Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/j8ag-fDsCBo/
Hilarie Burton Sophia Bush Brett Butler Amanda Bynes Paris Hilton
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Lily Allen?s Wedding Date & Invitation Have Been Revealed
Lily Allen and her fianc�e Sam Cooper were hoping to have a secret wedding this Summer but one of their invited wedding guests (well, formerly invited) decided to spill the deets of their planned nuptials and share the wedding invite with the world (actually, it was only a Save the Date card). As a result, [...]
Beyoncé - Halo
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Philip Andelman
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=332332
Jolene Blalock Cate Blanchett Alexis Bledel Yasmine Bleeth Nikki Blonsky
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Muse Added To Grammy Show
Usher, Jaden Smith, B.o.B, Janelle Monae and Lady Antebellum will also perform on February 13.
By Gil Kaufman
Justin Bieber and Usher
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
While Willow Smith is the one who made music headlines with "Whip My Hair" last year, it's her brother, "Karate Kid" actor Jaden Smith, who will take the stage at the upcoming 53rd Grammy Awards in a special performance alongside Usher and Justin Bieber, with whom he collaborated on the song "Never Say Never" last summer.
The trio joins a list of new performers added to the show on Thursday (January 20) that will also include another power trifecta made up of B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, according to a press release from the Recording Academy announcing the additions to the February 13 telecast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Also taking the stage next month will be nominees Muse and Lady Antebellum. They will join a roster of previously announced performers that includes Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, Cee Lo Green and Miranda Lambert. It will be the first time on the Grammy performance stage for Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse and Smith. Eminem, Green, Gaga, Perry, Usher and Lady Antebellum will be making return visits for the occasion.
While 11-time Grammy winner Eminem leads the pack in nominations this year (with 10 nods), Mars has seven nominations, and Gaga and Lady Antebellum are not far behind with six nods each. B.o.B has notched five, Perry and Green are each up for four, and Arcade Fire and Lambert are vying for three awards. Bieber, Muse, Usher and Monáe are each nominated for two Grammys.
No details of the collaborative performances were released, but the Grammy announcement promised a rare, never-before-seen event for the Mars, B.o.B and Monáe segment.
With the addition of Antebellum, all five Album of the Year nominees (Eminem, Arcade Fire, Gaga, Perry) are now scheduled to perform on the show. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.
Which Grammy performance are you most looking forward to? Talk about it in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1656279/justin-bieber-bruno-mars-muse-added-grammy-show.jhtml
Selma Blair Jolene Blalock Cate Blanchett Alexis Bledel Yasmine Bleeth
Britney Spears' 'Till The World Ends' Hits Web
Femme Fatale's second single was penned by Ke$ha.
By Jocelyn Vena
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears' new single, "Till the World Ends," sounds poised to be a club smash. The Ke$ha-written, Dr. Luke/Max Martin-produced track was posted by Perez Hilton on Thursday afternoon (March 3), after speculation earlier in the day that the song would hit radio next week.
"Till the World Ends" is a swirling, "beat the beat" track, ready for late nights spent "dancing till the world ends" as she sings on the fast-paced party jam. "This kitten got your tongue tied in knots I see/ Spit it out 'cause I'm dying for company," a confident Spears purrs.
As the song slows for a moment — during a break before she moves her way to the chorus — she sings, "I can't take it take it take no more/ Never felt like felt like this before/ Come on get me get me on the floor/ DJ, what you what you waiting for?" she teases.
The beat chugs in the background as synths play with Spears' sex-kitten delivery of lines like "Watch me move/ When I lose, when I lose it hard/ Get you off with a touch/ Dancing in the dark.
"See the sunlight/ We ain't stopping/ Keep on dancing till the world ends/ If you feel it/ Let it happen/ Keep on dancing till the world ends," she sings as the song breaks down, fading out for a brief moment (revealing her signature breathiness), and then coming back in as she repeats those final lines again to close the song.
Ke$ha recently dished about the track to Spin.com, noting that it is about the power of an artist performing a great gig. "That song is me imagining her and any female musician touring the world," she said. "You know, when you go out, and you're having an amazing, magical night and you don't want to go to sleep and you want it to last until the world ends."
"Till the World Ends" is the second single from Femme Fatale, set to drop March 29. Its lead single, "Hold It Against Me," was an equally club-friendly jam by Luke and Martin, who are overseeing production on the album.
Give your review of "Till the World Ends" in the comments below!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659161/britney-spears-till-the-world-ends.jhtml
Christine Baranski Ellen Barkin Majel Barrett Drew Barrymore Kim Basinger
Warner Bros To Reboot Batman Franchise After The Dark Knight Rises!
And they'll be bringing back Batman & Robin's Joel Schumacher to helm the Batman reboot!!! JK!
