Friday, September 30, 2011

Lady Gaga, Bono, Usher To Headline Bill Clinton Foundation Fundraiser

October 15 show will be streamed live over the Internet.
By Gil Kaufman


Lady Gaga
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Even a dozen years removed from the White House, former president Bill Clinton still has that same superstar-attracting aura. That might explain why such bright lights as Lady Gaga, Bono and The Edge of U2, and Usher have signed on to perform at an October 15 party for Clinton at the Hollywood Bowl.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, details on the final list of performers and presenters are still being worked on, but an impressive list of movie and TV personalities are expected to sign on for the event, which is being billed as a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Clinton's nonprofit William J. Clinton Foundation.

To date, the foundation has raised more than $10 billion for some of the ex-president's most cherished causes, including HIV/AIDS treatment, economic empowerment, food aid and global health initiatives. The show, which will also serve as a birthday party celebration for the former Democratic leader (who turned 65 on August 19), will be broadcast exclusively by Yahoo, which will stream "A Decade of Difference: A Concert Celebrating 10 Years of the William J. Clinton Foundation" worldwide to a potential audience of millions.

Clinton continues to travel the world doing good works, though he turned his attention homeward over the weekend when he participated in the 10th anniversary ceremonies of the September 11 terror attacks. He announced on Sunday that he will team with Republican House Speaker John Boehner in a bipartisan effort to raise the final $10 million needed to complete the Fight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

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Britney Spears Drops Official 'Till The World Ends' Remix

New track with Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha follows leaked version, plus Brit tweets single's cover art.
By Jocelyn Vena


The "Till the World Ends" Femme Fatale remix
Photo: Jive

Just days after it was leaked on Friday, Britney Spears and her femme fatales, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha, dropped their official remix of "Till the World Ends."

The new version of the song was produced by Dr. Luke and Dream Machine. Brit half-whispers " 'Till the World Ends' remix" before the beat kicks in and Nicki hits her verse hard. She spits fierce lines like, "Sniff, sniff, cries/ I done slayed your whole entire f---ing life."

Then Britney's sex-kitten vocals kick in for the song's first verse. "That's Britney, bitch! I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha," the Queens MC declares before K sings the chorus. The beat is harder, the loops are sassier and the song is grimier than the original version, which was the second single from Femme Fatale. The newly added dubstep portion takes the one from "Hold It Against Me" to a new level by adding in bass-heavy synths.

Ke$ha, of course, wrote the track for Britney, and the ladies certainly don't seem to mind sharing the spotlight with each other. The official track isn't much different than the version that leaked over the weekend, though Spears did have something brand-new to share with her fans just as the song dropped on iTunes and streamed on her website.

Spears tweeted the artwork for the single, which features the original press photo of Spears along with separate photos of Nicki on the left and Ke$ha on the right. Spears wrote, "@NickiMinaj @Keshasuxx Too much fierceness for one cover! Thanks for lending your voices girls... #TTWEREMIX — Brit"

Spears and Minaj have been hanging out a lot in the lead-up to their summer tour. They hung out at the Factory nightclub on Friday night after Minaj's show in Los Angeles. Spears later wrote, "Early rehearsal after a late night with my girl @NickiMinaj. Can't WAIT to get out on the road with you."

What do you think of the "Till the World Ends" remix? Tell us in the comments!

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Jennifer Aniston: Falltime Fabulous in NYC

Bringing an end to what's been quite the busy week, Jennifer Aniston was spotted leaving her house in New York City on Friday afternoon (September 30).

The former "Friends" star was all bundled up for the cooling fall weather as she eased down the Big Apple streets while toting a bottle of her SmartWater in-hand.

Meanwhile, coming up on Monday, October 17th, Miss Aniston will be among the stars to be honored at the 18th ELLE Women in Hollywood gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Aside from Jen, big names such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Viola Davis, Evan Rachel Wood, Naomi Watts and Freida Pinto will also be recognized at the annual event.

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Beyonce, Adele, Lil Wayne Get VMA Bump On iTunes

Up-and-coming rockers Young the Giant also among those benefitting from post-show sales boost.
By Gil Kaufman


Beyoncé performs at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Getty Images

Beyoncé's surprise pregnancy reveal wasn't the only bump to show up this week. A number of artists also got an expected iTunes VMA bump, as their singles shot up the iTunes digital charts in the wake of their performances on the record-setting broadcast.

