Monday, February 28, 2011

Beyonce May Work With Diplo, Sleigh Bells On New Album

Producer says he was 'in NYC tryin' to make tracks' for B and Bells' songwriter/guitarist.
By James Montgomery


Beyonce
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ WireImage

Over the years, Diplo has worked with everyone from Thom Yorke to Spank Rock (and, of course, M.I.A.) so perhaps it should come as no surprise that, for his next collaboration, he's chosen to work with none other than Beyoncé. Oh, and electro-slammers Sleigh Bells, too. It all makes sense, in some bizarre way.

This is according to Dip himself, who posted a message — and a remix of the Sleigh Bells track "Tell 'Em" — on his blog, in which he let it be known that he, his production partner Switch and Sleigh Bells' songwriter/guitarist Derek Miller just wrapped sessions for Beyoncé's follow-up to I Am ... Sasha Fierce. He wasn't quite sure what would come of the tracks they created.

"Me and Switch was in [the] studio in NYC tryin' to make tracks with Derek and Beyoncé last week after we played her team [Sleigh Bells'] album," Diplo wrote. "Dunno if we gonna manage to finish, but [it] was good times."

At the very least, you know Bey's husband, indie-rock fan Jay-Z, is pumped by the news. Diplo is just the latest in an ever-growing list of top-flight producers who have worked with Beyoncé in recent months. There's still no release date or tentative title for her upcoming album, but she's logged studio time with the likes of S1 (he of "Power" fame), Ne-Yo, Sean Garrett and Jim Jonsin.

A spokesperson for Beyoncé did not respond to MTV News' request for comment on the Diplo tracks by press time.

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Snooki And Sway Take Over The Grammy Red Carpet

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The 2011 Film Independent?s Spirit Awards, Independent Spirit Awards: Full Winners List

The 2011 Film Independent?s Spirit Awards were handed out last night, honoring the best in independent film making. Read below for a full list of this year?s winners ? Best Feature: Black Swan Best Director: Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) Best Screenplay: Stuart Blumberg & Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right) Best First Feature: Get [...]

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Oscars 2011 Superlatives Go To Kirk Douglas, Christian Bale, More

Really, how else could we honor 'He Doesn't Own a Shirt'?
By Eric Ditzian


Kirk Douglas onstage at Sunday's Academy Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/WireImage

The stage has gone quiet at the Kodak Theatre. The celebs have all gone home. Everyone is heavy-lidded and hazily recollecting the winners and losers at the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday. Along those lines, it's time for MTV News to fight off the sleepiness, down some caffeine and dole out some Oscar superlatives.

Best Attempt to Make the Show Run Long
Kirk Douglas' assigned task was to hand out the Best Supporting Actress award, but when the 94-year-old actor finally reached the microphone, he was in no hurry to cede the spotlight. Douglas joked with James Franco, flirted with Anne Hathaway, and made random references to laughing Australians and austere Brits. It was touching and awkward and utterly memorable. And it felt like it lasted 15 minutes.

Most Surprisingly Great Speech
This one is a tie between Christian Bale (Supporting Actor) and "King's Speech" writer David Seidler (Original Screenplay). Bale surprised even himself when he fought off tears while thanking his wife and daughter. Seidler, meanwhile, happily acknowledged being the oldest person ever to win Original Screenplay; not only is he a proud late-bloomer, he's a shining and articulate example of the ways in which a person can overcome a stutter.

Strangest Standing Ovation
The audience stood and applauded for everyone from Douglas to Eli Wallach. Hollywood legends, all. But everyone in the Kodak also got to their feet for Billy Crystal. Sure, he's been a damn fine Oscar host in years past, and who doesn't love "When Harry Met Sally...," but a standing O for Crystal just seemed weird.

Most Welcome Wins
While Christopher Nolan got screwed out of a directing nomination, he had to be one of the happiest cats at the show: "Inception" tied "The King's Speech" for most wins with four, including Visual Effects and Cinematography.

Most Gratuitous Use of Taylor Lautner's Abs
Hey, if you can't get any of the "Twilight" cast to show up to the Oscars, why not whip up a viral-video-ready mash-up? The Auto-Tuned faux musical number, "He Doesn't Own a Shirt," was not only a chance to see Robert Pattinson "sing," but it gave the Academy's millions of viewers an opportunity to gawk at Lautner's midsection.