Schumacher may not be returning, but then again neither will Christopher Nolan as director, or Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, because after The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters, Warner Bros will be completely rebooting the Batman franchise.
Here's what WB chief [...]
Schumacher may not be returning, but then again neither will Christopher Nolan as director, or Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, because after The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters, Warner Bros will be completely rebooting the Batman franchise.
Here's what WB chief [...]
Selma Blair Jolene Blalock Cate Blanchett Alexis Bledel Yasmine Bleeth
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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 ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657214/michael-jackson-wrongful-death-suit.jhtml
Rachel Boston Kate Bosworth Lara Flynn Boyle Lorraine Bracco Alexandra Breckenridge
Monday, March 28, 2011
New Treatment Center Encourages Clients to Rock Out on Premesis
Roll over Betty Ford and tell Promises the news. A new rehab center in South Central, Pennsylvania called Clarity Way is providing its clients the use of an in-house recording studio and a music therapist. So now drug-addled artists can try to get clean and be productive at the same time.
The studio, which is equipped [...]
The studio, which is equipped [...]
Source: http://blog.mtvmusic.com/2010/05/21/new-treatment-center-encourages-clients-to-rock-out-on-premesis/
Christine Baranski Ellen Barkin Majel Barrett Drew Barrymore Kim Basinger
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Emily Browning Talks Auditioning For 'Hunger Games'
'Sucker Punch' star also opens up about declining 'Twilight' audition.
By Terri Schwartz
Emily Browning
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
The role might have recently gone to Jennifer Lawrence, but there was a point in time when "Sucker Punch" star Emily Browning might have played District 12 champion Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming Lionsgate adaptation of "The Hunger Games."
"I read for ['Hunger Games'] a couple of times, but I've never read the book, to be honest -- which I know is terrible of me," Browning said in an interview with the Playlist. "I was nervous about it."
Despite the fact Browning started out her acting career as one of the leads in an adaptation of a popular children's series, it was that experience that turned her off from moving on to starring in the young-adult genre. She admitted that there was a period of time between when she filmed 2004's "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" and when she agreed to come onboard Friday's "Sucker Punch" that she seriously considered quitting acting altogether.
It was during that time that she found out "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer said she would be the perfect Bella Swan for the upcoming adaptation of the novel, but Browning wasn't ready to commit to a franchise.
"I was just exhausted, and I was like, 'I'm sorry, but I just can't sign onto a trilogy right now,' " Browning told MTV News in 2009, after she finished "The Uninvited." "To be honest, if I had gone on to do the film straight after 'The Uninvited,' I would not have been a good Bella . and I'm hoping people realize that now."
But it was the fact that she was vilified for reportedly turning down the "Twilight" role that caused Browning to remain so hush-hush about trying out for "Hunger Games."
"It's always hard for me to talk about these kinds of things, because I know there was a big deal with 'Twilight' and my involvement with people wanting me to do 'Twilight,' so I'm always like, 'Oh, people love this book so much, I don't want to get involved, I don't want to talk about it!' " Browning explained. "I read for ['Hunger Games'] a couple of times, but I think every single girl in Hollywood read for it a couple of times, to be honest."
Would you have liked to see Emily Browning play Katniss Everdeen or Bella Swan? Sound off below!
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more -- updated around the clock -- visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660353/emily-browning-hunger-games-twilight.jhtml
Christina Applegate Anne Archer Beverly Archer Jillian Armenante Bess Armstrong
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Songs For Japan Includes Eminem, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga And More
Benefit album is now on iTunes, with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
By James Montgomery
Songs For Japan Cover Art
Photo: EMI Music Group
On Monday, we learned the names of some of the stars set to appear on Songs For Japan, a compilation album to benefit the ongoing disaster relief efforts in the earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged nation. And on Friday (March 25), not only was the full roster of artists and songs revealed, but the album was made available for purchase on iTunes.
Lady Gaga, Eminem, Beyoncé, Madonna, the Kings of Leon and Katy Perry joined a list of already-announced artists like Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna on the album, which is available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99. Proceeds from the sale of Songs for Japan will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.
All in all, 38 artists lent songs to the album, including legends like Bob Dylan, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the late John Lennon; country acts like Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum; rock artists like the Foo Fighters, R.E.M. and Bon Jovi; pop icons like Madonna and Pink; and top hitmakers like Bruno Mars and David Guetta.
All acts appearing on Songs for Japan — and their labels and music publishers — have waived their royalties and proceeds from the worldwide sales of the album to insure the Japanese Red Cross Society receives as much support as possible. The JRCS will use funds from the album to support its ongoing relief efforts and for eventual recovery assistance to the areas hardest hit by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis. iTunes will also donate its proceeds from the album's worldwide sales to the benefit of the JRCS.
