- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace
Friday, December 31, 2010
'Twilight Saga' Star Jackson Rathbone Launching Record Label
Rathbone's label may release the upcoming album from his own band, 100 Monkeys, in addition to other artists' music.
By Terri Schwartz
Jackson Rathbone
Photo: Damian Vaca/ MTV News
Because filming a blockbuster film, working on a new album and going on tour apparently aren't keeping him busy enough, Jackson Rathbone has decided to set up his own record label, too. In an interview with Zooey magazine, Rathbone revealed that he'll soon be known for the artists he helps develop, as well as for his acting and his own music.
The multitasking star best known for portraying of Jasper Hale in "The Twilight Saga" is currently filming "Breaking Dawn" in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and also is working on finishing his next album with his rock group, 100 Monkeys. His fellow bandmates went with him to the movie set so that they could complete the album and kick off a 10-day tour starting after Christmas. 100 Monkeys member Jerad Anderson confirmed to MTV News that Rathbone would indeed be starting a record label, through which he'll release material by other artists.
"We might be putting the [100 Monkeys] record out on this label," Anderson reported. "We haven't collectively decided as a band yet."
The group also scored "Girlfriend," an indie flick featuring Rathbone and Anderson that made its premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival. They haven't received official confirmation whether the movie will play at the 2011 South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, but considering 100 Monkeys will be performing during that festival, Anderson said, "It's very likely." He added, "The movie has momentum coming from a successful debut [in] Toronto. "
When the band embarks on their tour after the holiday, MTV cameras will be on the bus documenting the behind the scenes of 100 Monkeys' daily adventures. "Should be interesting..." Anderson said. MTV has already gotten an inside look into the life of the group thanks to some Web diaries that Rathbone recorded. Rathbone also has been hard at work on the set of McG's new Web series, "Aim High."
And, of course, filming continues on "Breaking Dawn," as the final two installments of "The Twilight Saga" inch closer to completion. The first official picture from the film hit the Internet in November, and some paparazzi photos have been released of and the Volturi in costume.
Check out everything we've got on
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Other Stars Make Forbes' Top-Earning Of 2010 List
Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus also made the magazine's top 20 list of Hollywood moneymakers.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Beyoncé
Photo: Columbia/Music World
On the East Coast, revenue streams are slowly rising as banks are still cratering and trying to recover from the recession. But out West, money ain't a thing, as Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z once rapped.
Forbes has released their list of Hollywood's 20 Highest Earners of 2010, with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus among those rubbing elbows with the likes of power players like Oprah Winfrey.
The venerable talk-show host topped the list with a whopping $315 million haul. Winfrey's earnings were generated for the most part by her multimedia deals, which include a syndication deal for her TV show, a magazine and her soon-to-be-launched network.
"Avatar" creator James Cameron came in second, more than $100 million behind Winfrey, with a tally of $210 million. Director and playwright Tyler Perry ($125 million), blockbuster movie producer Michael Bay ($120 million) and golfer Tiger Woods ($105 million) rounded out the top five.
Beyoncé was the only pop star to break the top 10. The "Single Ladies" superstar landed at #9, sandwiched between George Lucas and Dr. Phil. Mrs. Carter, whose hubby, Jay-Z, was named Hip-Hop's Cash King by Forbes in August with a tally of $63 million, pulled down $87 million over the past 12 months.
The blond-haired trio of Britney Spears ($64 million), Lady Gaga ($62 million) and Madonna ($58 million) made their mark on the list at numbers 13, 14 and 15, respectively.
Pop tarts Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift capped the list. The young stars placed at 18 and 19 on the list, with Disney star Cyrus pocketing $48 million, and country singer Swift depositing $45 million into her bank account.
Hollywood's 20 highest-earning men and women of 2010, according to Forbes:
1. Oprah Winfrey, $315 million
2. James Cameron, $210 million
3. Tyler Perry, $125 million
4. Michael Bay, $120 million
5. Tiger Woods, $105 million
6. Jerry Bruckheimer, $100 million
7. Steven Spielberg, $100 million
8. George Lucas, $95 million
9. Beyoncé, $87 million
10. Dr. Phil, $80 million
11. Simon Cowell, $80 million
12. Jerry Seinfeld, $75 million
13. Britney Spears, $64 million
14. Lady Gaga, $62 million
15. Madonna, $58 million
16. Sandra Bullock, $56 million
17. Ellen DeGeneres, $55 million
18. Miley Cyrus, $48 million
19. Taylor Swift, $45 million
20. Judge Judy Sheindlin, $45 million
Beyonce Says She Wants To 'Make My Own Genre Of Music'
Singer is in the studio working on Sasha Fierce follow-up.
