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Robin Gibb Mourned By Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood
Mon, 21 May 2012 12:10:26 EDT
At Billboard Music Awards, Jordin Sparks recalls paying tribute to the Bee Gees during her time on 'American Idol.'
By Kara Warner
The Bee Gees
Photo: Chris Walter/ Getty Images
The music industry lost yet another influential artist Sunday (May 20), with the untimely death of Bee Gees' member Robin Gibb.
The news was met with sadness and shock from the celeb attendees at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards. They were quick to express heartfelt sentiments to Gibb's family and friends, as well as weigh in on the huge impact the Bee Gees had on the music industry as a whole.
"Oh no!" Jordin Sparks said in shock upon hearing the news. "I thought he was doing better. Barry Gibb [Robin's brother and fellow Bee Gee], when I was on '[American] Idol,' he was one of our mentors, and it was so amazing to meet him. I actually discovered my love for Bee Gees music through that week, and 'Too Much Heaven' and 'Emotions' are two of my favorite songs, and 'Stayin' Alive,' of course. Classic. But it's so sad," she added. "I just can't [believe it]."
"I definitely listened to the Bee Gees," Justin Bieber told us. "I'm not too familiar with them, but it's definitely sad what happened. My heart goes out to him and his family."
"My first memory of the Bee Gees was the film 'Saturday Night Fever,' which is one of my favorites," recalled Max George of the Wanted. "I love the Bee Gees. They're obviously legends and heroes of ours and people we look up to. It's a really sad loss. Our thoughts go out to all of his family."
Chart-topper Carrie Underwood remembered discovering the group during her childhood. "My parents listened to the Bee Gees quite a bit when I was little, so I was definitely exposed to them at an early age. They just had a sound that was all their own, obviously, [it was] never duplicated," she said. "They were very influential on music in general, and it's very sad to hear about any loss. There have been a lot of legends lost this year, so it's always sad to see it happen, but they are paying a couple of tributes here [at the Billboard Music Awards], and I know that they'll be classy and respectful and allow us all to remember them."
Singer/songwriter and recent "Dancing With the Stars" castmember Gavin DeGraw spoke to the group's influence with their own music, as well as the hit songs they went on to write for other artists.
"Let's talk about the Bee Gees. That's an iconic group. Not just a great band, but a great group of songwriters," DeGraw said. "Even long after the Bee Gees' success on the pop charts, they were still writing songs for other people, huge hit songs. Their talent went far beyond their moment of normal pop success. It is a loss to the music industry and a loss of an iconic group. The beauty of this industry is that we do pay tribute and every artist coming up is a fan of a generation prior to it, so there's a real tradition element to it."
Please share your condolences for Gibb's family, friends and fans in the comments.
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Billboard Music Awards Belong To Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift
Sun, 20 May 2012 11:36:09 EDT
Show also features tributes to Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, MCA and Robin Gibb.
By Gil Kaufman
Justin Bieber performs at the 2012 <i>Billboard</i> Music Awards on Sunday
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
Sunday night's (May 20) Billboard Music Awards were a bittersweet affair, balancing the promise of decades of entertainment from a new generation of record-smashing young artists like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift with fond memories of a number of recently departed musical icons.
In a three-hour show heavy on performances, chart staples LMFAO helped kicked the show off with a typically hyped performance of their inescapable party anthems that featured a cabbage-patching teddy bear and zebra and more animal prints than a Flintstones family reunion.
Justin Bieber was the night's first winner, taking the Top Social Artist award for his huge online presence. The singer swaggered up to the stage and, in an uncharacteristically emotional moment, said, "I just want to say how much of a blessing it's been ... the past three or four years, growing up in front of everybody. ... I want to thank all my fans, because the Internet is where I got my start, and all my fans have helped me get to this position."
Co-host Julie Bowen took a moment out of the program early on to pay tribute to late Bee Gees member Robin Gibb, who died earlier in the day Sunday after a long battle with cancer. The night also featured a touching tribute to recently passed disco queen Donna Summer by Natasha Bedingfield and a segment devoted to music legend Whitney Houston with a medley of her indelible hits performed by John Legend and Jordin Sparks.
Daughter Bobbi Kristina accepted the Billboard Millennium Award on behalf of her late mother. "I just really want to say thank you to everyone who supported us through it all," she said. "Not just when it was good, but when it was bad too ... thank you so much for showing that much love, because she deserved it."
Katy Perry was handed the Spotlight Award for tying the record set by Michael Jackson of five #1 hits from the same album, for her handful of smashes from Teenage Dream. Dressed in a floor-length sparkling silver gown, her hair a muted dark purple, Perry said she was "incredibly honored" to be in the same category as someone like Jackson.
"Most of all, of course, I always say that the people have the power, so I want to say thank you to the glittering, gorgeous community of fans out there," she added to wild applause, while finding a spare few seconds to plug her upcoming 3-D concert film, "Part of Me." Oh, and she said she couldn't wait to do shots later that night with her 91-year-old granny, who was in the audience.
The ladies had a great night, as Taylor Swift was honored with the Billboard Woman of the Year award, acknowledging her stadium full of impressive credits, including a place as the only woman in music history to score three #1 albums in a row, each of which has sold more than 5 million copies. Swift, 22, dressed in a flowing red evening gown and ever gracious, thanked her legions of fans, saying, "I just love you so much, I'm just so humbled and honored by this."
As Miley Cyrus noted, you're only new to the game once, so it was fitting that red-hot rapper Wiz Khalifa best the competition for the Top New Artist trophy. "I'm up here shakin', man," the rapper admitted as he thanked his whole crew and label family, as well as his "beautiful fiancée," Amber Rose. "She's my world and she puts up with my crazy butt, too," he smiled, as Rose beamed from her seat in the audience.
Some other men got a bit of attention as well, with an absent Lil Wayne beating out Chris Brown, Drake, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber for Male Artist of the Year.
Hot 100 Song of the Year was a tight race featuring smashes from Adele, Perry, Maroon 5 and Pitbull. But could it have gone to anyone but LMFAO for "Party Rock Anthem"? With six weeks atop the Hot 100, the uncle/nephew duo scored the third longest-running top 10 hit of all time. "This is a dream come true," said singer Redfoo. A short time later, Khalifa shouted out the Beastie Boys' MCA before LMFAO were up on the stage again for the Top Duo or Group prize.
Brown got his chance a bit later with a win in the R&B Artist of the Year category, Foster the People took Top Rock Song for "Pumped Up Kicks," Coldplay were named Top Rock Artist, U2 Top Touring Act, Lady Gaga Top Dance Artist and an Icon Award for Stevie Wonder. For a full list of Sunday night's winners, head to Billboard.com.
