Mama needs a new chair! (Or table!)
Modernica's "Pet's on Furniture" Contest
She's #2
Rebecca Mader Rebecca Romijn Reese Witherspoon Rhona Mitra Rihanna
Thursday, March 31, 2011
'Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules' Knocks Out 'Sucker Punch' At Box Office
While the kids-friendly sequel ruled the weekend, "Just Go With It" became the 12th Adam Sandler movie to gross more than $100 million.
By Ryan J. Downey
Grayson Russell in "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules"
Photo: FOX
In the weekend battle of the flashy, hyper-stylized action flick versus the kid-movie-franchise sequel, it turned out that Rodrick did, in fact, rule. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" bested "Sucker Punch" at the box office to become the #1 movie in the United States with a $22.4 million debut.
Based on the second installment of the kid-friendly book series, "Wimpy Kid" bested the debut of its predecessor, which took in $21.8 million when it was released around this same time last year. All figures are according to studio estimates.
The $19 million opening of "Sucker Punch," meanwhile, was less than the debuts of director Zack Snyder's previous movies "300," "Watchmen" or "Dawn of the Dead." While the latter three films were based on preexisting sources, "Sucker Punch," a loud music-driven action fantasy about a group of girls in a mental institution who lead dream-world lives as action heroines, was Snyder's first wholly original concept. A mere 22 percent of critics reviewed it positively, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
News that the 45-year-old director has cast Amy Adams as Lois Lane in his forthcoming superhero reboot "Superman: Man of Steel" overshadowed talk of "Sucker Punch" across Twitter and film blogs on Sunday.
Last week's #1 movie, "Limitless," brought in another $15.2 million, for a domestic total of $41.3 million. With an estimated production budget of $27 million, the movie's numbers are great news for Bradley Cooper, who chose the flick as his first real starring vehicle since finding fame.
The modest success of "The Lincoln Lawyer" is great news of a different kind for Matthew McConaughey. It's his best-reviewed film in years. Telling the story of a conflicted lawyer working cases from his car, the movie has reminded critics that the sometimes-ridiculed leading man does have real talent. "The Lincoln Lawyer" brought in $11 million to land at #4, with a $29 million total.
Johnny Depp's animated "Rango" was one of two movies to cross the $100 million mark over the weekend. The movie landed in fifth place with a $9.8 million take, for a $106.4 million total. Meanwhile, "Just Go With It" became the 12th Adam Sandler movie to gross more than $100 million domestically. Although the romantic comedy is no longer in the top 10 at the box office, it has earned a total of $100.3 million.
Sci-fi action flick "Battle: Los Angeles" was #6 with $7.6 million, for a $72.6 million total. The loving sci-fi homage "Paul" dropped roughly 45 percent in its second weekend of release, earning $7.5 million to land at #7 while upping its total earnings to $24.6 million. The Nick Frost/ Simon Pegg comedy cost about $40 million to make. "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke's "Red Riding Hood" was #8 with $4.3 million, for a $32.5 million total. Matt Damon's "The Adjustment Bureau" was #9 with $4.2 million, for a $54.9 million total.
International tickets, after-market sales and a built-in diehard fanbase will probably save "Paul" from being remembered as a failure, but the weekend's #10 movie, which shares an alien theme, likely won't escape that fate. The animated "Mars Needs Moms" made $2.2 million, bringing its total take to $19.2 million against an estimated $150 million production budget.
Next weekend's new releases include "Moon" director Duncan Jones' "Source Code," starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga; the Easter-themed kid's movie "Hop," featuring the voice of Russell Brand; the haunted-house flick "Insidious"; and the action/comedy "Super," with Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon.
Check out everything we've got on "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules," "Sucker Punch" and "Limitless."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosCharisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Cheryl Burke
Linkin Park? U2? Ke$ha? Behind MTV's Musical March Madness Selection
With the tipoff of our tournament set for Monday, Bigger Than the Sound breaks down your favorite band's chances of busting the bracket.
By James Montgomery
Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington
Photo: Frank Hoensch/ Getty Images
Last year, when we launched the inaugural Musical March Madness tournament, we did it largely on a whim.
As I wrote when I revealed my original (handwritten) bracket, the basic idea was to combine my love of college basketball, gambling and rock music (and superfluous lists) into one magical event, and it really didn't matter that I hadn't figured out how bands would advance in the tournament or even what they'd get for winning. All I knew was that it seemed like a fun idea (especially since I didn't have anything else to write my column about that week) and that somewhere, there had to be someone who cared about these seemingly disparate things nearly as much as I did.
As it turned out, there were a lot of people who cared, and when it was all said and done — thanks to the efforts of a whole lot of folks, including Newsroom blog editor Kyle Anderson, who basically decided "You know what? People should vote on this!" — not only was Musical March Madness a certified success, but we somehow even managed to get an actual trophy to present to the winners, Coheed and Cambria, too. So, really, everybody won.
Of course, given the success of the original MMM, attention quickly shifted to the 2011 tournament. Last year, I basically just threw together a list of 64 bands (65, actually; who could forget the epic Against Me!/ Creed play-in battle?). For the 2011 tournament, however, I did research, monitored album sales and basically became a Selection Committee of one. And, yes, it took way longer than I ever could have imagined.
So, with the 2011 Musical March Madness set to tip off Monday — when we reveal our full bracket of 64 bands and launch voting in first-round matchups — I decided to pull back the curtain on that selection process. Some teams have all but locked up their spots in the 2011 tournament, while others still have some work to do. In the spirit of all things bracketological, here's my up-to-the-minute look at where your favorite bands stand for this year's MMM:
The #1 Seeds
The biggest bands in the land. Last year, I gave out #1's to Nickelback, Coldplay, Blink-182 and the Kings of Leon. Somewhat surprisingly, three-quarters of them ended up losing in the opening round of the tournament (only Blink survived, making it to the round of 32 before losing to 30 Seconds to Mars). Obviously, I overestimated the popularity of some of those acts, which means that, in 2011, to be a #1 seed, you have to have proven yourself as not only a rock-solid commodity, but an actual threat to win the championship too. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to have an album either in stores or coming soon. So here are my latest contenders for top seeds:
» Foo Fighters
» 30 Seconds to Mars
» Linkin Park
» My Chemical Romance
» Arcade Fire
» Vampire Weekend
» Muse
» The Black Keys
» Blink-182
» Radiohead
» Coldplay
» Mumford & Sons
The Foos have a hotly anticipated album coming down the pipeline, as does Coldplay. Are expectations enough to make them #1's? Or will the committee recognize the breakout success of the Black Keys, Muse and Mumford? Does a #1 album and a shocking Grammy win earn the Arcade Fire a top seed? Linkin Park and MCR both scuffed a bit with their latest albums, but does that matter, especially since they're both legacy acts with loyal fanbases (and, in the case of My Chem, are tournament-tested)? And will the committee ignore the fact that, by most accounts, Radiohead's latest was a bit of a letdown or that Blink-182 may never actually release their new album? As you can see, there are still plenty of questions left to be answered.
