- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Paul Hunter, Dori Oskowitz
- Album: King of the Blues Guitar
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Ke$ha - Take It Off
Britney Spears - DANCE Till The World Ends
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive
- Director:
- Album: Entre la Espada y la Pared
Tom Cruise Gushes About Katie Holmes To MTV In 2005
'I want to share my life with this woman,' Cruise told Sway.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Tom Cruise in 2005
Photo: MTV News
Friday, June 29, 2012
Nora Ephron Remembered By Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman
'At a dinner table and on a film set she lifted us all with wisdom and wit,' Hanks says of late filmmaker.
By Jocelyn Vena
Nora Ephron
Photo: Getty Images
Adam Levine 'Too Scared' To Watch 'American Horror Story'
Maroon 5 leading man owns up to a fear of the creepy FX show that he will appear on next season.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by James Montgomery
Adam Levine
Photo: MTV News
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Madonna Targets Lady Gaga With 'Express Yourself'/ 'Born This Way' Mashup
Pop Queen's inclusion of lines from her 'She's Not Me' makes medley seem more like dig than tribute.
By John Mitchell
<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/madonna/artist.jhtml">Madonna</a>'s diva rivalry with <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a> may be taken up a notch when her <i>MDNA</i> tour kicks off Thursday at Tel Aviv, Israel's Ramat Gan Stadium. In <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ToQnu34QygU#!" target="_blank">new rehearsal footage</a>, the 53-year-old legend is seen singing a mashup of her "Express Yourself" and Gaga's "Born This Way" that concludes with a few lines from Madonna's copycat-shaming "She's Not Me."</P><P>Last year, when Lady Gaga released her hit single "Born This Way," controversy erupted over the song's similarity to Madonna's "Express Yourself." (Never mind that much of the <a href="http://digitaljournal.com/article/317821" target="_blank">resemblance is rooted</a> in <i>both</i> songs' use of a pretty common disco chord progression.) At first, things seemed cool between the two singers. They'd always gotten along publicly, and <a href=http://www.popeater.com/2011/02/15/lady-gaga-madonna-loves-born-this-way/ target="_blank">Gaga told Jay Leno</a> that M's camp reached out to say all was well in the diva-verse with regard to the songs' similarities (something later denied by Madonna's people).</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Madonna - "Express Yourself"" id="vid:13328" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>The whole thing appeared to have blown over until earlier this year, when Madonna was promoting her movie "W.E." and her Super Bowl halftime performance during an ABC News interview. <a href="/news/articles/1677260/madonna-lady-gaga-born-this-way.jhtml">Madonna was asked</a> what she thought of the comparisons, and in response she called Lady Gaga "reductive."</P><P>Gaga's been pretty quiet throughout, but it's hard not to wonder if she'll stay that way once word of this latest swipe makes its way to her ears. (Gaga is currently in Asia on her <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2012/05/02/lady-gagas-born-this-way-ball-stage-biggest-ever-built-to-tour/">Born This Way Ball</a> tour, and she was recently forced to cancel a planned show in Indonesia after <a href="/news/articles/1685564/lady-gaga-islam-threat-indonesia-concert.jhtml">receiving threats</a> from fundamentalist Islamic groups in the country.)</P><P>New leaked footage from rehearsals for Madonna's own road show showcases <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2012/05/14/madonna-mdna-tour-set-list/">a reportedly planned mashup</a> of "Express Yourself" and "Born This Way," and while the resemblance between the two songs remains as striking as ever, that's not the real story. Just those two songs layered together could have been fun: The two stars certainly have overlapping fanbases, who no doubt would have delighted in the winking acknowledgement of M's influence on Gaga. But Madonna complicates things by concluding the medley with a few lines from her <i>Hard Candy</i> track "She's Not Me," a song about Madonna being emulated by another woman.</P><P>The inclusion of "She's Not Me" makes the medley seem like yet another scathing dig at Gaga. It's unknown whether Madonna was just goofing around during rehearsals or whether she plans to include that final digging refrain throughout her tour.</P><P><i>Is Madonna taking things too far, or are we misreading things? Good-natured ribbing or mean-spirited digging? You tell us in the comments below!</i></P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Lady Gaga - "Born This Way"" id="vid:742058" width="415" height="255"></div><p></p>
Related ArtistsDJ Khaled Teams With Kanye, Rick Ross On 'I Wish You Would'
Kanye West and DJ Khaled team up again, this time adding Ross to the mix for the new Kiss the Ring single.
By Rob Markman
DJ Khaled
Photo: MTV News
Katy Perry Says She 'Did Everything' To Save Her Marriage
Perry's 'Part of Me' documentary gives fans a candid look at the demise of her relationship with Russell Brand.
By Christina Garibaldi
Katy Perry in the "Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D" trailer
Photo:
It's been a whirlwind of a year for pop superstar Katy Perry. In 2011, she earned six #1 singles off her Teenage Dream album, embarked on a worldwide tour and endured a very public breakup from Russell Brand.
And now fans can share all these experiences and more as Perry is set to release her 3-D documentary, "Part of Me," on July 5th. The movie chronicles her unparalleled year as she has career highs, but suffers personal lows.
And it's those very personal moments, especially with Brand, that many will find most surprising. For the past six months, Perry has been mum on the issue of her divorce, and now for the first time, she is opening up about the split.
