Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez And Many More At Wango Tango 2011
Related ArtistsWednesday, August 31, 2011
Britney Spears, In 10 Minutes, Backstage At The VMAs
Meeting the princess of pop, behind the scenes at the biggest awards show of the year, in Bigger Than the Sound.
By James Montgomery
Britney Spears
Photo: Getty Images
I'm not sure how many times this has happened to you, but when you're in the middle of recording voice-overs during the Video Music Awards and all of a sudden you get an email from the assistant of your bosses' boss telling you that you have to interview Britney Spears in her dressing room in 10 minutes -- man, that's weird.
Because it's Britney Spears. One of the hugest pop stars on the planet, constant target of the tabloids, decided enigma. She's not exactly forthcoming with the press (for reasons that are certainly understandable) and not particularly interested in sitting down for a chat -- especially when said chat is supposed to take place in her dressing room, surrounded by her team of publicists, makeup artists and friends. Needless to say, the odds of the whole thing going down in a ball of flames are pretty high.
And yet, there I was on Sunday night, winding my way through the backstage corridors of the Nokia Theatre, the VMAs literally happening all around me, on my way to meet Britney. Armed only with an email (and a rather paltry level of security clearance), I talked my way past the stone-faced security guards -- who, it should be noted, didn't seem to believe that I was about to interview Britney Spears either -- found my way to her dressing-room door and awaited further instructions. As I stood there, my mind raced: What, exactly, was I going to ask her, anyway? And, perhaps more importantly, what is she really like?
After a few minutes, the door swung open, one of her publicists poked his head out and told me, quite matter-of-factly, "Britney's ready." I entered the tiny dressing room, scanned the faces lining the walls (publicist one, publicist two, manager Larry Rudolph, makeup artist, sister Jamie Lynn) and suddenly came face to face with Britney herself, eyes wide and sparkling, head cocked slightly, big smile on her face. I noticed the tiny pair of red dice she has tattooed on her left wrist, the hem of her black dress, the way she crossed her ankles. And then, I noticed she was looking right at me.
"Hi, I'm Britney," she said.
No kidding.
I am happy to report that Britney Spears is a very nice person; she is funny and carries herself with a relaxed grace that belies her superstardom. We spoke about her VMA tribute -- during which she spent much of the time praising others -- and how, even after winning a boatload of awards, she's still blown away each and every time her name is called. Shoot, we even laughed about Lady Gaga's alter ego, Jo Calderone ("She's definitely in character," Brit laughed). In fact, the thing that struck me the most about her was her quick wit: She cracks jokes like they're going out of style.
And while I guess you could say that I learned an awful lot about Britney on Sunday night, the biggest lesson was probably this: Basically everything you think you know about her is wrong. It's sort of a shame she doesn't do more interviews, because, really, I think most folks would leave feeling the same way I do. Then again, I can understand why she doesn't. It's sort of an uphill battle at this point.
Regardless, interviewing her was definitely a highlight, and not just because she's press-shy. It most certainly ranks as my greatest VMA moment, even ahead of the pre-show I hosted live Sunday night. So the next time you get a panicked email and an invite to sit down with Britney, I highly recommend you respond immediately. It will definitely be worth your time.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards have wrapped, but the real action is just getting started! Stick with MTV News for winners, fashion pics, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything that went down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsWhitney Port Heading To The Big Screen!
Looks as though she's not going to wait around for that Hills movie to start her acting career!
Whitney Port was spotted on the Atlanta, Georgia set of the upcoming flick What To Expect When You're Expecting yesterday, getting ready to shoot some scenes alongside the massive and apparently-still-growing cast!
Ch-ch-check out a photo (above)!
Oh boy! [...]
Whitney Port was spotted on the Atlanta, Georgia set of the upcoming flick What To Expect When You're Expecting yesterday, getting ready to shoot some scenes alongside the massive and apparently-still-growing cast!
Ch-ch-check out a photo (above)!
Oh boy! [...]
