All about Xavier: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Lady Gaga Releases Country Version Of 'Born This Way'

New take on hit song, dubbed 'The Country Road Version,' features slide guitar, mandolin and harmonica.
By Gil Kaufman

Lady Gaga
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

You can take all those Madonna comparisons and throw them out the window of your Ford F-150 truck, because on Thursday night Lady Gaga released a new version of her global smash "Born This Way" that featured a totally unexpected spin.

After tweeting to her Little Monsters that she was preparing to release "Born This Way (The Country Road Version)," Mother Monster dropped the tune at midnight PT on Friday (March 25) via her Twitter account ... and it did not disappoint.

The new rendition of the hit opens with ominous, swirling guitars and then introduces a fuzzed-out slide guitar and harmonica wheeze, with all of the thumping disco beats replaced by restrained brush drumming and a more laid-back vibe. Once it kicks into the first chorus, the song continues to take its time, choogling along on live-sounding, laconic drumming and lots of soulful harmonica.

Just before the three-minute mark, Gaga mixes in some new lyrics, drawling, "If I wanna make it country, baby, then it's OK, cuz I was born, I was born, I was born this way," over picked mandolin. "From London, Paris, Japan back to USA/ I was born on the road, I was born to be brave," she adds, as the song breaks into full-on country-rock mode reminiscent of late-period Bon Jovi in the final minute.

Meanwhile, the original, non-boot-scooting version of "BTW" notched its sixth week in a row at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts this week, which is what Gaga said prompted her to drop the surprise remake on her fans.

Earlier this week, Gaga revealed that she's almost done recording her Born This Way album, telling fans via Twitter, "In Nebraska, finishing up record today ... I'm so proud of the album: I keep dancing+drinking: metal/techno rock journey of a woman on the run."

Plans are now being worked up for the tour in support of Born This Way (due out May 23) and Gaga's first swing at directing, a collaboration with her creative director, Laurieann Gibson, on the video for the album's upcoming second single, "Judas."

What do you think of Gaga's twanged-up version of "Born This Way"? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660650/lady-gaga-country-version-born-this-way.jhtml

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Michael Jackson Doctor's Trial Delayed

Judge pushes start of Conrad Murray's trial back to May.
By Gil Kaufman

Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Though Conrad Murray's lawyers had been pressing for a speedy trial, a judge in the involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson's doctor ruled on Wednesday to delay opening statements in the proceedings until May.

The Associated Press reported that Murray's attorneys consented to the postponement after they discussed the matter with prosecutors and both agreed they could be ready for trial by May 9.

According to a transcript from the closed-door session, though opening statements will not begin for several months, Murray told Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor that he did not want to forfeit his right to a quick trial, but agreed to the delay if screening of prospective jurors begins as scheduled on March 24.

"It is only acceptable to me if this is not strung along over a long period of time," Murray told the justice. "I don't want to lose my constitutional right to speedy trial." Murray — who has pleaded not guilty to the charges — reportedly has been in favor of having the proceedings begin as soon as possible because he is facing financial troubles, but he said he understands that the delay is necessary to allow both sides to prepare for the trial.

Pastor consented because he said he didn't want to lose a jury pool, and believed a month-long delay might let potential jurors shuffle their schedules for the case, which could take up to two months to decide. The judge has reportedly clashed with Murray's defense team in recent weeks, pressing them for answers about why they had not turned over more witness notes and other potential evidence to prosecutors in the run-up to the trial.

Cardiologist Murray was hired to be Jackson's personal physician while the King of Pop prepared for his planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2009. The doctor told police that he provided the then-50-year-old Jackson with sedatives and the surgical anesthetic propofol in order to combat the singer's chronic insomnia. He said he did so on the morning of June 25, 2009, when Jackson died of what a coroner deemed acute propofol poisoning.

Murray's lawyers reportedly plan to argue that Jackson was already in weak health before he died, that it's unfair to blame propofol for his passing and that, if the anesthetic was to blame, the pop superstar may have given himself the fatal dose by drinking the drug in a panic.

