- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Mental Sports Mixes
Gabrielle Union Garcelle Beauvais Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Usher - OMG
HGTV, LA and Dining Room Tables
I've been watching a lot of HGTV since coming to LA. My favorite shows are House Hunters and House Hunters International. There's also another show I like to watch called For Rent, but only because it makes me angry.
When it comes to apartments/homes, I think living in New York for the past eleven years has made me bitter because there was this whiny broad on For Rent a few nights ago who was looking at a huge place—A HUGE PLACE—and was like, "There's no place for a dining room table..."
B*TCH, YOU'RE LUCKY TO GET A KITCHEN IN NEW YORK.
I hated her.
Now there's some stupid lady on House Hunters who wants a townhouse with a fireplace that she can turn on with a light switch. IT HAS TO BE A LIGHT SWITCH because she doesn't want to bend down and flip a switch on the floor.
WHO DO THESE PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE?
Anyway, I know my LA update is WAY overdue (and truth be told I wrote a long one last week but for some reason it didn't save so I lost the whole thing and I was so angry that I just said, "Ah, f*ck it," and closed the computer instead of rewriting) but to give you a quick update, I AM SO HAPPY HERE. I MEAN, I'M REALLY, REALLY HAPPY. And I think living here and watching HGTV—both of these things combined—has made me realize that New York was just beating me down. I mean, the fireplace lady—yes, she's an idiot. But there's nothing wrong with wanting a dining room table. Why did I get so mad at that lady?
Since being here, at least once a day I ask myself why I have lived in New York for so long. (It's like I had Stockholm Syndrome or something.) CALIFORNIA IS AWESOME. It's like the promised land. It's sunny all the time and there are birds and flowers everywhere. I have space out here. I have a sofa on the patio out here. I HAVE A SOFA OUTSIDE. I haven't seen one rat since I've been here. But hummingbirds? THEY ZIP BY MY HEAD EVERY DAY. I am so happy.
I'm supposed to go back to New York in November, but truth be told, I'm not sure I will.
Britney Spears Demo Leaked By 'X Factor' Castoff
Don Philip, a former Spears backup singer, also takes a dig at Spears on Facebook after his unsuccessful audition.
By John Mitchell
<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> is busy traveling the U.S. in search of singers who have "The X Factor," but one rejected contestant (and former Spears backup singer) isn't handling his dismissal from the show all that well, releasing a previously unheard Spears demo and hitting out at the singer on Facebook.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Britney Spears Explains Why She Wanted To Be A Part Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:769620" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Singer Don Philip <a href="http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/80415/LISTEN-Britney-Spears-Teams-Up-With-X-Factor-Reject-On-Leaked-Track-" target="_blank">released the track</a>, originally titled "Pleasure You," on Wednesday on his SoundCloud. The singer — who duetted with Spears on the ballad "I Will Still Love You" off her debut album, <i>... Baby One More Time</i> — also appears on "Pleasure You." <a href="http://www.digitalspy.com/music/s141/the-x-factor-us/news/a391696/britney-spears-song-featuring-x-factor-usa-reject-emerges-listen.html" target="_blank">Digital Spy</a> reports that the dance track is believed to be from a 2010 studio session for Spears' most recent album, the well-received <i>Femme Fatale.</i></P><P>Philip recently had an <a href="/news/articles/1687704/britney-spears-x-factor-partner-reunion.jhtml">emotional reunion with Spears</a> while auditioning for "X Factor" in San Francisco. The pop star reportedly recognized her former collaborator immediately and became emotional when Philip began crying onstage after what he has himself since admitted was a weak audition. She remained professional, however, and sided with her fellow judges in removing Philip from the competition.</P><P>He later took to <a href="http://www.wenn.com/all-news/x-factor-reject-takes-aim-at-former-duet-partner-britney-spears/" target="_blank">his Facebook</a> to explain why his audition went so poorly, and he also took a shot at Spears in the process. "Back to real life ... all my demons released ... I totally crocked when the pressure was on ... at least I didn't shave my head," he wrote. "My vocal [cords] tightened up like a snake around a mouse."</P><P>It is unclear whether Philip's vocal originally appeared on the "Pleasure You" demo or whether it was added later without Spears' knowledge.</P><P>The pop star has reportedly settled into her role as judge on "The X Factor" quite nicely. Talking to a paparazzi cameraman in Los Angeles in June, <a href="/news/articles/1687468/britney-spears-simon-cowell-x-factor-judge.jhtml">Simon Cowell said of Spears</a>, "She's been amazing. She's really taking time to learn how to do this. She's got her confidence up. Once people give her a chance, I think people are really going to get her. It will be a big surprise. She's a tough judge."</P><P>"The X Factor" returns to Fox on September 12.</P>
Related ArtistsDimmu Borgir Release Live DVD; Plus Led Zeppelin, Brujeria, & More News That Rules, In Metal File
'It shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums,' guitarist says.