The film picks up just a few months after the two tied the knot, as Perry embarks on her biggest tour to date, the California Dreams Tour. Fans witness Perry put in hours of hard work preparing for the tour and traveling to hundreds of different cities. Yet, with the success that she was having onstage, it was offstage where things were falling apart.
It seems her new marriage and a grueling tour schedule were not mixing well, but it was not from lack of trying: Perry was adamant that while on her nearly yearlong tour, she take time out to see her husband, but in the end, it just couldn't save the marriage.
At one point, while flying to one of her tour stops, Perry admits to the camera, "I'm trying to keep my marriage alive."
"Part of Me" gives fans a rare glimpse inside a celebrity marriage, with Brand featured throughout the film. Some moments are touching, like when the comedian comes to wish her well on the opening night of her tour, yet some are heartbreaking to watch. In one scene, Perry is crying uncontrollably, delaying the start time of the concert, but like a true professional, she chokes back the tears and puts on a brave face for her fans.
Perry talks candidly about Brand in the film, revealing that it was her skyrocketing career that could have played into the downfall of her marriage. "I thought to myself, 'When I find that person that's going to be my life partner, I won't ever have to choose [between the partner and my career]. They won't be threatened or have weird motives.' Then I started to realize, that's not true," she admits. Yet, when asked in the film whether she still misses Brand, Perry begins to cry and admits that she does, but says she did everything she could to make it work.
"I have that same belief system with everything, from career to my life to my personal life, everything. And I will do everything it takes to not fail," she shares. "And I did everything it took, but it still failed."
Perry recently told MTV News that even though the subject of her divorce is difficult to deal with, she felt she would be doing her fans a disservice if she didn't include it in the film.
"The truth will always prevail," Perry said. "Everything has to be handled integrously and appropriately, and it's not nice to air all your dirty laundry, because that stinks, so I had to be very delicate with the situation, but I couldn't avoid the elephant in the room," she explained. "If you were to have seen that movie and walked out and [my breakup] wasn't at all mentioned, like it never happened, you'd be like, 'Eh, this is weird. What is she trying to hide?' I don't like to hide."
Check out everything we've got on "Katy Perry: Part of Me."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related ArtistsWednesday, June 27, 2012
Beyoncé - End Of Time (Live at Roseland)
End Of Time (Live at Roseland)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia
- Director: Beyoncé Knowles
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Lady Gaga's Fame Perfume Smells Like 'Tears Of Belladonna'
'My perfume was designed for women, but a lot of my gay friends wear it,' she wrote after photo of perfume's bottle leaked online.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P>A photo of the bottle for <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a>'s first-ever fragrance, Fame, leaked on Wednesday, but rather than lash out at excited fashion editors and bloggers for putting the design out there ahead of schedule, Mother Monster took to her <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ladygaga" target="_blank">Twitter</a> to open up a bit about the perfume.</P><P>"Looks like photos of my perfume are being leaked. Oh you fashion editors I could just crinkle my hands at you!" she wrote, before posting her own photo of the bottle. The container is deep purple/black with a gold, spiked top. (How very Mother Monster!) The front of the box indicates that it is a "black fluid."</P><P>Gaga then tweeted the back of the box, which describes what all her Little Monsters will smell like when they wear it. The description explains that the fragrance has notes of "tears of belladonna, crushed heart of tiger orchidea with a black veil of incense, pulverized apricot and the combinative essences of saffron and honey drops."</P><P><blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center"><p>Here's what it smells like! <a href="http://t.co/xDBIoIQI" title="http://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/212983392910848000/photo/1">twitter.com/ladygaga/statu...</a></p>— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/212983392910848000" data-datetime="2012-06-13T19:02:52+00:00">June 13, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></P><P>When asked by a fan on Twitter if Fame will be followed by a men's cologne, Gaga replied, "My perfume was designed for women, but a lot of my gay friends wear it."</P><P>Fame has long been in the works. Gaga originally signed a fragrance deal with Coty Inc. in September 2010, and rumor had it that it would be called <a href="/news/articles/1649689/lady-gagas-perfume-be-called-monster.jhtml">Monster</a>. Stephen Mormoris, senior vice president of global marketing in the Coty Beauty division, said at the time that they wanted to work with Gaga because she is a "phenomenon" and "a fascinating cultural force" and he hoped her mass appeal would "electrify" the market on behalf of his company.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Lady Gaga: Inside The Outside" id="id:1664719" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>In early 2011, months after the <a href="/news/articles/1647864/lady-gaga-inks-perfume-deal.jhtml">deal was announced</a>, Gaga had a very colorful description for the perfume, noting that it would smell "like an expensive hooker." "[Blood and semen] is in the perfume but it doesn't smell like it," she told an <a href="http://www.styleite.com/beauty/gaga-perfume-blood-semen-interview/" target="_blank">Australian radio station</a> at the time. "You just get sort of the after feeling of sex from the semen and the blood is sort of primal. And the blood was taken from my own blood sample so it's like a sense of having me on your skin."</P><P>The fragrance will hit shelves in September, just in time for her next turn as a <i>Vogue</i> cover girl, <a href="http://style.mtv.com/2012/06/12/lady-gaga-september-vogue/">MTV Style</a> reports. September is shaping up to be a big month for the singer as she will also announce the name of her <a href="/news/articles/1686922/lady-gaga-new-album-title.jhtml">next album</a> then. </p>
Related Videos 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
<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.</P><P>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></P><P>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.</P><P>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.</P><P>"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."</P><P>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."</P><P>"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 ArtistsBritney Spears Calls 'X Factor' A 'Beautiful Concept'
