- Artist: Usher
- Label: JLG
- Director: Chris Robinson
- Album: Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=476362
Monday, February 28, 2011
Usher - Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)
Usher's 'OMG' ' 'Kills It Every Night,' Says Tourmate Miguel
'There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out,' Miguel says of MTV News' Song of the Year.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker
Usher
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
MTV News just named Usher's "OMG" the #1 song of 2010, and clearly we're not alone in our admiration. But what is it like to watch it performed night after night? Miguel, who is currently opening for Usher's OMG Tour gave us a little insight.
"There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out, and he really gives the fans what they want," Miguel laughs. "He kills it every night."
Before his latest string of hits, Usher was out of the spotlight for a period of time in 2009, when he was dealing with personal issues including a divorce. Miguel finds his 2010 comeback inspiring.
"There was a period of time, when a lot of people didn't believe in Usher and thought he was finished ... just kind of going to ride off into the sunset and disappear," the up-and-coming singer noted.
With the release of Raymond vs. Raymond and its extended, companion EP, Versus, in 2010, Usher proved the skeptics wrong with chart-toppers including "OMG" and "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love."
"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel beamed. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."
MTV News' Top 25 Songs of 2010 have all been counted down. But the fun isn't over yet: We still want to see your picks in the comments below!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654059/ushers-omg-kills-it-every-night-tourmate-miguel.jhtml
will.i.am Unveils Teaser Of Britney Spears Collaboration
'I can be the treble, baby/ You can be the bass,' Spears sings on the snippet of the track, titled 'The Big Fat Bass.'
By Jocelyn Vena
will.i.am
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for MGM
Will.i.am has posted a snippet from his collaboration with Britney Spears, and it might just have fans saying "OMG." The segment of the funky track, titled "The Big Fat Bass," is the latest teaser from Spears' upcoming March 29 release, Femme Fatale.
The snippet opens with the electronically altered voice of will.i.am singing, "Big fat bass/ the big fat bass," as a keyboard plays underneath. Then a beat kicks in.
Britney soon joins in, speak-singing in a bright and loud voice, "I can be the treble, baby/ You can be the bass/ You can be the bass."
In a blog message that accompanied the audio clip, Will wrote, "The big fat bass ... this is a taste ... this is the intro ... the bass is an important element to club dance music ... this song celebrates bass ... thank you Britney for collaborating it was a pleasure working with you ... thank you for trusting my instincts ... you're a doll ... i look forward on working with you again ... its an honor because you rarely do collaboration."
The Black Eyed Peas frontman revealed more information about the snippet on Twitter, where he posted on Sunday that he is loving the direction that the album's executive producers, Dr. Luke and Max Martin, are taking.
"Im editing the snippet. there are so many parts in this song. I have so many favorite parts. It's difficult to pick which part to show 1st," he wrote, going on to discuss all the things he loves about the tune while showing a series of screen images of the audio file. "There are soo many hot parts ... the second verse??? I love this section...the beat is nuts here and britney kills it ... or the 2nd hook? Because [on] the second half of the first hook the bass build up is crazy ... or the breakdown??? At this point a brand new beat is revealed. (The sickest beat) ... [that] section is my favorite...my favorite new beat...I'm excited to dj this section...
Will concluded the Twitter thread by saying, "Ok...I'm going to reveal the intro...I will give u a taste of the bass," including a link to the snippet.
Do you what you've heard of Britney and will.i.am's collaboration? Tell us in the comments?
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658843/will-i-am-britney-collaboration-teaser.jhtml
Lady Gaga Trivia: Are You An Expert, Little Monster?
MTV News quizzes Monster Ball Tour fans. How much do you know?
By MTV News staff
Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2011
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Lady Gaga's Little Monsters are certainly loyal to their Mother Monster, arriving to her shows in creative Gaga garb, singing along to every word and even crediting the pop sensation for helping them become comfortable with who they are, thanks to her feel-good messages. When MTV News caught up with some of Gaga's biggest fans at stops on the latest leg of her Monster Ball Tour, we quizzed them to find out just how much they know about the New York native.
Question: Which "True Blood" star appeared in Gaga's "Paparazzi" music video?
Answer: Alexander Skarsgard
Fans who got it right: 3 out of 5
Question: What was the first song Lady Gaga performed during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards?
Answer: "Poker Face"
Fans who got it right: 1 out of 9
Question: Is Lady Gaga left- or right-handed?
Answer: Left
Fans who got it right: 5 out of 10
Question: On which two MTV shows did Gaga appear (as Stefani Germanotta or Lady Gaga) before her big break?
Answer: "Boiling Points" and "The Hills"
Fans who got it right: 3 out of 7
Question: Which pop singer recorded a demo for "Telephone" but didn't end up using it?
Answer: Britney Spears
Fans who got it right: 2 out of 6
Question: Name all of the people Gaga mentions in her song "Dance in the Dark."