A status hearing in the case has been set for this Wednesday.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659100/conrad-murray-trial.jhtml

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Photos | Chris Brown And Usher Perform In Jamaica

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Tell Us What You Think Of Arnold Schwarzenegger As 'The Governator' [POLL]

After weeks of speculation, we finally know what Arnold Schwarzenegger's first entertainment endeavor post-governorship is going to be ? and it was staring us in the face all along. No, it's not a new "Terminator" flick, nor is it a role in the "Avatar" sequel. Instead, Schwarzenegger is keeping his political status firmly intact, with a [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/03/31/arnold-schwarzenegger-the-governator-stan-lee-poll/

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Alye Pollack, We Love You

Meet 13-year-old Alye Pollack. The 8th grader lives in Westport, CT, and has been bullied every day by her classmates since 6th grade. In response, she posted this amazing silent (save the music) video to YouTube—which already has over 163,000 views—about her struggle called "Words are worse than Sticks and Stones." Many people have reached out to Alye to offer their support and to thank her for having the courage to express what many kids like her face every day. If you'd like to, you can email her . [via The Good Men Project]

Source: http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-alye-pollack-we-love-you/?eref=RSS

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Photos | Albums That Sold 1 Million Copies In The First Week

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Bill Murray Reportedly Playing FDR, But What About 'Ghostbusters 3'?

He's busted ghosts, survived zombie apocalypses and lost himself in Japan. Why not add President of the United States to the resume?
Bill Murray, who has veered off the path of comedy towards more dramatic roles in recent years, is reportedly tapping into what would arguably be his most ambitious role to date: President Franklin D. [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/03/30/bill-murray-ghostbusters-3-fdr/

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Britney Spears, Ryan Seacrest To Host Wango Tango Festival

Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez will perform at annual KIIS-FM Los Angeles festival.
By James Dinh

Britney Spears
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images

It's nearing that time of year when the hottest acts in music come together to take the stage for 102.7 KIIS-FM's Wango Tango in Los Angeles. On Monday (March 28), Ryan Seacrest took to his morning radio show to announce that he and Britney Spears will co-host the annual music fest, which will feature performances from Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez.

Other acts scheduled for the concert event include Pitbull, Far East Movement, Jason DeRulo, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain, New Boys and Cobra Starship. YouTube sensation Cody Simpson will round out the star-studded performance roster.

While Spears may just be hitting the stage as special guest co-host, the "Hold It Against Me" singer, coming off of hot weekend shows in Las Vegas and San Francisco, is no stranger to the Wango Tango stage. When her career was just taking off in 1999, the pop star performed at the annual festival and returned a few years later in 2001 to guest-host the festivities.

Tickets for Wango Tango 2011, which takes place May 14 at the Staples Center, go on sale to KISS Club VIPs on Friday, April 1, and to the general public on Saturday, April 2. Fans may also want to keep an eye on the hit radio station's Facebook page, where they revealed they will be giving away meet-and-greet passes for Ke$ha.

Are you excited for this year's Wango Tango lineup? Share your thoughts below.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660770/britney-spears-ryan-seacrest-wango-tango.jhtml

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Daniel Radcliffe Feels 'Very Good' About 'How To Succeed' Premiere

'Coming in and doing a two-and-a-half-hour show every evening will seem like a holiday after the last couple months,' he tells MTV News.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Daniel Radcliffe
Photo: MTV News

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" star Daniel Radcliffe will perform the same routine eight times a week on Broadway for the rest of the year and into 2012, but the actor will happily take that relative monotony instead of the exhaustive rehearsals he's endured for the last several months.

"It feels very good to have opened — it really does," he told MTV News following the musical's premiere Sunday. "We've had a long-ish preview period — I can't say long anymore because of 'Spider-Man' — but it feels great to be here and know the show is set now and we don't have to rehearse during the day and we get to chill out. Honestly, coming in and doing a two-and-a-half-hour show every evening will seem like a holiday after the last couple months."

The work has clearly paid off, as reviews for his performance have been largely positive. "Daniel Radcliffe is so adorable in his Broadway musical debut, you just want to pinch his cheeks," wrote the New York Post. "It's not just his youth — the 'Harry Potter' star is 21 — but the endearing amount of dedication and enthusiasm he pours into steering the [play]."

That's got to feel good for a guy who's gone on record that he has no particular talent for singing and dancing. But Radcliffe put in the work, and now he's looking forward to a bit more time to himself. Not that he's got ambitious plans for his downtime.

When MTV News asked if he'll have a chance to enjoy New York City, he said, "I will be able to now because the day-to-day rehearsal will have stopped. I'm just kind of relaxing and reading and chilling out. You know this; I don't do anything interesting!"

Will you check out Radcliffe on Broadway? Let us know in the comments!

