'She's very independent,' actress/singer tells MTV News of new Rapunzel.By Kara Warner
Flynn (voiced by Zachary Levi) and Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) in "Tangled"
Photo: Disney
While the fall-to-Thanksgiving film season is usually rife with Oscar bait, it's also prime time for releasing family films. One such movie is the highly anticipated "Tangled," Disney's updated and traditionally animated take on Rapunzel, starring the vocal talents of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi.
Kicking off our Fall Movie Preview, we bring you a delightful chat we had with the ever-gracious and lovely Moore, during which she discussed non-typical femmes fatales, singing in front of a 65-piece orchestra and Levi's powerful pipes.
MTV: How is Rapunzel different from the typical femme-fatale characters?
Mandy Moore: She's not the typical femme fatale or the typical Disney princess even, because: A) She doesn't know she's a princess. I think she sort of has this inkling that something isn't quite right in her life, [but] she's just really sort of motivated to find out what else is out there beyond this crazy tower she's lived in for 18 years. Having said that, she's very independent, she can take care of herself, and she's definitely come up with really entertaining ways to keep herself busy.
MTV: Is the Disney take on Rapunzel the same as the original fairy tale?
Moore: Pretty much. She has an overprotective mother who tells her she's not missing out on anything, and it's a big bad world out there and it's too scary and dangerous and she'll be eaten alive, literally, if she decides to venture out into the world.
MTV: What was your reaction to Disney changing the film's original title, in an effort to lure in more young boys?
Moore: I think I was initially a bit taken aback, only because people know the story of Rapunzel, so when you say you're working on "Rapunzel," it's sort of a no-brainer, you don't have to explain it to people. But as the title sort of sunk in, I understood the decision behind changing it. The movie is so great and so cute, and people are going to see the trailer and know what the story is about. I guess you sort of have to leave it up to the brains at the top. They know what they're doing.
MTV: What can you tell us about this particular story? Can you tease any romance?
Moore: She sort of comes face to face with this stranger who precariously ends up in her tower, and he's very handsome [and] he knows it. He's quite the ladies' man, if you will. Somehow, they get roped into going on this adventure together and start to see a different side of one another, and potentially a romance ensues. There's [also] a few musical moments.
MTV: What was that experience like, recording with legendary Disney composer Alan Menken?
Moore: That was fun. I'm definitely the quintessential girl who grew up watching "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" and the like, so it was probably one of the coolest things I've done thus far, being in the studio with Alan Menken and a 65-piece orchestra. It was such a moment in time. I kept telling myself: "Just be in the moment. Remember this. You're going to want to think about this for years to come." It was really magical and sort of everything you'd want a Disney animated experience to be. As one of the players involved, I was like, "Oh my God!" ... To watch it all come to life, because so much of your job — you're looking at storyboards, you're having things explained to you, but there's nothing tangible to see or get, it has to form in your imagination, which is one of the slightly taxing parts, but also the most fun — to get to be a kid again and go into the depths of your imagination and play around. This, being there with the orchestra and hearing the score sort of come to life and what the feel of the movie was going to be at different parts was like, "Oh, OK, now I really get what we're doing." So that was definitely a moment for me. It was the first time I met Zach [Levi].
MTV: Does Zach actually sing in the film?
Moore: He does, and he's amazing! Oh my God, we had one rehearsal before we went into the studio, and I was so interested [in him], because they wanted to cast actors in the roles who could also sing, and I had no idea that he sang, and it turns out he's like a big musical-theater nut and had that in his background. He has a beautiful voice, but he has the perfect voice for something like this. He's such a sweet guy, and he's so funny in the movie, but I think his voice will astonish people, like, "Wow, where did that come from?"
From the saucy Jessica Alba in "Little Fockers" to James Franco's grueling journey in "127 Hours," the MTV Movies team is delving into the hottest flicks of fall 2010. Check back daily for exclusive clips, photos and interviews with the films' biggest stars.
Check out everything we've got on "Tangled."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ne-Yo 'Doesn't Know What To Do' With Songs He Wrote For Michael Jackson
'I can't sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful,' the singer said.By James Dinh
Ne-Yo
Photo: Getty Images
While producer Rodney Jerkins is expecting to begin work on an album of unreleased Michael Jackson music, Ne-Yo, on the other hand, isn't sure what to do with the material he wrote for the late King of Pop before MJ's death last year. The R&B singer/songwriter told Australia's Daily Telegraph that he was sending Jackson three or four drafts a week prior to his unexpected death. More than a year later, Ne-Yo now still stands at a crossroads as he contemplates what to do with the songs he created specifically for the one and only MJ.
