- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Brendan Malloy
- Album: Hips and Makers
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Listen: Ryan Seacrest Says He Had No Idea What Prank Sacha Baron Cohen Was Up To
The saga continues… but hopefully this will be the end of it. Yesterday we heard all about Sacha Baron Cohen’s Oscar stunt on Ryan Seacrest in which he “accidentally” poured the ?ashes of Kim Jong-Il? all over him. Today, the talk has been all about whether the Academy and Ryan Seacrest were in on the [...]
Lady Gaga - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Honey
- Album: Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1928-1930)
Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Files Appeal
Murray will represent himself as he contests involuntary manslaughter conviction for which he faces up to four years in state prison.
By Kara Warner
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
<P>As expected, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson</a>'s former doctor <a href="/news/articles/1673957/conrad-murray-appeal-verdict-michael-jackson.jhtml">Conrad Murray has filed an appeal</a> to challenge his involuntary manslaughter conviction. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:708788.id:1673923" width="240" height="211"></div><p> According to <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/02/conrad-murray-files-appeal-involuntary-manslaughter" target="_blank">TMZ</a>, Murray filed the petition in pro per, which means he has decided to forego hiring legal representation and represent himself. He reportedly listed "Men's Central Jail" and his booking number in the space on the appeal document where a lawyer would normally list a firm's name or contact information. TMZ also reported that although Murray seems to be without a lawyer, he is still in communication with Nareg Gourjian, one of the attorneys who represented him during his manslaughter trial. "This case presents a gold mine of issues for any appellate lawyer," Gourjian told TMZ. "Dr. Murray is confident that the Court of Appeal will vindicate him." Following the guilty verdict, Murray's lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff told CNN, "What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community. That's what we're focusing on right now, and we'll deal with an appeal after that." <a href="/news/articles/1675062/conrad-murray-sentence.jhtml">Murray was sentenced to four years</a> in jail Tuesday, but due to overcrowding, he's unlikely to serve his full term. </p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsMonday, February 27, 2012
Beyonce's Baby, Britney's Betrothal And More: 2012 Predictions
We forecast the year that will be for your favorite stars, in Bigger Than the Sound.
By James Montgomery
Beyonce on the 2011 VMA black carpet
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
<P>Welcome to 2012, the year that will either bring us <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_phenomenon" target="_blank">the end of civilization</a> as we know it or perhaps flying cars (finally!) Of course, between those two events, there's also going to be a presidential election, the London Olympics and that last "Twilight" movie (finally x 100!), not to mention a whole lot of activity within the lives of your favorite stars, too: Babies, weddings, honorary doctorates in nanotechnology; <i>this</i> is the year it'll all happen. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:722495.id:1672369" width="240" height="211"></div><p> Which is why, with the new year upon us, I've decided to get my <a href="http://www.amazingkreskin.com/" target="_blank">Kreskin</a> on with these predictions for 2012. Don't ask me to gaze deep into my crystal ball and try to foresee who'll win the White House or the World Series, because, seriously, if I knew that, don't you think I'd be wagering right now? Instead, I'm tackling the <i>important</i> topics. Here's my 2012 forecast for the Beyoncés and Britneys of the world ... partly cloudy, with a zero-percent chance of accuracy. » <a href="/music/artist/knowles_beyonce/artist.jhtml">Beyoncé</a> and <a href="/music/artist/jay_z/artist.jhtml">Jay-Z</a> will welcome a daughter, who, upon her, uh, <i>release,</i> will also release her debut single, "Run the World (Me)." » <a href="/music/artist/adele/artist.jhtml">Adele</a> will win every single Grammy, including a stunning upset of <i>Eres Un Farsante</i> in the Best Regional Mexican Or Tejano Album category. » <a href="/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> and Jason Trawick will tie the knot in an elaborate, multi-denominational ceremony held — eh, I don't even care enough to finish this one. » <a href="/music/artist/perry_katy/artist.jhtml">Katy Perry</a>, having finally run out of singles to release off <i>Teenage Dream,</i> will spend the entirety of 2012 shooting videos for objects around her house. Her hits will include "Toaster," "KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer" and "This Towel Set Someone Gave Russell and I for Our Wedding That We Keep in the Guest Bathroom." » <a href="/music/artist/dr_dre/artist.jhtml">Dr. Dre</a> will indefinitely scrap <i>Detox</i> and instead drop a more age-appropriate album called <i>The Chronic Arthritis.</i> » <a href="/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a> will wear a crazy hat or something. » <a href="/music/artist/rihanna/artist.jhtml">Rihanna</a> will release six albums in 2012, each more raunchy than the last. Titles include <i>Speculum,</i> <i>[Censored] [Censored] On My [Censored],</i> and <i>Songs About F---ing,</i> which, oddly, will be a note-for-note remake of Big Black's <i>Songs About F---ing.