The biggest leap was made by Adele, whose second single, "Someone Like You," shot right up to #1 on the tally in the wake of her dramatic appearance on the broadcast, a rise of 441 percent. The song was not even in the top 10 when iTunes released the charts for the week ending August 22. Though iTunes does not release sales figures, there was clearly some serious online purchasing that went on, in addition to a major flood of Twitter traffic caused by the VMAs.

Among the other beneficiaries were Lady Gaga, whose Jo Calderone-fueled take on "Yoü and I" pushed that song back into the top 10 to #4 as of Thursday (September 1). And, after dropping Tha Carter IV at midnight on Sunday, Lil Wayne was all over, with "Mirror" moving into the #5 position, "Blunt Blowin' " at #13, "MegaMan" at #23 and "How to Love" at #15.

Beyoncé herself had a boost from the night, as her "Love on Top" performance pushed the not-officially-released-as-a-single single to #3 (currently at #9) as sales picked up by 221 percent. Pre-show performers Cobra Starship were feeling the love also, as "You Make Me Feel" moved up to #6 after having faded to #11 before the broadcast.

Also benefitting were rockers Young the Giant, whose performance likely helped breakthrough single, "My Body," shoot up 223 percent to land at #2 on the alternative singles charts and #24 on the overall chart. The band's self-titled disc also saw some serious love, with sales expanding by 220 percent, moving up to #4 on the iTunes album chart. House artist Jessie J got the bump as well, with sales of her album, Who You Are shooting up nearly 200 percent.

Chris Brown's high-flying VMA medley also pushed him up the charts, as his singles "Beautiful People" and "Yeah 3X" soared by 904 and 149 percent, respectively, on the iTunes singles chart.

The love was spread far and wide, as evidenced by the 1,375 percent jump for Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse's version of "Valerie" — performed by Bruno Mars during the Amy Winehouse tribute — and the Foo Fighters' VMA-winning "Walk," which had a 120 percent jump on the iTunes singles chart. Sales of Britney Spears' "Till the World Ends" were up 76 percent on the iTunes singles chart after the song was heard in the Britney tribute to the pop star and Pitbull's summer jam "Give Me Everything" surged 71 percent on the iTunes song tally following his performance.

The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards have wrapped, but the real action is just getting started! Stick with MTV News for winners, fashion pics, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything that went down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.

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Lady Gaga Questions President Obama On Bullying

Mother Monster attended an Obama fundraiser over the weekend at home of Facebook COO.
By Gil Kaufman


Lady Gaga
Photo: BuzzFoto

Lady Gaga is not one to make a promise to her Little Monsters and not keep it. That explains why she raised her hand and asked President Obama a question about bullying at a Silicon Valley fundraising event for the Commander in Chief over the weekend at the home of Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg.

The $38,500-per-couple event for around 70 guests took place under a tent in Sandberg's yard and, according to ABC News, it's where Gaga made good on a Twitter vow she'd posted last Wednesday in reaction to the suicide of bullied teen Jamey Rodemeyer. Gaga — who turned heads in a black dress with a dramatically plunging back, extremely high heels, a blond upswept hairdo and a black veil covering the back of her hair — brought up the issue during the Q&A segment of the event.

Though a transcript of the exchange is not available, according to reports, she first thanked Obama for what he's done so far on the subject — which includes a forum held earlier this year about bullying and an "It Gets Better" video — and then read from what she described as a letter from a fan about the suicide of another Little Monster who had been bullied.

After congratulating the president on all of the things he's accomplished so far in his first term, Gaga made what was described as a "general plea" to everyone in the room, including the president, to do what they can to prevent bullying. Obama then reportedly thanked her, re-iterated his administration's anti-bullying work and spoke in general about the importance of values.

Gaga also reportedly had a bit of face time with Obama before dinner, when she walked through the photo line with her manager and spoke to the president for two minutes in a room full of other guests. The singer dedicated her song "Hair" to Rodemeyer at Saturday's iHeartRadio festival in Las Vegas, speaking out in support of the gay teen who committed suicide last week after enduring years of bullying by his school peers.

Just days after the 14-year-old's death, Gaga was so shaken that she called on Obama to enact laws that would make bullying a hate crime. "The past days I've spent reflecting, crying, and yelling," she tweeted on Wednesday. "I have so much anger. It is hard to feel love when cruelty takes someone's life." She went further, posting Rodemeyer's "It Gets Better" video, and insisting that bullying "must become illegal. It is a hate crime."

It was then that she revealed she planned to meet with Obama to discuss the matter.

MTV's ongoing "A Thin Line" project provides stories and resources for anyone who believes they are being cyberbullied or who is looking for ways to stop harassment by digital means. And check out our story for more info on the results of a recent MTV/Associated Press study about the prevalence of digital abuse and cyberbullying among young people.

