Thursday, March 31, 2011
Katy Perry - Starstrukk feat. Katy Perry
- Artist: Katy Perry
- Label: Photo Finish
- Director: Marc Klasfeld, Steve Jocz
- Album: Want [Deluxe]
MTV First: Lil Wayne's '6 Foot 7 Foot'
MTV First: Lil Wayne's '6 Foot 7 Foot'
Watch the full interview with the Young Money king on the set of his video for "6 Foot 7 Foot."
Related ArtistsLes News, 033011
Best Photo Bomb ever? Cougar Town co-stars go to St. Bart’s. THIS Masters of the Universe art show looks like it’s trying too hard. Sweet Valley High still lives. Blah. The Real Housewives of Miami is almost as bad as The Real Housewives of DC. Let’s hope it’s final ep last night is the final [...]
Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl
- Artist: Katy Perry
- Label: Capitol
- Director: Kinga Burza
- Album: One of the Boys
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Cameron Diaz Promotes ?Bad Teacher? At CinemaCon
Cammie D attended a photocall for her upcoming movie ?Bad Teacher? at CinemaCon at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas today. CinemaCon was honoring the star with their Female Star of the Year Award and Cameron took the opportunity to promote … Continue reading
When I Was 17 (Season 2) | Ep. 10 | "Take Me Home Tonight" Movie Special: Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Dan Fogler
Take a look back at the teenage years of the stars of "Take Me Home Tonight," Topher Grace, Anna Faris, and Dan Fogler.
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind The 'Glee' Cover
MJ classic is mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Heads Will Roll' for post-Super Bowl episode.
By Aly Semigran
"Glee"
Photo: FOX
Madonna, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and now, finally, Michael Jackson. The cast of "Glee" has covered plenty of icons during their first two seasons, but it's taken 33 episodes to get around to the King of Pop.
With a huge catalog of Jackson songs, the singing, dancing students of McKinley High paid homage to the late singer with one of his biggest staples (and, arguably, the greatest music video of all time) with their take on "Thriller."
The groundbreaking single from Jackson's best-selling album of the same name was mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" for the post-Super Bowl episode (titled "The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle"), featuring a zombie-fied "Glee" cast.
Bound to become a smash all over again (though with its nonstop rotation at Halloween parties and wedding receptions until the end of time, it's never truly gone away), here's a brief history of the dance/pop classic.
Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh, and final, single to be released from Jackson's smash record. According to the RIAA, the album (released by Epic Records) has gone gold 29 times, narrowly edging out the Eagles' Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.
In 2009, MTV News estimated that the Thriller album was poised to go triple diamond, meaning 30 million records sold in the U.S. alone.
After Thriller's other singles (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something") dominated the charts, it was time for the spooky, undeniably original track to take over. The song "Thriller" also appeared on many of Jackson's other albums, including the compilations HIStory and Number Ones.
Clocking in at a little under six minutes (though the radio edit was closer to four-and-a-half), the song features pop-music mainstays like synthesizers but shakes things up with its spooky sound effects, including creaking floors, howling and thunder.
The song was produced by Quincy Jones and written and composed by Rod Tempterton and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4.
But it's the music video for "Thriller" that truly made it the phenomenon it was in the '80s and continues to be today. Less a music video than a mini-motion picture, the video (over 13 minutes long and directed by John Landis) won three MTV Video Music Awards and has been named the best music video of all time by many outlets, including VH1 for the special "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos."
The chiller features Jackson in that iconic red leather jacket on a date with his girlfriend (played by Ola Ray) before things go terribly awry. After all, as Jackson (whose disclaimer at the start of the video reads, "This film in no way endorses a belief in the occult") sings in the opening line, "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." Cue werewolves, zombies, Vincent Price's soliloquy and one of the most memorable dance sequences ever.
The video was (no pun intended) a monster hit. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "At the height of the song's popularity, MTV would run the 14-minute 'Thriller' video twice an hour."