</i> » Dave Grohl is sure to do something awesome. » <a href="/music/artist/drake/artist.jhtml">Drake</a>'s sweater game will become so advanced that he will surpass Bill Cosby as the world's foremost expert on multi-hued knitwear. On a related note, he will also release a comedy album called <i>To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With.</i> » <a href="/music/artist/minaj__nicki/artist.jhtml">Nicki Minaj</a> will stun the fashionistas when she appears at the annual Met Ball wearing a nice pantsuit she bought at Bealls. » <a href="/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> will finally get that bike without the training wheels, since he's a big boy now. » <a href="/music/artist/black_keys/artist.jhtml">The Black Keys</a>, buoyed by the success of their <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/the-black-keys/706819/lonely-boy.jhtml">"Lonely Boy" video</a>, will shoot another dance-only clip for "Gold on the Ceiling," this one set at Gallagher's 2000 and featuring nothing but topless women. Surprisingly, it will become the most-viewed music video in the history of everything. » <a href="/music/artist/lil_wayne/artist.jhtml">Lil Wayne</a> will come full circle, get a tattoo <i>of</i> his face <i>on</i> his face. » <a href="/music/artist/guns_n_roses/artist.jhtml">Guns N' Roses</a> will reunite at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in April, only with that dude who plays a guitar shaped like a foot filling in for Slash and Tommy Stinson replacing Duff on bass. So, actually, it won't be Guns N' Roses at all. » <a href="/music/artist/coldplay/artist.jhtml">Coldplay</a>'s Chris Martin is just going to be fingerpainting everything. » <a href="/music/artist/ross__rick__rap_/artist.jhtml">Rick Ross</a> will be named the Memphis Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year for his tremendous achievements in <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/08/05/rick-ross-wingstop">Wingstop-ery.</a> » <a href="/music/artist/west_kanye/artist.jhtml">Kanye West</a> will <i>literally</i> explode. » Fans of <a href="/music/artist/skrillex/artist.jhtml">Skrillex</a> will stop and realize that, in 1997, EDM was poised take over America too, and we ended up with Limp Bizkit as a result.</p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsSunday, February 26, 2012
Good Man! Christopher Plummer Wins Best Supporting Actor!
Yay Captain Von Trapp! Still working it well into your 80s!
The sounds of music you hear is the sound of the big win for Christopher Plummer as he just won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Beginners!
Such an important role in such an important movie! We're so pleased to see [...]
The sounds of music you hear is the sound of the big win for Christopher Plummer as he just won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Beginners!
Such an important role in such an important movie! We're so pleased to see [...]
Independent Spirit Awards 2012: Winners List
'The Artist' dominates, winning best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
By Mary J. DiMeglio
Director for "The Artist," Michel Hazanavicius
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
"The Artist" dominated the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday afternoon, snagging trophies for best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
Michelle Williams was awarded Best Female Lead for her role in "My Week With Marilyn," while Best Supporting honors went to Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") and Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants").
The ceremony, hosted by Seth Rogan, will air at 10 p.m. ET/PT Saturday (February 25) on IFC.
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Mike Mills - "Beginners"
Jeff Nichols - "Take Shelter"
Alexander Payne - "The Descendants"
Nicolas Winding Refn - "Drive"
Best Screenplay
Joseph Cedar - "Footnote"
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Tom McCarthy - "Win Win"
Mike Mills - "Beginners"
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash - "The Descendants"
Best First Feature
"Another Earth" - Director: Mike Cahill
"In the Family" - Director: Patrick Wang
"Margin Call" - Director: J.C. Chandor
"Martha Marcy May Marlene" - Director: Sean Durkin
"Natural Selection" - Director: Robbie Pickering
Best First Screenplay
Mike Cahill, Brit Marling - "Another Earth"
J.C. Chandor - "Margin Call"
Patrick deWitt - "Terri"
Phil Johnston - "Cedar Rapids"
Will Reiser - "50/50"
John Cassavetes Award
"Bellflower" - Writer/Director: Evan Glodell
"Circumstance" - Writer/Director: Maryam Keshavarz
"Hello Lonesome" - Writer/Director: Adam Reid
"Pariah" - Writer/Director: Dee Rees
"The Dynamiter" - Writer: Brad Inglesby, Director: Matthew Gordon
Best Female Lead
Lauren Ambrose - "Think of Me"
Rachael Harris - "Natural Selection"
Adepero Oduye - "Pariah"
Elizabeth Olsen - "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
Michelle Williams - "My Week with Marilyn"
Best Male Lead
Demián Bichir - "A Better Life"
Jean Dujardin - "The Artist"
Ryan Gosling - "Drive"
Woody Harrelson - "Rampart"
Michael Shannon - "Take Shelter"
Best Supporting Female
Jessica Chastain - "Take Shelter"
Anjelica Huston - "50/50"
Janet McTeer - "Albert Nobbs"
Harmony Santana - "Gun Hill Road"
Shailene Woodley - "The Descendants"
Best Supporting Male
Albert Brooks - "Drive"
John Hawkes - "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
Christopher Plummer - "Beginners"
John C. Reilly - "Cedar Rapids"
Corey Stoll - "Midnight in Paris"
Best Cinematography
Joel Hodge - "Bellflower"
Benjamin Kasulke - "The Off Hours"
Darius Khondji - "Midnight in Paris"
Guillaume Schiffman - "The Artist"
Jeffrey Waldron - "The Dynamiter"
Best Documentary
"An African Election"
"Bill Cunningham New York"
"The Interrupters"
"The Redemption of General Butt Naked"
"We Were Here"
Best International Film
"A Separation" (Iran)
"Melancholia" (Denmark/Sweden/France/Germany)
"Shame" (U.K.)