By Gil Kaufman
Beyoncé
Photo: Getty Images
Beyoncé doesn't have that much left to prove in her career. She's a megaplatinum artist, an accomplished actress, half of one of the most successful musical couples in history and a fashion icon.
But on the follow-up to her smash 2008 Grammy-winning album I Am ... Sasha Fierce, the singer is aiming to carve an entirely new lane for herself.
"I love to dance, I love to sing, and I'm actually in the studio now writing songs and producing," the singer told "Entertainment Tonight" from the set of a new commercial she's filming for Vizio televisions. "I have a lot of live instruments that I'm putting into the tracks to try to change the sound and make my own genre of music." The commercial will debut on Thanksgiving day, just after the singer rocks prime-time TV with an ABC Thanksgiving special entitled "I Am ... World Tour."
Among the producers and songwriters working with Beyoncé on the new, as-yet-untitled album is Ne-Yo, who helped write one of the 29-year-old singer's biggest hits, "Irreplaceable."
Ne-Yo told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Beyoncé's fourth solo effort is "coming along nicely. I can't speak too much on it, but it's another direction for her, and she's carving out her own niche. ... In a minute nobody will be in Beyoncé's lane. They really can't get in her lane now, but they really can't get in her lane after this album."
In the meantime, producer Jim Jonsin, who produced her song "Sweet Dreams," has also said he has some new directions in mind for Beyoncé. "I'd like to take it even more Depeche Mode-ish, like '80s electro with just some hard drums," he told Rap-Up TV. "I'd love to go there."
That fits with what songwriter Sean "The Pen" Garrett recently told Entertainment Weekly. Garrett, who was behind such hits as "Video Phone," "Diva" and "Upgrade U," said that he was slated to hit the studio with Beyoncé in September and that the results would be hard-hitting.
"I think we are doing a lot of uptempo records for this one," he said. "She's in such a good place right now in life that she is interested in making party music, definitely."
Related Artists'RapFix Live' With Joe Budden
Budden joined Sway live in the MTV News studio to talk all things hip-hop.
Musical 'Glee-Caps' Of Season Two
Musical 'Glee-Caps' Of Season Two
MTV News' Jim Cantiello recaps second-season episodes of "Glee" with special songs.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Michelle Williams Says She'll Watch 'Brokeback Mountain' With Daughter
Actress says Matilda will see the film in which her mother and father Heath Ledger co-starred 'when she's ready.'
By Terri Schwartz
Michelle Williams
Photo: Getty Images
Michelle Williams already told MTV News that she'll show her daughter Matilda her racy drama "Blue Valentine" someday, but that's not the only controversial film the actress thinks she'll be proud to show her child. In an interview with Angeleno magazine, Williams said that there will be a time in Matilda's future when she will sit down and show her daughter "Brokeback Mountain," a film that has a special place in Williams' heart.
"I will watch it with her, when she's ready," she said of the gay-cowboy film in which she co-starred with the late Heath Ledger, Matilda's father. "It is hard to imagine what that would feel like, but one day, yes, we will watch it together."
When describing why "Brokeback" was so important to their family, Williams said, "I was just an actor who happened to be lucky enough to be in the right place, and it was the place where I met Matilda's father, and that is a lot. It was a lot. And it will be a lot for Matilda too, when she gets around to watching it."
Matilda is only 5-years-old now, but Williams told MTV that she is excited for the day when she can share her work with her child. She described "Blue Valentine" as a movie she could "stand behind" and has been thinking a lot about what Matilda's reaction to her filmography will be.
"I feel like I'm excited for the day when she's old enough to see it, because my aim is to make her proud that the time I spent away from her wasn't in vain," she explained.
Williams recently opened up to the press about Ledger's death. Her ex-boyfriend was found dead in his apartment on January 22, 2008, at age 28. His death was attributed to an accidental overdose of a number of prescription medications.
"I've found meanings around the circumstance, but the actual event itself still doesn't ... I can't find a meaning for it," Williams told ABC's "Nightline." "I can find meanings in things and people and relationships that have sprung up and friendships that have strengthened. I can find a lot of meaning in that, but not in why."
Check out everything we've got on "Blue Valentine."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Usher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Beyonce Can't Pick Her Favorite Jay-Z Song
'I can't tell you which one is my favorite. It's just too many,' singer tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé arrives at her "I Am ... World Tour" DVD screening on Sunday
Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images
Jay-Z is letting fans into his world with two major releases this month. He just published his book, "Decoded," in which he takes a closer look at his career, and on Monday (November 22), Hova is releasing a greatest-hits album, The Hits Collection, Volume 1.