By Chris Harris
<P>On October 14, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/borgir_dimmu/artist.jhtml">Dimmu Borgir</a>Dimmu Borgir — who just happen to be <a href="/news/articles/1593780/demi-lovato-metalhead-metal-file.jhtml">Demi Lovato's favorite black-metal band</a> — will release a a three-disc DVD/CD set called "The Invaluable Darkness," the band's first visual offering since 2002's "World Misanthropy." Boasting live footage shot last year, during gigs in Norway, Germany and England, "The Invaluable Darkness" demonstrates the unbridled furor of seeing Dimmu live, guitarist Silenoz said.</P><P>"It shows the honest rawness and atmospheric darkness of our concerts," the Norwegian told <i>Metal File</i> last week, after <a href="/news/articles/1596201/this-moment-make-dream-reality-metal-file.jhtml">dismissing recent online rumors that his band's next LP would be coming out through Roadrunner Records</a>. "Basically, it shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums. It's just a different side to the band, basically."</P><P>Dimmu Borgir began thinking about "The Invaluable Darkness" two years ago, but didn't start capturing footage until last summer, Silenoz explained, adding that the band will use its current stint on the Blackest of the Black Tour — which got underway Thursday night in Miami Beach, Florida, and also features the tour's founder, Danzig, along with <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/moonspell/artist.jhtml">Moonspell</a>Moonspell, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/winds_of_plague/artist.jhtml">Winds of Plague</a>Winds of Plague and Skeletonwitch — to promote the DVD. Dimmu Borgir will not, however, use the tour to write material for their next LP.</P><P>"It's our first time on Blackest, but Glenn [Danzig] had wanted to bring us out before [on the tour], but we weren't available until now," Silenoz said. "We've done Ozzfest before, but we're looking forward to this tour more. We did the main stage on Ozzfest, playing in f--_ing broad daylight. This tour will let us play in bigger places, but at the same time showcase more of what the band's about, visually. We are going to concentrate on the tour for now. Some years ago, we tried putting [material] together on the road, but once we got home, we listened back to it, and were like, 'What the f--- <i>is</i> this?' So, we just scrapped it all. We find it's so much better to totally focus on one thing at a time, and then, when that's over, you move on to the next [thing]. We don't really feel like we need to rush things, anyway, so we'll just take our time, and it's going to be what it's going to be."</P><P>Dimmu Borgir hope to reconvene in late December to begin writing the follow-up to 2007's diabolically titled <i>In Sorte Diaboli.</i> "We have some ideas floating around already, but we haven't arranged any material yet," he said. "We'll start doing that once the touring for this DVD is over." The band's frontman, Shagrath, is also due to marry soon — he's engaged to actor Nicolas Cage's ex-girlfriend, Christina Fulton, so that may have an effect on when Dimmu finish their next album, which Silenoz said could be out this coming spring.</P><P>"I'm sure [Shagrath] won't let anything get in the way [of] the band — I think, I hope," the guitarist said. "We don't need a Yoko [Ono] situation."</P><P>While Dimmu have been at it going on 15 years now, Silenoz said he doesn't think their forthcoming material will be much of a departure from their previous black-metal offerings.</P><P>"And we have always been about more than just that term, 'black metal,' " he said. "Luckily for us, the older you get, the less concerned you get with the categorization and putting labels on your music. Things start getting more and more limitless with us, and we know that we operate within certain frames. But we try not to analyze things too much, because it's just going to be working against you in the end. When we write new stuff, we don't think about what we should write — we just get together, and put material together, and if we like it, we keep it. That's the formula, if we even have a formula."</P><P>Dimmu Borgir are definitely getting older — guitarist Galder will be missing Blackest because of a recent addition to his family, and <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/susperia/artist.jhtml">Susperia's</a>Susperia's Cyrus will be filling in for him; while former <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/vader/artist.jhtml">Vader</a>Vader drummer Dariusz Brzozowski takes over for Hellhammer, who had to leave the band in 2007 after sustaining a neck injury that's now limited the use of his right arm. As Dimmu has gotten on in years, Silenoz admits they have failed to keep pace with some of the more extreme black-metal acts that have followed in their wake.</P><P>"We helped open doors for the more extreme bands out there," Silenoz said. "I'm sure we helped open doors for bands like Watain, [insomuch as] people that had maybe started listening to us first then went on to the more extreme stuff. Let's face it — we're not as extreme as Watain and other bands like that, but we're fine with that."