"The Kid With a Bike" (Belgium/France/Italy)
"Tyrannosaur" (U.K.)
Robert Altman Award
"Margin Call"
The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 26, tune into MTV.com at 5 p.m. ET for our two-and-a-half-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night's big winners. To join the live conversation, tweet @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars.
Related PhotosGrammys Live Stream: What Shocking Entrances Will We See?
How will Lady Gaga arrive this year? Join Sway and James Montgomery on the red carpet, starting 5 p.m. Sunday on MTV.com.
By Gil Kaufman
Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammys
Photo: Getty Images
<P>What's the point of getting all dolled up for the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys">Grammy Awards</a> if no one notices your outfit? Since not everyone can earn a nomination or score a performance slot, sometimes you have to make your own news by crashing the red carpet with an eye-popping outfit that is sure to get tongues wagging. It's anyone's guess what this year's attendees will be wearing on Sunday night at the 54th annual awards show, but MTV News will be camped out on the carpet for a full three hours before the festivities kick off and we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for all the outrageous looks and fashions. <a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/10-shocking-grammy-red-carpet-moments/1678986/6893746/photo.jhtml" target="_blank"><b><big>Click for photos of our most-shocking Grammy red carpet moments!</b></big></a> In the meantime, we thought it was worth a look back at some of the legendary entrances from Grammys past: </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="id:1678854" width="240" height="211"></div><p> <B>Lady Gaga egg</B>: Sure, Justin Bieber toted his pet snake to last year's show, but it was, of course, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a> who turned the most heads by getting carried down the carpet in a <a href="/news/articles/1657833/lady-gaga-grammy-arrival-egg.jhtml">giant, see-through egg</a> that she incubated in before emerging later in the night for her performance of "Born This Way." <B>Britney gets bodied</B>: Britney Spears has long prided herself on wearing what she wants, when she wants. But someone should have pulled her aside in 2010 before she exited the car in an oddball Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit overlaid with a lace dress that turned heads for all the wrong reasons. <B>M.I.A.'s pregnancy chic</B>: With her <a href="/news/articles/1678599/mia-super-bowl-halftime-middle-finger.jhtml">middle finger</a> firmly tucked into place, the rapper/singer made her way into the <a href="/news/articles/1604583/mia-talks-baby-slumdog-at-grammys.jhtml">2009 show while nine-months pregnant</a> in a cartoony, ruffled blue maternity dress and matching sneakers. <B>Coldplay play dress up</B>: It was kind of cool when Coldplay stuck with their bold Sgt. Pepper's-style suits for the whole <I>Viva La Vida</I> tour. But when they wore them to the <a href="/news/articles/1604580/lil-wayne-coldplay-win-big-at-grammys.jhtml">2009 show</a>, it just felt ... silly. <B>OK Go ... back to the drawing board</B>: Viral icons OK Go are experts at drawing attention to their music with trippy, how-did-they-do-that videos. They drew mostly sniggers, though, when they donned matching brocade curtain-looking red-and-gold suits to the 2007 show. Their smartest move may have been to cover their faces with red cloth. <B>R. Kelly, man of mystery</B>: Kels has made a career out of being inscrutable , but his bold sartorial choice at the 2004 Grammys was, well, weird. From the neck down he wore an elegant three-button black suit and tie, but the matching Robin mask? Who knows? <B>Alicia Keys gets funky</B>: Nobody really knows what Keys was thinking in 2002 when she walked the carpet wearing embroidered jeans, sandals, a white tank and a sheer green sari-like shift with a built in, bedazzled headdress. <B>Toni Braxton lets it all hang out</B>: Sometimes it's what you <I>don't</I> wear that gets attention. In 2001, singer Braxton sported a barely-there white "dress" that hardly covered her assets with strips of material that dangled in the front and back. <B>Jennifer Lopez's plunging neckline</B>: Way before she was an "American Idol" judge, Lopez sent hearts racing in 2000 with her instantly infamous plunging neckline Versace gown. <b>Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss our <a href="/news/articles/1678706/grammy-awards-red-carpet-live-stream.jhtml">Grammy red-carpet live stream</a> this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered for all the <a href="http://style.mtv.com/category/awards-shows/">Grammy red-carpet fashion</a>, <a href="/news/articles/1678701/grammy-winners-list.jhtml">Grammy winners</a> and Grammy news until the hangover wears off!</b></p>
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSaturday, February 25, 2012
Taylor Swift Invites New Jersey Teen To ACM Awards
Country superstar declines Kevin McGuire's prom invitation on Facebook — but she has a better idea.
By Ryan J. Downey
Taylor Swift at the 2011 Academy of Country Music awards
Photo: Getty Images
Taylor Swift has asked a fan to be her date to an awards show, and it all started on Facebook.
Less than 24 hours after the sister of a leukemia-stricken New Jersey teen made a plea to the country star in an online video, Swift responded via her official Facebook page.
"Kevin, I'm so sorry but I won't be able to make it to your prom," she wrote. "But I was wondering, the ACM Awards are coming up... Would you be my date?"
Swift's camp confirmed to MTV News that the Facebook post is legit.