Most Shameless Use of Prepared Text
There's nothing wrong with pulling out a scrap of paper while up on stage, Oscar in hand. Imagine your nerves? Yet after winning Costume Design for her work on "Alice in Wonderland," Colleen Atwood — who'd won two previous Oscars — buried her head in a prepared speech and talked as if she were delivering an elementary school book report rather than a speech during Hollywood's most glamorous night.

Performance Most in Need of Auto-Tune
Gwyneth Paltrow has been wowing us on "Glee" and simply killed it alongside Cee Lo at the Grammys earlier this month, but we're not gonna lie: Paltrow's take on "Coming Home" on Sunday was not her finest live performance.

Saddest "In Memoriam" Snub
Corey Haim failed to get a posthumous mention at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, leading his buddy Corey Feldman to lament, "We have become used to not being honored by our peers in the industry." Alas, Haim was once again snubbed, failing to make it into a video package honoring the likes of Lena Horne and Leslie Nielsen.

Stick with MTV News on Oscar night and beyond for red-carpet fashion coverage, analysis of the winners, plus interviews, photos and more from your favorite Hollywood stars!

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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'Sex And The City 2,' 'Last Airbender' Score Razzies

Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba also receive the dubious honor on Oscar weekend.
By Shawn Adler


Nicola Peltz as Katara in "The Last Airbender"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

Winning an award on Oscar weekend is generally a time for celebration, but for M. Night Shyamalan and the ladies of "Sex and the City 2," Saturday night's near clean sweep at the 31st Annual Golden Raspberries was likely to inspire anything but. What a twist.

Created to (dis)honor the very worst in cinema during the previous year, the Razzies bestowed their top prize to Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender." Based on the anime series "Avatar," "Airbender" took home five trophies, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, Worst Screenplay, Worst Eye-Gouging Mis-Use of 3-D and Worst Supporting Actor for co-star Jackson Rathbone.

The wins were a breakthrough of sorts for the director once thought to be among the very best of his generation, as Shyamalan's previous film, "The Happening," was nominated for, but failed to win, Worst Picture and Worst Director at the 2008 Razzies.

"Sex and the City 2" managed to score three gold spray-painted statuettes, including wins for Worst Sequel, Worst Screen Ensemble and Worst Actress, which was presented to all four of the flick's stars — Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Also winning at the satirical awards show were Aston Kutcher, who took home the Worst Actor prize for his performances in both "Killers" and "Valentine's Day," and Jessica Alba, winner of Worst Supporting Actress for her turns in four films — "The Killer Inside Me," "Little Fockers," "Machete" and "Valentine's Day."

Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" where we're chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!

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Oscars Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know!

Join us at 6 p.m. tonight live from the Academy Awards red carpet on MTVNews.com.
By Eric Ditzian


Photo: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

All across La La Land in the hectic hours before the 83rd Academy Awards, nominees are putting the finishing touches on the scraps of paper containing their -- fingers crossed! -- acceptance speeches. Limo drivers are gassing up their rides. And somewhere inside the bowels of the Kodak Theatre, co-host James Franco (or, more likely, James Franco's assistant) is shining his shoes.

Meanwhile, you're putting the finishing touches on your Oscar ballot or making sure your Oscar party doesn't run out of Jesse Eisenburgers and King's Peach Pie. Stressful!

Soon, though, the action on Hollywood's biggest night will be under way. What can you expect when the show goes live? MTV News has got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about this year's Academy Awards:

The Live Coverage
The first thing you need to know is that MTV News will be everywhere on Oscar night. To begin the evening, we'll be launching a red-carpet live stream at MTVNews.com from 6 to 8 p.m. ET tonight, where we'll be chatting up everyone from Natalie Portman to Christian Bale. We'll also be taking your questions via Twitter, so tweet your questions to @MTVNews using the hashtag #oscars for a chance to see your favorite celebrities fielding your own inquiries.

We'll also be running a red-carpet fashion blog on Hollywood Crush. Once the show begins, shift over to Movies Blog for a live blog about the show itself. And, of course, we'll be churning out loads of video, analyses and breakout stories across all our Web properties, so keep it locked to MTV News for the very latest updates about the show.