</P><P>The Blackest of the Black Tour continues through November 10 in San Francisco.</P><P>The rest of the week's metal news:</P><P>Dimmu's tourmates on Blackest, <b>Winds of Plague</b>, have announced ex-<b>Azusa</b> drummer <b>Art Cruz</b> has joined their ranks — he replaced <b>Jeff Tenney</b>. According to the band's blog, "Art has already added a new spark to the band and has provided us with a solid backbone that will allow us to continue our rampage stronger than ever." ...</P><P>What the world really needs is another <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/led_zeppelin/artist.jhtml"><b>Led Zeppelin</b></a><b>Led Zeppelin</b> box set, so, on November 4, Rhino Records will issue the <i>Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica CD</i> box set. For just $200, you'll get 1969's <i>Led Zeppelin,</i> 1969's <i>Led Zeppelin II,</i> 1970's <i>Led Zeppelin III,</i> 1971's <i>Led Zeppelin IV,</i> 1973's <i>Houses of the Holy,</i> 1975's <i>Physical Graffiti,</i> 1976's <i>Presence,</i> 1976's <i>The Song Remains the Same,</i> 1979's <i>In Through the Out Door</i> and 1982's <i>Coda,</i> as mini-LP replicas, with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. Now, you know what you can get your dad for Christmas. ...</P><P>Former <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/killswitch_engage/artist.jhtml"><b>Killswitch Engage</b></a><b>Killswitch Engage</b> frontman <b>Jesse Leach</b> and current Killswitch Engage guitarist <b>Adam Dutkiewicz</b> have teamed up for a new project they're calling <b>Times of Grace</b>, and they've already started working on material for their debut album. According to Leach, "We have two songs to go and we will be finished with all of the vocals. Adam has taken lead vocals in three songs as of yet and he is doing a great job. We also worked on a track yesterday that is so epic — we trade vocals and do two different melodies at the same time. This album went from a melodic metal album to an epic mix of metal/rock/pop/shoegaze and punk. So all of your metal expectations will be incorrect — we are pushing genre boundaries." To quote "Meet the Parents," we'll look forward to that, Greg. ...</P><P><b>The Funeral Pyre</b> and <b>Early Graves</b> will be hitting the road together next month, starting November 7 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Dates are booked through November 21 in Hollywood. ...</P><P>The latest incarnation of <b>Brujeria</b>, which features <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/carcass/artist.jhtml"><b>Carcass</b></a><b>Carcass</b> frontman <b>Jeff Walker</b> and <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/napalm_death/artist.jhtml"><b>Napalm Death's</b></a><b>Napalm Carcass's</b> <b>Shane Embury</b>, have lined up several U.S. dates for this winter. The band will begin its brief trek November 28 in Denver, and wrap things up in Dallas on December 7. ... <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/demiricous/artist.jhtml"><b>Demiricous</b></a><b>Demiricous</b> will be touring with the <b>Gates of Slumber</b> starting November 9 in Denver, for a jaunt that's scheduled to run through December 6 in Indianapolis. ...</P><P>Nearly three years after <a href="/news/articles/1518428/roadrunner-holds-all-star-anniversary-bash.jhtml">Roadrunner Records' Roadrunner United concert</a>, which took over the Nokia Theater in New York's Times Square, the label is now releasing footage from that special night as "Roadrunner United: The Concert." The DVD, which hits stores December 9, will boast two discs and 24 live tracks, including <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/life_of_agony/artist.jhtml"><b>Life of Agony's</b></a><b>Life of Agony's</b> "River Runs Red," <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/king_diamond/artist.jhtml"><b>King Diamond's</b></a><b>King Diamond's</b> "Abigail," Killswitch's "My Last Serenade," <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/type_o_negative/artist.jhtml"><b>Type O Negative's</b></a><b>Type O</P>
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?Glee? Creator Ryan Murphy Secretly Wed David Miller
“Glee” Creator Ryan Murphy Secretly Wed David Miller
Ryan Murphy, the creator of the hit musical show “Glee”, is a married man after secretly exchanging vows with his partner David Miller in July. [...]
“Glee” Creator Ryan Murphy Secretly Wed David Miller Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Hope Solo: 'Dancing with the Stars' Is Rigged
When Hope Solo competed on Dancing with the Stars last year, she won fourth place fair and square. Or did she? In a shocking passage from her new memoir, the soccer champ claims that the show's winners are decided in advance by the judges -- not by audience votes.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
?Glee? Creator Ryan Murphy Secretly Wed David Miller
“Glee” Creator Ryan Murphy Secretly Wed David Miller
Ryan Murphy, the creator of the hit musical show “Glee”, is a married man after secretly exchanging vows with his partner David Miller in July. [...]