Among the night's other performers, Kelly Clarkson made the televised debut of her rocking ballad "Dark Side" and British boy banders the Wanted were busy "Chasing the Sun" and saying they were "Glad You Came" above the sound of shrieks from their female admirers. Brown rode his glowing BMX bike out for a high-energy lip-synched run through "Turn Up the Music," while Usher got all gothic and mysterious with a flashy, Las Vegas-worthy, high-concept staging of "Scream."
Bieber stalked the DayGlo stage for a clown- and geisha-assisted future-funk performance of "Boyfriend," followed by his protégé Carly Rae Jepsen singing "Call Me Maybe" and Carrie Underwood standing her ground amid a sea of blowing fans during "Blown Away."
In addition, the performance-heavy show had Linkin Park cranking up the flames for "Burn It Down," Nelly Furtado sporting "Big Hoops," Alicia Keys jamming with Icon winner Wonder, Perry doing a high-wire act in the virtual clouds during "Wide Awake" and Cee Lo Green and Goodie Mob joined by a one-legged Cirque du Soleil break dancer on "Fight to Win" and a stage full of dancing kids for a cover of the Beasties' "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)" in another nod to MCA.
What was your favorite part of the Billboard Music Awards? Let us know in the comments below!
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Justin Bieber Has Nothing But 'Love' For Carly Rae Jepsen And Usher
Mon, 21 May 2012 12:41:14 EDT
'Carly is my artist, and I'm Usher's artist, so it's kind of cool that we're all performing,' Bieber tells MTV News at Billboard Music Awards.
By Kara Warner
Justin Bieber at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
LAS VEGAS — As was expected, Justin Bieber's show-stopping performance of "Boyfriend" at Sunday's (May 20) Billboard Music Awards brought out the squeals and the swag.
When MTV News caught up with Bieber on the white carpet for the awards show, just before his big number, the teenage superstar said his expectations for the evening were relatively simple: He just wanted everyone to have fun and to be able to show off all the hard work he's been putting into his dance moves.
"This performance is going to be fun. I practiced a lot in the dance studio," Bieber said. "I've been working hard, and I can't wait to show the fans what I've been working so hard on."
Since the other members of Bieber's musical family — Carly Rae Jepsen and Usher — were also performing, did the trio discuss any feelings of friendly competition or joke around about which performance would be better than the others?
"[It's] not a competition. It's all love," Bieber said with a smile. "We're all a family. Carly is my artist, and I'm Usher's artist, so it's kind of cool that we're all performing here, together.
For first-time Billboard Music Awards attendee and performer Jepsen, the goal for the night was to remember to take a moment to soak it all in.
"I want to feel happy when I'm onstage," she said. "A lot of times you kind of get caught up in the performance and then you worry and then it's over and you think, 'I didn't even enjoy it.' So tonight, after [having a successful] soundcheck this morning, it's going to be about having fun. It's me and my band, we've got some dancers and some fun lights, it's going to be an interesting show."
Who had the best Billboard performance: Justin, Usher or Carly? Let us know in the comments!
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Billboard Music Awards Remember Whitney Houston, Robin Gibb
Sun, 20 May 2012 11:09:10 EDT
Show also pays tribute to late legends Adam Yauch and Donna Summer.
By Jocelyn Vena
Jordin Sparks performs "I Will Always Love You" at the <i>Billboard</i> Music Awards on Sunday
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
While the Billboard Music Awards were full of upbeat moments, thanks to highly charged performances from Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and more chart-toppers, the show also was somber at times, paying tribute to some of the music industry's brightest stars who died in the months before Sunday's (May 20) broadcast.
While Whitney Houston had the glitziest of the tributes, other late legends from all musical genres also mourned at the show. Right before the broadcast, the tragic news of Bee Gee Robin Gibb's death broke. The pop star died at the age of 62 after a lengthy battle with cancer. While his tribute was short, it was also very sweet, with "Modern Family" star and host Julie Bowen saying, "His voice and the music of the Bee Gees will live on forever."
Just two days before Gibb passed, the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, died after her own battle with cancer; she was 63. British pop songstress Natasha Bedingfield recalled Summer's influence over her own music. "Donna Summer was a remarkable woman who brought so much light to so many. If we can remember her through her music, this can never really be the last dance," she said before launching into a rendition of Summer's dance-floor anthem "Last Dance."
Whitney Houston's tear-filled tribute was handled by many. Three-and-a-half months after Houston's untimely death in February, comedian Whoopi Goldberg said in her introduction, "I adored Whitney Houston. What all performers want and need and should get is love, and many of us here loved Whitney, and even if you're one of those who didn't show the love to Whitney, now is your chance, because tonight, that's what we're doing: We're going to be giving Whitney the greatest love of all."
Then, John Legend sat at his piano to perform Houston emotional, uplifting ballad, "Greatest Love of All."
Jordin Sparks — Houston's co-star in her final film, "Sparkle" — handled Houston's legend-making "I Will Always Love You." Dressed in a flowing blue and black gown, the singer belted out the track, while Whitney's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, sat in the audience crying.
As the song wrapped, Whitney's sister-in-law Pat Houston and daughter accepted the Millennium Award in her honor. "This is truly an honor. We thank you, Billboard; we thank you, Whoopi, Jordin; we love you, John. But tonight, the one person that should be accepting this award is the one person that Whitney loved most."
"I just really want to say thank you to everyone who supported us through it all," Bobbi Kristina added. "Thank you so much for showing that much love, 'cause she deserved it. There will never be another one, ever. I thank you so much."
The outpouring of love and emotion didn't end there. Adam Yauch, MCA from the Beastie Boys, who died May 4 from his own battle with cancer, also was remembered. Top New Artist winner Wiz Khalifa said during his acceptance speech that the Beasties took hip-hop to new levels. "I just want to thank the Beastie Boys, and we will never forget MCA."
Later on, Cee Lo Green and Goodie Mobb may have been there to perform their own track, "Fight to Win," but afterward, Cee Lo told the room to get their asses up for their own spirited homage to MCA with "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)."
Share your condolences for the four late musical legends in the comments below.
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Katy Perry Flies High At Billboard Music Awards
Sun, 20 May 2012 10:44:17 EDT
Singer debuts 'Wide Awake' ahead of her 'Part of Me' 3-D concert film release in July.
By Jocelyn Vena
Katy Perry performs at the 2012 <i>Billboard</i> Music Awards on Sunday
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
Katy Perry was "Wide Awake" at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 20).
The purple-haired singer took the stage in glittering Las Vegas to debut her new single, the slow-motion breakup track from her Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection album. It's also the song she's picked to promote her 3-D concert film, "Part of Me," out in July.