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Beyonce Throws Trailer Park 'Party' In New Music Video
Singer was spotted filming clip in a mobile-home park in New Jersey.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyonce
Photo: Rob Loud/ Getty Images
We got to see how Beyoncé would "Run the World (Girls)" in her post-apocalyptic video for the song, and then we attended her wedding in "Best Thing I Never Had." Now Queen B is throwing a "Party" in her latest video, and lucky for us, we're all invited.
According to reports, Beyoncé headed to New Jersey to shoot the video. ThatGrapejuice.net reported that Beyoncé was hanging with little sister Solange and former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland and was spotted wearing a fur jacket on set. The song also features Andre 3000, though he wasn't seen at the shoot.
Rapup.com further reported that the shoot took place at South Brunswick's Oakdale Mobile Home Park. The site posted photos of Beyoncé from the set in which she wearing a black dress and little black pillbox hat while being driven around in a golf cart. An old-school red muscle car was also spotted on set.
Local website Mycentraljersey.com spoke to some of the area's residents. "I wasn't expecting this," Bill Flaherty told the site. "There's a lot of good-looking young girls. I'm impressed by the artists doing the painting on the side of the trailer. This is not something that happens every day."
The video shows some of the area's charm, and a number of locals were used as extras in the clip. "We had a call last night to be here by 8 a.m.," the mother of Monica Singleton, an extra in the video, said.
Beyoncé is very busy locking down several videos off her album 4. Videostatic.com reported that Adria Petty, who worked with Beyoncé on her trippy "Sweet Dreams" video, will also work on her "Countdown" clip.
MTV News' request for comment from Beyoncé's camp had not been answered as of press time.
Related ArtistsLady Gaga's Jo Calderone Enlists Queen's Brian May For VMAs
Legendary guitarist jams with Lady Gaga's male alter ego on 'Yoü and I.'
By Gil Kaufman
Brian May
Photo: Michael Putland/ Getty Images
He's one of the world's greatest rock guitarists, holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics, is a commander of the Order of the British Empire and he jammed with Lady Gaga at the VMAs. OK, it was Jo Calderone, but you know what we mean.
And if you didn't know who Queen's Brian May was before, you certainly did after his fiery cameo during Gaga's VMA-opening "Yoü and I" on Sunday night. Wearing all black, the British rock icon came out midway through a drag-king-tastic set for the ages, bumping hips with Jo as he/she busted open a beer and ripping off some of his legendary, spiraling riffs. Smiling broadly and walking carefully around the unpredictable Calderone, May leaned in close as Jo/Gaga threatened to expose his/her chest and shared a heartfelt hug with his new-era gender-bending pal.
May, 64, played the majestic guitar solo on the recorded version of the song, which was produced by rock master Mutt Lange (Shania Twain, AC/DC). So it was fitting that he would join Mother Monster onstage at the Nokia Theatre to re-create the epic hookup between rock and pop royalty for the big show.
Gaga, an avowed classic-rock fan, was looking for a big, meaty sound on the fourth single from Born This Way, and May was just the man for the gig. He formed legendary theatrical rock act Queen in 1971 with late singer Freddie Mercury, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor. Together, the quartet made rock history on albums such as Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at the Opera, News of the World, Jazz and The Game, which spawned such classic-rock radio staples as "Killer Queen," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," "We Are the Champions," "Fat Bottomed Girls," "Another One Bites the Dust" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."
The group's 1984 album, The Works, also featured the song that would give Gaga her now-inescapable stage name, "Radio Gaga." While setting sales and concert-attendance records with Queen, May also explored some solo work in the 1980s, collaborating on the album Star Fleet Project with Van Halen's Eddie Van Halen and continuing his solo output with 1991's Back to the Light, which he released after Mercury's death in 1991.
He's also performed and recorded sporadically with the remaining members of Queen and appeared on such reality singing shows as England's "The X Factor" and "American Idol" in 2009, where he jammed with winner and runner-up Kris Allen and Adam Lambert.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards are live now! Stick with MTV News for winners, photos, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything going down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.