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Could 'Transylvania' And 'Looper' Give The Box Office A Shot In The Arm?
Joseph Gordon Levitt's sci-fi drama and kid-friendly 'Hotel Transylvania' to open this weekend amid a floundering box office.
By Ryan J. Downey
Joseph Gordon-Levitt in "Looper"
Photo: DMG Entertainment
Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison Jennifer ODell Jennifer Scholle
Usher's Stepson Kile Glover Laid To Rest In Atlanta
Family and friends gathered at the Wieuca Road Baptist Church for 11-year-old's funeral service Friday (July 27).
By Rob Markman, with reporting by FLX
<P>Family and friends gathered privately in Atlanta on Friday (July 27) to lay to rest young Kile Glover, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher Raymond</a>'s 11-year old stepson, who died from injuries suffered in a tragic <a href="/news/articles/1689206/ushers-stepson-declared-brain-dead-after-jet-ski-accident.jhtml">Jet Ski accident</a> earlier this month.</P><P>Glover was the son of Usher's ex-wife, Tameka Foster, and Atlanta TV executive Ryan Glover. He was struck by a Jet Ski while floating in an inner tube on Atlanta's Lake Lanier on July 6.</P><P>There was no fanfare outside the Wieuca Road Baptist Church on Peachtree Road where the funeral was held, but inside, the Glover, Foster and Raymond families received tremendous amounts of support from many esteemed members of Atlanta's music and political communities. Ludacris, Jazze Pha and Phaedra Parks from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" were just some of the celebrities in attendance. The hour-long service began at 11 a.m.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Usher's Stepson Kile Glover Is Laid To Rest" id="vid:819972" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Young Kile was airlifted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where doctors subsequently pronounced him brain-dead. "We know God's in control, and are leaning on our faith in Him and His word at this most difficult time," the family told CNN in a statement. "We firmly believe in the power of prayer and ask that you all continue to pray and lift Kile up, as it's the best way we can all support him now."</P><P>Glover passed away on July 21 after being removed from <a href="/news/articles/1690157/usher-stepson-kile-glover-taken-off-life-support.jhtml">life support</a>.</P><P>Atlanta radio personality and Cash Money record artist DJ Greg Street sent out a tweet immediately after hearing the news of Glover's death, expressing his support for the family. "Lil RG is an Angel now, Ryan, Tameka, Usher & the whole Glover Family we gotta make him proud," he wrote.</P><P>The man driving the Jet Ski has been identified as 38-year-old Jeffrey S. Hubbard, a friend of the family. Police have determined that no drugs were involved in the accident, and Hubbard has not been charged with a crime. No word on whether or not he attended the funeral.</P><P><i>Leave your condolences for the Foster, Glover and Raymond families in the comments below.</i></P>
Related ArtistsRobert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
<P>"I'm bewildered," <MTVNLINK type="artist" id="14245">Robert Plant</MTVNLINK> said onstage as he accepted the <MTVNLINK type="news" id="1604580">Grammy Album of the Year award</MTVNLINK> with <MTVNLINK type="artist" id="506074">Alison Krauss</MTVNLINK> on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."</P><P>He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because <i>Raising Sand,</i> which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys/">Grammy</a> album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.</p><div style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:338316" width="256" height="223" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashVars="configParams=instance%3Dnews%26vid%3D338316" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></div><p></P><P>You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his <MTVNLINK type="artist" id="993">Led Zeppelin</MTVNLINK> days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.</P><P>Really, she's the key to <i>Sand</i>'s success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, <i>Sand</i> was released.</P><P>And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.</P><P>And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on <i>Sand.</i> His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.</P><P>To date, <i>Sand</i> has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.</P><P>One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.</P><P>"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" <i>New York Times</i> music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really <i>good</i> record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards." </P>
Related Videos Related ArtistsFriday, September 28, 2012
Selena Gomez's Post-'Hotel Transylvania' To-Do List: Thrillers And New Music!
MTV News looks ahead at Gomez's thrillers, drama and action flicks — and even a new album.
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez
Photo: Jeffrey Mayer
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Katy Perry "Devastated" Over Ex Johnny Lewis' Death
Katy Perry is "devastated" by the violent and mysterious death of her ex-boyfriend, Sons of Anarchy actor Johnny Lewis.
Ke$ha Out For Vengeance In Musical March Madness
'I'm getting ready as we speak,' she tells MTV News of this year's tournament, tipping off Monday.