Spears says she wants to 'inspire' contestants on the Fox show.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> seems poised and ready to sit beside her fellow "X Factor" judges on the <a href="/news/articles/1685066/britney-spears-demi-lovato-x-factor.jhtml">revamped second season of the show</a>. At the Fox upfront this week, the singer appeared alongside fellow newbie <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lovato__demi/artist.jhtml">Demi Lovato</a>, as well as returning judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, and gushed about the Fox reality show.</P><P>"Just really being able to be there and inspire the other contestants ... they're so young and they're trying to fulfill their dreams," she said at the event. "It's just a whole beautiful concept. It's just really cool."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Britney Spears Explains Why She Wanted To Be A Part Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:769620" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>While her negotiations with the show had been making headlines in the weeks leading up to the official announcement, Cowell brushed off all the hoopla, which includes a rumored $15 million payday for joining the show. "A force of nature, I was somewhere in the middle, but I'm thrilled. I love these guys," he said of getting everyone, including Spears, on board. "I charmed her."</P><P>Spears seemed equally taken with the prickly Brit. "He's adorable. He's completely adorable. He didn't have to try hard," she admitted.</P><P>Spears' addition to the show is hardly the only casting making news: <a href="/news/articles/1685141/demi-lovato-x-factor.jhtml">Lovato also opened up about having the "X Factor."</a> While little is known about the final hours going into locking Lovato in for the show, she's rumored to be taking in $1 million, according to <a href="http://www.gossipcop.com/demi-lovato-1-million-dollars-x-factor-salary-paycheck-britney-spears-deal/" target="_blank">Gossip Cop</a>. Lovato was on a short list of possible contenders to appear on the show that also reportedly included Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne. "I'm so excited to be here," she said. "I guess you called," she added with Simon by her side. "And that's how it got set up, just a phone call." In addition to getting warm and fuzzy about each other in the interview, Cowell shared that the judges will be filming in the next couple weeks when they hit up Austin, Texas, to begin scoping out talent. And if you think the claws might come out then, Reid assured viewers that that won't be the case. "Oh no, we're gonna be really sweet to each other," he said. "Nothing controversial. It'll be perfect."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Simon Cowell Is 'Thrilled' To Introduce The New 'X Factor' Judges" id="vid:769268" width="415" height="255"></div><p></p>
Related ArtistsMonday, June 25, 2012
Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, John Paul Jones Unveil Supergroup
Them Crooked Vultures make their debut with a post-Lollapalooza set.
By James Montgomery
<P>Officially, <a href="/news/articles/1617945/janes-addiction-killers-turn-up-heat-on-lollapaloozas-last-day.jhtml">Lollapalooza ended Sunday night</a> in Chicago's Grant Park, with dueling sets from <a href="/music/artist/killers_the/artist.jhtml">the Killers</a> and <a href="/music/artist/janes_addiction/artist.jhtml">Jane's Addiction</a>. Unofficially, it ended <i>very</i> early Monday morning, across town at venerable rock club the Metro, with a surprise show by Them Crooked Vultures.</P><P>To the unfamiliar, the Vultures might seem like an odd choice to close out Lolla weekend ... until you realize that they're made up of <a href="/music/artist/foo_fighters/artist.jhtml">Foo Fighters</a> frontman/ former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, <a href="/music/artist/queens_stone_age/artist.jhtml">Queens of the Stone Age</a> mastermind Josh Homme and <a href="/music/artist/led_zeppelin/artist.jhtml">Led Zeppelin</a> legend John Paul Jones. And their gig at the Metro was their world premiere.</P><P>According to <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/derogatis/2009/08/them_crooked_vultures_at_metro.html" target="_blank">some reports</a>, the Vultures actually turned <i>down</i> Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell's request to replace the Beastie Boys as headliners at the festival, opting to debut in front of some 1,100 super-psyched fans at the Metro, rather than 75,000 in Grant Park (tickets for the gig were announced via Foo Fighter/ QOTSA fan clubs). Meaning that, in a lot of ways, this was the most sought-after ticket in town.</P><P>Taking the stage just after midnight, the Vultures — Grohl on drums (of course), Homme on guitar and vocals, Jones on bass and keys and frequent QOTSA contributor Alain Johannes on guitar — ripped through 12 songs in 80 minutes, all taken from their upcoming debut, which may or may not be called <i>Never Deserved the Future,</i> and may or may not be hitting stores on October 23 (early "promo" videos touting both those facts were revealed over the weekend to be hoaxes perpetrated by QOTSA fans).</P><P>The songs, with appropriately Homme-ian titles like "Scumbag Blues," "Mind Eraser (No Chaser)," "Caligulove" and "Interlude w/Ludes," sounded pretty much how you'd expect, given the band's pedigree. They rocked, hard — <a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/08/concert-review-them-crooked-vultures-at-metro.html" target="_blank"><i>Chicago Tribune</i></a> critic Greg Kot described them as "fresh, invigorating and just plain nasty" — delving off into psychedelic, reverb-filled excursions and exploring proggy territory, "both of the old-school Yes variety, and the more modern Tool flavor," according to the <i>Chicago Sun-Times'</i> Jim DeRogatis.</P><P>It's not known if Monday's Metro performance was a one-off event for the Vultures — there have been whispers of a full-blown tour, but a spokesperson for Homme had not responded to MTV News' request for comment at press time. Nor was it clear whether or not they'll have an album out in October.</P><P>Early Monday, a <a href="http://twitter.com/crookedvultures" target="_blank">Crooked Vultures Twitter account</a>, which had previously posted links to the band's <a href="http://www.themcrookedvultures.com/" target="_blank">official-looking Web site</a> and the Metro's online ticketing site — posted a link to what appears to be the group's first bit of official merchandise: a <i>Deserve the Future</i> T-shirt. Cost: $30.</p>
Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists
'X Factor' Judges Discuss 'Bizarre' Performances, Infighting
Britney Spears admits the other judges 'ganged up' on her when they disagreed with her critique of a contestant.