Related Photos Related ArtistsMonday, August 29, 2011
Beyonc� - Sweet Dreams
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Adria Petty
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Bruno Mars, Russell Brand Pay Tribute To Amy Winehouse At VMAs
Mars performed a 1950s-style cover of 'Valerie.'
By Gil Kaufman
Bruno Mars performs at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: FilmMagic
Amy Winehouse never made it to the stage of the VMAs in her lifetime, but on Sunday night, some of her friends and admirers paid tribute to the "Rehab" singer a month after her death.
"She was a mate of mine and tragically this year we lost her," said pal Russell Brand, who penned a loving note to the troubled British crooner following her death. "First time I met her, she was kind of like a daft, dopey person, just wandering around a little bit crazy, like a lot of people who are drawn to big cities with a peculiar, unknowable talent."
Though he remembered that she seemed like an "ordinary girl" (with "extraordinary hair," mind you) at first, Brand recalled watching her perform and realizing that he was witnessing a rare, amazing talent. "This is not just another London chancer, not just another person milling about waiting to be famous," he said. "What is this incredible sound? This timeless sound like a roar from the guts of humanity? The kind of voice that Billie Holiday sung with, the kind of voice that Ella Fitzgerald sung with."
He started really paying attention after that, realizing that she was a "genius," though one who, like Brand in the past, struggled with the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. Brand also alluded to the huge influence Winehouse had on such contemporary artists as VMA winners Adele, his own missus, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and 2010 VMA performer Florence and the Machine.
The musical section of the tribute had Bruno Mars digging into the Winehouse cover of the Zutons' "Valerie," taking the stage in a sharp blue sharkskin suit, his hair in an impressive pompadour as he rocked his best 1950s sock-hop look. Backed by a big band that included a three-piece string and horn section — with Amy's name inside of a heart emblazoned on the drummer's bass drum. The big, bouncy tune was accompanied by some pop-art-style images of Winehouse that filled the big screen at the back of the stage, which alternated with some Roy Lichtenstein-type comic-book-inspired graphics. Adele was singing along in her seat, and during the breakdown, the horn section came in around a vintage mike and sang some doo-wop backing vocals under a single spotlight in a scene straight out of "Grease."
Doing a little James Brown-style side-to-side shuffle and busting out some fancy "American Bandstand" footwork, Mars ended with a shout-out, singing, "Say Amy, oh Amy/ I love you darling, I love you darling/ Say Amy, whoa Amy, we'll miss you baby."
Also along to pay homage to the "Rehab" singer was legendary crooner Tony Bennett, who introduced some never-before-seen footage of the unlikely pair recording a cover of "Body and Soul" at London's Abbey Road Studios for his upcoming Duets II album. Bennett, one of the last people to ever record with Winehouse, said he too recognized the rare beauty of her gift. The ageless icon said Winehouse was a "true" jazz artist who most definitely had "it."
The video footage of the two singing together was bittersweet, with Winehouse looking healthy and alert, twirling her hair coquettishly as she matched him note-for-note on the standard. Wearing one of the plaid sweaters from her Fred Perry fashion collection, her hair in a signature bouffant, a smiling Winehouse held her own with Bennett, trading lines and sharing a warm hug at the end of their session.
The Bennett/Winehouse single and video will be released by Columbia Records on September 14, Amy's birthday, in support of the Amy Winehouse Foundation, established by the late singer's family to help a number of charities connected with children and young people.
Winehouse, known for the depth and power of her soulful voice, will be remembered by fans and peers for her awe-inspiring talent and classic hits such as "Rehab," "Back to Black," "Me & Mr. Jones" and "You Know I'm No Good." She died last month at the age of 27 of yet-undisclosed causes in her London apartment. On Tuesday, Winehouse's family released a statement saying that toxicology reports found no traces of illegal substances in her system.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards have wrapped, but the real action is just getting started! Stick with MTV News for winners, fashion pics, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything that went down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.
Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists
Lindsay Lohan Admits To Failing Drug Test
And THIS is why early discharges from rehab are generally a bad idea {sigh}. Lindsay Lohan confessed on twitter that she had, indeed, failed a drug test.
Regrettably, I did in fact fail my most recent drug test and if I am asked, I am prepared to appear before judge Fox next week as a result.
TMZ is now reporting that Lindsay actually failed two drug tests. In addition to landing her in jail, this setback could also further derail Lindsay's career, according to TMZ.
Lindsay is now relying on Judge Elden Fox to allow her to leave California to shoot "Inferno" in Louisiana and possibly fly to New York City for "Saturday Night Live."
Here's the problem. Sources connected with the case have been telling TMZ ... if Lindsay were to fail a drug test the judge would probably pull the plug on out-of-state-travel -- a privilege for Lindsay, not a right.
...But all bets are off now that Lindsay has flunked two tests.
And sources close to Lindsay somehow already know the big wigs on "Inferno" are pissed that she may have screwed up again, so flying to Louisiana may be a moot question.
You can't really blame the 'Inferno' producers for being upset. It looks like the best thing for Lindsay at this point is a long-term stay in an inpatient facility that focuses solely on drug abuse (not drug problems and psychiatric problems, which is what the UCLA program did).
This is really just TOO sad.
Photos by FAME
Sunday, August 28, 2011
'The Avengers' Assemble, With Other Disney Stars, At D23
We recap all the sneak peeks and news to come out of the Mouse House's movie convention.
By Terri Schwartz, with additional reporting by Kara Warner
Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth
Photo: MTV News
"The Avengers" might not be assembling in theaters until May 4, 2012, but fans who attended Disney's D23 convention in Anaheim, California, over the weekend were lucky enough to catch the cast joining forces in person. MTV News was on the scene too, so stay tuned for our interviews with the stars. In the meantime, here's a little recap of the weekend's highlights:
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston and Cobie Smulders all showed up to unveil two new clips from the upcoming superhero flick. It was the first time the group has come together publicly since 2010's San Diego Comic-Con, and the first time "How I Met Your Mother" star Smulders has been part of the promotion for the movie.
Both of the clips shown focused on the showdown between the Avengers and "Thor" bad boy Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, AceShowBiz reports. The first showed Loki trapped in a high-tech chamber in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier, chatting with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury. It is revealed that the chamber was actually created to hold the Hulk, but will hold Loki because he threatens Earth with war and "a force [he] can't control."
The second scene featured Downey's Tony Stark chatting with Loki in a private bar. "Let's do a head count," Loki says. "Two world class assassins" — the camera cuts to shots of Hawkeye and Black Widow — "a demigod" — cut to Thor — "a living legend who actually lives up to the legend" — a glimpse of Captain America. Stark responds by saying, "And you, big fella, you have managed to piss off every single one of them."
"I have an army," Loki says. Stark strikes back, "We have a Hulk."
When MTV caught up with Downey and Hemsworth after the panel, the two were coy about any scenes other than the ones that have been revealed. Downey joked that his favorite scene in the movie was the one "in which we don't reveal anything about the plot," but Hemsworth admitted that his favorite was already revealed.
"One of our first days was the whole assembly," he said, referring to the scene that was revealed at the end of "Captain America: The First Avenger." "That was pretty crazy. Not only meeting Robert Downey and Scarlett and whatever, but it was meeting Iron Man and Black Widow and the Hulk. It's exciting."
Marvel wasn't the only Disney division doing some heavy lifting at D23, though. Pixar showed up with a slew of announcements, including some news about unannounced upcoming films, ScreenRant recapped.
First on the docket is "Brave," the Scotland-based animated adventure that hits in 2012. In addition to showing some new clips of the movie, Pixar also released a fleshed out plot synopsis that gives "Brave" more context. "Monsters University" received a summer 2013 release date slot, and Pixar also added two yet-untitled animated flicks to its upcoming releases. The first, directed by "Up" helmer Bob Peterson, speculates on what would happen if dinosaurs never became extinct and should hit theaters in fall 2013. The second, directed by "Monsters, Inc." 's Pete Doctor, explores inside the human mind and should be released at some point in 2014.