The Races
All week long, we've been previewing the major Oscar categories. Best Supporting Actress might be the tightest of all the top races, with Melissa Leo ("The Fighter") grappling with Hailee Steinfeld ("True Grit") and Helena Bonham Carter ("The King's Speech"). Best Supporting Actor couldn't present more of a contrast: Christian Bale ("The Fighter") long ago locked up this win. Colin Firth ("The King's Speech"), too, is a sure bet to win Best Actor, while Natalie Portman ("Black Swan") should coast to Best Actress victory (though Annette Bening ["The Kids Are All Right"] could play the spoiler). When it comes to Best Director, Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech") is a slight favorite over David Fincher ("The Social Network"), but either of these gentlemen could walk away the victor. The same likely cannot be said about Best Picture: "King's Speech" appears to have pulled away from "Social Network" and should end up the night's big winner.

The Rundown
Deadline Hollywood has published the broad outline of the telecast, giving us a general idea of how things are going to go down. Franco and co-host Anne Hathaway will begin the evening with a pre-taped video in which they appear in scenes from the Best Picture nominees.

Tom Hanks will be the first presenter, announcing both Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography. Other presenters include Russell Brand, Sandra Bullock, Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Jackman, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Oprah Winfrey. Hilary Swank and Kathryn Bigelow will present Best Director and then, just before the clock strikes 11:30 p.m. on the East Coast, Steven Spielberg will hand out Best Picture.

So you think you have a good picture about what the Oscars are going to look like? Hopefully, but check out this TwitPic from Franco for what he simply calls "my view."

Will it be a regal evening for "The King's Speech"? Can "The Social Network" dial up Oscar gold? Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" at 6 p.m. tonight when we'll be chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet on MTVNews.com, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

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MTV News Extended Play: Panic! At The Disco

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Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith talk about the band's split and thier upcoming album <i>Vices & Virtures</i>.

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Katy Perry Denies Feud With Britney Spears

Singer calls the media 'filth' for implying she was attacking Spears for using product placement in her 'Hold It Against Me' video.
By James Montgomery


Katy Perry
Photo: John Parra/ WireImage

Last week, when Katy Perry answered a question tweeted by her California Dreams tourmate Marina and the Diamonds about product placement in music videos, she never expected to touch off a media firestorm. And she's plenty mad that she did.

It all started with Perry's reply to Marina's query for "a consensus on product placement in videos." Perry wrote on Twitter, "Do it with style and grace ... Not so 'In [your] face like some. [You] have to get creative with it. Some artists don't care though, and you can tell."

Given that Perry's response occurred hours after the premiere of Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" video (a version of which is loaded with promotional shots for products like Spears' own Radiance perfume, Make Up for Ever cosmetics and dating website PlentyofFish.com), most were quick to interpret it as a dig at Spears for selling out. And that made Perry very angry.

Early Wednesday morning (February 23), Perry took to Twitter once again to rip the tabloid media (or as she calls them, "filth") for their speculative and hurtful ways, claiming in a series of messages that they manipulated her words in an attempt to pit her against Spears, and, because of that, were basically responsible for the decline of civilization as we know it.

"Dear tabloid media a.k.a. FILTH: please note I expressed an overall feeling about product placement, [its] role in videos and the art of them being compliment[ary] or sticking out," Perry wrote. "Most, if not ALL, popsters welcome deals with products [to] offset costs of big-budget vids in these recessional music industry times. I'VE used them in MY vids before and am happy [to be] able [to] make a better vid because of [them].

"Once AGAIN, stop pitting artist against artist for [your] sensational satisfaction," she continued, "and stick to what [you're] best [at]: lying, gossiping, exaggerating and overall lending a hand [to] the deterioration of a generation."

What do you think of artists using product placement in their videos? Tell us in the comments.

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Katy Perry Denies Feud With Britney Spears

Singer calls the media 'filth' for implying she was attacking Spears for using product placement in her 'Hold It Against Me' video.
By James Montgomery


Katy Perry
Photo: John Parra/ WireImage

Last week, when Katy Perry answered a question tweeted by her California Dreams tourmate Marina and the Diamonds about product placement in music videos, she never expected to touch off a media firestorm. And she's plenty mad that she did.

It all started with Perry's reply to Marina's query for "a consensus on product placement in videos." Perry wrote on Twitter, "Do it with style and grace ... Not so 'In [your] face like some. [You] have to get creative with it. Some artists don't care though, and you can tell."

