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| Miley Cyrus Has Beef With Radiohead
March 5, 2009 at 12:49 pm
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| The teen queen's still mad that the Brits didn't want to meet her at the Grammys.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Miley Cyrus
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images Miley Cyrus can probably meet anyone she wants to these days. She has a hit TV show, a few hit movies under her belt, and she is the face of the Disney Teen Queen generation. But there is one group of guys that aren't having any of it: Despite Miley's best efforts last month at the Grammy Awards to get some face time with Radiohead, she failed miserably. "I'm like, these are the people I really want to meet," Miley said on the Johnjay & Rich morning radio show on Tuesday. "I'd freak out. They're my rock gods. These are the only people I would cry over." The 16-year-old pop star tried to use her people to make it happen when they were all at the February 8 awards show. "[I told my manager], 'Pull as many strings.' My manger asked and said, 'Miley's really obsessed.' And they were like, 'We don't really do that.' " Her disappointment was especially hard because "they're the reason I love music," she said. "Just to say you don't really do that — it's not like I was going to bring my crew. I had already texted all my friends that my life will be complete [if I got to meet them]. "We were all freaking out," she recalled, saying their snub was "obnoxious." "This is someone I would cry over." Devastated, Cyrus didn't even stick around to see Thom Yorke and crew perform during the show. "I left 'cause I was so upset. I wasn't going to watch. Stinkin' Radiohead!" she said. "I'm gonna ruin them, I'm going to tell everyone." Not all of Miley's celebrity encounters have been bad. "Fergie was the coolest," she said, adding that she was equally impressed by encounters with Paul McCartney, Chris Martin and the Kings of Leon. Related Artists |
| Chris Brown/ Rihanna Altercation: New Details Emerge
March 5, 2009 at 12:26 pm
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| Fox 11 in Los Angeles gives graphic details of alleged assault, which it claims are from a search warrant.
By Gil Kaufman 
Rihanna and Chris Brown
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images On the same day that Chris Brown is expected in court in Los Angeles over his alleged February 8 assault on Rihanna, the city's Fox 11 News released what it claims are details of the search warrant in the case. According to Fox, the warrant provides details on the alleged altercation. The warrant reportedly says that Rihanna and Brown were driving in his rented Lamborghini when Rihanna read him a three-page text message from an unidentified woman. An argument reportedly ensued. The report alleges that Brown tried to force Rihanna out of the car, but could not move her because she was wearing a seat belt. TMZ reported that Brown then allegedly shoved Rihanna's head against the passenger window and, when she turned to face him, then allegedly struck her several times while driving, according to the search warrant. The alleged assault resulted in Rihanna's blood splattering on the interior of the car and her dress. At some point during the alleged altercation, Rihanna reportedly called one of her assistants and told her to call police, saying "I am on my way home. Make sure the cops are there when I get there," to which Brown allegedly replied, "You just did the stupidest thing ever. I'm going to kill you." TMZ reported that Brown allegedly told Rihanna, "I'm going to beat the sh-- out of you when we get home. You wait and see." The site also reported that during the fight, Brown allegedly continued to punch Rihanna, bit her on the ear and her fingers, and put her in a headlock, almost causing her to lose consciousness. The alleged verbal threats led to Brown's arrest on the night of the Grammy Awards on suspicion of criminal threats; he was released on $50,000 bail and could be arraigned on Thursday (March 5). While Rihanna has never been identified as the victim in the case by police, a number of media outlets have said she was the woman with whom police allege Brown had an altercation; TMZ released a photo of a battered-looking Rihanna late last month. Brown said he was "sorry and saddened" by the alleged incident, but has not made any further comments regarding what happened that night and his spokespeople have not returned calls for comment. Rihanna issued a statement saying she is "doing well" and thanked fans for their support. Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Adele Apologizes For Snubbing Justin Timberlake At Grammys
March 5, 2009 at 11:42 am
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| British soul singer talks about her failed encounters with JT and Etta James.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Adele arrives to the Grammy Awards
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images Most young ladies would kill for the opportunity to meet Justin Timberlake. Little do they know that all they really have to do is win a Grammy, and he'll come to them. If only Best New Artist winner Adele had known that the night of the Grammy Awards last month, then maybe she wouldn't have snubbed him when he came to congratulate her. "In the hallway, after I'd won two Grammys, he grabbed me and he's like, 'Congratulations,' " she told People. "I was so totally overwhelmed about the Grammys that I didn't even realize it was Justin. Then, 10 yards down the huge hallway in the Staples Center, I just heard this huge scream and realized I was screaming my head off." Nearly a month after the incident, Adele hopes that Justin somehow finds her apology. "Justin, I love you, and I'm really sorry ... for making it seem like I didn't want to meet you," Adele added. "I really did — and I don't think we can ever be friends because you're just too much. You're too good!" Adele also found herself star-struck when she was in the presence of her idol, Etta James, last September at the Fashion Rocks concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall. "She's tiny," Adele said. "I love her. She's so glamorous. She looked amazing." Adele wanted to say hi to James, but she was scared of getting snubbed. "I couldn't say hello," she told People. "In case she said, 'Get out of my face!' I've heard she's a bit of a madam. But she can be, because she's the best singer alive." Lucky for Adele, she'll have another chance to talk to her idol in June. "I'm [playing] the Hollywood Bowl. I was doing it on my own, but now we're co-headlining together," she said. "She's my favorite singer. It's amazing. I'm so excited." In the interview, Adele's also insisted that despite her retro style, she's quite different from fellow British songstress Amy Winehouse. "Amy is a true phenomenon," she said. "When Amy was big in America, me and Duffy were blowing up in England, and I think it made the journey over a bit smoother [for us]. "I think Amy is hardcore," she added. "I think Duffy is really soft — she's got the pinup look going on. She's a proper lady. I think I'm really contemporary. And I'm just really mouthy!" Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Wild-Card Contestants Announced
