maximax: July 2011

Sunday, 31 July 2011

Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Light Up Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show

Foursome is joined by special guests and tons of lights for smash-hit medley.
By Mawuse Ziegbe

Black Eyed Peas perform during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show
Photo: Getty Images

The Black Eyed Peas promised a party at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday (February 6), and the pop supernovas definitely delivered, with a performance teeming with lights, dancers and surprise appearances from celebrity pals.

Following a Chatter.com commercial that showed animated versions of the Peas showing off their social-media skills, the group kicked things off with their 2009 smash "I Gotta Feeling," descending from the ceiling on illuminated platforms onto a stage surrounded by a cluster of dancers clad in white bodysuits. The foursome led the team of fist-pumping troops in "Tron"-like getups, with Taboo sporting an outfit covered in flashing lights, will.i.am rocking a shiny hairpiece, Apl.de.ap wearing huge bright studs and Fergie vamping it up in bling-laden shoulder pads.

When the speaker-busting bass of "Boom Boom Pow" dropped, the dancers dispersed across the field to create arrow-shaped formations as the glow-in-the-dark lights on their suits illuminated the stadium. Then rumored surprise guest Slash of Guns N' Roses rose from below the stage for a "Sweet Child O' Mine" duet with Fergie. The GNR great rocked a finger-searing solo in a studded version of his signature black top hat as more angular platforms and dancers moved across the gridiron. The platforms were bearing scores of marching-band musicians who blasted their horns and pounded away on their drums as the Peas went into "Pump It" and blue lights splashed across the production.

Quick streams of fog heralded the arrival of the Peas' second surprise guest, Usher, who swooped in on a long chain to bust out his will.i.am-assisted joint "OMG." Rocking a sparkly collar on an otherwise all-white ensemble, the R&B hitmaker cranked out several counts of energetic choreography, enlivening moves from his "OMG" video and at one point jumping over Will and landing in a split.

A spray of pyro ushered in the collective's breakout 2003 hit "Where Is the Love?" as the oddly shaped platforms spelled out the word "Love" in bright-red letters. The team of dancers, which appeared to have multiplied to over 100, formed hearts across the field as will updated the lyrics of the smash with lines like, "Obama, let's get these educated."

Then the group jumped ahead to their most recent single, 2010's "The Time (Dirty Bit)," as several back up hoofers rocking cubed helmets joined the Peas onstage and dancers lined up along the gridiron to simultaneously bust out the Running Man, a move which drew cheers from the crowd.

The platinum-selling Peas wrapped up the performance with a reprise of "I Gotta Feeling," as the quartet triumphantly signed off amid of blitz of fog, firepower and flashing lights.

Ripping the halftime show was clearly a touching moment for will, who tweeted beforehand, "Me and apl started the peas when we were 16 yesterday we were dreamin now were livin it. Wow. I'm not crying out of sadness or nervousness its joy and pride and memories and the journey."

And once the crew left the stage, the frontman was not only proud, but pumped. "That was so freakin sick," he wrote. "Wow...!!!"

What did you think of the Black Eyed Peas' Super Bowl performance? Let us know in the comments!

Related Photos

Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Perform During Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show

Elisabeth Röhm

Ke$ha - Tik Tok

Tik Tok

Artist: Ke$ha
Label: RCA
Director: Syndrome
Album: Animal [Clean]

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3213641&vid=445445

Esther Cañadas Eva Green Eva Longoria Eva Mendes Evangeline Lilly

Pet Tags

Man, I'm so irritated.

I just received four pets tags that I ordered for Bev and Mary Margaret (two for Brooklyn and two for LA) and they're all messed up. Not only did they leave off the "Margaret" on Mary Margaret's tags, but the text isn't centered correctly and runs off the right side on all four of them. (The last letter of the address is cut in half.) The tags themselves are also ugly. The edges aren't smoothed out... they look like someone just cut them from a piece of sheet metal and called it a day.

So anyway, I got them this morning on my way to Starbucks (yesterday's mail), so while I was there, I started drafting a strongly-worded letter in my head, like what I was going to say to these people when I sent them back.

And then I saw it.

In tiny print on the bottom of the invoice it said, "Our handicapped employees appreciate your order."

So now I can't send them back. If I did I'd be a total asshole.

I'm just going to order new ones from someplace else. Any recommendations?

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/5/8/pet-tags.html

Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlies Angels Charlize Theron

Photos | Ke$ha Gets Electro At Casio's Shock The World Event 2010

Ke$ha Gets Electro At Casio's Shock The World Event 2010

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Ke$ha

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1644943

Angelina Jolie Anna Faris Anna Friel Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin

Love It Or Hate It: Matt Damon

Here’s Matt Damon. Bald. He shaved his hair off for his new movie, ‘Elysium,’ a science fiction movie. What do you think of Matt with no hair? I bet it makes getting ready to go in the morning MUCH easier- … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/07/31/love-it-or-hate-it-matt-damon/

Camilla Belle Carla Campbell Carla Gugino Carmen Electra Carol Grow

'Crazy, Stupid Love,' 'The Smurfs,' 'Cowboys & Aliens' Reviews

Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!