The Old Guard
Legacy acts with something left in the tank. In 2010, time-tested faves like Slipknot, the White Stripes, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Pearl Jam, U2 and the Dave Matthews Band all got invites to the big dance based largely on reputation alone (just think of them as the Dukes or Kansases of MMM). Of course, nearly all of them got knocked off in the first round, which means that this time around, reputation isn't going to be enough to punch their tickets. Shoot, some of these acts aren't even around anymore, which means that some deck-shuffling is in order. Here are the established acts that are still fighting for their tournament lives:
» Green Day
» Dave Matthews Band
» U2
» Red Hot Chili Peppers
» Rage Against the Machine
» Kid Rock
» Pearl Jam
» R.E.M.
Some (like the Chili Peppers and U2) have announced new albums this year, while others (like DMB) are planning to take 2011 off entirely. Still, whatever their status may be, the old guard remain forces at the cash registers and on radio, even if their latest albums didn't exactly light the world on fire. And ignoring that entirely just isn't possible. So how does the committee decide which make the field of 64? Good question. I'm still trying to figure out the answer.
The New Blood
Upset-minded young guns. The 2010 MMM featured up-and-coming acts like the Young Veins, 3OH!3, Owl City and MGMT. One year later, none of them are even on the radar. Picking new bands for MMM is always a challenge, though in 2011, there seem to be a handful who have all but secured their spots in the tournament, thanks to their breakout successes. I'm talking about the likes of:
» Mumford & Sons
» Florence and the Machine
» The Black Keys
» Cage the Elephant
» Sleigh Bells
» Adele
If the tournament started today, all of the above have been in (and some may even earn high seeds). But do any of them have enough to actually win the tournament? We'll just have to wait and see.
The Bracket Busters
Bands with solid, if not spectacular, résumés (weak out-of-conference schedules, etc.). Last year, this included eventual champs Coheed and Cambria, Final Four acts like Tokio Hotel, Elite Eight bands like Panic! at the Disco and Owl City, and even Patrick Stump, who rumbled all the way to the Sweet 16. In other words, the 2011 champion could very well come from this group. Here's my list of under-the-radar threats:
» Panic! (once again)
» Weezer
» The Decemberists
» Cake
» Paramore
» Avril Lavigne
» Crystal Bowersox
» Adam Lambert
» Death Cab for Cutie
» All Time Low
Two of the above — Cake and the Decemberists — have recent #1 debuts under their belts, while others have new albums on the horizon (DCFC, ATL, Avril). Others, like Bowersox and Lambert (who made the Sweet 16 last year), command insane fanbases, which make them dangerous on any day. Lavigne and ATL still have some work to do, but I'd consider all of the acts I just mentioned as safe for now.
The Bubble Bands
On-the-verge acts that need a little help to make it in. Maybe they win their conference championship, or maybe they PayPal the selection committee some cash, but these are the bands on the brink. In 2010, that included Panic! (no new album or single), the Gaslight Anthem (up-and-comers just learning to play together) and Coheed (largely ignored by mainstream radio). Most of those bands managed to do quite well in the tournament, while others, like Hollywood Undead, Lil Wayne, Them Crooked Vultures and the National, all flamed out in the tournament's opening round. Somewhat fittingly, it's a real feast-or-famine type of thing. Here's my updated list of bubble bands:
» Cobra Starship
» Ke$ha
» Tokio Hotel
» MGMT
» Train
» Adele
» Bret Michaels
» Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
» Taylor Swift
Right off the bat, neither Ke$ha nor Swift really rock (though Ke$h does use Jack Daniels as mouthwash), which makes them long shots. Tokio Hotel have done next to nothing since last year's tournament, but was their success enough to earn them a spot this year? Bret Michaels is basically indestructible at this point, so I'd consider him a lock. Cobra Starship are largely dormant but command a big enough fanbase to warrant consideration. MGMT's last album stiffed in spectacular fashion, which places them squarely on the soapy surface of the bubble.
So, will your favorite band make the cut for the 2011 Musical March Madness tournament? As you can see, the Selection Committee still has plenty of work to do — which means that, between now and Monday, I'll be burning the midnight oil, busting out the brackets and then re-busting them once again. It'll be a chore, but I bet it will be worth it. And I hope you'll be along for the ride. Your band needs you, after all.
MTV's 2011 Musical March Madness Tournament begins Monday, March 14, when we reveal the full field of 64 bands that will battle for the championship. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act makes the cut, it'll be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM — but get ready, it's gonna be a war.
Related Videos Related ArtistsOlivia Munn Olivia Wilde Padma Lakshmi Paige Butcher Pamela Anderson
Janet Jackson Thrills Fans With Greatest Hits, Michael Tribute At Radio City
Singer covered songs ranging from classic 'Pleasure Principle' to 2008's 'Feedback' at New York show.
By Vaughn Schoonmaker
Janet Jackson (file)
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
NEW YORK — Often imitated, never duplicated, Janet Jackson's outbursts of meticulous choreography, sassy exclamations and smoldering gazes into the audience kept them on their feet for the entire two-hour set of her greatest hits at Radio City Music Hall. Monday night marked the last of three sold-out shows at the historic venue on her monumental Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour.
Up-and-coming boy band Mindless Behavior opened the show with songs including "#1 Girl," "Future" and their debut single, "My Girl." With their Usher-esque dance moves and shouts like "Where the ladies at?" the boys brought the tween girls out of hiding, judging by the shrill screams escaping various corner of the music hall.
At 9:00 sharp, the lights went down and Janet's fans were on the edge of their seats, watching music videos for "The Best Things in Life Are Free" and "Rhythm Nation" projected on big screens across the venue. A small shadow drifted toward center stage, and when the colorful lights came up, Jackson, wrapped in a shoulder-padded catsuit, complete with slick short hair, blasted into "The Pleasure Principle," dancing as hard and intensely choreographed as she did when the song first came out in the 1980s.
With barely a spare second between songs, Janet dazzled her way through her biggest hits, including "Miss You Much," "All for You" and "Nasty," and more recent hits like 2008's "Feedback."
Videos displayed during Jackson's costume changes included vintage clips from "Diff'rent Strokes," a funny scene from "Poetic Justice" where Jackson slyly rejects the advances of Tupac Shakur's character, and a rather heavy scene, as Jackson's character in "Why Did I Get Married" destroys her husband's house with a golf club, screaming hysterically.
Considering the tough couple of years the Jackson family has faced, the dark moments in the video seemed fitting, and everyone was beside themselves with bittersweet joy when Michael Jackson's face popped up on the big screen and she performed their hit single "Scream."