March 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
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| Judges pick Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Tatiana Del Toro, others to try for the top 12 one more time
By Gil Kaufman 
Anoop Desai performs on "American Idol" on Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Photo: FOX This time, America didn't vote, the judges did, and the wild-card round will see the return of such favorites as Matt Giraud, Megan Joy Corkrey, Anoop Desai and drama magnet Tatiana Del Toro. Sadly, MTV favorite Nick "Normund Gentle" Mitchell will have to go it alone. His histrionic joking didn't charm the judges enough to include him among the eight wild-carders who will give it another go on Thursday night (March 5). Following Wednesday night's elimination round, which sent Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Nuñez into the top 12, the judges took turns picking the returning singers who will fight it out for the final three stools in the top 12. "Historically, this process enabled people like Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken to make it into the 12," Simon Cowell said, explaining why the judge-certified round was brought back after a four-season absence. "If we didn't have a wild-card pick they wouldn't have made it," Cowell said. "Certain people we think made stupid song choices, or they were just in a tough group, so we totally, totally support this system. I think it's fair, and it gives somebody, a few people, a second shot. And you know what? One of these wild-card picks could actually win this show." The picks were a team effort, and Cowell said that even during the final break before the announcement, they changed their minds once again. Randy Jackson had the first pick, choosing the "really, really talented" Von Smith, who had been eliminated just one segment earlier. Kara DioGuardi waved over someone she said had good commercial potential: Jasmine Murray, who DioGuardi said had to "kill" the judges with her vocals this time around. Paula Abdul went with Ricky Braddy, who was eliminated in the first round, and Cowell brought back Megan Joy Corkrey, who he said was one of the judges' favorites all along. "I am going to be myself and sing my heart out," Corkrey promised. Jackson kicked off the second group of four with one of the most surprising selection, which Jackson said had kept the judges up "day and night": drama queen Tatiana Del Toro, whose wild antics ended up overshadowing her singing skills. True to her nature, Del Toro burst into tears and was breathless upon getting the news, crying, "I want this so much, and this means so much to me, and I worked so hard to be here." Then came Matt Giraud, who promised to "bring it," and a last-minute selection, another bluesy belter, Minnesota's Jesse Langseth. Cowell left "one of the easiest decisions out of the eight" for last: Anoop Desai, whom he called original, likable and talented. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
| Eminem's Relapse Set For May Release
March 5, 2009 at 10:12 am
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| Second album, Relapse 2, will drop later in the year.
By Shaheem Reid 
Eminem
Photo: Universal Does Eminem know how to make a comeback or does he know how to make a comeback? He's giving his patient fans more than what they bargained for. Interscope Records announced Thursday (March 5) that Slim Shady is dropping two albums this year, Relapse and Relapse 2. The first LP has been slated for May 19, with a single and video premiering on radio and television airwaves on April 7. It sounds like this record will be in addition to "Crack a Bottle," which has already gone #1. The video for that hit should drop soon. Relapse 2 doesn't have a release date yet, but in a statement, Em said that he's currently in the studio working on that project and it will come out in the second half of this year. "A lot of people were expecting Relapse to drop last year," Eminem said in the press release. "I was one of them. Then Dre and I went back in the studio in September for a few days, and that turned into six months. We were on such a roll; we wound up with a ton of new music produced by Dre. Putting out Relapse 2 will let everyone get all of the best stuff." It's been more than four years since Em's last solo LP, Encore. Verses, let alone full songs, from the acclaimed star have been sparse. Last year, Em dropped a freestyle called "I'm Having a Relapse" while promoting his autobiography, "Eminem: The Way I Am." The rhymes were crisp and let everyone know he wasn't missing a step. Besides re-emerging as an artist, the Detroit rap legend will have his hands full as an executive this year. 50 Cent told MTV News last week that he plans to put out his Before I Self Destruct album this summer on the heels of Relapse. 50 said he was waiting for Dr. Dre to finish up with Em so they could complete work on Self Destruct. Interscope didn't clarify what the announcement of Relapse 2 might mean for the release of Dre's upcoming Detox. Several unfinished tracks from Dre's record have leaked over the past few weeks. A handful of the bootlegged songs feature T.I. referencing vocals for the Doc. Eminem will have some stiff competition on May 19: That's the same day Lil Wayne is scheduled to release his rock-oriented Rebirth album. Related Artists |
| Chris Brown Due In Court Today
March 5, 2009 at 9:30 am
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| Singer slated to be arraigned for alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna.