In theaters now:

Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Short Story:
Fortysomething Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the dream. He has a good job, married to his high school sweetheart, nice house. But everything falls apart when he finds out his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) cheated on him and wants a divorce. Having been out of the game, Cal doesn't know the first thing about dating so he is taken on as a wingman to handsome player Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling).

What They're Saying:
"It's a pleasure to come across the sharply funny and touching Crazy Stupid Love. It's a live one with a dream cast that keeps springing playful surprises." -- Rolling Stone

"Carell and Gosling, each willing to take his character to the point of caricature in order to find the truth in him, have a nicely barbed chemistry together." -- Village Voice

Good for Kids?
With an all-star cast and great reviews, this movie is not to be missed by mature teenagers and adults looking for a heartfelt film. But it's rated PG-13 and Common Sense Media says that the movie "deals head-on with some mature subjects, including infidelity and the art of seduction" and features a fair amount of "crass language" and "tame" sexual content -- so it's probably best to leave the little ones with a babysitter. Click here for the full Common Sense review!

Watch the preview!

The Smurfs
Short Story:
The Smurfs have landed in Central Park! When the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) chases the Smurfs out of their village, they wander into a portal that instantly transports them to N.Y.C. They take shelter with Patrick and Grace Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays) -- and get into plenty of shenanigans -- while they attempt to find a way back home before Garagamel finds them.

What They're Saying:
"The Smurfs may be blue, but their movie is decidedly green, recycling discarded bits from other celluloid Happy Meals like Alvin and the Chipmunks, Garfield and Hop into something half animated, half live-action and all careful studio calculation." -- Entertainment Weekly

"Why does the villain Gargamel have a name that sounds like a sore-throat product? Why are there countless male Smurfs and only one female? (The mind boggles.) Why do they only know one song, and why is it so irritating? So many questions." -- Seattle Times

Good for Kids?
The classic Saturday morning cartoon is back! Parents will be able to take a walk down memory lane with their favorite blue Smurfs. Rated PG, this animated flick could be fun for the whole family: Even though it didn't receive rave reviews, Common Sense says adults should expects some laughs as well as enough goofy jokes for the kids. Click here for the full Common Sense review!

Watch the preview!

Cowboys & Aliens
Short Story:
In 1800s Arizona, Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) wakes up with no memory and a shackle around his wrist. When he arrives in the town of Absolution, he learns he is a wanted criminal -- but when a spaceship attacks the town, he must team up with Col. Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), the man who wants him behind bars, to defeat the aliens.

What They're Saying:
"What makes the movie work, really, is that above and beyond the conventions themselves doing their jobs, the actors seem truly invested..." -- MSN Movies

"Cowboys & Aliens is one of the silliest movies ever made, but so many otherwise serious people have attached their names to it that, as Arthur Miller wrote in Death of a Salesman, attention must be paid." -- New York Observer

Good for Kids?
What's a Western/sci-fi film without plenty of shootouts and explosions? With a PG-13 rating, Common Sense says to be prepared for lots of action and drinking in the town saloon. So, although this in the perfect film for teens and adults, it's best not to bring the wee ones. Click here for the full Common Sense review!

Watch the preview!

In case you missed:

Friends with Benefits
Short Story:
Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) don't believe in Hollywood romantic-comedy clichés, so they decide to keep things simple... and be friends with benefits. Naturally, they soon discover that having a purely sexual relationship while remaining pals is a while lot more complicated than it seems.

What They're Saying:
"Friends With Benefits follows rom-com formulas as if directed on autopilot, but that's not to say it isn't fun." -- Chicago Sun-Times

"Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis make for engaging leads in this unexpectedly fresh R-rated comedy." -- The Hollywood Reporter

Good for Kids?
Even though Kunis and Timberlake have plenty of teen fans, this movie is for the adult crowd only! Common Sense says the film has partial nudity, swearing and a mature plotline, so it would probably be best to hire a babysitter if planning to see this R-rated raunch-fest. Click here for the full Common Sense review!

Watch the preview!

Captain America: The First Avenger
Short Story:
After being deemed unfit for military service in WWII, scrawny Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers for a top-secret experimental program that turns him into the well-muscled, red-white-and-blue-wearing fighting machine known as Captain America. As a superhero defending America, Steve battles Nazis, the villainous HYDRA corporation and his archnemesis the Red Skull (perennial movie bad guy Hugo Weaving).

What They're Saying:
"Evans, who played the Human Torch in two less-than-fantastic Fantastic Four films, brings such humor, heart and vigor to virtuous Steve that our rooting interest holds even when the action gets to be standard-issue." -- Rolling Stone

"It's paced and designed for people who won't shrivel up and die if two or three characters take 45 seconds between combat sequences to have a conversation about world domination, or a dame." -- Chicago Tribune

Good for Kids?
Comic-book fans and action-movie lovers will dig this movie -- but Common Sense tells parents that there are plenty of fight scenes and a PG-13 rating, so this one is best for teens and older. Click here for the full Common Sense review!

