Thursday, May 31, 2012
Justin Bieber Accused Of Assaulting Photographer
Pretty Little Liars Puzzle Hunt
Diddy's Son's College Scholarship Sparks Controversy
Some are saying that his father's wealth makes it unfair for Justin Combs to get free ride at UCLA.
By Rob Markman
Justin Combs with his father Diddy
Photo: Getty Images
"It's all about the Benjamins" has been a long-running battle cry for , and now that his son Justin has earned a full athletic scholarship to UCLA, Puff's bank is once again the center of attention.
In November, the news broke that Justin Combs had accepted a full merit-based scholarship to play football for UCLA. But now, some local taxpayers and students are questioning whether the $54,000 scholarship is fair considering that Justin's dad topped Forbes' wealthiest hip-hop artists list last month after it was reported that he was worth more than half a billion dollars.
"UCLA's athletic department needs to consider the fact that perhaps there is another athlete on the football team who could perhaps really use this scholarship," UCLA student Neshemah Keetin told Los Angeles' CBS News affiliate. "Just being considerate that [with] our economy, students are trying to get to college through athletics and academics as well."
Once the news broke last year, a proud Puff Daddy issued a statement in support of his son. At that point, Justin's detractors hadn't voiced their displeasure. "As a parent, today is one of the proudest moments of my life. This is everything a father could want for his son, for him to excel at what he loves to do and is truly passionate about," he said. "Justin is a shining example of what hard work, determination and a strong mentality can achieve. I am honored to call him my son and am happy that he is fulfilling his dream."
Justin graduated with a 3.75 GPA from Iona Prep high school in New Rochelle, New York, where he was a top-rated cornerback. He received scholarship offers from state universities in Illinois, Virginia and Wyoming. During a CNN interview, the network's education contributor Dr. Steve Perry defended the young athlete. "He's done what he needs to do to be successful, and in a meritocracy we have to accept that no matter who your father is, whether he be rich, poor or absent, that you can in fact be successful on your own merit," he said. "There's nothing free about a Division I athletic scholarship. It's 40 hours-plus of work on campus every single week in order to maintain that scholarship."
UCLA spokesman Ricardo Vazquez echoed Perry's sentiment, explaining that the scholarship was based on Combs' talent on the football field and not his financial need. "Athletic scholarships, such as those awarded to football or basketball players, do not rely on state funds. Instead, these scholarships are entirely funded through UCLA Athletics ticket sales, corporate partnerships, media contracts and private donations from supporters."
Should Justin Combs accept the full scholarship to UCLA? Sound off in the comments!
Watch: Showtimes Releases The First Video Promo For ?Dexter? Season 7
Jessica Biel Talks Future Married Life With Justin Timberlake
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Movie Awards Nominee Oliver Cooper Insists He's 'America's Dirtbag'
Justin Bieber Wows Crowd In Norway, Debuts Two More New Songs!
The Biebs caused mass chaos and pandemonium with his visit — as expected — and sent fans into a frenzy as he took the stage!
Check out [...]
Los Angeles
I'm here! I'm here! And I saw my first gang-banger get arrested yesterday so I feel like a total Angeleno.
I'm getting ready to go to the gym (again, like a total Angeleno!) so I will update later about my run-ins with Alexander Skarsgard, Pauly Shore, and Jeremy or Jason London (I'm not sure which one it was and seeing if I could force him to do drugs to find out seemed unfair. Besides, as it turned out, he was telling the truth?)
Anyhoo, I've got a lot to tell you about gardening! (Did you know if you get dirt wet it turns into mud? Yuck.)
And bumpers! (They don't bump off anything... they go, "Scraaaaaaaatch!")
And there's probably more but, again, I have to go because I have to get to the gym!
'Snow White' Sneak Peek Live Stream Starts Now!
Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith Discuss Their Marriage
Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith know that having a successful marriage while in the spotlight can be tough -- but they've resolved to always be supportive and present when it counts.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
All-American Rejects Won't Let Kids 'Slow Build' Get Them Down
'Buy it, steal it, just feel it. I don't care,' frontman Tyson Ritter says of AAR's new album, Kids in the Street.
By James Montgomery
Tyson Ritter of All-American Rejects
Photo: MTV News
When the All-American Rejects returned in March with Kids in the Street, expectations were high. After all, it was the follow-up to 2008's When the World Comes Down — an album that continued their string of crossover successes thanks to the hit "Gives You Hell" — and powered by slick first single "Beekeeper's Daughter," Kids looked certain to continue that trend.
Of course, to date, Kids has yet to catch fire. It debuted at #18 on the Billboard albums chart and has subsequently dropped out of the Top 200 altogether. But the Rejects aren't worried by that slow start. In fact, to hear them tell it, everything's going according to plan.