The track list for Songs for Japan, according to Apple:
1. John Lennon, "Imagine"
2. U2, "Walk On"
3. Bob Dylan, "Shelter From the Storm"
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Around the World"
5. Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
6. Beyoncé, "Irreplaceable"
7. Bruno Mars, "Talking to the Moon"
8. Katy Perry, "Firework"
9. Rihanna, "Only Girl (In the World)"
10. Justin Timberlake, "Like I Love You"
11. Madonna, "Miles Away"
12. David Guetta, "When Love Takes Over"
13. Eminem (featuring Rihanna), "Love the Way You Lie"
14. Bruce Springsteen, "Human Touch"
15. Josh Groban, "Awake"
16. Keith Urban, "Better Life"
17. Black Eyed Peas, "One Tribe"
18. Pink, "Sober"
19. Cee Lo Green, "It's OK"
20. Lady Antebellum, "I Run to You"
21. Bon Jovi, "What Do You Got?"
22. Foo Fighters, "My Hero"
23. R.E.M., "Man on the Moon"
24. Nicki Minaj, "Save Me"
25. Sade, "By Your Side"
26. Michael Bublé, "Hold On"
27. Justin Bieber, "Pray"
28. Adele, "Make You Feel My Love"
29. Enya, "If I Could Be Where You Are"
30. Elton John, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
31. John Mayer, "Waiting on the World to Change"
32. Queen, "Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)"
33. Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody"
34. Sting, "Fragile"
35. Leona Lewis, "Better in Time"
36. Ne-Yo, "One in a Million"
37. Shakira, "Whenever, Wherever"
38. Norah Jones, "Sunrise"
Will you download the benefit album? Let us know in the comments!
Related ArtistsGillian Anderson Pamela Anderson Julie Andrews Angélica María Maya Angelou
Les News, 032511
A story told in tattoos. In case you hadn’t heard, Britney Spears will appear in Las Vegas tonight. Fringe renewed for a 4th season. Sucker Punch sucks?! Jersey Shore season 3 is dunzo. Chris Brown‘s publicist quits on him. Tana is the world’s first Intersex French Bulldog. Megan Fox for Armani Code. Grey’s Anatomy does [...]
Source: http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2011/03/les-news-032511/
Elizabeth Allen Joan Allen Karen Allen Krista Allen Laura Allen
Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia/Music World Music
- Director: Jake Nava
- Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=288236
Bess Armstrong Patricia Arquette Rosanna Arquette Bea Arthur Candice Azzara
Friday, March 25, 2011
Michael Jackson - Beat It
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Director: Bob Giraldi
- Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1102&vid=26721
Ellen Burstyn Hilarie Burton Sophia Bush Brett Butler Amanda Bynes
Britney Spears Announces Las Vegas Nightclub Performance
'Looks like my little secret isnt a secret anymore,' she tweets before tonight's Rain gig with DJ Pauly D from 'Jersey Shore.'
By James Dinh
Britney Spears
Photo: Jive
With less than a week until Femme Fatale hits stores, Britney Spears is adding another date to her promotional calendar. The "Hold It Against Me" singer took to her Twitter on Friday afternoon (March 25) to announce a performance at Rain nightclub at Las Vegas' Palms Casino and Resort scheduled for later this evening.
"Looks like my little secret isnt a secret anymore. Whos coming to watch me take the stage TONIGHT at @RainLasVegas at @PalmsLasVegas?" the pop star tweeted. "You're all invited. Be there or be square bitch!"
Britney is no stranger to the Rain stage. Back in 2003, the pop titan gave fans a sneak peek of her album In the Zone by surprising about 1,800 clubgoers with a 30-minute set, which included songs like "Me Against the Music" and "Breathe on Me."
Spears' Vegas performance is the latest in her string of promotional ventures for her upcoming LP. Last week, it was confirmed that she would pre-tape her "Good Morning America" appearance on Sunday, two days before it will air on the show. On the day of her album release, she will also appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for a late-night performance of her two latest singles: "Till the World Ends" and "Hold It Against Me."
In addition to her concert specials, MTV will dedicate March 29 to the singer for what is being dubbed a "Britney Takeover" day. The entertainer will also make appearances on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and the Kids' Choice Awards on April 2.
Spears has been keeping fans on the edge of their seats for months with video and song teasers leading up to Femme Fatale's Tuesday release. When MTV News interviewed Britney's manager, Larry Rudolph, after the premiere of her "Hold It Against Me" video, he had high praise for the pop star's latest project, comparing the album to a Madonna classic.
"In my opinion, this is her strongest album ever. It's somewhat of a departure from what she's done. It's more mature," Rudolph told us last month. "It's more of a dance record and this really is ... Britney's Ray of Light album."