Dressed in all white, almost like a bride (ironic, given she's back on the market after her split from husband Russell Brand), the performance opened with Perry descending from the ceiling over the stage, surrounded by Cirque du Soleil-type acrobats and steampunk touches, including dancers in top hats and a setting that almost looked like it was from the Smashing Pumpkins' "Tonight, Tonight" video.
Perry mostly floated over the stage in a white ribbon that kept her hanging in the air as she sang about letting her heartbreak go to start anew. The dreamy vibe of the performance mirrored the song's ethereal feeling.
Earlier in the night, in a sparkling lavender gown, Perry took the stage to accept her Spotlight award for amassing five #1 hits from her Teenage Dream album. "Thank you. They told me the only other person who received this award is Michael Jackson, so I feel incredibly honored," she told the room. "I always say the people have the power, so I want to thank all the glittering, gorgeous [people] out there. Rock on, KatyCats!
"Tonight, later, when I get on the stage, I'm going to be singing my personal, intimate song," she added, before shouting out her date. "The real rock star here is my grandmother. She's 91 and she's from Las Vegas. I can't wait to go and do shots with you after this!"
The same night she was in Vegas to perform the song, a lyric video was released as a teaser to the song's music video, which Perry filmed earlier this month.
What did you think of Katy's performance? Let us know in the comments!
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Justin Bieber Lights Up Billboard Music Awards With 'Boyfriend'
Sun, 20 May 2012 09:50:59 EDT
Singer snags Top Social Artist award before taking the stage.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber performs at the 2012 <i>Billboard</i> Music Awards on Sunday
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
Justin Bieber got the room shaking at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas when he danced around the stage rapping and singing his lead Believe single, "Boyfriend."
Dressed in white and yellow, with some neon lights on his pants, the 18-year-old stormed the stage and danced his butt off — but he didn't go it alone. He was joined by some sexy, scantily clad lady dancers and male dancers in masks. Jumping from various levels of the stage, Bieber got his swaggie on.
He especially brought out the swag when the song broke down in the middle for an extended dance remix, and he showed that he's growing as a performer and a hoofer, relying less on his cutesy tween image and more on the razzle-dazzle of predecessors like Justin Timberlake and mentor Usher.
Before he took the stage to perform, Bieber was up there to accept the prize for Top Social Artist. An emotional Bieber thanked those closest to him during his speech.
"First of all, I just want to say how much of a blessing it's been the past three, four years, just growing up in front of everybody," he said. "I want to thank all my fans, 'cause the Internet is where I got my start. I want to thank my boy [and manager] Scooter Braun for all he's done. He's more than just a manager to me. I want to thank Usher. ... He takes the time to really care. I just want to say 'thank you so much' to my mom and my dad and to God. I could keep rambling forever. I just want to thank you so much. Swaggie."
Immediately after Bieber performed, his first artist, Carly Rae Jepsen, also sang her hit single "Call Me Maybe."
What did you think of Bieber's performance? Let us know in the comments!
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Robin Gibb And Bee Gees Gave The World Disco 'Fever'
Sun, 20 May 2012 09:22:48 EDT
The late Robin and his brothers helped define a genre and topped the charts in the process.
By Gil Kaufman
The Bee Gees in the 1970s
Photo: Bee Gees Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Im
Just days after the world lost Queen of Disco Donna Summer, another one of the genre's royal family, Bee Gees member Robin Gibb, died after a long battle with cancer.
Robin, 62, and his brothers Barry and Maurice began their musical career in 1963 and scored a number of hits with sentimental ballads such as "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and "I Started a Joke" and their first top 20 single, "New York Mining Disaster 1941." But it was their work in the late 1970s that would forever cement their memory in music history.
After a string of successful albums and singles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the brotherly trio hit the hard time early in the decade, including a brief period where Robin left the band to go solo because he felt Barry was being pushed to the forefront at his expense.
It wasn't until they revamped their sound on 1975's Main Course that they hit upon a formula that would make them international superstars and help sell more than 200 million albums over the course of their career. That record turned away from earnest folk and pop to a sound laced with a more soulful, dance-oriented groove, epitomized by the #1 hit "Jive Talkin'."
They followed up with the soundtrack to the hit movie "Saturday Night Fever," which held the record for the best-selling album of all time until the release of Michael Jackson's Thriller. With such smashes as "Night Fever," "How Deep Is Your Love," "You Should Be Dancing," "Stayin' Alive" and "More Than a Woman," the soundtrack won the Grammy for Album of the Year and sold more than 15 million copies in the United States alone.
Though they weren't even tapped to work on the soundtrack until after the movie had already wrapped, producer Robert Stigwood asked them to try and whip up a few tunes for the film that would soon define the disco era. They dashed most of the additional songs off in just over one weekend, and the rest, as they say, is history. In the years since, the album, whose cover prominently features the trio in their signature white disco suits just above a dancing John Travolta, has sold more than 40 million copies and stands as one of the top five best-selling albums of all time.
Robin often sung the lead on the early songs, even though it was Barry who was the ostensible leader of the group later in their career. The siblings' allegedly testy dynamic was turned into a bizarre recurring skit on "Saturday Night Live" from 2003 to 2011 by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake called "The Barry Gibb Talk Show." Though Fallon once told Howard Stern that he really didn't know how the idea came to him to play Barry as an out-of-control rage-aholic hosting a public affairs show about the day's news, the comedic combination of the monosyllabic Timberlake as Robin and the pair singing the trio's falsetto harmonies made for some of the show's funniest moments.
Born in 1949 on the Isle of Man off the British Coast, Robin and his brothers grew up in Manchester, England, but moved to Australia as children. They got their start there performing on television shows as the B.G.'s. It was after the family returned to England in the 1960s that the trio began to score international attention with their melodic three-part harmonies and emotional songwriting.
Robin released a trio of solo albums in the 1980s, but neither he nor the group would ever reach the "Fever" heights again. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Earlier this year, Robin released a classical piece called The Titanic Requiem, recorded with his son, Robin-John, but was too ill to attend an April 10 performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Robin's death is the latest heartache for the family, which has suffered a string of misfortunes, including the 1988 death of youngest brother Andy, 30, and the 2003 passing of Robin's twin, Maurice, 53.
More than 30 years after their global breakthrough, the music created by Robin and his brothers remains a cultural touchstone for each successive generation. Everyone from Eric Clapton to Destiny's Child, the Cure's Robert Smith, the Flaming Lips, Elton John, Al Green, Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Celine Dion have recorded their songs over the years.
Please share your condolences for Gibb's family, friends and fans in the comments.
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Red Hot Chili Peppers Go Long And Hard At Hangout Fest
Sun, 20 May 2012 01:23:15 EDT
Band's Saturday-night set was lively and loose, capping a day that also saw spirited sets from Mac Miller and Skrillex.