Given that Perry's response occurred hours after the premiere of Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" video (a version of which is loaded with promotional shots for products like Spears' own Radiance perfume, Make Up for Ever cosmetics and dating website PlentyofFish.com), most were quick to interpret it as a dig at Spears for selling out. And that made Perry very angry.

Early Wednesday morning (February 23), Perry took to Twitter once again to rip the tabloid media (or as she calls them, "filth") for their speculative and hurtful ways, claiming in a series of messages that they manipulated her words in an attempt to pit her against Spears, and, because of that, were basically responsible for the decline of civilization as we know it.

"Dear tabloid media a.k.a. FILTH: please note I expressed an overall feeling about product placement, [its] role in videos and the art of them being compliment[ary] or sticking out," Perry wrote. "Most, if not ALL, popsters welcome deals with products [to] offset costs of big-budget vids in these recessional music industry times. I'VE used them in MY vids before and am happy [to be] able [to] make a better vid because of [them].

"Once AGAIN, stop pitting artist against artist for [your] sensational satisfaction," she continued, "and stick to what [you're] best [at]: lying, gossiping, exaggerating and overall lending a hand [to] the deterioration of a generation."

What do you think of artists using product placement in their videos? Tell us in the comments.

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Lady Gaga Gets Ethereal for Viva Glam MAC Video

'I wanted the campaign to feel a bit more timeless,' company's creative director explains.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga for MAC Viva Glam
Photo: Nick Knight

Lady Gaga's new short film for her work with MAC's Viva Glam line is an ethereal, ghostly affair that blends well with the pop star's current color scheme. The Nick Knight-directed clip features Gaga in shades of blush, nude and champagne almost floating alongside romantic images of martinis, flowers and perfume bottles. Airy house music plays as Gaga's flowing dress is blown about and she seduces the camera in various states of undress.

For photos of Gaga's Viva Gam line, click here.

This year's Viva Glam shades, which raise money for the MAC AIDS Fund, will be available for purchase next month. James Gager, SVP, Creative Director of MAC said that hooking up with Gaga for a second year (she teamed up with Cyndi Lauper last year) seemed like the most natural fit.

"She's an amazing fit for us in so many ways. I think the most important quality is that she is real and she speaks her mind. When MAC originally started, it was truly a place for all the misfits of the world, where they could feel comfortable and know that they wouldn't be criticized. We've always been all about welcoming everyone into our universe. Gaga is bringing that same spirit to the world. She spreads this message of 'Don't be afraid to be who you are, don't let people put you down,' and radiates this sense of empowerment. Look at how courageously she's been speaking out lately," he said. "She's so passionate, focused and articulate, and I think we are, too. Especially with Viva Glam, we really put ourselves out there and every cent goes to the cause."

As for the sexy video, Gager explained that it was a joint effort, like so many of her projects. "Working with Gaga is very much a partnership: It's a team effort and collaboration," he said. "The photographer Nick Knight, Gaga's stylist Nicola Formichetti and I wanted the campaign to feel a bit more timeless, but still very much her. Last year was all about a fun, feminine kind of sensibility, so I think if you compare that with what we've created this year, it's refreshing to see her in a way you wouldn't expect. We thought: 'Let's go with the idea of nude and the stripping away of what she's famous for and make her a little more elusive and evasive.' The tone is undeniably glamorous as well."

Not only were the visuals for the campaign inspired by Gaga's aesthetic, but it seems this year's shades were also modified to fit Gaga's current look. "Jennifer Balbier [the company's SVP of product development] and I felt that after last year's shades — Gaga's fun pink and Cyndi's coral red — it was time to move in a new direction," he explained. "I think Gaga herself has moved into nude tones, and we didn't want to shoot something that was out of place. So she was actually part of the inspiration."

Last week, when Gaga appeared on "Good Morning America" to talk about Viva Glam, she said her outfit was condom-inspired, in honor of the lipstick's AIDS-awareness mission.

"I want to get people started at home at a younger age with their children talking about HIV, talking about AIDS, talking about safe sex," Gaga explained.

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'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' Director Jon Chu Tapped For 'G.I. Joe 2'

'I still think there's a movie out there that can be done for the real 'Joe' fans,' Chu said of helming sequel.
By Shawn Adler


Jon Chu
Photo: Francois Durand/Getty Images

He's survived gunfights, and bombings, and enough doomsday machines to make James Bond blush, but action icon G.I. Joe may have finally met one affliction he couldn't counter: Bieber Fever.

