes music is actually completely different to me. But he achieves kind of the same sound through a completely different process."
Recorded in deadmau5's favorite Los Angeles studio — that would be rocker Tommy Lee's House — "Animal Rights" is a thumping progressive house anthem that melds Wolfgang's unmistakable harmonics and funk riffs with the driving bass line and wobbly synths that make deadmau5 one of the unique forces in the dance music world.
"[Deadmau5] writes these rich complex chord progressions and he does it by drawing these little bars on a grid, which is just amazing that you can do that and get that result," Gartner goes on to say. "It just proves you don't have to be able to play keyboards to write amazing music."
The two sound pioneers never cease to stop pushing the limits on what they are able to produce. Using drastically difference production approaches, deadmau5 and Gartner had the ability to play off each other's strengths while recording the track.
"I'd say the biggest thing is that I play everything in on a keyboard, like even my drums," says Gartner. "I play everything in live and he draws it in with notes on a mouse, which blew me away because his music is very musical."
What do you think 2011 will hold for deadmau5 and Gartner? Let us know in the comments below!
Related ArtistsBeyonce Says She Takes Pregnancy Rumors In Stride
'I just hope that one day, when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me,' superstar jokes about year-round bump-watch.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé
Photo: MTV News
In 2010 alone, Beyoncé was pregnant at least twice, if you believe the rumors.
While the singer shot down the talk both times, she says that at this point she's pretty much to used to people speculating about potential baby bumps. "I mean, it's a part of it. At this point they said I've been pregnant like eight times, so I'm kind of used to it," Beyoncé told MTV News at a screening for her concert DVD, "I Am ... World Tour," in New York City.
"I just hope that one day, when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me, 'cause I'm like gosh, like, everyone's like, 'Oh god, please! She's been pregnant 100 times.' One day, hopefully, I will be. So whatever; it's a part of being a celebrity, I guess."
Her mom, Tina Knowles, was also at the screening and when asked if she thought that 2011 might be the year we give up gossiping about Bey's pregnancy status, she played it cool. "You have to ask her those personal things," she said. "I don't know!"
But Tina was also the lady to shoot down the baby-bump rumors last month when she sat down with talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres.
"I heard that, but I'm here to clear the rumors up. The truth is it's not Beyoncé that's pregnant, it's me," she joked. "No, it's not true. Not right now. I'm looking forward to it. With all the rumors, by now I should have about five or six grandchildren."
What do you think of the constant speculation about Bey and a baby bump? Tell us in the comments!
Related ArtistsJustin Bieber Working On New Music With Rascal Flatts
'I love Rascal Flatts and I'm honored that they are making music with me,' the pop superstar tweeted over the weekend.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Sure Justin Bieber has some hip-hop swag, thanks to friendships with rappers like Diddy, Ludacris, Drake and Kanye West, but it seems that the pop superstar now is going a little bit country.
Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary LeVox made one big reveal recently when he spoke to country radio station WSIX, according to CNN. "[Justin] asked us to do a duet with him on his next record," LeVox explained. "It's actually a really good song! The kid is really talented. He plays five or six different instruments really well."
On Sunday, Bieber confirmed LeVox's statements on his Twitter while sending some praise the country band's way. "I love @RascalFlatts and Im honored that they are making music with me," he wrote. "And for those that dont know ... they have great records like this one. #GREATMUSIC." He then included a link to a Bieber fan video with the Rascal Flatts track "My Wish" playing in the background.
Bieber also tweeted on Sunday that he was hanging out with Lil Twist, who he has been collaborating with on a mixtape for some time now. "I don't know man," he recently shared with MTV News about their work together. "Lil Twist is my homey and we're working on stuff for fun."
The teen singer is indeed hard at work on new music. Last Tuesday, Bieber was spotted at Diddy's studio in New York City working on tracks for a forthcoming album. "I've missed the studio. Just making music," Bieber tweeted that day. "Made some great records tonight."
What do you think about Bieber possibly going country? Tell us in the comments.
Related Videos Related ArtistsFriday, December 24, 2010
It's a Girl for Constantine Maroulis!
Christmas came a couple days early for former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis.
The Broadway star and girlfriend Angel Reed, both of whom appear in Rock of Ages, welcomed daughter Malena James into the world last night. The first child for both, she weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces.
"Angel and I are thrilled to welcome our perfect baby girl into the world today," Constantine said. "Mom and baby are healthy and I couldn't be more excited to ring in 2011 this way."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)