"I can't sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful, but I also think it might be disrespectful to bring them out myself. So I don't know, I'll sit on them and wait. It's definitely quality music but they were songs written absolutely for Michael Jackson."
According to the newspaper, Jackson hand-picked Ne-Yo as well as Black Eyed Peas producer Will.I.Am to work on his comeback album. It was only a matter of time before Ne-Yo was met face to face with his musical idol.
"I felt quite bad, as I'd allowed what the media had done to his name and image to have me thinking, 'OK, what's this about to be? Is this going to be weird?' " he recalled. "But he walked in a black suit and some sunglasses and was a genuine, nice guy. And it wasn't because he wanted something from me, he just had no reason other than to be a decent guy."
During their meeting, the duo talked about the current state of the music industry, something Ne-Yo says Jackson wasn't too pleased with. "He believed what was wrong with a lot of music today is that people aren't singing about anything. If it's not about a party or sex then it's about money, and there's not really much to that."
Ne-Yo, who has penned hits for Beyoncé and Rihanna as well as himself, explained that the entertainer wanted songs that were "melodic and meaningful." "Michael told me the melodies needed to be the ones you heard once and could sing back, and the lyrics needed to have meaning and depth," he said.
Unfortunately, Ne-Yo's submissions weren't recorded by Jackson, because the singer put his album on hold to rehearse for his This Is It concert series at London's 02 Arena before passing away.
But Ne-Yo has hope that one day he'll figure out what to do with the Jackson tracks. "Hopefully the songs will see the light of day, it just has to be the right way," he said.
What do you think Ne-Yo should do with the songs he created for Michael Jackson? Should he keep them locked up or let someone else give them a try? Let us know what you think below!
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Michael Jackson
Ne-Yo
Photo: Getty Images
While producer Rodney Jerkins is expecting to begin work on an album of unreleased Michael Jackson music, Ne-Yo, on the other hand, isn't sure what to do with the material he wrote for the late King of Pop before MJ's death last year. The R&B singer/songwriter told Australia's Daily Telegraph that he was sending Jackson three or four drafts a week prior to his unexpected death. More than a year later, Ne-Yo now still stands at a crossroads as he contemplates what to do with the songs he created specifically for the one and only MJ.
"I can't sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful, but I also think it might be disrespectful to bring them out myself. So I don't know, I'll sit on them and wait. It's definitely quality music but they were songs written absolutely for Michael Jackson."
According to the newspaper, Jackson hand-picked Ne-Yo as well as Black Eyed Peas producer Will.I.Am to work on his comeback album. It was only a matter of time before Ne-Yo was met face to face with his musical idol.
"I felt quite bad, as I'd allowed what the media had done to his name and image to have me thinking, 'OK, what's this about to be? Is this going to be weird?' " he recalled. "But he walked in a black suit and some sunglasses and was a genuine, nice guy. And it wasn't because he wanted something from me, he just had no reason other than to be a decent guy."
During their meeting, the duo talked about the current state of the music industry, something Ne-Yo says Jackson wasn't too pleased with. "He believed what was wrong with a lot of music today is that people aren't singing about anything. If it's not about a party or sex then it's about money, and there's not really much to that."
Ne-Yo, who has penned hits for Beyoncé and Rihanna as well as himself, explained that the entertainer wanted songs that were "melodic and meaningful." "Michael told me the melodies needed to be the ones you heard once and could sing back, and the lyrics needed to have meaning and depth," he said.
Unfortunately, Ne-Yo's submissions weren't recorded by Jackson, because the singer put his album on hold to rehearse for his This Is It concert series at London's 02 Arena before passing away.
But Ne-Yo has hope that one day he'll figure out what to do with the Jackson tracks. "Hopefully the songs will see the light of day, it just has to be the right way," he said.
What do you think Ne-Yo should do with the songs he created for Michael Jackson? Should he keep them locked up or let someone else give them a try? Let us know what you think below!
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Dimmu Borgir Release Live DVD; Plus Led Zeppelin, Brujeria, & More News That Rules, In Metal File
'It shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums,' guitarist says.By Chris Harris
Dimmu Borgir's Silenoz
Photo: Nuclear Blast
On October 14, Dimmu Borgir — who just happen to be Demi Lovato's favorite black-metal band — will release a a three-disc DVD/CD set called "The Invaluable Darkness," the band's first visual offering since 2002's "World Misanthropy." Boasting live footage shot last year, during gigs in Norway, Germany and England, "The Invaluable Darkness" demonstrates the unbridled furor of seeing Dimmu live, guitarist Silenoz said.
"It shows the honest rawness and atmospheric darkness of our concerts," the Norwegian told Metal File last week, after dismissing recent online rumors that his band's next LP would be coming out through Roadrunner Records. "Basically, it shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums. It's just a different side to the band, basically."