"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" director Jon Chu is going from helming a flick about a boy wonder to helming one about a toy wonder, with news that the 31-year-old has been chosen to direct "G.I. Joe 2," according to a report on Deadline.

As Paramount's first choice for the action sequel, Chu beat out rumored competitors Gary Grey and Jaume Collet-Serra.

For Chu, the chance to direct "G.I. Joe 2" is a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream, having been a fan of the character since he was a little child.

"'Joe' is something I've loved since I was a kid," Chu confessed to MTV News when word of his possible involvement first leaked. "My era was 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' 'G.I. Joe' and 'Transformers.' When 'Joe' changed their theme song from the old style 'Go Joe!' to 'Got to get tough, go Joe!' That was the era I was in. Those are the fun, glory years that I remember."

Directed by Stephen Sommers and starring, among others, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Channing Tatum, and Sienna Miller, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" was released in 2009 to over $300 million worldwide but mostly middling reviews.

While it is unclear which of the stars will return for the sequel, Chu believes there's a definite opportunity to build on the first film's successes, while possibly taking the sequel in another direction.

"I still think there's a movie out there that can be done for the real 'Joe' fans," he said, "the one we've been waiting for that hasn't been done before."

That other direction almost certainly won't include casting Justin Bieber. Asked if he could envision the pop superstar in fatigues, Chu simply laughed.

"That's hilarious," he chuckled.

Currently in its third week of release, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" has earned nearly $60 million at the domestic box office. A "Director's Fan Cut" of the film with extended footage is currently in release for an exclusive one-week run.

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' Director Jon Chu Tapped For 'G.I. Joe 2'

'I still think there's a movie out there that can be done for the real 'Joe' fans,' Chu said of helming sequel.
By Shawn Adler


Jon Chu
Photo: Francois Durand/Getty Images

He's survived gunfights, and bombings, and enough doomsday machines to make James Bond blush, but action icon G.I. Joe may have finally met one affliction he couldn't counter: Bieber Fever.

"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" director Jon Chu is going from helming a flick about a boy wonder to helming one about a toy wonder, with news that the 31-year-old has been chosen to direct "G.I. Joe 2," according to a report on Deadline.

As Paramount's first choice for the action sequel, Chu beat out rumored competitors Gary Grey and Jaume Collet-Serra.

For Chu, the chance to direct "G.I. Joe 2" is a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream, having been a fan of the character since he was a little child.

"'Joe' is something I've loved since I was a kid," Chu confessed to MTV News when word of his possible involvement first leaked. "My era was 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' 'G.I. Joe' and 'Transformers.' When 'Joe' changed their theme song from the old style 'Go Joe!' to 'Got to get tough, go Joe!' That was the era I was in. Those are the fun, glory years that I remember."

Directed by Stephen Sommers and starring, among others, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Channing Tatum, and Sienna Miller, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" was released in 2009 to over $300 million worldwide but mostly middling reviews.

While it is unclear which of the stars will return for the sequel, Chu believes there's a definite opportunity to build on the first film's successes, while possibly taking the sequel in another direction.

"I still think there's a movie out there that can be done for the real 'Joe' fans," he said, "the one we've been waiting for that hasn't been done before."

That other direction almost certainly won't include casting Justin Bieber. Asked if he could envision the pop superstar in fatigues, Chu simply laughed.

"That's hilarious," he chuckled.

Currently in its third week of release, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" has earned nearly $60 million at the domestic box office. A "Director's Fan Cut" of the film with extended footage is currently in release for an exclusive one-week run.

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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'Hall Pass' Special: What Would These 5 Movie Couples Do With A Week Off From Marriage?

The Farrelly Brothers are back with this weekend's "Hall Pass," the Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis-starring comedy about two married men who just need a break.

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Kanye West May Join Rihanna At NBA All-Star Halftime Show

Yeezy is expected to make a surprise appearance at Sunday's game.
By Gil Kaufman


Kanye West
Photo: Ben Hider/Getty Images

The talent roster at this weekend's NBA All-Star Game is starting to get out of control.

The Deadspin sports blog cited an unnamed "in-the-know-tipster" on Wednesday in reporting that Kanye West will "make a surprise appearance during Rihanna's halftime show at the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles on Sunday."