Answer: Judy Garland, Liberace, Jesus, Stanley Kubrick, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, JonBenét Ramsey, Sylvia Plath
Fans who got it right: 6 out of 6
How did you do? Share your results below!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658575/lady-gaga-monster-ball.jhtml
Natalie Portman Wins Best Actress Oscar For 'Black Swan'
'I want to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to work from such an early age,' Portman says as part of her acceptance speech.
By Shawn Adler
Natalie Portman onstage at the 2011 Academy Awards
Photo: AMPAS/ ABC
A visibly nervous and very pregnant Natalie Portman was near tears after winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Oscars Sunday night (February 27) for her performance as a ballerina on the verge of a mental breakdown in Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan."
Check out backstage photos of the big Oscar winners.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. This is insane!" the 29-year-old first-time Oscar winner enthused after taking the stage. "I truly and sincerely wish that the prize tonight was to get to work with my fellow nominees."
Although just the second-youngest of her co-nominees, Portman was previously nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Closer" and has been working with some of the best directors in the business since childhood — and in a rambling speech she nearly managed to thank all of them.
"Luc Besson, who gave me my first job [in 'The Professional']," Portman began. "['Closer' director] Mike Nichols, who has been my hero. And to everyone who's ever hired me!"
"Darren Aronofsky, you are a visionary," she added of her "Black Swan" director. "I am so blessed to have gotten to work for you."
Portman saved her most effusive gratitude, however, for her parents, who were in the audience, and especially for her fiancé Benjamin Millepied, with whom she is having a child.
"I want to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to work from such an early age. My beautiful love, Benjamin, who has now given me my most important role of my life," she gushed. "Most importantly, my family, my friends, and my love, thank you so much."
Check out everything we've got on "Black Swan."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Stick with MTV News on Oscar night and beyond for red-carpet fashion coverage, analysis of the winners, plus interviews, photos and more from your favorite Hollywood stars!
Related VideosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658821/natalie-portman-oscars.jhtml
Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover
Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman
Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610709/adam-lamberts-whole-lotta-love-story-behind-cover.jhtml
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Justin Bieber Vintage Video: His First Meeting With Usher
Justin Timberlake also wanted to sign Bieber, 'Never Say Never' star said in 2009.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Brian Phares/MTV News
Just as the world was learning who Justin Bieber was, MTV News caught up with the shaggy-haired singer in September 2009. He was gearing up to release his debut album, My World, and plotting his pop-world domination. In the year and a half since that interview, Bieber has done the nearly impossible, launching himself into the pop mega-sphere.
In the chat, Bieber recalled how he and his manager, Scooter Braun, met and eventually got big names interested in signing the teen.
"My manager found me on YouTube. He flew me out to Atlanta for the first time — I'd never actually been on a plane before. He flew me to Atlanta where i was going to the studio to meet some people," he recalled.
"And Usher happened to roll up in his Range Rover. I ran up to him, and I was like, 'Usher, I love your songs. Want me to sing you one?' The politest possible way he could say no, he did. ... I took the hint. I didn't get to sing for him: He had to run into a studio session."
But later, Usher was beckoning the teen back to the ATL. "He actually watched my videos — after my manager got to talking to him — and was like, 'I should have let this kid sing,' and flew me back to Atlanta where I got to sing for him in a proper setting. A week later, I had a meeting with Justin Timberlake, who also wanted to sign me, so they both kind of wanted me."
As the story goes, Bieber went with Usher, and the two never looked back.
"As far as Usher being my mentor, he's definitely given me words of wisdom. I hear it from everybody, but definitely to hear it from Usher is great, just to stay humble and grounded is very important," he explained.
"There's a lot of people, especially young stars, that have gone down the wrong path, and I definitely plan to stay humble and stay grounded and keep my family first, because that stuff really is important in life."
On Friday, Justin Bieber's 3-D documentary, "Never Say Never," opens. The film takes a look at how the teen star worked to hit it big. MTV News has been chatting with him along the way, from the time he first burst on the scene in 2009 until now, as he embarks on a huge 2011 that will include a tour and more new music.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657425/justin-bieber-usher-video.jhtml
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind The 'Glee' Cover
MJ classic is mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Heads Will Roll' for post-Super Bowl episode.
By Aly Semigran
"Glee"
Photo: FOX
Madonna, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and now, finally, Michael Jackson. The cast of "Glee" has covered plenty of icons during their first two seasons, but it's taken 33 episodes to get around to the King of Pop.
With a huge catalog of Jackson songs, the singing, dancing students of McKinley High paid homage to the late singer with one of his biggest staples (and, arguably, the greatest music video of all time) with their take on "Thriller."
The groundbreaking single from Jackson's best-selling album of the same name was mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" for the post-Super Bowl episode (titled "The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle"), featuring a zombie-fied "Glee" cast.
Bound to become a smash all over again (though with its nonstop rotation at Halloween parties and wedding receptions until the end of time, it's never truly gone away), here's a brief history of the dance/pop classic.
Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh, and final, single to be released from Jackson's smash record. According to the RIAA, the album (released by Epic Records) has gone gold 29 times, narrowly edging out the Eagles' Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.
In 2009, MTV News estimated that the Thriller album was poised to go triple diamond, meaning 30 million records sold in the U.S. alone.
After Thriller's other singles (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something") dominated the charts, it was time for the spooky, undeniably original track to take over. The song "Thriller" also appeared on many of Jackson's other albums, including the compilations HIStory and Number Ones.
Clocking in at a little under six minutes (though the radio edit was closer to four-and-a-half), the song features pop-music mainstays like synthesizers but shakes things up with its spooky sound effects, including creaking floors, howling and thunder.
The song was produced by Quincy Jones and written and composed by Rod Tempterton and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4.
But it's the music video for "Thriller" that truly made it the phenomenon it was in the '80s and continues to be today. Less a music video than a mini-motion picture, the video (over 13 minutes long and directed by John Landis) won three MTV Video Music Awards and has been named the best music video of all time by many outlets, including VH1 for the special "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos."
The chiller features Jackson in that iconic red leather jacket on a date with his girlfriend (played by Ola Ray) before things go terribly awry. After all, as Jackson (whose disclaimer at the start of the video reads, "This film in no way endorses a belief in the occult") sings in the opening line, "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." Cue werewolves, zombies, Vincent Price's soliloquy and one of the most memorable dance sequences ever.
The video was (no pun intended) a monster hit. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "At the height of the song's popularity, MTV would run the 14-minute 'Thriller' video twice an hour."
Choreographed by Jackson and Michael Peters (who, as the LA Times also reported, appears in the video as one of the zombies) and with makeup by Oscar-winner Rick Baker (also an undead "Thriller" extra) was made with a huge budget of an estimated $500,000.
Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.
Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)
Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.
Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.
Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.
What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657395/glee-thriller.jhtml
Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Video: Fans Weigh In!
MTV News captures all the excitement around the premiere of Britney's 'HIAM' clip.
By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Vaughn Schoonmaker
Britney Spears in her "Hold It Against Me" music video
Photo: Jive
As soon as Britney Spears' music video for "Hold It Against Me" debuted on Thursday night, fans' reactions were fast and immediate. Readers quickly began commenting on the stories posted on MTV.com, and MTV News even stopped by the New York City nightclub Splash to get find out the opinions of fans who were attending the club's official viewing party.
Clubgoers, some in their best Britney gear, gathered in the packed nightclub to get the first taste of the sleek, dark Jonas Åkerlund-directed video. Judging from their excitement and their screams, the clip didn't disappoint. One excited fan shared that he couldn't believe he got the chance to see Britney in a catfight against herself.
The viewing-party attendees' excitement was matched by that of commenters on our site. "Just watched it a second time and i am loving it even more," Malcolm wrote. "So much more to see and take in during a second take."
Another commenter, Britney, explained that on a scale of one to 10, the clip ranked high up on her list. "LOveeeeeee the video!!! omg already one of my FAVES!!! on a scale of 1 to 10 i would say its a very very high 8...almost perfect...a few things: a bit too fast-ly put together...Needed more Rocky Horror Tribute scenes and BRITNEY NEEDS TO TAKE the Heels off and put the FLATS back on to really show the Dance moves!!!" she wrote, before reiterating that the video did rock. "All around Awesome video...very creative..Very Britney-ish!!"
Those comments were mirrored by kentalicious, who shared, "Amazing! visually stunning! Best video in years, needs repeated viewing. I love how she is evolving as an artist, after such an Iconic career she still delivers."
With many fans wondering for weeks what they would be getting in the video, TriniBrent did not seem disappointed. "This is a Hot video," he commented. "Britney is definitely back and i am proud of her!"
"I love this vid, it's very different from her other videos," ishot_JT explained. "I also notice that Britney is definitely going back to Blackout/Toxic roots."
Do you want to add a critique of Britney's "Hold It Against Me" clip? Share your opinion in the comments.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658299/hold-it-against-me-britney-fans.jhtml
'Black Swan,' Natalie Portman Nab Independent Spirit Awards
James Franco wins Best Actor for '127 Hours.'
By Shawn Adler
Natalie Portman at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images
The day might have started out mildly overcast, but as the film community watched in anticipation, the Santa Monica beach quickly went from partly cloudy to completely black, as "Black Swan" swept the major honors on its way to dominating the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday (February 26).
A schizophrenic thriller about a ballerina's inner demons made manifest, "Black Swan" danced away with four awards, winning Best Feature, Best Director for Darren Aronofsky, Best Actress for Natalie Portman and Best Cinematography for Matthew Libatique. The flick is nominated in the same four categories at Sunday's Academy Awards.
Among other winners, the rural drama "Winter's Bone" nabbed two awards: Best Supporting Male for John Hawkes and Best Supporting Female for Dale Dickey. Presumptive Oscar Best Picture favorite "The King's Speech," meanwhile, won Best Foreign Film.
