Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Britney Spears Has 'Crazy' Cameo On will.i.am's Album?

Black Eyed Peas mastermind teases a collabo with the pop princess on #willpower, set for 2012 release.
By Jocelyn Vena


Britney Spears performs in San Francisco
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images

<P>In a sea of A-list contributions for will.i.am's forthcoming solo album, the Black Eyed Peas mastermind recently dropped one name that will really get pop fans excited. Speaking with <a href="http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/william/news/britney-spears-alicia-keys-new-album/" target="_blank">Capital FM</a>, will teased that his <i>Femme Fatale</i> collaborator Britney Spears will make an appearance on the album, dubbed <i>#willpower.</i> </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:638813" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "I have a song with Alicia Keys &#8212; me, Alicia and Swedish House Mafia. I have a song with the Beats, which is pretty grand. Me and Shakira have been trying to finish the stuff we started, and me and Britney is really crazy," he said. "So we got a song with me, LMFAO and Eva Simons, a song with me and Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz &#8212; I got a whole other bunch of collaborations." Spears and will.i.am last worked together on "Big Fat Bass," a spacey, grinding party tune complete with clapping noises and some rapping from will himself. Their recording session was featured on the MTV special <a href="/news/articles/1660830/britney-spears-femme-fatale-previews.jhtml">"I Am the Femme Fatale."</a> There's been no word yet from will's camp about the song and whether this is a new track or if he will be including "Big Fat Bass" on the album. The rapper/producer's love for Brit is hardly anything new: He <a href="/news/articles/1662289/britney-spears-will-i-am-big-fat-bass.jhtml">gushed to MTV News about the pop princess</a> months after they recorded together. "[I discovered] her love for music. I never seen anyone, like, come alive, full of excitement and giggling and laughing behind the mic," will recalled to MTV News. "She was like a little kid when she was recording the song, and it just brought the whole atmosphere, it changed the whole atmosphere when someone really loves music. So it was great working with her." His latest single, "T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)," featuring Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger, dropped late last year. <i>#willpower,</i> which also features "X Factor" judge Nicole Scherzinger, will be released later this year. <i>What are you expecting from will and Brit's collabo? Let us know in the comments!</i></p>

Related Artists

Dita Von Teese Dominique Swain Donna Feldman Drea de Matteo

Beyonce Looks 'Sexy' Post-Baby, Destiny's Child Vets Say

Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland say the new mom looks 'amazing' and that Blue Ivy is 'beautiful.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino


Beyonce attends the after party following Jay-Z's concert at Carnegie Hall to benefit The United Way Of New York City and the Shawn Carter Foundation at the 40 / 40 Club on February 6, 2012 in New York City.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images

<P>Earlier this week, new mom <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/knowles_beyonce/artist.jhtml">Beyonc&#233;</a> stepped out to debut her post-baby body for the first time. Decked out one night in a <a href="/news/articles/1678726/beyonce-post-baby-appearance-blue-ivy.jhtml">body-hugging red number</a> and another in a <a href="http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/02/08/beyonce-photos-carnegie-hall-night-two ">glittering black cocktail dress</a>, B was out in full force to support her hubby <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jay_z/artist.jhtml">Jay-Z</a> when he took the stage for a two-night engagement at New York's famed <a href="/news/articles/1678669/jay-z-carnegie-hall.jhtml">Carnegie Hall</a>. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:732758" width="240" height="211"></div><p> B certainly left her fans speechless with her ability to bounce back to hotness just a month after giving birth to baby Blue Ivy, and her former Destiny's Child pals were equally floored. Michelle Williams dished to MTV News, "Man, "She looks fantastic, amazing, amazing, amazing. I wasn't surprised because even before she was pregnant she had a six pack, she was very toned. So, obviously it just went back very quickly." Fellow DC gal pal Kelly Rowland also can't handle how Beyonc&#233; is bringing sexy back one hot dress at a time. "She looks fantastic. She looks fantastic. I told her she looks so hot!" Rowland exclaimed. "She looks so hot &#8212; just even sexier. Love her!" And Williams noted that it's not just Beyonc&#233; who is doing well these days, but so is 1-month-old Blue. "Absolutely! Absolutely [I've seen everyone]!" she said. "Everybody's doing fantastic, amazing." <a href="/news/articles/1677833/kelly-rowland-blue-ivy-carter-beautiful.jhtml">Williams' sentiments about Blue Ivy</a> mirror those of comments Rowland previously made about J and B's glory. "She's absolutely beautiful!" Rowland said back in January. "And I say that with such a huge grin! I'm so excited. "We all just stared at her," she added about meeting the baby for the first time. "I just stared at her. She is so beautiful." <center><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:725377/cp~id%3D1676907%26vid%3D725377%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A725377%26instance%3Dmtv" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed></center> <i>Are you excited to see pictures of Blue Ivy? Leave your comments below!</i></p>

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner

Lady Gaga Launches Born This Way Foundation

'This is not an anti-bullying foundation; this is a youth-empowerment foundation,' Mother Monster says at Harvard launch event.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga arrives at Harvard University to launch her "Born This Way Foundation." (Photo by )
Photo: Jonathan Wiggs/ Getty Images