"This is the record where we're trying to prove ourselves as an 'album band.' We've done fine with singles," AAR frontman Tyson Ritter told MTV News backstage at the Bamboozle festival. "Our last record, we were so proud of, but 'Gives You Hell,' sort of just steam-rolled the way and let nothing else surface. Honestly, man, we're a whatever-the-hell-anybody-takes-from-us band. Singles, records, buy it, steal it — just feel it. I don't care. Just come to a show."
And it's at those shows where the true scope of the Rejects' accomplishments can be felt. After all, over the course of a decade as a band, they've strung together a series of hits that would give any group pause ("Swing, Swing," "Move Along," "It Ends Tonight," "Dirty Little Secret," etc) and it's gotten to the point these days where the band can actually see the past 10 years play out before their very eyes. Which is why they're not worried about one album; they're career artists, through and through.
"It's been a slow build with this one, but, you know, we're in a climate where guitars aren't as cool as they used to be and, luckily, I feel like our fanbase has sort of hung out and waited for us for four records," Ritter said. "It's [been] 10 years now. We just got done playing shows, on a tour, and there are people that have been there for 10 years, singing 'Swing, Swing' in the back, drinking, and then girls up front with the X's out their hands, singing 'Dirty Little Secret' and 'Gives You Hell.' So it's crazy to look at a Rejects show, and as you scan to the back of the crowd, you're going through 10 years of people."
Are you an All-American Rejects fan? Tell us why in the comments!
'Vampire Diaries,' Justin Bieber Lead Teen Choice Award Nominations
'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.
Happily Unmarried: Star Duos Who Aren't Tying the Knot
From Kourtney & Scott to Oprah & Stedman, see the famous couples who have made the decision to remain unhitched
Watch: Kelly Clarkson Debuts Heartfelt Music Video For New Single ?Dark Side?
Monday, May 28, 2012
Keira Knightley & James Righton Are Engaged!
The British actress is engaged to her musician beau! See more stars who are planning to tie the knot
Maggie Gyllenhaal Majandra Delfino Malia Jones Malin Akerman
Emma Stone Nabs First 'MTV Trailblazer Award'
Actress will be honored with inaugural trophy at MTV Movie Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena
Emma Stone
Photo: Getty Images
Emma Stone is going to the 2012 MTV Movie Awards already a winner. The A-list actress will be honored with the first-ever "MTV Trailblazer Award" for her diverse résumé that defies genre and keeps her fans guessing.
When the show goes live from the Gibson Amphitheatre on Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 2011 MTV Movie Award winner Stone will blaze another trail as the inaugural winner in this new category for her ability to connect with MTV viewers in films like the gut-busting comedy "Easy A," for which she won the Best Comedic Performance golden popcorn last year.
This year, in addition to winning the Trailblazer prize, Stone is also up for a number of other prizes including Best Female Performance for her rom-com "Crazy, Stupid, Love," as well as Best Kiss for her smooch with co-star Ryan Gosling in the flick. She's also being recognized in the Best Cast category for her work in the critically acclaimed "The Help."
Russell Brand will host the show, and the night will get two musical performances from buzzy band Fun., as well as "Work Hard, Play Hard" MC Wiz Khalifa.
Leading up to the big show, MTV News will host MTV Sneak Peek Week, set to go down at 5 Towers on Universal CityWalk. Beginning Tuesday, May 29, through Friday, June 1, MTV will screen some of this summer's hottest films for a selection of very lucky fans. The lineup includes "Snow White and the Huntsman" (Tuesday), "That's My Boy" (Wednesday), "Magic Mike" (Thursday) and "Rock of Ages" (Friday).
Can't make the screening? Well, we've got your back. During the weeklong festivities, you can catch some of the castmembers from each film on MTV at 11 p.m. ET to introduce an exclusive clip from their movie! And, of course, the fun doesn't stop there. Immediately following the on-air presentation, MTV News' Josh Horowitz will be on hand for a Q&A with the actors live on MTV.com. You can follow along with the action on Twitter using the hashtag #MTVSneak.
Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.
Questlove Wants Pete Rock To Reconsider Fiasco With Lupe
'I'm glad that Lupe did it,' Questlove tells MTV News of Lupe Fiasco's 'T.R.O.Y' sample on his new single 'Around My Way.'
By Rob Markman
Questlove
Photo: MTV News
Lupe Fiasco took on a ton of criticism this week when he sampled Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" on his new single, "Around My Way," but Questlove is in full support of the Chicago MC.
"I would hope that Pete would reconsider his position because it's clearly an homage to his legacy," the Roots drummer told MTV News on Wednesday.
After Fiasco dropped his new single on Tuesday, Pete Rock took to Twitter to chastise Lu and the song's producers for remaking the song, which he and CL Smooth released back in 1992 as a dedication to their fallen friend and Heavy D & the Boyz group member Troy "Trouble T" Dixon.