By John Mitchell
<P>"The X Factor" judges <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a>, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lovato__demi/artist.jhtml">Demi Lovato</a>, L.A. Reid and Louis Walsh, the British "X Factor" panelist who has been sitting in for Simon Cowell while he recovers from bronchitis, are in Kansas City, Missouri, as auditions for the second season of the reality singing competition continue. The group gave <a href="http://www.toofab.com/2012/06/11/britney-spears-x-factor-bizarre-auditions-exclusive-video/" target="_blank">their first interview</a> since Spears and Lovato were announced as judges at the Fox upfronts.</P><P>The judges discussed the "bizarre" performances they've seen, how they get along, whether Spears' and Lovato's careers as performers make them more sympathetic or critical of the contestants, and the one time everyone ganged up on Britney.</P><P>"I feel like we've had a little bit of bizarre performances overall," Spears said of the Kansas City performances. "There have been some good ones, but for the most part, there's been some that were pretty bad!"</P><P><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMzk*NTY5MzE5MjMmcHQ9MTMzOTQ1NjkzNTI*MiZwPSZkPSZnPTImbz1jMGY3ZmFmYjY*OTU*MTQzYTBjYWM1Zjdh/NjVlM2ZhMiZvZj*w.gif" /><object name="kaltura_player_1339456930" id="kaltura_player_1339456930" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowFullScreen="true" height="260" width="460" data="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_3t3vyk0o/uiconf_id/48502"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_3t3vyk0o/uiconf_id/48502"/><param name="flashVars" value=""/></object></P><P>Reid admitted that he and Spears "get along good," but that much like Cowell, Walsh has been the quippy thorn in Reid's side.</P><P>Luckily for Walsh, though, he does get along with the two women judges. "Britney likes me and Demi likes me," he said.</P><P>Asked which judge the rest of the team tends to agree with the most, Reid said that Spears has the best eye for contestants that have that special something. "We tend to agree with Britney more than others. Honestly, I'm being funny, but she has amazing taste."</P><P>"You ganged up on me one time though," Spears quickly countered, half-jokingly. "You three guys did. One time, [and] it wasn't nice!"</P><P>"One time out of 75 auditions, that's not bad," Reid replied.</P><P>As for what makes Spears happiest when judging, she said, "It's the best feeling when someone comes onstage and just makes us want to stand up and gives us energy."</P><P>Having made their names as entertainers, both Spears and Lovato admitted that their careers have helped them relate to the contestants because they've "been in their shoes." But it's a double-edged sword because it has made both judges more sympathetic to the show's contestants, particularly when they have to deliver bad news.</P><P>"It's something I've definitely had to learn. At first, I really didn't even want to do it," Lovato said of having to criticize contestants. "It's easier to say, when you're having meetings with people, 'Oh yeah, it will totally come easy,' or something. But when I got in the seat and had to give negative criticism to somebody ... it sucks. But they're asking for your advice, and by stepping on that stage, they also know that you could not like their performance. They're taking a chance, and I'm going to take a chance by telling them something that I believe."</P><P>The interview comes on the heels of news that all four judges <a href="/news/articles/1687014/britney-spears-demi-lovato-x-factor-auditions.jhtml">walked off the set</a> after a disastrous audition in which a contestant — who reportedly wasn't a particularly talented singer — sang with his back to the panel. "It was really awkward," a source told <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20602844,00.html" target="_blank">People.com</a>. "They didn't want to waste their time."</P><P><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20602881,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines" target="_blank"><i>People</i></a> also reported that Spears is proving to be a tougher judge than many expected. A source told the magazine, "She's got a really good instinct, and when she loves something, she looks like she wants to dance on the desk. When she doesn't like someone, she is incredibly tough."</P><P>For her part, the pop star insists her firm stance is in the best interest of the contestants. "It's all tough love ... I promise!" Spears <a href="https://twitter.com/britneyspears/status/212289663422042112" target="_blank">tweeted</a> along with a link to the <i>People</i> article.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Britney Spears Explains Why She Wanted To Be A Part Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:769620" width="415" height="255"></div><p></p>
Related ArtistsSunday, June 24, 2012
'Dallas' Episode Two: Five Key Scenes
TNT reboot's manipulative double-crossers mix business and pleasure.