What are you expecting from Spears' new album? Let us know in the comments below!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660684/britney-spears-las-vegas-surprise-performance.jhtml
Tyra Banks Christine Baranski Ellen Barkin Majel Barrett Drew Barrymore
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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 ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657728/usher-justin-bieber-grammy-performance.jhtml
Amy Adams Jane Adams Jessica Alba Elizabeth Allen Joan Allen
'American Idol' Report Card: Jacob Lusk Dominates Motown Night
While the gospel belter wows the judges, Casey Abrams' take on another Marvin Gaye classic fails to impress.
By Eric Ditzian
Jacob Lusk
Photo: FOX
Last week, we awarded a handful of gold stars to "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler for commentary filled with wacky maxims and wackier metaphors (seven days on, we still don't know what he meant by "ethnic what-it-is-ness"). This week, we're forced to dole out a demerit to Jennifer Lopez, because four weeks into the voting portion of the show, the new judge still hasn't learned that — in class as in reality competitions — you need to wait your turn to talk. Over and over on Wednesday night, J. Lo interrupted her fellow judges, talking over Randy Jackson and butting in as Tyler, once again, dipped the English language in LSD.
Listen, Jennifer — it's a long season and we dig your passion, but we're hoping for more from you as the "Idol" season pushes forward. That's exactly how we'd been feeling, in fact, about a bunch of promising contestants who'd disappointed us in recent weeks.
Thankfully, a bunch of them — Jacob Lusk in particular — roared back on Wednesday's show. Here's how everyone ended up on this week's "American Idol" report card.
Excellent
Jacob Lusk: In our "Idol" preview on Wednesday, we counseled Jacob to make restraint his key creative directive. Jimmy Iovine echoed that same advice, and the 23-year-old singer took it — and proceeded to deliver his finest performance of the season. While his rendition of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "You're All I Need to Get By" was not quite up to the level of Kelly Clarkson's so many years ago, it was still far and away the evening's best. The kid has got serious vocal range and each word drips with emotion. Add in that sequence of hugs from his grandma and a dozen lucky ladies, and it's no wonder Jacob dominated Motown night.
Good
Scotty McCreery: At times during his cover of Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life," Scotty tried to loosen up, tried to push his vocals outside his country comfort zone. But the truth is, the times he strayed from his twangy baritone were the times it became clear that he doesn't have the most powerful voice. Scotty really is at his best when he sticks with exactly what he knows. Let's stop fighting it. He is who he is, and is pretty darn good at it.
Pia Toscano: By now we have to admit that a slightly uptempo Whitney Houston tune is as fast-paced a performance as Pia will ever be comfortable giving. Wednesday's rendition of Stevie Wonder's "All in Love Is Fair" was big and beautiful and, yes, another ballad — and the judges admonished her for it. Next week she just might pick up the pace; we'll have to see if she's at ease doing it.
Paul McDonald: Paul's wisest move was to strap on that guitar, keeping him anchored in place rather than thrashing about like a sailboat in a tsunami. For the first time in weeks, we were finally able to concentrate on those unique vocals of his, which sound like he smoked a carton of Marlboro Reds, then guzzled a bucketful of locally grown honey. In short, Paul is back!
Satisfactory
Lauren Alaina: She started off excellently, with a sparse intro on the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On." The rest of the performance did not live up to that beginning, if only because the tempo and the backup singers didn't give her a chance to shine. Oh, and when this 16-year-old tries to play the seductress, it's just uncomfortable. Swagger's one thing; a teenager pretending to be a "Coyote Ugly" waitress is another.
Stefano Langone: After wowing viewers last week, Stefano badly stumbled with Lionel Richie's "Hello." That's not because he's missing an emotional connection to his songs any more than anyone on the show save for Jacob (though the judges certainly have embraced that talking point). The problem was that Stefano's vocals simply weren't up to the challenge. That doesn't happen often. We hope it doesn't happen again.
Haley Reinhart: The judges did their best to heap on the praise after Haley regained her bluesy form during a cover of the Miracles' "You've Really Got a Hold on Me." It was the best she's sounded in weeks. Alas, too little, too late. With the modest goal of simply avoiding the bottom three, she assured herself not only a trip to that sad group but quite possibly a one-way ticket back to Wheeling, Illinois.
Naima Adedapo: We love her unpredictability, and yet it might be her undoing. You never know what you're going to get with Naima, which is another way of saying she hasn't made any headway in the old "Idol" law about making clear what kind of artist you are. Her vocals during Martha and the Vandellas' "Dancing in the Street" were on-point, and we dig the risks she continues to take. But being such an erratic performer makes it difficult to attract a fanbase that will vote for Naima week after week. Once again, she's in trouble.
James Durbin: James lands in satisfactory territory because after a strong start, the performance utterly collapsed in a barrage of pitchy notes and enough-already squeals. He remains a fan favorite. What we haven't seen from him thus far is consistency from week to week.