By James Montgomery
Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers performs at the 2012 Hangout Music Festival
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Having been at this for more than two decades now, the Red Hot Chili Peppers clearly know how to headline a fest: play the hits, thank the crowd, occasionally swat at a beach ball, exit stage right. Maybe work a few well-placed curse words in there too. These things tend to be the same.
So it's a testament to both their versatility and their dedication that the Chili Peppers' Saturday-night set at the Hangout Festival was anything but by the numbers, as the band jammed long and hard, stretching songs to the breaking point (and beyond), much to the delight of the raucous, sun-baked crowd.
Perhaps it was because their headlining slot kicked off just minutes after seasoned jam-meisters the String Cheese Incident finished their two-and-a-half hour set (which, for them, was basically just a warm-up), or maybe they were taking their cues from Friday night's headliner, Jack White, but from the minute the Peps strode on stage, they were playing fast and loose. Drummer Chad Smith, bassist Flea and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer started things off with a reverb-heavy psych jam that only morphed into "The Monarchy of Roses" when frontman Anthony Kiedis bounded on stage, then kept that momentum rolling into "Can't Stop," with the trio trading solos while Kiedis nodded in time to the beat.
There were, of course, more straightforward moments too: the Peppers tore through a string of hits, including "Dani California," "Under The Bridge" and "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie," and attacked songs like "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" and their version of "Higher Ground" with impassioned pounding. Flea was his usual non-sequitur self, spouting stuff like "Sweet Home Alabama, mother----er!" and "Forgive your parents!" into the mic, and Kiedis was, as always, the warrior-shaman showman, posing and preening, always in motion (he and Flea also made the rather interesting decision to wear pants with one leg cut off above the knee). But there was a general, genial looseness throughout their two-hour set, showcasing Smith's lock-step drumming, Flea's precision playing and Klinghoffer's wild, winding fretwork.
At several points, they seemed to be making it up as they went along, gleefully turning a few stray notes into lengthy, twisting jams: Klinghoffer would summon a solo from his guitar, while Flea would flail and pound along, Smith and touring percussionist Mauro Refosco kicked off the band's encore with a twisting back-and-forth exchange, and after blasting through "Give It Away," the band closed their set with a lengthy, voluminous instrumental. The Peppers have always drawn from funk, and Flea's dabblings in Jazz have paced them for nearly twenty years now, but on Saturday night, the improvisational nature of both were readily apparent. Rather than do the usual headlining set, the band wanted to just play.
It seems to be a recurring theme of the Hangout fest ... and it served as a perfect capper on a day that also saw lively and loose sets from the likes of Gogol Bordello, Mac Miller and Skrillex (who, in a bit of inspired scheduling, kicked off opposite Randy Newman). The Red Hot Chili Peppers breathed new life into time-tested favorites — "Suck My Kiss" was pounding and primal, "Californication" soared to new heights, "Soul to Squeeze" was sanguine and sweet — and appeared to have a blast whilst doing so. You can't teach old dogs new tricks, but, if you bring them to the beach (and scheduled them after a jam band), well, you can certainly make them push things to the limit ... with fantastic results. If this whole "world-famous rock band" thing doesn't work out for RHCP, their Hangout set was proof that they'd make a killing on the jam circuit. Your move, String Cheese.
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Mark Zuckerberg's Big Week: $19 Billion And A Wedding
Sun, 20 May 2012 12:35:00 EDT
Facebook co-founder celebrates two grand achievements by making his company public and marrying longtime girlfriend Priscilla Chan.
By Natasha Chandel
Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg
Photo: Priscilla Chan/ Facebook
Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has had quite a week! Not only is he now worth a cool $19 billion after the Facebook IPO, but he also got hitched to long-time girlfriend, Dr. Priscilla Chan, in an intimate wedding on Saturday. Of course, the announcement became official when Zuckerberg changed his Facebook status to "married" and uploaded a wedding picture of the young couple.
Facebook became a public company on Friday in the second largest IPO in financial history, with shares selling at $38 each.
If that wasn't enough pressure for a week, Zuckerberg took the big plunge when he swapped out his signature hoodie and jeans for a dark blue suit and tie for his surprise nuptials with Priscilla Chan, his girlfriend of nine years. The couple met at Harvard, when Zuckerberg was still developing his infamous social network, and have been an item ever since.
Despite Zuckerberg's rockstar status with fans and users alike, the technology mogul has led a significantly low-key life. His weekend ceremony included approximately 100 guests, including family and friends, none of whom had any idea they were attending a wedding. They were invited under the pretense of a graduation party for Chan, who also had an eventful week after graduating from medical school. Once everyone had gathered, it was announced the couple was finally tying the knot.
According to reports, Zuckerberg designed a simple ruby ring for his lady love, who looked elegant and chic in a vintage-inspired lace gown. Guests dined on the couple's favorite foods, including mouse-shaped chocolates — a treat the couple shared on their first date.
Share your well-wishes for Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan in the comments!
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Bee Gees' Robin Gibb Dead At 62
Sun, 20 May 2012 07:09:11 EDT
Singer had battled colon and liver cancer and lapsed into a coma last month.
By Katie Byrne
Robin Gibb in 1976
Photo: Ivan Keeman/ Redferns/ Getty Images
Bee Gees member Robin Gibb died Sunday (May 20) after a long battle with cancer; he was 62 years old.
"The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery," read a statement confirming the news. "The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
See photos of Robin Gibb throughout his career.
Gibb, who had been battling colon and liver cancer, lapsed into a weeklong coma last month. In February, doctors said he'd made a "spectacular" recovery from the disease, but he was soon back in the hospital for surgery. The "Saturday Night Fever" singer had bowel surgery almost two years ago for an unrelated condition, at which time doctors discovered a tumor and diagnosed him with colon cancer. It appeared as if the cancer was in remission as recently as March.
Robin was one-third of the Brothers Gibb, alongside lead singer Barry and twin brother Maurice, who died in 2003 from complications of abdominal surgery. The siblings created the Bee Gees as teens in Brisbane, Australia, in 1958. They made their initial impact on pop during the Beatles-led British invasion of the mid-'60s, sending "New York Mining Disaster 1941" into the top 20 and beginning a string of hits that would last through 1972's "Run to Me." The '71 smash "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" reached the top of the charts.
The Bee Gees' style shifted during the disco era, and their success with funky, dance-oriented pieces such as "Jive Talkin'" and "You Should Be Dancing" set them up for the pop juggernaut of "Saturday Night Fever."