Watch the preview!

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/crazy-stupid-love-smurfs-cowboys-aliens-reviews/1-a-368374

Carrie Underwood Cat Power Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter

Ke$ha Is Channeling 'Sexiness' Of '70s Rock For New Album

Glitter-heavy pop star tells MTV News she's going for 'balls-out, irreverent rock and roll.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias

Ke$ha
Photo: MTV News

Ke$ha's already got the face paint down pat, and, during recent live sets, she's even taken to guzzling blood out of a human heart, so it should come as no surprise that, on her upcoming album, the pop star is taking things back to the most theatrical era of rock: the prop-heavy, arena-spanning heyday of the 1970s.

Ke$h revealed her plans over the weekend in Los Angeles, on the red carpet of KIIS FM's annual Wango Tango concert, where she told MTV News that the follow-up to her breakout Animal album (and, we suppose, Cannibal too) would be heavy on hard riffs and light on pretty much everything else.

"The next album ... I've been working on writing on the road, but as far as a sound, I just know it's gonna be balls-out, irreverent rock and roll," she said. "I've been pretty much in this '70s rock and roll kick and I just want to capture some of the true essence of what rock and roll is, and that's just irreverence and sexiness and fun and not giving a f---, so we'll definitely put a bit of rock and roll in it."

So, does that mean that fans can expect the likes of Alice Cooper or Peter Frampton to show up on her new album? Perhaps. Because while Ke$ha's new album is still a ways off, she's already begun calling in favors, hoping to line up a killer collabo for the new disc.

"I'm trying, trust me," she laughed. "I really would love to connect with one of my idols, I mean, that's my dream. I'm working on it."

What do you think of Ke$ha going rock for her next album? Tell us in the comments!

Related Photos

Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez And Many More At Wango Tango 2011

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Ke$ha

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663946/kesha-new-album.jhtml

Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris Deanna Russo

Adele, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne To Perform At VMAs

Moonman nominees will take the stage on August 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
By Jocelyn Vena 

Adele
Photo: Paul Bergen/ Getty Images

Three big artists are ready to get the party started at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 28, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Adele, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown have all been announced as performers at the show, airing live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles next month.

This will mark the first time that Adele has graced the VMAs stage. The British chanteuse is up for seven nods for her emotional "Rolling in the Deep" video, including Best Female Artist, Best Pop Video, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Direction, Best Editing and the night's big prize, Video of the Year.

Brown will return to the stage, after making his unforgettable VMA debut back in 2007. His eye-popping video for "Look at Me Now," which features Wayne and Busta Rhymes, is up for multiple Moonmen at the big show, including Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Collaboration.

"I am excited about my nominations and to be back on the VMA stage," Brown said in a statement. "I have a special performance planned for my wonderful fans."

Wayne himself is also slated to take the stage. He's got some big nominations up for grabs at the show including best Hip-Hop Video for his "6 Foot, 7 Foot" clip.

"Being a nominee and performer on the VMAs once again is an honor because everyone doesn't get that opportunity," Wayne said in a statement. The event coincides with the August 29 release of his upcoming album. "Looking forward to performing on the show, and having Tha Carter IV drop the same week!"

The night is shaping up to be quite the gathering, with stars like Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Pitbull up for Moonmen at the show. Perry leads the pack with an unprecedented four videos earning a total of nine nominations, including Video of the Year, Best Female Video and Best Pop Video.

You can vote for general VMA categories, including Best New Artist, by visiting VMA.MTV.com or m.mtv.com on your mobile phone. In addition, you can get in on Best New Artist text voting by texting BNA to 66333 on your wireless phone. (Verizon subscribers can vote on all categories via SMS by texting VMA to 66333; standard message rates apply.) Voting for Best New Artist continues through the show.

The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live on Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for your favorites in the general categories by visiting VMA.MTV.com.

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The 2011 VMA Nominations Live

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2011 Video Music Award Nominees

Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris Deanna Russo Denise Richards

Britney Spears - Circus

Circus

Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive
Album: Circus

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=322811

Erika Christensen Estella Warren Esther Cañadas Eva Green Eva Longoria

Photos | How Justin Bieber Should Spend His Summer Vacation

How Justin Bieber Should Spend His Summer Vacation

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1667690

China Chow Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe

Photos | 2011 Billboard Music Awards

2011 Billboard Music Awards

Elisabeth Röhm Elisha Cuthbert Eliza Dushku Emilie de Ravin Emma Heming

Saturday, 30 July 2011

'Cowboys & Aliens' Star Olivia Wilde Happy To Revive Westerns

'I think we're bringing the Western to a younger audience in a major way,' star says.
By Sterling Wong, with reporting by Eric Ditzian

Olivia Wilde in "Cowboys and Aliens"
Photo: Universal Pictures

Olivia Wilde is no stranger to big-budget productions — she did, after all, star in last year's "Tron: Legacy." But the actress is adamant about the fact that her latest blockbuster, this Friday's much-anticipated "Cowboys & Aliens," is not like any other that has come before this summer.