Kevin McGuire, an 18-year-old high school football star, has his sister to thank for the invitation. Looking for ways to support her brother as he underwent treatment for a relapse of the disease he was diagnosed with five years ago, Tori McGuire set up the "Taylor Swift Take Kevin McGuire to Prom!" Facebook page, which had nearly 100,000 followers at press time. The Twitter hashtag #TeamKevin had gotten the attention of a number of celebrities, including Perez Hilton, Travie McCoy, Michael Vick and Troy Aikman.
"All throughout Kevin's treatment he kept his character intact, remained playing basketball, and even started varsity football as a freshman," she wrote on the Facebook page. "Kevin is known throughout the community as the High school's 'real life SUPER MAN!' Tragically, Kevin had a relapse, and is now fighting cancer for the second time. Kevin is the kindest, most noble 18 year old a person could even fathom meeting, and throughout his ups and downs Kevin never even questioned 'why me?' Nothing, and I mean NOTHING brightens Kevin's day more than Taylor Swift. Kevin DESERVES more than anyone a special event in his life."
MTV News spoke with Tori on Friday (February 24) after Taylor had invited her brother to go to the ACM Awards. So where was she when the big news broke? "I was actually getting ready to make a YouTube video to go out to Taylor, so that didn't happen!" she laughed. "I was so excited and I just rushed to the hospital to be with my brother. I didn't get to tell him, but when I got here, he just gave me a big hug and he just had no words."
After Kevin had processed the news, he spoke with USA Today about his upcoming dream date. "Obviously I said yes," he told the paper, adding that the awards show "is a lot better than the senior prom."
Comments quickly flooded Swift's post and new remarks appeared on McGuire's Facebook page as well.
"Congrats! The ACMs are way better than the prom!" wrote Connie Spross, a supporter.
The 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards are scheduled to take place Sunday, April 1, in Las Vegas. Swift is nominated for several awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year.
What do you think of Taylor's response to Kevin? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsPrepare For Oblivion! New Trailer For Wrath Of The Titans!
Many may not have thought that the remake of Clash of the Titans warranted a sequel, but it's coming anyway!
Thankfully, however, it looks as though they're using it to try to rectify some of the problems with the first!
Ch-ch-check out the just-released new trailer for Wrath of the Titans, in which Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, [...]
Thankfully, however, it looks as though they're using it to try to rectify some of the problems with the first!
Ch-ch-check out the just-released new trailer for Wrath of the Titans, in which Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, [...]
Watch: ?American Reunion? Releases A Second Movie Trailer
Last September we learned that the original cast of American Pie have reunited for a new sequel that will bring the characters we know and love back for their high school reunion. In October we got to see the hilariously cute first teaser trailer for the film and in December we got to see the [...]
Friday, February 24, 2012
Lady Gaga Responds To Born This Way Topping 'Pretentious Albums' List
'Eye roll,' Gaga tweets after music mag NME blasts her latest LP.
By James Montgomery
Lady Gaga at Cannes 2011
Photo: Michael Buckner/ Getty Images
<P>Earlier this week, British music mag <a href="http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=1&title=the_most_pretentious _albums_ever&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1" target="_blank"><i>NME</i></a> set out to determine the "10 Most Pretentious Albums Ever." The list includes (genuinely pretty terrible) conceptual fare like Kiss' <i>Music From "The Elder,"</i> Lou Reed's <i>Metal Machine Music</i> and, uh, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a>'s <i>Born This Way,</i> which somehow bested all competitors to nab the #1 spot. How? Well, as <i>NME</i> writer Priya Elan wrote, "On <i>Born This Way,</i> [Gaga] seemed to believe in her own hype, convinced she had a message to share. Cue an album of unwieldy 'anthems' that couldn't mask the fact that the fun had left the building." Elan singled out the thumping "Scheiße" as <I>BTW</i>'s most pretentious moment, adding, "Did electroclash die for this?" Snap. As you'd probably expect, those jabs had Gaga's Little Monsters on the offensive, and they launched an all-out attack on Elan in the comments section of <i>NME</i>'s website. But Gaga herself remained above the fray — for a while, anyway. On Thursday night, she took to her <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ladygaga/status/172828595134267392" target="_blank">Twitter account</a> to hit back at <i>NME,</i> a publication that's certainly been <a href="http://i28.tinypic.com/2vwzpfp.jpg" target="_blank">no stranger to charges of pretentiousness</a> over the years. "Oh the irony of winning 'Most Pretentious Album Ever' from none other than NME. *Eye roll,*" Gaga wrote. "I might laugh forever [and] then return to narcissism." Double snap. Having sufficiently eye-rolled her way through the situation, there's been no further comment from Gaga about the list. <I>NME,</i> of course, has since turned the exchange into <a href="http://www.nme.com/news/lady-gaga/62233" target="_blank">a separate story,</a> one which, for whatever reason (word count?), includes recent comments Gaga made about bulimia ... and spaghetti. *Eye roll.*</p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsJohn Edwards' Mistress Gets Their Sex Tape Back!!
Sigh… such a tacky tale!!
Remember when John Edwards was caught having an affair with Rielle Hunter?? Poor Elizabeth…
Well… one of the juiciest parts of that story was the sex tape part!!
Andrew Young, author of The Politician, says he found it in the trash one day after Rielle was moving out of their "humble [...]
Remember when John Edwards was caught having an affair with Rielle Hunter?? Poor Elizabeth…
Well… one of the juiciest parts of that story was the sex tape part!!