With falsetto vocals and irresistible rhythms, the trio became one of disco's most resonant symbols. Three Bee Gees songs from the film's soundtrack, "How Deep Is Your Love," "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever," reached #1 on the Billboard chart. The "Saturday Night Fever" album is pop's best-selling soundtrack, having moved over 40 million copies.
Please share your condolences for Gibb's family, friends and fans in the comments.
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Electric Daisy Carnival Headliners Avicii, Steve Angello Bring Mayhem To New York
Sun, 20 May 2012 10:47:58 EDT
'New York City, tonight, electronic dance music won the Super Bowl,' Swedish House Mafia's Angello tells the crowd.
By Nicholas Philippou
Armin van Buuren at Electric Daisy Carnival New York
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — A different breed of giants owned MetLife Stadium on Saturday during day two of New York's inaugural Electric Daisy Carnival. Armin van Buuren, Avicii and Swedish House Mafia's Steve Angello closed the day's festivities under a sea of red, white and gold fireworks, after taking an estimated 60,000 fans for an unforgettable ride.
"We put a nightclub in Giants stadium," Angello proudly told the crowd during EDC's closing moments. "New York City, tonight, electronic dance music won the Superbowl."
Angello reveled in the moment and called the night "historic," after delivering a two-hour set that evolved from dark and dirty to euphoric, ending with Angello in the spotlight, arms wide open, nearly hugging the crowd during SHM's remix of Coldplay's "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall." SHM fans got their serving with classics like "Greyhound" and "One" as well as the revved-up Knife Party remix of "Save the World" that capped the night's exhilaration.
Thomas Gold was Steve Angello's Eli Manning inside the stadium, where Size Matters took over the end zone. Gold had one of those days where it was like he couldn't miss, from the moment he hit the stage he turned the red zone into the Gold zone for two hours.
He fired off a monster set with his remix of Miike Snow's "The Wave" and rode on a high-energy, song-switching filter-fest of songs we all love, but have never heard quite like this before. Gold played up the Police's "Message In a Bottle," against his track "Abart," with Leventina's "We're Gonna Start," followed up with a mash-up of "Agora" and Avicii's "Le7els" in what was a fun, feel-good set that scratched every itch.
Outside of the stadium, at the Kinetic Field, Alesso and SHM's Sebastian Ingrosso both killed it with amazing sets, with Alesso even making a return trip to the stage when Seb cued up their smash hit, "Calling," while the huge crowd hummed out the chorus. Ingrosso played up every element of his show, leveling the crowd with a mash-up of SHM's "One" against Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know," while a giant eye familiar to SHM fans stared back at them, creating a definite feeling of surreal, a reoccurring sensation throughout the festivities.
And a surreal experience is really what EDC is all about. It's a costume party, a rave, a carnival, an amusement park, a concert and a madhouse in whatever direction you turn. Wherever you were, you were most definitely entertained.
Were you at New York's Electric Daisy Carnival? What did you think? Leave your comment below!
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Mac Miller Makes It The Best Day Ever At Bamboozle
Sat, 19 May 2012 11:05:51 EDT
'I'm just tryin' to bring a show, man,' Mac told MTV News just before his high-energy set at Friday's festival kickoff.
By Rob Markman
Mac Miller
Photo: Brian Phares/MTV News
ASBURY PARK, New Jersey — There's only so much partying on Fifth Ave. that a man can do, so on Friday night, Mac Miller hit the Jersey Shore and threw an old-fashioned beach party.
"I'm just tryin' to bring a show, man. I want to bring a performance, I want to bring them into the Macadelic experience," Mac told MTV News hours before he took the stage at the Bamboozle music festival in New Jersey.
Skrillex, Mike Posner, Incubus and Miller all took to Bamboozle's main stage on the opening night of the three-day fest, and they didn't disappoint. For Mac's set, which began at 7 p.m. ET, the Pittsburgh MC brought a portion of his Macadelic Tour to concertgoers who had come to see an array of rock, rap and EDM artists.
It was all high-energy when Miller, who was dressed in an "RIP MCA" tee, set things off with the title track from his #1 debut album, Blue Slide Park. From there, EZ Mac launched into "Don't Mind If I Do" from his 2010 breakout tape, K.I.D.S. Always one to represent for his crew, Miller, his DJ, Clockwork, and hypeman Treejay bounced up and down to "My Team," and then turned things up a notch with the rambunctious "Knock Knock," all to the youthful crowd's delight.
While a majority of the Rostrum rapper's catalog is centered on feel-good jams, he does show range on introspective cuts like "Angels (When She Shuts Her Eyes)." Even when he wasn't ping-ponging frantically across the stage, the crowd responded to Miller's more subdued tracks by waving their hands side to side, showing him that they too are capable of more than just getting crunk.
Before he dove into "Best Day Ever," Mac took a bit of a breather while old Miller family home movies played on a big screen. All the teenage girls cooed as they watched baby Mac open birthday presents and sing along to the Sugar Hill Gang's seminal hip-hop track "Rapper's Delight."
"I wanted to represent the music through visuals, I've always been a very visual person," he explained to us before the show. "I wanted to use that to create the aesthetics of the show and show people what all of the songs mean to me and put them into that world."
Miller picked up the mood with the electric "Frick Park Market" and drew immediate crowd participation with the first line. After spitting, "My name Mac Miller," the crowd responded right on time with a thunderous, "Who the f--- are you?"
It was a lesson on how to properly connect with your audience, one that's invested in every word you rhyme. Last year when Miller dropped his now-gold-selling single "Donald Trump," he promised to "take over the world," and despite all of his success he still makes that vow at the end of each and every show. Last night was no different. After a 40-minute set, Mac sealed the deal with a spirited rendition of "Trump" and then marched off to continue to make good on his promise, one stage at a time.
Are you hitting Bamboozle this year? Let us know in the comments!
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Jack White Rocks Hangout Fest, Avoids Getting A Tan
Sat, 19 May 2012 11:43:38 EDT
Headliner White closed out the first day of the beachfront festival in Alabama with a set long on hits, solos.
By James Montgomery
Jack White performs at Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Photo: WireImage
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Judging by his cadaverous complexion, Jack White probably doesn't make it out to the beach all that often. Which is probably why his Friday night set at the Hangout Festival felt less like a headlining gig and more like one long (long) victory lap: He was determined to enjoy the experience.
Sure, White took the stage long after the sun had set over the stretch of white-sand beach the Hangout calls home (it's definitely the only fest where going barefoot is not only a viable option, but practically encouraged), but spurred on by the cheers of a raucous crowd and cooled by the gentle breeze of the Gulf, he tore through a wild 90-minute set. It was one that dove deep into his back catalog — featuring not only White's new Blunderbuss tunes, but also songs from the White Stripes, the Dead Weather, the Raconteurs and the Danger Mouse-helmed Rome project too — and saw him break out roughly 100 fret-assaulting guitar solos, two backing bands ... and exactly one fedora.