Janet emerged for her encore in a tight white one-piece disco suit, and performed "Diamonds," "Make Me" and "Together Again," which appeared to be the biggest hit of the evening. As Jackson graciously bowed out, her straight face transitioned into a smirk, suggesting that despite the hard times she has experienced recently, we can expect to see this singing and dancing pop legend shine far into the future.
"Its amazing!" Janet fan Elena Mercantini gleamed afterward. "It's like she's still 20 years old!"
"She's hot, she's amazing and she's still got it after all these years" added Alison Klinger of Long Island. "Best concert I've ever been to!"
Related Photos Related ArtistsMichelle Malkin Michelle Obama Michelle Rodriguez Michelle Trachtenberg Mila Kunis
Usher 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 ArtistsGina Gershon Gina Philips Gisele Bündchen Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez
Britney Spears - 2008 Video Of The Year: Britney Spears "Piece of Me
2008 Video Of The Year: Britney Spears "Piece of Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Wayne Isham
- Album: Blackout
Paige Butcher Pamela Anderson Paris Hilton Patricia Velásquez Paula Garcés
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
'American Idol' Elton John Night Boosts Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams
Pia Toscano and Scotty McCreery also wow the judges.
By Gil Kaufman
"American Idol" top ten plus one
Photo: FOX
Theme nights are always tricky, and on Wednesday (March 30), the "American Idol" top 11 had to take on the imposing catalog of Elton John. Some soared and some crashed, and a couple of recent cellar dwellers — Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart — appeared to pull themselves out of the fire with gutsy performances.
As always on non-country theme weeks, the question was "What is Scotty McCreery going to do this time?" He made the obvious choice, the obscure "Country Comfort," which he picked because it had the word "country" in it, but also because it's one of Elton's only country-leaning tunes.
With lyrics about grandmas and factory closings, it was pretty much what you'd expect: a Vince Gill-esque, aw-shucks acoustic amble accented by pedal steel and piano — with a shout-out to his real granny! — that, well, sounded like just about everything McC has done so far.
"Nothin' I could say to you that an old-fashioned pair of high-heeled cowboy boots wouldn't fix," Steven Tyler gushed cryptically, adding that he (still) loves everything about the teen crooner. Once again, Jennifer Lopez gave the most sage advice, encouraging Scotty not to get too in his head and doubt himself. Randy Jackson marveled at how fast Scotty has matured on the program and said he felt like he was at a headlining show by the "Idol" finalist.
If Scotty always brings the country rumble, dreadlocked rude girl Naima Adedapo similarly finds a way to add a reggae swag to her songs. Wearing a white jumpsuit with red, yellow and green accents, she gave a Bob Marley-esque island vibe to "I'm Still Standing," struggling at points to keep in tune but truly making it her own and creating one of the most unique "Idol" makeovers in the recent memory.
Lopez and Jackson loved the reggae lilt but weren't sure if it wasn't a better idea than the payoff, and maybe a bit corny.
Talk about someone totally in the pocket on Elton night. Paul McDonald went for it with the legendary "Rocket Man," which mentor Jimmy Iovine suggested he play like it was an encore in front of 20,000 screaming fans. Wearing his signature flowered country suit and strumming an acoustic guitar, McDonald started out mellow and seductive, with just a piano for accompaniment. It seemed like he blew off Iovine's advice, because while he retained that ragged Ray LaMontagne vibe, he barely got out of second gear, keeping things mostly low-key and feathery.
Randy called it "quiet comfort" and said, despite being pitchy, Paul's soft, gentle voice was once again infectious, and Jennifer suggested he was holding back and needed to let loose.
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" is an old "Idol" favorite, and despite being counseled to move out of the ballad-ballad-ballad routine, Pia Toscano went with the emotional staple. With a subtle arrangement, Toscano put the focus squarely on her powerful voice and, backed by a gospel choir, she seemed to hit the sweet spot once more.
"Pia, you've done it again," Tyler said, gently needling Randy's suggestion that Pia switch it up. "That's what you are and you sang it, you nailed it. And you know how I know a good song? It makes me cry inside ... that's just about as good as it gets." Lopez said the notes Pia chooses take the audience to "an otherworldly place" and that Toscano seems poised to break through to another level.
Stefano Langone made his first trip to the bottom three last week, so he was probably hoping that the epic "Tiny Dancer" would do the trick. But the cheesy arrangement and his smarmy Disney-style performance probably didn't save the day.
All three judges liked it and said Stefano seemed to be really taking their notes and trying to connect with the audience, keep his eyes open and his voice focused on his sweet, high range.
Teen Lauren Alaina was just a toddler during the second revival of ultimate weeper "Candle in the Wind" in 1997, but her restrained, country lilt came off like the ultimate mash-up of past "Idol" divas Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Though the performance was a bit sedate, her vocals were controlled and crisp and she gave off her usual über-confident vibe.
For Randy, it was one of the best performances yet from Lauren, and Lopez said it was simply "it," as the panel was unanimous in its praise for the preternaturally poised high-schooler.
"Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)" was the perfect audience-rocking tune for resident hell-raiser James Durbin, who rolled the dice by starting out in the crowd and then slowly making his way down to the stage. He looked like a seasoned arena vet (with a touch of "Rock of Ages" Broadway showmanship), hopping up on the piano, tossing his mic stand and summoning the flames as fire rose up from the candy-apple red keyboard. He topped it off, of course, with one of his rebel yells.
Coming from someone who knows, Tyler told James he had a "really good rock voice," but warned him not to wear out his welcome by overusing his rocksetto upper range. "You'll wind up like me," he joked. Lopez said she forgot it was a reality competition, calling it a great performance by a great artist, and Jackson applauded the fact that James just seems to be having fun when he's onstage.
Also on the cusp of elimination last week, youngest contest Thia Megia went with the poignant "Daniel," with Iovine suggesting that she get away from the high school dramatics and focus on the emotion in the lyrics. She may have taken the advice to heart, but the bland, glitch pop arrangement from Jim Jonsin and Megia's once again pageanty delivery (the ground cover of fog didn't help) mostly fell flat until the very last verse, where some palpable passion came into her quavering voice.
"That was beautiful!" J.Lo enthused, saying Megia really seemed to internalize the song's meaning and find a tune that fit her style. Randy liked how it showed Thia's more relaxed side, but once again felt a bit safe, while Tyler said she found the right song to suit her voice.
After nearly going home last week, Casey Abrams was out to prove the judges' save was worth it. He also took their advice and toned down his screeching and scowling for "Your Song." Sitting on a stool and accompanied by just piano, the more clean-cut singer (he chickened out on shaving his beard) was nuanced and understated, piling on some gritty emotion at the end and capping it all with a sweet falsetto run.
Randy reiterated that saving Casey was the best decision he and his fellow judges ever made on the show and said Abrams' tender yet still personality-plus performance was "absolutely brilliant."