It's possible the two will perform the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy track "All of the Lights," which features Rihanna singing alongside 'Ye, Elton John, Fergie, Alicia Keys and more. It would make sense since that song is tipped to be the next single from West's album and a music video is reportedly in the works.

It's not like Yeezy hasn't expressed his love for the game before, including just recently, when he appeared in the Robert Rodriguez-directed short film promoting Kobe Bryant's new line of Nike shoes.

A representative for West had no comment when reached by MTV News to confirm the rumor, and reps for Rihanna and the NBA had not returned calls for comment at press time.

In addition to Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz has been tapped to play at the game, performing before the tip-off during player introductions. Josh Groban will sing the national anthem and Melanie Fiona will do the honors on the Canadian anthem, while the "What's My Name?" singer will provide the entertainment during the half.

On Saturday, during the All-Star Saturday Night show, Keri Hilson will sing the national anthem and Cee Lo Green will serve up some "Forget You" during the three-point shooting contest. The Sprite Slam Dunk contest will be preceded by Far East Movement, who'll perform their new single, "Rocketeer."

Friday night's entertainment will be provided by Cali Swag District, who will "Teach Me How to Dougie" during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam, which, like all of the All-Star events, will be shown on TNT.

The NBA All-Star Game airs Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on TNT.

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Lady Gaga Previews Born This Way Tracks

Rolling Stone heard four new songs, which seem to draw from the past while still pushing the envelope.
By MTV News Staff Report


Lady Gaga
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images

Hours before reviving her long-running Monster Ball Tour in Atlantic City, New Jersey, recently, Lady Gaga gave Rolling Stone magazine a sneak peek at four songs off her upcoming Born This Way album ... and from the sound of things, she's not only pushing the boundaries, she's borrowing from some of the best in the business.

For example, E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who lends his prodigious skronk to a pair of the songs — "Edge of Glory" and "Hair" — or Nine Inch Nails, circa Trent Reznor's Broken era (on "Hair," which also apparently draws inspiration from '80s singer Pat Benatar's "We Belong" and the inspirational, all-encompassing lyrics of LG's own "Born This Way"). Another song, "Judas," which is set to be the second single off Born This Way, is described by Rolling Stone writer Matthew Perpetua as "a classic Lady Gaga pop banger," with a "thumping, house music breakdown" and a vocal hook "that borrows a bit of Rihanna's distinctive cadence."

"Edge" is "a massive power ballad with heavy club beats" that also contains "an element of cheesiness" and an "Eighties stadium rock vibe." "Scheiée" — a remix of which Gaga actually debuted last month at a fashion show in Paris — contains flavors of '90s dance hits by the likes of C&C Music Factory, Snap! and RuPaul, and a chorus that "vaguely" recalls Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." And "Hair" features LG proudly proclaiming "I am my hair!" for reasons unknown.

On Friday, Gaga's "Born This Way" officially became the fastest-selling song in iTunes history, having blown past the million-download mark in just five days. The song is also #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and sits atop the charts in 23 different countries. The video is reportedly set to premiere this week.

Gaga's Born This Way album is due May 23.

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Yesterday we learned that Kelsey Grammer & his much younger mistress-turned-fiancee Kayte Walsh would be gettin’ themselves hitched — just days after his divorce from ex-wife Camille Grammer became official, mind you — at the Longacre Theater on Broadway (the theater where he starred in the hit revival musical La Gage aux Folles) and today [...]

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  • Label: Capitol Records
  • Director: Mathew Cullen

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Friday, February 25, 2011

Oscars 2011: Here's What You Can Expect From James Franco, Anne Hathaway And More

If you're looking to know what you can expect during the 83rd Annual Academy Awards on Sunday (February 27), look no further.

Deadline has posted posted what they claim is an annotated rundown of the Oscars broadcast, which they have dubbed a possible "snorefest."
There's no doubt that if this is the real deal, a [...]

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Photos | Performances At The 10th Annual BMI Urban Awards

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Nicole Richie Does Russian ?Harper?s Bazaar? Magazine

Stylish mama and fashion maven Nicole Richie is featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of Russian Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Even tho Nicole is very well known for her amazingly slick magazine photospreads, I have to say that this is IMHO one of her best. I am loving the color [...]

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And The Nominees Are ...