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Photos | 2010 BET Awards Show Highlights

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Justin Bieber Passes Michael Jackson's Box-Office Record

'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' has outgrossed MJ's 'This Is It' in U.S.
By Gil Kaufman

Justin Bieber in "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

Michael Jackson may have dubbed himself the King of Pop, but the late icon didn't hold the box-office crown for long. Less than a year after the posthumous MJ documentary "This Is It" became the most successful concert-themed film in U.S. history, Justin Bieber is poised to snatch the mantle.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" has earned $72.2 million in domestic box office so far, passing Jackson's $72.1 million haul. And while Bieber has racked up those impressive numbers in just six weeks, he's got a long way to go before he laps the global receipts for the MJ doc.

"This Is It" has grossed $189.1 million overseas for a global total of $261.2 million. Music films don't typically play well overseas, and THR noted that "Never Say Never" has grossed a more modest $10.8 million overseas so far, with Paramount executives predicting that it could top out around $20 million internationally.

The impressive U.S. numbers were likely goosed by the re-release of the film recently with 40 additional minutes of bonus footage from director Jon M. Chu. Bieber still has a little way to go to climb the list of the top-grossing documentaries of all time. "Never Say Never" is currently stalled out at the #3 position, around $5 million behind "March of the Penguins," according to Box Office Mojo, and well short of the all-time record held by Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11," which has taken in $119.1 million to date.

Bieber set off a classic MJ-style fan frenzy a few weeks ago when he visited Liverpool, England, for his world tour. And just a week later, he posed with his new wax figure at London's Madame Tussauds, checking off another item on the list of milestones to an MJ-like career.

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Songs For Japan Includes Eminem, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga And More

Benefit album is now on iTunes, with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
By James Montgomery

Songs For Japan Cover Art
Photo: EMI Music Group

On Monday, we learned the names of some of the stars set to appear on Songs For Japan, a compilation album to benefit the ongoing disaster relief efforts in the earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged nation. And on Friday (March 25), not only was the full roster of artists and songs revealed, but the album was made available for purchase on iTunes.

Lady Gaga, Eminem, Beyoncé, Madonna, the Kings of Leon and Katy Perry joined a list of already-announced artists like Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna on the album, which is available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99. Proceeds from the sale of Songs for Japan will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.

All in all, 38 artists lent songs to the album, including legends like Bob Dylan, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the late John Lennon; country acts like Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum; rock artists like the Foo Fighters, R.E.M. and Bon Jovi; pop icons like Madonna and Pink; and top hitmakers like Bruno Mars and David Guetta.

All acts appearing on Songs for Japan — and their labels and music publishers — have waived their royalties and proceeds from the worldwide sales of the album to insure the Japanese Red Cross Society receives as much support as possible. The JRCS will use funds from the album to support its ongoing relief efforts and for eventual recovery assistance to the areas hardest hit by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis. iTunes will also donate its proceeds from the album's worldwide sales to the benefit of the JRCS.

The track list for Songs for Japan, according to Apple:

1. John Lennon, "Imagine"
2. U2, "Walk On"
3. Bob Dylan, "Shelter From the Storm"
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Around the World"
5. Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
6. Beyoncé, "Irreplaceable"
7. Bruno Mars, "Talking to the Moon"
8. Katy Perry, "Firework"
9. Rihanna, "Only Girl (In the World)"
10. Justin Timberlake, "Like I Love You"
11. Madonna, "Miles Away"
12. David Guetta, "When Love Takes Over"
13. Eminem (featuring Rihanna), "Love the Way You Lie"
14. Bruce Springsteen, "Human Touch"
15. Josh Groban, "Awake"
16. Keith Urban, "Better Life"
17. Black Eyed Peas, "One Tribe"
18. Pink, "Sober"
19. Cee Lo Green, "It's OK"
20. Lady Antebellum, "I Run to You"
21. Bon Jovi, "What Do You Got?"
22. Foo Fighters, "My Hero"
23. R.E.M., "Man on the Moon"
24. Nicki Minaj, "Save Me"
25. Sade, "By Your Side"
26. Michael Bublé, "Hold On"
27. Justin Bieber, "Pray"
28. Adele, "Make You Feel My Love"
29. Enya, "If I Could Be Where You Are"
30. Elton John, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
31. John Mayer, "Waiting on the World to Change"
32. Queen, "Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)"
33. Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody"
34. Sting, "Fragile"
35. Leona Lewis, "Better in Time"
36. Ne-Yo, "One in a Million"
37. Shakira, "Whenever, Wherever"
38. Norah Jones, "Sunrise"

Will you download the benefit album? Let us know in the comments!

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Michael Jackson Doctor's Trial Delayed

Judge pushes start of Conrad Murray's trial back to May.
By Gil Kaufman

Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images

The Associated Press reported that Murray's attorneys consented to the postponement after they discussed the matter with prosecutors and both agreed they could be ready for trial by May 9.