The album features Jay's most memorable tunes, including "Big Pimpin'," "Hard Knock Life," "99 Problems" and his collabo with his superstar wife, Beyoncé, "03' Bonnie & Clyde."
But when MTV News caught up with Bey Sunday at a New York screening for her DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour," she admitted that "Bonnie & Clyde" isn't her favorite Jay-Z track.
"God, that's not my favorite, even though I like it," she laughed. "I can't tell you which one is my favorite. It's just too many. You're putting me on the spot!"
While the pair may be releasing fresh products at the same time, the singer insists there is no competition in the Carter-Knowles household.
"No absolutely not, [there is no competition]," she told reporters at the DVD event, going on to praise "Decoded." "That book is unbelievable, and I think we're all really proud of it. And this DVD [out this] Thanksgiving — it's the holiday season of everyone's [material] coming out."
The DVD shows a new, more intimate side of the usually private Beyoncé, and Jay-Z admits that his book also sheds new light on his persona and career. "A lot of people listen to music, but they don't really listen to it," he explained. "You may know the words and you may bop your head to it, but you don't really understand what you're singing."
Open the floodgates! It's Mega-Release Week, with Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Ke$ha, My Chemical Romance and Lloyd Banks all dropping new albums. Stick with MTV News for everything you need to know about the brand-new music.
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Run This Town with Rihanna and Kanye West
- Artist: Rihanna
- Label: Roc Nation
- Director: Anthony Mandler
MTV News' 2010 Superlatives
Best smile? Most likely to succeed? These ain't your high school's superlatives.
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
'RapFix Live' With Soulja Boy Tell'em
'RapFix Live' With Soulja Boy Tell'em
Soulja Boy joined Sway live in the MTV News studio to talk about his new album, <i>The DeAndre Way</i>!
MTV News' Top Songs Of 2010
We're counting down the best of the best, with songs by Lady Gaga, Eminem and more!
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First Listen: DJ Earworm, ?United State Of Pop 2010 (Don?t Stop The Pop)?
Yesterday I posted my list of My Fave Albums of 2010 and right now we get to listen to a couple of mash-up songs that cull together the Top Songs of 2010 as determined by Billboard magazine. DJ Earworm annually releases a mash-up composition of the year’s most successful songs and this year’s mash-up is [...]
Stephen Dorff Says Jack Nicholson Will Love 'Somewhere'
'I think he'll identify with it so much,' Dorff says about his friend and onetime co-star.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Stephen Dorff
Photo: MTV News
Ever since they shared screen time in the 1997 heist flick "Blood and Wine," actors Stephen Dorff and Jack Nicholson have remained close friends. Their relationship may not necessarily be "bromance" territory, but it's close enough that Dorff has shared his career ups and downs with the Oscar winner, and asked for his advice over the years. When MTV News caught up with Dorff recently to talk about his critically acclaimed new film "Somewhere" — a role that he called the most challenging of his career — he said he thinks the flick is one Nicholson will really enjoy.
"I think he's going to really love this movie because to me it's a film that isn't made anymore today," Dorff explained. "It's such a character piece and I think he'll identify with it so much.
Dorff revealed that he already got a big thumbs-up from Nicholson after "Somewhere" took home the top prize at Italy's Venice Film Festival in September.
"After we won Venice, I remember telling him how excited I was," he recalled. "And he's like, 'Way to go, Dorff!' "
We then brought up the fact that Nicholson has taken several actors under his wing over the years — pointing out to Dorff that the Hollywood legend had taken an interest in "Mad Men" actress January Jones when she was first starting out.
"Well, he takes an interest in a lot of women, let's be honest," Dorff responded with a chuckle. "He definitely took me under his wing. I think it's rare for Jack to take a young guy under his wing — he's not hanging out with too many guys.
"He did do that with Sean Penn and he's definitely given me great advice over the years," Dorff added. "I always feel like I have him as a friend and he'll show up if he can. And he's always been my favorite actor, so for me, he's a friend, and it's nice to get a little starstruck still. It keeps me remembering who I am and where I am, and Jack's still somebody that makes me a little nervous."
If Dorff has his way, he and his buddy Jack will take their friendship to the big screen via a comedy the younger actor is hoping to make with Adam Sandler's production company.
"It's a very funny comedy idea for me and him set in the South of France," Dorff told the UK's Independent newspaper last month. "We're not in script form yet but I wrote the treatment and they've already bought it so as soon as I get a break from working, I'll turn that into a script and I'll go and tell Jack. ... And I'll get Sony to give him his $15 million and then we'll go and make the movie — because he likes money."