Unsatisfactory
Casey Abrams: It wasn't that Casey's performance, when compared to those of the rest of his "Idol" compatriots, was that unsatisfactory. It was that, when contrasted against his earlier songs, his take on Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" was borderline unacceptable. We're starting to worry that, like Andrew Garcia before him, Abrams is a one-trick pony — all growls and too little greatness. Producer Kuk Harrell did give him some excellent advice about not overdoing those soulful groans, but reining them in only served to highlight his by-now-predictable artistry and that maniacal stare. Creepy!
Thia Megia: Thia, Thia, Thia — what are we going to do with you? Well, we have a feeling what voters are going to do or, we should say, not do with you. Kudos for at least going uptempo during a cover of Martha and the Vandellas' "Heat Wave," after so many sonorous ballads. Yet while the tempo was a risk, her vocals stayed in a very safe territory. In the harshest backhanded compliment of the season, Iovine said he was "pleasantly shocked" at Thia's performance. No one should be surprised, though, if Thia ends up in the bottom three on Thursday.
Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday on MTV.com, following the "American Idol" results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660583/american-idol-jacob-lusk-motown-night.jhtml
Rosanna Arquette Bea Arthur Candice Azzara Lauren Bacall Morena Baccarin
More Britney Spears Femme Fatale Leaks Hit Net
Britney's new tracks 'Inside Out' and '(Drop Dead) Beautiful' have leaked online in full.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears' <i>Femme Fatale</i>
Photo: Jive
For fans who feel that the March 29 release date of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale is just too far away, well, it seems that more and more pieces of the album are hitting the Web before the hotly anticipated recording is scheduled to reach stores.
Leaks and longer snippets have been popping up all over the place and they paint a picture of what Femme Fatale will sound like. So far, fans are seeing that Spears is ready to dance on the new album.
With tracks like "Gasoline," the will.i.am-produced "Big Fat Bass" and the empowering "I Wanna Go" all getting the teaser treatment in more extended ways, it's clear that Spears and her producers, Dr. Luke and Max Martin, have compiled a cohesive mix of party tracks.
And now Spears' collaboration with up-and-coming MC Sabi, "(Drop Dead) Beautiful," has hit the Net in full. The jam is a spacey, sexy track about a hot dude who Spears is lusting after. Her vocals are deep and sultry as she sings lines like, "And, yeah, your body looks so sick, I think I caught the flu" and "You must be B.I.G. 'cause you got me hypnotized."
Sabi jumps in midway through the song for a quick appearance, spitting lines like, "I think I like you/ Boy, boy, look at you/ I want to get next to you/ Got me kind of hot/ But I ain't sweating you/ Steamy like a pot full of vegetables."
The full version of the mid-tempo breakup track "Inside Out" also has popped up on the Web. On the loopy tune, Spears coos about the only boy "who ever drove me crazy/ 'cause you know me inside out." And one of the song's lines will certainly have Britney fans going bananas, as the singer references "... Baby One More Time" when she proclaims on the chorus, "Hit me one more time/ It's so amazing."
This is hardly the first time that Spears has encountered song leaks in the amp-up to an album release. Over the course of her career, tracks like her versions of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and the Circus singles "Womanizer" and "If U Seek Amy" found their way online long before the respective LPs saw light of day.
What do think about what you've heard so far from Femme Fatale? Tell us in the comments.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659695/britney-spears-leaks-drop-dead-beautiful-inside-out.jhtml
Elizabeth Banks Tyra Banks Christine Baranski Ellen Barkin Majel Barrett
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Justin Bieber's Next Album To Capture Justin Timberlake's Magic
Songwriter Sean Garrett says former 'NSYNC star's success inspires Bieber's new project and also dishes on Beyoncé's album.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Justin Bieber
Photo: Getty Images
Justin Bieber may have declined the chance to join Justin Timberlake's label, but according to a songwriter in the know, the former 'NSYNC crooner is the inspiration for the teen sensation's upcoming album.
Songwriter Sean "The Pen "Garrett, who has been working with Bieber on the follow-up to the chart-ruling My World 2.0., spoke with Billboard about the direction for the teen superstar's forthcoming album, saying the project will feature more grown-up fare.
"What we're trying to do with Justin is to segue him into young adulthood," Garrett said of the project, which is also slated to feature production from hitmaker Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. "The one great thing about Justin Bieber is the fact that his fans are going to grow with him. So we want all the fans that started out with him to still be intrigued and excited about him, but we want to also stretch out a little bit and make the fans that are 22-23 years old love Justin as well. When Justin Timberlake went from the last album of *N Sync to his first solo album -- I want to say [we're aiming for] that level. That's the bar for the type of song, that level of 'Cry Me a River,' big records."
Garrett, who has crafted records for stars like Chris Brown and Bieber's mentor Usher, also said he's hard at work on Beyoncé's next project. However, the songwriter didn't divulge too much information, only revealing that he's "been working with her extremely hard ... she's my favorite."