"I'm not flattered @ all. Dat sh-- is wack, and the producer should be ashamed of his f---in self. Smh," he wrote.
On Thursday, a livid Lu phoned into MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway's "Sway in the Morning" radio show and revealed that he didn't actually sample Pete Rock's 1992 "Reminisce," but instead crafted his track from Tom Scott's 1967 jazz record "Today." But he was, in fact, attempting to honor the famed hip-hop producer and Questlove believes that's a good thing.
"I'm certain that people will know that's 'T.R.O.Y.' by Pete Rock and CL Smooth and it will seem familiar to them, and that will give Pete the 20-year resurgence and boost that naturally comes with this type of music," the Roots maestro reasoned. "I'm glad that Lupe did it because as a DJ, sometimes it's hard to convince people that are younger than the music that you're spinning that this is worth dancing to.
"I think it's a good thing. He'll get over it," Questlove said.
What are your thoughts on Lupe Fiasco's "Around My Way"? Let us know in the comments.
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Reader Reviews
The movie tie-in edition of "20 Times a Lady"—now called "What's Your Number?"—is now available wherever fine books are sold!
To celebrate its publication, a few of my favorite readers came up with these great reviews...
"What's Your Number? is like Harry Potter minus the wizards, wands, and Lord Voldemort." —Michelle Bell
"What's Your Number? is like Gone With the Wind except with less hoop skirts and poverty and more beaus..." —Karen Meyer
"What's Your Number? is like To Kill a Mockingbird without all the racism and children." —Julie Stone
Thanks ladies!
Please add your review in the comments!
PHOTOS: Mariah Carey Takes Her Little Man to Morocco!
Mariah Carey shares an adorable photo of her 1-year-old son. Plus, check out more stars' cute, candid and crazy Twitter photos
Sunday, May 27, 2012
One Direction Hit 'MIB 3' Premiere Armed With Toy Guns
'I just think it's fun and the action's great,' Louis Tomlinson tells MTV News on the red carpet.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Wigler and Fallon Prinzivalli
One Direction
Photo: MTV News
NEW YORK — Armed with Nerf guns, the five guys of One Direction hit up the "Men in Black 3" premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre, ready to face any kind of challenges.
The fivesome, who kicked off their headlining U.S. tour on Tuesday night, took a break from the road to catch the film. They also chatted with MTV News on the red carpet about why they felt they needed a line of defense for the fete.
"We're safe [with them and we'll use them on] anyone who gets brave," Louis Tomlinson joked about their Nerf guns. But the fellas did have a real reason for wanting to catch the film: They are big fans of the "Men in Black" franchise and have been for quite some time.
"[They are] great films, aren't they?" Tomlinson added. "I just think it's fun and the action's great. We were young when the first came out, so we kind of grew up with them."
Once inside the theater, instead of having to fend off anyone who might have gotten in their way, they gave the guns away to a few young fans who ran up to them. While security did their best to keep fans away from the boy banders, one young girl managed to get to the floppy-haired Harry Styles. All five guys agreed to give the girl their autograph. Before the film started, they hung out in their seats, munching on popcorn while adoring fans and their moms checked the guys out.
Later on, at the after-party held on the USS Intrepid, fans followed the band as they made their way around the bash, including down several flights of stairs to the bathrooms. They didn't stop for anyone, but they smiled and waved occasionally.
The guys won't have too much time to hit up more movie premieres since they are back to playing Thursday night (May 24) in Virginia. One Direction will continue on their summer tour through July. Meanwhile, "Men in Black 3" opens Friday.
Check out everything we've got on "Men in Black 3."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsOne Direction Hit 'MIB 3' Premiere Armed With Toy Guns
'I just think it's fun and the action's great,' Louis Tomlinson tells MTV News on the red carpet.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Wigler and Fallon Prinzivalli
One Direction
Photo: MTV News
NEW YORK — Armed with Nerf guns, the five guys of One Direction hit up the "Men in Black 3" premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre, ready to face any kind of challenges.
The fivesome, who kicked off their headlining U.S. tour on Tuesday night, took a break from the road to catch the film. They also chatted with MTV News on the red carpet about why they felt they needed a line of defense for the fete.
"We're safe [with them and we'll use them on] anyone who gets brave," Louis Tomlinson joked about their Nerf guns. But the fellas did have a real reason for wanting to catch the film: They are big fans of the "Men in Black" franchise and have been for quite some time.
"[They are] great films, aren't they?" Tomlinson added. "I just think it's fun and the action's great. We were young when the first came out, so we kind of grew up with them."
Once inside the theater, instead of having to fend off anyone who might have gotten in their way, they gave the guns away to a few young fans who ran up to them. While security did their best to keep fans away from the boy banders, one young girl managed to get to the floppy-haired Harry Styles. All five guys agreed to give the girl their autograph. Before the film started, they hung out in their seats, munching on popcorn while adoring fans and their moms checked the guys out.