Choreographed by Jackson and Michael Peters (who, as the LA Times also reported, appears in the video as one of the zombies) and with makeup by Oscar-winner Rick Baker (also an undead "Thriller" extra) was made with a huge budget of an estimated $500,000.
Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.
Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)
Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.
Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.
Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.
What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsChris 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!
Related Videos Related ArtistsUsher To Donate Gadhafi Money To Charity
'I will be donating all of my personal proceeds...to various human rights organizations,' singer says of concert linked to Libyan dictator.
By Shawn Adler
Usher (file)
Photo: Getty Images
R&B superstar Usher announced Friday (March 4) that he was donating to various charities proceeds from appearing at a private event at St. Barts linked to Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, according to a statement made to the Associated Press.
The Grammy award winner's renouncement comes after similar announcements from singers Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado, and Beyoncé, all of whom were revealed to have performed at private concerts linked to the Middle Eastern leader, who has faced open revolt and major political uprisings since February.
"I am sincerely troubled to learn about the circumstances surrounding the Nikki Beach St. Bart's event that took place on New Year's Eve 2009," Usher said of the concert, at which he appeared alongside Beyoncé but did not perform. "I will be donating all of my personal proceeds from that event to various human rights organizations."
Usher has already begun the process, having made a donation to Amnesty International, the AP reports. The exact size of the donation is not known.
The New Year's Eve gig was reportedly for Moammar's fourth son Muastassim, who an unnamed music industry source told MTV News has a history of throwing lavish parties "jammed" with supermodels.
Beyoncé, who sang at the event, donated all proceeds from her performance to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, established in the wake of the Haitian earthquake.
"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," the "Halo" singer's publicist said in a statement to The Huffington Post. "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."
Singer Nelly Furtado tweeted February 28 that she plans to make similar amends.
"In 2007, I received 1million$ from the Gadhafi clan to perform a 45 min. show for guests at a hotel in Italy," she tweeted. "I am going to donate the $."
The leader of Libya since a successful military coup in 1969, Gadhafi has reportedly lost control of much of his country as a result of widespread uprisings. The United Nations voted unanimously to refer the dictator to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
Related ArtistsKaty Perry - Thinking Of You (Extended Version)
Thinking Of You (Extended Version)
- Artist: Katy Perry
- Label: Capitol Records
- Album: One of the Boys
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
When I Was 17 (Season 2) | Ep. 9 | Deena Cortese, Jenna Ushkowitz, Patrick Stump
When I Was 17 (Season 2) | Ep. 9 | Deena Cortese, Jenna Ushkowitz, Patrick Stump
Take a look back at the teenage years of 'Jersey Shore' housemate Deena Cortese, 'Glee' star Jenna Ushkowitz, and "Fall Out Boy" singer Patrick Stump.
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!
Related Photos Related Artists30 Seconds To Mars, My Chemical Romance Roll On To Musical March Madness Sweet 16
Linkin Park, Panic! at the Disco, Disturbed and Sum 41 are also still in the running!
By James Montgomery
My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way
Photo: David Wolff - Patrick/ WireImage
Two weeks ago, when we tipped off the 2011 Musical March Madness tournament, sixty-four bands entered the fray with championship dreams on their minds. For 32 of those bands, that dream died after one round. And for half of the remaining 32, the dream is over today.
Because we've reached the Sweet 16, the midway point on the quest for the 2011 MMM title. And while the bands still left standing would no doubt like a moment to recover from their epic battles, as any tournament vet will tell you, there's no rest for the weary. From here on out, the challenges only get tougher, and the cost of defeat is high: To come so close and leave empty-handed would be a heartbreaker, indeed.
Check out our updated MMM Bracket right here!
So just who will be left in the competition? Well, our Sweet 16 is certainly packed with some prohibitive favorites — #1 seeds 30 Seconds to Mars and Linkin Park, #2s Blink-182 and Muse, tournament-tested vets like Panic! at the Disco and Tokio Hotel, not to mention last year's champ, Coheed and Cambria — but there are also a host of underdogs still in the mix (#9 Disturbed, #16 Sum 41), and if they've survived this long, you'd be foolish to count them out now.