Check out everything we've got on "Somewhere."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Celebrity Pictures: Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian was spotted heading into a business meeting at a studio in Culver City. Pretty sure this is about the most casual we have EVER seen this girl dressed. And by casual, of course I mean topped off with … Continue reading
Jeff Bridges Heaps Praise On 'True Grit' Co-Star Hailee Steinfeld
Bridges calls the 14-year-old actress' performance 'remarkable.'
By Terri Schwartz
Jeff Bridges
Photo: MTV News
With the Coen brothers' "True Grit" making its way into theaters this week, all eyes likely will be turning to newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, who plays the film's young leading lady, Mattie Ross. In her first major role, the 14-year-old actress ultimately has to carry the first portion of the movie, and her performance has been garnering some serious buzz during this awards season. When MTV News caught up with Steinfeld's co-star Jeff Bridges while he was promoting "True Grit," he said he was impressed by the intensity of her performance while they were filming on set.
"What a tough, challenging role for a seasoned actor. All that dialogue, kind of tricky way of speaking. Thirteen-year-old girl, never been in a movie, and she comes up with that performance," Bridges gushed. "Isn't that remarkable?"
Steinfeld found herself surrounded by a full cast and crew of cinema veterans. The Coen brothers won an Oscar for directing 2008's "No Country for Old Men" and have been nominated two other times, Bridges took home a Best Actor Oscar for his role in last year's "Crazy Heart," and Matt Damon and Josh Brolin both have received Academy Award nods in acting categories in the past. But Bridges said Steinfeld didn't need any acting tips from himself or any of the other castmembers.
"I might have slipped out a tip once or twice, and I always regret when I would do that. It's almost like a reflex action — you can't help but put yourself into the other actor's position sometimes," he explained. "I always appreciate a tip from some guy, one of the other players, but no, I let her run free. The brothers directed her beautifully."
With all the buzz Steinfeld has been getting for her "True Grit" performance, she now is one of the main actresses being looked at to play another strong female character: Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games." When Steinfeld spoke with MTV recently while promoting "True Grit," she said it "would definitely be an honor" to even be considered for the Katniss role.
"I didn't even realize that people were mentioning my name," she said. "It's every actor's dream to be recognized for something that they love to do, and to get recognized for that is pretty amazing. I thank the people out there who think that."
Check out everything we've got on "True Grit."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosTuesday, December 28, 2010
Kevin Smith's 'Red State' Trailer Certainly Won't Be Mistaken For 'Clerks 3'
Holy anti-"Clerks," Bluntman! The trailer for Kevin Smith's upcoming horror flick "Red State" has arrived online, and it's safe to say that Jay and Silent Bob won't be making an appearance in this puppy.
A horror flick in which three teenagers answer an online advert for a gang bang and wind up being terrorized by religious [...]
A horror flick in which three teenagers answer an online advert for a gang bang and wind up being terrorized by religious [...]
Jeff Bridges Relayed 'Lebowski' Theories To Coen Brothers On 'True Grit' Set
Oscar-winning actor says he'd love to team up with directing duo again.
By Terri Schwartz
Jeff Bridges
Photo: MTV News
Fans might find Jeff Bridges' most-memorable performance to be as The Dude in the Coen brothers' 1998 comedy "The Big Lebowski," and Bridges is looking to impress audiences yet again as Rooster Cogburn in his second Coen brothers flick, "True Grit." Unsurprisingly, Bridges is a fan of Joel and Ethan Coen's directing style, which is what had him returning for more.
When MTV News asked what his favorite Coen films are, Bridges responded with a laugh, "['True Grit'] is the freshest in my mind. Number two would be 'Lebowski.' I'm partial, but two great movies!"
For Bridges, returning to the set of a Coen brothers film was like returning to an old group of friends. On each of their films, the Coens surround themselves with many of the same crewmembers, including cinematographer Roger Deakins and composer Carter Burwell, and Bridges said the sense of community on-set makes the environment "very easy-going."
Bridges and the Coens only made plans for the Oscar-winning actor to star in "Lebowski" and "True Grit," but Bridges said he'd love to team up with the directing duo again.
"I'd like to do whatever. They're a joy to work with, and they really know how to do it," he said.
That comment might have fans crossing their fingers for a "Big Lebowski 2," and Bridges said The Dude still has a special place in both his and the Coens' hearts. With fans still approaching him to talk about "Lebowski," Bridges said he and the Coens talked about the cult classic on the set of "True Grit."
"Everybody's got different things to say about 'The Big Lebowski,' " Bridges explained. "One guy came up to me with a theory. He said I've got to check this out with the brothers. It was very earnest and desperate. He said, 'Donny [Steve Buscemi] is a figment of Walter's [John Goodman] imagination. He doesn't really exist.' It gets you thinking a little bit, doesn't it? So I ran that by the brothers, and they chortled, and that was about it."