By Gil Kaufman 
Chris Brown
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images Nearly a month after he allegedly got into an altercation with girlfriend Rihanna that resulted in his arrest, Chris Brown is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles court on Thursday (March 5) to be arraigned in the case. TMZ reported on Wednesday that the Los Angeles district attorney had received the case from the Los Angeles Police Department. Unidentified sources told the site that the DA was preparing to review the criminal threats allegation and possibly file additional or different charges against the 19-year-old singer, including felony domestic battery. Brown is expected to appear in court for the arraignment, and TMZ reported that even if Rihanna — who reportedly reunited with Brown over the weekend at a mansion owned by Diddy in Miami — refuses to cooperate with prosecutors, the DA's office has evidence beyond the disturbing photo of a battered Rihanna that was leaked several weeks ago. On Wednesday night, "Extra" ran footage of what the show said was the bloodstained Lamborghini in which the altercation allegedly took place. TMZ reported that according to unnamed sources, on the night of the alleged attack — during which Brown is alleged to have bitten Rihanna on the arm and hand and struck her face — Rihanna told police that Brown had been violent to her in the past and that the attacks were getting "more violent" as time went on, a pattern that domestic-violence experts have told MTV News is not unusual in such cases. According to E! Online, Brown's attorneys are in negotiations with the DA's office about a possible plea deal that would allow the singer to get probation in the case rather than jail time over the alleged February 8 assault. The site reported that an unnamed source said Brown's high-powered attorney, Mark Geragos, was seen meeting with prosecutors earlier in the week and that the lawyers were discussing a deal that would allow Brown to avoid jail time if he pleads guilty to a misdemeanor. Spokespeople for Brown and Rihanna have not returned calls or e-mails requesting comment on the matter, and the DA's office could not be reached for comment at press time. A possible factor that could derail the case is Rihanna's recent reunion with Brown, E! reported. "They have a victim who's back together with her alleged attacker, and some conflicting statements from each side," an unnamed source told the site. "It's not the slam dunk they hoped it would be." But criminal-defense attorney Daniel Perlman, who is not working on the case, pointed out that prosecutors routinely take domestic-violence cases to trial even after an alleged victim has taken back previous statements. "It happens all the time and does not deter prosecutors," Perlman told the site. "Here, she was clearly injured, and there is enough evidence to proceed with or without her cooperation." E! also reported that among the evidence turned over to prosecutors in the case is a "bloodstained Gucci gown" identified as the one Rihanna wore to Clive Davis' annual Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly Hilton, which the couple attended just hours before the alleged incident. "The police took Rihanna's dress into evidence because it had bloodstains on it," an unnamed source close to the investigation said. The site also reported that hours after the alleged attack, the LAPD filed an emergency protective order at Rihanna's request, which barred Brown from having contact with her. The order, which an attorney said is standard practice in domestic-violence cases, reportedly expired five days later. Go here for domestic violence resources. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Recap: Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Jorge Nunez Clinch Top 12 Spots
March 5, 2009 at 9:09 am
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| Von Smith, Anoop Desai, Tatiana Del Toro included in wild-card round.
By Gil Kaufman 
Lil Rounds performs on "American Idol" on Wednesday
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images/ Fox "American Idol" producers dispensed with some of the drama right off the bat Wednesday night, when host Ryan Seacrest waved early favorite Lil Rounds over to the top 12 without the usual nail-biting suspense. Rounds got the nod near the top of the last one-hour audience-voted elimination show before the finals begin next week. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!," Rounds shouted before reprising her flawless take on Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You." The news was not great for Arianna Afsar, who got slammed Tuesday night for her dull arrangement of ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All"; Taylor Vaifanua, who got a mixed vote from the judges for her rendition of Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You," and geeky growler Alex Wagner-Trugman. That left Texas girl Kendall Beard and the show's first legally blind piano-prodigy, Scott MacIntyre, fighting for the night's second spot. MacIntyre took the prize after his rendition of the 1980s soft-rock classic "Mandolin Rain" by Bruce Hornsby and the Range got the judges hyped again about his prospects. Before learning their fate, the finalists sang a cringe-worthy version of Katy Perry's "Hot N' Cold" and executed some of the most awkward choreography in "Idol" history while seated on a series of semicircular couches. The ax continued to fall fast and heavy, as karaoke hostess Kristen McNamara, done in by a growly, somewhat messy cover of Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason," was sent packing. Flair-tastic drama king Nathaniel Marshall, who crashed and burned with his brash take on Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)," flamed out in what Simon Cowell said was an entertaining, but ultimately "excruciating" performance. They had fast company. Felicia Barton, called back when Joanna Pacitti was disqualified, had wowed the judges and seemed to rise like a phoenix with a strong performance of Alicia Keys' "No One." Still, it was ultimately not good enough to get her in. And Von Smith's quavering take on Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need to Get By" earned him some Clay Aiken comparisons, but, alas, not a spot on the big show. That left smooth singer Ju'Not Joyner and funky bilingual crooner Jorge Nuñez standing center stage, waiting to hear who would take the final audience-voted spot in the top 12. Though Joyner got plenty of props for his soulful take on the Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah," it was Nuñez's powerful performance of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" that won the day, probably the result of some extra audience love thanks to the tears he shed when the judges rained praise on him on Tuesday. Shortly after those three made the cut, the judges unveiled the eight wild-card round contestants who will vie for the final three spots in the top 12 on Thursday night (March 5): Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy, Megan Joy Corkrey, Tatiana Del Toro, Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth and Anoop Desai. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
| Chris Brown Arraignment Postponed Until April
March 5, 2009 at 7:56 am
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| Brown didn't enter a plea on two felony counts; Rihanna officially identified as the victim in the case.
