Thursday, October 31, 2013
Does Britney Spears Have 'The X Factor'?
MTV News takes a look at the pros and cons of bringing Spears onboard as a judge for the reality singing competition.
By John Mitchell
<P>The news that <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> is reportedly in final negotiations to <a href="/news/articles/1680782/britney-spears-x-factor-judge-offer.jhtml">join "The X Factor"</a> has set the <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com">MTV Newsroom</a> on fire. Opinion on whether the pop star is a good fit for the reality singing competition has been sharply divided, so we decided to take on the topic the way we're sure Simon Cowell did before making Spears a reported $10 million offer: a good, old-fashioned pros and cons list. </P><P> </P><P><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:698603/cp~vid%3D698603%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A698603" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed> </P><P> </P><P><big><b>Pro: She'll attract viewers</b></big><br> </P><P>The <a href="/news/articles/1671220/x-factor-simon-cowell-ratings.jhtml">debut season of "The X Factor"</a> performed well below expectations. Its heavily hyped premiere pulled in 12.1 million total viewers and a meager 4.4/12 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18 to 49 demographic. That's about half of what the 2011 season of "American Idol" averaged ("Idol" is having its own ratings woes this season), and it didn't even win the night: Emmy-winning sitcom "Modern Family" drew 14.3 million viewers and a 6.0/15 for its season premiere. </P><P> </P><P>The poor ratings precipitated the overhaul that saw judges <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger</a> and host Steve Jones fired from the show. </P><P> </P><P>There's no question that Spears would bring viewers to "The X Factor." She enjoys a large and devout fanbase who will basically follow her just about anywhere. And beyond her own fans, Spears' celebrity would also likely draw attention from the general public, who will tune in simply to see how she does. </P><P> </P><P><big><b> Con: She's become nervous on camera </b></big><br> </P><P> </P><P>Though she can still wow a crowd live in concert, as evidenced by last year's successful tour behind her hit album <i>Femme Fatale,</i> Spears has become increasingly tentative during interviews. She rarely grants on-camera sit-downs, and when she does, she seems nervous and uncomfortable. </P><P> </P><P>To be a strong judge or mentor on a reality show, you have to be <i>very</i> comfortable on camera. Part of what made Jennifer Lopez click last season on "Idol" was that she came across as confident, direct and often empathetic. She even broke down in tears after <a href="/news/articles/1658584/americaon-idol-top-24.jhtml">sending home contestant Chris Medina</a>, whose fiancée suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident. The key word here is <i>after.</i> It's hard to imagine Spears being able to keep it together and deliver such difficult news in similar circumstances. </P><P>It's worth noting that a high-drama situation arose on the first season of "The X Factor" -- one that left <a href="/news/articles/1675936/x-factor-rachel-crow-elimination-reaction.jhtml">contestant Rachel Crow sobbing</a> onstage and Scherzinger a wreck ... a wreck who received <a href="http://www.thefablife.com/2011-12-05/paula-abdul-and-nicole-scherzinger-receive-death-threats-after-the-x-factor-elimination/" target="_blank">death threats</a>. Producers should also consider whether it's wise to send Spears, who has dealt with emotional issues in the past, into a genre that thrives when the emotional stakes are high. </P><P> </P><P><big><b>Pro: she is a contemporary artist</b></big><br> </P><P>One of the things we like most about <a href="/news/articles/1680496/the-voice-battle-rounds.jhtml">"The Voice"</a> is that its judges — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton — are all active artists. They are all still hitting the studio to make hit records, and that lends a great deal of credibility to their opinions when they critique a contestant's performance. We don't mean to slight Abdul or Scherzinger, but you could argue that a legacy singer who hasn't released an album in over 17 years and a performer who has had a difficult time getting her own solo singing career off the ground aren't the best judges of who does and does not have "The X Factor." </P><P> </P><P>On the other hand, Spears may be. <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/03/29/britney-spears-femme-fatale-reviews/">Last year's <i>Femme Fatale</i></a> gave Spears three top-10 singles — the most of any of her seven albums — and earned some of the best reviews of her career. While it's true that she did not write or produce much of the record, she was most certainly involved in picking her collaborators, which