Also on the animation front, Shock Till You Drop reported on the "Frankenweenie" sizzle reel that was presented at the panel, which included footage from the flick, behind-the-scenes moments and interviews with the cast members. The title card for the movie was also unveiled, as well as the news that Danny Elfman will be composing the flick's score. "Frankenweenie" hits theaters October 5, 2012.
Jason Segel showed up with his "The Muppets" co-stars Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy to present two new clips from the movie, Entertainment Weekly reported. Clip number one featured an inside look at Kermit's house and showed that he's stuck in his '80s heyday, while clip number two showed off Muppets Rolf, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and Dr. Teeth trying to get the old Muppet Theater back in working order.
Not to be outdone, the cast and crew of "John Carter of Mars" presented four new clips from their upcoming sci-fi flick. Taylor Kitsch, Willem Dafoe and Lynn Collins stood with director Andrew Stanton to show off the footage, EW recounted. The unfinished clips featured scenes where the titular Carter first lands on Mars, gets captured by Thark leader Tars Tarkas, has to battle his way out of a gladiatorial arena and tries to convince his lady love not to go through with her arranged marriage. Vulture said the clips had "a distinctly Pixar sense of humor," which can be attributed to Stanton's history with the animation company.
The last big presentation of D23 was for "Oz, the Great and Powerful," and though there was no finished footage, the panel did get to see James Franco's wizard and Michelle Williams' Glinda in costume. AceShowBiz said that a behind-the-scenes sizzle reel, narrated by director Sam Raimi, displayed concept art for the Emerald City, munchkins and the yellow brick road. The movie is currently in production in Detroit and is set to hit theaters on March 8, 2013.
Check out everything we've got on "The Avengers."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Lil Wayne's VMA Rehearsal: An Inside Look!
An energetic Weezy is backed by a full band as he runs through his set for Sunday night.
By Rob Markman
Lil Wayne rehearses for the 2011 VMAs
Photo: John Shearer / Wireimage.com
LOS ANGELES — Fans were promised a rock-star-like Lil Wayne VMA performance, and judging from his stage rehearsal Saturday (August 27) at the Nokia Theatre, Weezy F. will deliver for Sunday's big show.
"We've been brainstorming and taking from things that we put together on the road, so I think they can just expect a new-and-improved Wayne, a different Wayne," Weezy's musical director Gil Smith told MTV News. "You know, he always comes different: One day he's a rock star, one day he's a skater; he's singing R&B. I think we can expect a little bit of everything in this performance."
Backed by a full band, the Cash Money Billionaire ran through his set, which included a heavy-metal take on one of his songs. The energetic MC bounced around the stage as he worked out the particulars, perfecting his set.
After the awards show, Wayne's C4 will be released at midnight on iTunes and other digital retailers before the physical CD version is dropped Tuesday.
"The MTV Video Music Awards are one of the most watched and respected shows in the industry," Ronald "Slim" Williams, CEO of Cash Money Records, said in a statement. "Wayne is one of the most respected and prolific artists in the industry. By pairing the release of Tha Carter IV with the VMAs, it will certainly add to the overall anticipation and excitement for fans everywhere for what will surely be an unforgettable evening."
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday from Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Paris Hilton?s Reality TV Series Has Reportedly Been Cancelled
I’ve got some bad news for the handful of people (and I do mean handful) who watched the Oxygen reality TV series The World According to Paris … according to new reports out this week, the show has been cancelled and will not return for season 2. Despite the fact that Paris Hilton did EVERYTHING [...]
Michael Jackson Doctor's Trial Delayed
Judge pushes start of Conrad Murray's trial back to May.
By Gil Kaufman
Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Though Conrad Murray's lawyers had been pressing for a speedy trial, a judge in the involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson's doctor ruled on Wednesday to delay opening statements in the proceedings until May.
The Associated Press reported that Murray's attorneys consented to the postponement after they discussed the matter with prosecutors and both agreed they could be ready for trial by May 9.