<P><a href="/news/articles/1677562/lady-gaga-born-this-way-foundation.jhtml">Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta</a>, took over Harvard University to launch their <a href="/news/articles/1673633/lady-gaga-born-this-way-foundation.jhtml"><i>Born This Way</i> Foundation</a> on Wednesday (February 29). In front of a crowd that included <a href="/news/articles/1679223/lady-gaga-oprah-winfrey-foundation.jhtml">Oprah Winfrey</a>, the New York natives kicked off their inspirational foundation, hoping to empower the youth of America. "I was recently with the great Gloria Steinem, who said that sometimes the only way you can get attention to a problem is to freak people out," Oprah said at the event. " 'Break the form,' she said. You have to stop playing the game in order to change the content. Lady Gaga, with her music and her message and her own story, is breaking the form, and she is changing consciousness. She says that she wasn't put on earth just to sing songs; her passion is to be that force for good. The <i>Born This Way</i> Foundation is in line with so many of my core beliefs." Gaga enthusiastically opened up about the foundation and what she hopes to do with it. "I just have one thing to say before we get started: We got Oprah! ... Thank you from all of us &#8212; from my entire team, from my mother, from the bottom of the hearts of so many people who believe in what we're doing today," she said, wearing a chocolate-brown gown, brown lace gloves, towering platforms and a sparkly fishnet hat. "I'm not here today to give you an answer. And I'm not here to tell you I can solve these problems [of bullying]. This is about transformative change in culture over a period of time. One of the most important things I wanted to share with all of you today, it's no secret I speak out against bullying. This is not an anti-bullying foundation; this is a youth-empowerment foundation," she continued. "This is about changing the climate of the school environment and not putting the power in the hands of the teachers or the government. It is about the bubble effect. I don't believe they have the answers; I believe that you do." In addition to her fans, Gaga said her biggest influence to start the foundation is her own Mother Monster. "My mother really inspires me, because she talked about giving back ever since I was very, very young," she said. "And the more that I got to know my fans, the more that I realized that not everybody has that support system at home." Her mother later enthused that despite the snow outside, "It is even more beautiful inside because we are launching the foundation. The youth that is listening: you are the leaders of our future." Gaga also revealed another aspect of the foundation: "There is a bus now called the Born Brave Bus. So the Born Brave Bus is essentially a bus that is going to travel and follow my tour bus around the country, and it will welcome anyone from any walk of life to come and hang out and talk about love, acceptance, kindness and so forth. And the best thing about it it's going to be fun. It's going to essentially be a tailgate. This is not about saying, 'I need help,' but if you do, you can come. If you want to help someone else, you can come and say 'Hey, what's up?' " At the end of the day, Gaga said the foundation "is all about saying the power is in your hands. There really is sort of a focus on the victim, but what I want to point out today is that the victim and the bully are on the same playing field. How do we say, 'You are both equal members of society'? How do we not save not just the victim, but also the bully? I want the <i>Born This Way</i> Foundation to empower the youth of the world." Gaga further explained that one of the core values is teaching her fans to empower themselves to be "brave." "This, again, is not focused on bullying, the bravery aspect; I want for young people to know they have the power," she said. "How can we inspire young people to know they have the power to be brave?"</p>

Related Videos Related Artists

Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris

Lea Michele & Cory Monteith Admit to Relationship

Realizing they can?t keep their love under wraps forever, it is being reported that Lea Michele and Cory Monteith's have gone public with their relationship.

According to multiple insiders who told UsWeekly, the ?Glee? stars are over downplaying the romance rumors and ready to share their news.

"They've been hooking up for awhile," an insider said of the pair while another source revealed, ?It?s starting to seem a little more serious.?

Over the weekend, Monteith took Michele to his Vancouver hometown where ?they stayed in a hotel, toured Grouse Mountain and went for sushi and sake,? one of the insiders added.

Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel Jessica Paré

Usher - Lil Freak

Lil Freak

Beyoncé Bianca Kajlich Bijou Phillips Blake Lively

Usher And David Guetta 'Proud' Of 'Without You'

'When you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is,' Usher tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Jim Cantiello


Usher
Photo: MTV News

<P>When <a href="/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> and <a href="/music/artist/guetta_david/artist.jhtml">David Guetta</a> hooked up for the French DJ's latest album, <i>Nothing but the Beat,</i> the two superstars created a chart-topping smash, <a href="/news/articles/1670301/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml">"Without You,"</a> that combines Guetta's ear for house beats and Usher's ability to convey a range of emotions with his voice. It's a song that has really stuck with fans of all genres of music. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:713197" width="240" height="211"></div><p> The track &#8212; a swirling pop ode to not giving up on love in the face of adversity &#8212; struck Usher with its emotional core. "David Guetta is an amazing artist," he told MTV News last week at a <a href="/news/articles/1674705/justin-bieber-usher-advice.jhtml">Pencils of Promise charity event</a>. "We talked for many years about working together, and we found a record that was incredible." Usher said it was a song that resonated with him personally. "I think the world wanted a record like that. That [song] really spoke to the journey that I've actually been on in the last three years," he said. "Traveling all around the world, music sounds different. There's many different genres, and when you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is." </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:688619" width="240" height="211"></div><p> When MTV News talked to Guetta on the <a href="/news/articles/1674728/ama-taylor-swift-nicki-minaj-katy-perry.jhtml">American Music Awards</a> red carpet Sunday, he said "Without You" is a standout track on the album. The LP dropped earlier this year and also includes <a href="/news/articles/1674756/american-music-awards-nicki-minaj-david-guetta.jhtml">Nicki Minaj, who performed with Guetta at the AMAs</a>. "It's one of my favorite songs," he said. "It's just, I'm a DJ, so I want to make people dance always, but I also want to give emotions. When it comes to that, 'Without You' is probably one of the most emotional songs that I've done, and yes, I'm very proud of that record." <i>What do you think about "Without You"? Share your reviews in the comments!</i></p>

Related Photos Related Artists

Cheryl Burke China Chow Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera

Photos | 2010 BET Awards Show Highlights

2010 BET Awards Show Highlights

Related Artists

Danneel Harris Deanna Russo Denise Richards Desiree Dymond

Will Beyonce Grace The Grammys Red Carpet?