He spoke barely a word (and nary a metaphor) during his time onstage, preferring instead to let the music do the talking. Or, more precisely, the yelling. Because from the moment he kicked things off with a high-octane version of the Stripes' "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," to the second the final echoes of "Seven Nation Army" were escaping out into the night air, White was plenty loud. And equally loose. "I Cut Like a Buffalo," "Love Interruption" and (especially) "Ball and Biscuit" each unspooled over several minutes, with White stomping and pulling solos from his guitar, goofy smile on his face, while both of his crack backing bands followed close behind. It was clear that, on Friday night, White wanted to jam.
Which is why, in just about every conceivable way, this wasn't the kind of show you'd expect from the normally uptight White. Of course, he was still dressed like a country mortician and, sure, he made his backing bands dress in near-matching unis (black for his male band, the Buzzards; white for the female counterpart, the Peacocks), and the lighting scheme onstage never strayed from "ethereal blue," but he seemed to draw genuine joy from letting his songs breathe: He turned "Hotel Yorba" into a hoedown, lent extra punch to new tracks like "Sixteen Saltines" and "Hypocritical Kiss" and led the audience in an extended chant during "Army," which has almost inexplicably become his signature song on both sides of the Atlantic.
Maybe it had something to do with the Gulf Stream, the postcard-perfect setting of the Hangout Fest (they have palm trees on the beach!) and the day of terrific music he was closing out — Friday also featured standout sets from Wilco, Alabama Shakes and Yelawolf, to name just a few — or maybe White just wanted to cut loose. But last night, his solos rang loud and proud, his voice was voluminous and creaky in all the right ways, and both of his bands proved worthy traveling partners on the lengthy musical excursions on which he led them.
In short, White certainly seems to be enjoying life as a solo artist. Especially when he's playing the songs he made with others. Now, if he could only work on that tan ... you get the feeling he'd become a regular down here at the Hangout.
Did you catch Jack White's set at the Hangout Festival? Share your reviews in the comments!
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50 Cent And Wiz Khalifa Collaboration: 'Stay Tuned'
Fri, 18 May 2012 07:16:44 EDT
'I responded to him and I told him, 'Let's work,' ' Fif tells MTV News of a Twitter collabo request from Wiz.
By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Ade Mangum
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News
50 Cent was admitted to the hospital earlier this week when he began to suffer from severe stomach pains, but by the time he was released Thursday, the G-Unit CEO had already put plans into motion for a new collaboration with Wiz Khalifa.
MTV News caught up with Fif at his G-Unit offices in NYC after his release, and he explained that a tweet from Wiz gave birth to the collaboration. The tweet in question: "I Gotta Song I Wanna Put @50Cent On."
"While I was sitting in the hospital, I saw Wiz Khalifa send a tweet out saying he got something, and he felt like it would be cool if I was actually on a record with him," 50 said. "So I responded to him and I told him, 'Let's work.' I'm feeling good, I was feeling better by the time that tweet went through, so I said, 'Send it,' and I'll speak to him a little later on.
"Stay tuned to hear what happens next because it's gonna go down," he added, confirming that the collaboration is for real. Fif's guest verse is likely to pop up on the Taylor Gang MC's upcoming LP O.N.I.F.C., which is set to debut August 28. It would mark their first collaboration together. Thus far, Wiz has revealed that features on his Rolling Papers follow-up will include Pharrell, Cam'ron, Curren$y and the Weeknd.
50 Cent has made a full recovery since his release from the hospital, and next Tuesday, he will drop The Lost Tape, hosted by DJ Drama.
During his stay in the hospital, the Queens mogul received a phone call from longtime friend and collaborator Eminem, who had a few firm words for him. "He goes, 'Yo, Fif, you were shot nine times, man, if you die over a burger, this sh-- ain't gonna go right,' " 50 told MTV News just hours after his release. " 'People ain't gonna be feelin' this.' "
Stay tuned to MTV News' Mixtape Daily for more on 50 Cent and DJ Drama's The Lost Tape.
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Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Dictator' Is A Snooki 'Supporter'
Fri, 18 May 2012 08:04:04 EDT
Admiral General Aladeen also confesses to the murders of Tupac and Biggie Smalls during MTV News interview.
By Fallon Prinzivalli, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Sacha Baron Cohen as the Dictator at 2012 Cannes Film Festival
Photo: Getty Images
"Welcome! Death to the West!" That is how the Dictator greeted MTV News' Josh Horowitz when he sat down with him for an interview.
latest infamous character is Admiral General Aladeen, a dictator who oppresses his people and dislikes democracy. In "The Dictator," he's mistaken for a refugee and taken under the wing of Zoey, played by Anna Faris. Aladeen's misadventures in America lead to an array of hilarious culture clashes. Thus, the interview was nothing less than we'd expect — offensive, outrageous and, yes, very, very funny.
After inquiring about Horowitz's knowledge of the rapper Tupac Shakur, the Dictator reveals it was him who killed the MC. "He came to play at my birthday party and all the time he get on the microphone, and you know what he tell me?" Aladeen questioned. "You know what he tell me? He said, 'Put your hands' — he ordered me! — he ordered me to put my hands in the air and wave them like I just don't care. Why would I, Dictator, wave my hands like I don't care? I wave my hands like I do care, like this. I don't do it like I don't care. How dare he come to my palace and my birthday and tell me how to wave my hands like I don't care? I care about the hands!"
Apparently someone forgot to inform the tyrant that it's a figure of speech here in America.
"To put your hands in the air like you don't care?" he continued. "You think Hitler put his hands in the air like he don't care? It was a very careful gesture that he did. I won't do it here. And this Biggie Smalls, he then performed the next night for my weekend of birthday. That fat bastard ate all of the buffet. It cost over 120 Euros per head."
When our correspondent noted that his phrase is not respectful to the dead, the admiral general replied, "It's not respectful to the people who wanted to eat the buffet."
Note to self: Eat before heading to Aladeen's palace. Although, it's possible not much eating will take place on a trip to his home. Shortly after assuring Horowitz he has nothing to worry about and sliding a gun on the table between them, he talked of his latest tryst with reality-TV star Kim Kardashian.
"I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of [stars in America] that come to the palace and negotiate with the pimps," he said. "Kim Kardashian, she came two weeks ago. I negotiated with her pimp, who is also her mother. Three-hundred-thousand dollars for one hour — not bad. Good rate."
But Kardashian isn't the only American entertainer the Dictator is fond of. He happens to enjoy Snooki and has a list of movies he's enjoyed — one of which is definitely in the wrong category.