Sweet 16 voting is now under way over on the Newsroom blog!
Voting in the Sweet 16 will continue until Tuesday at midnight, and then it's on to the Elite 8 (we weren't kidding about that "no rest for the weary" thing). So while you consider your votes, here's a look at the matchups.
Midwest
There were upsets galore in the Midwest — #12 Patrick Stump edged #4 Rise Against, #7 Avenged Sevenfold knocked off #2 the Black Keys — though perhaps none was as huge as Disturbed's eye-opening victory over #1 the Foo Fighters, which served notice to the rest of the field that David Draiman and Co. were legitimate MMM threats. They draw Stump in the Sweet 16 and, at this point, an Elite 8 spot is a definite possibility. In the other matchup, Avenged face a tough challenge in defending champs Coheed and Cambria, who steamrolled Vampire Weekend in their second-round tilt and may very well be the team to beat in this year's tourney.
#9 Disturbed vs. #12 Patrick Stump
#6 Coheed and Cambria vs. #7 Avenged Sevenfold
West
Top-seeded 30 Seconds to Mars continue to live up to their billing, as they handled #8 Pearl Jam to earn a berth in the Sweet 16. The same can be said about #5 Panic! at the Disco, who got by #4 Florence and the Machine ... unfortunately, the two bands go head-to-head with a spot in the Elite 8 on the line. There may be no bigger matchup in the tournament to date. In the bottom half of the bracket, #3 Green Day fell behind early to #6 U2, but staged a late comeback to advance, and Blink-182 rallied the troops to knock off #7 the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And if Green Day versus Blink is the undercard, well, then you know the West was a brutal region indeed.
#1 30 Seconds to Mars vs. #5 Panic! at the Disco
#3 Green Day vs. #2 Blink-182
South
In a region that, to date, has produced more blow-out victories than any other in the 2011 MMM tournament, it's fitting that the four bands left standing were the ones who did all of the blowing out. #1 Linkin Park ripped #8 R.E.M. in the second round, #5 Paramore surged past #4 Kings of Leon, #14 Tokio Hotel breezed by #11 Adele and #2 Muse easily handled #7 Weezer. Will any of the South's Sweet 16 matchups be close? We're willing to bet that this time out, they'll buck the region's trends. We could be in for a pair of thrillers.
#1 Linkin Park vs. #5 Paramore
#14 Tokio Hotel vs. #2 Muse
East
At this point, is there anyone who can stop Sum 41? The 16th-seeded Canadian quartet continued their VCU-like run through the MMM tourney, scoring their second-straight upset victory when they sent #8 Coldplay packing in round two. In the Sweet 16, they'll face off against #4 the Strokes, who handled #5 Phoenix with relative ease in the second round ... and, frankly, we like Sum's chances (even if Deryck Whibley doesn't). In the bottom half of the bracket, #3 My Chemical Romance — who took down #11 Rage Against Machine in round two — and #2 Radiohead, who ripped #7 Owl City, square off in a matchup that's the very definition of a style clash.
#16 Sum 41 vs. #4 the Strokes
#3 My Chemical Romance vs. #2 Radiohead
MTV's Musical March Madness has reached the Sweet 16! Voting is now open and will continue until Tuesday at midnight, when we'll roll on to the Elite 8. All winners are determined by your votes, so, if your favorite act is still standing, it's up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM — but get ready, things only get tougher from here on out!
Related Videos Related Photos- Bands Hit The Court For MTV's 2011 Musical March Madness
- MTV's 2011 Musical March Madness' Band Bracketology
Robert Pattinson Oprah Winfrey Beyonce Knowles James Cameron
'The Hunger Games' Searches For Peeta And Gale In Today's Dailies
"The Hunger Games" may have found its Katniss Everdeen in the form of Jennifer Lawrence, but the hunt is still on for her two leading men.