Experts weigh in on when the new mom will make her next appearance, and when we might get to see Blue Ivy.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyonc&#233; leaves 40/40 Club
Photo: Splash News

<P><a href="/news/articles/1678726/beyonce-post-baby-appearance-blue-ivy.jhtml">Beyonc&#233; has already stepped out</a> not once but twice support of Jay-Z as he held two <a href="/news/articles/1678669/jay-z-carnegie-hall.jhtml">shows at Carnegie Hall</a> this week in New York City, and now her fans are wondering when and where the next great B sighting might be. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:732758" width="240" height="211"></div><p> Will it be at the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys/">Grammy Awards</a> on Sunday? Or is she going to save it for when she reveals her <a href="/news/articles/1677033/blue-ivy-beyonce-jay-z-leaves-hospital.jhtml">daughter, Blue Ivy</a>, for the first time? "This option was typical Beyonc&#233;. She isn't interested in getting paid to pose on a tabloid cover. It was a non-event," Huffington Post celebrity columnist Rob Shuter told MTV News about the first two <a href="http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/02/08/beyonce-photos-carnegie-hall-night-two/">Queen B sightings</a>. "She isn't one of those reality-type celebrities that turn up at everything just to be seen. Her next big moment will be when she walks a red carpet for a project she is involved in." With Beyonc&#233; choosing to go a more low-key route this week, celebrity editor <a href="http://gossipdavid.com" target="_blank">David Caplan</a> notes that there's a good chance that she may walk the carpet this Sunday. She's up for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for her Andre 3000-assisted <i>4</i> track, "Party," as well as Best Long Form Music Video for her "I Am ... World Tour" special. Jay-Z is also up for some prizes, including Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Album for the work he did with Kanye West on "Otis" and <i>Watch the Throne.</i> "Going forward, I expect her next big reveal to be at a show like the Grammys, where she can really jazz it up with a gown, which people want to see," he noted. "I think we'll see Beyonc&#233; gradually appear in more photos at events with Jay-Z as she seeks to get back into the groove. And once those baby photos are out, I wouldn't be surprised to see her out and about occasionally with Blue doing mommy-related tasks." So, how should we expect to see those first photos? "Since Beyonc&#233; chose to make the reveal by simply stepping out, and letting the throngs of photographers waiting for her to have a field day by taking tons of photos, her reveal allowed every media outlet to run the photos and make the reveal themselves, as opposed to if Beyonc&#233; made an exclusive first post-baby picture deal with a magazine like <i>People</i> or <i>Us</i> or a monthly magazine like <i>Vogue</i> or <i>Vanity Fair</i>," he said. "Stylistically, had she done a proper shoot with a magazine, the photos would have a much more top-notch quality to them, but when celebs do such photo shoots, they open themselves up to scrutiny since the public sometimes shuns on celebs who get paid for such photos, which happens, especially with the celebrity weeklies," he continued. "But the photos are great, and it's obvious she worked with at least one photo agency, since she posted very clear photos of herself on her website." And, since B has already been out and about, that ultimately affects the value of future pictures of her. "Now that the first pics of her post-baby have been revealed, the monetary value of subsequent photos of her &#8212; without her baby, of course &#8212; will be of course pricey," Caplan said. "But ultimately less in value since there's already a set out." Well, whenever B decides to make her big red-carpet statement or introduce the world to Blue Ivy, she's certainly already floored her friends with her dazzling post-baby looks. "She looks fantastic. She looks fantastic. I told her she looks so hot!" <a href="/news/articles/1678927/beyonce-blue-ivy-appearance.jhtml">Kelly Rowland</a> exclaimed to MTV News this week. "She looks so hot; just even sexy. Love her!" <i>Do you think Beyonc&#233; will show up at the Grammys? Leave your comment below.</i> <b>Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss Sway and James Montgomery live from the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys/">Grammys</a> red carpet this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered until the Grammy hangover wears off!</b></p>

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Ciara Cindy Crawford Cindy Taylor Cinthia Moura

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Oscars 2013 Predictions: Our Picks For Next Year

Because it's never too early to start the wild speculation.
By Kevin P. Sullivan


Martin Freeman in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
Photo: James Fisher/ New Line Productions

Well, everyone, that's it for our 2012 Oscars coverage. It's been a great awards season. Can't wait to see you next year. ... ... ... Hello, everyone, and welcome to MTV News' 2013 Oscars coverage. It seems like just yesterday that "The Artist" won big and took home Best Picture, but who cares about that movie anymore? That's old news.

This year is sure to be a huge year at the movies, and the nominees for next year's Oscars are already lining up. MTV News has your first look at the likely nominees for the Academy Awards based on everything we know about the Oscars.

Best Supporting Actor
A rare, wide-open race this late in the game, Best Supporting Actor nominations could go to any number of great actors who were not great enough to be considered for the lead. The one lock at this point has to be Christoph Waltz for his work in Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained." Waltz won an Academy Award for playing essentially the same character in "Inglourious Basterds," but this time he's a good guy. What could be bad about that?