"We are not a sequel, and we are not a superhero movie," Wilde explained to MTV News, undoubtedly referring to the string of well-known franchise movies that have come our way thus far this summer, from sequels to "Harry Potter" and "Transformers" to comic book fare like "Thor" and "Captain America." "So we're an original piece of material and that's really rare this summer."

OK, it's no superhero movie, but "Cowboys" is based on a comic book. Still, Wilde emphasized that the plot isn't exactly derivative. "Even though our title is based on a comic book, we're not actually a comic book movie. The story is completely original," Wilde noted. "Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who wrote 'Star Trek,' wrote this story from scratch, just using the idea of the 'Cowboys & Aliens' comic book as inspiration."

Another way that "Cowboys & Aliens" stands out from the pack is the way it pays homage to a classic genre. "I think we're bringing the Western to a younger audience in a major way, which I think is really exciting, because I love Westerns, and I'm happy to introduce this genre to a bunch of people," Wilde said.

Of course, no good Western is complete without its rugged leading men. "We have Daniel Craig, who I think embodied Steve McQueen in this role," the actress gushed. "He's so badass it's unbelievable, and I think he's really, really smart and interesting in this role, and I think Harrison Ford pulls out his best performance in years. He's incredibly moving, and also very funny."

Check out everything we've got on "Cowboys & Aliens."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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MTV Rough Cut: 'Cowboys and Aliens'

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'Cowboys & Aliens'

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668110/cowboys-and-aliens-olivia-wilde.jhtml

Carrie Underwood Cat Power Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter

Photos | Celebs Get 'Dolled' Up

Celebs Get 'Dolled' Up

Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon Gina Philips

Hot New Trailer: Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. In ?Red Tails?

George Lucas unveiled the trailer for his latest project “Red Tails” this week at the EAA AirVenture aviation convention, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard. The film is based on the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/07/29/hot-new-trailer-terrence-howard-and-cuba-gooding-jr-in-red-tails/

Amber Arbucci Amber Brkich Amber Heard Amber Valletta America Ferrera

Mitch Winehouse Gives Away Amy Winehouse?s Personal Possessions

Mitch Winehouse, father of the late Amy Winehouse, took it upon himself to make a bunch of Winehouse fans very happy yesterday by giving away some of Amy‘s personal possessions. Mitch showed up at Amy‘s house and started handing out articles of her clothing to some of the fans that were convened in front of [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/qYCYlTa2rGU/

Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff Hilary Swank Isla Fisher

Kathy Griffin Films ?Extra? At The Grove

Kathy Griffin was all smiles as she filmed a segment with Mario Lopez for “Extra” this morning at The Grove in L.A. She looks fantastic and I think this color suits Kathy well – it goes great with her red … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/07/29/kathy-griffin-films-extra-at-the-grove/

Brittany Lee Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow Brittny Gastineau Brody Dalle

Justin Bieber, Chris Brown Spotted In Studio Together

Pair has previously worked on two tracks together, 'Up' and 'Next to You.'
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber and Chris Brown
Photo: Getty/WireImage

Pals Justin Bieber and Chris Brown were spotted heading into a studio together on Monday. According to Rap-Up.com, the singers met up at the Record Plant in Hollywood.

"Studio. #NEWMUSIC," Bieber tweeted early Tuesday morning, leading us to believe the session was for his next album.

Previously Bieber told MTV News that he wanted to focus less on features for his next album, but given the fact that Brown recently wrote a track for Joe Jonas, it's possible he may have just been assisting with some writing.

The rumored session marks the latest collaboration for the pair, who have appeared on two tracks together in the past. First, they remixed Bieber's slow jam "Up," then Bieber jumped on Brown's ballad "Next to You."

Bieber's producer, Danja, told Rap-Up.com that he's aiming for an "edgier" sound for the 17-year-old's next release. "What I'm creating for him I think is definitely a more mature sound. That's where he's headed now," he explained.

Earlier this year, Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, revealed some other names the pop star hopes to get into the studio with, including Drake, a collaboration Bieber hinted at last year.

Bieber is also reportedly working with Kanye West. "Him and Kanye [West] had a call today about a song they're trying to work on together," Braun said. "Kanye wants to produce a bunch of songs for the new album."

Arielle Kebbel

Britney Spears Drops Official 'Till The World Ends' Remix

New track with Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha follows leaked version, plus Brit tweets single's cover art.
By Jocelyn Vena

The "Till the World Ends" Femme Fatale remix
Photo: Jive

Just days after it was leaked on Friday, Britney Spears and her femme fatales, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha, dropped their official remix of "Till the World Ends."

The new version of the song was produced by Dr. Luke and Dream Machine. Brit half-whispers " 'Till the World Ends' remix" before the beat kicks in and Nicki hits her verse hard. She spits fierce lines like, "Sniff, sniff, cries/ I done slayed your whole entire f---ing life."