Which is your favorite Coen brothers film? Tell us your pick in the comments below!
Check out everything we've got on "True Grit."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Ronald Isley, Anita Baker Honored At Soul Train Awards
Rihanna, Eminem, Usher, B.o.B, Alicia Keys among winners at event celebrating 40th anniversary of classic music show.
By Joel Hanek and Gil Kaufman
Anita Baker at the 2010 Soul Train Awards
Photo: Moses Robinson/ Getty Images
Only at the Soul Train Awards could you have a tribute to R&B icons such as Anita Baker and Ronald Isley alongside a segment in which rap legend Doug E. Fresh attempts to teach CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer how to do the Dougie.
It was that kind of night at the 2010 Soul Train Awards, as rookies, veterans and legends came together in Atlanta for the second annual event — which was taped November 10 and aired Sunday night on BET. The show, hosted once again by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, featured a night of performances from some of the biggest names in soul and R&B.
Host Howard told MTV News that the show is meant to be an extension of the long-running and legendary '70s TV series that brought soul, disco, R&B and rap stars into viewers' living rooms. "It reminds me of the advancement black people have made over the years because 'Soul Train' really was the beginning of that Black Power movement when we could actually see ourselves — and to have an awards show based upon that 'Soul Train' — it's headed somewhere," Howard said. "We have a black president now. The country seems to be more tolerant towards the diversity inside of it so it seems like the train is moving well down the tracks."
The awards show marked the 40th anniversary of the classic music showcase hosted by Don Cornelius, and celebrated the careers of Baker and Isley, while handing out trophies to such contemporary stars as B.o.B (Song of the Year for "Nothing on You"), Melanie Fiona (Best New Artist), Eminem and Rihanna (Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "Love the Way You Lie"), Usher (Album of the Year for Raymond vs. Raymond) and Alicia Keys (Record of the Year for "Unthinkable [I'm Ready]" and Best Female R&B Soul Artist).
Though top winners such as Trey Songz, Usher, Ciara, Eminem and Rihanna were not in the house, Blitzer graciously agreed to accept Slim Shady's award for him, joking, "Who better to accept this award on behalf of Eminem ... I know he's thrilled."
Weaving through a series of skits involving magic tricks and jovial bickering by the hosts, the performance-heavy program delivered on talent. R. Kelly opened by teasing the crowd with his classic "Bump n' Grind," then diving into his new single "When a Woman Loves" — transforming the song from a slow jam into an all-out '50s rock-and-roll epic. Ne-Yo kept the show moving with a showcase of his singles from this year, including "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million."
The tribute to Baker featured an all-star cast, with artists like Chrisette Michele, Goapele, Lalah Hathaway, Dionne Farris, Kem, Tamia, Faith Evans and El DeBarge covering a medley of the singer's greatest hits. Baker told the crowd that the biggest honor of the night for her was that real musicians were performing live with an actual band. "It's amazing because you've got children behind you singing 'Rapture' — it's lovely," she said, adding, "Let's do it again!"
Ronald Isley, co-founder and lead singer of the Isley Brothers, also received a special homage that featured Jeffrey Osborne, Freddy Jackson, DeBarge, Tank, Eric Benet, Bilal and Peabo Bryson. Isley also came out to perform his own medley of hits and was joined onstage by Chanté Moore and R. Kelly for a rendition of "Contagious," their 2002 single that featured the Isleys. In addition, Cee Lo Green closed the show with a duet on the Isleys' classic 1959 hit, "Shout."
Among the event's other highlights was Cee Lo's performance of his smash "Forget You," which took place on a golden stage that resembled a cross between Kanye's Egyptian fusion and an OK Go video, and found the singer gliding down conveyor belts while belting his number.
Erykah Badu delivered a stripped-down version of her 2010 breakout "Window Seat" that featured the singer perched on the floor over a web of lights while appearing to orchestrate the vibrations of light flickers with her hands.
Soul singer Eric Benet performed "Sometimes a Cry" — a song that Lil Wayne cited as one of his favorites while in prison — bringing down the house with a soaring falsetto that bested his studio rendition of the track.
The evening's other performers included Bruno Mars, who sang his new hit "Grenade," and Jazmine Sullivan, who did a medley of "10 Seconds" and "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)."
Did you watch the 2010 Soul Train Awards? Tell us about your favorite highlights in the comments.
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MTV After Hours With Josh Horowitz
MTV After Hours With Josh Horowitz
Our movies editor gets up close and personal with Hollywood's A-list.