According to a transcript from the closed-door session, though opening statements will not begin for several months, Murray told Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor that he did not want to forfeit his right to a quick trial, but agreed to the delay if screening of prospective jurors begins as scheduled on March 24.
"It is only acceptable to me if this is not strung along over a long period of time," Murray told the justice. "I don't want to lose my constitutional right to speedy trial." Murray — who has pleaded not guilty to the charges — reportedly has been in favor of having the proceedings begin as soon as possible because he is facing financial troubles, but he said he understands that the delay is necessary to allow both sides to prepare for the trial.
Pastor consented because he said he didn't want to lose a jury pool, and believed a month-long delay might let potential jurors shuffle their schedules for the case, which could take up to two months to decide. The judge has reportedly clashed with Murray's defense team in recent weeks, pressing them for answers about why they had not turned over more witness notes and other potential evidence to prosecutors in the run-up to the trial.
Cardiologist Murray was hired to be Jackson's personal physician while the King of Pop prepared for his planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2009. The doctor told police that he provided the then-50-year-old Jackson with sedatives and the surgical anesthetic propofol in order to combat the singer's chronic insomnia. He said he did so on the morning of June 25, 2009, when Jackson died of what a coroner deemed acute propofol poisoning.
Murray's lawyers reportedly plan to argue that Jackson was already in weak health before he died, that it's unfair to blame propofol for his passing and that, if the anesthetic was to blame, the pop superstar may have given himself the fatal dose by drinking the drug in a panic.
A status hearing in the case has been set for this Wednesday.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsFriday, August 26, 2011
A ?Super? Villain Shows Up On The Set Of ?Man Of Steel?
Yesterday we got our first look at actor Henry Cavill in costume as Superman on the set of the upcoming reboot film Man of Steel. Today we get to see Cavill in costume again along with what looks to be actress Antje Trau in the role of Kryptonian villain Faora getting ready to do battle [...]
Les News, 082411
God Bless America. Matt Bomer on set. The Dark Crystal rules ALL! James Franco‘s brother Dave goes and … f*cks himself. Nancy Reagan falls down. Justin Bieber joined Taylor Swift on stage in LA last night. Jean Paul Gaultier has a new smell. Canada is mourning the loss of Jack Layton. Marina and the Diamonds [...]
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Beyonce Serves Up Intimate Performance In NYC
With no costume changes or elaborate set switch-ups, singer performed entire 4 album alongside her biggest hits.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé (file)
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
Beyoncé played her second of four nights at New York's Roseland Ballroom on Tuesday night, presenting an ear-popping event that served as a cabaret act featuring a ferocious mix of old favorites and new tracks from her album 4.
Billed as an intimate night with the superstar, the show feautured B in a sparkly silver dress, backed by a full-on orchestra and several backup dancers. No costume changes, no elaborate set changes. The real star was B's never-miss-a-note voice and her razzle-dazzle dance moves.
During the first part of the night, Beyoncé gave fans some of the inside stories behind her biggest hits, ranging from her early beginnings with Destiny's Child to her breakout moments as a solo artist. Her swagger never faltered and was evident when she spouted lines like "On April 4, 2008, somebody put a ring on it," before launching into her hit "Single Ladies." Before that revealing moment, Beyoncé sang bits and pieces of her biggest hits like "Bootylicious," "Survivor," "Bills, Bills, Bills," and "Crazy in Love." No stone was left unturned.
The night, however, was really all about 4. She ran through the entire album, displaying her panache for old-school performing the likes of Tina Turner or Diana Ross. During ballads like "1+1," "I Care" and the show-closing "End of Time," Queen B's vocal abilities outshined it all.
It was her ability to throw a party during faster jams like "Party," "Countdown," "End of Time" and "Run the World (Girls)" that put on full display her range as a performer, dancing and singing live the entire night. Her fans sang along to every word and their energy for the material was only matched by Beyoncé's enthusiasm for live performance.