It's fitting that Jacob Lusk first heard Mary J. Blige's version of "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" before he heard John's original. And, wouldn't you know it? Mary J. just happened to walk through the room when J.Lusk was rehearsing! With fog billowing around him, the gospel divo stood under a dramatic spotlight and gave a solemn, nearly funereal reading of the song, appearing on the verge of tears as he leaned heavily on his quavering, throaty falsetto and ignored Iovine's advice to not be overly theatrical.
The version simply slayed Tyler, who loved everything about it, with Lopez giving props to producer "Tricky" Stewart for tailoring the song to Lusk's voice and including a last, longing note. Randy praised his restraint, but told Lusk to pick that one special "Jacob spot" where he mashes his foot down on the gas.
For someone who has been a frequent visitor to the bottom three, it was surprising to see Haley Reinhart close Wednesday night's show. She went mellow with the rocker "Bennie and the Jets," and though she posed on the piano in her best "Fabulous Baker Boys" mode at the start, Haley transformed the FM radio staple into a stompy, bluesy lounge growler by the end.
It was all a bit odd, but the judges were way into it, with Jennifer yelling, "That was it, Haley! That's what we've been talking about," saying that, as Iovine suggested, she pulled the voice, the moves and confidence together to finally form a winning package. In fact, Randy barked that it the night's best performance as Tyler snarled about how sexy it was.
Thursday night's double-elimination show will feature season-three "Idol" winner Fantasia performing her new single "Collard Greens & Cornbread," and will.i.am and Jamie Foxx throwing down their first-ever musical collaboration, "Hot Wings (I Wanna Party)," from the "Rio" soundtrack.
Who did the best job on Elton's songs? Who blew it? Let us know in comments below!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related PhotosAmanda Righetti Amanda Swisten Amber Arbucci Amber Brkich Amber Heard
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Jonas Akerlund
Yvonne Strzechowski Zhang Ziyi Zoe Saldana Zooey Deschanel Aaliyah
First Look: Adrianne Palicki In Action As Wonder Woman
A couple of weeks ago we got our first look at actress Adrianne Palicki in costume as the new Wonder Woman and by pretty much all accounts, the new costume was met with revulsion and extreme disappointment (tho, original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter had very nice things to say). A few days later, Palicki showed [...]
Tessie Santiago ThalÃa Thandie Newton The Avatars of Second Life The Pussycat Dolls
Lady Gaga, Linkin Park Urge Fans To Help Japan Earthquake Victims
Park's Mike Shinoda has designed T-shirts to benefit the relief effort.
By Gil Kaufman
Lady Gaga
Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images
As the situation in Japan continues to deteriorate in the wake of Friday's massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake, the need for assistance has spurred a number of stars to reach out to fans to enlist their help.
Just days after announcing the initial dates of his first tour, the My Violent Torpedo/ Defeat Is Not an Option Show, troubled actor Charlie Sheen announced that he will be donating $1 from each ticket sold to the Red Cross Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund.
Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda has also gotten into the game quickly, designing T-shirts to benefit his band's Music for Relief charity. One shirt features the image of a paper crane-like white butterfly above the LP logo, and the other one reads "Not Alone" in a red, white and blue font. Donations of $10 can be made by texting "MFR" to 85944.
After tweeting on Sunday morning, "Remember as you go about your day please #prayforjapan & if you are able, text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to Japan's emergency relief," Katy Perry followed up later in the day with the message, "Imagine ... if we ALL texted REDCROSS to 90999 we'd have raised over 60 million dollars for #JAPAN RELIEF! BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE! BE!"
A growing collection of stars is urging fans to donate to Japanese earthquake relief. On Friday, Lady Gaga sprung into action and offered her fans a special wristband whose proceeds will go to help the victims.
"I Designed a Japan Prayer Bracelet. Buy It/ Donate here and ALL proceeds will go to Tsunami Relief Efforts. Go Monsters," Gaga wrote. She also urged fans to visit the Citizen Effect website, where contributions will be matched by Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife, Wendy. They've offered to match the first $100,000 donated to a special fund set up to help the Red Cross deliver emergency services to people in Japan.
Other celebrities urging action include Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert, Diddy and many more who've sent their prayers to those affected via Twitter. Britney Spears encouraged fans to donate to relief organizations, tweeting, "So tragic. My heart is breaking for Japan."
Also making pleas were Conan O'Brien, Chris Brown and George Takei, each asking their followers to donate to the Red Cross.
As the official death toll in the worst quake to hit the island nation mounted on Monday (March 14) to 1,833 — with thousands more believed to have perished — Japan was facing a growing threat from a number of hobbled nuclear power plants. A second explosion in two days occurred at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant on Monday morning, just hours before the plant's #2 reactor lost its cooling abilities.
While no significant release of radioactive materials is believed to have occurred yet, the race to cool down and secure the nation's nuclear plants is as urgent as the search for survivors from the devastating natural disaster. New images and video continue to emerge that paint a partial picture of the destruction in towns such as the 20,000-resident Minami Sanriku, which CNN reported had been turned into a virtual pile of rubble by the quake and the ensuing tsunami.
As gas and food stocks run low, Japanese citizens have been asked to ration their supplies while the United States and 69 other nations have pledged to help with search and rescue efforts.
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 $10 donation.
Related ArtistsBlake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie-Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears
Movie Review: ?Win Win?
Last night David and I met up with Tamar and Rob for a fun movie double date and we all had a great time catching up and hanging out. Tam picked the movie, Win Win, and at first I wasn’t all that interested in seeing the movie … but once I paid attention to the [...]
Sarah Polley Sarah Shahi Sarah Silverman Sarah Wynter Scarlett Chorvat
Ke$ha Postpones Japan Tour Dates
Ne-Yo, Cyndi Lauper continue to perform in the country following earthquake.
By Gil Kaufman
Ke$ha
Photo: Noel Vasquez/ Getty Images
As the people of Japan continue to struggle with recovering from the nation's devastating earthquake and tsunami, some artists are being forced to cancel their tour dates in the nation. Ke$ha released a statement on Monday announcing that she would have to postpone her upcoming dates in Japan.
"My heart is with Japan right now through this disaster and these hardships," the singer wrote on her website. "I genuinely don't think right now would be appropriate timing for me to perform in Japan given the content and the spirit of my show, which is all about feeling exuberant, rowdy, and wild. ... I plan to bring my party there and to that part of the world when we are all ready to dance and Get $leazy together again. In the meantime I am going to do everything I can to help relief efforts and I encourage everyone in the world to do the same."
In the meantime, Ke$ha has a string of North American dates kicking off on April 1 with a show in Clarion, Pennsylvania, and running through early May.
According to Billboard, the promoter of the scotched Japanese tour, Creativeman Productions, also announced that it would be canceling a pair of its annual spring festivals. The Springgroove, an R&B, soul and hip-hop festival scheduled for April 2 near Tokyo and April 3 in Osaka, would have featured Nelly and Flo Rida, among others. Also called off was then annual hardcore Punkspring festival on April 1 and 2 in Osaka and Nagoya with headliners Good Charlotte and Hoobastank.