Later on, at the after-party held on the USS Intrepid, fans followed the band as they made their way around the bash, including down several flights of stairs to the bathrooms. They didn't stop for anyone, but they smiled and waved occasionally.
The guys won't have too much time to hit up more movie premieres since they are back to playing Thursday night (May 24) in Virginia. One Direction will continue on their summer tour through July. Meanwhile, "Men in Black 3" opens Friday.
Check out everything we've got on "Men in Black 3."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Amanda Bynes Was Involved In ANOTHER Hit-And-Run!
Amanda Bynes will finally be appearing court on June 6th for her April 6th DUI arrest, but apparently, she's may have to return very soon after that, because the actress was involved in ANOTHER hit-and-run only a few short days AFTER the first!
Bynes reportedly struck another vehicle on [...]
Watch: ?The Dark Knight Rises? Releases 2 New TV Commercials
Happy Friday
Here's a photo of my niece Lila eating a nectarine:
Don't you love her ears? (The one on the left is a little big.) (My sister doesn't like to talk about it.)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Madonna & Lola Announce Georgia May Jagger As New Global Material Girl
Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison
Jenna Jameson Arrested for Suspected DUI
Jenna Jameson has been a bad girl -- and not in her usual way.
Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears Brittany Daniel
Kristen Stewart And Robert Pattinson Come Out Covertly As A Couple In Cannes
FIRST LOOK: New 'Breaking Dawn - Part 2' Posters
Who can say "no" to a little eye contact with the cast of Twilight? In the striking new posters for Breaking Dawn - Part 2, the three members of the saga's love triangle -- Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner each give the camera their best stare-down. The big surprise? Kristen's eyes are red. And not because of a bad camera flash.
Keira Knightley Is Engaged To Her Rocker Beau James Righton
Friday, May 25, 2012
Jillian Michaels: Watching Heidi In Labor Was ?Awful?
Madonna?s Junior High School Yearbook Is Being Sold At Auction
Britney And Demi Take To The X Factor Stage! Watch HERE!
Not only did the two girls look AHmazing — but they really delivered with strong critiques and there was already major chemistry amongst the panel!!
Check out the XF mentors making [...]
Erica Cerra Welcomes Daughter Talia Serafina
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Zac Gordon: The Horse VIDEO
Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlies Angels
Lupe Fiasco Calls Pete Rock's Twitter Rant 'Foul'
Lupe talks to 'Sway in the Morning' about Rock's 'wack' response to his remake of 'They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Lupe Fiasco and Pete Rock
Photo: Getty Images
Turns out things aren't all good between Pete Rock and Lupe Fiasco after all.
On Tuesday, the heralded hip-hop producer took to Twitter and lashed out at the Chicago MC for recording "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)," a remake of his and CL Smooth's 1992 single "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)," but a day later tweeted that he and Lu had worked out their differences. But according to Lupe, that's not the case.
"We wasn't on the phone like, 'Oh, I love you, Pete.' At the end of the day, I was hot. My crew was hot, the people who put it together was hot, my record company was hot," Fiasco said on Thursday morning (May 24) when he called into MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway's "Sway in the Morning Show" on Shade 45.
The original "T.R.O.Y." serves as a dedication to Pete Rock and CL Smooth's fallen friend Troy "Trouble T" Dixon and samples Tom Scott's 1967 jazz record "Today." After hearing Lupe's "Around My Way" on Tuesday, Rock took to Twitter to express his displeasure with the 2012 version of the song he popularized. "No disrespect to lupe fiasco and i like him alot but TROY should be left alone. Feel so violated,the beat is next to my heart and was made Outta anguish and pain. When it's like that it should not be touched by no one," he wrote.
"He wasn't supposed to say that," Lu said in response to Pete's tweet about plans to collaborate, which has now been deleted from his account. "He was supposed to say the same sh-- he said on the phone, 'Yo man it was my bad, that was wack, it was f---ed up for me to say that, it was disrespectful, I was 100 percent in the wrong, I apologize.' That's what he was supposed to say."
Lupe says that the remake should have come as no surprise to Pete because members of Lupe's team reached out to the producer about using his classic instrumental back in November 2011. He said Rock gave them his blessing, but because "T.R.O.Y." isn't an original composition, Lupe had to remake the beat using "Today" just as Pete did back in 1992.
"The funky part is you ain't even gotta go through Pete Rock to clear it because he don't even own it," Lupe said. "Then he comes on Twitter... the same day the joint is released and bodies me like that? And bodies my crew like that? And just hits on us like that? That's foul."
Though upset, Lupe says that his intent was to do something positive and pay homage to Pete Rock while also spreading a thoughtful message through his music. On "Around My Way" the "Kick, Push" MC rhymes about socio-political ills in Ghana and corruption in the oil industry.