A status hearing in the case has been set for this Wednesday.

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Chris Brown Recalls Making Justin Bieber 'Kind Of Mad'

F.A.M.E. singer was late to their 'Next 2 You' recording session.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Rebecca Thomas

Chris Brown
Photo: MTV News

Aside from his latest controversy, Chris Brown is back with F.A.M.E., which stands for "Forgiving All My Enemies" and "Fans Are My Everything." On the new album, Brown has some choice features from stars such as Lil Wayne, Tyga, Ludacris and Justin Bieber.

"Working with Wayne is always incredible," said Brown, whose "Beautiful People" video premiered Tuesday on MTV's "The Seven." "I've had Wayne on every single album I've done. ... Being able to work with these guys is incredible. I build most of my collaborations off of just the relationships that I've built with these guys over the years and then new relationships, like Justin Bieber."

Brown told MTV News that it was awesome getting Bieber on board for "Next 2 You." Brown became interested in featuring the teen star on his album after the duo worked on the remix to Bieber's track "Up," which was featured on Never Say Never - The Remixes.

"Being able to collab with [Bieber] was great," Brown said. "He's a young, energetic cat, so being able to work with him, with the fanbase he has, was incredible. I know a lot of little girls are going to love this record.

"I wouldn't say [he's] my protégé. He's doing his thing at a young age, and I was doing mine at a young age, so being able to see him come up is dope."

Brown explained that the two of them didn't quite get into the studio together, however.

"I actually stood him up on accident," Brown recalled. "He was kind of mad ... I was all the way on the other side of town handling some business, 'girl business,' and I was rushing back, and by that time, he's like, 'Man, I'm leaving, bro. I did it — just check it out.' And I looked at it and listened to it and I was like, 'Man, this is crazy.' ... He's a great kid."

Which F.A.M.E. collaboration are you most looking forward to hearing? Tell us below!

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Britney Spears' 'Till The World Ends' Hits Web

Femme Fatale's second single was penned by Ke$ha.
By Jocelyn Vena

Photo: Jive

Britney Spears' new single, "Till the World Ends," sounds poised to be a club smash. The Ke$ha-written, Dr. Luke/Max Martin-produced track was posted by Perez Hilton on Thursday afternoon (March 3), after speculation earlier in the day that the song would hit radio next week.

"Till the World Ends" is a swirling, "beat the beat" track, ready for late nights spent "dancing till the world ends" as she sings on the fast-paced party jam. "This kitten got your tongue tied in knots I see/ Spit it out 'cause I'm dying for company," a confident Spears purrs.

As the song slows for a moment — during a break before she moves her way to the chorus — she sings, "I can't take it take it take no more/ Never felt like felt like this before/ Come on get me get me on the floor/ DJ, what you what you waiting for?" she teases.

The beat chugs in the background as synths play with Spears' sex-kitten delivery of lines like "Watch me move/ When I lose, when I lose it hard/ Get you off with a touch/ Dancing in the dark.

"See the sunlight/ We ain't stopping/ Keep on dancing till the world ends/ If you feel it/ Let it happen/ Keep on dancing till the world ends," she sings as the song breaks down, fading out for a brief moment (revealing her signature breathiness), and then coming back in as she repeats those final lines again to close the song.

Ke$ha recently dished about the track to Spin.com, noting that it is about the power of an artist performing a great gig. "That song is me imagining her and any female musician touring the world," she said. "You know, when you go out, and you're having an amazing, magical night and you don't want to go to sleep and you want it to last until the world ends."

"Till the World Ends" is the second single from Femme Fatale, set to drop March 29. Its lead single, "Hold It Against Me," was an equally club-friendly jam by Luke and Martin, who are overseeing production on the album.

Give your review of "Till the World Ends" in the comments below!

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Songs For Japan Includes Eminem, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga And More

Benefit album is now on iTunes, with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
By James Montgomery

Songs For Japan Cover Art
Photo: EMI Music Group

The track list for Songs for Japan, according to Apple:

Will you download the benefit album? Let us know in the comments!

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Photos | Lady Gaga In The March Issue Of Vogue

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Daniel Radcliffe Says Final 'Harry Potter' Press Tour Will Be 'Weird'

'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' actor will trade Broadway for red carpets when 'Deathly Hallows' premieres in July.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Daniel Radcliffe
Photo: MTV News

The end is almost upon us. Over a decade after production on the first "Harry Potter" began, the final film hits theaters in July, and as J.K. Rowling promised Daniel Radcliffe, she's not going to write more books about the boy wizard.