Ne-Yo continued with his planned dates in Japan over the weekend, performing a show in Nagoya on Friday and launching a charity initiative to help the people of the country. Called "Spread Love Through Music," the show included donation boxes at the concert to help those in need and the sale of a special wristband with proceeds going to earthquake relief. He plans to do the same during his shows on Tuesday (March 22) in Yokohama and Thursday in Tokyo. "You can absolutely spread love through music, and I think that's what's absolutely called for in this time of crisis," he said in a video on his website.
Also currently touring Japan is Cyndi Lauper, who is slated to play a show in Osaka on Tuesday and was in the country promoting her Memphis Blues album when the quake hit on March 11. She's been tweeting about her experience all along, and on Monday, she wrote about the healing power of music in the shattered country.
"Miss my family but have my music family and the warmth of the peeps I sing to. Tonight I will lose myself in the music and the rhythm," she wrote. Like Ne-Yo, she is asking fans to donate cash at the shows to earthquake relief and is donating all royalties from sales of her Blues album in Japan to the Japanese Red Cross.
Related Photos Related ArtistsNaomi Watts Natalie Imbruglia Natalie Portman Natalie Zea Natasha Bedingfield
Enrique Iglesias QUITS The Just-Announced Co-Headlining Tour With Britney Spears
Just hours ago it was officially announced that Britney Spears and Enrique Iglesias would be hitting the road together this Summer on a co-headlining tour … but **just now** it has been reported that Enrique has decided to QUIT and pull out of the tour! WTF?! Details on why he is quitting have not yet [...]
Tara Reid Taryn Manning Tatiana Zavialova Taylor Swift Teri Hatcher
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Usher - Spotlight
- Artist: Usher
- Label: Warner Bros. Records, Asylum, Mizay Ent
- Director: Benny Boom
- Album: The State vs. Radric Davis
Katharine Towne Katherine Heigl Katie Cassidy Katie Holmes Katy Perry
Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Suit Vs. AEG Can Proceed, Judge Rules
Katherine Jackson and family are pursuing a claim against concert promoter.
By Gil Kaufman
Michael Jackson
When he was alive, Michael Jackson was forever embroiled in a series of complex and expensive-sounding lawsuits. But even in death, the late King of Pop is the subject of major legal action. None could potentially be bigger than the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the pop icon's mother, Katherine Jackson, against concert promotion giant AEG Live.
Reuters reported that a Los Angeles judge ruled on Wednesday that the civil lawsuit can go forward. It will proceed in parallel with the criminal case against Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson's June 2009 death from an overdose of the powerful surgical anesthetic propofol. Murray is the only person charged in Jackson's death and he is currently awaiting trial in that matter.
Katherine Jackson's lawsuit — filed in September on behalf of her and Jackson's three young children — accuses AEG of being responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray, whose salary was paid by the touring company behind Jackson's attempted "This Is It" comeback shows in London. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos denied a motion on Wednesday by AEG to dismiss Katherine Jackson's suit, but warned Jackson's attorneys that they would need to show evidence of "fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy" in order to win the case.
The judge has already said she doubts they can prove the latter charge, because the suit does not detail any agreement between Murray and AEG to break the law in providing medical care to Jackson.
"If the object was to get him to rehearsals, I don't see that as a wrongful or illegal act," the judge said. A lawyer for AEG told the judge that the company could not have predicted beforehand that Murray's medical decisions would result in Jackson's death. Court papers also show that AEG "did not choose to hire Murray" and had only participated in negotiations to bring him on as an independent contractor. Michael, who had previously been treated by Murray in Las Vegas, was reportedly the one who suggested the cardiologist serve as his personal, on-call physician during the "This Is It" rehearsals and shows.
Katherine Jackson's attorney recently dropped choreographer Kenny Ortega from the lawsuit based on new information they received about his actions. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 22, just six days before Murray is due back in court for his trial. Jackson's father, Joseph, has twice attempted to file a wrongful death suit in the matter, though his is focused on Murray and the Las Vegas pharmacy that supplied the propofol, not AEG Live.
Related Photos Related ArtistsMonica Keena Monica Potter Monika Kramlik Moon Bloodgood Mýa
Which D-Lister Went Totally Topless In Miami???
CLICK HERE to see which comedienne and realty show star bared their tittays for all of South Beach to see!!!
CLICK HERE to see which comedienne and realty show star bared their tittays for all of South Beach to see!!!
CLICK HERE to see which comedienne and realty show star bared their tittays for all of South [...]
CLICK HERE to see which comedienne and realty show star bared their tittays for all of South Beach to see!!!
CLICK HERE to see which comedienne and realty show star bared their tittays for all of South [...]
Autumn Reeser Avril Lavigne Bali Rodriguez Bar Refaeli Beyoncé
New Led Zeppelin On The Way? Jason Bonham Hints At 'Jam' Sessions With Jimmy Page -- But Not Robert Plant
Drummer admits he doesn't know what will come of 'new material.'
By Chris Harris
Jason Bonham
Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images
On Friday morning, mere hours before he was due to take the stage with classic rockers Foreigner at Detroit's GM Renaissance Center, drummer Jason Bonham — the son of late Led Zeppelin kitman John Bonham — told Jim Johnson and Lynne Woodison of local rock station 94.7 WCSX that he'd be an ex-member of Foreigner as of September 1. But that's not the only thing he said.
Much to the delight of Led Zeppelin fans everywhere, Bonham revealed that he's been meeting up with Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones in recent months and that they've been "trying to do some new material and writing."
It was the first time since Led Zeppelin announced they would re-form for a single performance (which happened late last year at London's O2 Arena, in honor of the late Ahmet Ertegün, who signed the band to Atlantic Records in 1969) that anyone connected to the band has confirmed publicly that new music could be on the horizon for the iconic rockers. While the bandmembers have stopped short of definitively ruling out such a reunion, singer Robert Plant insisted in the wake of last year's show that he intended to focus on promoting and touring behind his critically lauded album with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, Raising Sand.
Not that Bonham knows what — if anything — will happen with the new material he's been working on with Page (who collaborated with pop singer Leona Lewis on an uneven version of Zep's "Whole Lotta Love" at the Olympic closing ceremonies in Beijing on Sunday night) and Jones. He said he just shows up and takes his seat behind the kit.
"I've been over [to England] a couple of times," Bonham said. "I've been working with Jimmy and John Paul and trying to do ... some new material and some writing. I don't know what it will be, but it will be something. At the moment, all I know is I have the great pleasure to go and jam with the two guys and start work on some material. When I get there, I never ask any questions. If I get a phone call to go and play, I enjoy every moment of it. Whatever it ends up as, to ever get a chance to jam with two people like that, it is a phenomenal thing for me. It's my life. It's what I've dreamed about doing."