While Garrett said the plan for his next outing is to angle Bieber toward a swiftly maturing audience, Bieber himself has refused to categorize his music, insisting to MTV News in December that he's just focused on creating quality records.
"Whatever comes out of my mouth is just what you guys are going to hear," Bieber explained of his hits. "I don't know, it's not a specific type of music. Whatever music I write, I wouldn't say I'm pop or R&B or country or anything: I would just say it's just good music,"
What do you think Justin Bieber's new music is going to sound like? Let us know in the comments!
Related ArtistsAngela Bassett Kathy Bates Anne Baxter Jennifer Beals Amanda Bearse
Foo Fighters, Helen Mirren Set For 'Saturday Night Live'
Elton John also will host 'SNL' for the first time in April.
By Gil Kaufman
Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
It's hard to think of anyone who could offer advice to someone as critically acclaimed and rewarded as British acting icon Dame Helen Mirren. She is, after all, halfway to her EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award), but when the Oscar-winning star of "The Queen" takes the stage for the first time April 9 as the host of "Saturday Night Live," she'll have some help from a group of "SNL" veterans.
She'll be joined by six-time musical guests the Foo Fighters, who will be promoting their upcoming album, Wasting Light, which hits stores just a few days later. The Foos are still riding high and in the running of MTV's Musical March Madness, trying to retain their #1 ranking as they face off against Disturbed in the second round.
Vote for your favorite bands now over on the Newsroom blog.
Mirren will be promoting her upcoming remake of "Arthur," which stars Russell Brand as the title character memorably portrayed as a shambling, careless drunk by the late Dudley Moore in the 1981 version.
She won't be the only Oscar winner to grace the "SNL" stage next month either: Fellow British entertainment royalty Sir Elton John will both perform and host the show on April 2, marking his first musical visit to "SNL" since 1982.
John will be joined by his musical pal and creative partner Leon Russell, and the pair are expected to highlight cuts from their acclaimed joint album, The Union. John inducted Russell into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last week, and both artists have been enjoying a bit of a musical renaissance thanks to the album.
What songs do you want to hear the Foo Fighters and Elton John perform on "SNL"? Sound off below!
Related Videos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660434/foo-fighters-helen-mirren-saturday-night-live.jhtml
Lauren Ambrose Mädchen Amick Gillian Anderson Pamela Anderson Julie Andrews
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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 $500,000.
Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.
Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)
Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.
Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.
Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.
What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
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Catherine Bell Kristen Bell Lake Bell Camilla Belle Maria Bello
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ke$ha Says She's 'Disappointed' By Grammy Snub
'I plan on making a lot more records, and hopefully one of them will be Grammy-worthy,' singer tells Vanity Fair.
By James Dinh
Ke$ha
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images
Last year was full of breakout music stars, including Ke$ha, who ruled the scene with a string of dance-pop hits (and a massive overflow of glitter). But not everyone is a Ke$ha fan: The singer was snubbed when the 2011 Grammy nominees were announced in December.
The starlet recently spoke to Vanity Fair about the Grammy snub and said she's determined to score a nod sometime later in her career. And after calling the Recording Academy's award "not that big a deal," Ke$ha admitted that she was saddened by her lack of nominations.
"Of course I do," the singer said when asked if she wanted a Grammy. "I was disappointed that I didn't get nominated. But I've only been around for a year. I'm friends with the Black Keys, and they were nominated for the first time this year. And they've been around for a decade. That's like half my life, so I really can't be a brat about it."
Ke$ha isn't bitter about the situation either, telling the magazine, "I plan on making a lot more records, and hopefully one of them will be Grammy-worthy."
While she may not be gearing up for the big show on Sunday night, Ke$ha is prepping for the launch of her first North American headlining tour, the Get $leazy Tour. The country-wide trek is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday in Portland, Oregon, and continue through May.
Do you think Ke$ha deserved a Grammy nomination? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Jayne Brook Louise Brooks Blair Brown Yvette Nicole Brown Sabrina Bryan
Beyonce To Star In Clint Eastwood's 'A Star Is Born' Remake
Movie will be directed and produced by the Oscar winner.
By Kara Warner
Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage
Beyoncé Knowles is headed back to the big screen and into the familiar territory of playing an aspiring singer-turned-superstar. According to Deadline, Knowles will star in a remake of "A Star Is Born," to be directed and produced by Oscar winner Clint Eastwood for Warner Bros.
The remake will be the fourth telling of the "A Star Is Born" tale, the most memorable in recent years being the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson as star-crossed lovers of sorts. It is also worth mentioning that the producers of that film, Billy Gerber and Jon Peters, are also attached to this new project. It is said to be a full-on musical with production set to begin sometime in the fall.