By Kara Warner
Jesse Metcalfe, Julie Gonzalo, Josh Henderson and Jordana Brewster on "Dallas"
Photo:
Hoo boy! How about these wheelin', dealin' and totally deceiving folks on "Dallas"? If Wednesday night's new episode taught us anything, it's that too many people in and around Southfork are a bunch of manipulative double-crossers. We've already touched on the TNT reboot's new blood and the lingering questions we had after the first episode, so now it's time to tackle episode two's talking points:
Elena Still Loves Christopher
The last we heard about Christopher and Elena's broken engagement was that it happened because of an email. Well, in this episode, we learn all about that email and that neither Christopher nor John Ross are responsible for sending it — or so they claim. The most emotionally charged revelation that comes from Elena's frank discussion with John Ross about the subject is that she is still in love with Christopher. Not that she confesses her feelings outright, but it's written all over her face when John Ross asks her if the only reason she got together with him in the first place was because of her heartbreak over Christopher.
John Ross and J.R.: Wolves in Wolfskin Coats
One minute, we see John Ross all worked up and emotional in learning Elena's true feelings, and the next, he is getting all hot and heavy with alleged business partner/fellow Bobby Ewing conspirator Marta del Sol. Not to mention the dirty dealings and bribery he's orchestrating with lawyer Mitch Lobell. And then there's the patriarch, J.R. himself, who plays up his recent hospitalization for sympathy and pretends to have genuine feelings for his brother Bobby and ex-wife Sue Ellen. That old adage about not trusting a man as far as you can throw him is certainly apt with regard to John Ross and J.R. Ewing. Sheesh.
Mixing Business With Pleasure
Clearly, no one is concerned with the ramifications of mixing business and pleasure in this town. There's the very obvious kind, as demonstrated by the hanky panky between John Ross and Marta, along with the subconscious kind, as exhibited by the professional agreement orchestrated by Christopher and Elena. Both practices will likely end in a bad way. We've already seen several levels of shady behavior from Marta, and can expect to see a sex tape/blackmail scandal somewhere in the very near future. And despite the innocent nature of Christopher and Elena's partnership, their unfinished business will most definitely come to a head in an adulterous manner.
Rebecca: A Good Girl Gone Bad?
Well, well, well — it appears that the new Mrs. Christopher Ewing is not at all the innocent doting wife she appears to be and has a hidden agenda. Thanks to a heated conversation between the newlywed and her brother Tommy — who may or may not be her actual blood relative given the twists and turns we've already seen in this show — we now know that she and Tommy have been working on getting close to the Ewings and Southfork for two years, a plot that snake in the grass-esque Tommy refers to as a "job." So, what kind of job are they doing? Our guess is trying to pull a con or coup of some sort.
Will the Real Marta Del Sol Please Stand Up?
Actually, we don't need the real Marta to stand up, because we meet her in the final minutes of the episode! What a fun twist for us — and J.R.! Because he took the initiative to discuss the sale of Southfork to the del Sol conservancy with Mr. Carlos del Sol himself in Mexico, J.R. is presented with an unpleasant surprise: The real Marta del Sol lives with her father in Mexico, and he and his son have been dealing with a cunning and stealth imposter.
Share your thoughts on the second episode of "Dallas" in the comments below!
Lady Gaga - Lady Is A Tramp
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Label: Columbia Records
- Director:
- Album: Enamorado...Y Que!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
'Dumb And Dumber To' Won't Happen Without Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels Says
'Nobody's doing it without Jim,' Daniels tells MTV News after Carrey's reps announced he left the proposed sequel.
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Kara Warner
Jim Carrey
Photo:
Jim Carrey's reps confirmed on Wednesday that he has left the proposed "Dumb and Dumber" sequel, the cleverly titled "Dumb and Dumber To," due to a conflict with the studios, New Line and Warner Bros.
Later that day, MTV News spokes with Carrey's co-star from the original, Jeff Daniels, as he walked the red carpet for his upcoming HBO series, Aaron Sorkin's "The Newsroom."
Daniels' answer was succinct and confirmed what many feared would be the implication of Carrey's departure. "No, nobody's doing it without Jim," he said.
As "Entertainment Tonight" had previously reported, Carrey exited the sequel to the Farrelly Brothers' follow-up to the 1994 comedy because New Line and Warner Bros. did not care enough about the project.
"According to sources, Carrey grew increasingly frustrated by New Line and Warner Brothers, who he felt showed a lack of enthusiasm regarding the project," "ET" claimed.
When the entertainment show reached out to Carrey's representation, they confirmed the departure and delivered a statement from the actor himself. "I would have thought 'Dumb and Dumber To' was a no-brainer," he said. "After all, it's implied in the title."
Daniels' insistence that a sequel would not happen without Carrey's involvement should not come as a surprise. The main draw of "Dumb and Dumber To" was that it would reunite the stars of the beloved movie for the first time.
"Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd," a prequel to the original that featured none of the original's key players, bombed at the box office in 2003.
Do you think a "Dumb and Dumber" sequel can go on without Jim Carrey? Leave your comment below!