"You let all these other dudes rap on it, but you sh-- on me? It's like damn, it's me, kid," Fiasco said pointing out his progressive hip-hop catalog. "I don't know how to respect that. Part of me comes from the streets, straight from the streets and part of me don't know how to respect that."
What do you think of Lupe Fiasco's "Around My Way"? Tell us in the comments.
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If you thought those The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1 love scenes were sexy, then you haven't seen anything yet. Leading lady Kristen Stewart not only has some hot and heavy sex scenes in her upcoming indie On the Road (based on Jack Kerouac's classic semi-autobiographical book), but she also goes topless in the film.
Katy Perry Is A Single Woman Again
Kanye West's 'Cruel Summer' Premieres In Cannes
Kid Cudi tells MTV News watching himself on seven screens simultaneously during 30-minute film 'was weird! But it was dope.'
By Alicia Malone
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian attend the "Cruel Summer" premiere during the Cannes Film Festival
Photo: Getty Images
CANNES, France — Kanye West is nothing if not ambitious. The rapper/designer/mogul has added a few more slashes to his name, as producer, writer and director of the experimental short film "Cruel Summer," which had its premiere during a splashy party Wednesday night during the Cannes Film Festival.
The 30-minute short, inspired by West's upcoming G.O.O.D. Music compilation of the same name, was projected onto seven screens inside a tented pyramid, designed to give viewers a fully immersive experience. "Cruel Summer" stars G.O.O.D. artist Kid Cudi as a car thief who falls for a blind Arabian princess. The seven screens alternately come on and off, sometimes showing different angles of one shot, other times acting as an extended wide screen, complete with a ceiling and floor. This means the audience looks around them at the images, instead of staring straight ahead, which, as Kanye explained in a speech, was to reflect real life.
"It related to a post-Steve Jobs, post-Windows era, where we're always on our BlackBerry in a ball game or at the movies," West said. "I was very particular about having the screens separate, where your mind puts the screens back together, the way you put memories together. I'm not the best director in the world, but I had an idea that I thought would be amazing to inspire people, like a dream of one day this being the way people watch movies. You know, [Quentin] Tarantino doing a movie like this or a horror movie like this, animation, 3-D ... in this form that surrounds you. People want to go back and see it more and more because they missed something to their left or to their right, and it feels more like the experience of life."
"Cruel Summer" plays like an extended music video, in a similar way to 'Ye's 2010 online film for "Runaway," with sparse dialogue and striking slow-motion images set to a rocking soundtrack. The music is provided by various G.O.O.D. artists, many of whom make cameos in the film, and there's a super quick appearance by comedian Aziz Ansari.
Among the celebrity names attending the premiere party at the Palm Beach Club were Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian and Kid Cudi, who told MTV News the experience of watching himself on seven screens was surreal.
"It was weird! But it was dope," Cudi said. "I'm nervous, just like with anything I do, with people watching, but I'm really proud of it. I'm happy that Kanye had me as part of it. It's so humbling. He's a genius, he's the best, the illest ... you can quote me on that!"
"Cruel Summer" was co-directed by Alexandre Moors, who previously worked with 'Ye on the videos for "Runaway" and "N---as in Paris." The script was based on a screenplay by Elon Rutberg, and it was shot entirely in Qatar in the Middle East.
"We were literally shooting in Qatar less than a month ago," West said. "It was the most impossible feat, all odds were against us having this moment, showing this at Cannes. The reason why I went so hard is that this is my goal. What I want to do post-Grammys is I want to change entertainment experiences. Like if [late fashion designer Alexander] McQueen or [director] Tarsem [Singh] was to meet the entertainment value of Cirque du Soleil or Walt Disney. We're going to bring it to New York to Qatar and re-edit it ... so you guys are seeing the rough draft of this concept."
Although the world premiere of "Cruel Summer" coincided with the Cannes Film Festival, it is not in competition or part of the official screenings. The film is now open to the public in Cannes until May 25.
Related ArtistsWednesday, May 23, 2012
Heidi Klum Parties with Paris & Nicky Hilton At De Grisogono Event
Spending a lavish night out in France, Heidi Klum hit the red carpet at the De Grisogono Party along with party girls Paris and Nicky Hilton.
The party held at the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival also attracted A-list stars including Milla Jovovich, Alec Baldwin and supermodel Irina Shayk as they enjoyed a night out at the gorgeous Hotel Du Cap Eden in Cap D'Antibes, France this evening (May 23).
As recently reported by GossipCenter, the ?Project Runway? shows off her pole dancing skills along with plenty of skin in her newest online video for ?Turn up the Night.?
Klum?s lyrics include, "I'm begging on my knees just take me." Yowza!