Naturally, the plot details are under wraps, but the original story revolves around an aspiring singer who meets and falls in love with a troubled, failing former star who helps get the young ingénue her big break in the business.
No announcements have been made with regard to the male lead, but the report mentioned that major names like Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Hamm have been floated around.
It's definitely an interesting step for Knowles but not necessarily a surprise, given the fact that the majority of her film roles have been as singers ("Cadillac Records," "Dreamgirls," "The Fighting Temptations"). While many thought "Dreamgirls" would bring awards recognition for Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson's supporting role ended up garnering the most attention. With Oscar fave Eastwood at the helm of this new project, Knowles could be in line for some hardware yet.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Saturday, March 19, 2011
Britney Spears Joins President Obama's Anti-Bullying Campaign
Britney tweets about the #StopBullyingNow campaign as the president holds conference on the issue.
By Gil Kaufman
Britney Spears
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
It's rare to see the names Britney Spears and President Obama in the same sentence, but the "Hold It Against Me" pop star and the leader of the free world are joining forces to combat bullying as part of a new campaign launched by the White House.
"Anti-bullying is an issue very close to my heart," Spears tweeted on Wednesday. "I am honored that President Obama & the First Lady asked me to join this campaign."
In a separate tweet, Spears posted the hashtag #StopBullyingNow.
The president and first lady Michelle Obama launched the campaign this week with a Facebook video extending an invitation to join them for a special anti-bullying summit in Washington on Thursday (March 10).
"We'll be talking with students, teachers and parents about how to stop bullying," explained Mrs. Obama. "And about the responsibility each of us has to make sure our children treat each other with respect."
The Conference on Bullying Prevention will feature testimonials from communities that have been affected by bullying and those who've taken some action to prevent it, with participation from members of the departments of Education and Health and Human Services, as well as students and parents.
"This isn't an issue that makes headlines every day, but it affects every single young person in our country," the president added.
As leaders and as parents of young children, Mrs. Obama said bullying is something they care about deeply. "It's tough enough being a kid today," she said. "Our children deserve the chance to learned and grow without constantly being picked on, made fun of or worse."
The president said it's time to stop thinking of bullying as an unavoidable part of childhood and to realize the danger of harassment following children from their schools to their phones and computer screens. He praised the efforts of young people to make our schools and communities safe places for kids who feel different and for realizing that while technology has brought us closer, it also affects how we treat each other.
The Obamas encouraged everyone to participate in the effort by logging on to StopBullying.gov, which has a number of resources for preventing bullying.
Spears is the latest star to sign on to a growing anti-bullying crusade across the country, joining Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, Adam Lambert and Aubrey O'Day, as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who recorded videos for the "It Gets Better" project.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659579/britney-spears-obama-anti-bullying-campaign.jhtml
Jessica Alba Elizabeth Allen Joan Allen Karen Allen Krista Allen
Friday, March 18, 2011
Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Honey
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3213641&vid=516772
Hilarie Burton Sophia Bush Brett Butler Amanda Bynes Paris Hilton
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Rapper Nathaniel ?Nate Dogg? Dwayne Hale Passes Away At 41
Very sad news to pass along today … West Coast rapper Nathaniel Nate Dogg Dwayne Hale passed away yesterday at the age of 41 of causes not yet known or reported. The Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA, Nate Dogg‘s hometown paper, was the first to report the rappers death but within minutes, news had spread [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/RGA0LsIt5DM/
Emily Blunt Eleanor Boardman Mary Boland Lisa Bonet Helena Bonham-Carter
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Beyoncé - Ego (Remix)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Columbia, Music World Music
- Director: Beyonce, Frank Gatson
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=401347
Joan Allen Karen Allen Krista Allen Laura Allen Trini Alvarado
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Exclusive: All That Remains Send Video From Japan After Earthquake
Singer Phil Labonte tours picked-over convenience store, feels aftershock at the Tokyo airport.
By Gil Kaufman
All That Remains
Photo: Prosthetic Records
Massachusetts metalcore band All That Remains had barely arrived in Tokyo last Friday for a soundcheck for their show that night when a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake shook Japan and they found themselves caught in the midst of one of the worst disasters to ever befall the island nation.
While Tokyo was mostly spared the devastation that nearly wiped out a number of northern cities closer to the epicenter following the deadly combination of the largest quake to hit Japan combined with a massive tsunami, ATR singer Phil Labonte and his crew definitely felt the ground shake. They ran down five flights to the street to see what was going on as the light fixtures and doors shook back and forth violently in the building. As they hit the street, they could see skyscrapers swaying from the initial trembler and several strong aftershocks.
In an exclusive video diary recorded for MTV News on his iPhone, Labonte described the aftermath of the quake and the challenges the band faced in trying to catch a flight out of the shattered nation Saturday.