Dimmu Borgir began thinking about "The Invaluable Darkness" two years ago, but didn't start capturing footage until last summer, Silenoz explained, adding that the band will use its current stint on the Blackest of the Black Tour — which got underway Thursday night in Miami Beach, Florida, and also features the tour's founder, Danzig, along with
Moonspell, Winds of Plague and Skeletonwitch — to promote the DVD. Dimmu Borgir will not, however, use the tour to write material for their next LP.
"It's our first time on Blackest, but Glenn [Danzig] had wanted to bring us out before [on the tour], but we weren't available until now," Silenoz said. "We've done Ozzfest before, but we're looking forward to this tour more. We did the main stage on Ozzfest, playing in f--_ing broad daylight. This tour will let us play in bigger places, but at the same time showcase more of what the band's about, visually. We are going to concentrate on the tour for now. Some years ago, we tried putting [material] together on the road, but once we got home, we listened back to it, and were like, 'What the f--- is this?' So, we just scrapped it all. We find it's so much better to totally focus on one thing at a time, and then, when that's over, you move on to the next [thing]. We don't really feel like we need to rush things, anyway, so we'll just take our time, and it's going to be what it's going to be."
Dimmu Borgir hope to reconvene in late December to begin writing the follow-up to 2007's diabolically titled In Sorte Diaboli. "We have some ideas floating around already, but we haven't arranged any material yet," he said. "We'll start doing that once the touring for this DVD is over." The band's frontman, Shagrath, is also due to marry soon — he's engaged to actor Nicolas Cage's ex-girlfriend, Christina Fulton, so that may have an effect on when Dimmu finish their next album, which Silenoz said could be out this coming spring.
"I'm sure [Shagrath] won't let anything get in the way [of] the band — I think, I hope," the guitarist said. "We don't need a Yoko [Ono] situation."
While Dimmu have been at it going on 15 years now, Silenoz said he doesn't think their forthcoming material will be much of a departure from their previous black-metal offerings.
"And we have always been about more than just that term, 'black metal,' " he said. "Luckily for us, the older you get, the less concerned you get with the categorization and putting labels on your music. Things start getting more and more limitless with us, and we know that we operate within certain frames. But we try not to analyze things too much, because it's just going to be working against you in the end. When we write new stuff, we don't think about what we should write — we just get together, and put material together, and if we like it, we keep it. That's the formula, if we even have a formula."
Dimmu Borgir are definitely getting older — guitarist Galder will be missing Blackest because of a recent addition to his family, and Susperia's Cyrus will be filling in for him; while former Vader drummer Dariusz Brzozowski takes over for Hellhammer, who had to leave the band in 2007 after sustaining a neck injury that's now limited the use of his right arm. As Dimmu has gotten on in years, Silenoz admits they have failed to keep pace with some of the more extreme black-metal acts that have followed in their wake.
"We helped open doors for the more extreme bands out there," Silenoz said. "I'm sure we helped open doors for bands like Watain, [insomuch as] people that had maybe started listening to us first then went on to the more extreme stuff. Let's face it — we're not as extreme as Watain and other bands like that, but we're fine with that."
The Blackest of the Black Tour continues through November 10 in San Francisco.
The rest of the week's metal news:
Dimmu's tourmates on Blackest, Winds of Plague, have announced ex-Azusa drummer Art Cruz has joined their ranks — he replaced Jeff Tenney. According to the band's blog, "Art has already added a new spark to the band and has provided us with a solid backbone that will allow us to continue our rampage stronger than ever." ...
What the world really needs is another
Led Zeppelin box set, so, on November 4, Rhino Records will issue the Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica CD box set. For just $200, you'll get 1969's Led Zeppelin, 1969's Led Zeppelin II, 1970's Led Zeppelin III, 1971's Led Zeppelin IV, 1973's Houses of the Holy, 1975's Physical Graffiti, 1976's Presence, 1976's The Song Remains the Same, 1979's In Through the Out Door and 1982's Coda, as mini-LP replicas, with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. Now, you know what you can get your dad for Christmas. ...
Former Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach and current Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have teamed up for a new project they're calling Times of Grace, and they've already started working on material for their debut album. According to Leach, "We have two songs to go and we will be finished with all of the vocals. Adam has taken lead vocals in three songs as of yet and he is doing a great job. We also worked on a track yesterday that is so epic — we trade vocals and do two different melodies at the same time. This album went from a melodic metal album to an epic mix of metal/rock/pop/shoegaze and punk. So all of your metal expectations will be incorrect — we are pushing genre boundaries." To quote "Meet the Parents," we'll look forward to that, Greg. ...