That's fine by Radcliffe, who has joked on many an occasion that he's ready to leave the franchise behind, not least because there'd be something unseemly about playing Harry as the actor approached middle age. But he's not done with "Potter" yet. There's still the upcoming press tour for the second part of "Deathly Hallows," which will require Radcliffe to step away from his new Broadway musical, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," for a few days.

And, as he told MTV News recently, transitioning from one show-business world to another is going to be strange.

"In a way, it will probably be weird to suddenly have to switch out of the mode I'm in for this show and then go and do press," he said, adding with a laugh, "But I can do that. I'm very versatile!"

Being able to jump from performing to plugging and back again, Radcliffe added, simply comes with the territory.

"I think any actor that does a big film or even a show like this now without the expectation that they will have to do press for it is very naive," he said. "It's part of the job. It's as much a part of the job almost as anything else."

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

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

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Snoop Dogg Remembers Nate Dogg As A 'Genuine' Homey

'It was the things he did for me as a friend before I had a record deal,' Snoop tells MTV News.
By Steven Roberts

Snoop Dogg
Photo: MTV News

Nate Dogg was laid to rest this past weekend in his hometown of Long Beach, California. Several artists came to pay their last respects, including Dr. Dre, Daz and Kurupt. They gathered alongside the G-Funk crooner's friends and family on a gloomy Saturday morning. At his funeral, an emotional Snoop Dogg spoke about how the two attended the same high school.

"1986, Poly High School, that's where we connected for the first time," Snoop reflected on his friend. "We didn't know each other, but the music connected us. We built a brotherhood, a friendship."

On Monday (March 28), MTV News caught up with Snoop after his appearance on "The Seven," and he elaborated on what his friendship with Nate meant to him.

"As a friend, Nate Dogg, was like a brother, a homey, someone who understood Snoop Dogg, someone who understood the struggle of Snoop Dogg, because he was a part of the struggle of Snoop Dogg. We created a group, 213: me, him and Warren G, back in the late '80s that spawned our careers."

The rapper and the crooner collaborated frequently throughout their careers, recording G-Funk hits like "It Ain't No Fun" and "Bitch Please," but for Snoop it was all about the time they spent together coming up.

"His friendship meant so much to me, because it was more about before we made records, as opposed to when people [saw] us in the limelight. It was the things he did for me as a friend before I had a record deal. The belief he had in me as an artist, as a homey, and just staying down and sticking to the rules of the game. That's what made Nate so genuine."

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Britney Spears 'Brought It' In Las Vegas, Fans Say

'She knocked it out of the box,' one fan tells MTV News after nightclub gig.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears performs "Big Fat Bass" at Rain Nightclub in the Palms Las Vegas
Photo: Roderick Trestrail

Britney Spears proved to be a Femme Fatale when she hit the stage Friday night in Las Vegas. The pop superstar donned multiple costumes during her high-octane three-song set, and her fans loved every moment of it.

The Femme Fatale hit the stage following a killer set from "Jersey Shore" star DJ Pauly D on Friday night (March 25). Spears sported a stunning sequined bodysuit and performed her first song of the night, lead single "Hold It Against Me." Flanked by sexy male dancers, she sashayed her way through the song, which included sexy hair-tossing and a wind machine. She performed snippets of past hits, "3," "Slave 4 U" and "Gimme More," as well as her latest club banger, "Till the World Ends." And by all accounts, fans were electrified.

Check out hot photos from Britney's Las Vegas show.

Emerie told MTV News moments after the show: "I love Britney! Everything was perfect. My favorite part was when she performed the song 'Till the World Ends.' Anything with Britney is amazing."

Jewelry designer Heather Bettes added, "It was fantastic. Britney Spears, she looks stellar. She killed it. She really brought it The beading is amazing on her costumes. She looked great. She brought it."

While fans described Spears' big show as "awesome," "sexy" and "the best thing ever," two die-hards had a personal connection to the show.

"I loved it!" Danielle said of Brit's performance at Rain nightclub in the Palms Casino and Resort. In fact, she loved it so much because her pal Mark is one of Brit's dancers. While Mark was one of her favorite parts, she said Britney really shined.

"The very end of the last song [was awesome]," she explained about pop's reigning queen. "She looked sexy. She's hot."

Daniel, who is not only Danielle's friend but also Mark's boyfriend, was very excited to see his beau onstage with the star. "He looked so sexy," he proclaimed, adding that Brit had told the dancers that this show was all about her excited fans. "She wants to please all of her fans. She knocked it out of the box."

Those good vibes were felt by Britney as well, who tweeted after the show, "OMFG it feels good to be on stage again!!"