actually could speak well of her ability to know talent when she sees it. Spears also smartly chose red-hot rapper Nicki Minaj to open on the North American leg of her tour. </P><P> </P><P>When it comes to the contemporary pop music scene, Spears knows what works. </P><P> </P><P><big><b>Con: She's not known for her singing</b></big><br> </P><P>Unlike Aguilera, whose talent as a vocalist is indisputable, Spears is not known for her singing. By signing her to judge and mentor a singing competition, "X Factor" producers are setting themselves up for inevitable criticism. "Who is Britney Spears to judge a singing competition?" critics will scream (and they won't be wrong). </P><P> </P><P>When Aguilera critiques a performer's vocals, she speaks with authority — and her ear for singing proved to make her the most discerning judge on the "Voice" panel during the <a href="/news/articles/1679565/the-voice-christina-aguilera-jonathas-usher.jhtml">blind auditions</a>. Spears' judging style will likely be based on liking what's already there, but she's not going to have much insight on missed notes or pitch, which will cripple her ability to further mentor her team. How can she help them improve as vocalists when it's a truth universally acknowledged that she's not really a vocalist herself? </P><P> </P><P><i>Do you think Britney Spears is a good choice for "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments below.</i></p>
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Britney Spears - Criminal
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: RCA
- Director: Chris Marrs Piliero
Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner
No 'Carrie' In Hollywood Is Safe: Watch Us Dump Pig's Blood On Mulligan, Fisher And Mariah
Carrie Bradshaw and 'Carry' Potter get the piggy prom treatment from MTV News.
By Kase Wickman
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>
Related Videos Related ArtistsLady Gaga Unleashes S&M-Tinged Fame Perfume Ad
Mother Monster tweets up her fragrance and then catches Olympics fever.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P>Just call <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a> the Fame Monster. The singer has just unveiled another ad for her fragrance, the aptly titled <a href="/news/articles/1689786/lady-gaga-nude-perfume-ad.jhtml">Fame</a>, dropping in September.</P><P>While she donned nothing except for tiny men crawling up her body in the last image, this new one features the singer in a clingy PVC bodysuit with a big PVC hat and face mask. The black-and-white photo features two Mother Monsters, facing off in a side-by-side mirror image.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Lady Gaga's Musical Roots" id="vid:657640" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Like the first ad, this one was also shot by "Alejandro" video director and fashion photographer Steven Klein. Gaga added that the look was styled by Brandon Maxwell, who has worked for her pal Nicola Formichetti and styled her for "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving." She <a href="http://littlemonsters.com/image/5018ad5dc46c85665b000acb" target="_blank">tweeted</a> out the image late Tuesday, with the message, "Fame is an illusion. If you really want it, anyone can have it."</P><P>In addition to the two photos, she also previously dropped an artsy film, <a href="/news/articles/1689920/lady-gaga-formulation-film-teases-fame-fragrance.jhtml">"Formulation,"</a> featuring beefy scientists cooking up the eau de parfum.</P><P>The same day she unleashed the newest ad campaign, she also tweeted about her tears of joy over the Olympics as Team U.S.A. celebrated a number of victories, including a major achievement for <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2012/07/31/michael-phelps-wins-19th-olympic-medal-most-decorated-olympian-ever/">Michael Phelps, who added another piece of gold</a> to his mantle, and the gold-medal-winning U.S. women's gymnastics team.</P><P>"The olympics is the best ever. but i went through a whole pack of tissues last night. watching hard working athletes achieve their dreams," she wrote, later adding, "Woohoo! Gold for the ladies! just want to squeeze them! So much talent and beauty. Did u seem all holding hands? There's no 'I' in team."</P><P>Lady Gaga will go for record-sales gold when she drops her new album sometime in 2013. She will unveil the <a href="/news/articles/1686922/lady-gaga-new-album-title.jhtml">album's title in September</a> to coincide with the release of her first-ever perfume.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Lady Gaga Has The Title And Concept For Her Next Album" id="vid:717202" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P><i>What do you think of Gaga's latest Fame perfume ad? Tell us in the comments!</i></P>
Related ArtistsWednesday, October 30, 2013
'X-Men': Who Are The New Mutants In 'Days Of Future Past' Trailer?