And The Nominees Are ...

Check out the trailers for 2011's 10 Best Picture category nominees.

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Alyssa Milano Shows Debuts Her Baby Bump On The Red Carpet

Yesterday we learned the very happy news that Alyssa Milano, who is married to David Bugliari, is pregs with her first child … today, we get to see the fruits of her announcement. Alyssa attended the Hollywood premiere of the new film Hall Pass in LA last night and proudly showed off her significantly big [...]

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Lindsay Lohan Violated Probation With Clinic Altercation

Police say alleged fight with Betty Ford worker is a violation of actress' probation.
By Gil Kaufman


Lindsay Lohan
Photo: David McNew/ Getty Images

Lindsay Lohan is in the midst of her latest attempt to reboot a career that has been derailed by a series of trips to rehab, arrests and time behind bars. But the 24-year-old actress, who reportedly left the Betty Ford Center on Monday after three months of court-ordered substance-abuse rehab, may not be out of the clouds just yet.

CNN reported that a Riverside County Sheriff's Department spokesperson said that Lohan violated her probation when she allegedly got into an altercation with a former staff worker at the Ford Center.

The staffer, Dawn Holland, was fired in the wake of the December 12 incident after the Center claimed she leaked information about her encounter with Lohan to the tabloid press.

Lohan's lawyer declined to comment on the matter at the time and noted that it was the "Mean Girls" star who called 911 to request police assistance at the time.

Holland told TMZ that her wrist was hurt in the confrontation with the actress, who refused to take a Breathalyzer test after it was believed she had alcohol on her breath.

"Lindsay and two other patients had snuck out, went drinking and tried to sneak back in and they got caught. We were told by our administration on-call to do a Breathalyzer test, which she refused to do," Holland explained in the interview that got her fired. "She was angry and out of control.

"She was the only patient out of the three who was being very uncooperative and out of control," added Holland, explaining that Lohan had been acting defiant at the rehab center. "I did not touch the woman! I am not willing to risk my job over any patient."

According to CNN, authorities plan to send the results of their investigation into the matter to the district attorney's office to determine if Lohan should face battery charges, despite the fact that Holland said she will no longer cooperate with the investigation and does not want charges filed.

"It is expected that this investigation will be sent to the district attorney's office later this week," a spokesperson for the sheriff's office said.

Lohan voluntarily checked into the Betty Ford Center on September 27 when it looked like a judge was going to send her back to jail for a probation violation stemming from a failed drug test. The judge in the case, Elden Fox, ordered Lohan to stay at Ford until January 3 instead of sending her to jail. Fox has said that if Lohan violated the rules of her rehab program or failed another drug test before her next court date on February 25, she could be sent back to jail for 180 days.

Prosecutors expect to see Lohan back in court on February 1 for a review of her probation, which is slated to end in August. 

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Eight Arms To Hold You

Yesterday was a pretty fun but bizzy day. I managed to do a bit of shopping on 5th Ave. yesterday and picked up a few things at Diesel (my fave store) before David and I met up with his friends Jeremy, Shane and Isaac for pre-Spider-Man drinks. Then we saw Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark [...]

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First Look: Kelly Osbourne As The New Face Of ?Material Girl?

Taylor Momsen is OUT as the celebrity spokesmodel for Madonna‘s new juniors clothing line Material Girl and Kelly Osbourne is in! The first promo photos of Kelly as the new Material Girl have been released … check ‘em out below! if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('50a9cc01-af96-4f86-9133-5c45a372c73d');Get the Material Girl – Kelly Osbourne widget and many other great free [...]

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Inside The Best Of Britney Spears' Music Videos

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Before Britney Spears debuts her music video for "Hold It Against Me" on February 17 on MTV, MTV News is taking a look back at some of the singer's most memorable videos.

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Beyonce's Mom Says Daughter's Style Has Always Been 'Edgy'

'It's just a result of her constantly evolving,' Tina Knowles says of the fashion in Beyonce's "I Am ... World Tour" DVD concert special.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage

Beyoncé has never been shy about hitting the stage in stunning costumes. Her appearance has always been a mixture of showgirl sparkle and pop star razzle-dazzle. And her style is on full display in her new DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour."

Her mom and stylist, Tina Knowles, said that while the looks may seem a bit edgier than what fans have seen from the singer in the past, she thinks that her superstar daughter has always been ahead of the style curve.