For fans who may have missed it, they can check out Spears' performance in an MTV special airing next week, with a tease dropping Tuesday, the same day as the release of Femme Fatale.

Did you catch Britney's performance? Share your reviews in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660730/britney-spears-las-vegas-show-fan-reaction.jhtml

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Justin Bieber Shows Off New Hairdo In 'That Should Be Me' Clip

Video features Bieber performing song with country band Rascal Flatts.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber
Photo: Neil Mockford/ Getty Images

The weekend that Justin Bieber cut his hair, he also shot the music video for his "That Should Be Me" remix, featuring country band Rascal Flatts. This weekend, the full music video premiered, and it shows off that very famous cut.

The video is a meta-statement on making videos. The guys of Rascal Flatts pull up to the studio while Bieber sits in a room practicing the track. Bieber and the band sit and rehearse the song before they are brought to the room to shoot the lo-fi performance video.

We see the camera and lights filming the guys, who stand in front of a white backdrop performing the song. Bieber is occasionally seen in the sparse room alone singing the track, dressed in black. Shots of the finished performance are edited with those of Bieber and the band rehearsing the track, off his Never Say Never - The Remixes album, which was released last month. The video ends with Bieber walking off the set.

"They flipped out," lead singer Gary LeVox said of bringing his daughters to the set the day of the shoot with the teen star. "Brittany ended up singing one of his songs to him. He was hugging them and was so sweet to them. I've even got a low-grade Bieber fever. I think I'm in the running for dad of the year."

Bieber also tweeted about the video's runaway success on Sunday, writing, "And just saw... #ThatShouldBeMe vid with @rascalflatts is now #1 on ITUNES!! Thank u all so much. We are very proud of that song. #MuchLove."

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659796/justin-bieber-that-should-be-me-clip.jhtml

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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

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

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.

In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," 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 Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.

But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence 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.

"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."

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.

"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.

Danneel Harris Deanna Russo Denise Richards Desiree Dymond

Monday, March 28, 2011

Jessica Simpson: X Factor Judge Front Runner!

Jessica Simpson has just confirmed that she has been approached to be apart of X Factor! Is this a hit or miss? Get the deets here! Jessica Simpson is on the cover of WWD magazine where she talks all about her fashion line, her fianc項ric Johnson, and of course X Factor! The fashionista is set [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RightCelebrity/~3/KCDoumLFgGk/

Coco Lee Connie Nielsen Cristina Dumitru Daisy Fuentes

Armie Hammer Joins 'The Brothers Grimm: Snow White,' Saoirse Ronan 'In Discussions' For Title Role

Where "Snow White" loses one man, she gains another. Except we're not exactly talking about the same Snow White, are we?
Earlier today, we brought you the sad news that Viggo Mortensen has dropped out of "Snow White and the Huntsman," leaving the Kristen Stewart-starring adaptation without a leading man for the time being. While the [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/03/28/snow-white-armie-hammer-saoirse-ronan/

Ali Larter Alice Dodd Alicia Keys Alicia Witt

Georgia Police Officer Claims She Was Fired For Being Pregnant

Something is rotten in the state of Georgia: narcotics K-9 officer Ruth Hernandez was fired by the city of Thomsen, Georgia after getting pregnant.

According to WAGT-TV, Ruth Hernandez became pregnant with her second child and told her superiors that she couldn't perform her duties until November 11 (eight months from now). Obviously if she is pregnant, it is ill-advised for her be in dangerous positions that cops can find themselves in. Fortunately, by federal law, if an employee cannot perform a duty because of a disability — which is how pregnancy is viewed by the law — the employer is supposed to try to find a similar job that he or she can do. For instance, Thomson, Georgia, was hiring for a secretary, which is a desk position, in its fire department. However, Ruth Hernandez says she was never offered the secretarial position. Nor did the city of Thomson offer her a leave. Instead, she was fired by Thomson PD, which said in a statement to WAGT, it was "unable to hold her position vacant for the length of time requested." Her police car and her K-9 dog have been given to another officer and Ruth is now unemployed.

I call bulls**t.

Source: http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-georgia-police-officer-claims-she-was-fired-for-being-pregnant/?eref=RSS

Ali Larter Alice Dodd Alicia Keys Alicia Witt

Paris Hilton was moved to tears as she was handed a prize for her humanitarian work

The millionaire reality TV star, along with her sister Nicky and mother Kathy, was given the accolade by the Starlight Children’s Foundation for her philanthropy efforts. Following a silent auction and a cocktail dinner at the Century Plaza Hyatt Hotel in Los Angeles, the Hiltons were presented with their Heart of Gold trophies. Hilton took [...]