Four new mutants make brief appearances in the preview, so MTV News rounds up what you need to know about them.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
?Entourage? Is Back: Movie Is A Go
The financial demands of the cast of “Entourage” were said to have put the movie adaptation of the film in jeopardy, but the creator just confirmed that the movie is a go! Creator Doug Ellin tweeted a photo of himself with the cast, writing, “It’s a go. love you all”. We’re certain “Entourage” fans will ...
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Miley Cyrus: Spaced Out in Studio City
Taking a break from her demanding promotional schedule, Miley Cyrus went for a drive with a friend in Studio City, California on Tuesday (October 29).
The ?Wrecking Ball? songstress definitely seemed a little out of it as she occupied the passenger seat of her pal?s ride, stopping to quickly take a photo with a fan who had tracked her down.
And while she?s received all kinds of feedback for her newfound penchant for flashing flesh, Cyrus told VEVO that she?s not sure what all the fuss is about.
"For me, nudity has never been something that I've ever tripped about. I don't really see it the way everyone else sees it. I'd rather be naked in front of people than cry in front of people because I don't like showing weakness and that shows a lot of vulnerabilities."
Gabrielle Union Garcelle Beauvais Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson
Michael Weatherly Welcomes Son Liam
"Beautiful Bojana gave birth to 10 lb. Liam today, the most important day of the week," Weatherly announced in a light-hearted post.
Halloween Movies You May Not Have Seen But Should!
Halloween is coming up on Thursday and it’s time to grab your candy stash or popcorn and sit down to enjoy a scary movie. Ready for a little gore, blood-curdling screams, and being on the edge of your seat? It’s time to check out horror films that are awesome, but that you’ve probably not seen ...
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Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Justin Bieber Joins Carly Rae Jepsen On 'Ellen'
Biebs introduces his artist's performance and offers a preview of his single 'Boyfriend.'
By Natasha Chandel
<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> is standing behind his girl. <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/carly_rae_jepsen/artist.jhtml">Carly Rae Jepsen</a> made her first major U.S. talk-show appearance on Friday's (March 23) "Ellen DeGeneres Show," and she brought quite the surprise with her: Bieber himself and an exclusive preview of <a href="/news/articles/1681664/justin-bieber-boyfriend.jhtml">his song "Boyfriend."</a> </P><P> </P><P>Ellen began the segment attempting to read an intro for Jepsen, the 26-year-old Canadian singer who won the hearts of pop enthusiasts with her catchy, upbeat single <a href="/news/articles/1681155/carly-rae-jepsen-justin-bieber-curiosity.jhtml">"Call Me Maybe"</a> but was interrupted by an eruption of screaming girls who caught sight of a black-and-yellow-clad Justin Bieber. The young heartthrob took the opportunity to introduce Jepsen, whom he recently signed to his Schoolboy Records label. He had been making a public Twitter bid to Ellen to have his new artist appear on her daytime show. </P><P> </P><P><object name="kaltura_player_1332533343" id="kaltura_player_1332533343" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowFullScreen="true" height="283" width="430" data="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_empy1jxw/uiconf_id/6995152"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_empy1jxw/uiconf_id/6995152"/><param name="flashVars" value=""/><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com">video platform</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_management">video management</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/solutions/video_solution">video solutions</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_publishing">video player</a></object> </P><P> </P><P>Jepsen, who calls her style "folky pop," took to the stage in a long, bohemian dress. Jepsen sang her hit song, currently at #8 on the iTunes singles chart alongside the Wanted and Katy Perry. Her performance was applauded by Ellen and topped off with a giant hug from her new mentor. </P><P> </P><P>During an interview with Ellen, Bieber recalled hearing Jepsen's track on the radio in Canada and jumping on YouTube to find out more about the "talented" singer. After learning of her local success, Bieber realized she was unsigned in the U.S. and immediately decided to change that. </P><P> </P><P>Life has certainly taken a 180-degree turn for Jepsen in the last two months. "I had never branched outside of Canada, and I didn't know how to do that, and then one miraculous day, Justin called," Jepsen told Ellen. "It seemed too good to be true." There is also talk of a possible <a href="/news/articles/1681004/justin-bieber-carly-rae-jepsen-collaboration.jhtml">collaboration with Bieber</a>. </P><P> </P><P>Bieber is taking his new A&R role very seriously, promoting Jepsen in any way possible, including dropping a video spoof of "Call Me Maybe" featuring famous friends Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale and Carlos Pena Jr. of Big Time Rush. </P><P> </P><P><i>Did you like Carly Rae Jepsen's performance on "Ellen"? Let us know in the comments below!</i> </P><P> </P><P><object name="kaltura_player_1332533680" id="kaltura_player_1332533680" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowFullScreen="true" height="283" width="430" data="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_sn0cbjqk/uiconf_id/6995152"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_sn0cbjqk/uiconf_id/6995152"/><param name="flashVars" value=""/><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com">video platform</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_management">video management</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/solutions/video_solution">video solutions</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_publishing">video player</a></object></p>
Related ArtistsSimon Cowell Squashes Beyonce, Mariah Carey 'X Factor' Rumors
Judge also takes shot at 'The Voice,' asking, 'How many artists have they discovered?'