Andrew Young, author of The Politician, says he found it in the trash one day after Rielle was moving out of their "humble [...]
Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Honey
- Album: Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1928-1930)
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Amsterdam > London
At last … we have made it to London. While there was still a bit of recuperating early yesterday morning, David, Sarah and I rallied in time to get work done, get packed up, eat a light meal and make our flight to London without incident. Our last morning in Amsterdam was spent mostly at [...]
Rihanna And Chris Brown's Remixes: Critics Weigh In
With 'Birthday Cake' and 'Turn Up the Music' fresh in their minds, MTV News asks music journalists for their takes on the songs.
By James Montgomery
Rihanna and Chris Brown in 2008
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
By now, you've already heard what fans and a domestic-abuse expert had to say about Rihanna and Chris Brown's controversial collaborations on new remixes of "Birthday Cake" and "Turn Up the Music." Chances are, you've probably formed your own opinion too.
But as the initial shock of the pair's reunion subsides, and both remixes begin to diffuse into the collective conscience, we're left with one rather important question: Beyond all the (very public) handwringing the songs have created, are they actually any good? Early opinions from critics have been lukewarm at best (and downright hostile at worst), mostly because it seems they have a difficult time separating their feelings about Brown — and his 2009 assault of Rihanna — from their feelings about the songs themselves. And really, you can't blame them. In a lot of ways, it's impossible not to view the "Cake" and "Music" remixes through the prism of the past three years.
Still, with opinions still being formed (and feelings still fresh), we reached out to some of our favorite music journos to get their take on the songs and Rihanna and Brown's unlikely collaboration. Here's what they had to say:
" 'Birthday Cake' was pretty much destined to be a smash when Talk That Talk was released with only a snippet of it. ... The 78-second bit of The-Dream-produced track inspired hosannas from members of the Rihanna Navy who couldn't wait for the full thing to be released. ... Putting Chris Brown on the [remix] (and having him sing 'I wanna f--- you right now,' which Rihanna sang on the fade-out of the TTT version, as his opening gambit) seems almost like overplaying her hand. Like, this song was going to be a big deal to her fans no matter what, so why add the controversy to it? Then again, the past three years of her career have, it seems, been about her taking control of her public image in a big way — from enacting revenge fantasies in 'Man Down' to singing about sex a lot — and adding Brown to a song about fetishistic sex is a way for her to do just that, to implicitly flip off people who she sees as paternalistic or overbearing while engaging in what she calls 'chiefin'.' Every gossip item about the two of them getting back together or hanging out, every angry/sad/exulting blog post, every public tweet they direct to one another when presumably they could just DM back and forth, keeps them — and the songs — in the news. Meanwhile, Brown's song and Rihanna's contribution to it are both pretty bland, a 'Party Rock Anthem' with no shuffling and even less whimsy. At one point, Rihanna does the phrase 'I love you,' which will no doubt get tongues wagging. I am pretty much grossed out by the whole thing, to be honest." — Maura Johnston, Village Voice
"The remixes aren't terrible, and that's as much as I'll say at risk of saying something positive about Chris Brown. ... The most important thing to remember is that if you have a problem with these two teaming up: Don't blame Rihanna. Blame the ravenous, unscrupulous, money-starved record industry for being complacent through this entire event. The whole machine is falling apart, so everyone — artists like Ludacris and Justin Bieber, their labels and managers, magazines like Vibe who put Chris Brown on the cover, awards shows like the Grammys, TV networks who play Chris Brown videos — they're all too afraid to potentially put forth an opinion that would prevent them from being where money is. The fact that everyone except Jay-Z and Miranda Lambert is too chickensh-- to speak out against woman-beating is pathetic beyond pathetic. Everyone is too scared to compromise their chance to catch the last remaining dollars during the music industry's death rattle." — Christopher R. Weingarten, SPIN
"Rihanna's 'Birthday Cake' was a standout track from Talk That Talk, even in its original form (as an interlude) — and more importantly, without Chris Brown. On the remix, all Brown's aggressive, salacious verses do ... is add fuel to rumors circling of their reunion behind closed doors. [And] Rihanna comes back on the song, calling checkmate on Breezy with her suggestive lyrics — "Remember how you did it?/ Remember how you fit it?/ If you still want to kiss it, come, come and get it" — making it hard to not be teased into again reading between the lines. 'Turn Up the Music' feels like a collaboration that would have fit both artists' discography during their days coupled up. Although RiRi's airy vocals blend well with the Underdogs' dance soundscapes, adding Rihanna to the track doesn't leave a lasting impression nor elevate the song to higher grounds. Ultimately, it's not the content of the songs that matter; it's the statement both singers are trying to make by simply releasing them. The collaborations appear to be a step toward reconciliation between both — seeing the tracks climb the chart is a bonus. Rihanna wants us to know that she no longer wears the shoes of the victim and Breezy wants to prove that he's become a better man. This isn't a personal or professional move; it's both. Both singers have woven their personal life, a haunting moment in their lives, into a professional move. Though it's stirred much controversy, I believe it was bound to happen." — Erika Ramirez, Billboard.com's "The Juice"
What do you think of the collaborations? Let us know in the comments.