Source: http://www.celebritymound.com/paris-hilton-was-moved-to-tears-as-she-was-handed-a-prize-for-her-humanitarian-work/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paris-hilton-was-moved-to-tears-as-she-was-handed-a-prize-for-her-humanitarian-work

Cat Power Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter

Video: Britney Spears Live Performance At The Palm Casino Resort

She’s been away from the pop scene for over a year so it was no surprise to see Britney Spears throwing herself back into it with gusto. And as she took to the stage in Las Vegas on Friday night, she declared to her screaming fans: ‘It’s so good to be back.’ The pop star, [...]

Source: http://www.celebritymound.com/video-britney-spears-live-performance-at-the-palm-casino-resort/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=video-britney-spears-live-performance-at-the-palm-casino-resort

China Chow Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate

Happy Birthday Miley!

Miley Cyrus

Today (November 23), Miley Cyrus is celebrating her 18th birthday at Trousdale. The ?Party in the USA? songstress is sure to have a fabulous day filled with family, friends, and tons of awesome gifts. [gallery=745]

Source: http://www.celebritygossiphollywood.com/celebrities/miley-cyrus/happy-birthday-miley/

Dido Diora Baird Dita Von Teese Dominique Swain

Justin Bieber's Grammy Performance Will Be 'A Crossover,' Usher Says

The 'O.M.G.' singer looks forward to sharing the stage with his protégé on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery

Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.

Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.

"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."

And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.

"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."

And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.

"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."

Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!

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Crazy Cat Lady

I love this. Crazy Cat Lady Action Figure.

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2010/12/19/crazy-cat-lady.html

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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Photos | Justin Bieber's AMA Night

Justin Bieber's AMA Night

Desiree Dymond Diane Kruger Dido Diora Baird

Oh No!

Santa left one of his reindeer here!

Merry Christmas!

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2010/12/25/oh-no.html

Jamie Gunns Jamie Lynn Sigler Janet Jackson January Jones

Britney Spears Fans Amped For Vegas Show

Britney performs tonight at the Rain nightclub at the Palms Hotel for a group of lucky fans.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears
Photo: Jive

LAS VEGAS — As showtime for Britney Spears' special performance at the Palms in Las Vegas draws closer, fans have already begun to cluster in the lobby of the hotel to make sure they get a plumb spot at the show. And for many, just seeing Spears' name on the marquee, alongside that of house DJ Pauly D, certainly added to the excitement.

"We're so excited. We were Britney Spears for Halloween," Spears fan Kelsey told us. Kelsey and a group of eight of her best girlfriends already had plans to be at the Palms for spring break when they found out they'd also be checking out the Femme Fatale star herself. The one-off performance will be filmed by MTV.

Check out hot photos from Britney's Las Vegas show.

Katie, who was one of the lucky fans to get a coveted ticket for the show, added, "We have no idea what will happen. We're really excited about the show. I think no matter what it is, we'll be super-excited."

With so much about the show under wraps, the Britney fans we spoke to said they have high hopes that Spears will be true to form. "I feel like the old Britney's finally back so we're excited," one said. "I think it's the whole show together. It's the whole production [that we're excited to see]. The choreography, lighting, the energy in the crowd. We're lucky to know that you're one of the few who get to see her. Super-lucky!"

Spears' latest album, Femme Fatale, arrives Tuesday after months of song and video teasers.

What are you expecting from Spears' new album? Let us know in the comments below!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660720/britney-spears-las-vegas-fans.jhtml

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Photos | What Beyonce Might Be Like At Home

What Beyonce Might Be Like At Home

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1632778

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Ryan Phillippe & Amanda Seyfried: Wedding Crashers?

Making for quite the interesting choice in locale, Ryan Phillippe and girlfriend Amanda Seyfried have opted to spend the weekend at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, CA.

Situated just thirty minutes from Ryan's ex Reese Witherspoon's wedding grounds of Ojai, the new couple was spotted getting some exercise while taking their dogs for a jog on Saturday (March 26).

The visit to the San Ysidro Ranch comes as Phillippe's two children with Witherspoon, Ava and Deacon, are joining their mother as she walks down the aisle with agent beau Jim Toth.