Best Actress
Here's a category already locked in a dead heat, with a wide variety of potential nominees vying for one of the five spots. The real shock here could be young Quvenzhané Wallis in "Beasts of the Southern Wild," who won over audiences at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and the Academy will jump at any opportunity to honor a child actor. Other potential nominees include Sandra Bullock in "Gravity," a largely solo performance from a previous winner, and Keira Knightley in "Anna Karenina" because it's Keira Knightley in a Joe Wright-directed costume drama. Also, either Charlize Theron or Noomi Rapace could earn nominations for "Prometheus," depending on whose face doesn't get eaten first.

Best Actor
For Best Actor, expect to see a lot of familiar faces and perhaps one familiar face that actually belongs to someone else. I'm speaking, of course, about Joseph Gordon-Levitt in "Looper." It's unclear whether JGL will be in a more supporting role, but early reports peg his prosthetic-enhanced performance as a young Bruce Willis as a career-best. Also, the Academy loves an actor in makeup. You might see the rest of the category filled out with award favorites because they're award favorites, like Daniel Day-Lewis ("Lincoln"), Philip Seymour Hoffman ("The Master"), Brad Pitt ("Cogan's Trade"), and a second nomination for John Hawkes ("The Surrogate").

Best Picture
The 2013 Best Picture category should shake out like filling out the cast of a heist movie. Everyone has a unique role to play. You have the musical ("Les Miserable") and the obligatory Tolkien nominee ("The Hobbit"). There's the populist Ben Affleck film ("Argo") and the critic-loved Ben Affleck film ("Untitled Terrence Malick Project'). Plus, you need a current affairs film ("Untitled International Thriller," formerly known as "Kill Bin Laden") and a movie everyone loved but will never win ("The Dark Knight Rises"). That should just about do it.

Leave your predictions for the 2013 Oscars in the comments section!

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com for updates on the night's big winners and the best red-carpet fashion.

Chelsea Handler Cheryl Burke China Chow Chloë Sevigny

NBA All-Star Weekend Goes 'Bananas'

'A lot of people take this situation for granted — I don't,' celebrity MVP Kevin Hart says of his win at Orlando game.
By Rob Markman


Nicki Minaj performs at the 2012 NBA All-Star Game
Photo: Getty Images

ORLANDO, Florida — The stars weren't just on the court Sunday night during the NBA 2012 All-Star Game in Orlando as music and Hollywood's brightest came out to watch the Eastern ballers battle against the Western stars. Before the big game, some of our favorites walked the red carpet and talked b-ball with MTV News.

"Bananas" is how actor Pooch Hall described NBA All-Star Weekend in Orlando. Comedian Kevin Hart had a few highlights, but none bigger than when he won the MVP award for Friday's celebrity all-star game. Hart led his team to victory by scoring eight points and six assists. "I played a lot this year. I knew I was going to be playing in the celebrity game. A lot of people take this situation for granted — I don't," he told MTV News in jest. "What I did was I did a lot of weight training, a lot of cardio. It paid off — my endurance was where it was supposed to be. I played 38 minutes, which is unheard of in a celebrity game."

Hart's celebrity teammate Vinny Guadagnino from MTV's "Jersey Shore" didn't fare as well on the stat sheet, but enjoyed the weekend all the same. "It's my first All-Star Game, going for the East, New York, all day," he said.

Another NYC native, Michael Rapaport, wasn't rooting for a hometown hero in the ASG. He was actually hoping that Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard would come up big and have a great outing. But it didn't happen. Instead Dwight finished with nine points for the losing Eastern Conference All-Star squad.

It was a fun but highly contested game that was decided in the final seconds. Pooch Hall just hoped that no one got hurt. Unfortunately though, L.A. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant suffered a broken nose after he was fouled hard by Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

Still, there didn't seem to be any hard feelings throughout the entire weekend. "For me, All-Star is about having fun, and you see all these guys who are friends hanging out and having a good time, so it makes it great," LaLa Vasquez Anthony said.

Related Photos Related Artists

Cinthia Moura Claudette Ortiz Coco Lee Connie Nielsen

Justin Bieber And Esperanza Spalding: One Year Since Their Grammy Showdown

MTV News looks at what the artists have been up to since Spalding beat out Bieber for Best New Artist at the 2011 Grammys.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber performs at the 2011 Grammy Awards
Photo: Lester Cohen/ WireImage