By James Montgomery 
Chris Brown appears in court on Thursday
Photo: Getty Images/Pool Chris Brown appeared at Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday (March 5) but did not enter a plea on two felony counts of assault and making criminal threats, stemming from his alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna on February 8. Rather, at the request of attorney Mark Geragos, Brown was granted a continuance in the case, meaning his arraignment has been pushed back until April 6. Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, was also present in the courtroom, and he provided the proceeding's most noteworthy moment — announcing in open court that he was representing "the victim, Robyn 'Rihanna' Fenty." As early as this morning, when the Los Angeles District Attorney's office officially charged Brown with the two felony counts, the identity of the female victim in the case had yet to be formally revealed. The DA's statement did not identify her, nor did an affidavit by the LAPD, which referred to the victim only as "Robyn F." After granting Brown's continuance request, the judge ordered the 19-year-old singer "not to annoy, harass, molest, threaten or use force or violence against anyone," before asking Geragos if there were a "no-contact order" in place, to which he replied, "Miss Fenty does not request such an order." Outside the courtroom, Etra told E! News that Rihanna did not need a no-contact order and that the 21-year-old singer "is doing well, and she is making sure her rights are protected at every stage of the proceedings. ... What will happen to Chris Brown is up to the district attorney in court." If Brown is convicted on the felony charges, his sentence could range from probation to up to four years in prison, CNN quoted the DA's office as saying. Neither Brown nor Geragos made any statements to the media while at the courthouse. Brown arrived in a black SUV just before 3:30 p.m. PT, flanked by a pair of security guards and his attorney. As they made their way into the building, they were surrounded by throngs of photographers and camera crews, while sign-carrying protesters milled about on the sidewalk. Go here for domestic-violence resources, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Taylor Swift Gets Her 'CSI' Cameo -- But Does She Die?
March 5, 2009 at 7:50 am
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| The singer, whose guest-starring episode airs Thursday, says her 'dream' is to die on the show.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Taylor Swift in "CSI: Las Vegas"
Photo: CBS Taylor Swift has always dreamed of dying on "CSI." The girl is admittedly obsessed with the show. "I'm so excited, because I'm going to freak out and probably cry when I meet all my favorite characters," she told CBS News before filming her cameo. "I'm so excited [for it], and I can't wait." In the episode, which airs Thursday (March 5) at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, Swift plays Haley Jones, a teen whose parents own a seedy, murder-ridden motel. The episode follows Haley over a course of a year and ends with tragic consequences. The show's look and editing have always intrigued Swift, a longtime "CSI" fan. "With 'CSI: Las Vegas,' it kind of pairs up all of the things that I'm obsessed with, other than music," she said about her passion for video editing. "When I see really cool editing and really cool effects done, I admire it, and I like to go back and watch it again." The self-proclaimed "geek," added, "I also love the whole crime-scene aspect of it, of figuring things out and analyzing." Although all anyone knows is that the episode will be tragic in some way, there's no word on whether Swift's character will live or die. If Swift has her way, she certainly would prefer death. "I've always joked around with my record label and my mom and everybody — all my friends know that my dream is to die on 'CSI,' " she said. "I've always wanted to be one of the characters on there that they're trying to figure out what happened to." Related Artists |
| Cam'ron's Plan For 2009: Release Three Albums, Two Movies
March 5, 2009 at 7:50 am
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| Beginning with Crime Pays, Killa's making up for his hiatus.
By Shaheem Reid 
Cam'ron
Photo: MTV News Cam'ron is making up for lost time. Though he was on a two-year hiatus from making music to take care of his mother after she suffered a series of strokes, Killa did do some work, making over 100 songs with his new team of producers and up-and-coming MCs. And he's made almost that many more since deciding to come back late last year. In 2009, he has a full year of releases scheduled. The first week in July will see a mini-movie called "The Bakery," which is an offshoot of the video intro he shot for "I Used to Get It in Ohio." Cam's movie "Killa Season 2" will be released in October, and the soundtrack drops in September. Then there's another separate album slated for December. All that will be preceded by the May 5 release of his LP Crime Pays. (Read what Cam had to say about the possibility of future Diplomats projects here.) "It's one CD, 25 songs," Cam told MTV News. "Pretty much [it'd be] a double album if we had time to do it. ... A few records that are concept records. A few records that's gangsta stuff. It's an '09 Cam album. I got about two samples. I didn't use a lot of samples. A lot of original beats, a lot of concepts. I don't know my favorite song, because I got a lot of songs I really like. My favorite song this week is the 'Crime Pays' song I did." On that record, Cam gives the youth a financial reality check. It starts off with a child talking about what he wants to be when he grows up. "Then I rap telling the rest of the students, 'You wanna be a police officer, but you say you want a Ferrari. That doesn't make sense. That's not adding up,' " the Harlem King