The Funeral Pyre and Early Graves will be hitting the road together next month, starting November 7 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Dates are booked through November 21 in Hollywood. ...
The latest incarnation of Brujeria, which features Carcass frontman Jeff Walker and Napalm Death's Shane Embury, have lined up several U.S. dates for this winter. The band will begin its brief trek November 28 in Denver, and wrap things up in Dallas on December 7. ...
Demiricous will be touring with the Gates of Slumber starting November 9 in Denver, for a jaunt that's scheduled to run through December 6 in Indianapolis. ...
Nearly three years after Roadrunner Records' Roadrunner United concert, which took over the Nokia Theater in New York's Times Square, the label is now releasing footage from that special night as "Roadrunner United: The Concert." The DVD, which hits stores December 9, will boast two discs and 24 live tracks, including Life of Agony's "River Runs Red," King Diamond's "Abigail," Killswitch's "My Last Serenade," Type O Negative's "Black No. 1" and Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist." ...
According to Blabbermouth, Verrot, bassist for Swedish black-metal outfit Elimi, committed suicide on October 3. In a statement, the band said, "Verrot was a very good friend, brother, an excellent bass player/musician and an important part of Elimi; we respect his decision and hope he'll find his way with the dark gods of Chaos. Let your black flame be a part of what brings forth the day of wrath."
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Brujeria
Dimmu Borgir's Silenoz
Photo: Nuclear Blast
On October 14, Dimmu Borgir — who just happen to be Demi Lovato's favorite black-metal band — will release a a three-disc DVD/CD set called "The Invaluable Darkness," the band's first visual offering since 2002's "World Misanthropy." Boasting live footage shot last year, during gigs in Norway, Germany and England, "The Invaluable Darkness" demonstrates the unbridled furor of seeing Dimmu live, guitarist Silenoz said.
"It shows the honest rawness and atmospheric darkness of our concerts," the Norwegian told Metal File last week, after dismissing recent online rumors that his band's next LP would be coming out through Roadrunner Records. "Basically, it shows the intense live side of the band, as opposed to the perfection and the cleanness of how we sound on our albums. It's just a different side to the band, basically."
Dimmu Borgir began thinking about "The Invaluable Darkness" two years ago, but didn't start capturing footage until last summer, Silenoz explained, adding that the band will use its current stint on the Blackest of the Black Tour — which got underway Thursday night in Miami Beach, Florida, and also features the tour's founder, Danzig, along with
Moonspell, Winds of Plague and Skeletonwitch — to promote the DVD. Dimmu Borgir will not, however, use the tour to write material for their next LP.
"It's our first time on Blackest, but Glenn [Danzig] had wanted to bring us out before [on the tour], but we weren't available until now," Silenoz said. "We've done Ozzfest before, but we're looking forward to this tour more. We did the main stage on Ozzfest, playing in f--_ing broad daylight. This tour will let us play in bigger places, but at the same time showcase more of what the band's about, visually. We are going to concentrate on the tour for now. Some years ago, we tried putting [material] together on the road, but once we got home, we listened back to it, and were like, 'What the f--- is this?' So, we just scrapped it all. We find it's so much better to totally focus on one thing at a time, and then, when that's over, you move on to the next [thing]. We don't really feel like we need to rush things, anyway, so we'll just take our time, and it's going to be what it's going to be."
Dimmu Borgir hope to reconvene in late December to begin writing the follow-up to 2007's diabolically titled In Sorte Diaboli. "We have some ideas floating around already, but we haven't arranged any material yet," he said. "We'll start doing that once the touring for this DVD is over." The band's frontman, Shagrath, is also due to marry soon — he's engaged to actor Nicolas Cage's ex-girlfriend, Christina Fulton, so that may have an effect on when Dimmu finish their next album, which Silenoz said could be out this coming spring.
"I'm sure [Shagrath] won't let anything get in the way [of] the band — I think, I hope," the guitarist said. "We don't need a Yoko [Ono] situation."
While Dimmu have been at it going on 15 years now, Silenoz said he doesn't think their forthcoming material will be much of a departure from their previous black-metal offerings.
"And we have always been about more than just that term, 'black metal,' " he said. "Luckily for us, the older you get, the less concerned you get with the categorization and putting labels on your music. Things start getting more and more limitless with us, and we know that we operate within certain frames. But we try not to analyze things too much, because it's just going to be working against you in the end. When we write new stuff, we don't think about what we should write — we just get together, and put material together, and if we like it, we keep it. That's the formula, if we even have a formula."