China Chow Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate
Sadie Hawkins Stakes Her Claim Among Rap's Ladies
Mixtape Daily introduces newcomer, who hooks up with Yo Gotti and DJ Scream on her latest, Girl, Interrupted.
By Rob Markman
Sadie Hawkins
Photo: MTV News
Firestarter: Sadie Hawkins
It's no secret that rap has been a male-dominated sport, but you can't forget the ladies. Of course, Nicki Minaj is the most recognizable, and Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks are both making waves. Well, it's time to add another name to that growing list of femme fatales: Sadie Hawkins.
If the name sounds familiar, Hawkins borrows her moniker from a 1930s comic-strip character. And, school children often attend Sadie Hawkins-themed dances, where traditional roles are reversed and the girls ask out the boys. The name is particularly fitting for an artist who rhymes with a ferocity typically associated with male rappers.
Sadie started out as a model, and during one of her photo shoots, an onlooker suggested she try her hand at music. "He was like, 'Are you a rapper?' And I was like, 'Nah,' " she told Mixtape Daily. "He was like, 'Yeah, you look like a boss chick. Your name should be 'Sadie Hawkins.' "
As a child, she always admired hip-hop's top female spitters. "Growing up, some of the female MCs that I grew up on — like Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, Salt-n-Pepa, MC Lyte, Missy, Eve — seeing them out there, and they doing it, and they actually made it happen, it could give you [a feeling like] 'Yeah, OK, I can do this too,' " she shared.
Sadie pays homage to the queens on "Microphone Checka," a track on her DJ Scream-hosted, Angelina Jolie-inspired Girl, Interrupted mixtape. Hawkins spits over a 1980s-style instrumental while name-dropping some of her favorite back-in-the-day rappers.
On "Cocky," the lyrical newcomer partners with Yo Gotti, proving that she can hold her own against one of the game's most-respected MCs, and on "Ms. Money," she delivers a catchy make-it-rain ode that's ripe for radio.
Sadie Hawkins shows tons of promise: More than just a pretty face, the rookie spitter makes music to back it up.
For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.
So Chic! Carousel Designs? New Crib Bedding Collections
LMFAO Enlist 'Little Sister' Eva Simons For Party Rocking Tour
Simons talks to MTV News about hitting the road with 'cool guys' Redfoo and SkyBlu.
By Jocelyn Vena
Eva Simons
Photo: MTV News
LMFAO has enlisted some hardcore party rockers for their Sorry for Party Rocking Tour kicking off on Tuesday (May 22) in Columbus, Ohio. With the likes of Far East Movement, the Quest Crew, Sidney Samson and Natalia Kills all ready to rock out each night of the 26-date trek, fellow tourmate Eva Simons is excited to be hitting the road with her "big brothers," SkyBlu and Redfoo.
"I'm kind of like their sister, that's the feeling I got," she told MTV News. "They're still like, we have jokes, but they're still very like protective and they're cool guys. They work, they're fun, but in the end we're all just really normal people that also want to have a good time."
While the guys of LMFAO may seem like zebra-pants-wearing party dudes, it's all really a persona crafted in order to come up with all their chart-topping jams.
"You know, everybody's always saying when there's a party song out, 'I can write that song.' Well, can you? Try it! It's not that easy," she said. "You have to really know what's going on, and they know what's going on because they're always in the clubs. They're always on tour and I think that's something you should be doing as an artist nowadays. [You have to] know what's going on in the streets [or] what are you trying to sell us? Some fake story? People don't want to hear no fake story. People want to hear what's real, organic."
So, has she ever been sorry for any of her party rocking? She laughed, "Oh, yeah, yes, I have those moments. I've had those moments I will not discuss."
Fellow party rockers Far East Movement recently shared they have equally high hopes for the jaunt. "There's going to be a little bit of wiggling going on," Kev Nish told MTV News. "There's gonna be shuffling, booty popping, a lot of movement. That's what both crews like to do. Big shout-out to [LMFAO's] Redfoo and the Party Rock Crew and [our label] Cherry Tree, really, for putting this all together."
In addition to wiggling their way through Columbus on Tuesday, LMFAO and crew will be partying all around the country, including stops in Seattle, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Miami. The tour will wrap up on July 4 in Toronto. "It's gonna be a whole lot of bass and a whole lot of showers," Far Easter Movement's J-Splif added. "Bring your raincoats."
Are you planning on seeing LMFAO on tour? Leave your comment below!
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Stranger Danger
My sister recently had a talk with my four-year-old nephew Jack about strangers. Here's how it went:
SISTER: Now, Jack, if a stranger says, "Come here, I want to show you something," what do you do?
JACK: I turn around and run!
SISTER: If a stranger says, "Come here, I want to give you some candy," what do you do?
JACK: I turn around and run!
SISTER: If a stranger says, "Come here, I want to show you my puppy," what do you do?
JACK: Oh, I love puppies...