What do you think of Lady Gaga's activism on the bullying issue? We want to hear from you in the comments section.

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ke$ha Touched By Fan's Tattoo

Singer tells MTV News about gay fan inspired by her song 'Animal.'
By Gil Kaufman


Ke$ha
Photo: MTV News

Ke$ha knows all about the perks of being a headliner. On her Get $leazy Tour, the singer gets to call all the shots, blast her fans in the face with tons of glitter and handpick which dudes she wants to party and share the stage with.

But it's not all backstage shenanigans and groupie love. When MTV News sat down with the "Blow" singer in New York earlier this week before her gig at Roseland Ballroom, Ke$ha said that amid the nightly onstage parties there have also been some poignant moments on her first headlining outing.

"Best moment? There are so many. Every night's amazing. I have kids outside right now chanting my name and it's awesome," she said of the first leg of the tour. "There was one night a fan came onstage, I invited him onstage, and he had a tattoo of the dollar sign. I was like, 'Oh, that's awesome! Badass. You're part of the cult, man.' "

And then, she said, he began to cry and explained that he was able to come out of the closet to his friends and family thanks to her song "Animal."

"And I'm standing onstage about to sing a song about growing back a pair of testicles ["Grow a Pear"] and I had tears rolling down my face and chills all over my body," she said. "Because that's really the reason I do music, to inspire people to be themselves."

Ke$ha has been a vocal supporter of the "It Gets Better" video project, which aims to help gay, bisexual and transgender youth find hope in the face of teasing and bullying.

The "Get $leazy" juggernaut continues on Saturday night with a show at Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

Are you planning to see Ke$ha on her Get $leazy Tour? Tell us in the comments.

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Beyonc� - Run The World (Girls)

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  • Label: Columbia
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Christina Aguilera Calls 'Moves Like Jagger' 'So Unique'

'The first time I heard the song, I loved it,' she tells MTV News of Maroon 5 track, which has spent four weeks at #1.
By James Montgomery


Christina Aguilera
Photo: NBC.com

Back in July, on the set of the "Moves Like Jagger" video, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine made a compelling argument for the song to be crowned the Song of Summer, stating, rather matter-of-factly, "There's not even any other songs being released this summer."

Turns out he was wrong. Not only were there other songs released during summer 2011 (we checked), but, as it turns out, "Jagger" may end up being the Song of Fall too.

For the fourth week, the song — which also features Christina Aguilera — sits atop the Billboard Hot 100, besting the likes of Adele, Lady Gaga and Eminem. And it shows no signs of vacating the #1 spot anytime soon. Maroon 5 even released a rap remix with up and coming MC Mac Miller online earlier today. And while the success of "Jagger" is certainly impressive, it's equally amazing to learn that it's the first chart-topper for Aguilera in 10 years (her last being 2001's "Lady Marmalade").

So understandably, Aguilera is thrilled. Then again, as she told MTV News in a statement Thursday (September 29), she knew "Jagger" was destined for greatness from the moment it was first played for her.

"The first time I heard the song, I loved it," she said. "The song has elements from the '60s and '70s, yet is so current and unique."

Aguilera shows up in the Jonas Åkerlund-directed "Jagger" video, and she'll return to judging duties on the second season of "The Voice" too. Buoyed by the success of her team-up with Maroon 5, she's already at work on a new album — the follow-up to 2010's Bionic — reportedly due next summer.

Are you a fan of "Moves Like Jagger"? Let us know in the comments!

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Usher Says New 'Rev Pop' Project Is A 'Movement'

Singer teases his new project by pointing to past hits like 'Yeah!' and 'OMG.'
By James Montgomery


Usher
Photo: MTV News

With the success of songs like "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," "Hot Tottie" and "OMG," Usher had himself a fairly massive 2010. But rather than rest on his laurels, he's looking to build on his big year, not with an album, but with a "movement."

It's something he's calling "Rev Pop" — or, simply, "Rev" — and though he's already teased his idea in a video with David Guetta (Akon is also involved), he has yet to speak in full about it. So when MTV News caught up with Ush before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles at the (Belvedere) RED launch party, we asked him about his next musical endeavor. And though he didn't reveal much, he did let it be known that "Rev" isn't exactly something new. In fact, he's been doing it for a while now.

"I'll give it to you this way: At a later date, I'll tell you more about Rev Pop, but if I were to give you a flash: I've done it before, I did it with 'Yeah!' " he said, "taking a cultural experience, and also worldwide recognition of a feeling, and putting the soul in the middle of it. Not allowing it to shift heavily to R&B genre, or pop. I did it again with 'OMG,' once again putting the soul in the middle of it, which was an electric-pop experience, with the soul.