Dimmu Borgir are definitely getting older — guitarist Galder will be missing Blackest because of a recent addition to his family, and Susperia's Cyrus will be filling in for him; while former Vader drummer Dariusz Brzozowski takes over for Hellhammer, who had to leave the band in 2007 after sustaining a neck injury that's now limited the use of his right arm. As Dimmu has gotten on in years, Silenoz admits they have failed to keep pace with some of the more extreme black-metal acts that have followed in their wake.
"We helped open doors for the more extreme bands out there," Silenoz said. "I'm sure we helped open doors for bands like Watain, [insomuch as] people that had maybe started listening to us first then went on to the more extreme stuff. Let's face it — we're not as extreme as Watain and other bands like that, but we're fine with that."
The Blackest of the Black Tour continues through November 10 in San Francisco.
The rest of the week's metal news:
Dimmu's tourmates on Blackest, Winds of Plague, have announced ex-Azusa drummer Art Cruz has joined their ranks — he replaced Jeff Tenney. According to the band's blog, "Art has already added a new spark to the band and has provided us with a solid backbone that will allow us to continue our rampage stronger than ever." ...
What the world really needs is another
Led Zeppelin box set, so, on November 4, Rhino Records will issue the Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica CD box set. For just $200, you'll get 1969's Led Zeppelin, 1969's Led Zeppelin II, 1970's Led Zeppelin III, 1971's Led Zeppelin IV, 1973's Houses of the Holy, 1975's Physical Graffiti, 1976's Presence, 1976's The Song Remains the Same, 1979's In Through the Out Door and 1982's Coda, as mini-LP replicas, with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. Now, you know what you can get your dad for Christmas. ...
Former Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach and current Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have teamed up for a new project they're calling Times of Grace, and they've already started working on material for their debut album. According to Leach, "We have two songs to go and we will be finished with all of the vocals. Adam has taken lead vocals in three songs as of yet and he is doing a great job. We also worked on a track yesterday that is so epic — we trade vocals and do two different melodies at the same time. This album went from a melodic metal album to an epic mix of metal/rock/pop/shoegaze and punk. So all of your metal expectations will be incorrect — we are pushing genre boundaries." To quote "Meet the Parents," we'll look forward to that, Greg. ...
The Funeral Pyre and Early Graves will be hitting the road together next month, starting November 7 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Dates are booked through November 21 in Hollywood. ...
The latest incarnation of Brujeria, which features Carcass frontman Jeff Walker and Napalm Death's Shane Embury, have lined up several U.S. dates for this winter. The band will begin its brief trek November 28 in Denver, and wrap things up in Dallas on December 7. ...
Demiricous will be touring with the Gates of Slumber starting November 9 in Denver, for a jaunt that's scheduled to run through December 6 in Indianapolis. ...
Nearly three years after Roadrunner Records' Roadrunner United concert, which took over the Nokia Theater in New York's Times Square, the label is now releasing footage from that special night as "Roadrunner United: The Concert." The DVD, which hits stores December 9, will boast two discs and 24 live tracks, including Life of Agony's "River Runs Red," King Diamond's "Abigail," Killswitch's "My Last Serenade," Type O Negative's "Black No. 1" and Sepultura's "Refuse/Resist." ...
According to Blabbermouth, Verrot, bassist for Swedish black-metal outfit Elimi, committed suicide on October 3. In a statement, the band said, "Verrot was a very good friend, brother, an excellent bass player/musician and an important part of Elimi; we respect his decision and hope he'll find his way with the dark gods of Chaos. Let your black flame be a part of what brings forth the day of wrath."
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Led Zeppelin
Brujeria
Pamela Anderson Paris Hilton Patricia Velásquez Paula Garcés
Photos | The 2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet
The 2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet
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Chris Cornell Filling In For Robert Plant On Led Zeppelin Tour? That's News To Him
'I have not been approached to fill in for Robert Plant on the Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be,' singer says.By Chris Harris
Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News
Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.
Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.
"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."
Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."
Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.
According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "
"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."
In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."
But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."
Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.
"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.
"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."
Related Artists
Chris Cornell
Led Zeppelin
Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News
Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.
Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.
"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."
Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."
Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.
According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "
"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."
In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."
But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."
Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.
"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.
"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."
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Led Zeppelin
Usher, Justin Bieber, Ciara Inspire Youth With New Look Foundation
President Bill Clinton also attends the organization's inaugural World Leadership Awards in Atlanta.By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by James "FLX" Smith
Usher
Photo: MTV News
He's a chart-topping entertainer by trade, but Usher also looks out for the kids.
The singer celebrated his New Look Foundation's first World Leadership Awards on Friday night (August 6) in Atlanta, alongside some high-profile pals. ATL star Ciara and Usher protégé Justin Bieber treated guests to a performance. Former President Clinton, also stopped by and So So Def boss Jermaine Dupri showed up with his daughter, who has a serious case of Bieber Fever. "Justin Bieber's here — she ain't gonna miss that," the mogul riffed.