A list of actors tapped to read for the role of Peeta Mellark has hit the web, and Hollywood Crush has the rundown on the fan favorites who made the [...]
A list of actors tapped to read for the role of Peeta Mellark has hit the web, and Hollywood Crush has the rundown on the fan favorites who made the [...]
Monday, March 28, 2011
MTV Kicks Off The 2011 Musical March Madness
MTV Kicks Off The 2011 Musical March Madness
And the race is on to see which band or artist makes it through the tournament!
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind The 'Glee' Cover
MJ classic is mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Heads Will Roll' for post-Super Bowl episode.
By Aly Semigran
"Glee"
Photo: FOX
Madonna, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and now, finally, Michael Jackson. The cast of "Glee" has covered plenty of icons during their first two seasons, but it's taken 33 episodes to get around to the King of Pop.
With a huge catalog of Jackson songs, the singing, dancing students of McKinley High paid homage to the late singer with one of his biggest staples (and, arguably, the greatest music video of all time) with their take on "Thriller."
The groundbreaking single from Jackson's best-selling album of the same name was mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" for the post-Super Bowl episode (titled "The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle"), featuring a zombie-fied "Glee" cast.
Bound to become a smash all over again (though with its nonstop rotation at Halloween parties and wedding receptions until the end of time, it's never truly gone away), here's a brief history of the dance/pop classic.
Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh, and final, single to be released from Jackson's smash record. According to the RIAA, the album (released by Epic Records) has gone gold 29 times, narrowly edging out the Eagles' Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.
In 2009, MTV News estimated that the Thriller album was poised to go triple diamond, meaning 30 million records sold in the U.S. alone.
After Thriller's other singles (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something") dominated the charts, it was time for the spooky, undeniably original track to take over. The song "Thriller" also appeared on many of Jackson's other albums, including the compilations HIStory and Number Ones.
Clocking in at a little under six minutes (though the radio edit was closer to four-and-a-half), the song features pop-music mainstays like synthesizers but shakes things up with its spooky sound effects, including creaking floors, howling and thunder.
The song was produced by Quincy Jones and written and composed by Rod Tempterton and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4.
But it's the music video for "Thriller" that truly made it the phenomenon it was in the '80s and continues to be today. Less a music video than a mini-motion picture, the video (over 13 minutes long and directed by John Landis) won three MTV Video Music Awards and has been named the best music video of all time by many outlets, including VH1 for the special "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos."
The chiller features Jackson in that iconic red leather jacket on a date with his girlfriend (played by Ola Ray) before things go terribly awry. After all, as Jackson (whose disclaimer at the start of the video reads, "This film in no way endorses a belief in the occult") sings in the opening line, "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." Cue werewolves, zombies, Vincent Price's soliloquy and one of the most memorable dance sequences ever.
The video was (no pun intended) a monster hit. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "At the height of the song's popularity, MTV would run the 14-minute 'Thriller' video twice an hour."
Choreographed by Jackson and Michael Peters (who, as the LA Times also reported, appears in the video as one of the zombies) and with makeup by Oscar-winner Rick Baker (also an undead "Thriller" extra) was made with a huge budget of an estimated $500,000.
Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.
Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)
Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.
Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.
Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.
What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsPump Your Fist For Miami Music Week
Pump Your Fist For Miami Music Week
MTV News brings you all the EDM action from Miami Music Week.
Michael Jackson - Beat It
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Director: Bob Giraldi
- Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Beyoncé - Ego
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson, Sheryl Murakami
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce [Deluxe Edition]
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Usher, Ke$ha And More Help Dance Music Go Pop In 2010
But is it here to stay? Our music-industry experts weigh in.
By Akshay Bhansali
Ke$ha
Photo: Andreas Rentz/ Getty Images
In 2010, pop princesses, R&B icons and chart-dominating newcomers all danced to the same beat. Not only did dance music go pop, but pop music caught the club-music bug.