Ke$ha Rises From Oddball To Icon In 2010
This year, nobody defied description quite like Ke$ha, the pop oddity who shows no signs of slowing down.
By James Montgomery
Ke$ha
Photo: Venturelli/ Getty Images
In January, when "Tik Tok" was just starting to hit, I described Ke$ha as "a 22-year-old pop confectionary/cautionary tale." By November, when "We R Who We R" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, I had crowned her an "outcast icon." The truth probably lies somewhere in between those two statements, but if there's a better way to sum up the pop star's rather incredible rise to fame, I am unaware of it.
Because in 2010, there really was no one else who came close to matching Ke$ha, whether in terms of sheer chart dominance ("Tik Tok," enjoyed the year's longest run at #1, spending nine weeks atop the Hot 100), or pure WTF-ery. She began the year as a belching, squelching, booze-swilling party monster and ended it as perhaps the most unlikely of role models — an unrepentant oddball who not only dared to speak her mind, but defy conventions, too. And through it all, she remained largely unclassifiable, shifting between genres (pop, hip-hop, rock) and personas (dumpster-diving diva, Topanga Canyon bohemian, DayGlo star child) with each successive hit. And because of that, Ke$ha became one of the year's most interesting characters, the kind of pop oddity that leaves critics alternately grasping at adjectives and scratching their heads.
"I think 'What is Ke$ha?' is definitely the question, more than 'Who is Ke$ha?' because the 'What?' is really the thing," New York Times writer Jon Caramanica told MTV News. "When she first came into the game, she was this pop singer with a little bit of a country background, but [doing] this sort of whiny, white-girl rap ... but, if anything, 'Tik Tok' proved there's an entire audience of people who are pop fans, but who have a really high tolerance for rap music. Maybe they're not going to buy a Kanye West record, but they're not unafraid of hip-hop. And with Ke$ha, and her loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach to making these songs resonates with the loose, 'I don't give a f---' approach of the fans in listening to the songs. They hear something of themselves in her."
Of course, Ke$ha suffered for her, uh, art, becoming one of the year's most popular punching bags — particularly following a pair of bizarre performances on "Saturday Night Live" — but as the year draws to a close, her grip on the pop world seems to be permanent. Not only is she the unlikeliest of stars, she's also one of the most persistent ... and love her or hate her, you've got to admit that she made 2010 just a bit more bearable, even if it was with her willingness to push the boundaries of absurdity. Well, her songs were pretty great, too. And she did it entirely her way.
"I think Ke$ha's definitely gone way past her 15 minutes of fame, [but] the appeal with her is that there's an honesty," Noah Callahan-Bever, editor in chief of Complex magazine, said. "In a market of totally prefab pop stuff, there's almost a sloppiness to her whole persona, and I think that realness appeals to people. I think it doesn't hurt that she works with the best producer in pop music, either," he said, referring to right-hand man Dr. Luke.
In 2010, thanks to that winning combination of pitch-perfect pop and pure, unfiltered weirdness, Ke$ha pretty much conquered the world. She won over fans and earned begrudging respect from the critics. And she wore dead animals on her head. Wherever she goes in 2011, I'll follow. And I'll likely be just as perplexed as the rest of you.
Do you expect Ke$ha's party to stop or keep rocking in 2011? Let us know in the comments.
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Wiz Khalifa Arrested For Possession Of Marijuana
Wiz Khalifa Arrested For Possession Of Marijuana
Police allegedly seized 60 grams of marijuana from Wiz Khalifa's tour bus outside of East Carolina University, where the rapper was performing.
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Lindsay Lohan Inspires New Comedy 'Dogs In Pocketbooks'
Screenwriter Charles Casillo has hired heiress Lydia Hearst Shaw to star as a 'bratty movie goddess ... in trouble with the law.'
By Terri Schwartz
Lindsay Lohan
Photo: Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images
Lindsay Lohan's troubled life and recent scandals don't necessarily seem particularly funny, but screenwriter Charles Casillo apparently is aiming to put a comedic spin on the actress's trials in the new film "Dogs in Pocketbooks." The New York Post reports that Casillo has chosen heiress Lydia Hearst Shaw, in her first Hollywood film role, to play the Lohan-esque character at the center of his movie.
The writer told the Post that Shaw will portray a "bratty movie goddess in and out of rehab, in trouble with the law, and hounded by greedy agents, predatory paparazzi, off-the-wall stalkers and crazed media." TMZ pointed out that the only Lohan-related aspect missing from this picture are "scheming, sponging parents whose lives derail their child," although that might take away from some of the flick's comedic value. The film is set to start shooting in New York and Los Angeles in February.