Check out everything we've got on "Dumb and Dumber."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Lady Gaga - Lady Is A Tramp
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Label: Columbia Records
- Director:
- Album: Enamorado...Y Que!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Michael Jackson Doctor Can't Afford Lawyer For Appeal
Conrad Murray asks judge for a court-appointed attorney to appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction.
By Gil Kaufman
<P>Just weeks after being sent to jail for <a href="/news/articles/1675062/conrad-murray-sentence.jhtml">four years</a> following a conviction on a felony involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml" target="_blank">Michael Jackson</a>, cardiologist Conrad Murray is throwing himself on the mercy of the court.</P><P>The doctor had been slated to earn up to $150,000 a month to act as Jackson's personal physician before the pop icon's death in June 2009 from an overdose of the Murray-administered surgical anesthetic propofol. But on Tuesday <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/conrad_murray_in_shackles_asks/280479" target="_blank"><I>E! News</I></a> reported that Murray filed a <a href="/news/articles/1675343/conrad-murray-conviction-appeal.jhtml">notice of appeal</a> in Los Angeles Superior Court in which he claimed that he is "indigent and respectfully requests the appointment of counsel on appeal."</P><P>Murray, 58, is planning to appeal both his conviction and his sentence, but has not yet filed papers with the California Appeals Court. He had hired two lawyers to handle his manslaughter case, but is now seeking attorneys with appeal experience. One of those former lawyers, J. Michael Flanagan, told E! that he was shocked at how his client is being treated in jail.</P><P>"It is crazy and unbelievable how [the sheriffs] are treating" Murray in jail, said Flanagan, who claimed he waited over an hour to see Murray, who was brought out in handcuffs and leg chains. Flanagan was further shocked to see Murray handcuffed to the table for their meeting, something the lawyer said he'd never seen before in the case of a low-level, non-violent offender.</P><P>Charles Peckham, who is handling civil cases against Murray, told the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/doctor-convicted-in-michael-jacksons-death-seeking-court-paid-attorney-for-appeal/2011/12/13/gIQAHIYGsO_story.html" target="_blank"><I>Associated Press</I></a> that his client is under tight security and isolation that is more intense than other inmates at the Los Angeles Men's Central Jail.</P><P>"Treating him like Hannibal Lecter is offensive," said Peckham. "This man who saved lives made a mistake, and they're going to [make] him pay like a mass-murderer." Sheriff's officials defended the tight security, saying it was for Murray's safety.</p>
Related Photos Related ArtistsBeyoncé - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Britney Spears Has Tearful Reunion With Former Duet Partner On 'X Factor'
Britney sang 'I Will Still Love You' with Don Philip on her debut album.
By Gil Kaufman
<P>Months before the revamped <a href="/news/articles/1687014/britney-spears-demi-lovato-x-factor-auditions.jhtml">"X Factor"</a>
 hits the air, we've already come to expect some serious drama from new judge <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a>. But in one of those only-in-reality-TV moments, Spears shed some genuine tears on Sunday during audition rounds in San Francisco when she was confronted with a voice and face from her distant past.</P><P><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20604974,00.html" target="_blank"><I>People</I></a> magazine reported that Spears got emotional when a male contestant hit the stage at Oracle Arena, telling fellow panelists Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and fellow newbie Demi Lovato, "I know him ... We did a duet together 10 years ago." A source told the magazine that when the man stepped on the stage, "You could see that Britney recognized him straight away ... She got this huge smile on her face and her eyes lit up. It was so sweet."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Britney Spears Explains Why She Wanted To Be A Part Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:769620" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>While <I>People</I> did not reveal the man's identity, Spears superfan Jordan Miller of fan site <a href="http://www.breatheheavy.com/2012/06/don-philip-drama-at-the-x-factor/" target="_blank">Breathe Heavy</a> confirmed that the auditioner was none other than Don Philip. The one-time aspiring new pop revolution singer performed a duet with Britney on the treacly ballad "I Will Still Love You," from her 1999 debut album, <I>...Baby One More Time</I>.</P><P>A spokesperson for the show declined to comment on the singer's identity when asked for comment.</P><P>The blast from her past got more emotional when Phillip revealed to the judges and audience, "I'm gay." He continued, "At the time I didn't think I was worth ... I didn't think you thought it was OK that I am gay." Spears was reportedly quick to voice her support for Phillip, saying, "I think it is fine you are gay."</P><P>The unnamed source told <I>People</I> that when Phillip started crying and said, "he thought he'd never see her again and that he'd had a lot to deal with, Britney was comforting him to calm him." Though she was compassionate and warm with Phillip, the source said that the singer was clearly a bit shaken by the unexpected run-in.</P><P>"She's been through a lot in those 10 years, too, so it must have been a shock for her to see him," the source said. "You could tell she was emotional and she really felt for him especially when he was crying, but she also stayed calm." Even with the drama, Spears reportedly gave a very straightforward critique, though it is unknown if Phillip made the cut.</P><P>Philip, a Miami, Florida, native who tried to ride the same late-'90s teen pop wave that made superstars out of Spears, Christina Aguilera, 'NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, has spent the time since the duet grinding away at a music career that never reached the heights of his former singing partner. The one-time Jive Records star-in-the-making has sung back-up for Gloria Estefan and toured with Spears early in her career, and like "The Voice" singer <a href="/news/articles/1684782/the-voice-christina-aguilera-tony-lucca.jhtml">Tony Lucca</a>
 and Aguilera, maybe he was hoping that a reunion with his former pop pal would provide the boost he's been looking for.</P><P>Apparently, though, the "Factor" audition didn't go as Philip planned. According to a series of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donphilip" target="_blank">Facebook</a> posts, Don was disappointed with how things went and wrote, "Tonight i might have sealed my music career fate according to a certain music mogul. I tryed to just be real and instead it totally got turned around on me," he said. "Perhaps this was not the place for me to reveal my very soul and obstacles of my past. Certainly not the place for a reunion ... I promise I only had good intentions in mind."</P><P>He said his voice "froze" when he began to sing and was never able to recover from what he felt was a "really hardcore interrogation" from what he anonymously described as "two pompous arrogant men."</P><P>He continued, "I guess I am not as tough skinned as I thought ... Wait it gets worse ... when I looked into the very eyes of my old label mate and saw she too was sad. I knew the whole situation was spinning out of control.. my heart broke."</P><P>On Monday, Philip posted another note, wondering if Cowell might give him another shot, explaining that he was "so exhausted and could not sleep [the] night before," because he was so scared to face Spears. He also referred to the "heavy burden" he was carrying, seemingly referring to his coming out, and following four hours of interviews he said his voice was just spent.</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></p>
Related ArtistsMeet Harry Potter: Alan Moore's Magical Antichrist
The Boy Who Lived gets a hellacious makeover in the pages of Moore's latest 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' comic book.