further revealed. "Or this person saying they wanna be a lifeguard and have a mansion in France. That's kinda what the song 'Crime Pays' is about. If I'm in the car listening to stuff [from my album], that's the song I listen to two or three times before I go into the next song." One of the album's tracks, "Cookies and Apple Juice," was recently leaked with other Crime Pays records, including "I Hate My Job" and "Cookin' Up." "Everybody called my phone. I got a bunch of calls from my people in Ohio and Chicago, and they was like, they heard it," Killa said of "Cookies and Apple Juice." "I'm like, 'Where did you hear that at?' It's just a song we did. We was playing around with it. My man Skitzo did the beat and the chorus. He said, 'Cam, you don't really do beats like this,' trying to bait me. I went there and did it in like 10 minutes. I put my homegirl that I'm dealing with, Bird Lady from Harlem. We did that song in like 20, 25 minutes. To keep it 100, my man did the beat, and I fed off of that." Cam's mom is doing fine, by the way. She's healthy enough to be back in her old stomping grounds of Harlem. Related Artists |
| Jonas Brothers Move On To Album, Tour After TV Show Wraps
March 5, 2009 at 7:50 am
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| 'We have a lot of things in the pipeline,' Kevin says of the group's busy schedule.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Jonas Brothers
Photo: MTV News The Jonas Brothers are close to wrapping up production on their upcoming Disney Channel show "JONAS," which should be helpful, considering the laundry list of other projects the guys expect to tackle in the next few months. "Before the TV show comes out, we have our tickets for our tour going on sale. We have the [TV] show in May, then the album, then the tour," Kevin said of the guys' very busy schedules. "So we have a lot of things in the pipeline. But things are looking fun right now." Joe was quick to point out that before all that goes down, "We have, like, a week left of the television [show]," he said of the shooting schedule. "It's, like, one and a half weeks." The Jonas Brothers are professionals, but they're used to the musical side of things — and the guys still have a lot to learn when it comes to acting. "We're all new actors, and we're trying to learn as much as we can just about the whole experience," Nick said. "It's very different than everything we've done before." Thankfully for the guys, they aren't learning the craft of acting in front of a live studio audience. "There's not so much pressure with the whole memorizing scripts right away, 'cause it's a single-camera show," Joe said, with Nick chiming in, "Like a movie." "If there's a live audience there, there's a little more pressure to have your lines down, 'cause it's a little different, and it's filmed as if you filmed a Broadway show almost," Joe added. "[With our show,] if you mess up, you can go, 'OK, let's do it again.' You can have, like, 72 takes, and you're good." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Pussycat Dolls On Joining Britney Spears' 'Amazing' Circus
March 5, 2009 at 7:06 am
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| 'It's a perfect match, really,' Doll Ashley Roberts says of the PCD/ Britney Spears live bill.
By James Montgomery 
Photo: MTV News NEW ORLEANS — Opening for Britney Spears on her Circus tour would be a daunting task for anyone. But for the Pussycat Dolls, performing each night on Brit's massive in-the-round stage presents one rather unique challenge: "You always wanna stay connected to the audience. That's why we're here, for the fans. So it's hard, because when you're on one side, your butt cheeks are facing everyone else. And when you go to another part of the circle, then your back is against someone else," PCD's Nicole Scherzinger laughed. "So you constantly wanna keep it moving and be able to spread the love everywhere, even though your backside is to some of the people." And that's tougher than you would imagine. Still, the Dolls pulled it off on the opening night of Britney's Circus tour, managing to spread the love everywhere while still showing off the goods. That is pretty amazing, considering that less than 24 hours prior they were wrapping up the first leg of their own Doll Domination Tour half a world away. "We just came back from Serbia," Scherzinger sighed. "We finished our leg of our tour — which is completely the opposite of this — and just landed last night. So we're still working ... just working everything out. It's pretty unbelievable." "I used to dance for the Miami Heat, and we had to perform in big arenas, so I've done stuff like this before," Doll Jessica Sutta added. "But the first day is so ... it's so dizzying. The key is, you just have to find the focusing point — so you don't throw up." And let the record state that no one in PCD threw up on opening night, which automatically qualifies it as a smashing success. And it'll only get better from here, as the Dolls say they're going to work their new version of "Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)" — the Oscar-winning tune from "Slumdog Millionaire" — into upcoming stops on Britney's tour. So fans heading out to dates might wanna get there a little earlier — the Dolls are far from just your average opening act. "This whole show is amazing ... it's a perfect match, really," Doll Ashley Roberts said. "Britney Spears is truly a Pussycat Doll, and she's an icon and she's someone I have watched and always looked up to, as a triple-threat entertainer. So it's a perfect match — PCD and Britney Spears, in the circus." Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Hopeful Scott MacIntyre Defends Seacrest's High-Five
March 5, 2009 at 6:36 am
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| 'I thought it was so funny, because it's happened to me my whole life,' singer says of the host's blunder.