Related Photos Related ArtistsWednesday, February 22, 2012
Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: MJJ
- Director: Spike Lee
- Album: So Many Stars
Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers
'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll
Photo: MTV News
<P>You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin. In early February, reports began circulating that <a href="/news/articles/1631297/mary-j-blige-records-led-zeppelins-stairway-to-heaven.jhtml">Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven,"</a> working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her <i>Stronger With Each Tear</i> album, due Monday. </p><div style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float:left;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:491065" width="256" height="223" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashVars="configParams=instance%3Dnews%26vid%3D491065" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></div><p> But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering <i>another</i> Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the <i>Essence</i> Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine. "I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun." Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon. "I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.</p>
Related ArtistsTuesday, February 21, 2012
No Reconciliation For Heidi Klum & Seal
In the wake of the announcement last month that Heidi Klum and husband Seal have decided to separate, both Heidi and Seal continued to wear their wedding rings in the hopes that the pair might end up reconciling and saving their marriage. Last week, Seal finally took off his wedding ring … and this weekend, [...]
Oscars 2012 Predictions: Best Animated Feature Film
MTV News thinks 'Rango' is the likely winner at this year's Academy Awards, but who should win?
By Josh Wigler
"Rango"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
The Academy Awards are fast approaching, and it's bound to be an animated show this year — if not a particularly "Adventure"-ous one.
For the first time in years, animation powerhouse Pixar has been shut out of the Oscar race for Best Animated Feature Film, leaving the field wide open for an unexpected newcomer to take the top prize. Two foreign flicks — "A Cat in Paris" and "Chico & Rita" — are in the mix, battling it out against popular favorites and proven franchise hits "Kung Fu Panda 2" and "Puss in Boots." But we expect that the Academy will skew toward the surreal this year, honoring the beautifully bizarre "Rango" with a shiny new golden statue.
Read on for our picks and wishes for Best Animated Feature Film.
Who Will Win: "Rango" takes it home. "A Cat in Paris" and "Chico & Rita" cancel each other out, as do DreamWorks Animation's two offerings. That leaves the door open for the little chameleon that could, played to quirky perfection by seasoned veteran Johnny Depp. Reteaming with his former "Pirates of the Caribbean" captain Gore Verbinski, "Rango" stands out as one of the most original animated movies to hit theaters stateside in quite some time. It's fully deserving of its impending victory. Having said that...
Who Should Win: "The Adventures of Tintin." Clearly, it's not going to win — it's not even nominated! A travesty, I say. Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the adventure tales from Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi stands out as one of the greatest comic book films of 2011, and in my opinion, the best animated movie of the year. It deserves not just a nomination, but a win, for its fantastic score from John Williams, wonderfully inventive opening credits, astoundingly assembled action pieces and yet another all-star motion-capture grand slam from the incredible Andy Serkis. "Tintin" didn't win its Golden Globe award for nothing, folks. This movie should already be polishing its Oscar by now — there are no excuses for its exclusion from the race.
The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 25, we'll put you on the red carpet and bring you all the winners.
Related PhotosMonday, February 20, 2012
Motley Crue Vs. Pauly D: Twitter Edition
Harsh!
Last week, Motley Crue member Nikki Sixx wrote the following about Jersey Shore's Pauly D on Twitter:
Dj Pauly D? What a trend jumping douche?Whats next,is Snookie gonna do a rock album?
And here's what Pauly D tweeted in response:
Big Motley Crue Fan !! I Don't Understand The Language Of Hate I Just Speak Love
Way to rise [...]
Last week, Motley Crue member Nikki Sixx wrote the following about Jersey Shore's Pauly D on Twitter:
Dj Pauly D? What a trend jumping douche?Whats next,is Snookie gonna do a rock album?
And here's what Pauly D tweeted in response:
Big Motley Crue Fan !! I Don't Understand The Language Of Hate I Just Speak Love
Way to rise [...]
Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Files Appeal
Murray will represent himself as he contests involuntary manslaughter conviction for which he faces up to four years in state prison.
By Kara Warner
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
<P>As expected, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson</a>'s former doctor <a href="/news/articles/1673957/conrad-murray-appeal-verdict-michael-jackson.jhtml">Conrad Murray has filed an appeal</a> to challenge his involuntary manslaughter conviction. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:708788.id:1673923" width="240" height="211"></div><p> According to <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/02/conrad-murray-files-appeal-involuntary-manslaughter" target="_blank">TMZ</a>, Murray filed the petition in pro per, which means he has decided to forego hiring legal representation and represent himself. He reportedly listed "Men's Central Jail" and his booking number in the space on the appeal document where a lawyer would normally list a firm's name or contact information. TMZ also reported that although Murray seems to be without a lawyer, he is still in communication with Nareg Gourjian, one of the attorneys who represented him during his manslaughter trial. "This case presents a gold mine of issues for any appellate lawyer," Gourjian told TMZ. "Dr. Murray is confident that the Court of Appeal will vindicate him." Following the guilty verdict, Murray's lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff told CNN, "What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community. That's what we're focusing on right now, and we'll deal with an appeal after that." <a href="/news/articles/1675062/conrad-murray-sentence.jhtml">Murray was sentenced to four years</a> in jail Tuesday, but due to overcrowding, he's unlikely to serve his full term. </p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsSunday, February 19, 2012
Coldplay, Led Zeppelin Album Covers Featured On New British Stamps
Album art from Pink Floyd, Blur and David Bowie also included.