With his celebrity pals showing their support, Usher said he was excited to witness the success of the event. "As a philanthropist I'm very happy to see this incredible event come to fruition. It was an idea that was born in New York City with President Clinton," Usher told MTV News. "Being a part of the Clinton Global Initiative every year has given me the opportunity to do something with the youth that I felt like would talk to the rest of the world."
The singer added that he enjoyed empowering young people and helping them create change around the globe. "Us donating $150,000 dollars from the foundation with the help of the youth to a mobile clinic that will go to Haiti, is a huge step towards youth addressing world issues. I really am just happy that I'm able to not only recognize the kids but to see the New Look Foundation do something that is on a world scale."
Usher, who is gearing up to drop Versus, the re-release of his album Raymond v. Raymond, also said he has some music videos and some possible acting gigs in the works. Despite everything he's got bubbling on the entertainment front, the singer insisted, "music is what I do as my day job, philanthropy is my passion," and broke down what helping others means to him.
"As a philanthropist, I'm happy to do what I do," Usher said. "The idea of it comes from who I am as a businessman. That model is something that I share with the kids. That ... you can do anything you want to do, as long as you have the belief and come up with an idea [and] a goal [and] set it at a very young age. I remember being 18 years old saying that I wanted to do all of what is a reality now."
Usher's star pals were inspired by the evening as well. Ciara tweeted,"Tonight was sooo much fun performing. Both Usher and Justin Bieber rocked the show! today was all about positive energy and love! #perfectday."
Justin Bieber typed, "Proud of my big bro @usherraymondiv for putting 2gether the world leadership awards 2night. He is inspiring the youth. Great mentor and guy!"
What do you think of Usher helping young people with his New Look Foundation? Let us know in the comments below!
Related Artists
Usher
Justin Bieber
Ciara
Usher
Photo: MTV News
He's a chart-topping entertainer by trade, but Usher also looks out for the kids.
The singer celebrated his New Look Foundation's first World Leadership Awards on Friday night (August 6) in Atlanta, alongside some high-profile pals. ATL star Ciara and Usher protégé Justin Bieber treated guests to a performance. Former President Clinton, also stopped by and So So Def boss Jermaine Dupri showed up with his daughter, who has a serious case of Bieber Fever. "Justin Bieber's here — she ain't gonna miss that," the mogul riffed.
With his celebrity pals showing their support, Usher said he was excited to witness the success of the event. "As a philanthropist I'm very happy to see this incredible event come to fruition. It was an idea that was born in New York City with President Clinton," Usher told MTV News. "Being a part of the Clinton Global Initiative every year has given me the opportunity to do something with the youth that I felt like would talk to the rest of the world."
The singer added that he enjoyed empowering young people and helping them create change around the globe. "Us donating $150,000 dollars from the foundation with the help of the youth to a mobile clinic that will go to Haiti, is a huge step towards youth addressing world issues. I really am just happy that I'm able to not only recognize the kids but to see the New Look Foundation do something that is on a world scale."
Usher, who is gearing up to drop Versus, the re-release of his album Raymond v. Raymond, also said he has some music videos and some possible acting gigs in the works. Despite everything he's got bubbling on the entertainment front, the singer insisted, "music is what I do as my day job, philanthropy is my passion," and broke down what helping others means to him.
"As a philanthropist, I'm happy to do what I do," Usher said. "The idea of it comes from who I am as a businessman. That model is something that I share with the kids. That ... you can do anything you want to do, as long as you have the belief and come up with an idea [and] a goal [and] set it at a very young age. I remember being 18 years old saying that I wanted to do all of what is a reality now."
Usher's star pals were inspired by the evening as well. Ciara tweeted,"Tonight was sooo much fun performing. Both Usher and Justin Bieber rocked the show! today was all about positive energy and love! #perfectday."
Justin Bieber typed, "Proud of my big bro @usherraymondiv for putting 2gether the world leadership awards 2night. He is inspiring the youth. Great mentor and guy!"
What do you think of Usher helping young people with his New Look Foundation? Let us know in the comments below!
Related Artists
Usher
Justin Bieber
Ciara
Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright
Photos | "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
"Michael Jackson's This Is It"
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Photos | Justin Bieber, Miranda Cosgrove, More Arrive At 2010 Kids' Choice Awards
Justin Bieber, Miranda Cosgrove, More Arrive At 2010 Kids' Choice Awards
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Links for 2008-03-20 [del.icio.us]
Lindsay Lohan and Calum Best sex tape scandal
Lindsay Lohan has done it again! There is now a picture of her giving oral sex to Calum Best. Be sure to take a look at the picture. The image is safe to view but we do have the link to the image that is NSFW.