By Katie Byrne 
Scott MacIntyre during the live elimination show of American Idol on Wednesday
Photo: F Micelotta/Getty Images for Fox Scott MacIntyre's story has touched many "American Idol" viewers, but his talent has been just as inspirational. The visually impaired 23-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, sang Bruce Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain" to earn a spot in this season's top 12, alongside Lil Rounds and Jorge Nuñez. We caught up with the singer/songwriter to talk about his awkward high-five with Ryan Seacrest, why he can't wait to get back behind a piano and more. Q: You and Ryan re-enacted your high-five incident from the audition round on Tuesday's performance show. Does that mean he's off the hook? A: I'm the last person that would ever be offended by that, and I thought it was so funny, because it's happened to me my whole life. People try to wave to me and I don't see it, or they try to high-five me. I had one guy try to give me a fist pound one time back in AZ, and he tried for, like, five minutes. It was a long time before I figured out what he was doing. I love Ryan. He's an awesome guy. He actually did the right thing, and he grabbed my hand and he did it again. I thought everyone would be wondering about it, so I had to return the favor. Q: The judges have consistently said how excited they are to see you back behind a piano. How important is that to you, as an artist? A: That is the entire reason I'm here, and I've said that from the very beginning. ... My heart in doing this and my reason, musically, for coming to the audition, other than to share my story and touch people through music and hopefully inspire everyone who watches, I can do that best when I'm singing from a piano. It's not that it's a substitute or takes away from my vocal presentation, because you really hurt yourself if you end up hiding behind an instrument on this show, but it's another layer of how I can exteriorize my emotions and just everything I'm feeling. I can really emote when I'm sitting at the piano, because my fingers just do their own thing, and then I'm telling the story, and it's where I write music. It's where all my magical moments happen, musically. Next week, I'm so excited to be able to start showing America bits and pieces of who I really am. Because a few clips have been seen of me at a keyboard during Hollywood Week, but it's only the tip of the iceberg. There's so much more I want to share. It means everything to me to be in the top 12, but especially to be coming back, hopefully with a grand piano. Q: How did you feel about Simon criticizing the lyrics of the song you chose? A: I didn't hear what he was saying at first, and I actually had an answer for that. It was probably good I didn't interrupt him anyways, because he went on to say something very positive. The lyrics of the Bruce Hornsby song, first of all, they are great lyrics, and Simon needs to get with it. [Laughs.] Bruce Hornsby's amazing, and I love Simon to death, but I chose that song because it's the only song I know that talks about listening. You know, "Listen to the mandolin rain." Listening to people's hearts break, listening to the tears roll. Listening is such a big part of my world, I thought it was the perfect song to start off this whole live venture. Q: On the results show, fellow semifinalist Kendall Beard helped you stand up when your name was called. Have all the contestants been helping you out? A: Absolutely. "Idol" has just been great about accommodating me as well. Where there have been opportunities for other contestants to step in, even though we're in this competition, I've been just so thankful for their friendship, and they've been really good about stepping in and helping out. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| 'American Idol' Finalist Lil Rounds Insists 'Simon Has A Heart!'
March 5, 2009 at 6:13 am
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| 'But if a day comes when he's like, 'Lil, that wasn't too hot,' then I'll understand,' she says of Cowell.
By Katie Byrne 
Lil Rounds performs during the live elimination show of American Idol March 4, 2009
Photo: F Micelotta/American Idol 2009/Getty Images for Fo Was there ever any doubt Lil Rounds would make it to the "American Idol" top 12? From the moment the judges were introduced to the mother of three, they were smitten with her "Fantasia-meets-Mary J. Blige" style, as Randy Jackson said. And the 23-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, secured her spot in the finals (along with Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Nuñez) by singing the Blige hit "Be Without You" on Tuesday night. We caught up with Lil to talk about her bond with Simon Cowell and what her kids have started calling her: Q: The "Idol" audience was pretty sure you would make it through to the top 12. Were you as confident? A: The whole day yesterday, I was really nervous. I felt like I did really well. I put my best foot forward, so I didn't have any regrets. I liked the fact that the judges did give me some really positive feedback, but in the end, it's still up to America. So, yes, I was really nervous. Ryan went ahead and got me out the way, thank God. [Laughs.] But when he told me to stand up, I was still a nervous wreck, and then when he said, "Congratulations," I was jumping for joy. I was really nervous, though, because you don't know what America wants until he reveals the results. It was great news. Q: Simon called you "brilliant" after your first performance. Are you happy to have him on your side? A: With Simon, I feel like he's an honest person, and I think so far, I've been staying consistent as far as going out there and putting my best foot forward and singing with heart and with feeling. What comes from the heart reaches the heart — and Simon Cowell has a heart! [Laughs.] I feel like as long as I continue to keep going out there and doing my best, he'll continue to hopefully keep telling me good things. But if a day comes when he's like, "Lil, that wasn't too hot," then I'll understand. He's gonna give his opinion regardless. Q: Have you had a chance to watch back your performance? A: I'm really my biggest critic. When I watch myself singing, I'm like, "Lil, make sure you hit that note!" "Lil, make sure you smile!," even though it's already happened. Q: What has the experience been like for your husband and kids? A: My husband, right after they showed my audition, he started getting noticed a lot. He said he had different people come up to him, and they're like, "Oh, my God, we saw your wife! We absolutely love her!" And the babies are just excited. They call me "American Idol Mama." [Laughs.] We're all happy about it. Q: What made you pick "Be Without You" for your first live performance? A: When it comes to song choice, you hear Simon and them say, "Why did you pick that song?" But me, personally, I have to go with songs that I can relate to. I really don't go with things like, "Ooh, this beat sounds cute," or things like that. I have to go with the meaning of the song, because I like to go out there and give my all, and if I'm able to relate to it and I'm feeling like I'm singing this from the heart, then you all will feel it. ... "Be Without You," I chose that song because it really does remind me of my husband, and I think about my children and my family, and I feel like people can relate to the fact that when you have loved ones, you think about how special they are to you, you don't wanna be without them. Q: Is there a celebrity mentor you would love to work with on the show? A: Stevie Wonder. I would just love to see him out there and have him even give me a couple pointers, if he wouldn't mind. I find him to be a really inspirational and inspiring man. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| GS Boyz Say There's More To Them Than 'Stanky Legg'
March 5, 2009 at 4:34 am
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| 'People think we can't rap, but we'll see about that,' Marc D says.