"I am a huge supporter of your Snooki," he said. "I find him a very funny, little, orange man. And we have many of your sci-fi and fantasy films like 'Transformers' or 'Harry Potter' or 'Schindler's List.' "
Check out everything we've got on "The Dictator."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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'Vampire Diaries,' Justin Bieber Lead Teen Choice Award Nominations
Fri, 18 May 2012 06:05:37 EDT
'The Avengers,' 'The Vow,' Katy Perry and Adele also land multiple nods.
By John Mitchell
Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder in "The Vampire Diaries"
Photo: CW
The nominations for the 2012 Teen Choice Awards have been announced, and the CW's hit drama "The Vampire Diaries" snagged a leading six nominations, with "American Idol" and Justin Bieber following close behind with five each.
"Diaries" earned nominations for Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi nods for both Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, and Choice TV Actress: Fantasy/Sci-Fi nominations for Nina Dobrev and Kat Graham. Somerhalder is also vying for Choice Male Hottie against Bieber, multi-nominee Ryan Gosling, Liam Hemsworth and Robert Pattinson.
The Choice Female Hottie contest pit pals Katy Perry and Rihanna against Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and model Kate Upton.
Among the other top TV nominees are "Pretty Little Liars," "Gossip Girl," "Supernatural" and, oddly, "Bones," and HBO's racy "True Blood," which is up for Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi and Choice TV Actress: Fantasy/Sci-Fi for Anna Paquin.
All of the usual candidates are among the top film nominees, with "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" scoring nominations for Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for both Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner (who is also up for Choice Movie Actor: Action for "Abduction"), and Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Kristen Stewart.
They face stiff competition in the Sci-Fi categories against "The Hunger Games," which landed nominations for Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy and acting nominations for leads Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, and "The Avengers," which along with its Choice Movie nominations scored individual acting nods for Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson.
Among the other top film nominees are "The Help" (Choice Movie: Drama and Choice Actress: Drama nominations for Emma Stone and Viola Davis), "The Vow" (Choice Movie: Drama, Choice Actress: Drama for Rachel McAdams and Choice Actor: Drama for Channing Tatum, who is also up for his comedic performance in the much-nominated "21 Jump Street") and, inexplicably, the released-today comedy "What to Expect When You're Expecting," which earned four nods, for Choice Movie: Comedy, Choice Actor: Comedy for Chris Rock, and Choice Actress: Comedy nods for both Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez.
On the music side, the Choice Single by a Female Artist nominees are "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele, "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson, "Dance Again" by Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull, "Part of Me" by Perry and "Eyes Open" by Taylor Swift. On the guys' side are Bieber ("Boyfriend"), Drake ("Take Care"), Flo Rida ("Good Feeling"), Bruno Mars ("It Will Rain") and Pitbull ("Give Me Everything [Tonight]").
Many of the same artists will vie for Choice Male Artist (Bieber, Drake, Mars, Pitbull and Blake Shelton) and Choice Female Artist (Adele, Lopez, Perry, Rihanna and Swift).
The genre-by-genre breakdown of the nominations mean there are a lot of Teen Choice Award contenders. For a full rundown of the nominees, visit the Teen Choice Awards website, where you can also vote for your favorites.
The Teen Choice Awards air live on Sunday, July 22, at 8 p.m. ET.
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'Battleship' Vs. 'What To Expect': Brooklyn Decker's Double Feature
Fri, 18 May 2012 06:22:45 EDT
With model-turned-actress in two movies opening the same day, we look back at (and forward to) other stars' box-office twofers.
By Amy Wilkinson
Brooklyn Decker in "Battleship"
Photo: Universal Pictures
If you have a thing for busty blondes, we suggest you pencil a double feature into your weekend plans, seeing as model-turned-actress Brooklyn Decker stars in not one, but two movies opening Friday: the blow-'em-up action flick "Battleship" and the pregnancy rom-com "What to Expect When You're Expecting."
In the Decker vs. Decker showdown, box-office analysts seem to agree that "Battleship" will sink "What to Expect," though it's unlikely either will unseat reigning superheroes of the cinema, "The Avengers," who are eyeing their third first-place weekend. Nonetheless, having two films open on a single day is a neat distinction for the 25-year-old actress, though one that's not as rare as you might think. Here are a cluster of stars who have pulled theatrical double-duty (or are set to):
James Franco
Nowadays, you can't shake a stick at pop culture without James Franco fetching it, but back in the early aughts — following the cancellation of the beloved "Freaks and Geeks" — Franco wasn't nearly so ubiquitous. Yet he still managed to star in two films opening May 3, 2002: "Spider-Man" and "Deuces Wild." We probably don't need to tell you which one snagged all the dollars at the box office that weekend.
Christian Kane
Big-name stars aren't the only ones holding a pair. You may recognize Christian Kane from the TNT heist series "Leverage," or you may know him from a duo of 2004 film roles. On October 8 of that year, he appeared in the film version of "Friday Night Lights" and the Queen Latifah/ Jimmy Fallon comedy "Taxi."
Dakota Fanning
No one saw Dakota Fanning in two films opening February 6, 2009, technically speaking, but that's only because one was animated. The pint-size actress flexed her supernatural skills in the action flick "Push," while letting her vocals do all the work as the titular heroine of "Coraline."
David Koechner
Another actor dabbling in both animation and live-action on a single release date is David Koechner. The "Anchorman" actor hit the pit crew in Will Ferrell's "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and channeled his inner-animal as the voice of a coyote in the animated "Barnyard," all on August 4, 2006.
Samuel L. Jackson
The most recent two-for-one special comes courtesy of the prolific Samuel L. Jackson, whose "Avengers" continues to hammer the competition. But did you know his crime drama "Meeting Evil" (based on the novel by Thomas Berger) also opened May 4? Yeah, we didn't think so.
Channing Tatum
Maybe it's a sign of the apocalypse (or, at the very least, a trend) that four actors had or will have two movies opening on the same day in 2012. Like Decker, Tatum is hitting nearly every demographic with his titillating twofer. On June 29, the 32-year-old will suit up as Duke for "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" and strip down as an exotic dancer for "Magic Mike."
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio's Christmas present to America this year is himself. Twice over. The actor stars in two films opening December 25: "The Great Gatsby" and "Django Unchained." Which one will egg-nog-fueled audiences choose to unwrap? Only Santa knows for sure.
Check out everything we've got on "Battleship" and "What to Expect When You're Expecting."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Carly Rae Jepsen Thinks 'Call Me Maybe' Viral Videos Are 'Rad'
Fri, 18 May 2012 06:57:44 EDT
'It makes my day to see it,' Jepsen tells MTV News about clips by everyone from Justin Bieber to the Harvard baseball team.