Between Katy Perry's "Firework," Ke$ha's "We R Who We R," Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)," Enrique Iglesias' "I Like It," Usher's "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" and "OMG" and countless other singles, established artists definitely looked to dance beats for surefire hits. And two of this year's biggest success stories in music were Jason Derülo and Taio Cruz; could there be a soul left in this country who hasn't heard "Dynamite" or "In My Head"?
The love went both ways, with dance music's biggest stars finding mainstream success this year. Dance-music maestro deadmau5 took up house-artist duties at this year's VMAs, and Swedish House Mafia and Usher teamed up for a medley of their gems at the American Music Awards.
So how did this happen? We caught up with some music-industry experts to get their takes.
"You definitely saw tempos go up this year," Jon Caramanica of The New York Times told MTV News. "And I think what you had are a lot of producers who are really familiar with nightclub stuff. They are familiar with Europe. Things are happening on a more global scale now."
"I think everything from Europe, and sometimes even Asia, it comes to America, and we just adopt things a little bit slower," said Jared Eng of JustJared.com. "I think it was just a change. People like different types of music at different times. And dance was of this moment."
Noah Callahan of Complex magazine added: "I think 2010 saw the merging of the pop and dance genres. Pop artists realized that there were best practices that could be borrowed from dance music. And, ultimately, [all] pop music that has been made in the past 20 years had ended up being remixed for the club by dance artists. I think they basically just cut out the middleman and went straight there."
Dance music being introduced into the hip-hop and R&B realms was particularly notable this year.
"I think David Guetta kind of at the end of last year and the beginning of this year spearheaded it," said freelance writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd. "He produced a lot of tracks. I think as trends go, people revile 'unst-unst.' But it's just coming back around. Big-room techno was a way for people to get decadent in a year that no one could get decadent."
"You have someone like will.i.am, who's like, 'Well, I spent all this time in Ibiza, and this is what they are doing,' and he wants to find a way to bring that into his music," Caramanica said of the Black Eyed Peas mastermind. "R&B especially became dance music. And especially with your Jason Derülos, Taio Cruzes. Guys like that would have literally been blocked at the border two years ago. That would not have made it through customs. And now all of a sudden they have #1 songs. I think will.i.am had a lot to do with that last year."
Elliott Wilson of RapRadar.com added: "It's actually even affected hip-hop. I was talking to Q-Tip, and his next record, I feel like that's gonna kind of go in that vein. I know that was also Jay-Z's thought process with Blueprint 3 at first, that he wanted to make a little bit more of a world music [vibe], a little more dancey. I think the kids today want to go to the clubs. They wanna have a good time. They wanna dance. So I think the artists of today are trying to kind of feed that audience."
"I think it's caught on this year because the people who've done it have been successful," offered Clover Hope of Vibe magazine. "Like 'OMG,' with usher, he didn't have success until he made a dance record. He had 'There Goes My Baby' and these really, like, adult-contemporary records that didn't really catch on. And then once you see that everybody is doing it and that people are liking it, they are like, 'OK, let me just try this out.' It's like Auto-Tune. Like, 'Let me see what I sound like on a record by David Guetta.' They end up liking it and doing more of it."
So does the club-music trend have staying power. According to our tastemakers, not so much.
"I do think it's a blip," Caramanica said. "I don't think that's gonna be something that lasts in America. I think this is gonna be a moment we'll all look back on and go, 'Wasn't that weird when Jason Derülo and Taio Cruz had #1 records?"
"At some point, these R&B artists will get kind of sick of it and be like, 'Let me go back to my soul background,' " Hope said. "When you actually have to say something, dance doesn't really lend itself to substance. And I think that R&B artists, they really want to talk about love and in a deep way, and to do that, you need to do, like, a soul or a traditional R&B record. I want to say that it's kind of a fad."
"I think music is very cyclical," Eng offered. "So I think dance music might be here for a little bit, but I'm sure it will phase out at some point."