By James Montgomery
<P>Last year, based mainly on her attitude, the fact that she <a href="/news/articles/1644961/keha-tries-shock-world-at-casio-launch.jhtml">plays an AK-47 shaped guitar</a> and the presence of photos like <a href="http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/03/13/1226020/684522-ke-ha-drinks-blood.jpg" target="_blank">this</a>, Ke$ha was given an 11 seed in MTV's Musical March Madness tournament — and promptly <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/03/15/march-madness-u2-kesha-green-day-adam-lambert/">lost by a huge margin to U2</a> in the opening round.</P><P><CENTER><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:747290/cp~vid%3D747290%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A747290" width="430" height="242" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></CENTER></P><P>Of course, she's spent the past 12 months fuming over that early exit, and now, she's going to get her shot at redemption. Not only is Ke$ha <i>back</i> in the 2012 MMM tournament — which kicks off Monday — but she's beefed up her rock credentials: working with the likes of <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/alice-cooper-welcomes-ke-ha-to-his-nightmare-1005326082.story#/news/alice-cooper-welcomes-ke-ha-to-his-nightmare-1005326082.story" target="_blank">Alice Cooper</a>, channeling the <a href="/news/articles/1663946/kesha-new-album.jhtml">"sexiness" of '70s rock</a> on her new album, recording a (genuinely pretty great) <a href="/news/articles/1676260/kesha-bob-dylan-cover.jhtml">cover of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright"</a> and spending time <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/keshasuxx/status/160937170826313728" target="_blank">snorting Tums</a> with Wayne Coyne.</P><P>So, yeah, this year, she's ready to knock off the field of 63 other acts gunning for the MMM trophy — a brimming bracket that includes <a href="/news/articles/1661353/musical-march-madness-winner-green-day.jhtml">defending champions Green Day</LINK>, upstarts <link type="content" id="1680595">Fun.</a> and <a href="/news/articles/1678693/black-keys-kesha.jhtml">good pals the Black Keys</a>, to name just a few — and reign supreme. But just in case all that rock-and-roll prep work isn't enough to put her over the top, well, Ke$ha has another secret weapon at the ready: an incredibly toned pelvic floor.</P><P>"I'm getting ready as we speak. I'm doing Kegels," she told MTV News, while throwing phantom punches at an unsuspecting cameraman. "Vote for me!"</P><P><b>MTV's 2012 Musical March Madness tournament begins Monday, March 12, when we'll unveil the full field of 64 bands that will battle for this year's championship. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act made the cut, it will be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM — but get ready, it's gonna be a war.</b></P><P><CENTER><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:746346/cp~vid%3D746346%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A746346" width="430" height="242" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></CENTER></P>
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With a Little Luck: A Novel
My good friend Caprice Crane's new book, With a Little Luck, is out today. Yay, Caprice!
It's gotten great reviews:
"Crane is one of the funniest writers of popular fiction around. The dialog (inner and outer) is laugh-out-loud, snort-inducing hilarious . . . Readers will want to cross their fingers and spit while throwing salt over their shoulders if it helps Berry reach her dreams. Highly recommended."
—Library Journal
"Fans of Stacy Ballis and Cara Lockwood will appreciate Crane's effortlessly funny style, which is often attempted in popular fiction but is rarely this well executed...Lighthearted and charmingly honest."
—Booklist
"[A] satisfying romantic comedy...[with] real character growth."
—Kirkus Reviews
And even better blurbs:
"Romantic, poignant and funny—this book is a lucky find for lit fans. Caprice Crane is a nimble and gifted storyteller."
—Diablo Cody, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Juno
"A hilarious romp that oozes charm and giddy fun. Caprice Crane is a true talent."
—Molly Jong-Fast, author of The Social Climber's Handbook
"Witty, fast-paced, and sheer fun. Caprice Crane is a master of dialogue. Half the time I was reading this book I was smiling, which made me look like a crazy person on the subway."
—Jancee Dunn, author of Don’t You Forget About Me and Why Is My Mother Getting a Tattoo?
"Absolutely charming and hilarious."
—Missy Peregrym, star of the movie Stick It and ABC's Rookie Blue
"With a Little Luck scores in humor, head, and heart. In other words, it’s a perfect trifecta."
—Karyn Bosnak, author of 20 Times a Lady (soon to be the major motion picture What's Your Number?)
(Omg, who is that last fantastic blurber?) (I meant every word of it.)
And most importantly, she has the cutest dog ever (who likes to video chat with Bev):
Anyway, check it out, buy it—it's fantastic!
Britney Spears - DANCE Till The World Ends
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive
- Director:
- Album: Entre la Espada y la Pared
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Ke$ha 'Gives So Many F---s' About Her New Album
'On this record, I said, 'Let's leave the tricks to a minimum and let me wail,' ' Ke$ha tells Rolling Stone about her 'vulnerable' album.