James Franco, who played a man who literally had to give up an arm to be here today, finally got his due, winning Best Actor for his performance in Danny Boyle's "127 Hours." The 32-year-old, who is in almost every moment of the film as the camera focuses on his character's struggle to make a nearly unthinkable sacrifice, will be front and center as co-host of the Academy Awards.
Other winners included "The Kids Are All Right" for Best Screenplay, "Get Low" for Best First Feature and "Exit Through the Gift Shop" for Best Documentary. Thierry Guetta, aka "Mr. Brainwash," accepted the award for "Exit" on behalf of the film's reclusive director, Banksy.
Hosted by Joel McHale, the show honored independent and original filmmaking throughout 2010, moving from last year's venue, the downtown L.A. Live complex, back to the beach in Santa Monica.
Will it be a regal evening for "The King's Speech"? Can "The Social Network" dial up Oscar gold? Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 27, when we'll be chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet on MTVNews.com, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!
Related Videos Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658793/independent-spirit-awards-winners.jhtml
Lady Gaga - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3061469&vid=455581
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray To Be Arraigned
Murray to head to trial in death of Jackson following Tuesday hearing.
By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images
Cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray, the only person charged in the June 2009 death of Michael Jackson, will be arraigned on Tuesday morning (January 25) on an involuntary manslaughter charge. Murray, who was serving as the 50-year-old pop icon's personal physician at the time, is expected to plead not guilty in the case.
According to CNN, the hearing in front of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, is only slated to last a few minutes. While Murray has the right to demand a trial within 60 days, it is not expected that a date will be set for one on Tuesday.
After more than a week of testimony, Pastor ruled during a preliminary hearing in early January that there was enough evidence to bring Murray's case to trial. In the meantime, Murray remains free on $75,000 bond, but Pastor blocked the doctor from using his California medical license until the trial is completed.
"Michael is not with us today because of an utterly inept, incompetent, reckless doctor — the defendant Conrad Murray," Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said in his final arguments in the preliminary hearing, where a series of witnesses recounted Murray's actions during the minutes and hours before and after Jackson's death. The King of Pop died as a result of what the Los Angeles County coroner's office called acute propofol poisoning, a reference to a powerful surgical anesthetic that the singer reportedly requested as a sleep aid to combat chronic insomnia.
While prosecutors appear to be building a case that Murray acted recklessly in attending to Jackson in the singer's final hours, CNN reported that the doctor's lawyers appeared satisfied with the results of the preliminary hearing thanks to some testimony they got from prosecution witnesses that might help raise some reasonable doubt about their client's guilt at trial.
"I think the prosecution is going to change their tactics in this case," defense lawyer J. Michael Flanagan said after the preliminary hearing. "It's not the same as what they gave in opening statements." The defense reportedly is set to argue that it was Jackson himself who administered the final, fatal dose of propofol after waking in a panic from a fitful night of sleep. One of the prosecution's expert witnesses in the case admitted under cross-examination that he made a math mistake and that the recalculation supports the defense theory that Jackson may have given himself the dose of propofol that killed him.
CNN reported that Dr. Richard Ruffalo, an anesthesiologist hired by the prosecution, was the last witness to take the stand and his admission about making a mistake on the calculation of the level of propofol in Jackson's stomach fluid reportedly elicited gasps from the members of Jackson's family who were sitting in the hearing room.
Murray's lawyers have suggested that a frustrated Jackson may have poured the anesthetic — which is administered intravenously — into his juice bottle while the doctor was out of his bedroom. "Now it doesn't make sense unless he ingested it orally in a huge amount," Ruffalo testified. The anesthesiologist added that Murray could still be at fault for leaving dangerous drugs near a patient who was allegedly addicted to sedatives and sleep aids.
"It's like leaving a syringe next to a heroin addict," Ruffalo stated. "If he's not getting what he wants, when you leave the room he might reach for it himself ... Either way, it doesn't matter. He abandoned his patient and didn't resuscitate appropriately." Ruffalo said Murray should have anticipated that Jackson, who had previously asked to inject himself with the drug, might potentially administer it to himself. "He gets upset if he doesn't get his milk," he said, explaining that Jackson often referred to propofol as his "milk."
In addition, the pathologist who conducted Jackson's autopsy acknowledged it was possible, though improbable, that the singer gave himself the fatal propofol dose. Speaking to police two days after Jackson's death, Murray told investigators that a sleepless Jackson had begged him for more propofol on the day he died. The King of Pop was in the midst of a grueling series of rehearsals for his planned "This Is It" comeback shows at London's O2 Arena at the time of his death.