"It's bringing those elements together to tell a story, that was born here," he said, gesturing toward his heart, "And that's what Rev Pop is. There's more, I mean, I could really elaborate, but that's just what I'm going to tell you right now. 'Rev' is what it's called ... the movement is called Rev."

Usher wouldn't say just when his fans would be getting their first taste of Rev, but whenever they do, it sounds like they're going to be impressed ... if not a little shocked.

"Stay alive," he smiled, "Because you're definitely going to be in for a surprise."

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Amy Winehouse Remembered By Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, More

'RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace,' Perry writes. 'I am genuinely heartbroken about this,' Rihanna tweets.
By Jason Kaufman, with reporting by Kara Klenk


Amy Winehouse
Photo: Carlos Alvarez/ Getty Images

As news spread that 27-year-old Amy Winehouse was dead, stars immediately tweeted their shocked reactions and remorse over the lost talent.

Katy Perry, who touches down in Boise, Idaho, this weekend as part of her California Dreams Tour, tweeted her condolences, writing, "RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace."

Nicki Minaj, who is also on the road as part of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale jaunt, took to Twitter and expressed disbelief at the news of Winehouse's passing. "Please tell me Amy Winehouse didn't die," wrote the Young Money MC, who's set to hit the stage in Florida on Saturday (July 23). "Is this some sick joke?"

"I am genuinely heartbroken about this," wrote Rihanna, who continued to express her shock over multiple tweets. "Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now!" In another, she wrote "U made a MAJAH impression on this industry and throughout the world, in such a short space of time...too short!"

Usher reflected on Winehouse, who he had known: "I'm so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse's death. I'm so happy I knew you Amy...Rest Well. Gone Too Soon...we'll miss you!!""

Frequent tweeter Kim Kardashian used her 140 characters to send prayers: "I just heard the news that Amy Winehouse passed away. What a true talent. I pray she's in a better place & at peace."

Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest showed Winehouse's impact on the music industry, singling out both Lady Gaga and Adele as those who had been influenced. "Sad to lose Amy Winehouse - incred talent. Both @LadyGaga & @OfficialAdele say Amy paved way for them."

Dr. Drew focused on the singer's well-documented struggles with addiction. "SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse."

Winehouse's American record label, Universal Republic, said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

Many More Stars Are Reacting. Check Back To See Who Else Has Weighed In:

Leann Rimes: "RIP Amy Winehouse. So sad to see such a talent gone and her life end in tragedy. This makes me terribly sad."

Khloe Kardashian: "Wow! I just heard about Amy Winehouse passing away! Wow! So sad :( what an amazing talent"

Ashton Kutcher: "Rip amy winehouse"

Big Boi: "Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and now Amy Winehouse. All died aged 27. RIP to you all."

Kelly Osbourne: "i cant even breath right my now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"

Rick Ross: "Wanted to collab w/ Amy Winehouse...r.i.p...smoking 1 in your memoryyy!!"

Janelle Monae: "heart is heavy. My heart goes out 2 Amy Winehouse's family, loved ones. Praying for their strength during this time."

Ricky Martin: "I just found out. I feel pain. I feel anger. Rest beautiful girl rest. You are free!"

Cee Lo: "Is it true about amy?"

Victoria Justice: "I'm so sad about the #amywinehouse news I heard this morning. She was 1 of my favorite artists. What a sad story, she was such a talent..."

Randy Jackson: "Wow what a tragic loss today in the music world, Amy Winehouse such a talent. She will be missed"

Kreayshawn: "I said she was a TIMELESS artist and a real artist because of her struggle. I'm so upset I love her! RIP Amy Winehouse"

What Was Your Favorite Winehouse Song? Pay Tribute To Her Talents On Facebook

Share your memories of Amy Winehouse in the comments below.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Usher Says New 'Rev Pop' Project Is A 'Movement'

Singer teases his new project by pointing to past hits like 'Yeah!' and 'OMG.'
By James Montgomery


Usher
Photo: MTV News

With the success of songs like "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," "Hot Tottie" and "OMG," Usher had himself a fairly massive 2010. But rather than rest on his laurels, he's looking to build on his big year, not with an album, but with a "movement."

It's something he's calling "Rev Pop" — or, simply, "Rev" — and though he's already teased his idea in a video with David Guetta (Akon is also involved), he has yet to speak in full about it. So when MTV News caught up with Ush before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles at the (Belvedere) RED launch party, we asked him about his next musical endeavor. And though he didn't reveal much, he did let it be known that "Rev" isn't exactly something new. In fact, he's been doing it for a while now.