By James Montgomery
<P>Last month, seemingly against the will of his employer, super producer Dr. Luke leaked a snippet of a song called <a href="/news/articles/1686772/kesha-supernatural-single.jhtml">"Supernatural,"</a> a walloping slab of electro-pop presumably set to be featured on <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/kesha_/artist.jhtml">Ke$ha</a>'s long-in-the-works new album.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Ke$ha Says New Album Will Be ' Balls-Out, Irreverent Rock'" id="vid:652875" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>"You leaked my song about me having sexy time with a ghost!" Ke$h subsequently tweeted at Luke." Now everyone knows I get it on with ghosts!"</P><P>Of course, we're assuming Ke$ha was just feigning outrage at the sneak peek, because in an interview in the new issue of <i>Rolling Stone,</i> she speaks in-depth about her upcoming album (tentatively due later this year), saying that it melds her Auto-Tuned, pop-heavy past with her current, <a href="/news/articles/1663946/kesha-new-album.jhtml">classic rock-indebted present</a>.</P><P>"I want it to be a mix of what works on the radio and what I listen to in my spare time," she said. "I'm on a steady diet of T. Rex and Iggy Pop."</P><P>Ke$ha and Luke also previewed a handful of tracks for the magazine (they have 17 songs in various forms of completion), including "Die Young," the aforementioned "Supernatural" and "Last Goodbye." Tentative guest stars include Flaming Lips' main man Wayne Coyne — who, back in May, <a href="/news/articles/1685827/kesha-flaming-lips-tattoo.jhtml">spoke to MTV News</a> about working with the singer — Pop and Black Keys' drummer Patrick Carney. And unlike her previous <i>Animal</i> and <i>Cannibal</i> albums, Ke$ha said that, on her new record, she's not afraid to get deep.</P><P>"The first two records talked more about partying, which is a great, magical part of life. But some songs on the new record are more personal and vulnerable," she said. "And you can hear more of the music I listen to when I'm lying in my bed. I'm not claiming that it's a rock record, but as long as it's f---ing good, you can call it whatever you want."</P><P>And though Ke$ha's worked hard at cultivating her hard-partying persona, her new album is very much a labor of love ... not to mention a nod to the naysayers who dismissed her as nothing more than a flash in the pan.</P><P>"About 90 percent of the time, I don't give a f---. But I give so many f---s about this album," she said. "Some people weren't sure if I could sing. On this record, I said 'Let's leave the tricks to a minimum and let me <i>wail.</i>' "</P><P><i>What do you hope to hear on Ke$ha's upcoming album? Leave your comment below!</i></P>
Related ArtistsJ.K. Rowling Wishes She Could Rewrite 'Harry Potter'
While J.K. Rowling might be forever thankful of the impact that Harry Potter has had on her life, there are a couple of elements of the series she wishes she could go back and change.
Beyoncé - End Of Time (Live at Roseland)
End Of Time (Live at Roseland)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia
- Director: Beyoncé Knowles
Beyonce Debuts Goddess Braids On Stroll With Blue Ivy
Stylish mommy-and-daughter duo hit the town in fashionable duds.
By Rebecca Thomas
<P>The manicure was purple but it was all about Blue when <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/knowles_beyonce/artist.jhtml">Beyoncé</a> stepped out in Manhattan on Wednesday cradling her 6-month-old.</P><P>After cranking up her diva fan for a dizzying run of <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685932/beyonce-michelle-obama-atlantic-city.jhtml">comeback concerts</a> at the top of summer, the <i>4</i> singer seemed to be happily in full mommy mode, beaming as cameras captured her exiting an N.Y.C. office building holding Blue Ivy, according to <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/beyonce-debuts-braids-steps-out-with-blue-ivy-in-nyc-2012187" target="_blank"><i>Us Weekly.</i></a></P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Jay-Z More Into Blue Ivy Than Music, At The Moment" id="vid:768866" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>The stylish duo were rocking some fashionable duds, of course, just the <a href="http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/03/14/beyonce-blue-ivy-show-off-footwear-nyc">latest hint that B</a> and her Marc Jacobs-flats-wearing little lady are vying for prominence on the Mommy and Me best-dressed lists.</P><P>While Beyoncé debuted a head of gold-tinted goddess braids that seemed inspired <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677774/beyonce-blue-ivy-solange-in-style.jhtml">by sister Solange</a> — a Carol's Daughter spokesperson with a taste for the boho — Blue appeared to have sprouted an even fuller mess of dark curls. B matched her earthy 'do with a printed jumper and oversize hoops, while B.I.C. went for coral pants and a floral print tank.</P><P>Still, it's not all diaper changes and bottle feedings for Mrs. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. The mogulette has been keeping busy with everything from music to politics. After First Lady Michelle Obama turned up in the balcony section to cheer on the singer during one of her four aforementioned Memorial Day weekend shows, Queen B returned the favor, throwing her <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1689714/beyonce-michelle-obama-video-letter-campaign.jhtml">support behind the Obamas</a> in a new campaign video.</P><P><i>What do you think of B and Blue Ivy's summer looks? Tell us in the comments!</i></P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a> </P>
Related ArtistsKatherine Jackson Removed As Guardian of Michael Jackson's Children
Cousin TJ Jackson is appointed temporary guardian of Michael's kids.