A civil lawsuit filed last year by Jackson's mother against the producer of the concerts, AEG Live, alleged that the company had warned the entertainer several weeks before he died that if he missed any more rehearsals they were going to "pull the plug" on the gigs, which the cash-strapped Jackson was depending on to revive his stalled career.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1656583/michael-jackson-doctor-arraigned.jhtml
Justin Bieber 'Real Hairstyle' Dolls Keep Swoop Alive
We hit a New York toy fair for scoop on the latest dolls, including a first look at an mp3-equipped, purple Bieber tour bus.
By Aly Semigran, with reporting by Brian Jacks
Justin Bieber figure
Photo: MTV News
If you're still mourning the loss of Justin Bieber's luscious locks, there's some news that could very well perk you up (and, no, it hasn't grown back yet). Just days before the "Never Say Never" star chopped off his trademark coif, toy company Bridge Direct debuted Justin Bieber "Real Hairstyle" dolls at the American International Toy Fair in New York.
MTV News caught up with George Vorkas of Bridge Direct, who give us the rundown on everything fans can expect from the doll, whose retail price is set at $17.99 and is slated to hit shelves this August.
After the company received complaints about their first Bieber model, which featured plastic hair, Vorkas and his associates gave the 2011 model "real" hair.
"This year, we have Justin with hair. Every girl at home can now play with his hair and style it the way they want," Vorkas explained.
In addition to styling their toy Biebs — like the original, it "sings," only this time newer hits like "U Smile" and "Never Say Never" have been added — fans can also put him on the road. The company has created a purple (naturally) Bieber tour bus, complete with a functioning mp3 player dock and a stage setup that includes guitar, drums, keyboard and the heart-shaped cage he featured on his most recent tour.
"As Justin does new things with his stage sets, we'll be coming out with matching toys," Vorkas assured us. (The stage sets and tour bus will go for a whopping $79.99.)
And that's not the only way the company plans to evolve with the ever-changing pop phenom. While the 2011 doll features a variety of Bieber-inspired accessories and outfits, collectors and/or purse string-opening parents can also expect ever-changing fashions from the "Baby" singer. As Vorkas told MTV News, "When Justin changes into a new outfit, we'll also be coming out with that outfit."
Will you buy the "real hairstyle" Justin Bieber doll? Tell us in the comments!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658621/justin-bieber-dolls.jhtml
First Look: ?Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation?
Entertainment Weekly has the exclusive first look at the new Toy Story short film titled Hawaiian Vacation inside this week’s issue of their magazine. According to the film blog The Playlist, Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation will be shown as the short film in front of this Summer’s animated sequel film Cars 2. Check out what [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/xm_AGirGhTo/
Quote Of The Day
"GaGa was wonderful, she told me that I was her idol. I felt like saying, 'You?re kidding'. She?s outrageous and very sexy. She can sing, she can really sing, there is no kidding around. There?s a section that she does [in her show] ? just at the piano and that voice is right on. It?s [...]
Source: http://perezhilton.com/2011-02-26-liza-minnelli-talks-meeting-lady-gaga
Usher - There Goes My Baby
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=544989
Friday, February 25, 2011
Lady Gaga Confirms There Are Two 'Born This Way' Videos
Proceeds from 'stripped-down' clip and song will go to 'anti-bully charity,' she tells Gayle King.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Lady Gaga sat down with Oprah Winfrey's bestie, Gayle King, to discuss her forthcoming Nick Knight-directed videos for her chart-topping single "Born This Way," from her May album of the same name.
"I do have some exciting news about the new single. I've been so excited about [the fans'] reaction and seeing the fans be so excited during the show every time we play 'Born This Way,' it's been really amazing," she told King. "I've made two music videos for the song."
Gaga then went on to confirm that portions of the proceeds from the sale of the "stripped-down" version of the song, which will get its own video (further details about that clip were not known at press time), will go to charity. "So there's one that's coming out on Monday," she explained. "But then I'm actually putting together another video, which is a more stripped-down version of the song that will be released on iTunes and also released as an audio file. A portion of the money raised selling the song is actually going to go towards an anti-bully charity."
Mum has been the word on what the videos will actually be like. Though Gaga, in a recent radio interview, noted that the visual is about "the birth of a new race within the race of humanity. The birth of a new race that doesn't bear any prejudices. I think the most important thing is that I continue to grow, and I knew when I put [out] 'BTW' it would be a transitional moment, because it doesn't sound like [my previous singles]."
What are you expecting from the "Born This Way" videos? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658733/lady-gaga-two-born-this-way-videos.jhtml
Ke$ha - Take It Off
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Paul Hunter, Dori Oskowitz
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3213641&vid=549666
Britney Spears - Gimme More
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Jake Sarfaty
- Album: Blackout
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=179677
Michael Jackson Doctor Pleads Not Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter
Conrad Murray's trial slated to start March 28.
By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray appears in court on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California
Photo: Irfan Khan-Pool/ Getty Images
Michael Jackson's former personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray entered a plea of not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the June 2009 death of the pop star at his arraignment on Tuesday morning (January 25).