By James Montgomery
Photo: Royal Mail
<P>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 <a href="/music/artist/rolling_stones/artist.jhtml">Rolling Stones</a>' <i>Let It Bleed,</i> <a href="/music/artist/led_zeppelin/artist.jhtml">Led Zeppelin</a>'s <i>IV,</i> <a href="/music/artist/bowie_david/artist.jhtml">David Bowie</a>'s <i>The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars,</i> <a href="/music/artist/mike_oldfield/artist.jhtml">Mike Oldfield</a>'s <i>Tubular Bells,</i> <a href="/music/artist/clash/artist.jhtml">The Clash</a>'s <i>London Calling,</i> <a href="/music/artist/new_order/artist.jhtml">New Order</a>'s <i>Power, Corruption and Lies,</i> <a href="/music/artist/primal_scream/artist.jhtml">Primal Scream</a>'s <i>Screamadelica,</i> <a href="/music/artist/pink_floyd/artist.jhtml">Pink Floyd</a>'s <i>The Division Bell,</i> <a href="/music/artist/blur/artist.jhtml">Blur</a>'s <i>Parklife</i> and — the most recent album on to make the cut — <a href="/music/artist/coldplay/artist.jhtml">Coldplay</a>'s <i>A Rush of Blood to the Head.</i> 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 <i>IV</i> — 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 <i>Rush of Blood</i> 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."</p>
Related Photos Related Artists?Glee? Not Touring This Summer But May Be Planning A Big Benefit
They have been on the road the past 2 summers for their Glee Live! In Concert!, but this year it has been announced that the cast will be taking a break over summer. There are some rumors going around that this hiatus could be longer than 2 months because the 4th season has not yet [...]
Oscars 2012 Predictions: Best Visual Effects
'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' seems to be the front-runner thanks to its stunning CG and motion-captured primates.
By Eric Ditzian
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
Photo: 20th Century FOX
Were this a sane world where Oscar voters paid the smallest shred of attention to populist popcorn flicks that happen to be — in addition to mega-bucks-grossing juggernauts — freaking great movies, then the Best Picture nominees might look a little more like the Best Visual Effects ones (and less like this year's top-prize picks currently going unwatched in theaters across the country).
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" isn't just the biggest movie of 2011 ($1.3 billion in box-office receipts) but the finest installment of that venerable franchise. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is, in a word, so totally amazingly oh-my-lord awesome. Is that more than one word? Too bad, because "Apes" looked great, spun a heartbreaking character tale in the middle of a sci-fi thriller, and gave Andy Serkis, as the motion-captured central simian, the opportunity for one of the most affecting performances of the year. "Hugo" was pretty great too — and at least Martin Scorsese's film, alone among the Visual Effects nominees, also nabbed a Best Picture nod. And while we won't go so far as to say "Real Steel" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" are excellent films, they're both certainly fun (something we can't say about Best Picture honoree "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close").
The Visual Effects category, then, represents a sort of guide to some of the year's great geeky movies. Here are our predictions for this category in 2012:
Who Will Win: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and the visual-effects whizzes at Weta Digital (the folks behind "Avatar") have this category wrapped up. Their motion-captured apes were not only leaps and bounds more compelling than the mask-wearing creatures in past "Ape" films, but they were the year's most stunning CG creations. Weta was so successful at grafting an ape's body and facial features onto Serkis' figure that you simply forgot you were watching a human actor. In any other year, "Hugo" would be well positioned to take this category. And the hour-long battle sequence at the end of Michael Bay's "Transformers" was a staggering achievement. But this is no ordinary year. "Apes" for the win.
Who Should Win: Yeah, "Apes" for the win. It's all too seldom the case that the most deserving nominee actually wins a category. Not so at this year's ceremony. Our only beef is that in addition to topping this category, Serkis didn't get any love in the best supporting actor category. There remains a reluctance on the part of awards-season insiders to honor an actor if his performance comes wrapped in pixels. One day, no doubt, that will change. And when that happens, perhaps we'll all look back at Serkis' turn as rebel leader Caesar and agree it was one of the best of 2011.
Leave your predictions for Best Visual Effects in the comments section.
The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 25, tune into MTV.com at 5:30 p.m. ET for our three-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night's big winners.
Related PhotosSaturday, February 18, 2012
More Serious Health Concerns For Nick Cannon Cause Him To Quit Radio Show
A couple of weeks ago we heard about Nick Cannon’s health woes when he was hospitalized for kidney failure. It was a scary time for him and Mariah Carey and even though she told us all that it was “mild” kidney failure, Nick was in hospital for a few days before they released him. Today [...]
Kate Is Joining Prince William In Madame Tussauds In 4 Locations and 4 Different Outfits
Earlier this week we heard about Mattel’s plan to make a Barbie couple modeled on Prince William and Kate Middleton. Now we have more news of the Duke and Duchess’ immortalizing- Kate is going to be joining her prince in Madame Tussauds. She is going to be immortalized in wax not once but four times, [...]
Robin Thicke Arrested!! For Possessing?
Oh no!! The god of sex music has been arrested!!
GASP! What could Robin Thicke have done?? Was he arrested for having sex in public???