Lindsay Lohan has done it again! There is now a picture of her giving oral sex to Calum Best. Be sure to take a look at the picture. The image is safe to view but we do have the link to the image that is NSFW.
Britney Spears - Do Somethin'
Do Somethin'
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: BMG International
Director: Bille Woodruff/Mona Lisa
Album: My Prerogative
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: BMG International
Director: Bille Woodruff/Mona Lisa
Album: My Prerogative
Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore
Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams
Sweet Dreams
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Adria Petty
Album: I Am... Sasha Fierce
Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Adria Petty
Album: I Am... Sasha Fierce
Michael Jackson's Brother Jermaine Celebrates King Of Pop On 'Larry King'
The Jackson family still hasn't 'come to terms' with MJ's death a year later, Jermaine says.By Eric Ditzian
Jermaine Jackson on "Larry King Live"
Photo: CNN
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson's family and friends gathered at Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale, California, to lay the King of Pop to rest in the Grand Mausoleum. Almost one year later, shortly before the actual anniversary of his death, MJ's brother Jermaine returned to the site to tape an interview with Larry King.
"It's been tough," Jermaine told the talk-show host. "It went so fast. We've been just putting the pieces together and the family's been having a lot of meetings and we're just trying to hold on. We haven't come to terms. It's something we're learning to live with. We will never accept it."
Speaking softly and quietly, Jackson said the inside of the mausoleum is dark and cold. "To walk this corridor, and all you hear is your footsteps. Michael shouldn't be here. I always felt that," he said, adding that MJ should have been buried at his Neverland Ranch estate.
A year later, Jackson said Michael's three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, are enjoying as normal a life as possible. They love movies, Jermaine said, though he is not sure if they've seen "This Is It," the documentary about Michael's final months as he prepared for what were to be his comeback shows in London. Jermaine also revealed that they do not visit their father's gravesite at Forest Lawn.
Each of the family members, Jackson said, continues to grieve in their own ways. And they continue to raise questions about the circumstances surrounding MJ's death. Jermaine acknowledged that numerous interventions had been made concerning Michael's use of various prescription medications but denied any suggestion that his brother did not want to live. Rather, Jermaine said the family believes Michael was murdered and that Dr. Conrad Murray, the singer's personal physician who was charged with involuntary manslaughter as a result of MJ's propofol overdose, is not the sole person responsible for the death.
"All of us feel that he's the fall guy," Jermaine said. "It's higher up than just the doctor.
"He did say on numerous occasions, at times to my mother, that he felt that he was being threatened, someone was trying to kill him," Jermaine added about his brother.
While the Jackson family awaits the start of Murray's trial, which they plan to attend, they lament the way the pop singer has been treated by the media, the public and prosecutors in the years before his death.
"If you listen to the content of his lyrics and his music, that's what he is, that's what he wrote from his heart, from his soul," Jackson said. "And it's sad, because now people realize what kind of person he was all along. But he's not here to see that. He got a bum rap because he was so misunderstand. He was trying to take the world on his shoulders and to bring an awareness to the world of what we need to do as people."
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Jermaine Jackson on "Larry King Live"
Photo: CNN
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson's family and friends gathered at Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale, California, to lay the King of Pop to rest in the Grand Mausoleum. Almost one year later, shortly before the actual anniversary of his death, MJ's brother Jermaine returned to the site to tape an interview with Larry King.
"It's been tough," Jermaine told the talk-show host. "It went so fast. We've been just putting the pieces together and the family's been having a lot of meetings and we're just trying to hold on. We haven't come to terms. It's something we're learning to live with. We will never accept it."
Speaking softly and quietly, Jackson said the inside of the mausoleum is dark and cold. "To walk this corridor, and all you hear is your footsteps. Michael shouldn't be here. I always felt that," he said, adding that MJ should have been buried at his Neverland Ranch estate.
A year later, Jackson said Michael's three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, are enjoying as normal a life as possible. They love movies, Jermaine said, though he is not sure if they've seen "This Is It," the documentary about Michael's final months as he prepared for what were to be his comeback shows in London. Jermaine also revealed that they do not visit their father's gravesite at Forest Lawn.
Each of the family members, Jackson said, continues to grieve in their own ways. And they continue to raise questions about the circumstances surrounding MJ's death. Jermaine acknowledged that numerous interventions had been made concerning Michael's use of various prescription medications but denied any suggestion that his brother did not want to live. Rather, Jermaine said the family believes Michael was murdered and that Dr. Conrad Murray, the singer's personal physician who was charged with involuntary manslaughter as a result of MJ's propofol overdose, is not the sole person responsible for the death.