Related ArtistsBeastie Boys' 'Make Some Noise': A VMA Cheat Sheet
Video of the Year nominee is packed with characters from the Beasties' past.
By James Montgomery
Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood and Danny McBride in the Beastie Boy's "Make Some Noise" video
Photo: Capitol
If they've been anything over the course of their near-30-year career, the Beastie Boys have always been thorough, the kind of band that derives some sort of perverse pleasure from peppering their music with a sundry of pop-culture references, inside jokes and exhaustively sought, expertly placed samples.
And because of that, they've managed to create their own rather insular world, the kind of place where Mantan Moreland hangs out with Ted Danson, where Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" rubs elbows with Les Baxter's "Prelude in C# Minor." And luckily for all of us, each time they release an album, they pull the curtain back slightly, and invite us in for a drink. So it's fitting that their "Make Some Noise" clip (which is up for Video of the Year at this Sunday's VMAs) may very well be the most thorough thing they've ever done: a glorious, goofy thing that's packed with references to their past, blink-and-you'll-miss-it jokes and more celebrity cameos than Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl."
To wit, it's certainly the only Video of the Year nominee to have begun life as a 30-minute mini-movie, and it's the kind of thing that requires repeat viewings to thoroughly enjoy — which, given everything the Beasties packed into it (and the three-decade lead-up to its creation) is sort of the point, really.
Back in April, immediately following its premiere (as a short film called "Fight for Your Right Revisited"), we compiled an annotated guide to the galaxy of stars who make cameos — a list that includes everyone from Susan Sarandon to Danny Masterson — and the sly references that you might have missed. But now, with the VMAs right around the corner, we've gone back and watched "Make Some Noise" again, and boy, are we amazed at the amount of stuff we didn't catch the first time through.
Then again, such is the beauty of the video (and the Beastie Boys for that matter): They're always willing to go the extra mile, with delightfully ridiculous results. Here now are even more moments from "Make Some Noise," a video that takes a look back at the B-Boys' rather glorious past, and one that, if anything, is definitely thorough.
George Drakoulias
Greek music producer/pal of early Beasties' collaborator Rick Rubin, Drakoulias was immortalized in a line on the Paul's Boutique track "Stop That Train" ("Bought a hot dog from who? George Drakoulias"). Fittingly, Drak shows up in "Make Some Noise," selling Danny McBride's MCA a street dog. Of course, in typical Beastie fashion, the role is actually played by actor Clint Caluory, and he's officially credited as "Clint as Zach Galifianakis as George Drakoulias."
"Hey Ladies"
Paul's Boutique single that is consistently referenced in the "Make Some Noise" clip, particularly in the limo scene, where driver Will Ferrell sports a gold tooth (a reference to the line "She's got a gold tooth, you know she's hard-core") and bangs on a cowbell (just like the song). The whole thing concludes with the Beasties getting booted from the backseat, just like the line "She'll show you a good time, then she'll show you the door." All that's missing is a cameo by Sadaharu Oh.
"Hold It, Now Hit It"
Single from the License to Ill era, it's also referenced during the limo scene, when Mike D (or, you know, Seth Rogen) asks for some LSD-laced breath drops with the line "Pass that over here man, all right!" which, as any Beasties aficionado will tell you, is the same phrase uttered in the song.
Johnny Ryall
Titular star of the Paul's Boutique track, he's a homeless man with a rockabilly past and bread-bag shoes. In "Make Some Noise," he's played by actor Orlando Bloom, and while the big O isn't rocking Wonder Bread slip-ons (or hand-me-down Pumas), he does sport a rather nice Def Jam windbreaker. Also displays impressive window-washing skills.
"Shake Your Rump"
Second track on Paul's Boutique (and, in a lot of ways, the album's official kickoff), it's also referenced in the "Make Some Noise" limo scene, when MCA takes a rip off a nitrous-filled balloon, a nod to the line "In the back of the ride and bust with the whippit."