Then Britney's sex-kitten vocals kick in for the song's first verse. "That's Britney, bitch! I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha," the Queens MC declares before K sings the chorus. The beat is harder, the loops are sassier and the song is grimier than the original version, which was the second single from Femme Fatale. The newly added dubstep portion takes the one from "Hold It Against Me" to a new level by adding in bass-heavy synths.

Ke$ha, of course, wrote the track for Britney, and the ladies certainly don't seem to mind sharing the spotlight with each other. The official track isn't much different than the version that leaked over the weekend, though Spears did have something brand-new to share with her fans just as the song dropped on iTunes and streamed on her website.

Spears tweeted the artwork for the single, which features the original press photo of Spears along with separate photos of Nicki on the left and Ke$ha on the right. Spears wrote, "@NickiMinaj @Keshasuxx Too much fierceness for one cover! Thanks for lending your voices girls... #TTWEREMIX — Brit"

Spears and Minaj have been hanging out a lot in the lead-up to their summer tour. They hung out at the Factory nightclub on Friday night after Minaj's show in Los Angeles. Spears later wrote, "Early rehearsal after a late night with my girl @NickiMinaj. Can't WAIT to get out on the road with you."

What do you think of the "Till the World Ends" remix? Tell us in the comments!

Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel Jessica Paré Jessica Simpson

Michael Jackson - Hold My Hand

Hold My Hand

Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Columbia Records/SMG
Album: Michael

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1102&vid=605180

Janet Jackson January Jones Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis

'Cowboys & Aliens' Review: Daniel Craig Rules The West

FROM MTV SPLASH PAGE: "Cowboys & Aliens" gallops into theaters this weekend chased by an armada of gold seeking monsters from space. On the surface, all the ingredients are in place for an all-out wall-to-wall actioner for the books: the director of "Iron Man," the stars of "James Bond" and "Indiana Jones," and a seemingly [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/07/29/cowboys-and-aliens-review/

Bali Rodriguez Bar Refaeli Beyoncé Bianca Kajlich Bijou Phillips

Katy Perry, Adele And More 2011 VMA Nominees ... Possibly

Bigger Than the Sound tries to predict the nominees for this year's Video Music Awards.
By James Montgomery

Katy Perry
Photo: Amy Sussman/ Getty Images

I've been told that the nominations for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards -- which air live Sunday, August 28, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV -- are going to be announced on MTV and MTV.com on Wednesday night (July 20) at 11 p.m ET, and that means you should probably get ready for a whole lot of Katy Perry. And Adele. And Britney Spears. And Lady Gaga. Oh, and Rihanna too.

That's because, to paraphrase Beyoncé (oh yeah, she'll probably get nominated too), it's been girls who've run the world in 2011, and the VMAs will probably be no exception. Perry — who has basically been unstoppable since last summer — figures to be the most nominated artist, with this year's breakout star, Adele, close behind. Britney, Gaga and all the rest figure to be in the hunt too. In fact, one has to wonder if the folks behind the show will just go ahead and eliminate the Best Male Video category altogether. More room for the ladies that way.

Of course, we won't know for sure until those nominations are officially revealed, but while we wait, I figured it was time to dust off the old Prognostication Cap and try to predict the 2011 VMA nominees in advance. I've done this for seemingly every awards show in the past, and sometimes I even manage to avoid embarrassing myself completely (not always, though).

So without any advance knowledge — and using as many sweeping generalizations as humanly possible — here are my picks for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Accuracy not entirely guaranteed.

Best Male Video
In a year dominated by females, I suppose someone has to win Best Male Video. I think it's a given that Bruno Mars, Chris Brown and Eminem all land nods here, and I suspect Justin Bieber will sneak in too, if only because it builds off his Best New Artist win last year. The fifth spot is up for grabs, though in a pinch, I'll go with Pitbull, if only because of the recent success of "Give Me Everything." Lupe Fiasco or Trey Songz are also viable choices. My picks:

» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Chris Brown, "She Ain't You"
» Eminem feat. Rihanna, "Love The Way You Lie"
» Justin Bieber, "U Smile"
» Pitbull, "Give Me Everything"

Best Female Video
Sure, Video of the Year is the night's biggest award, but given the success of every artist with a pair of X chromosomes, the Best Female Video might be the toughest — and not just to win. Predicting who even gets nominated is a challenge, considering there are only five spots available. Adele and Katy Perry seem mortal locks, and Rihanna is close. Britney will probably earn a nom too, which means that either Beyoncé, Lady Gaga or Nicki Minaj will be left on the outside looking in. Told you this was going to be tough. My picks:

» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Britney Spears, "Hold It Against Me"
» Beyoncé, "Run the World (Girls)"
» Katy Perry, "E.T."
» Rihanna, "S&M"

Best Rock Video
My official title at MTV News is "rock editor," but even I had a hard time coming up with five nominees here. Since 30 Seconds to Mars won last year, I suspect they'll be back to defend their crown. Folks were excited about the Foo Fighters' return, so pencil them in too. Mumford & Sons may very well be the year's most unexpected success, which should earn them a nod. The other two slots? I'm not gonna lie, I just picked names out of a hat.