By Shaheem Reid 
GS Boyz
Photo: MTV News They're the G-Spot, but not the spot you're thinking about. The five members of the GS Boyz say their name doesn't stand for anything sexual. They actually came up with it at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, where they copied off of each others' tests. "That's bad, you shouldn't cheat," co-founder Keithian "Slizz" Cherry said, sitting on a car in front of Bowie. He and the guys have long since graduated but remain close with the students and faculty. "We both got 100s off of our test," he said, recalling his exploits with group member Mathew Griffith, or, as he is known onstage, Prince Charming. "He came to me and said, 'What do you think of GS [G-Spot]?' I said, 'Nah. That sounds a little X-rated.' He said, 'Nah, that's where the girls and guys kick it.' We got the fighting groups [in our school]. Everybody is trying to fight, we're just trying to have fun. Kick it." That was back in 2005, and the then-duo joined forces with Marc D (they knew him from theater-arts class) and eventually formed a trio. D (short for Dinkins) just so happened to know how to craft tracks, and produced the GS Boyz's first independent song, "Hit the G-Spot." "It was a lot of negativity — people were starting gangs, cliques. I said, 'Let's do something positive,' " Marc D recalled. "Us three came together from school." Later in 2005, GS added a singer to the equation, Decory "DK" Kenner, and in 2007 Soufside (né Telson Flowers) joined the fold. In the summer of '08, it was Soufside who actually named a dance Prince Charming was doing at his house the "Stanky Legg." Nine months later they had an Internet sensation and a regional smash that has been fast-tracked for mainstream love. Just recently Ciara appeared on Snoop Dogg's "Dogg After Dark" and told the O.G. rap vet how huge the dance was in the South, even giving the Doggfather a lesson. Soulja Boy Tell'em, who's probably had the biggest dance song of the past decade with "Crank Dat" and his Superman dance, paid homage to GS recently on YouTube by videotaping himself doing the dance to his song. The group's biggest co-sign, however, has been through Yung Joc. Joc, who knows about having a huge specialty dance record, signed GS to his Swagg Team imprint and secured a label home for them through Jive Records. "I called everybody that night," Prince said of his alert to the group members after he had a phone conversation with Joc to discuss the deal. Joc was hipped to the group's underground following by Louisiana legend DJ Bay Bay (the same spinner who inspired Hurricane Chris' "A Bay Bay.") "We met that night." GS Boyz and their "Stanky Legg" record are an integral part of what's known in Dallas as D-Town Boogie, the city's own brand of music, fashion, slang and dance. The group is gearing up to release their debut later this year. They say that even though they are blowing up with "Stanky Legg" and people might doubt they have another hit in them, the pressure isn't going to lower their morale. "When it comes to it, it's always a little pressure," Marc D said. "We don't let that get to us. We hear it all the time. We stay on our grind. We write constantly. Plus, we just don't do dance songs. People think we can't rap, but we'll see about that." Related Artists |
| Michael Jackson Announces 'Final' Concerts
March 5, 2009 at 3:45 am
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| Singer describes series of London shows in July as 'the final curtain call.'
By Gil Kaufman with Jocelyn Vena 
Michael Jackson speaks to members of the press in London on Thursday (March 5)
Photo: Tim Whitby/Getty Images Michael Jackson announced on Thursday (March 5) that he will play what he described as a "final curtain call" via a series of shows at London's O2 Arena this summer. Taking the stage in one of his signature quasi-military outfits at a podium that read, "King of Pop Michael Jackson: This Is It," the singer told the assembled media and cheering crowd, "This is it! I just want to say these will be my final shows, performances in London ... When I say this is it, it really means, this is it," according to CNN. Jackson promised to perform "the songs my fans want to hear" and promised again that "this is the final curtain call. I'll see you in July." The troubled pop singer, who has made few public appearances since his acquittal on child-molestation charges in 2005, is slated to play a 10-show run at the venue that will kick off on July 8. It was unclear at press time whether the singer meant the shows will be his final appearances in London, or that he's retiring from performing. The event, which came complete with its own Twitter page, reportedly drew thousands of fans to watch the press conference, many carrying banners and signs in support of the singer, whose star has dimmed considerably since his heyday in the 1980s and early 1990s. Though details about the event have been kept under wraps and because Jackson was predictably late (90 minutes by some reports), the posters hyping the shows that went up around London on Thursday began leaking onto the Web well before the announcement. Before leaving the stage, he told the excited crowd, "I love you. I really do, from the bottom of my heart." Related Artists |
| Chris Brown Charged With Felony Assault, Making Criminal Threats
March 5, 2009 at 3:45 am
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| Felony counts, in connection with alleged Rihanna altercation, could land Brown in jail for up to seven years.