"She's Crafty"
Snotty License to Ill track on which the Beasties paid homage to several down-and-dirty females, including one who manages to rob them of all their possessions, including a mirror, a TV, a remote control and a skateboard. In a sublimely meta "Make Some Noise" moment, the Boys return the favor, swiping the skateboard back from a girl played by Adam Yauch's real life daughter.
Sir Stewart Wallace
International man of mystery portrayed by Yauch in the Beasties' epochal "Sabotage" video, Wallace shows up for just a second in "Make Some Noise," piling out of the back of a cab and dropping his briefcase (which appears to be filled with bricks of cocaine) in the process. But this time around, it's artist/director Mike Mills who steps into Sir Stew's eternally pressed suit.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Britney Spears - Break the Ice
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Robert Hales
- Album: Blackout
Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries Leave For Honeymoon
Pair is reportedly taking short trip to Europe before Kim heads to L.A. to present at VMAs.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian
Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries perhaps need to decompress for a bit before they head back to New York post-wedding to shoot Kim's reality show. The pair is rumored to be having a quickie honeymoon in Europe.
Sources tell Usmagazine.com that Kim and Kris are heading off to an undisclosed European location for a mini-honeymoon before Kim heads to Los Angeles to present at the 2011 Video Music Awards on Sunday. They were spotted at LAX on Monday with Kim in a taupe maxi dress, rocking her wedding-ring bling.
The newlywed's whirlwind trip will find them in New York next week, where a big party is being thrown in their honor. Kim took to Twitter to clarify that the August 31 shindig is just a party and not a second wedding. "There are rumors of a 2nd wedding in NY. This is NOT true!!" she wrote. "Our friends Jason Binn & Colin Cowie are throwing us a welcome to NY party!" Kim is set to film the second season of "Kim & Kourtney Take New York," while New Jersey Nets player Humphries lives on the East Coast.
The pair made headlines when they married on Saturday in California. According to reports, the lavish ceremony included multiple dress changes, A-list guests and musical performances from performers like Robin Thicke and R&B band Earth, Wind and Fire.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, local police received 20 noise complaints about the party. And a rep for the reality star also confirmed that two party crashers were escorted from the wedding grounds.
"On Saturday at about 10 p.m., one neighbor with her friend all dressed in black, with two wristbands that were colored like ours, attempted to enter a private alleyway, and security advised them this was not an entrance, and escorted them off the property," the rep said.
For those of you who couldn't attend the wedding, E! will air "Kim's Fairytale Wedding: A Kardashian Event" on October 9 and 10. Photos will also appear in People magazine this week.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Les News, 082111
The Flintstones before they were famous. Megan Fox goes swimming. Spider-Man turns to the dark side. More Law & Order than anyone really needs. THIS kid is the coolest kid EVER. Adele takes San Diego State. Yes way, Jose. Chely Wright and Lauren Blitzer got hitched! Have you met Nikkiya? Kate and Pippa Middleton go [...]
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Daniel Radcliffe Finds Love With A New Lady
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has got himself a new ladylove and he seems quite happy to show her off on the streets of NYC. Daniel and his new girlfriend, Rosanne Coker, was spotted this week hand in hand in NYC together lookin’ supercute. As you may know, Daniel has confessed a love of older [...]
Friday, August 19, 2011
Paris Hilton Accepts Plea Deal
Paris Hilton does it again. E! News reports that the celebutante has accepted a plea deal that includes pleading guilty to misdemeanor drug possession and obstructing an officer.
In return, she avoids being charged with felony cocaine possession and gets two consecutive six-month jail sentences suspended. Translation: Paris won't have to spend a night in jail.
"We fashioned a resolution which would give us complete control over her future," Clark County District Attorney David Roger told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "If she does not toe the line and stay out of trouble, she will do one year in the Clark County Detention Center."
Paris reportedly will enter her plea on Monday. She will be on probation for one year, have to complete a drug abuse program, pay a fine of $2000, and complete 200 hours of community service (brace yourself for those pictures- LOL).
Does this sound fair to you or do you want to see Paris serve some time? Honestly, I think you could stick Paris in jail for five years, and it wouldn't change a thing.
Photos by FAME
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)