He said it's still too early to tell what will become of these "jam" sessions, but admitted that the "possibility of doing something is in the cards. I really felt it was in the cards from the moment we walked offstage at the O2." Bonham also explained that, before there could be a Led Zep LP, "lots of politics [would need to] get ironed out," but added that recording with Zep is "something I've always wanted to do."
Bonham noticeably didn't mention frontman Plant's name during the discussion. A spokesperson for Page's management had no comment on the matter, and a spokesperson for Jones' management could not be reached by press time.
Related ArtistsCameron Diaz Cameron Richardson Camilla Belle Carla Campbell Carla Gugino
Britney Spears Announces Plans For New Video, Kids' Choice, More
Brit's site confirms "Ellen" appearances, MTV takeover day and more leading up to Femme Fatale release.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears has become a very busy lady in the lead-up to the March 29 release of Femme Fatale.
After rumors came out on Wednesday that Spears would make several appearances on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the week her album drops, a press release posted on her website now confirms that and a few other engagements on Brit's calendar.
The release also confirms that Spears will pre-tape her "Good Morning America" appearance on March 27, two days before it airs on the show. MTV will dedicate March 29 to the femme fatale herself for what is being dubbed a "Britney take-over" day on the network. Additionally, Spears will make an appearance on the Kids' Choice Awards on April 2, though there is no word on whether she'll be performing, presenting or just getting slimed.
Spears is currently rehearsing for her appearances and working on the video for her second single, "Till the World Ends." It will be directed by Norwegian director and photographer Ray Kay, who has worked with Lady Gaga, the Backstreet Boys, Beyoncé and Justin Bieber. The video will be shot in L.A. No date has been set for the video's premiere.
In recent weeks, Spears has been on several magazine covers (including Out and V magazine), and in interviews she has talked about wanting to try something new on the album.
"I think Femme Fatale speaks for itself," Spears told V. "I worked really hard on it and spent almost two years recording it. I think it's the best album I have ever made. There's nothing to say. I'll let the music speak for itself. ... It's definitely my edgiest and most mature sound yet.
"It's a little bit of [an evolution and a revolution]," she continued. "There are songs on this album that don't sound like anything else and are completely revolutionary, but I also believe this album expresses where I am today as a woman and is an evolution of who I am."
Related Photos Related ArtistsGina Philips Gisele Bündchen Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park
Britney Spears - Piece of Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
- Director: Wayne Isham
- Album: Blackout
April Scott Arielle Kebbel Ashanti Ashlee Simpson Ashley Greene
Monday, March 28, 2011
'Sucker Punch': The Reviews Are In!
'... the ride Snyder takes you on is so vividly conceived, so deliriously bizarre and wonderful,' writes Rene Rodriguez of the Miami Herald.
By Eric Ditzian
Abbie Cornish in "Sucker Punch"
Photo: Warner Bros.
We'll say this about Zack Snyder: The guy knows how to stir up passion in moviegoers, whether those intense feelings skew toward the aggressively negative or the bow-down-before-a-cinematic-god positive. Just take a peek at reviews for the director's adaptation of "Watchmen" in 2009.
A similar disparity in critical assessments surrounds Snyder's latest offering, the fantastical battle royale called "Sucker Punch." Some reviewers are passionately defending the film and calling out the haters for simply failing to understand what the director was trying to accomplish. Many more, however, are accusing Snyder of being the one who failed to deliver.
Will you love it? Hate it? Have you somehow never even heard of it? Check out what the critics are saying and decide for yourself.
The Story
"The story centers on Babydoll (Emily Browning), an orphan falsely accused of murdering her little sister and imprisoned inside an asylum where she is scheduled for a lobotomy. Before the procedure can be completed, Babydoll disappears into an alternate reality that exists entirely in her mind. There, she and four fellow inmates (Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Chung) are performers in a bordello managed by the theatrical Madam Gorski (Carla Gugino) and run by the cruel pimp Blue (Miami's Oscar Isaac). In order to escape — the cathouse and the mental institution — the girls must first fight off winged dragons, zombies, giant ninja robots and android aliens and collect five talismans. No, Sucker Punch doesn't make any sense. But none of that matters, because the ride Snyder takes you on is so vividly conceived, so deliriously bizarre and wonderful." — Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald
Storytelling Shortcomings
"The film abdicates so many basic responsibilities of coherent storytelling, even coherent stupid-action-movie storytelling, director/ co-writer/ co-producer Zack Snyder must have known in preproduction that his greasy collection of near-rape fantasies and violent revenge scenarios disguised as a female-empowerment fairy tale wasn't going to satisfy anyone but himself. Well, himself, plus ardent fans of Japanese-schoolgirl manga comics. ... You will be unprepared for a film packing this much confusing crud into a little less than two hours of solitary confinement, which feels more like dog hours, i.e., 14." — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
The Visuals
"Loaded with all kinds of visions of the fantastic and high-octane excitement, it's a visceral feast that utilizes Snyder's signature techniques with all the velocity of a fire-breathing dragon ... But 'Sucker Punch' is not just style over substance. That's an argument the film is sure to be met with, as well, but there is just as much bubbling up under 'Sucker Punch's' CG surface than there is in its sepia-toned skies. Filled with themes of empowerment, escapism, and changing the course of the typical narrative, the film rides high in its jet-propelled mech warrior, and it has much to tell us when it's done doing loopty loops around our brain." — Jeremy Kirk, FirstShowing.net
The Influences
"You could go to see 'Sucker Punch' this weekend — a lot of people probably will, and a few may even admit as much back at the office on Monday — or you could try to make it yourself, which might be more fun, though not necessarily cheaper. Here's what you will need: a bunch of video-game platforms; DVDs of 'Shutter Island,' 'Kill Bill,' 'Burlesque' and 'Shrek'; some back issues of Maxim; a large bag of crystal meth; and around $100 million. Your imagination will take care of the rest." — A.O. Scott, The New York Times
The Final Word
"Some will see the worst sort of objectification in its Victoria's Secret-esque femme front line that also includes the scantily clad corps of Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Chung. Others will argue that 'Sucker Punch's' sexy guerrillas represent female empowerment, to say nothing of the benefits of diet and exercise. I'd suggest the film is a wonderfully wild provocation — an imperfect, overlong, intemperate and utterly absorbing romp through the id that I wouldn't have missed for the world." — Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times
Check out everything we've got on "Sucker Punch."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosEmilie de Ravin Emma Heming Emma Stone Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui
Snoop Dogg Remembers Nate Dogg With New Tattoo & Tribute Video
On Friday night , Snoop Dogg got a new tattoo covering his entire left forearm. The West coast rapper had a picture of legendary rapper Nate Dogg tattooed on his arm hours prior to the services for the rapper on Saturday. Check out pics of Snoop getting inked to commemorate his friend and video of him paying tribute to the late Nate Dogg...
The tattoo was designed by the famous tattoo artist Mister Cartoon in Southern California. Under the images of Nate Dogg's face, the phrase "All Doggs go to heaven" was written.