By Gil Kaufman
<P>The unpredictable wheel of Jackson family drama continued to spin on Wednesday (July 25) when a judge stripped family matriarch Katherine of her guardianship of the late King of Pop Michael's three children, handing over the duties to their cousin, TJ Jackson.</P><P>After nearly a week of increasingly bizarre public feuding, accusations, <a href="http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/07/25/fight-details-janet-and-paris-jackson/">confrontations</a> and <a href="http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/07/24/fight-between-janet-and-paris-jackson-kidnapping-allegations/">allegations of kidnapping</a>, <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2012/07/25/jackson-family-emergency-guardianship-hearing-katherine-jackson-tj-randy-michael-jackson-kids-custody/" target="_blank">TMZ</a> reported that Judge Mitch Beckloff temporarily stripped Katherine of her guardianship over Paris, Prince and Prince Michael II ("Blanket").</P><P>He appointed TJ, 34, son of Tito Jackson, as the new guardian for the children, who appear to be at the center of a tug-of-war between the Michael's adult siblings. During an emergency guardianship hearing, Beckloff did not suspend Katherine for any wrongdoing, but said that she was being blocked from carrying out her guardianship by unnamed third parties, which the site speculated were siblings Randy, Janet, Jermaine and Rebbie.</P><P>Beckloff reportedly advised TJ and his lawyer to seek a permanent guardianship agreement following stories that Katherine, 82, was being held against her will by the same unidentified "third parties." During the hearing, TJ's lawyer described to the judge a strange phone call his client got from Katherine on Tuesday. "I've never heard my grandmother talk like that," TJ said, adding that she didn't sound "sharp" and that her "pauses, choice of vocabulary ... she has not used certain phrases like that before." He suspected she was talking in code.</P><P>Katherine Jackson called home on Tuesday after being out of touch for nine days, according to her lawyer. She had asked TJ to watch the children for her when she left her home on July 15.</P><P>In an unexpected twist, TMZ reported that one of Katherine's own lawyers, Sandra Ribera, said she had visited the family compound recently and also believes that her client is being held against her will. Katherine's other lawyer, Perry Sanders, said in court that he vigorously opposes a permanent move to strip Katherine of her guardianship and that when she returns to Los Angeles he will file a motion to reinstate her as guardian. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/25/showbiz/jackson-family-dispute/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a> reported that after the hearing Sanders said he'd been informed by Randy Jackson that his mother was on a plane headed back to California.</P><P>Sanders also said the Tuesday night check-in call from Katherine was made after she met with Jermaine and Janet Jackson at a spa near Tucson, Arizona. He was barred, however, from meeting with her or talking to her at that time.</P><P>The judge also ordered that the children not be removed from California without a court order and that backup guardian Diana Ross and Debbie Rowe, biological mother of the two oldest children, also be informed of the order to keep the kids in the state. The move to wrestle guardianship away from the family matriarch was days in coming and allegedly supported by the children, as well as MJ's estate. A spokesperson for the estate had no comment on the actions at press time.</P><P>The temporary guardianship will be reviewed at a hearing scheduled for next month, where it's possible that Wednesday's action could be reversed.</P><P>While Michael's will gave Katherine custody of his children and a 20 percent stake in his massive estate, her husband, Joe Jackson, and the eight surviving Jackson siblings were completely cut out. Some of the siblings have reportedly been exploring a move to have the will invalidated by arguing that Michael was in New York on the day that the document was notarized in Los Angeles.</P><P>In a video that surfaced earlier this week, Janet Jackson is seen trying to take a cell phone away from Paris, 14, and berating her niece for using her phone to tweet about family business. That video leaked after Janet, Jermaine and Randy Jackson reportedly attempted to persuade Paris and Prince, 15, to leave Katherine's home on Monday. Both resisted and a short time later, sheriff's deputies arrived to break up a scuffle between Randy, Jermaine Jackson and TJ.</P><P><a href="http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/07/24/fight-at-michael-jacksons-mother-house-police-called/">MTV News</a> reported that police were called to the scene but did not make any arrests. </P>
Related ArtistsWednesday, September 26, 2012
Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