According to the Los Angeles Times, when asked by judge Michael Pastor how he pleaded to the charge, Murray said, "Your honor, I am an innocent man." When Pastor interrupted and asked Murray what his plea was, the cardiologist said, "Therefore, I plead not guilty."
The brief hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court ended with Pastor setting a March 28 date for the start of a trial in the case. Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison if convicted, and the Times noted that he surprised the judge by invoking his right to a speedy trial, which meant the case would have to begin by late March. Pastor noted the rarity of a defendant asking to have a speedy trial, then set jury selection for the week of March 28 and said he was inclined to allow television coverage of the trial that the defense expects will last two months.
Lawyers for Murray have maintained his innocence all along, saying he did not do anything that "should have" caused the 50-year-old pop icon's death. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol mixed with a cocktail of other sedatives.
Murray has admitted to administering propofol to Jackson in the hours before the singer's death, but the defense appears to be gearing up to claim that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of the drug after he woke in a panic from a fitful night of sleep.
During a preliminary hearing earlier this month to determine if there was enough evidence to hold Murray over for trial, the physician's attorneys said that there was evidence Jackson injected or drank a fatal amount of the drug when the doctor was not looking.
Related Photos Related Artists
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Rascal Flatts Record Song With Justin Bieber
With the line between country and pop thinning these days thanks to the likes of Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum, it’s no surprise that popular artists in the genre are looking to attract a wider audience. While the group Rascal Flatts hasn’t ever experienced the massive success of Swift, they are icons in their own [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/beatcrave/~3/wSKzx3UIVcg/
'Hall Pass' Stars Recall Best And Worst Pickup Lines
Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis and Jenna Fischer quip about some memorable dating experiences with MTV News.
By Kara Warner
Jason Sudeikis and Owen Wilson in "Hall Pass"
Photo: New Line Cinema
Those who have seen the trailer for Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis' new comedy, "Hall Pass," know that in the Farrelly brothers-directed film, the duo embark upon a series of zany misadventures after obtaining "hall passes" — basically a one-week vacation/break from their marriages — from their wives. During this marital hiatus, the boys do everything they can to pick up women, oftentimes using the most outlandish and ridiculous of pickup lines.
When MTV News caught up with Wilson, Sudeikis and fellow co-star Jenna Fischer recently during the film's press day, we asked them to share their go-to lines, as well as a few they've used with success.
"Hi, I'm Jason Sudeikis," Wilson quipped, which prompted a witty exchange between him and the "Saturday Night Live" star.
"Aw, that's very nice of you," Sudeikis said. "Does that work for you?"
"Yeah!" Wilson exclaimed, laughing.
And then Sudeikis focused a bit, seeming to put some thought into the question, only to make room for more for Wilson laughter and more back-and-forth banter between the two.
"My most successful one is, 'How much do you cost?' " Sudeikis joked. "And you have to use that specifically."
"Hold that for Valentine's Day," Wilson advised, even though Sudeikis clearly wasn't paying attention and went on with reciting bad pickup techniques.
" 'Are those real?' " Sudeikis said. " 'Your eyes. I'm talking about your dreams.' "
" 'Are they realistic?' " Wilson added.
Fine, fine. If they won't take the question seriously then we won't. Next up, a few of the best and worst pickup lines the fellow castmembers have heard over the years.
"Usually women will insult me," Sudeikis explained. " 'I don't see why you're so great.' And then, for some reason, I find that completely alluring."
"Ok, I'm going to win you over!" Wilson added. "Ok, sit right here. Settle in for the next hour or three — here we go," he joked.
Following with the theme of insults as pickup lines, Jenna Fischer recalled a particular unsettling experience.
"I had this guy come up to me at a bar when I was much younger and he had said, 'I bet I can guess your weight and if I do, can I get a kiss?' And I thought to myself, 'What?! No! What woman wants to talk about her weight? What if you're wrong? What if you're right? I don't care, anyway,' " she said. "The idea that you just approached me with the most objectified vision of me, you whittled me down to a number, was so offensive."
Needless to say, Fischer was not particularly receptive to that line.
"He did not get a kiss," she added.
Check out everything we've got on "Hall Pass."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658619/hall-pass-owen-wilson-jenna-fischer-jason-sudeikis.jhtml
Justin Bieber, Eminem Grammy Snubs Prompt Open Letter From Hip-Hop Brand Manager
'The awards show has become a series of hypocrisies and contradictions,' writes Steve Stoute in full page ad.
By Shawn Adler
Steve Stoute
Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage
Ad man, brand manager and occasional consigliere to many of hip-hop's most powerful stars, marketing mogul Steve Stoute took out a full page ad in Sunday's New York Times Style Section blasting the Grammy Awards, its parent organizational, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), and its president, Neil Portnow, for what he feels is both increasing irrelevance and possible malfeasance.