» 30 Seconds to Mars, "Hurricane"
» Foo Fighters, "Rope"
» Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks"
» Linkin Park, "Waiting for the End"
» Mumford & Sons, "Little Lion Man"

Best Hip-Hop Video
A wide-open category, and one that raises several questions: Can Eminem win for the second year in a row? Will Nicki Minaj manage to bum-rush the boys' club? Is Kanye West's epic "Runaway" mini-movie even eligible? I'm not going to pretend to know all the answers, but it certainly makes for an interesting field. In the end, I left Em off — since "Love the Way You Lie" was released in such a nebulous time (August 2010, a month before last year's VMAs and a full 12 months before this year's) — and went with the Beastie Boys, since I have a creeping suspicion they'll earn a nod or two, and this seems as logical a place as any. Nicki and Kanye are in (though I went with the latter's "Monster" video), and so is Lil Wayne. For the last spot, I went with Lupe Fiasco, though it wouldn't surprise me to see Tyler, the Creator here instead.

» Beastie Boys, "Make Some Noise"
» Kanye West (featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj), "Monster"
» Lil Wayne (featuring Cory Gunz), "6 Foot 7 Foot"
» Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes On"
» Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass"

Best Pop Video
Another big-time category, another bunch of deserving artists destined to be left out. I like Britney's, Katy's and Gaga's chances, and I'll toss Rihanna into the mix too. For the fifth spot, I went with Bruno Mars, since, otherwise, this category would basically just be Best Female Video, Part II. Of course, in doing that, I excluded Adele, Beyoncé, Ke$ha and about a dozen other worthy acts too. Prognostication is hard work, people.

» Britney Spears, "Hold It Against Me"
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Katy Perry, "E.T."
» Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
» Rihanna, "S&M"

Best New Artist
Who will follow in the footsteps of Biebus Christ (and Lady Gaga) and take home the Moonman for Best New Artist? Good question! This is always one of the hardest categories to predict, and this year is no different: The only sure things seem to be Mumford & Sons and Wiz Khalifa, and though Robyn isn't exactly new, she's new enough here (and made some terrific strides over the past 12 months), so I think she's a lock. In a pinch, I'll pick Foster the People (big radio hit) and Tyler, the Creator (big buzz), though Kreayshawn could sneak in too.

» Foster the People
» Mumford & Sons
» Robyn
» Tyler, the Creator
» Wiz Khalifa

Video of the Year
Last year's Video of the Year race featured a trio of underdogs — 30 Seconds to Mars, B.o.B, Florence and the Machine — thrown into the mix. Will 2011 follow suit? Probably not. Adele seems to be a no-brainer, even if most folks have never seen the video for "Rolling in the Deep." Katy, too, but it remains to be seen which of her videos gets the nod. (I went with "Firework." It's mad inspirational.) Em will be back — though one has to wonder if "Love the Way You Lie" peaked too early to be considered a genuine front-runner — and Gaga should return also. I went dark-horse with my fifth pick, taking the Foo Fighters' "Rope" over bigger clips from Beyoncé and Rihanna, mostly because I've got a sweet spot for VHS.

» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Eminem (featuring Rihanna), "Love the Way You Lie"
» Foo Fighters, "Rope"
» Katy Perry, "Firework"
» Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"

Did we get it right? Share your picks in the comments!

Bianca Kajlich Bijou Phillips Blake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin

Lady Gaga Finally Confirms 'You And I' As Her Next Single

Gaga performed the song twice on Thursday, on 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
By Jocelyn Vena

Lady Gaga on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Photo: ABC

Perhaps it wasn't that big of a secret to begin with, but on Thursday night when Lady Gaga stopped by "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" the singer finally confirmed what everybody already presumed: "You and I" will be her next single from Born This Way.

When asked what she planned to perform that night in addition to "The Edge of Glory," Gaga replied, "I'm going to sing my brand-new single 'You and I.' " She recently shot the video for the track in Nebraska.

Gaga also performed those two tracks on "So You Think You Can Dance" on Thursday night, following her appearance on the show the day before as a guest judge.

Before taking the "Kimmel" stage and pounding the keys on her piano for the track, she joked around with the host about her killer cooking skills, her five Emmy nods for her HBO special and, of course, her nomination for the Bowling Hall of Fame.

"I am a good bowler pre-Budweiser," she laughed. "And then once the beers start loading up, I become worse and worse, which is really great for whoever takes me out on the date, 'cause I'm a good, cheap date and a terrible bowler."

So, does Gaga ever don bowling shoes? "Absolutely not!" she said. "What if one of my fans walked into the bowling alley and saw me in flats? They'd have a heart attack."