<P>Last year, <a href="/news/articles/1657863/esperanza-spalding-best-new-artist.jhtml">Esperanza Spalding beat out</a> sure bets like Justin Bieber, Florence and the Machine and Drake when she won the Best New Artist prize at the 2011 <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys/">Grammy Awards</a>. The loss was particularly <a href="/news/articles/1657888/justin-bieber-esperanza-spalding.jhtml">hard on Bieber</a>, who spoke to MTV News shortly after the loss. "I had no clue what was going to happen; I worked really hard these past few years, and you know, I'm not going to lie &#8212; I was disappointed," <a href="/news/articles/1657878/justin-bieber-grammy-loss.jhtml">Bieber told MTV News</a> at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "But, you know, I'm gonna come back [next year] and we'll take a few home. ... I'm inspired to work harder than I did last year. It's going to be hard, but I'm going to try." </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:622224.id:1657881" width="240" height="211"></div><p> <a href="/news/articles/1657892/esperanza-spalding-grammys-best-new-artist.jhtml">Spalding was nearly as floored</a> by the win as Bieber. "I really didn't think it was going to be me," she told MTV News backstage. "I was one of those [surprised] people. ... It was so unexpected, that's the truth. I'm grateful to all my people in my big musical family that have given me so much support and help over the years. I don't really think this is for me; it's for all of us. And I wish they could all be here to put one finger on this with me." In the 12 months since last year's Grammy show, <a href="/news/articles/1676395/justin-bieber-2011-news.jhtml">Bieber has been everywhere</a> and has certainly lived up to his promise to work hard. He's released new music as well as lots of splashy music videos, gone on an arena-filling world tour, dropped a box-office-busting 3-D concert film, hit the studio for his upcoming album <i>Believe</i> and kept teen girls screaming with an onslaught of various new hairstyles and photo ops. Spalding, on the other hand, has managed to fly under the radar in the time since she took home Grammy gold. However, this March she plans to get back on the scene and release her new album, <i>Radio Music Society,</i> her follow-up to <i>Chamber Music Society,</i> the 2010 album that helped bring national attention to her at the Grammys last year. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:622257.id:1657881" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "Originally I thought it would be fun to release a double album," she said in a statement about the soon-to-be released album. "One disc with an intimate, subtle exploration of chamber works and a second one in which jazz musicians explore song forms and melodies that are formatted more along the lines of what we would categorize as pop songs. Those are the two things that really interest me, and it intrigues me to think about different presentation approaches while writing each kind of song." As she sets out to celebrate the anniversary of her win, Spalding dropped a new track, "Black Gold," to radio, and earlier this month she premiered the video for it. She'll also hit the road for a tour that kicks off in April and wraps up in June. Interestingly enough, <a href="/news/articles/1678841/justin-bieber-drake-collab-believe.jhtml">Bieber is also set</a> to drop his new album later this year, for which he's enlisted Drake, will.i.am, Pharrell and Lil Wayne. Could it mean there will be another Bieber/Spalding showdown at the 2013 Grammy Awards? Only time will tell. <b>Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss our <a href="/news/articles/1678706/grammy-awards-red-carpet-live-stream.jhtml">Grammy red-carpet live stream</a> this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered for all the <a href="http://style.mtv.com/category/awards-shows/">Grammy red-carpet fashion</a>, <a href="/news/articles/1678701/grammy-winners-list.jhtml">Grammy winners</a> and Grammy news until the hangover wears off!</b></p>

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi Ali Larter Alice Dodd

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Celebrity Skrillex Makeovers!

MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Celebrity Skrillex Makeovers!

Related Artists

Drew Barrymore Ehrinn Cummings Elena Lyons Elisabeth Röhm

Meet the New, Younger Carrie Bradshaw: AnnaSophia Robb!

The CW has a new young star in the making! AnnaSophia Robb has been cast to play a young Carrie Bradshaw -- the role Sarah Jessica Parker made famous on HBO's long-running hit series, Sex and the City -- in The Carrie Diaries.

Amber Heard Amber Valletta America Ferrera Amerie

Photos | Rihanna and Ke$ha Perform At Madison Square Garden

Rihanna and Ke$ha Perform At Madison Square Garden

Related Artists

Britney Spears Brittany Daniel Brittany Lee Brittany Murphy

Ke$ha Celebrates National Coming Out Day

'We R Who We R' T-shirts support the Human Rights Campaign.
By Jocelyn Vena


Ke$ha design of t-shirts National Coming Out Day
Photo: Ke$ha

<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/kesha_/artist.jhtml">Kesha</a> has joined forces with the Human Rights Campaign to help celebrate National Coming Out Day on Tuesday (October 11). The pop singer created a special message T-shirt, featuring a purple zebra, that <a href="/news/articles/1653432/kehas-we-r-who-we-r-video-is-hot-and-dangerous.jhtml">proclaims "We R Who We R,"</a> the title of her hit anthem about individuality. The shirts sell for $35, with all proceeds supporting the HRC's work to achieve equality for the LGBT community. According to the <a href="http://www.hrc.org/press-releases/entry/human-rights-campaign-unveils-t-shirt-collaboration-with-kesha" target="_blank">HRC website</a>, only 1,000 shirts will be produced. Others are also using the day to bring awareness to LGBT issues. Several notable celebrities will be honored by the Equality Forum, which is hosting an event and profiling notable LGBT members in pop culture. As <a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2011/10/lgbt-history-month-honors-ricky-martin-wanda-sykes-ryan-murphy-pedro-zamora-27-other-icons.html#ixzz1aTgr8yl4" target="_blank">LGBT History Month</a> rolls on throughout October, Ricky Martin, Wanda Sykes, "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy and Pedro Zamora, a former "The Real World" castmember turned AIDS activist, all will be profiled by the organization. "We're the only minority worldwide that's not taught history at home, in school or religious institutions," said Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum's founder and executive director. "Like every group that's been marginalized, it really helps to make the case why we should take real pride in ourselves and our community." Since launching the program five years ago, over 200 icons have been profiled, including Jane Lynch, Lady Gaga and Neil Patrick Harris. Lazin called LGBT month "empowering and life affirming." The message comes amid increased awareness about young people being bullied, including MTV's <a href="http://www.athinline.org">A Thin Line</a> campaign. The MTV film <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/disconnected/series.jhtml">"DISconnected,"</a> which premiered Monday night, focuses on issues in a world where technology controls personal lives. "I see the viciousness of people every day," said <a href="/news/articles/1672289/jersey-shore-vinny-disconnected-fight-negativity.jhtml">"Jersey Shore" star Vinny Guadagnino</a> on the "DISconnected" after show. "I kind of want to be a soldier in the field, so to speak, and try to combat the negativity with a positive message. I want to help open people's eyes up, like this movie does, to the negativity." <b>Check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MTVDisCONNECTED">Facebook</a> page for <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/disconnected/series.jhtml">"DISconnected."</a></b></p>