By John Mitchell
<P>Simon Cowell is finally opening up about the cast shakeups on "The X Factor" as well as about rumors that two <i>very</i> famous divas are in talks to join Fox's reality singing competition. </P><P> </P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Simon Cowell Compares The British And U.S. Versions Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:698604.id:1672066" width="240" height="211"></div><p> </P><P> </P><P>Late last month, it was announced that judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones had been <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml"><P>id="1678191">fired from "X Factor"</a> and would be replaced in its second season. The announcement came as a shock to fans, but Cowell tells <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simon-cowell-x-factor-firings-voice-287806" target="_blank">"Extra"</a> in an interview airing Wednesday (February 8) that the decision was a long time coming and was ultimately made "at the beginning of the year — and we were told it had to happen straight away." </P><P> </P><P>While her dismissal came as a surprise, Cowell says Abdul "was very gracious" about it. "She understands it's business," Cowell said of his real-life friend. "It's never personal." </P><P> </P><P>Scherzinger, according to Cowell, was "disappointed" with the producers' decision to replace her. But the former Pussycat Doll insisted in a new <a href="http://www.accesshollywood.com/nicole-scherzinger-talks-x-factor-departure-i-have-no-regrets_article_60184" target="_blank">"Access Hollywood"</a> interview that she "had a wonderful experience on the show." </P><P> </P><P>"What happened? Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show," she said. "I know everybody's talking about it, they're saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can't say is that I didn't give it my all." </P><P> </P><P>Cowell also used his time with "Extra" to squash rumors that Beyoncé or Mariah Carey might be joining the "X Factor" team when it returns to Fox later this year. He seemed particularly amused by <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/idUS114237084820120208" target="_blank">talk</a> that the show was offering Beyoncé a nine-figure contract to join the judges' table. </P><P> </P><P>"The budget for the show is $100 million. That would never ever happen. </P><P> </P><P>It's absolute nonsense," he told "Extra." "No one is going to pay $100 million for someone. I genuinely haven't had a conversation with her about it. Not at all." </P><P> </P><P>The same can be said for Carey, who Cowell said he likes very much and would be a fine addition to the show but is an impractical choice because of the long hours involved. "I adore her, love her," he said. </P><P>"But you can't expect someone who has just had two kids [and] has a record career to make the kind of commitment we would need on this show." </P><P> </P><P>"X Factor" did not perform as strongly as expected in the ratings last fall, which many feel precipitated the planned revamp, though the ever-cool Cowell is not sweating the competition. In this latest interview, Cowell took on "The Voice," which returned to NBC after the Super Bowl and delivered big ratings, saying the makeup of his judging panel is what sets "X Factor" apart. </P><P> </P><P>"I would ask how many records have they made, how many artists have they discovered?" Cowell asked of "The Voice" mentors Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. "That's where we have to be different on the judging panel. It's very important that you have people on the panel that have actually signed and made artists successful all over the world, not just have made hit records yourself."</p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsSuzanne Somers Bashes ?Socialized Medicine? Obamacare
Actress Suzanne Somers has blasted President Obama’s “Affordable Care” Act. Now, you may not appreciate Chrissy from “Three’s Company” speaking on political matters, but she does get a few things right. We’ve discussed before how annoying it is to hear any celebrity talking politics. It makes us not want to watch their projects because we’re ...