When Kimmel asked if one day she planned on actually creating any Little Monsters of her own, the always forthright Gaga shared that she does plan on starting a family someday. "Do I want to have kids? Someday ... long, long day from now," she said. She joked about whether or not she'd love her kids even if they didn't turn out to be gay, telling Kimmel, "No, I actually don't even like you 'cause you're not."

Gaga also just announced the planned release of a coffee-table book, called "Lady Gaga," the photos for which are by fashion photographer Terry Richardson. The book is due out in November.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668141/lady-gaga-you-and-i-single-confirm.jhtml

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Friday, 29 July 2011

Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber To Attend Teen Choice Awards

Show, airing live on Fox on August 7, will be hosted by 'Big Bang Theory' star Kaley Cuoco.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
Photo: Getty Images

The Teen Choice Awards have found their host. "Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco has been tapped to MC the big night, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Cuoco herself is up for Choice TV Actress: Comedy. Her show is up for Choice TV Show: Comedy and her co-star, Jim Parsons, is up for Choice TV Actor: Comedy.

Keeping the girl-power theme going, five-time nominee Selena Gomez has been slated to perform on the show along with her band, the Scene. Jason Derülo has also been billed as one of the performers for the show, which airs live from Los Angeles on August 7 on Fox.

Gomez's boy, Justin Bieber (who is up for five surfboards at the show), will be in attendance, as will Cameron Diaz, Chris Hemsworth, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Victoria Justice, Ed Helms, Lucy Hale, Shaun White, Rose Byrne, Paul Wesley, "Harry Potter" star Tom Felton, Kat Graham, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Shane West.

In addition to the already announced set of Teen Choice Awards nominees, which were released in two batches in June and again earlier this month, the nominees for the final category of Choice Vampire have also been announced. "Vampire Diaries" stars Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley face off against "Twilight" stars Robert Pattinson and Nikki Reed as well as the only nominee from "True Blood," Alexander Skarsgård.

"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" is the big nominee at the show with 12 nods, including Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for both Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Kristen Stewart.

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Soap Dish: Dirty Soap Reality TV Show

Did you hear the fabulous news that there is finally going to be a reality TV show about soap operas? Yes in deedy my friends soap fans will an intimate look at the lives of six soap opera actors/actresses, woohoo! Dirty Soap, great title I think, comes to us from Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, which is awesome. The lowdown on the show is that it will follow the lives of John-Paul Lavoisier, Farah Fath, Galen Gering, Nadia Bjorlin, Kelly Monaco and Kirsten Storms. If you are a true soap opera fan you will clearly know these people and what shows they are on. The show is an hour long and will have eight episodes, sweet! I am so freaking excited for this show. I can?t believe that a show like this hasn?t been done before but you know what it is perfect timing. Everyone knows the sad sad state that the soap opera industry is in right now I think this show is just the thing to get people excited about it. I mean it could very well bring new fans to daytime which is a win win. Me personally I just can?t wait to see the personal lives [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RightCelebrity/~3/NMqfVNdcs6I/

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MTV VMA 2011 Performances!

The 2011 MTV VMA?s are just around the corner and the performers have been announced! Get the deets and see who will be hitting the stage here! The MTV Video Music Awards 2011 air next month and so naturally we are all excited to see who will be performing this year. Well, some of the artists have been announced and they are not disappointing! Adele, Chris Brown, and Lil? Wayne have all been confirmed. Adele is hitting the stage for the first time, and she has a staggering seven nominations! Chris Brown also has been nominated and is excited to perform saying, ?I am excited about my nominations and to be back on the VMA stage, I have a special performance planned for my wonderful fans.? And I am very excited about Lil? Wayne. You don?t have to opportunity to see him perform live at many shows, so this is a treat. He is thrilled as well saying, ?Being a nominee and performer at the VMAs is an honor because everyone doesn?t get that opportunity. Looking forward to performing on the show, and having Tha Carter IV drop the same week!? Of course MTV doesn?t want to let all of [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RightCelebrity/~3/Hk4NYk3WXO0/

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Usher - Lil Freak

Lil Freak

Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond V. Raymond

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=497563

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Photos | Britney Spears Performs During 'Good Morning America'

Britney Spears Performs During 'Good Morning America'

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1660742

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Evanescence's Amy Lee Reveals Tour Plans

Band will tour U.S. and Europe in October, singer tells MTV News.
By James Montgomery

Evanescence's Amy Lee
Photo: Jason Squires/ WireImage

Evanescence's self-titled album isn't due in stores until October 11, but that hasn't stopped the band from giving fans a preview of what they can expect to hear on the disc — or, you know, threepreviews: first single "What You Want," the booming "The Other Side" and the epic, ethereal "Lost in Paradise" — or from lining up a handful of early tour dates in support of the album.

So far, Amy Lee and Co. have committed to a one-off show in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 17, a pair of big-ticket gigs in Brazil and Puerto Rico in October and a run of concerts in the U.K. in November. That leaves a rather sizeable hole right around the time of the album's release — one the band plan to fill very quickly, Lee told MTV News.