<P>"I'm bewildered," <MTVNLINK type="artist" id="14245">Robert Plant</MTVNLINK> said onstage as he accepted the <MTVNLINK type="news" id="1604580">Grammy Album of the Year award</MTVNLINK> with <MTVNLINK type="artist" id="506074">Alison Krauss</MTVNLINK> on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."</P><P>He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because <i>Raising Sand,</i> which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys/">Grammy</a> album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.</p><div style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:338316" width="256" height="223" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashVars="configParams=instance%3Dnews%26vid%3D338316" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></div><p></P><P>You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his <MTVNLINK type="artist" id="993">Led Zeppelin</MTVNLINK> days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.</P><P>Really, she's the key to <i>Sand</i>'s success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, <i>Sand</i> was released.</P><P>And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.</P><P>And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on <i>Sand.</i> His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.</P><P>To date, <i>Sand</i> has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.</P><P>One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.</P><P>"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" <i>New York Times</i> music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really <i>good</i> record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards." </P>
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Star Snapshots: Family Fun
David Beckham spends time with his adorable daughter! Plus, see more photos of celebs spending time with their loved ones!
Lindsay Lohan Is Briefly Hospitalized for Asthma Attack
Linday Lohan was back in the hospital on Sunday night. The Liz & Dick actress, 26, was rushed to an emergency room in New York City on Sept. 23 for respiratory problems, TMZ reports.
Usher's Stepson's Family Asks For Prayers Following Jet Ski Accident
Kile Glover, 11, remains hospitalized after suffering traumatic head injury.
By Nadeska Alexis
<P><MTVNLINK type="artist" id="1270">Usher</MTVNLINK>'s stepson, 11-year-old Kile Glover, remains in the hospital after suffering a traumatic head injury during a <a href="/news/articles/1689261/usher-kyle-glover-jet-ski-jeffrey-s-hubbard.jhtml">jet-ski accident</a> last weekend. Glover, the son of Usher's ex-wife Tameka Foster, was <a href="/news/articles/1689206/ushers-stepson-declared-brain-dead-after-jet-ski-accident.jhtml">pronounced brain dead</a> on Sunday, but his family has issued a statement, saying that they are keeping positive thoughts and asking for prayers.</P><P>"We know God's in control, and are leaning on our faith in Him and His word at this most difficult time," the family told <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/10/showbiz/usher-stepson-injured/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a> in a statement. "We firmly believe in the power of prayer and ask that you all continue to pray and lift Kile up, as it's the best way we can all support him now."</P><P>According to CNN, Glover's family has already held a vigil for him at the hospital, and Usher visited the 11-year-old the morning after he was admitted to the hospital. The two had reportedly grown close during the R&B singer's two-year marriage to Foster.</P><P>The accident took place on Friday (July 6) when Glover and a second victim, a 15-year-old girl, were struck by a jet-ski while floating on an inner tube in Atlanta's Lake Lanier. Both children were airlifted to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston pediatric hospital. The girl is reported to have suffered from a cut on the head and a broken arm, while Glover took the brunt of the trauma to his head.</P><P>The man driving the jet ski has been identified as 38-year-old Jeffrey S. Hubbard, a family friend. At this time the police have determined that no drugs were involved, and no charges are being pressed. On Sunday TMZ reported that Glover was declared brain dead when doctors determined that he had not experienced any brain activity since he was admitted to the hospital on Friday.</P><P>Friends of Usher and his ex-wife have sent their well-wishes to the family via Twitter. "Wishing @TamekaRaymond's son godspeed recovery. horrible news to hear," Roots drummer Questlove tweeted, while Jermaine Dupri added, "Lifers! pls say a prayer for man Ryan, Tameka, Usher and the Glover family."</P>
Related ArtistsTuesday, September 25, 2012
Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers
'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll
<P>You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.</P><P>In early February, reports began circulating that <a href="/news/articles/1631297/mary-j-blige-records-led-zeppelins-stairway-heaven.jhtml">Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven,"</a> working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her <i>Stronger With Each Tear</i> album, due Monday.</P><P></p><div style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float:left;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:491065" width="256" height="223" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashVars="configParams=instance%3Dnews%26vid%3D491065" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></div><p></P><P>But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering <i>another</i> Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the <i>Essence</i> Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.</P><P>"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."</P><P>Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.</P><P>"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.</P>
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