By Josh Wigler
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
Photo:
"Harry Potter" is not for everyone. Some people do not like fun. Some people do not like magic. Some people do not like fun and magic together. I get it, and I accept it. Harry hate isn't something I'm into, but if that's your position, have a ball. You'll get no killing curses out of me.
But killing curses are flying, it seems, from the wand of Alan Moore.
The critically acclaimed and famously reclusive "Watchmen" writer is drawing a harder line against the boy wizard than even the staunchest "Potter" hater could dream up as the latest installment of Moore's "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 2009," out in stores Wednesday (June 20), features Harry Potter as the Antichrist. Well, almost, at least.
There's an undeniable resemblance between Potter and Moore's Antichrist. How startling are the similarities, you ask? Let's count the ways: Moore's character has a notable scar, a mentor named Riddle (the real last name of Potter's lifelong nemesis, Lord Voldemort) and travels to a magic school by way of a magic train hidden in King's Cross station, just like the Boy Who Lived. There is no mention of the words "Harry" or "Potter," but the result is clear: Moore has cast an analogue of J.K. Rowling's globally renowned hero as his very own Antichrist.
Discuss: Did Alan Moore Say Harry Potter Is the Antichrist?
But don't start shipping Howlers off in Moore's direction just yet, "Potter" heads, at least not until you get the full meaning of what the writer is going for here.
In an early review of the new issue of "Century 2009," the Independent's Laura Sneddon analyzes Moore's choice as follows: "The headlines almost write themselves — 'Alan Moore says Harry Potter is the Antichrist!' — yet they miss the point. When the Antichrist is met, overgrown and high on anti-psychotics, raging at the education system that let him down and sounding peculiarly like Harry Enfield's teenage Kevin, he is surely no stand-in for one particular character but of the current obsession for replacing stories with money-generating franchises. Today, film rights are bought before publication, comics are written as storyboards, and teenage celebrities are given memoirs."
"What better representative of modern pop literature than J K Rowling's boy wizard?" Sneddon continues. "Moore's distaste for modern culture is made obvious, in keeping with his stance on the comics publishers he feels betrayed him."
Indeed, it certainly doesn't go unnoticed that "Potter" is a part of the Warner Bros. family, the very same company backing DC Comics' controversial "Before Watchmen" prequel series against Moore's wishes; turnabout is fair play, after all. Moore's choice of Potter as an Antichrist figure isn't necessarily directed at that character or franchise itself, then — instead, he's using the most famous, most recognizable and most relevant face possible to get his anti-franchise point across the table.
"Before Watchmen" Confirmed: Will More Movies Follow?
Is Potter the best option to make such a point? At first, I didn't think so. Haters are going to hate, but the "Potter" books, if not excellently written, are compelling stories with compelling characters who have introduced new readers the entire world over to the fantastic realm of literature. The films, too, aren't just commercial juggernauts, but critically acclaimed ones boasting top-tier talents such as Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon — the list goes on and on and on. There is strong craftsmanship on display in the "Potter" series on numerous levels. Why target something that's actually good rather than, say, a series that hinges on hollow, vampire-obsessed protagonists? (Hate mail can be sent this way, FYI.)
But in truth, "Potter" doesn't end with the stories. The books are closed, the theaters are empty. (For now.) But there's a whole new wizarding world out there: theme parks, online encyclopedias, unofficial off-Broadway shows and countless other parodies, toys, candy, more. I wouldn't go as far as saying "Potter" replaces story with money-generating greediness, as Moore seems to believe. But there's no denying that "Potter" really is more than just a collection of books and films: It's a lifestyle, not just for fans, but for flesh-and-blood, real-world muggles who keep the Rowling-manufactured train rolling ahead full steam.