Related Videos Related Artists

Jessica Paré Jessica Simpson Zooey Deschanel Aaliyah

Justin Bieber Reveals Release Dates For New Singles

Bieber's Far East Movement collabo drops next week, followed by his first Believe single in March.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber
Photo: Jesse Grant/ WireImage

<P>Fans who want to hear some new music from <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> won't have to wait much longer. The singer has revealed that he's set to drop not one but two singles in the very near future. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="id:1672718" width="240" height="211"></div><p> First off, Bieber's <a href="/news/articles/1679414/justin-bieber-far-east-movement-studio-redone.jhtml">collaboration with Far East Movement</a>, which also features Party Rockers LMFAO, drops on Tuesday. The <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/justinbieber" target="_blank">Twitter</a> announcement for the release included the hashtag "#LiveMyLife," perhaps a hint as to the name of the song. The song's producer, RedOne, recently spoke to MTV News about the track. "I did a few songs with Far East Movement, and one of the songs ... to me, it's a smash," he said. "And Justin sang the chorus. It's a really good song, and I think people are gonna dance like crazy to it." In addition to the release, Bieber revealed that the first single off his forthcoming album <i>Believe</i> will drop in March. "And u guys keep asking. so yeah. my single is NEXT MONTH>#BELIEVE," he wrote. Little else is known about the song, but given the caliber of talent he's been recording with for the album of the same name, it's certain to be something his Beliebers will look forward to. For the album, he's hooked up with everyone from Pharrell and Rodney Jerkins to Drake, Lil Wayne, Timbaland and will.i.am. "The only conversation we've had about <a href="/news/articles/1675015/justin-bieber-new-album.jhtml">Justin's album</a> that we're about to do is it's really important that it's the proper transition, because we've seen him [with] 'Baby,' now we're watching him grow up," vocal producer Kuk Harrell told us. "And we can't just throw him into the adult game right away. It has to be the proper transition. There's a record in between." It's an exciting time for Bieber. As he continues to up his professional game, he's also about to celebrate a personal milestone: The teen star will turn 18 on March 1.</p>

Related Videos Related Artists

Audrina Patridge Autumn Reeser Avril Lavigne Bali Rodriguez

Monday, February 27, 2012

Beyoncé - Countdown

Countdown

  • Artist: Beyoncé
  • Label: Columbia, Parkwood
  • Director: Beyoncé / Adria Petty

Ciara Cindy Crawford Cindy Taylor Cinthia Moura

Nick Jonas Had 'Fun' Playing A Bad-Boy Teen Star On 'Smash'

'It's kind of an odd pair, she and I together,' Nick tells MTV News of going head-to-head with Anjelica Huston on tonight's episode.
By Jocelyn Vena


Nick Jonas
Photo: MTV News

For the past few weeks, theater lovers have been lining up to see Nick Jonas on Broadway in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." But on Monday night (February 27), fans can catch him on a different kind of Broadway show when he makes a much-anticipated cameo on NBC's "Smash."

Nick plays a Lyle West, cocky teen star who negotiates over money with a producer played by Anjelica Huston. And while Nick is well-mannered in real life, his brash, small-screen persona might surprise fans.

"He's a fun character," the Jonas Brother told MTV News last week. "Lyle is very precocious and definitely a bit different than I am in reality. But there are a lot of similarities too: Lyle started off in musical theater [and so did I]. That's how he knows all the people involved in 'Marilyn' [the musical at the center of the show]. ... He's a fun character; I hope he can come back again."

When Lyle isn't busy trying to romance the ladies, he's helping to create original music for the musical and putting his spin on Michael Buble songs. But besides performing those musical numbers, Jonas said he reveled in going head-to-head with screen legend Huston as her character tries to shake him down for money to help fund the show.

"Working with her was an unbelievable experience and she's a legend, obviously," Nick said, "And was so great to talk to off-camera as well. Being in the room with her, first of all, was an honor and to be able to work opposite her in a scene was really interesting. It's kind of an odd pair, she and I together kind of negotiating like that, but it's sort of fun and sweet and works and that what was nice about finding that chemistry with her. I love her. I think she's a ray of light."

Jonas first announced the cameo late last year and fans have been eagerly awaiting the episode, which airs tonight on NBC at 10 p.m. ET, ever since. When MTV News asked him what we could expect, he teased, "You [get] to see everything — almost everything. There's quite a bit.

"If we're gonna open that up, then there's quite a bit that you didn't see," he joked. "But that's why I have to come back."

Are you excited to watch Nick's debut on "Smash"? Tell us in the comments!

Related Photos Related Artists

Alicia Witt Amanda Bynes Amanda Detmer Amanda Marcum

Photos | Celebs Bid Farewell To Oprah Winfrey At Her Final Show Tapings

Celebs Bid Farewell To Oprah Winfrey At Her Final Show Tapings

Related Artists

Cat Power Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter

Ke$ha - My First Kiss

My First Kiss

  • Artist: Ke$ha
  • Label: Photo Finish Records
  • Director: Isaac Ravishankara
  • Album: Lean by Jarre

AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel

Usher - OMG

OMG

  • Artist: Usher
  • Label: LaFace Records, JLG
  • Director: Anthony Mandler

Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright

Photos | Justin Bieber's AMA Night

Justin Bieber's AMA Night

Related Artists

Jennifer ODell Jennifer Scholle Jennifer Sky Jenny McCarthy

Britney Spears Has 'Crazy' Cameo On will.i.am's Album?