"Over the course of my 20-year history as an executive in the music business and as the owner of a firm that specializes in in-culture advertising, I have come to the conclusion that the Grammy Awards have clearly lost touch with contemporary popular culture," he wrote in the ad, which took the form of an open letter. "The awards show has become a series of hypocrisies and contradictions, leaving me to question why any contemporary popular artist would even participate."
In particular, Stoute focused on the relatively recent snubs of Eminem, Kayne West, and Justin Bieber, all musicians he believes have been unfairly beaten for awards by inferior artistic and commercial acts.
"We must acknowledge the massive cultural impact of Eminem and Kanye West and how their music is shaping, influencing and defining the voice of a generation," Stoute wrote of the two hip-hop superstars, adding of Bieber, "How is it that Justin Bieber, an artist that defines what it means to be a modern artist, did not win Best New Artist?"
While acknowledging in his letter that the most popular acts aren't always deserving of awards simply on the basis of their commercial success, of particular focus for Stoute is the seeming dichotomy between musicians the award ceremony chooses to honor and musicians the ceremony asks to perform.
"While these very artists that the public acknowledges as being worthy of their money and fandom are snubbed year after year at the Grammys, the awards show has absolutely no qualms in inviting these same artists to perform," he wrote. "Interesting that the Grammys understands cultural relevance when it comes to using Eminem's, Kayne West's or Justin Bieber's name in the billing [but not when handing out trophies]."
Not content to simply attribute these gaps to the general irrelevance or ignorance of the NARAS voters, Stoute goes on to suggest that performances are scheduled much more cynically and crassly, citing this year's Best Album winner Arcade Fire as an example of an act too serendipitous to be coincidental.
"What truly inspired the writing of this letter was that this most recent show fed my suspicions. As the show was coming to a close and just prior to presenting the award for Album of the Year, Arcade Fire performed 'Month of May' only to, surprise, win the category and, in a moment of sheer coincidence, happened to be prepared to perform 'Ready to Start'," he wrote. "Does the Grammys intentionally use artists for their celebrity, popularity and cultural appeal when they already know the winners and then program a show against this expectation?"
According to the official website of the Grammys, it would be impossible for anyone to know the winners of the various awards before the show, as they are delivered in sealed envelopes to the presenters by Deloitte Accounting.
The winners themselves are determined by several rounds of submission and voting, starting with a screening process where 150 "experts" ensure "that each entry is placed in its proper category."
From there, nomination ballots are sent out. Voters are encouraged to vote only in their area of expertise in addition to the four general categories, incidentally the same categories Stoute has the most problems with: Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best New Artist.
The top five vote getters from this process are listed as the official nominees. Finally, ballots are sent out with the new, limited choices to determine a winner.
Not good enough, Stoute says, believing this system is possibly ripe for being corrupted.
"The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences hides behind the 'peer' voting system to escape culpability for not even rethinking this approach," he writes. "You are being called to task at this very moment, NARAS."
Representatives from NARAS have not responded to MTV's request for comment by press time.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658385/steve-stoute-grammys-new-york-times.jhtml
Listen: James Franco, ?You Haven?t Seen The Last Of Me? (From ?Burlesque?)
Oscar co-host James Franco, who recently joined Twitter, posted a link to a song that he claims got “pulled from the Oscar show”. The song is You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me sung by Cher in the movie Burlesque … but this version is sung by Franco himself. Take a listen below. LOL! This [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/QzGBKgvKEd8/
Watch: Previously Unseen Video Footage From Lindsay Lohan?s Last Court Appearance
Lindsay Lohan is due back in court tomorrow to face felony grand theft charges but today we get to see some previously unseen footage that is reportedly from Lindsay‘s last courtroom appearance. My friend Darion happened upon this amazing footage and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to share it with [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/NjWYkqan7JE/
Lady Gaga Has Her 'Way' With Atlantic City
Gaga's Monster Ball concert in New Jersey on Saturday night included her new #1 single, 'Born This Way,' and all her other big hits.
By Vaughn Schoonmaker
Lady Gaga performs in Atlantic City on Saturday
Photo: Tom Briglia/ WireImage
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey — "I've missed you all so much!" Lady Gaga gushed to her little monsters who filled the sold-out Boardwalk Hall arena on Saturday night.
As much as she was missed during her superhumanly brief tour hiatus, the question on everyone's mind at the Monster Ball was whether or not Gaga would perform "Born This Way."
Check out photos from Lady Gaga's Atlantic City Show.
Halfway through her encore performance of "Bad Romance," Mother Monster took a beat to seductively mutter, "You better not leave when this song is done. There may be a surprise."
And sure enough, after three minutes of deafening monster screams in the darkness, Miss Gaga stormed the stage once more, surrounded by her dancers, all in the same flesh-colored latex we saw at the Grammys. She belted out her new #1 hit at the top of her lungs and danced with every bit of energy that a normal human would not have after an almost-two-hour gargantuan show.
The second-place award for the wild night's biggest moment went to the pop star's announcement that she will be back next year with the "Born This Way Ball," which — judging from the roar in the venue — is already guaranteed to be sold out a year before tickets even go on sale.