If you're looking for an instantly recognizable face to hang your broader anti-franchise sentiments upon, then? Well, I suppose you really don't need to look any further than Hogwarts' finest.
As a "Potter" fan, I don't like seeing Harry used as a symbol of what's wrong in the world today. I'd like to think that there are better examples out there. But if you're looking at what Moore's trying to say here, maybe there really isn't a better example for him to use. Harry isn't just the Boy Who Lived anymore, after all; he is, inarguably, the Boy Who Lived Luxuriously.
How do you feel about Moore's depiction of "Potter" in the latest "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" comic? Give us your reactions in the comments below, or let me know on Twitter @roundhoward!
Related Videos
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Lady Gaga - Lady Is A Tramp
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Label: Columbia Records
- Director:
- Album: Enamorado...Y Que!
Britney Spears, Demi Lovato Walk Off During 'X Factor' Audition
Sources say judges 'didn't want to waste their time' with lousy contestant in Kansas City.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P>One "X Factor" contestant learned what happens when you attempt to pull a fast one on the judges. Over the weekend, while <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a>, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lovato__demi/artist.jhtml">Demi Lovato</a>, L.A. Reid and seat-filling judge Louis Walsh (who was assisting an ill Simon Cowell) were in Kansas City, Missouri they walked out on one contestant who attempted to audition with his back to the judges.</P><P>According to <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20602844,00.html" target="_blank">People.com</a> sources, not only did the contestant audition with his back to the panel, but he also wasn't all that talented of a singer, adding insult to injury. "It was really awkward," an eyewitness told the site of the kooky audition. "You could tell the judges were done. I don't think they had a choice. They didn't want to waste their time."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Britney Spears Explains Why She Wanted To Be A Part Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:769620" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Another onlooker added that the male contestant didn't leave the judges much of an option given his lack of talent. "He was one of the worst singers and had a bad attitude ... [The judges] all hated it and walked off," the source said. Additionally, he had no idea they had walked out since his back was to them for his entire performance.</P><P>Everyone except Britney eventually made their way back to the judges' table to hear the last contestant. Spears' absence was met with the audience chanting, "Where's Britney?" However, she was only gone for a short time, as she returned later on for another batch of contestants.</P><P>Spears and Lovato made their debut as <a href="/news/articles/1685844/britney-spears-x-factor-judging.jhtml">"X Factor" judges in late May</a>, weeks after Cowell and Reid appeared at the <a href="/news/articles/1685206/britney-spears-x-factor-concept.jhtml">Fox upfront</a> alongside the singers to announce them as additions to the show. "Just really being able to be there and inspire the other contestants ... they're so young and they're trying to fulfill their dreams," Spears said at the event. "It's just a whole beautiful concept. It's just really cool."</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></p>
Related Artists
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Arsenio Hall To Host New Late-Night Talk Show
'Celebrity Apprentice' winner Hall, 56, will be back on the air in 2013 with a syndicated talker.
By Gil Kaufman
Arsenio Hall
Photo:
The late-night TV schedule is already jam-packed with veterans (Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien), a few (relative) newbies (Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel) and real night owls (Craig Ferguson, Carson Daly). But there's always room for one more, especially when that name is Arsenio Hall.
The former talk show host and recent "Celebrity Apprentice" winner will be back on the air with a new show in September 2013, nearly 20 years after the 56-year-old comic flamed out. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hall will take a shot at a TV comeback with another syndicated program. The show will be broadcast at 11 p.m. through syndicator CBS Television Distribution and the Tribune Co., which will put it on the air on its 17 TV stations, including such powerhouses as WGN-TV in Chicago and KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.
"In the end I'm a comic, and nothing fits the talk-show mode like a stand-up comic," Hall said. Acknowledging that in addition to the network talk shows there are other potential rivals in Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," Hall said, "I know there are a lot of shows, but I think there's a space for my show."
When he took to the air on January 2, 1989 with "The Arsenio Hall Show," the stand-up comedian/actor ("Coming to America," "Harlem Nights") quickly transformed the face of late night TV with a show that brought a previously unseen swagger to the genre. Appealing to a younger audience than the more staid "Tonight Show" with the late Johnny Carson, Hall greeted his audience — the Dog Pound — with a signature fist-pumping "wuff, wuff, wuff."
As the only black host in late night TV, Hall made a point of booking pals such as "America" star Eddie Murphy, Cicely Tyson, boxers Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, as well as rappers including MC Hammer, Eazy-E, Heavy D and Kool Moe Dee, professional wrestlers Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage and comedian Bill Cosby.
But it was a show 20 years ago this month that forever put Hall on the map. On that night, then-candidate Bill Clinton dropped by the program, slipped on some Wayfarer shades and sat in with the band on saxophone for a cover of Elvis' "Heartbreak Hotel." The June 1992 appearance boosted both men's profiles and is credited with helping to boost Clinton's appeal to young and minority voters.
Ratings began to tail off a bit by 1994 and after Hall devoted an entire hour to controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in February of that year, tension with his syndicator rose and the Emmy Award-winning show was canceled that May. Hall attempted a comeback in 1997 with a self-titled sitcom and hosted a revival of "Star Search" in 2003, but his star faded as he concentrated on being a dad to his son, Arsenio Jr.
The attention generated by his "Apprentice" win raised interest in Hall and helped land him the new TV deal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)