Black Eyed Peas mastermind teases a collabo with the pop princess on #willpower, set for 2012 release.
By Jocelyn Vena


Britney Spears performs in San Francisco
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images

<P>In a sea of A-list contributions for will.i.am's forthcoming solo album, the Black Eyed Peas mastermind recently dropped one name that will really get pop fans excited. Speaking with <a href="http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/william/news/britney-spears-alicia-keys-new-album/" target="_blank">Capital FM</a>, will teased that his <i>Femme Fatale</i> collaborator Britney Spears will make an appearance on the album, dubbed <i>#willpower.</i> </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:638813" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "I have a song with Alicia Keys &#8212; me, Alicia and Swedish House Mafia. I have a song with the Beats, which is pretty grand. Me and Shakira have been trying to finish the stuff we started, and me and Britney is really crazy," he said. "So we got a song with me, LMFAO and Eva Simons, a song with me and Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz &#8212; I got a whole other bunch of collaborations." Spears and will.i.am last worked together on "Big Fat Bass," a spacey, grinding party tune complete with clapping noises and some rapping from will himself. Their recording session was featured on the MTV special <a href="/news/articles/1660830/britney-spears-femme-fatale-previews.jhtml">"I Am the Femme Fatale."</a> There's been no word yet from will's camp about the song and whether this is a new track or if he will be including "Big Fat Bass" on the album. The rapper/producer's love for Brit is hardly anything new: He <a href="/news/articles/1662289/britney-spears-will-i-am-big-fat-bass.jhtml">gushed to MTV News about the pop princess</a> months after they recorded together. "[I discovered] her love for music. I never seen anyone, like, come alive, full of excitement and giggling and laughing behind the mic," will recalled to MTV News. "She was like a little kid when she was recording the song, and it just brought the whole atmosphere, it changed the whole atmosphere when someone really loves music. So it was great working with her." His latest single, "T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)," featuring Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger, dropped late last year. <i>#willpower,</i> which also features "X Factor" judge Nicole Scherzinger, will be released later this year. <i>What are you expecting from will and Brit's collabo? Let us know in the comments!</i></p>

Related Artists

Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright

Grammy Red Carpet: Rihanna, Katy Perry, Adele Shine

Our experts take a look at A-list artists who dazzled in glamorous gowns and over-the-top looks.
By Christina Garibaldi


Rihanna at the 2012 Grammys
Photo: Getty Images

<P>Despite the <a href="/news/articles/1679029/whitney-houston-dead.jhtml">shocking death</a> of <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/houston_whitney/artist.jhtml">Whitney Houston</a> on Saturday, the biggest stars in music graced the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys/">Grammy</a> red carpet Sunday to not only honor the late icon, but also to celebrate one of the biggest nights in music and <a href="http://style.mtv.com/">fashion</a>. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:733318.id:1679149" width="240" height="211"></div><p> A-list artists brought both subdued, glamorous looks and the typical over-the-top statement-making <a href="/news/articles/1679091/grammy-awards-2012-red-carpet-fashion.jhtml">Grammy styles</a>. The lady of the night, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/adele/artist.jhtml">Adele</a>, sparkled from head to toe on the red carpet in a black Armani gown, showing off a lighter hair color in her first performance since having <a href="/news/articles/1673944/adele-throat-surgery-recovery.jhtml">vocal-cord surgery</a>. <a href="http://style.mtv.com/2012/02/12/grammy-awards-fashion-best-dressed/"><b>MTV Style picks their best-dressed at the Grammys.</b></a> Fellow British artist Jessie J shined on her first Grammy red carpet, turning heads in a gray Julien Macdonald gown. "I just wanted to wear something that I don't usually wear, which is silver, something long and very heavy," Jessie told MTV News. "I feel like a disco ball at the event." <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/perry_katy/artist.jhtml">Katy Perry</a> was <a href="/news/articles/1679098/grammy-awards-katy-perry.jhtml">feeling blue at the Grammys</a>, matching her blue hairstyle to a light-blue, long-sleeved Elie Saab gown. "One of my absolute favorites of the night was Katy Perry," <a href="http://www.celebuzz.com/" target="_blank">Celebuzz</a> producer Rachel Maresca told MTV News. "She paired her bold, blue hair with a very light-blue Elie Saab lace gown. She looked stunning, and it's a more subdued look for her. We don't always see that out of her, but it is very glamorous." Another statement dress belonged to <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/fergie_bep_/artist.jhtml">Fergie</a>, who called her Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown her "safe choice," which it was far from. The vibrant orange lace gown allowed her black bra and panties to see through, but according to Fergie, when Gaultier gives you a custom look, you have to wear it. "When Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown comes and it's shipped to you and it fits, you wear it," <a href="/news/articles/1679082/grammy-awards-fergie-whitney-houston.jhtml">Fergie told our own Sway Calloway</a>. Yet, out of all these amazing artists, it seems the fashion night belonged to Rihanna. Jaws dropped as she worked the carpet in a one-of-a-kind Armani dress that she helped design. With a plunging neckline and a deep halter, this dress hugged every curve to perfection. <center><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:732065/cp~id%3D1678854%26vid%3D732065%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A732065%26instance%3Dmtv" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed></center> <b>Stick with MTV News for all the news on Whitney Houston's tribute, the <a href="http://style.mtv.com/category/awards-shows/">Grammy red-carpet fashion</a>, <a href="/news/articles/1678701/grammy-winners-list.jhtml">Grammy winners</a> and more until the hangover wears off!</b></p>

Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists

Dominique Swain Donna Feldman Drea de Matteo Drew Barrymore

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Sentenced

Conrad Murray faces another hearing in January to potentially provide more than $101 million in restitution to the Jackson family.
By



Photo: Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Related Artists

Autumn Reeser Avril Lavigne Bali Rodriguez Bar Refaeli

Michael Jackson - The Behind The Mask Project

The Behind The Mask Project

Ana Beatriz Barros Ana Hickmann Ana Ivanovi Ana Paula Lemes

Britney Spears Has 'Crazy' Cameo On will.i.am's Album?