By Christina Garibaldi
Carly Rae Jepsen
Photo: MTV News
It's been just a few months since Justin Bieber signed Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen to his Schoolboy Records, but since then, she has certainly made her mark on the music scene. Her infectious hit single "Call Me Maybe" is currently #1 on the iTunes songs chart and #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and has spawned a barrage of humorous and entertaining online video parodies that have captured the attention of not only fans but Jepsen herself.
"I have seen a few. It's pretty rad that people are participating and making their own versions. It makes my day to see it," Jepsen told MTV News. "It's hard to imagine this, even though I'm living this every day, it's kind of hard to believe it sometimes. [I] definitely didn't predict this."
The online lip-synching parodies seem to be the latest craze, especially among college students. Sports teams from Duke, UConn, Syracuse and Southern Methodist University have all posted their own versions of the song, but it was taken to another level when the Harvard baseball team choreographed an intricate fist-pump dance while singing along to the single.
"I saw the fist pump, it was so cute. It was funny because every chorus, they added a new element. I was like, they really planned this out, this is so fantastic," Jepsen said of the Harvard video. "It's so cool that it's sort of sparked this online thing. It's really neat."
College students aren't the only ones obsessing over this song. Actor James Franco posted his own version of the song , and just last month, Katy Perry uploaded her own parody, featuring herself and a group of friends at a Coachella pool party.
"I was in London at the time I saw Katy's version of 'Call Me Maybe.' I think she was at Coachella when she shot it, which was really cool," Jepsen said. "It was another surreal moment: Being in London was already crazy and then on top of it, to kind of see all the stars were reaching out and doing their versions as well, it was kind of like a cherry on top of the whole thing."
We may have to thank Bieber for all of these videos since he is the one that started the trend. Back in February, Bieber, along with his girlfriend Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale and Big Time Rush, created his own music video, playfully singing along to the inescapable track.
"I have a long list of thank-yous that I owe to Justin for everything to do with my career," Jepsen said. "He's just kind of opened the door to the rest of the world to me."
Which "Call Me Maybe" parody is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
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Kanye West Had To 'Get Used To' Big Kardashian Family
Fri, 18 May 2012 02:07:21 EDT
'With Kanye I was like, 'Why are you hiding in our pantry in my mom's kitchen?' Khloe jokes about sister Kim's BF.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
Photo: Splash News
Kanye West may seem like he's already one of the Kardashians, but turns out it took him a minute to warm up to them. According to her sister Khloé, Kim's beau initially experienced some shell shock when hanging with reality TV's first family.
"He said, 'I'm an only child; there's, like, so many of you,' " Khloé recalled in a chat with Ryan Seacrest on Friday (May 18).
Fans will get to see Kanye warming up to the Kardashian crew themselves when E!'s "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" returns for another season on Sunday. But Khloé told Seacrest her husband, Lamar Odom, had similar trouble getting used to her very large family.
"I remember Lamar, at first it took him a minute to get used to us, but now Lamar loves it," she said. "With Kanye I was like, 'Why are you hiding in our pantry in my mom's kitchen?' And he's like, 'There's just so many of you guys, and you guys are all so loud and friendly and talk." And I'm like, 'Get used to it buddy, because I like it.' It's just a lot at one time."
Being an only child like Yeezy is added to his initial discomfort, but he isn't the lone only child the Kardashians have welcomed.
"[My boyfriend] Scott [Disick] and Lamar are only children too," Kourtney shared. "I think we attract only children. I don't think [Kanye] knows what's going on [when he hangs out with us]. Like, what we're talking about, are we being serious? Is this a joke?"
The initial shock of the Kardashians seems to have worn off, though. Usmagazine.com spotted Kanye hanging out with Kim and her family at Kourtney's May 12 baby shower. In one snapshot, a smiling Kanye sits next to Kim, who's playing with her nephew and Kourtney's son, Mason.
Khloé's hubby, Lamar, has also apparently bonded with Yeezy. The pro baller even seems to have his sights set on the music industry. "Lamar raps to [Kanye] all the time. Kim is like, 'You're going to freak this guy out,' " Khloé said. "But it's funny."
Will you tune into see Kanye on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians"? Tell us in the comments!
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will.i.am 'Still Has That Fire' On 'This Is Love,' Eva Simons Says
Fri, 18 May 2012 05:34:15 EDT
Dutch singer also teases the song's 'mad' video to MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Eva Simons
Photo: MTV News
For his song "This Is Love," will.i.am enlisted Dutch singer Eva Simons to add some powerhouse vocals to the raging party track. The searing dance production is highlighted by Simons' diva-tude as her voice soars over will's creation, full of big chants, bumping beats and dirty synths.
Simons had already proved she had hook potential appearing on Afrojack's 2010 dance-floor anthem "Take Over Control," and given will's history of enlisting female pop singers to add a bit of sexy flair to his songs, Simons was a perfect muse to help shape his latest dance-pop track.
"He is super creative, and we kind of have the same energy: We can't sit still. We were in the studio, and he had this track," Simons recalled to MTV News about working with the Black Eyed Peas mastermind. "And he's like, 'Yo, Eva, would you like to do this song with me?' And we had been recording a couple tracks before, so he knows what I'm capable of and he trusts me, and we don't really know each other for that long, but he trusts me.
"I recorded it," she continued. "And he mixes it straight away from his laptop ... and it's done. That's so beautiful — not only is he super creative and knows what he wants, but he also sees when other people are creative as well. He's not afraid to collaborate."
This particular collaboration also included Swedish House Mafia's Steve Angello. "It's really a club-banger," Simons said, adding that will included "some piano intro in there and violins. ... He's always creative. It doesn't [just] work for the clubs, it works for the radio, it'll also work on a big festival, like him on the piano, some strings, some live drums."
will and Simons recently shot a video for the track, and she had this tease for fans when asked to give some hints: "Fireworks. Just like, 'What world is this? Like, where are we?' and 'What season is this?' " she said. "It's mad. It's pretty awesome."
Much of that awesomeness, she adds, stems from will directing the clip himself. "I'm just surprised. I'm not surprised, actually, 'cause that's him," she said. "He is also a super-geek. I'm a super-geek. I love technology, and he was like, he was directing the video and he was doing the motion-control of the camera and everything. He knows his stuff. It was pretty awesome to see."
Simons continued that it was refreshing to see that even with all his years in the industry, he still loves to do it. "I just admire him," she said. "After all those years he still has that fire, and that's just beautiful. But I feel like — 'cause I was big fan of the Black Eyed Peas, and I still am — and he seems like he's the same guy still that I see before."
Their song is expected to appear on will's long-teased solo album, #willpower, which also features Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger and Nicole Scherzinger. No release date has been set for the album.
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