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
'American Idol' Is Phillip Phillips' To Lose
Judges prefer his potential winning single to Jessica Sanchez's bland ballad.
By Adam Graham
Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez on "American Idol" Tuesday
Photo: FOX
Advantage: Phillip Phillips.
The "American Idol" final two duked it out onstage at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Tuesday night (May 22), battling for the 11th-season title. And Phillips — the Dave Matthews-type from Leesburg, Georgia — was a clear favorite over 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, who appeared defeated by "Change Nothing," the ironically titled song she was given for her potential winning single, which didn't match up with her sassy, Beyoncé-in-training style.
Phillips' song "Home," on the other hand, was tailor-made for the 21-year-old. He performed the rootsy ballad with a full drum line and stole the show, earning the evening's only standing ovation from the judges following the song.
"I loved the song, I loved you, I loved the production, I loved the marching band, everything about that was perfect! I loved it!" gushed Randy Jackson, who compared Phillips to Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes. "That's your best performance of the night. That was amazing!" the Dawg said.
Jennifer Lopez agreed, telling Phillips, "There's nothing on the radio that sounds like that," and Steven Tyler followed up by saying, "You were perfect tonight, and I think you are the man."
The fans in the audience were certainly on Phillips' side as well, making more noise throughout the night for Phil-Squared than they did for Sanchez. All that weight was certainly felt by Sanchez, whose "Change Nothing" was all but dismissed by the judges.
"Let me just be straight up here: I did not love the song," Jackson said following the pop ballad. "But what I did love is that you made something more out of the song." He said the song didn't effectively capture her "urban" style or her "swag." "You brought the song to life, but I thought the song was just OK."
Lopez told Sanchez she has to let herself shine through in her songs, and Tyler said he didn't feel "Change Nothing" was "the proper song for you to sing." Sanchez seemed to feel that way too following the performance.
"Ummm, I mean, I definitely agree with them," Sanchez told host Ryan Seacrest after the judges weighed in. "I did want to do more urban something, but like, this is the finale, and, like, I was trying to pick a winning song, something more that shows my voice. But definitely when I make my record — if I ever do — it's going to be a lot more me." Not exactly the glowing, confident words of a champion.
The contestants' potential winning songs came after two other songs: the first chosen by "Idol" creator Simon Fuller, the second their favorite song of the season.
Sanchez opened the show with Whitney Houston's "Bodyguard" ballad "I Have Nothing." She has had good luck with Houston this season, becoming an early front-runner with her version of "I Will Always Love You" and doing the bouncy "How Will I Know" during '80s week, and she turned in another solid performance with "I Have Nothing."
Phillips, who won last week's coin toss and opted to perform second in the finale, opened with Ben E. King's "Stand by Me," which he sang in low-key Phillip Phillips style. The first round was awarded to Sanchez by Randy Jackson.
In round two, Sanchez revisited Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer," while Phillips took on Billy Joel's "Movin' Out." Tyler gave one of his most cuckoo critiques of the whole season when he said of Phillips, "You don't always have to be a good egg. Hatch or go bad. And tonight, you know, he's hatched some, but I would have to say that Jessica took [the round]."
Jackson, meanwhile, said the round was a "dead heat," while Lopez gave it to Phillips.
Of course, the judges don't get a say — unless they pick up the phone and vote — and as Seacrest said at the close of the show, "The rest is in the universe!" The two contestants traded niceties on the stage at the end of the night, wishing each other luck. But heading into Wednesday's finale, it appears to be Phillips' competition to lose.
What did you think about part one of the "Idol" finale? Let us know in the comments!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related PhotosEXCLUSIVE: See Katy Perry Without Makeup in New Movie!
Katy Perry has conquered the world of pop music -- and now she's about to take her talent to the big screen. In her upcoming documentary, Katy Perry: Part of Me, the singer gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at her outrageous costumes, her elaborate tours and even her tumultuous personal life.
Dog The Bounty Hunter Has Been Cancelled!
After eight addicting seasons, A&E has decided to pull the plug on the hit reality show Dog The Bounty Hunter.
A source close to the titular bounty hunter has said the cancellation was due to "creative differences", while others allege the network was tired of constant legal problems stemming from the [...]
Marla Sokoloff Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing
Kristen Stewart Sets Off for the Cannes Film Festival
She?s no stranger to a travel-intensive schedule, and Kristen Stewart was spotted catching a flight at LAX International Airport yesterday (May 21).
The ?Adventureland? babe was a bit annoyed with the surrounding shutterbugs as she headed into the terminal, dressed all in black, and prepared for the long flight to Cannes, France.
Tomorrow, Kristen is scheduled to attend the premiere of her new flick ?On The Road? as part of the 65th Cannes Film Festival.
Based on the book by Jack Kerouac, ?On The Road? also stars Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen, and Garrett Hedlund.