Black Eyed Peas mastermind teases a collabo with the pop princess on #willpower, set for 2012 release.
By Jocelyn Vena


Britney Spears performs in San Francisco
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images

<P>In a sea of A-list contributions for will.i.am's forthcoming solo album, the Black Eyed Peas mastermind recently dropped one name that will really get pop fans excited. Speaking with <a href="http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/william/news/britney-spears-alicia-keys-new-album/" target="_blank">Capital FM</a>, will teased that his <i>Femme Fatale</i> collaborator Britney Spears will make an appearance on the album, dubbed <i>#willpower.</i> </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:638813" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "I have a song with Alicia Keys &#8212; me, Alicia and Swedish House Mafia. I have a song with the Beats, which is pretty grand. Me and Shakira have been trying to finish the stuff we started, and me and Britney is really crazy," he said. "So we got a song with me, LMFAO and Eva Simons, a song with me and Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz &#8212; I got a whole other bunch of collaborations." Spears and will.i.am last worked together on "Big Fat Bass," a spacey, grinding party tune complete with clapping noises and some rapping from will himself. Their recording session was featured on the MTV special <a href="/news/articles/1660830/britney-spears-femme-fatale-previews.jhtml">"I Am the Femme Fatale."</a> There's been no word yet from will's camp about the song and whether this is a new track or if he will be including "Big Fat Bass" on the album. The rapper/producer's love for Brit is hardly anything new: He <a href="/news/articles/1662289/britney-spears-will-i-am-big-fat-bass.jhtml">gushed to MTV News about the pop princess</a> months after they recorded together. "[I discovered] her love for music. I never seen anyone, like, come alive, full of excitement and giggling and laughing behind the mic," will recalled to MTV News. "She was like a little kid when she was recording the song, and it just brought the whole atmosphere, it changed the whole atmosphere when someone really loves music. So it was great working with her." His latest single, "T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)," featuring Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger, dropped late last year. <i>#willpower,</i> which also features "X Factor" judge Nicole Scherzinger, will be released later this year. <i>What are you expecting from will and Brit's collabo? Let us know in the comments!</i></p>

Related Artists

Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison

Exclusive 'Goon' Trading Cards: Now On Demand!

Seann William Scott and Liev Schreiber beating the ever-loving snot out of each other, on ice no less? Yeah, that sounds like my idea of an awesome time at the movies. That's precisely what "Goon" has in store for viewers when the hockey flick from Scott, Schreiber and Jay Baruchel hits theaters in select cities [...]

Gina Carano Gina Gershon Gina Philips Gisele Bündchen

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy: Pop Stars Making Taylor Swift Faces!

MTV Buzzworthy: Pop Stars Making Taylor Swift Faces!

Related Artists

Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Cheryl Burke China Chow

Grammys 2012: Experts React!


By


Adele at the 2012 Grammys
Photo: FilmMagic

Related Artists

Ehrinn Cummings Elena Lyons Elisabeth Röhm Elisha Cuthbert

Ke$ha Is Channeling 'Sexiness' Of '70s Rock For New Album

Glitter-heavy pop star tells MTV News she's going for 'balls-out, irreverent rock and roll.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias


Ke$ha
Photo: MTV News

<P><a href="/music/artist/_kesha_/artist.jhtml">Ke$ha</a>'s already got the face paint down pat, and, during recent live sets, she's even taken to <a href="http://www.popeater.com/2011/03/17/kesha-drinks-blood-during-performance" target="_blank">guzzling blood</a> out of a human heart, so it should come as no surprise that, on her upcoming album, the pop star is taking things back to the most <i>theatrical</i> era of rock: the prop-heavy, arena-spanning heyday of the 1970s. Ke$h revealed her plans over the weekend in Los Angeles, on the red carpet of KIIS FM's annual <a href="/news/articles/1663909/wango-tango-britney-spears-kesha.jhtml">Wango Tango</a> concert, where she told MTV News that the follow-up to her breakout <i>Animal</i> album (and, we suppose, <a href="/news/articles/1652714/kehas-cannibal-a-cheat-sheet.jhtml"><i>Cannibal</i></a> too) would be heavy on hard riffs and light on pretty much <i>everything</i> else. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:652875" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "The next album ... I've been working on writing on the road, but as far as a sound, I just know it's gonna be balls-out, irreverent rock and roll," she said. "I've been pretty much in this '70s rock and roll kick and I just want to capture some of the true essence of what rock and roll is, and that's just irreverence and sexiness and fun and not giving a f---, so we'll definitely put a bit of rock and roll in it." So, does that mean that fans can expect the likes of Alice Cooper or Peter Frampton to show up on her new album? Perhaps. Because while Ke$ha's new album is still a ways off, she's already begun calling in favors, hoping to line up a killer collabo for the new disc. "I'm trying, trust me," she laughed. "I really would love to connect with one of my idols, I mean, that's my dream. I'm working on it." <i>What do you think of Ke$ha going rock for her next album? Tell us in the comments!</i></p>

Related Photos Related Artists

Amanda Swisten Amber Arbucci