The nuptials are expected to take place on Saturday night, with guests including actress Renee Zellweger staying at the ritzy Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/ryan-phillippe/ryan-phillippe-amanda-seyfried-wedding-crashers-491356

Ashley Tisdale Asia Argento Aubrey ODay Audrina Patridge

Beyonce Donated Gadhafi Money To Haiti Relief Last Year

Music industry urges other stars who played for Libyan dictator's family to donate their earnings.
By Gil Kaufman

Beyonce
Photo: Al Pereira/ WireImage

Just days after singer Nelly Furtado announced that she planned to donate to charity money she received for playing a concert for the family of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, a spokesperson for Beyoncé said that the "Halo" singer had already done the same.

Documents obtained by the WikiLeaks website revealed that stars including Beyoncé, Usher and Mariah Carey had played big-paycheck gigs for Gadhafi. On Monday, Rolling Stone magazine reported that the industry was urging the stars (noting that rapper 50 Cent had also played such gigs) to return the money they earned for the concerts.

"They've done it for tons of artists," an unnamed music-business source told the magazine about lavish parties by Gadhafi's son, Muatassim, which are reportedly often "jammed" with supermodels. "Those guys are all over the world."

On Wednesday, a rep for Beyoncé — who played a New Year's Eve gig for Muatassim with Usher on the Caribbean island of St. Barts in 2009 — told the Huffington Post that the singer had long ago resolved the matter.

"All monies paid to Beyoncé for her performance at a private party at Nikki Beach St. Barts on New Year's Eve 2009, including the commissions paid to her booking agency, were donated to the earthquake relief efforts for Haiti over a year ago," her publicist said. "Once it became known that the third-party promoter was linked to the Qaddafi family, the decision was made to put that payment to a good cause."

The money was donated to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, established in the wake of last year's devastating earthquake, and a spokesperson for the fund confirmed that it received the $1 million check in the weeks after the January 2010 earthquake.

According to her official Twitter feed, Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado confirmed on Monday that she once did a show for the dictator's family and now plans to donate the money to charity. "In 2007, I received 1million$ from the Gadhafi clan to perform a 45 min. show for guests at a hotel in Italy," she wrote on Monday. "I am going to donate the $."

The star-studded shows were part of the extravagant lifestyle of the dictator's sons, whose splashy parties and out-of-control spending have angered their countrymen, many of whom wallow in poverty as the Gadhafi clan benefits from the country's oil riches.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659097/beyonce-gadhafi-donation.jhtml

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2009 Celebrity Babies

Rachel Zoe welcomes a baby boy! Plus, see more stars who welcomed new bundles of joy

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/2009-celebrity-babies/1-b-16266

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Justin Bieber Causes Fan Frenzy In Liverpool, England

Police confirm to MTV News that fans are gathered outside the star's hotel.
By Jocelyn Vena

Fans outside Justin Bieber's hotel in Liverpool
Photo: Mercury Press/PacificCoastNews.com

Justin Bieber is in Liverpool, England, on Thursday (March 10) for his world tour, and his fans are very happy about it, which might explain why they've gathered in an abundance outside his hotel room.

A rep for the Merseyside Police department confirmed to MTV News that there are "large number of fans" outside Bieber's hotel, though she "wouldn't say it's a riot situation, yet." Funny enough, this is all going down at the Hard Days Night Hotel, named after the movie that chronicled the Beatles' encounters with mobs of fans.

"Merseyside Police has been called to North John Street in Liverpool City Centre to ensure control of a crowd that has gathered outside the Hard Days Night Hotel. North John Street has been closed to traffic and police would urge the public to avoid the area if possible," a statement sent to MTV News reads. "Officers are working with the management of the hotel and with Justin Bieber's security team to ensure his safety, the safety of other guests and of the crowd."

According to TMZ, in order to keep the peace, Bieber's camp is following police orders. And though the gossip site said arrests could be made if anyone in his camp tried to elicit further response from the fans by going on the balcony, the police said, "Merseyside Police has at no time threatened to arrest Justin Bieber or members of his management team."

Bieber himself was the first to expose the craziness online when he posted a photo of his fans, gathered in droves outside his hotel. "This is crazy. There are like thousands of people out there. love everybody but gonna try and get some sleep. please dont scream. Lol," he tweeted and later reiterated, "THIS IS CRAZY!"

This is hardly the first time Bieber has had his fans in a frenzy. He caused quit a stir during a trip to the mall in Kitchener, Ontario, on Boxing Day in December. Prior to that he had to shut down an appearance at a Long Island area mall in late 2009, followed by a canceled in-store signing in Paris in February 2010. He caused Bieber Fever in Australia and New Zealand last April and had fans all worked up in September, when he stopped by an Edmonton, Alberta, Hooters for some grub.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659619/justin-bieber-causes-fan-frenzy-liverpool-england.jhtml

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