"We'll be touring the U.S. and Europe in October. It's not all [confirmed], but it's going to happen," she said. "We're doing Rock in Rio on the 2nd, and then I think Puerto Rico, and that's going to be awesome, because we've never played [there]. ... That's the beginning of the tour; the tour will start there, we'll come back to the States, do a few weeks in the bigger cities, and then go do the same thing in Europe, and then the next thing will happen."

So just when will the full slate of Evanescence tour dates be revealed? Soon. A spokesperson for the band's label, Wind-Up Records, told MTV News the band will begin announcing dates in two weeks, something Lee seemed to confirm Thursday when she took to Twitter to let her fans know the wait is almost over.

"Guys, the tour dates that have been announced are only the beginning!" she wrote. "Don't be sad if you don't see a date in your town yet! We're coming!"

Are you excited to see Evanescence on tour? Tell us below!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668171/evanescence-tour-us-europe.jhtml

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Photos | Best And Worst Grammy Fashions

Best And Worst Grammy Fashions

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Ke$ha - Blow

Blow

Artist: Ke$ha
Label: RCA
Director: Chris Marrs Piliero

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3213641&vid=628103

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1628537

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Thursday, 28 July 2011

Photos | 'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010

'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010

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Katy Perry Follows Lady Gaga In Mermaid Trend

Perry posts photo of herself 'planking' in fins shortly after Gaga teases a mermaid-themed video.
By Jocelyn Vena

Katy Perry
Photo: Katy Perry/ Twitter

Of all the potential beefs in the music industry, mermaids didn't seem like the most likely of instigators. But that may change. Shortly after Lady Gaga teased that her mermaid alter ego, Yuyi, might be "born" in her next music video, Katy Perry tweeted a photo of herself dressed as a mermaid.

"PROPER planking FTW! #itswhatArielwoulddo," she wrote on Twitter, showing off her second entry into the Internet phenom of planking, in which people post photos of themselves lying face down, with their arms at their sides, in awkward locations.

In the photo, Perry is done up in full mermaid attire: She's wearing a purple wig with a starfish hairpin, a shimmering aqua-and-pink mermaid tail with a matching bra top. She's surrounded by shiny paper acting as water and a bridge prop looms in the background. There's been no word on the official purpose of the photo shoot.

While Gaga hasn't commented on any mermaid similarities, her creative director, Laurieann Gibson, did make reference to it on Twitter just hours after Perry tweeted the photo of herself. "Proud of my artist #1 in the world @Ladygaga her vision& passion. even though they try to steal a tail there's only 1 Mermaid, Swim On!!!" Gibson wrote.

Gaga has certainly been trying to make her mermaid phase happen for some time now. She initially introduced fans to Yuyi on Twitter earlier this summer and donned mermaid attire for her performance on "Le Grand Journal." Though she apparently nixed the rumored mermaid treatment for her "Edge of Glory" video, she told a Taiwanese talk show last week that Yuyi is "in incubation" and may appear in the video for her yet-unannounced fourth Born This Way single.

Of course, neither Gaga nor Perry would be the first pop star to think of using the mythological creatures for their sets. In Madonna's black-and-white clip for 1989's "Cherish," directed by the late fashion photographer Herb Ritts, Madonna splashes in the waves with mermen. Mermaids are popping up elsewhere in pop culture, too, as a major plot point in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and in several new novels, including an upcoming book by "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer.

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Coldplay, Led Zeppelin Album Covers Featured On New British Stamps

Album art from Pink Floyd, Blur and David Bowie also included.
By James Montgomery

Coldplay's new British stamps
Photo: Royal Mail

On Thursday (January 7), the U.K.'s Royal Mail unveiled a series of 10 new stamps, honoring the most iconic album covers of the past 40 years.

The albums featured in the new series are the Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed, Led Zeppelin's IV, David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, The Clash's London Calling, New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies, Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Pink Floyd's The Division Bell, Blur's Parklife and — the most recent album on to make the cut — Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head.

Meant to honor "the most potent graphic images of modern times, many of which have provided a visual soundtrack to people's lives," the series is the end result of a lengthy research process by the Royal Mail, who looked through thousands of album covers by British artists before deciding on the final list. And, during a Wednesday night BBC Radio broadcast, it was revealed that the queen herself actually approved each design.

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page — who helped design the cover for IV — was on hand to celebrate the release of the stamps and recalled the mysterious nature of the album's iconic imagery.

"Almost 40 years after the album came out, nobody knows the old man who featured on the cover, nor the artist who painted him," he said. "That sort of sums up what we wanted to achieve with the album cover, which has remained both anonymous and enigmatic at the same time."

Of course, any great honor is befitting of an equally great contest, so, on the same day the stamps were made available to the general public, Coldplay decided to give one of their Rush of Blood stamps away. In a message on their official site, the band held a contest to send one lucky fan "a letter using a Coldplay stamp, postmarked with today's issue date."

"We visited our local post office earlier today and bought some of the Coldplay stamps," the message read. "Very nice they are too."

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