On Saturday, thousands including, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Game, DJ Quik, Kurupt, Xzibit, and more gathered to say goodbye to the rap legend at the Queen Mary Dome.
Check out the tribute video, “Nobody Does It Better” created by Snoop and Warren G. in honor of Nate Dogg:
R.I.P. Nate Dogg
EXTRAS:
1. DJ Megatron, former BET host, was shot and killed. Story.
Photos Via MTV
Kerry Suseck Kim Kardashian Kim Smith Kim Yoon-jin Kirsten Dunst
Prince William Keeps His Bachelor Party On The Downlow
Over the weekend, Prince Harry — the coverboy of the new issue of British GQ magazine — orchestrated a bachelor (stag) party for his older brother Prince William, who is due to be married to Kate Middleton next month. In the weeks leading up to the shindig, it was reported that the party would be [...]
Rachel McAdams Rachel Nichols Rachel Perry Rachel Weisz Radha Mitchell
Giveaway: Charlie Banana ($200 Gift Card)
Mar 28 2011 7:55am – Apr 1 2011 7:00pm
Many celebrity moms are looking to make the switch to cloth diapers for a number of reasons ? better for baby's bottom, better for the environment, adorable modern brands and cute prints and colors. And Charlie Banana(R), the international luxury brand of modern, hybrid cloth diapers and healthy, organic baby products is the hottest and latest brand for moms and celebrities to use on their precious babies. Established in 2010, Charlie Banana(R) products are made with care with 100% certified organically grown cotton. They are comfortable, chemical-free and combine eco-friendliness, quality and design. The goal behind the brand is to convince at least 50 percent of parents to use reusable diapers and products for their children.
Charlie Banana(R) products include the innovative, 2 in 1 Hybrid Eco Diapering System, Single and Double Layer Reusable Wipes, Tote Bags, Diaper Laundry Bags, Baby Training Pants, Underwear, Swim Diapers, Baby Leg Warmers, Change Pads, Mattress Pads, Reusable Feminine Pads and Reusable Breast/Nursing Pads.
Celebrities who have Charlie Banana diapers in their hands include Ashlee Simpson, Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell, Bethenny Frankel and many more in 2011!
We are giving away a $200 Gift Card to Charlie Banana(R) to 1 lucky reader!
Also exclusive to our readers is a 10% discount off entire order from Charlie Banana(R). All you have to do is enter coupon code CelebScoop at checkout!
One Easy Way to Enter:
- Sign up for our newsletter and get your weekly fix on the latest celebrity mom and baby news (current subscribers will automatically be entered)**.
The winner will be chosen by third party draw service random.org.
This contest ends Friday, April 1st at 7:00 pm EST. This contest is open to worldwide residents! Good luck!
*contest rules*
Congratulations to the winner of our Mutsy giveaway: mshook!
** Check out Charlie Banana on Facebook & Twitter!
Uploaded Picture:
Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi Ali Larter
It Looks Like Britney Spears Will Co-Headline Her Tour With Enrique Iglesias
Yesterday we heard a rumor that Britney Spears would be co-headlining her upcoming Summer tour with another big name act and today we learn not only that the rumor is very likely true but we also learn that her co-headliner will very likely be Enrique Iglesias. A company that makes promo flyers for concert events [...]
Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing Megan Fox Melania Trump
Sunday, March 27, 2011
I Need A Petitie Lap Giraffe
The mini-lap giraffe in the DirecTV ads is now for sale! You can buy your lap giraffe today from Sokolovsky Farms, Russia's finest purveyor of Petite Lap Giraffes. Ok, not really. It's an ad campaign. But you can still waste time watching the little critters on a live web cam or finding out pet care tips at PetiteLapGiraffe.com. See "Vladimir" and other "PGLs" go about their daily business, like taking bubble baths, lounging on couches, and eating bonsai trees. Fun facts: A full-size adult PGL only grows to be about 30 inches tall and sleep in a box like a cat. I know, I'm in denial. I still think I'll own one someday. It can happen. [Ad Freak, Petite Lap Giraffe]
Lucy Liu Luján Fernández Magdalena Wróbel Maggie Grace Maggie Gyllenhaal
'30 Rock' Recap: TWINKIES
TGS goes on a forced hiatus in Tracy's absence, so Lemon looks to the staffers to maintain solidarity. This plan goes down about as well as you might expect, with Frank abandoning ship for stand-up gigs, Pete returning to his teaching career, and Jenna relying on her culturally stereotypical "Jenna Babies," who spout such phrases as "Excuse me, G.I., do you miss your girlfriend? I'm good at math."
As such, Lemon quickly recognizes that she needs to explore other options. Other options, apparently, means Aaron Sorkin. Just when Lemon thinks all hope is lost, Kenneth lets slip that Tracy often eats slices from a local pizzeria when they video-chat. Lemon realizes that Tracy is nearby and can forestall the forced hiatus. Hurrah!
Watch the full episode below:
Carmen Electra Carol Grow Carrie Underwood Cat Power Catherine Bell
Ricky Martin Kicks Off His New Concert Tour In Puerto Rico
Ricky Martin kicked off his new Musica+Alma+Sexo World Tour in his homeland of Puerto Rico last night and he unveiled his new leather daddy look on stage. I’m thinkin’ Ricky‘s outfit is meant to look like a badass motorcyle outfit but, IMHO, it ended up looking more silly than badass. Check out the photos below [...]
Ana Hickmann Ana Ivanovi? Ana Paula Lemes Ananda Lewis Angela Marcello
Top 10 Civil War Movies for the 150th Anniversary
Turner Classic Movies, TCM, will be airing 34 movies in April to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War. Every Monday and Wednesday night will feature these films. Kicking off the festival on April 4 will be two of the most famous Civil War dramas, Gone With The Wind and Raintree [...]
Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon
Linkin Park? U2? Ke$ha? Behind MTV's Musical March Madness Selection
With the tipoff of our tournament set for Monday, Bigger Than the Sound breaks down your favorite band's chances of busting the bracket.
By James Montgomery
Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington
Photo: Frank Hoensch/ Getty Images
Last year, when we launched the inaugural Musical March Madness tournament, we did it largely on a whim.
As I wrote when I revealed my original (handwritten) bracket, the basic idea was to combine my love of college basketball, gambling and rock music (and superfluous lists) into one magical event, and it really didn't matter that I hadn't figured out how bands would advance in the tournament or even what they'd get for winning. All I knew was that it seemed like a fun idea (especially since I didn't have anything else to write my column about that week) and that somewhere, there had to be someone who cared about these seemingly disparate things nearly as much as I did.
As it turned out, there were a lot of people who cared, and when it was all said and done — thanks to the efforts of a whole lot of folks, including Newsroom blog editor Kyle Anderson, who basically decided "You know what? People should vote on this!" — not only was Musical March Madness a certified success, but we somehow even managed to get an actual trophy to present to the winners, Coheed and Cambria, too. So, really, everybody won.