Copyright - Stupid Celebrities Gossip 2013. If you see this content on any other website, it has been stolen. Please report.
PHOTOS: Lady Gaga's Wildest Fashion Moments!
What the heck is she wearing now?! From her wacky wigs to her mile-high shoes, the Mother Monster is always dressed to impress! Check out her edgiest ensembles.
Ciara Engaged To Rapper Future: He Surprised Her With A Proposal!
Singer Ciara and her rapper boyfriend Future got engaged over the weekend, as she celebrated her 28th birthday in New York. Their rep Chris Chambers revealed Future surprised Ciara with a 15-carat diamond ring, after a year of dating. Should we expect a pregnancy announcement next? The singer’s rep confirmed the engagement, stating, “Future surprised ...
Copyright - Stupid Celebrities Gossip 2013. If you see this content on any other website, it has been stolen. Please report.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Beyoncé - Ego (Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson
- Album: The Everly Brothers [Rhino]
Jared Leto On 'Dallas Buyers Club' Acclaim, The Future Of Thirty Seconds To Mars
With his return to acting generating Oscar buzz, Leto lets fans know Mars isn't going anywhere.
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
No 'Carrie' In Hollywood Is Safe: Watch Us Dump Pig's Blood On Mulligan, Fisher And Mariah
Carrie Bradshaw and 'Carry' Potter get the piggy prom treatment from MTV News.
By Kase Wickman
Brittany Lee Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow Brittny Gastineau
'Batman: Arkham Origins' Easter Eggs Tease Next Big Superhero Games
MTV News explores what Easter eggs tell us about upcoming video games from WB Montreal.
By Alex Zalben
Veronica Roth Explains Why Shocking 'Allegiant' Death Had To Happen
MTV News dives deep into 'Divergent' conclusion with its author. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
By Amy Wilkinson, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Orlando Bloom & Miranda Kerr Separate
After three years of marriage, the actor and model have decided to call it quits. See more celeb pairs who are back to going solo.
Lindsay Lohan Shares a Vintage Halloween Photo!
The actress dressed up as a Disney princess for trick-or-treating when she was young! Check out other cute and candid moments from the stars.
Stranger Danger
My sister recently had a talk with my four-year-old nephew Jack about strangers. Here's how it went:
SISTER: Now, Jack, if a stranger says, "Come here, I want to show you something," what do you do?
JACK: I turn around and run!
SISTER: If a stranger says, "Come here, I want to give you some candy," what do you do?
JACK: I turn around and run!
SISTER: If a stranger says, "Come here, I want to show you my puppy," what do you do?
JACK: Oh, I love puppies...
Sunday, October 27, 2013
'Star Wars: Episode VII' Writer Drops Out
Michael Arndt has left the project, as director J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan take over.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
E.L. James Confirms Jamie Dornan For 'Fifty Shades Of Grey,' Fans Say Squeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!'
'Stow your twitchy palms ladies ... Our man is here,' says James.
By Gil Kaufman
Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison
'Fifty Shades' New Guy: 8 Things We Learned From Jamie Dornan's Twitter
MTV News browsed the actor's Twitter to learn more about him.
By Jocelyn Vena
AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel
Sam Trammell 'Cried Like Five Times' Reading 'Fault In Our Stars' Script
Actor plays Hazel's dad in the John Green adaptation, out June 6, 2014.
By Amy Wilkinson, with reporting by Christina Garibaldi
Emma Stone Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier
Ke$ha - We R Who We R
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Hype Williams
Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Reader Reviews
The movie tie-in edition of "20 Times a Lady"—now called "What's Your Number?"—is now available wherever fine books are sold!
To celebrate its publication, a few of my favorite readers came up with these great reviews...
"What's Your Number? is like Harry Potter minus the wizards, wands, and Lord Voldemort." —Michelle Bell
"What's Your Number? is like Gone With the Wind except with less hoop skirts and poverty and more beaus..." —Karen Meyer
"What's Your Number? is like To Kill a Mockingbird without all the racism and children." —Julie Stone
Thanks ladies!