By Gil Kaufman 
Chris Brown
Photo: Gareth Cattermole/ Getty Images The Los Angeles District Attorney's office charged Chris Brown with felony assault and a felony count of making criminal threats in connection with his alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna on February 8, according to a statement released by the office. The charges, which came during an arraignment Thursday (March 5) in Los Angeles, could land the 19-year-old singer in jail for up to seven years, according to CNN. Brown is officially charged with one count each of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury and making criminal threats. "R&B singer Chris Brown was charged by the District Attorney's office today with felony counts of assault and making criminal threats in connection with a February incident in which his girlfriend allegedly was physically attacked," the statement reads, not naming Rihanna as the victim, per department policy on such domestic-violence matters — although it later refers to the victim as "Robyn F." Rihanna's given name is Robyn Fenty. The case file says the alleged crime occurred "on or between" February 7 and February 8, "when the defendant and the victim, identified only as Robyn F., were driving to a residence in the Hancock Park [Los Angeles] area." Brown and Rihanna are alleged to have gotten into a heated argument after leaving the annual Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala on February 7; neither artist attended the Grammys the next night, where both were scheduled to perform and both were up for awards. According to a copy of the sworn police statement used to build the case — put together from text-message and cell phone records from the night in question — CNN reported that the argument was reportedly sparked when the victim found a text on Brown's phone from "a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with." Earlier Thursday, Fox 11 News in Los Angeles and TMZ.com released what were claimed to be details of the search warrant in the case. The warrant reportedly says that Rihanna and Brown were driving in his rented Lamborghini when Rihanna read him a three-page text message from the unidentified woman. An argument reportedly ensued. The report alleges that Brown tried to force Rihanna out of the car, shoved Rihanna's head against the passenger window, struck her several times, bit her and and put her in a headlock, nearly causing her to lose consciousness. The CNN report claims that, according to the statement, Brown "continued to punch her in the face with his right hand while steering the vehicle with his left hand." After Rihanna reportedly bent over and tried to protect her face from Brown's punches, he allegedly continued to strike her and throw her cell phone out of the car window when she attempted to call one of her personal assistants. Brown is scheduled to appear at an arraignment after 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court; he remains free on $50,000 bail following his arrest on suspicion of making criminal threats. Brown's attorneys were reportedly working on a plea agreement in the days leading up to the charges. The couple reportedly reconciled last weekend at a home owned by Diddy in Miami, but Rihanna is reported to have cooperated with police in the initial investigation into the incident, which reportedly left her with serious contusions on her head, bruising on her face and bite marks on her hand and arm. Go here for domestic-violence resources, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. [This story was originally published at 1:41 pm E.T. on 03.05.2009] Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Miley Cyrus Plays Armchair 'American Idol' Judge
March 5, 2009 at 2:47 am
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| Cyrus gives her assessment of Kara DioGuardi, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Miley Cyrus
Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images Miley Cyrus is on the fence about whether new "American Idol" judge Kara DioGaurdi really adds anything to the show. Cyrus, who said that she has worked with DioGuardi in the past, said she loves the songwriter as a person but applies an old adage to the show's panel. "I like Kara, 'cause me and Kara have worked together before, so I personally like her, but if it's not broke don't fix it," she said on the syndicated "Johnjay and Rich" radio show (where she also talked about her beef with Radiohead). "But I think she did a good job. I don't go either way." Cyrus did note that DioGaurdi brings a songwriter's perspective to the competition. "I know she's super talented, and I think they needed a writer/producer. She's just an amazing writer." She noted that because only a handful of "Idol" contestants, like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, have gone on to become huge superstars, DioGuardi might be able to help contestants step up their game. "If they pick someone [on the show], she can make them a great record." Cyrus also gave her expert opinions on some of the contestants who've made it to the top 12 so far. She said she thinks that "Twilight"-loving, musical-theater vet Adam Lambert is "a little weird," adding that he does have "good range." She is, however, a big fan of fellow big-voiced 16-year-old, Allison Iraheta. "I want her to go on tour with me!" Miley said of the flame-haired Los Angeles teen. "I think she's amazing. I think she's so cool. I'll make you an American Idol." Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Related Artists |
| Rihanna's Dad Says 'Justice Can Never Be Served'
March 5, 2009 at 2:29 am
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| 'He's in the court's hands,' Ronald Fenty says of Chris Brown.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Rihanna
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/ FilmMagic Moments after Chris Brown was charged with felony assault and making criminal threats, Rihanna's dad, Ronald Fenty, told UsMagazine.com that "justice can never be served in this situation." "I don't know how to react. Chris is a very talented guy," Fenty told the magazine. "I still think he's a little immature for Rihanna. Justice can never be served in this situation. He can't feel the pain she felt. I don't believe in hitting a woman. I hope everything works out better for them. I don't feel happy or sad. He's in the court's hands. Let justice prevail." On Thursday (March 5), Brown was charged in connection with his alleged altercation with Rihanna on February 8. If convicted, the 19-year-old singer could get up to four years in jail. "I haven't seen anything," Fenty said about the reports and rumors regarding the incident. "I hear so many things. I don't know what to believe until I see it myself. Rihanna's mother is telling me that she hasn't heard anything from [Rihanna]. She said the last she heard, Rihanna was well." He added that at this point, he has no way of reaching out to his daughter to figure out what is true and what isn't. "I don't know what to say, honest to God. I've been hearing so many stories. I don't feel any pain anymore," he said. "I've gone numb. I've heard so much. But I can't get [in touch with] her. Her mother can't get [in touch with] her. Her brother told me she changed her e-mail. Somebody has a stranglehold on her. I'm lost. "I'll text the old numbers she had, and I call them. One girl answered, and she said, 'This is not Robyn's number anymore,' " he recalled. (Rihanna's real name is Robyn Fenty.) "I asked, 'Do you work for Robyn? Do you deal with Robyn?' And the girl hung up, so I don't know what's going on anymore. I'm lost." He shared that the last time he spoke to his daughter, she said, " 'Daddy, I miss you.' And that's it. And I could not reply. I saw a number and texted back, 'I miss you too.' And I didn't get another reply from her." Despite not being in communication with her, he still supports his daughter. "Anyone in my family, I'm there for them. All of my kids, I'm there for them. Rihanna's no exception," he said. "All of them, I would support. I would tell them where they go wrong, I'd chastise them when they do sh--, but to be honest with you, they have their own life to live." He does have a message for Brown. "I would tell Chris, 'Don't ever try again, don't even think about it.' I'm hurt and disturbed at that scenario." Go here for domestic-violence resources, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists | | |  |
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