Of course, given the success of the original MMM, attention quickly shifted to the 2011 tournament. Last year, I basically just threw together a list of 64 bands (65, actually; who could forget the epic Against Me!/ Creed play-in battle?). For the 2011 tournament, however, I did research, monitored album sales and basically became a Selection Committee of one. And, yes, it took way longer than I ever could have imagined.
So, with the 2011 Musical March Madness set to tip off Monday — when we reveal our full bracket of 64 bands and launch voting in first-round matchups — I decided to pull back the curtain on that selection process. Some teams have all but locked up their spots in the 2011 tournament, while others still have some work to do. In the spirit of all things bracketological, here's my up-to-the-minute look at where your favorite bands stand for this year's MMM:
The #1 Seeds
The biggest bands in the land. Last year, I gave out #1's to Nickelback, Coldplay, Blink-182 and the Kings of Leon. Somewhat surprisingly, three-quarters of them ended up losing in the opening round of the tournament (only Blink survived, making it to the round of 32 before losing to 30 Seconds to Mars). Obviously, I overestimated the popularity of some of those acts, which means that, in 2011, to be a #1 seed, you have to have proven yourself as not only a rock-solid commodity, but an actual threat to win the championship too. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to have an album either in stores or coming soon. So here are my latest contenders for top seeds:
» Foo Fighters
» 30 Seconds to Mars
» Linkin Park
» My Chemical Romance
» Arcade Fire
» Vampire Weekend
» Muse
» The Black Keys
» Blink-182
» Radiohead
» Coldplay
» Mumford & Sons
The Foos have a hotly anticipated album coming down the pipeline, as does Coldplay. Are expectations enough to make them #1's? Or will the committee recognize the breakout success of the Black Keys, Muse and Mumford? Does a #1 album and a shocking Grammy win earn the Arcade Fire a top seed? Linkin Park and MCR both scuffed a bit with their latest albums, but does that matter, especially since they're both legacy acts with loyal fanbases (and, in the case of My Chem, are tournament-tested)? And will the committee ignore the fact that, by most accounts, Radiohead's latest was a bit of a letdown or that Blink-182 may never actually release their new album? As you can see, there are still plenty of questions left to be answered.
The Old Guard
Legacy acts with something left in the tank. In 2010, time-tested faves like Slipknot, the White Stripes, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Pearl Jam, U2 and the Dave Matthews Band all got invites to the big dance based largely on reputation alone (just think of them as the Dukes or Kansases of MMM). Of course, nearly all of them got knocked off in the first round, which means that this time around, reputation isn't going to be enough to punch their tickets. Shoot, some of these acts aren't even around anymore, which means that some deck-shuffling is in order. Here are the established acts that are still fighting for their tournament lives:
» Green Day
» Dave Matthews Band
» U2
» Red Hot Chili Peppers
» Rage Against the Machine
» Kid Rock
» Pearl Jam
» R.E.M.
Some (like the Chili Peppers and U2) have announced new albums this year, while others (like DMB) are planning to take 2011 off entirely. Still, whatever their status may be, the old guard remain forces at the cash registers and on radio, even if their latest albums didn't exactly light the world on fire. And ignoring that entirely just isn't possible. So how does the committee decide which make the field of 64? Good question. I'm still trying to figure out the answer.
The New Blood
Upset-minded young guns. The 2010 MMM featured up-and-coming acts like the Young Veins, 3OH!3, Owl City and MGMT. One year later, none of them are even on the radar. Picking new bands for MMM is always a challenge, though in 2011, there seem to be a handful who have all but secured their spots in the tournament, thanks to their breakout successes. I'm talking about the likes of:
» Mumford & Sons
» Florence and the Machine
» The Black Keys
» Cage the Elephant
» Sleigh Bells
» Adele
If the tournament started today, all of the above have been in (and some may even earn high seeds). But do any of them have enough to actually win the tournament? We'll just have to wait and see.
The Bracket Busters
Bands with solid, if not spectacular, résumés (weak out-of-conference schedules, etc.). Last year, this included eventual champs Coheed and Cambria, Final Four acts like Tokio Hotel, Elite Eight bands like Panic! at the Disco and Owl City, and even Patrick Stump, who rumbled all the way to the Sweet 16. In other words, the 2011 champion could very well come from this group. Here's my list of under-the-radar threats:
» Panic! (once again)
» Weezer
» The Decemberists
» Cake
» Paramore
» Avril Lavigne
» Crystal Bowersox
» Adam Lambert
» Death Cab for Cutie
» All Time Low
Two of the above — Cake and the Decemberists — have recent #1 debuts under their belts, while others have new albums on the horizon (DCFC, ATL, Avril). Others, like Bowersox and Lambert (who made the Sweet 16 last year), command insane fanbases, which make them dangerous on any day. Lavigne and ATL still have some work to do, but I'd consider all of the acts I just mentioned as safe for now.
The Bubble Bands
On-the-verge acts that need a little help to make it in. Maybe they win their conference championship, or maybe they PayPal the selection committee some cash, but these are the bands on the brink. In 2010, that included Panic! (no new album or single), the Gaslight Anthem (up-and-comers just learning to play together) and Coheed (largely ignored by mainstream radio). Most of those bands managed to do quite well in the tournament, while others, like Hollywood Undead, Lil Wayne, Them Crooked Vultures and the National, all flamed out in the tournament's opening round. Somewhat fittingly, it's a real feast-or-famine type of thing. Here's my updated list of bubble bands:
» Cobra Starship
» Ke$ha
» Tokio Hotel
» MGMT
» Train
» Adele
» Bret Michaels
» Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
» Taylor Swift
Right off the bat, neither Ke$ha nor Swift really rock (though Ke$h does use Jack Daniels as mouthwash), which makes them long shots. Tokio Hotel have done next to nothing since last year's tournament, but was their success enough to earn them a spot this year? Bret Michaels is basically indestructible at this point, so I'd consider him a lock. Cobra Starship are largely dormant but command a big enough fanbase to warrant consideration. MGMT's last album stiffed in spectacular fashion, which places them squarely on the soapy surface of the bubble.
So, will your favorite band make the cut for the 2011 Musical March Madness tournament? As you can see, the Selection Committee still has plenty of work to do — which means that, between now and Monday, I'll be burning the midnight oil, busting out the brackets and then re-busting them once again. It'll be a chore, but I bet it will be worth it. And I hope you'll be along for the ride. Your band needs you, after all.
MTV's 2011 Musical March Madness Tournament begins Monday, March 14, when we reveal the full field of 64 bands that will battle for the championship. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act makes the cut, it'll be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM — but get ready, it's gonna be a war.
Related Videos Related ArtistsKate Mara Kate Moss Kate Walsh Katharine McPhee Katharine Towne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)