Casillo emphasized to the Post that "Dogs in Pocketbooks" is "in no way mean-spirited toward Lindsay," adding, "It's the kind of thing she has spoofed about herself in the past. It's more of a satire about the crazy people around her and the situations they generate. It satirizes the obsession with modern celebrity."
Though Shaw has not acted in a feature film before, she is well known for her modeling career — including campaigns for Bottega Veneta, Escada and Lord & Taylor — and dating Jeff Goldblum. She also is the daughter of famous 1970s kidnapping victim Patty Hearst. Casillo said he spent a lot of time trying to find the right woman to play the big-screen version of Lohan, and that Shaw is perfect for the part.
"She's one of the few supermodels who can actually act," he insisted. "She's smart, well-read, charming and very beautiful. We looked at a lot of actresses for this role, and I was really knocked out." The fact that she knows what it's like to be a pursued celebrity probably only helped as well, considering she is the heir to the William Randolph Hearst fortune.
The film also has already cast "Dynasty" actress Joan Collins as the main character's agent. The veteran star told the Post, "The script is a hoot — a satire on the crazed hysteria surrounding show-biz celebrities. I'm playing an aggressive, sexy, powerful woman. For a change."
This month, Lohan has been involved in a scandal where a woman who worked at the rehab facility at which the actress was staying accused her of assault, though charges have now been dropped. She also was recently replaced by Malin Akerman as the star of the Linda Lovelace biopic "Inferno" because Lohan was not going to be out of rehab in time to shoot the movie.
What do you think about "Dogs in Pocketbooks"? Share your opinion in the comments.
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Every year has its share of great movies (check out our top 10 films of the year here and vote for your fave here) and not-so-great movies... and 2010 was no exception. There were the sure-fire winners that totally failed with critics, like "The Tourist" and the reboot of "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and [...]
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Justin Bieber Stuffs A Bus For Sick Kids In Atlanta
'I have such a big platform, it would be silly if I didn't do something positive with it,' teen megastar says.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Justin Bieber attends the "Stuff Bieber's Bus" press conference on Dec. 23 in Atlanta
Photo: Prince Williams/FilmMagic
ATLANTA — Justin Bieber is using the power of Bieber Fever to cheer up sick kids this Christmas.
The teen sensation wrapped up his current tour on Thursday night (December 23) in his beloved adopted city of Atlanta, and instead of going out with a bang, he decided to go out with a bus — a bus full of toys for kids at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, that is.
Bieber teamed up with local radio station Q100 for "Stuff Bieber's Bus," a campaign that urged concertgoers to drop off toys and games in a tricked-out bus stationed outside the city's Philips Arena. The gifts will then be handed out to ailing children who have to spend Christmas morning resting up in the hospital instead of barreling down the stairs to a tree harboring stacks of presents.
The bus, which was only parked in front of the stadium for one day, was one-third full by 3:30 p.m., with a boatload of gifts expected to pour in by the 9 p.m. deadline. Q100 DJ and Bieber buddy Bert Weiss, who helped spearhead the project, said the 16-year-old's storied Web clout instantly pumped up awareness about the initiative.
"I've been talking about it on the air for three or four weeks and I've got a trickle of a tweet and an email. Justin tweeted about it yesterday and all of a sudden there were a surge of targets, I got tweets and emails. So the bus is filling up really, really quickly," Weiss told reporters at a press conference in the arena. Since Georgia's Own Credit Union plans to match every donation, Weiss emphasized that "every single child at a children's hospital will have a present now because of Justin Bieber."
Bieber was amped to lend his Internet influence to the cause, as he has been chopping it up with the radio personality ever since the Canadian superstar first began to rack up hits online with his smash covers of R&B and pop jams.
"I got contacted by their radio station and Bert himself, and he asked us if we wanted to be involved ... and it was just something I thought would be really cool," Bieber told MTV News.
As for switching up the typical toy drive by packing a bus full of gifts, Bieber explained that the type of charity you choose isn't as important as actually giving back. "I think that it doesn't really matter what you do," he said. "As long as you're helping other people, why not do it?"
In addition to soliciting donations from Atlanta-area Beliebers, the pop megastar also dropped in on some sick children, and recounted meeting a superfan who didn't let her ailment hold her back from showing she's got tons of love for the "Baby" singer.
"One girl even had a prosthetic leg and it had my face on it. ... It was so cool to meet her," Bieber smiled. "It was amazing."
The star, who largely batted away reporters' questions that weren't related to the bus-stuffing campaign, gave a simple reason for continuing to give back: "I have such a big platform, it would be silly if I didn't do something positive with it."
What do you think of Justin Bieber helping out sick kids on Christmas? Let us know in the comments!