Please add your review in the comments!
Michael Jackson Immortal Tour: How They Uphold The Legacy
MTV News gets a behind-the-scenes look at the Cirque Du Soleil tribute to the King of Pop.
By Uptin Saiidi
<P><b>NEWARK</b> — Since its opening, <a href="/news/articles/1682347/michael-jackson-immortal-cirque.jhtml">Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour</a> by Cirque Du Soleil has honored the King of Pop through music, dance and acrobatics 117 times. Night after night, artists celebrate the life of the late Michael Jackson, but how do they take his iconic legacy and put it into a production? When the tour came to New York City this week, MTV News went behind the scenes to talk with the creative forces and performers to find out.</P><P>The artists (all 65 of them) had limited time to train and learn choreography -- an especially difficult feat when it's honoring MJ's signature moves. It was a kind of pressure that creative director Tara Young certainly learned to channel into a positive force.</P><P><CENTER><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:755805/cp~vid%3D755805%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A755805" width="430" height="242" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></CENTER></P><P>"I think it is a pressure for sure; something I share with the whole building here is that we have nothing to prove, only to share," Young told MTV News. "We have an opportunity to share what Michael would have wanted to share and the pressure is only there to achieve excellence."</P><P>For Felix Cane, a two-time world champion pole dancer who does a captivating performance to "Danger," it was all about using that pressure to help the audience to remember the pop icon. "You are sharing this passion with them, and this love of MJ. There's times in the show when some people and I, myself, might have shed a few tears."</P><P>That pressure never felt as great as when the Jackson family sat in the front row at a show in Montreal, an experience Young described as "inspiring." When asked what MJ would think if he were sitting there with them, Young smiled, "He would feel such a sense of pride of what he has given us to work with. It evokes emotions in people that they didn't even know were going to come out."</P><P>I think everyone feels inspired, which evokes a certain feeling of change," Young added. "You feel a sadness too because he is not with us anymore, and that is an emotion that is wonderful too actually ... just to honor him."</P><P>The tour will continue in North America through the summer, before heading to Europe this fall.</P><P><i>Have you seen Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour? What did you think? Leave your comment below!</i></P><P><center><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></center></P>
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Justin Bieber 'Boyfriend' Photo Contest: And The Winner Is ...
'This is OUR ALBUM,' the singer tweets about Believe after fans choose art that will appear on single's cover.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> invited his fans to get involved in helping him pick the artwork for his first <a href="/news/articles/1681200/justin-bieber-boyfriend-album-cover.jhtml"><i>Believe</i> single, "Boyfriend,"</a> and the time has come to reveal which photo fans chose. And the pop singer is giving his fans a lot of bang for their buck for taking the time to vote in the cover-art contest. </P><P> </P><P>After fans voted on Twitter for their favorite of two photos, the shot of Bieber tousling his hair (also known as #JBboyfriend1) won as the single's cover. But that doesn't mean that other shots won't also be used in one form or another. </P><P> </P><P><center><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:744691/cp~id%3D1680192%26vid%3D744691%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A744691%26instance%3Dmtv" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed></center> </P><P> </P><P>"But it was so close that ..." Bieber <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/justinbieber" target="_blank">tweeted</a>. "We are still going to use #JBboyfriend2 for press and even took one of the FAN MADE submissions and have decided that ... we are going to sell an exclusive #BOYFRIEND fan single package in WALMART and the cover will be the one U the fans made! </P><P> </P><P>"So here it is ... the cover of the Walmart #BOYFRIEND SINGLE COVER ... made by U the fans! thank u! This is OUR ALBUM!" he tweeted before revealing the photo, which blends #JBboyfriend1 and #JBboyfriend2, the latter of which is just a shot of him looking off into the distance. </P><P> </P><P>"Boyfriend" officially drops on March 26. <a href="/news/articles/1680373/justin-bieber-believe-album.jhtml"><i>Believe</i></a> will drop later this year. Produced by Mike Posner, the track features a bit of <a href="/news/articles/1681320/justin-bieber-complex-magazine.jhtml">Bieber rapping</a> lines like "Tell me what you like, dear/ Tell me what you don't/ I could be your Buzz Lightyear/ Fly across the globe/ You don't even need to fight, dear/ You already know/ I can make you shine bright/ Like you're laying in the snow, brrr."</p>
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsMichael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight - Coming Soon
Hollywood Tonight - Coming Soon
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Ryan Reynolds Turns 37! See the Actor's Sexiest Photos
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One Direction Fans Crying 'Magical' Tears Over 'Story Of My Life' Single
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Does Britney Spears Have 'The X Factor'?