Judge Refuses To Reduce Music Downloading Fine For Student!
They try and make examples of people, and claim outlandish damages, when in reality they're not solving the problem what-so-ever.
Joel Tenenbaum, a 28-year-old student who just graduated from a Boston University grad program, knows all about this.
He [...]
Monday, May 21, 2012
'Breaking Bad' Coming Back July 15
Final season starts with eight new episodes this summer and ends with eight more next summer.
By Kara Warner
Bryan Cranston in "Breaking Bad"
Photo: AMC
AMC announced its summer programming lineup Monday (May 21), and the highlight is undoubtedly the news that we'll be seeing Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) sooner rather than later. The expectedly explosive fifth and final season of "Breaking Bad" will premiere Sunday, July 15, at 10 p.m., starting with eight all-new episodes and ending with eight more next summer.
The highly anticipated news has been met with ecstatic reactions among the show's obsessive fanbase, particularly via a few dedicated celebrity fans like "Parks and Recreation" star and general funnyman Aziz Ansari.
"BREAKING BAD IS BACK JULY 15TH! F--- YES," he tweeted, an enthusiastic reaction that fellow fan John Legend shared and then expressed with a retweet of Ansari's excited sentiments.
Aside from the news about the premiere date, we don't know a whole lot about the final season of the Emmy-winning drama. We know it will be 16 episodes long, split into eight-episode runs with the second half airing in summer 2013, and we know that Walter White went darker than ever before at the end of season four. In addition, we got a nice video teaser of what to expect from the plot via the stars themselves recently, which included some thoughtful and crafty hints from Aaron Paul. All signals point to the fact that the show will not disappoint with regard to the "dark" and "dangerous" factors, and we wouldn't expect anything less.
In addition to the "Breaking Bad" news, AMC also announced the debut of its newest unscripted series, "Small Town Security," on Sunday, July 15, at 11 p.m. ET and the season-two premiere of the epic western "Hell on Wheels" Sunday, August 12, at 9 p.m. ET.
Usher Keeps It Smooth On 'Saturday Night Live'
Plus Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake and others make special cameos in the show's 100th Digital Short segment.
By James Dinh
Usher on "Saturday Night Live"
Photo: NBC
Exactly one month before his new album, Looking 4 Myself, hits shelves, the wheels of Usher's promotional wagon gained momentum when the entertainer provided America with a set of contrasting performances and chuckles during this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" episode, which was hosted by "SNL" alum Will Ferrell.
Rocking simple black jeans, a jacket and tee, and a faux hawk, Ursh looked vibrant and energetic as he performed his brand-new single "Scream." Unlike previous expertly choreographed numbers for his dance tunes, the sunglass-donning singer showed off minimal, but nonetheless slick, moves, while his band and two backup singers filled his Studio 8 back stage.
"We at it again, 'SNL,' and this time we going to make you scream," he told the crowd at the start of the energetic cut.
His second performance was for the Diplo-produced cut "Climax," during which the singer showed off his sensual and smooth side. Clearing the area of his accompanying singers, Usher made his smooth falsetto the forefront of the number. It was a simple, authentic rendition of the hit song that was essential proof of his multi-faceted vocal talents.
In addition to his set of performances, the ATL singer appeared alongside Ferrell in the "2012 Funkytown Debate" skit, in which he played a character named Galactic Fantastic. Dressed in some sparkling duds and an oversized afro, the R&B entertainer played a wacky sidekick who brought in his singing voice to support Farrell's side of the grooving song debate.
Usher got even more airtime when he was joined by Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Michael Bolton, Will Ferrell and Natalie Portman, who all made cameos in the episode's special 100th Digital Short. Paying tribute to some of the most popular Shorts like "Di-- in a Box" and "Shy Ronnie," Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and the Biebs most fittingly put on a big-time celebration with accompanying jingle. It was an all-star affair and brought back some major giggles — especially when JT and Portman reprised their original Short roles.
To add to the night's surprises, Liam Neeson popped up during a "Weekend Update" segment for the Nicolas Cage parody "Get in the Cage." Neeson's upcoming summer flick "Battleship" was the main topic of conversation, with Samberg, as Cage, asking his usual "How am I not in that movie?!" Samberg went on to babble jealous nonsense about Neeson's other flicks in his spot-on Cage impersonation.
Like last week's musical guest Rihanna, Mr. Raymond's gig on the late-night sketch show marks his third appearance. And it's one of the many stops that the singer will make to promote his upcoming project. He's set to kick off the "Today" show's summer concert series on Friday, perform at the Billboard Music Awards on May 20 and head overseas for Capital FM's Summertime Ball 2012 in London in early June.
Mick Jagger will perform double duty as host and musical guest on next week's "Saturday Night Live" season finale.
What did you think of Usher's "SNL" performances? Sound off below.