LOL, noo…. it's something worse than that.
In Manhattan this Friday afternoon, Robin was caught lighting a joint in his black SUV.
Police busted him… but get this! Apparently he [...]
GASP! What could Robin Thicke have done?? Was he arrested for having sex in public???
LOL, noo…. it's something worse than that.
In Manhattan this Friday afternoon, Robin was caught lighting a joint in his black SUV.
Police busted him… but get this! Apparently he [...]
Friday, February 17, 2012
A$AP Rocky, Fun., More Tapped For mtvU Woodie Awards Festival
mtvU's annual awards show is returning to SXSW, and this year, they're launching their own festival.
By James Montgomery
Nate Ruess, Will Noon and Jack Antonoff of Fun.
Photo: WireImage
Last week, mtvU announced that not only would the 2012 Woodie Awards be returning to Austin, Texas, for the South by Southwest music festival, but this year, they'll be getting in on the action too, with a free, daylong fest of their own.
And on Friday (February 17), the first batch of performers for the 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival were announced, a lineup chock-full of up-and-coming talent from all fields: Rock acts Fun. and Walk the Moon, rapper A$AP Rocky, and electro standout Wallpaper will all perform at the festival, which kicks off at 1 p.m. CT on March 15 and is open to both SXSW badge-holders and the great uncredentialed masses. More acts for the Woodies Fest will be announced at a later date.
If you can't make it down to Austin, don't fret: Beginning March 11, "Woodie Awards Week" will take over MTV, mtvU and MTV.com with performances, interviews and updates from SXSW. And the entire 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival will stream live at the Woodies' official site.
It all leads up to the 2012 Woodie Awards, which kick off at 8 p.m. on March 15. That Sunday, March 18, MTV and mtvU will air the best moments from the awards in a 30-minute special.
Voting is already under way in all Woodie categories — nominees include Jay-Z and Kanye West, the Black Keys and Skrillex — and will remain open until March 9 ... except for the "Breaking Woodie" category, for which voting will continue during the live show on March 15. Fans can vote in all categories online or on their mobile phones at m.mtv.com, or by texting "VOTE" to 66333. Standard message and data rates may apply.
The 2012 mtvU Woodies invade SXSW on March 15 with the Woodies Festival. The best of the 2012 mtvU Woodies will air on MTV and mtvU on Sunday (March 18) at 8 p.m. ET.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSimon Cowell Squashes Beyonce, Mariah Carey 'X Factor' Rumors
Judge also takes shot at 'The Voice,' asking, 'How many artists have they discovered?'
By John Mitchell
Simon Cowell
Photo: FOX
<P>Simon Cowell is finally opening up about the cast shakeups on "The X Factor" as well as about rumors that two <i>very</i> famous divas are in talks to join Fox's reality singing competition. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:698604.id:1672066" width="240" height="211"></div><p> Late last month, it was announced that judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones had been <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">fired from "X Factor"</a> and would be replaced in its second season. The announcement came as a shock to fans, but Cowell tells <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simon-cowell-x-factor-firings-voice-287806" target="_blank">"Extra"</a> in an interview airing Wednesday (February 8) that the decision was a long time coming and was ultimately made "at the beginning of the year — and we were told it had to happen straight away." While her dismissal came as a surprise, Cowell says Abdul "was very gracious" about it. "She understands it's business," Cowell said of his real-life friend. "It's never personal." Scherzinger, according to Cowell, was "disappointed" with the producers' decision to replace her. But the former Pussycat Doll insisted in a new <a href="http://www.accesshollywood.com/nicole-scherzinger-talks-x-factor-departure-i-have-no-regrets_article_60184" target="_blank">"Access Hollywood"</a> interview that she "had a wonderful experience on the show." "What happened? Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show," she said. "I know everybody's talking about it, they're saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can't say is that I didn't give it my all." Cowell also used his time with "Extra" to squash rumors that Beyoncé or Mariah Carey might be joining the "X Factor" team when it returns to Fox later this year. He seemed particularly amused by <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/idUS114237084820120208" target="_blank">talk</a> that the show was offering Beyoncé a nine-figure contract to join the judges' table. "The budget for the show is $100 million. That would never ever happen. It's absolute nonsense," he told "Extra." "No one is going to pay $100 million for someone. I genuinely haven't had a conversation with her about it. Not at all." The same can be said for Carey, who Cowell said he likes very much and would be a fine addition to the show but is an impractical choice because of the long hours involved. "I adore her, love her," he said. "But you can't expect someone who has just had two kids [and] has a record career to make the kind of commitment we would need on this show." "X Factor" did not perform as strongly as expected in the ratings last fall, which many feel precipitated the planned revamp, though the ever-cool Cowell is not sweating the competition. In this latest interview, Cowell took on "The Voice," which returned to NBC after the Super Bowl and delivered big ratings, saying the makeup of his judging panel is what sets "X Factor" apart. "I would ask how many records have they made, how many artists have they discovered?" Cowell asked of "The Voice" mentors Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. "That's where we have to be different on the judging panel. It's very important that you have people on the panel that have actually signed and made artists successful all over the world, not just have made hit records yourself."</p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsThursday, February 16, 2012
Britney Spears - Break the Ice
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Robert Hales
- Album: Before the Rain
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