The clip opens with images of confused and scared-looking Japanese citizens standing in the street as aftershocks continued to rattle the city. "Our area around [the venue] wasn't really affected in the way [the northern city of] Sendai was. There was no tsunami, there was no major damage to any buildings," he said, noting that you could sense "something has gone on" when you walked around on the streets outside his hotel.
After a large aftershock in the middle of the night on Friday that set off alarms in the hotel, Labonte said he packed up his bags as a precaution in case he had to run outside in an emergency. "That's really all that I've been doing is watching the news," he said, before walking across the street to tour a neighborhood convenience store.
Confirming reports, Labonte filmed images of store shelves stripped bare of food and water, with row upon row of essentials snatched up by worried citizens. "As you can see, a lot of food is not here," he said. "You imagine all these shelves would be full in one of the most modern cities in the world. ... Most of the water's been picked away clean ... and it happened pretty fast too."
While awaiting their flight to San Francisco at the Narita International Airport on Saturday morning, Labonte said things were initially calm. With the exception of a few bedrolls laid out on the floor by people who seemed stuck at the airport, he said things looked pretty business-as-usual despite the emerging picture of the massive damage done to northern cities such as Sendai and the then-burgeoning threat posed by failing nuclear-reactor cooling systems.
"There's some places where it looks like people have been camping out, trying to get out. I guess there's been a lot of delayed flights," he said. With nearly eight hours to go before their flight left, Labonte checked back in a short time later to report a strong aftershock, which he said caused the large floor-to-ceiling windows in the departure terminal to flex in and out. "It's still a pretty active situation. It's changing pretty much by the minute," he said.
Finally, the band made it onto the flight, and Labonte reported that the band and crew were all OK. "I should take a second to send our deepest sympathy to all the people that have had loved ones lost. ... It's really awful and we're very fortunate to not only have gotten out of Japan with no injuries and survived with not a scratch on anyone, but to be able to actually document this."
A number of artists, from Katy Perry and Lady Gaga to the Jonas Brothers, Blink-182's Mark Hoppus and Diddy have urged fans to donate to the Red Cross and offered their condolences to the victims of the natural disaster.
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.
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Britney Spears - Womanizer
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Zomba Label Group/Jive
- Director: Joseph Kahn
- Album: Circus
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=288244
Amanda Bearse Kate Beckinsale Catherine Bell Kristen Bell Lake Bell
Monday, March 14, 2011
Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, John Paul Jones Unveil Supergroup
Them Crooked Vultures make their debut with a post-Lollapalooza set.
By James Montgomery
Dave Grohl (file)
Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
Officially, Lollapalooza ended Sunday night in Chicago's Grant Park, with dueling sets from the Killers and Jane's Addiction. Unofficially, it ended very early Monday morning, across town at venerable rock club the Metro, with a surprise show by Them Crooked Vultures.
To the unfamiliar, the Vultures might seem like an odd choice to close out Lolla weekend ... until you realize that they're made up of Foo Fighters frontman/ former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme and Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones. And their gig at the Metro was their world premiere.
According to some reports, the Vultures actually turned down Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell's request to replace the Beastie Boys as headliners at the festival, opting to debut in front of some 1,100 super-psyched fans at the Metro, rather than 75,000 in Grant Park (tickets for the gig were announced via Foo Fighter/ QOTSA fan clubs). Meaning that, in a lot of ways, this was the most sought-after ticket in town.
Taking the stage just after midnight, the Vultures — Grohl on drums (of course), Homme on guitar and vocals, Jones on bass and keys and frequent QOTSA contributor Alain Johannes on guitar — ripped through 12 songs in 80 minutes, all taken from their upcoming debut, which may or may not be called Never Deserved the Future, and may or may not be hitting stores on October 23 (early "promo" videos touting both those facts were revealed over the weekend to be hoaxes perpetrated by QOTSA fans).
The songs, with appropriately Homme-ian titles like "Scumbag Blues," "Mind Eraser (No Chaser)," "Caligulove" and "Interlude w/Ludes," sounded pretty much how you'd expect, given the band's pedigree. They rocked, hard — Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot described them as "fresh, invigorating and just plain nasty" — delving off into psychedelic, reverb-filled excursions and exploring proggy territory, "both of the old-school Yes variety, and the more modern Tool flavor," according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Jim DeRogatis.
It's not known if Monday's Metro performance was a one-off event for the Vultures — there have been whispers of a full-blown tour, but a spokesperson for Homme had not responded to MTV News' request for comment at press time. Nor was it clear whether or not they'll have an album out in October.
Early Monday, a Crooked Vultures Twitter account, which had previously posted links to the band's official-looking Web site and the Metro's online ticketing site — posted a link to what appears to be the group's first bit of official merchandise: a Deserve the Future T-shirt. Cost: $30.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsLauren Ambrose Mädchen Amick Gillian Anderson Pamela Anderson Julie Andrews
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