"I'll give it to you this way: At a later date, I'll tell you more about Rev Pop, but if I were to give you a flash: I've done it before, I did it with 'Yeah!' " he said, "taking a cultural experience, and also worldwide recognition of a feeling, and putting the soul in the middle of it. Not allowing it to shift heavily to R&B genre, or pop. I did it again with 'OMG,' once again putting the soul in the middle of it, which was an electric-pop experience, with the soul.

"It's bringing those elements together to tell a story, that was born here," he said, gesturing toward his heart, "And that's what Rev Pop is. There's more, I mean, I could really elaborate, but that's just what I'm going to tell you right now. 'Rev' is what it's called ... the movement is called Rev."

Usher wouldn't say just when his fans would be getting their first taste of Rev, but whenever they do, it sounds like they're going to be impressed ... if not a little shocked.

"Stay alive," he smiled, "Because you're definitely going to be in for a surprise."

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Daniel Craig 'Hopes' Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem Join 'Bond 23'

'I'm as excited about this script as I was about the 'Casino Royale' script,' he tells MTV News.
By Eric Ditzian


Daniel Craig
Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images

This summer in Montana, while Daniel Craig was promoting "Cowboys & Aliens," the actor steered clear of any casting news relating to "Bond 23," declining to confirm to MTV News long-standing rumors that Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem were getting set to join the action flick.

A few months later, while promoting "The Adventures of Tintin," Craig was in more of a giving mood, letting us know that he's keeping his fingers crossed that Fiennes and Bardem are on set when production on "Bond 23" kicks off in early October.

"I hope so," he said about the two actors. "I hope so."

Bardem confirmed back in February that he was in talks to play a villain in the flick, while rumors have been floating since early in the year that Fiennes was looking to take on an unspecified role. In July, MTV News shot down reports that "Amazing Spider-Man" villain Rhys Ifans had also signed up for "Bond 23," with the actor telling us, "No, I just have a license to kill."

According to Craig, the way "Bond 23" is coming together has him the most excited about the franchise since he took on the iconic spy role years ago.

"We've got a great script this time," he told us. "I'm as excited about this script as I was about the 'Casino Royale' script. I think in Sam [Mendes] we've got the perfect director. The cast is coming together now. I can't wait to get going on it."

Check out everything we've got on "Bond 23."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Audrina Patridge, Ke$ha, Adam Lambert Share Prom Memories

'Me and my gay best friend just danced until 8 a.m.,' Ke$ha tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena


Audrina Patridge
Photo: MTV News

It's prom season, and that means high schoolers across this great land will be renting tuxes, buying fancy dresses and negotiating the details of their curfews with parents. So, before you take your pictures and get in your limos, we asked some Hollywood A-listers to recall their fondest prom memories.

"I had a great prom," Ne-Yo told MTV News. "I didn't get to go with who I wanted to go with. I got my second choice, but my second choice turned out to be the one I was supposed to be there with, so it turned out good."

Ke$ha, never one to say no to a party, had the best night of all her friends. "I went to prom with my gay best friend, and let me tell you, I had way more fun than anybody else at a prom with their boyfriends," she recalled. "Everybody else was, like, crying and drama and breaking up, and me and my gay best friend just danced until 8 a.m."

"Hellcats" star Aly Michalka doesn't have a favorite prom memory — because she never went to prom. "I was homeschooled, so I don't even think we had a fake prom," she lamented. "Like, maybe we had a home-school prom and I wasn't invited?"

While everything always seems to be in peril on "The Vampire Diaries," star Nina Dobrev had a less tumultuous night: "Having everyone get together and such a final celebration [is what I remember]."

Romeo went big for his prom. "My senior prom, I remember I pulled up in my red Ferrari. I was feeling like James Bond," he said. "And it was one of the best nights of my life."

"My favorite prom memory was probably going shopping for a dress, and our boyfriends at the time dressed up as 'Dumb & Dumber,' " Audrina Patridge laughed. "And so we were like, 'We can't dress up dorky ... we have to look good.' "

Roots drummer ?uestlove made a big decision on the night of his prom: "June 2, 1989, was my very last haircut; prom haircut, totally butchered my hair. He butchered my hair, and I vowed never again to ever get in a barber chair, so I grew that Afro on my prom night."

Adam Lambert said his prom date was a 10, so he definitely had a fun night. "I had a great prom. I had an awesome time," he said. "I went with one of my best friends in high school. Her name was Lauren, and she was really hot. She wore a really hot red dress, so I felt like I had arm candy."