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Michael Jackson's Michael Has King Of Pop's 'Spirit,' Producer Says
'This feels like Michael, this feels like the spirit of Michael,' Teddy Riley tells MTV News.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Teddy Riley at the Michael Jackson album-release party
Photo: MTV News
Teddy Riley had a long-standing working relationship with Michael Jackson, and the producer said Jackson's latest project, Michael, is as authentic an LP as any of the superstar's past work.
"Oh, they're gonna say this is him, that's the first thing," Riley told MTV News about fan's anticipated reaction to the set. "And this feels good. This feels like Michael, this feels like the spirit of Michael. And we love him, that's what they're gonna say."
The project, which arrived in stores and online Tuesday (December 14), is the first posthumous MJ collection since the singer died in June 2009.
Riley, along with Akon, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart (Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, The-Dream) and a host of other producers and songwriters were commissioned to complete the project, which was birthed from a spate of unfinished material in Jackson's archives. In the past, Riley has helmed MJ's Dangerous album, on which he produced "Remember the Time" and "Jam," among other tracks.
For Michael, which Riley was called in to work on during the last three months of production, the former Guy and Blackstreet member had a handy trick to help him retrieve the vibe he shared with MJ.
"Just by bringing his spirit in the room, in the actual studio," Riley explained. "I had his pictures all over the place. Time after time, I would [also] go back and forth to Thriller and listen to all the music to get the spirit and keep his spirit in the room. To keep the bad energy out of the room. He was always about the good energy. Anytime there was a negative energy, nothing would happen. The computers would react, they would just go out. There was serious spirits in the room. Shutting down computers. That was the problems we were going through. But when it felt good and the energy was good, everything went smooth and we got through the project."
Have you heard Michael yet? Share your reviews in the comments!
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Deadmau5 Brings Dance Music To The 'Masses,' Wolfgang Gartner Says
'He has a major role in the younger generation to this music,' producer/DJ tells MTV News of his collaborator.
By Adam Stewart
deadmau5
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images
It's no secret that 2010 was a pivotal year for electronic dance music here in the States. With deadmau5 and Swedish House Mafia becoming household names, the genre's momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Using a conduit of collaboration, artists such as deadmau5 (a.k.a. Joel Zimmerman) have paired up with various underground acts to further the rapid expansion of the genre.
Perhaps one of the most notable movers and shakers of the year is now-Grammy-Award-nominated producer and DJ Wolfgang Gartner, who recently sat down to chat with MTV News about deadmau5 and dance music's rise to the top.
"He has a major role in the younger generation to this music," Gartner says, "but there have been certain artists that have been instrumental in helping it cross over and reach the mainstream — which I think is a good thing. I think rap artists using dance beats is a great thing. I think it just brings more people towards this music that we all love."
Thanks to several key moments, such as deadmau5 taking the helm as house DJ (well, technically "House Artist") for the 2010 VMAs, dance music has been thrown into the forefront of America's youth, a key demographic for any genre.
"Everybody knows who he is now and he's kind of exposing the masses to dance music. These little five-, six- and seven-year-old kids latch on to this 'mau5head' logo — they get into the music and he's bringing this tiny young generation into this music that probably wouldn't be exposed to it."
Gartner certainly doesn't mind the exposure either. Unless you were living under a rock for the past six months, you probably heard one of this past summer's hottest anthems, "Animal Rights," a collaborative effort brought forth by deadmau5 and Gartner.
"It was interesting because I kind of had a preconceived notion about how he would be to work [with]," said Gartner. "I think our sounds are really similar, so I figured he would work in a similar way to me, but the way that he writes music is actually completely different to me. But he achieves kind of the same sound through a completely different process."
Recorded in deadmau5's favorite Los Angeles studio — that would be rocker Tommy Lee's House — "Animal Rights" is a thumping progressive house anthem that melds Wolfgang's unmistakable harmonics and funk riffs with the driving bass line and wobbly synths that make deadmau5 one of the unique forces in the dance music world.
"[Deadmau5] writes these rich complex chord progressions and he does it by drawing these little bars on a grid, which is just amazing that you can do that and get that result," Gartner goes on to say. "It just proves you don't have to be able to play keyboards to write amazing music."
The two sound pioneers never cease to stop pushing the limits on what they are able to produce. Using drastically difference production approaches, deadmau5 and Gartner had the ability to play off each other's strengths while recording the track.
"I'd say the biggest thing is that I play everything in on a keyboard, like even my drums," says Gartner. "I play everything in live and he draws it in with notes on a mouse, which blew me away because his music is very musical."
What do you think 2011 will hold for deadmau5 and Gartner? Let us know in the comments below!
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