Wilson called dance music "the sound of today. I think that people want more aggressive, faster beats, and I think that that probably has legs until at least next summer."
What do you think? Is dance music here to stay? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsExtended Play: Avril Lavigne's 'Goodbye Lullaby'
Extended Play: Avril Lavigne's 'Goodbye Lullaby'
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Lindsay Lohan Is Reportedly Changing Her Name
Troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan is reportedly taking a page from the Cher and Madonna playbook and is considering changing her name … to just Lindsay. According to new statements attributed to Lindsay‘s mother Dina Lohan, L. Lo is planning to drop her last name and go only by her first name. Additionally, Dina reveals that [...]
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.
Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists'Idol Party Live' With MTV News' Jim Cantiello And Michael Buckley
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Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj Tapped For Japan Aid Compilation LP
U2 and Bon Jovi will also be featured on digital-only album from Universal Music.
By James Dinh
Justin Bieber
Photo: George Pimentel/ WireImage
Some of pop music's biggest artists, including Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, are lending their tunes for a good cause. On Monday (March 21), it was announced that Universal Music is rushing out a digital-only compilation album to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan.
While the lineup and track list have yet to be finalized, other chart-toppers expected to be featured on the release include U2 and Bon Jovi. Lady Gaga may also appear on the album. Proceeds from sales will go to the Japanese Red Cross.
"We are doing it only digitally because it is faster, and this will be a worldwide release. The plan is to have it available later this week," a spokesperson for Universal Music said.
In order to maximize proceeds, the record label plans to find more acts willing to waive royalties that would have come from having their tracks appear on the compilation.
Universal Music is not the only music-industry player reaching to support Japan disaster relief. Most recently, the Black Eyed Peas announced that the music video for their tune "Just Can't Get Enough" would be used to promote awareness and funds for victims of the tragic event. The clip, which was shot in Japan one week before the earthquake and tsunami hit, finds the BEP bandmates traveling throughout Toyko.
Earlier this month, Lady Gaga designed a special prayer bracelet with all proceeds going to relief efforts. In just two days, the pop singer and her legion of little monsters raised more than $250,000.
For more information on what you can do to help with earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan head to MTV Act, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSaturday, March 26, 2011
Jenny McCarthy Designs A New Shoe For Charity
Jenny McCarthy teamed up with ShoeDazzle to create a fun pump that she calls “Fearless”, with profits being donated to Generation Rescue. Generation Rescue is an organization dedicated to recovery for children with autism spectrum disorders by providing guidance and … Continue reading
Justin Bruening Is Cast As Steve Trevor On ?Wonder Woman?
Former Knight Rider star, Abercrombie & Fitch model and soap opera stud Justin Bruening has been cast as Steve Trevor opposite Adrianne Palicki‘s Diana Prince / Wonder Woman in the upcoming new version of Wonder Woman. As you may know, Bruening was the lead in the short-lived NBC remake of Knight Rider a couple of [...]
MTV News Extended Play: Rebecca Black
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Usher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
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The 'Sucker Punch' Soundtrack: Zack Snyder Explains The Music Behind The Movie
Music is an important aspect of any movie, but in "Sucker Punch," it's absolutely essential.
Director Zack Snyder sat down with MTV News to chat about his latest action epic, which lands in theaters today (March 25), and he discussed the integral role that music plays in the film. As you're likely already aware, "Sucker Punch" [...]
Director Zack Snyder sat down with MTV News to chat about his latest action epic, which lands in theaters today (March 25), and he discussed the integral role that music plays in the film. As you're likely already aware, "Sucker Punch" [...]
Black Eyed Peas Angelina Jolie Steven Spielberg Ellen DeGeneres
Friday, March 25, 2011
Robbie Rivera's 'Juicy Beach' Captivates At Miami Music Week
Joachim Garraud, Alex Gaudino also held down thunderous sets during the epic, 17-hour event on Nikki Beach.