Share your prom memories in the comments below!

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug

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Chris Cornell Filling In For Robert Plant On Led Zeppelin Tour? That's News To Him

'I have not been approached to fill in for Robert Plant on the Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be,' singer says.
By Chris Harris


Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News

Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.

Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.

"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."

Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."

Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.

According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "

"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."

In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."

But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."

Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.

"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.

"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."

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Taylor Swift, Rihanna Dress To Impress At Billboard Awards

Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, Selena Gomez also make fashion splash on red carpet, as showgirl style rules at the Las Vegas event on Sunday night.
By Jocelyn Vena


Taylor Swift at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images

On Sunday night, some of the biggest names in the music industry hit up the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas and decided that sparkles and sequins make for the perfect additions to any red carpet get-up. Well, it is Sin City after all.

Taylor Swift always seems to bring some of that Nashville sparkle to any red carpet. She arrived at the show in a pale-hued, sequined Elie Saab gown. Nicki Minaj showed off her signature sense of style in her baby-blue, body-hugging spandex Mark Fast catsuit.

Selena Gomez turned up the style dial in a sexy, cut-out black Dolce & Gabbana gown that she paired with red strappy sandals with sparkly bow detailing. Like Gomez, Ke$ha opted for some cut-out detailing in her sparkly, slate-gray dress with tulle skirt. Rihanna looked white hot in her men's tailored Max Azria suit, which she kept sexy and feminine by not buttoning her shirt all the way.

Fergie went S&M chic in her little black bandage-type dress by Hervé Léger. Nicole Kidman also wore black. She paired a casual braid hairstyle with a long black gown and Keith Urban. British pop cutie Kyle Minogue looked funky in her little black lacey dress. Inside the show, Britney Spears sat in the audience wearing a skimpy black dress of her own, her hair in loose curls, with little-to-no accessories.

While some stars kept the color scheme low-key, Keri Hilson decided to stand out in her billowy little yellow dress paired with a turquoise-colored belt. Kelly Rowland showed off some of her best assets in a body-hugging, bright pink bandage dress.

The fellas also looked tight on the carpet. Joe Jonas wore all black with white sneakers, Ne-Yo paired his periwinkle suit with a Yankees cap and Justin Bieber wore black tuxedo pants with a gold-lamé tuxedo jacket.

Which stars' styles caught your eye at the Billboard Music Awards? Tell us in the comments.

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Selena Gomez To Host 2011 MTV EMA

Actress/singer calls November 6 gig 'a dream come true!'
By Gil Kaufman


Selena Gomez
Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/ WireImage

Between romantic dates in empty basketball arenas with boyfriend Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez has found some time to squeeze in a new gig: host of the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Gomez, who got her hosting feet wet when she served as a special black-carpet correspondent at the 2011 MTV VMA pre-show in Los Angeles, will help celebrate the best in the world when the awards show touches down in Belfast, Ireland, at the Odyssey Arena on November 6.

"I'm so excited to be the host of the 2011 MTV EMA--it's a dream come true!" Gomez said a statement announcing her gig. "This is such a huge event that always recognizes the biggest stars in music from across the globe, so it's a real honour to be MC at this year's show."

Gomez has been on the road for the past few months promoting When the Sun Goes Down, the third album from her band, Selena Gomez and the Scene. Not only will she keep the action moving on the main stage at the EMA, but she will also tweet in the midst of the show and offer some behind-the-scenes dish on other social media platforms as the show is taking place.

Lady Gaga leads the EMA pack with six nominations, followed by Katy Perry and Bruno Mars with four and Adele, Justin Bieber and 30 Seconds to Mars with three. Other nominees include LMFAO, Beyoncé, Coldplay, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, Kings of Leon, Linkin Park, Jennifer Lopez, Foo Fighters and Snoop Dogg. American and Canadian audiences can vote for the North American nominee for the Worldwide Act EMA, who will represent the continent against contenders from across the globe.

Do you think Selena will do a good job as EMA host? Let us know in the comments!

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Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year

Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff


Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."

He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.

You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.

Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.

And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.

And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.

To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.

One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.

"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Lea Michele vs. Sarah Hyland: Celebrity Feud

Lea Michele vs. Sarah Hyland: Celebrity Feud

Lea Michele takes her red carpet poses seriously -- perhaps a little too seriously. On Friday, the Glee star said she was wounded by Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland's imitation of her on E!'s Fashion Police.

"I gotta be honest. It hurt my feelings a little bit," said Michele, 25, at Variety's annual Women of Power event. "I really think the message of today is that women should motivate and empower women, and so that's why I'm honored to be a part of today."