MTV News takes a look at the pros and cons of bringing Spears onboard as a judge for the reality singing competition.
By John Mitchell
<P>The news that <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> is reportedly in final negotiations to <a href="/news/articles/1680782/britney-spears-x-factor-judge-offer.jhtml">join "The X Factor"</a> has set the <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com">MTV Newsroom</a> on fire. Opinion on whether the pop star is a good fit for the reality singing competition has been sharply divided, so we decided to take on the topic the way we're sure Simon Cowell did before making Spears a reported $10 million offer: a good, old-fashioned pros and cons list. </P><P> </P><P><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:698603/cp~vid%3D698603%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A698603" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed> </P><P> </P><P><big><b>Pro: She'll attract viewers</b></big><br> </P><P>The <a href="/news/articles/1671220/x-factor-simon-cowell-ratings.jhtml">debut season of "The X Factor"</a> performed well below expectations. Its heavily hyped premiere pulled in 12.1 million total viewers and a meager 4.4/12 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18 to 49 demographic. That's about half of what the 2011 season of "American Idol" averaged ("Idol" is having its own ratings woes this season), and it didn't even win the night: Emmy-winning sitcom "Modern Family" drew 14.3 million viewers and a 6.0/15 for its season premiere. </P><P> </P><P>The poor ratings precipitated the overhaul that saw judges <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger</a> and host Steve Jones fired from the show. </P><P> </P><P>There's no question that Spears would bring viewers to "The X Factor." She enjoys a large and devout fanbase who will basically follow her just about anywhere. And beyond her own fans, Spears' celebrity would also likely draw attention from the general public, who will tune in simply to see how she does. </P><P> </P><P><big><b> Con: She's become nervous on camera </b></big><br> </P><P> </P><P>Though she can still wow a crowd live in concert, as evidenced by last year's successful tour behind her hit album <i>Femme Fatale,</i> Spears has become increasingly tentative during interviews. She rarely grants on-camera sit-downs, and when she does, she seems nervous and uncomfortable. </P><P> </P><P>To be a strong judge or mentor on a reality show, you have to be <i>very</i> comfortable on camera. Part of what made Jennifer Lopez click last season on "Idol" was that she came across as confident, direct and often empathetic. She even broke down in tears after <a href="/news/articles/1658584/americaon-idol-top-24.jhtml">sending home contestant Chris Medina</a>, whose fiancée suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident. The key word here is <i>after.</i> It's hard to imagine Spears being able to keep it together and deliver such difficult news in similar circumstances. </P><P>It's worth noting that a high-drama situation arose on the first season of "The X Factor" -- one that left <a href="/news/articles/1675936/x-factor-rachel-crow-elimination-reaction.jhtml">contestant Rachel Crow sobbing</a> onstage and Scherzinger a wreck ... a wreck who received <a href="http://www.thefablife.com/2011-12-05/paula-abdul-and-nicole-scherzinger-receive-death-threats-after-the-x-factor-elimination/" target="_blank">death threats</a>. Producers should also consider whether it's wise to send Spears, who has dealt with emotional issues in the past, into a genre that thrives when the emotional stakes are high. </P><P> </P><P><big><b>Pro: she is a contemporary artist</b></big><br> </P><P>One of the things we like most about <a href="/news/articles/1680496/the-voice-battle-rounds.jhtml">"The Voice"</a> is that its judges — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton — are all active artists. They are all still hitting the studio to make hit records, and that lends a great deal of credibility to their opinions when they critique a contestant's performance. We don't mean to slight Abdul or Scherzinger, but you could argue that a legacy singer who hasn't released an album in over 17 years and a performer who has had a difficult time getting her own solo singing career off the ground aren't the best judges of who does and does not have "The X Factor." </P><P> </P><P>On the other hand, Spears may be. <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/03/29/britney-spears-femme-fatale-reviews/">Last year's <i>Femme Fatale</i></a> gave Spears three top-10 singles — the most of any of her seven albums — and earned some of the