For this concert, Gaga stuck true to her Monster Ball format rather than transition to the material that will appear on her upcoming album, Born This Way. Besides the title track, the only other new song she performed was "You and I," which she has already played at several shows during her most recent round of touring.
The set list featured all of her biggest hits, including "Poker Face," "Paparazzi," "Telephone" and "Just Dance." The more intimate piano portion of the show, meanwhile, was noticeably shortened since the singer has dropped her "Fame Monster" rock tune "Speechless."
Looking as fit as ever, Gaga showed off her toned tummy for most of the second half of the performance, thrusting her body to every beat that could possibly be danced to. Singing loud and strong, Gaga took a moment during "Teeth," to remind her fans once again that she never does and never will lip synch.
Scissor Sisters opened the concert with six sultry and dance-heavy numbers, including their hit, "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'."
The next stop on the Monster Ball tour is Madison Square Garden in New York City on both Monday and Tuesday, during which Lady Gaga's first HBO concert special will be taped.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658379/lady-gaga-atlantic-city.jhtml
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Justin Bieber, Chris Brown Go 'Up' On New Remix
Bieber and Brown trade verses, harmonize on their Never Say Never - The Remixes collaboration.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images
Earlier this week, Justin Bieber released the Never Say Never - The Remixes album, which reimagines some of the teenage phenom's songs as duets with some of the biggest names in the business, including Kanye West, Miley Cyrus, Rascal Flatts and Chris Brown.
Brown appears on the mid-tempo ballad, "Up," which is about the power of love and relationships. The R&B star, unsurprisingly, helps put a decidedly more R&B spin on the pop track, which has begun to turn up on various websites.
Bieber kicks off the track before Brown jumps on for the second verse. Brown sings, "It's a big, big world/ And, girl, I'm gonna show you all of it/ I'm gonna leash you with pearls/ From every ocean that we're swimmin' in/ We make the sun shine in the moonlight/ We can make those gray clouds turn to blue skies/ Yeah, I know it's hard/ But baby believe me/ [That we can go nowhere but up]."
By the time the second chorus rolls around, Bieber and Brown are harmonizing and putting their own individual stamps on the song.
News of the collaboration first hit the Web in late December, when Bieber and Brown tweeted about working together, though little more was known about the collaboration then. The 16-year-old said he and Brown had a great time in the studio and that Brown had even given him some sage advice, having been a child star himself and seen the ups and downs of fame at an early age.
"[Chris and I] just talk about regular stuff, nothing too crazy," Bieber told MTV News earlier this week. "Just, like, staying humble and remember that God got us in this position, so always make sure to just bless Him and praise Him."
Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, teased the album and its guest appearances in a chat with fans earlier this year. "Yes, Justin is working on new music," Braun said last month. "He's been talking to Drake about new music. [Bieber] and Kanye had a call today about a song they're trying to work on together; Kanye wants to produce a bunch of new songs for the new album. He's talked with Rascal Flatts. Him and Chris Brown have been sending stuff back and forth to each other."
Have you heard Bieber and Brown's "Up" remix and, if so, what do you think of it? Tell us in the comments.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658296/justin-bieber-chris-brown-up-remix.jhtml
Watch: Previously Unseen Video Footage From Lindsay Lohan?s Last Court Appearance
Lindsay Lohan is due back in court tomorrow to face felony grand theft charges but today we get to see some previously unseen footage that is reportedly from Lindsay‘s last courtroom appearance. My friend Darion happened upon this amazing footage and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to share it with [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/NjWYkqan7JE/
Beyoncé - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Hype Williams
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=455581
Britney Spears - Piece of Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Wayne Isham
- Album: Blackout
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=195543
Usher's 'OMG' ' 'Kills It Every Night,' Says Tourmate Miguel
'There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out,' Miguel says of MTV News' Song of the Year.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker
Usher
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
MTV News just named Usher's "OMG" the #1 song of 2010, and clearly we're not alone in our admiration. But what is it like to watch it performed night after night? Miguel, who is currently opening for Usher's OMG Tour gave us a little insight.
"There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out, and he really gives the fans what they want," Miguel laughs. "He kills it every night."
Before his latest string of hits, Usher was out of the spotlight for a period of time in 2009, when he was dealing with personal issues including a divorce. Miguel finds his 2010 comeback inspiring.
"There was a period of time, when a lot of people didn't believe in Usher and thought he was finished ... just kind of going to ride off into the sunset and disappear," the up-and-coming singer noted.
With the release of Raymond vs. Raymond and its extended, companion EP, Versus, in 2010, Usher proved the skeptics wrong with chart-toppers including "OMG" and "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love."
"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel beamed. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."
MTV News' Top 25 Songs of 2010 have all been counted down. But the fun isn't over yet: We still want to see your picks in the comments below!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654059/ushers-omg-kills-it-every-night-tourmate-miguel.jhtml
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