Hyland, who plays superficial teen Haley Dunphy on the Emmy-winning Modern Family, was a guest on Joan Rivers' snarky chat show on September 16. When the topic of Michele came up, Hyland, 20, tried to imitate the diva's signature red-carpet pose. Watch the video below!



"She sticks out her collarbone to make her look skinnier and she sticks out her lips," observed Hyland, who watched Michele work it at the Glee 3D movie premiere. "It's very strange. I actually saw a clip of her doing that on the red carpet and you see me in the background, like with my back turned looking at my publicist, being like, 'I don't know what to do right now.'"

The comment was clearly made in jest, but Glee fans bombarded Hyland with Twitter insults, saying that she was jealous of a more successful actress. The day after the show aired, Hyland addressed the controversy.

"I did not intend for my comments to be taken in a malicious way... In no way am I jealous of Lea Michelle," she tweeted. "Congrats Lea. U know how to work the red carpet. I can't take it as seriously as you. That's all I wanted to show on FP. It's strange to me... I don't like the red carpet. I feel silly. So props to her for knowing what she's doing and enjoying it."

"But I won't apologize," Hyland added. "I'm an outspoken person... And I mimicked what I saw with my own two eyes."

The Modern Family actress, who says she's known Michele for six years, also reached out directly to her on Twitter before the Emmys, asking if they could talk at the ceremony. ("It was meant to be humorous, not hurtful," she wrote.) But from Michele's comments this weekend, it sounds like she took the insult as seriously as her Twitter fans! It's too bad that Lea Michele couldn't just laugh it off; she always looks fierce on the red carpet, and it's not like Sarah Hyland can take that away from her. If the Glee actress could take herself a little less seriously, it would do wonders for her diva-ish reputation.

While we're on the subject, has anyone else noticed that Fashion Police has become like the WWE for fashionable starlets? This is the third big fight that's started on the show this year: Ciara angered Rihanna with her comments on Fashion Police in February, and Kelly Osbourne belittled Christina Aguilera during an August episode. Guess insulting someone's outfit is just asking for trouble -- especially if you do it on national television.

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'Abduction': The Reviews Are In!

Critics can't get away from Jacob/'Twilight' comparisons as Taylor Lautner bids for action-hero status in John Singleton flick.
By Jocelyn Vena


Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins in "Abduction"
Photo: Lionsgate

For much of his career, Taylor Lautner has either been a karate-kicking spy kid or a heartbroken werewolf hopelessly in love with his mortal enemy's girl. But on Friday (September 23), the teen star launched the next phase of his career in the John Singleton-directed "Abduction."

The film centers on a young man (Lautner) who realizes that his life isn't exactly what it seems. His character sets out to learn who he really is after finding his baby picture posted on a missing-persons website. In addition to Lautner (in his first lead role), the movie also stars Lily Collins as his love interest and a number of A-listers, including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Maria Bello and Alfred Molina.

Before you head to the theater this weekend, check out this handy "Abduction" cheat sheet and read on for what the critics are saying about Lautner's giant leap from teen werewolf to action hero.

Taylor Lautner the Action Hero
"Even playing the hunted, jacked-up, dude-on-the-run hero of a 'realistic' action film, Taylor Lautner still looks like the world's sexiest werewolf in 'Abduction.' There's a stylized quality to his features — not just the lupine snub nose, but the daggerish Son of Spock eyebrows that lend him a squint of intensity even when not very much is going on. That face gives Lautner one advantage as an actor: He's a great camera subject, like the young Matt Damon crossed with Tom Cruise." — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

The Inevitable Jacob Comparisons
"Lautner's sensitive young stud in 'Abduction' isn't far removed from the pining werewolf he plays in the 'Twilight' movies. They both have anger issues, yes, but they also can be achingly sweet and vulnerable and protective — and shirtless, when appropriate." — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times

The Final Word
"In the end, it all feels like much ado about not much. The film lets Lautner down more than the other way around and he essentially holds his own surrounded by the sturdy likes of Weaver, Molina, Isaacs and Bello. Collins, who made her big-screen debut in 'The Blind Side' last year and has the title role in the forthcoming 'Snow White,' has a promising, offbeat appeal." — Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter

Check out everything we've got on "Abduction."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Beyonce, Lady Gaga Dominate Twitter Trends On VMA Night

Hashtags #whatwillgagawear and #DemiYouAreBeautiful also made an impact on Sunday.
By Kara Klenk


Lady Gaga at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Just as predicted, the 2011 Video Music Awards generated even more buzz than last year, with over 3 million tweets sent from 8 p.m. ET at the start of the pre-show until the end of the West Coast broadcast, 11 p.m. PT. Which makes perfect sense when we're talking about a show in which Selena Gomez interviewed Justin Bieber, Britney and Gaga almost made out, and, oh yeah, Beyoncé announced her pregnancy!