By Adam Stewart
Robbie Rivera
Photo: MTV News
MIAMI — South Beach's sexiest beach bash took Miami's SoFi district by storm on Thursday as Robbie Rivera presented his seventh annual Juicy Beach party on the infamous Nikki Beach. Midway through the marathon 17-hour Miami Music Week event, the bikini-clad crowd was treated to back-to-back-to-back sets by Joachim Garraud, Alex Gaudino and, of course, Rivera.
Garruad debuted massive new tracks from his upcoming album, Invasion 2011, bringing his signature edgy stab synth (fans know it from his work on David Guetta tracks like "World Is Mine" and "Love Is Gone"). Garruad's sound is captivating, and the enthusiastic crowd responded by waving hands and fists high in the air.
Next to hit the decks was Gaudino, who wowed the crowd with remixes of Katie Perry's "Firework" and the Foreigner classic "Cold as Ice," as well as his latest smash, "What a Feeling," featuring vocals by ex-Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland. The Italian spinner took a well-deserved bow after his set before a sea of roaring fans.
And then there was the epic, two-hour set by the man who gave life to the chic soiree. MTV News caught up with Rivera just before he got onstage and he warned us he was about to bring the thunder.
Kicking off with his classic piano-infused bomb "Bang," Rivera inspired the crowd to sing along as they rushed to huddle close to the stage. After Rivera's remixes of Kings of Tomorrow's "Finally" and Pete Yorn's "Young Folks," the pace turned furious. One of the major highlights was a violin performance by Micah, which when matched with Robbie's furious beats, rivaled the string work of Boyd Tinsley. Yes you read that correctly, a violinist at Miami Music Week — the wonders never cease. And if you weren't at Juicy Beach this year, know that it's a must-see event for the next time around.
Stick with MTV News and follow our crew on Twitter (@AdamMTVNews & @ASBhansali) for all of the latest updates from Miami!
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Michael Jackson Estate Rakes In $310 Million To Date
Singer left behind more than $400 million in debt.
Michael Jackson
Photo: Time Life Pictures/DMI/Time Life Pictures/Getty Im
Between album sales, movie profits, licensing arrangements and lucrative deals for Cirque du Soleil shows, the estate of late King of Pop Michael Jackson has raked in more than $300 million since the singer's shocking death in June 2009.
According to TMZ, legal documents released on Thursday reveal that executors of MJ's estate have managed to make a major dent in the more than $400 million in debt that Jackson owed at the time of his death.
The first accounting from the executors shows that they have already spent around $159 million paying back various debts, income taxes and other expenses, which include providing support for the pop star's mother, Katherine Jackson, as well as his three young children.
"Although there remain unresolved creditor claims, pending litigation and additional challenging business, tax and legal issues, and the estate is not yet in a condition to be closed, the executors have made substantial progress in reducing the estate's debt," the documents state, according to a Reuters report. Two of Jackson's longtime confidants, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, were named as administrators in a will sign by the pop icon.
In addition to paying to make "substantial improvements" to the Jackson family's Havenhurst estate in Encino, California, the executors also spent an undetermined amount of money on "last illness and funeral and memorial service expenses." Those costs included a $900,000 payment to the Forest Lawn Memorial cemetery where Jackson is buried and $35,000 on expenses described as "costume for memorial."
TMZ reported that not only did the famously cash-strapped Jackson have more than $400 million in debt, but his estate also owed more than $40 million to concert promoter AEG tied to the scuttled This Is It Tour, for which MJ was rehearsing when he died unexpectedly. They've also paid $27.2 million in taxes and $4 million in mortgage payments on Jackson's properties.
Despite the solid sales of the Michael album and millions of units of the singer's back catalog being sold, as well as the box office of the "This Is It" movie and DVD sales, the estate is not nearly out of the woods. TMZ noted that the administrators have received more than 65 creditors' claims, some of which are subject to "extremely high" interest rates, and there are several outstanding lawsuits against the estate in several countries.
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