best reviews of her career. While it's true that she did not write or produce much of the record, she was most certainly involved in picking her collaborators, which actually could speak well of her ability to know talent when she sees it. Spears also smartly chose red-hot rapper Nicki Minaj to open on the North American leg of her tour. </P><P> </P><P>When it comes to the contemporary pop music scene, Spears knows what works. </P><P> </P><P><big><b>Con: She's not known for her singing</b></big><br> </P><P>Unlike Aguilera, whose talent as a vocalist is indisputable, Spears is not known for her singing. By signing her to judge and mentor a singing competition, "X Factor" producers are setting themselves up for inevitable criticism. "Who is Britney Spears to judge a singing competition?" critics will scream (and they won't be wrong). </P><P> </P><P>When Aguilera critiques a performer's vocals, she speaks with authority — and her ear for singing proved to make her the most discerning judge on the "Voice" panel during the <a href="/news/articles/1679565/the-voice-christina-aguilera-jonathas-usher.jhtml">blind auditions</a>. Spears' judging style will likely be based on liking what's already there, but she's not going to have much insight on missed notes or pitch, which will cripple her ability to further mentor her team. How can she help them improve as vocalists when it's a truth universally acknowledged that she's not really a vocalist herself? </P><P> </P><P><i>Do you think Britney Spears is a good choice for "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments below.</i></p>
Related Videos Related ArtistsSpike Lee Finishing Michael Jackson Documentary
Movie focuses on the singer's 'Bad' album.
By Gil Kaufman
<P>Director Spike Lee is finishing work on an upcoming documentary about <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson's</a> landmark 1987 <I>Bad</I> album that will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the <I>Thriller</I> follow-up that has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.</P><P>Lee, who was friends with the late pop king and directed the official video for the posthumous single <a href="/news/articles/1623590/michael-jacksons-this-it-single-debuts-online.jhtml">"This Is It,"</a>
, said he learned a lot about MJ while making the as-yet-untitled movie.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Behind The Scenes Of 'Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour'" id="vid:755805" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>According to the <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/spike-lee-michael-jackson-bad-documentary-347297" target="_blank"><I>Hollywood Reporter</I></a>, the movie will be part of a celebration of the 25th anniversary of <I>Bad</I>. "We have footage in this documentary that no one's ever seen, stuff that Michael shot himself, behind-the-scenes stuff," Lee said. "We had complete access to the vaults of Michael Jackson. ... He wrote 60 demos for the <I>Bad</I> record. Only 11 made it. So we got to hear a lot of that stuff, too, so it was just a great experience ... You don't have to be a Michael Jackson-head to enjoy this." <I>Bad</I>, which was released more than five years after Jackson's breakthrough, <I>Thriller</I>, the best-selling album of all time, is also one of the all-time top-sellers. In a record tied by Katy Perry last year, it spawned five Hot 100 #1 singles, including "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror" and "Dirty Diana."</P><P>The 25th anniversary re-release of <I>Bad</I> will hit shelves on September 18 and feature additional tracks, a DVD and other material. No release date has been announced yet for Lee's documentary, though it is slated to hit screens this year.</P><P>Lee sat down with everyone from Kanye West to Mariah Carey and Sheryl Crow (who was a back-up singer on the <I>Bad</I> tour) for the film, which he said will show fans a more personal, funny side of MJ. "We really divided it into two things: Artists today who were influenced by Michael, and then people who worked side by side - musicians, songwriters, technicians, engineers, people at the label, who were all committed to Michael, to the follow-up to the biggest record of all time, which still is <I>Thriller</I>," he said.</P><P>A doc chronicling Jackson's rehearsals for what was to be his series of comeback shows, <a href="/news/articles/1625274/michael-jacksons-this-it-has-strong-international-debut.jhtml">"This Is It,"</a>
 was released in 2009 and became one of the highest-grossing music docs of all time.</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>
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