Female artists definitely ruled Twitter this year. Bey's baby news made her the most tweeted-about celeb overall, with the first twitpic of her touching her pregnant stomach on the red carpet passing 600,000 views in six hours. In that same six-hour window, the VMA Twitter Tracker clocked the top subject as Nicki Minaj in the first hour, Adele in the next, and then Lady Gaga and Beyoncé alternating in the final hours. But the guys weren't far behind, with Jay-Z and Kanye West (a.k.a. the Throne), Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator giving the ladies a run for their money.

Britney Spears talks about Jo Calderone after their onstage encounter.

For the entire duration of the VMAs, over half of the worldwide Twitter trends were VMA related, and at points they dominated eight or nine of the top 10 trends. Trends tended to coincide with a celeb's arrival (Wiz and Amber), a live interview (Selena and Justin) or the live performances (Adele). But some humorous trends emerged as well: The Karate Kid himself, Ralph Macchio, might have been surprised to see his name trending if he didn't tune in to see his doppelganger, Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone, appearing several times throughout the show. And Happy Trees trended briefly after Rick Ross appeared in a sketch in the show channeling the late painter and personalitya Bob Ross.

The trend #whatwillgagawear was one of the longest running of the evening, as was BEYONCE IS PREGNANT, which clearly called for caps, and #DemiYouAreBeautiful was a message to Demi Lovato from her many fans. Joe Jonas, Bruno Mars, Adele and Justin Bieber were all the subject of trends with words of encouragement started by their supporters.

The Twitter Tracker is continuing to monitor VMA activity, under top 10 celebs to check it out and see who's up in the days following the big show!

Top 10 celebs by number of mentions:

Beyoncé 280,000
Lady Gaga: 237,000
The Throne: 183,000
Adele: 159,000
Chris Brown: 110,000
Lil Wayne: 104,000
Tyler, the Creator: 72,000
Nicki Minaj: 66,000
Bruno Mars: 57,000
Katy Perry: 54,000

The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards have wrapped, but the real action is just getting started! Stick with MTV News for winners, fashion pics, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything that went down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.

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Beyonce Talks Artistic Freedom In Behind-The-Scenes Footage

'What do you do after 16 Grammys and millions of records sold? Whatever makes you happy,' singer says in new video.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé
Photo: Getty Images

Just two weeks before she took to the VMA stage on Sunday night, Beyoncé dazzled in a four-night set at New York's Roseland Ballroom. Little did anyone know then that the singer was keeping a big secret: that she and hubby Jay-Z are expecting their first child together.

Now fans are getting an insider's view of what it took to put those shows together. "What do you do after 16 Grammys and millions of records sold?" Beyoncé asks in the second of two behind-the-scenes videos that just hit the Internet. "Whatever makes you happy," she answers.

During the shows, Beyoncé recalled the highlights of her career during a mind-bending medley of oldies. "That concept is really smart and emotional and you see me as a human being more than just music ... let's tell the story. It's more intimate; it's cooler than me just talking," she explains in the video.

Relive Beyoncé's big night at the VMAs in photos!

With more behind-the-scenes videos expected to drop, Beyoncé says that she wanted to perform this way because "I feel like I know who I am and I don't have to put myself in a box and no one can define me. All I have to do is have fun and have artistic freedom to do whatever I want."

In previously released footage, some of the people who helped shape the show also talked about how B was preparing for the gigs. Bibi, who played lead guitar, said, "She's listening to her inner voice right now and doing what she wants to do. I think she took risks. I think she's being more authentic and doing what she wants to do instead of doing what people expect, which is good."

Beyoncé and Jay-Z celebrate their big news backstage.

Nick, the lighting designer for the shows, explained the visual concept for them. The stage setup was pretty simple — just Beyoncé surrounded by her band and backup dancers, singing her heart out. "The big moments on the album will make the look from the lighting really big, and then when it comes down to songs like '1+1,' it'll be one spotlight," he explained.

The bottom line, according to the show's musical director, Kim Burse, is that "this project is the most mature project for Beyoncé because to be able to be in an intimate setting like this is an amazing thing."

The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards have wrapped, but the real action is just getting started! Stick with MTV News for winners, fashion pics, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything that went down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.

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