"Well, the wonderful Thierry Mugler designed the costumes, and I actually worked on some of the dancers and the band, and it was just amazing to work with him because he is so creative," Knowles told MTV News at a New York screening of the special. "So it's just a result of her constantly evolving, but she's been edgy. It's funny for people to say she went more edgy, but she's been wearing body suits and that type of thing."

And while Knowles may act as her daughter's stylist and costume designer, she says that Bey's style decisions are all her own. "Well, we discussed her working with Thierry Mugler, and I'm the biggest fan. And so she had seen some of the fashions and she loved it," she said. "So we always discuss things, but it's her decision, it's her career."

Beyoncé, who also directed the concert special , said it gave her a better understanding of the filmmaking process. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it. ... Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled."

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Justin Bieber 'Doesn't Really Care' What People Think Of His Haircut

'I was inspired by yours,' Bieber tells Ellen DeGeneres of his new hairstyle.
By Jocelyn Vena


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Photo: ABC

Justin Bieber made headlines on Tuesday when it was revealed he had cut his hair, opting for a shorter, cropped version of his famous swooping hairstyle. The star sat down with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres on Wednesday (February 23) to talk about the new look, and even had a special treat for the comedienne.

"I was inspired by yours," Bieber joked about what motivated the change, adding that he knew people would protest the new look. "Yeah [people were freaking out], but I was like, 'I don't really care.' "

Bieber then preceded to hand a lock of his famous sandy-colored hair to the host, with one major caveat. "Yes, it's really my hair, but there's a perk. I wanted to do something good. I'm giving pieces of it to different people," he explained. "The thing is, we're doing something special. We want you to donate it to whatever charity you want."

DeGeneres agreed, also requesting that the star sign something to auction off with it. She announced that she'd be giving the money raised in the auction on her website to the California animal-rescue center the Gentle Barn.

DeGeneres tried to cut Bieber's hair last May when the teen star stopped by her show. Holding up scissors, she said she wanted to cut "just a little" bit of his famous hair. He declined, but did share his secret for perfect hair. "Like five minutes," Bieber explained. "Like seriously. ... I get out of the shower, I blow-dry it and it's done in five minutes. I just shake [my head]."

Bieber is out promoting his 3-D movie, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," which is being re-released on Friday with additional footage.

Do you like JB's new 'do? Sound off below!

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Beyonce Jokes She's Been Pregnant With Concert Special

'I was pregnant with this DVD,' she laughs to MTV News as 'I Am ... World Tour' is set to air Thanksgiving Day on ABC.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé
Photo: MTV News

Beyoncé never really seems to slow down, so when the time came to choose a director for her concert special DVD "I Am ... World Tour," the singer decided to take on those duties too. It's an accomplishment the singer jokes may have sparked those pregnancy rumors.

"I was pregnant with this DVD, yes!" she joked to MTV News.

The DVD hits stores on November 30, but fans can catch the 90-minute "I Am ... World Tour" TV special when it airs on ABC Thanksgiving night at 9:30 p.m. ET. Beyoncé opened up about what it was like to sit in the director's chair.

"Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled," she said at the New York City screening for the flick.

Beyoncé said she was completely hands-on, deciding which moments made the final cut and which ones wound up on the cutting-room floor. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it."

Her parents, Mathew and Tina Knowles, who also attended the screening over the weekend, said the film gives B the recognition she deserves after years of collaborating on many of her own videos.

"I'm really excited about this because Beyoncé has been making little short films and really helping to direct her videos," Tina told us. "So it's nice that she'll get credit for doing something that she really loves doing and that she's very talented at."

Dad Mathew recalled all of the effort his superstar daughter put into the special. "I'm so proud," he said. "I had an opportunity [to see the film], I've been to Houston with a screening; I've been to Bentonville, [Arkansas], with a screening, and to see the excitement from the audience, what an incredible job Beyoncé did as a director in the editing, I'm just so proud. Hopefully, all the fans go out and get the DVD and soundtrack and look at that ABC special coming on Thanksgiving."

Are you excited to see Beyoncé's concert special? Tell us in the comments!

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'American Idol:' Judging The Judges

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Check out our "American Idol' stream that happened Wednesday night, where MTV News "Idol" expert Jim Cantiello brought you analysis on the premiere of America's favorite singing competition show.

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