"All of us feel that he's the fall guy," Jermaine said. "It's higher up than just the doctor.
"He did say on numerous occasions, at times to my mother, that he felt that he was being threatened, someone was trying to kill him," Jermaine added about his brother.
While the Jackson family awaits the start of Murray's trial, which they plan to attend, they lament the way the pop singer has been treated by the media, the public and prosecutors in the years before his death.
"If you listen to the content of his lyrics and his music, that's what he is, that's what he wrote from his heart, from his soul," Jackson said. "And it's sad, because now people realize what kind of person he was all along. But he's not here to see that. He got a bum rap because he was so misunderstand. He was trying to take the world on his shoulders and to bring an awareness to the world of what we need to do as people."
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Links for 2007-10-18 [del.icio.us]
Stupid Celebrities Gossip » Myspace Drama, Riley Giles and Bree Tierney
Bree Tierney and Riley Giles get into a heated argument on Myspace after Bree started talking with the media about the two of them. You can thank lindsay Lohan for this one!
Check out the story
Bree Tierney and Riley Giles get into a heated argument on Myspace after Bree started talking with the media about the two of them. You can thank lindsay Lohan for this one!
Check out the story
Michelle Malkin Michelle Obama Michelle Rodriguez Michelle Trachtenberg
Kim Kardashian Weighs In On Justin Bieber Photo Controversy
'Everyone's loved it. It was all in fun,' she says, responding to Bill O'Reilly's criticism of 'Graduate'-inspired shoot.By Jocelyn Vena
Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
If only Justin Bieber were 18, then he might have a shot at scoring a date with his pal and Elle photo-shoot partner, Kim Kardashian. When the "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star stopped by "Lopez Tonight" on Tuesday night, she admitted that if their age difference wasn't so large (she's 29, he's 16), she might be attracted to the chart-topping, mop-headed pop singer.
"If he was of legal age, I said Justin Bieber has, like, this swag to him," she said, according to E! Online. "You just have to meet him. He definitely has this swag to him."
While the "Graduate"-inspired photo shoot of the pair frolicking on the beach seems pretty harmless, TV pundit Bill O'Reilly found the photos inappropriate and criticized them.
For her part, Kardashian doesn't see the controversy in the photos. "I thought that the shoot was all in fun. We had a good time," she said on "Lopez." "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion on it, but we were just having a good time and the amazing creative team at Elle magazine obviously thought it was a great shoot. Everyone's loved it.
It was all in fun.'
Bieber, however, may have some competition. Kardashian teases that there might already be someone special in her life. She said, "You never know. Maybe someone has [come into my life]. You never know."
Earlier this year, when he stopped by VMA host Chelsea Handler's talk show, "Chelsea Lately," Bieber admitted he wouldn't mind scoring a date with the reality starlet. "Well, I mean, she actually said, or Kim said, 'I think Justin Bieber should date my sister,' " he recalled of Kardashian trying to set up Biebs with her younger sister. "And I was like, 'I think I should date you.' "
Handler may have summed it up best when she quipped, "Basically, what's happening is, you made it OK to flirt with underage people."
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Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
If only Justin Bieber were 18, then he might have a shot at scoring a date with his pal and Elle photo-shoot partner, Kim Kardashian. When the "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star stopped by "Lopez Tonight" on Tuesday night, she admitted that if their age difference wasn't so large (she's 29, he's 16), she might be attracted to the chart-topping, mop-headed pop singer.
"If he was of legal age, I said Justin Bieber has, like, this swag to him," she said, according to E! Online. "You just have to meet him. He definitely has this swag to him."
While the "Graduate"-inspired photo shoot of the pair frolicking on the beach seems pretty harmless, TV pundit Bill O'Reilly found the photos inappropriate and criticized them.
For her part, Kardashian doesn't see the controversy in the photos. "I thought that the shoot was all in fun. We had a good time," she said on "Lopez." "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion on it, but we were just having a good time and the amazing creative team at Elle magazine obviously thought it was a great shoot. Everyone's loved it.
It was all in fun.'
Bieber, however, may have some competition. Kardashian teases that there might already be someone special in her life. She said, "You never know. Maybe someone has [come into my life]. You never know."
Earlier this year, when he stopped by VMA host Chelsea Handler's talk show, "Chelsea Lately," Bieber admitted he wouldn't mind scoring a date with the reality starlet. "Well, I mean, she actually said, or Kim said, 'I think Justin Bieber should date my sister,' " he recalled of Kardashian trying to set up Biebs with her younger sister. "And I was like, 'I think I should date you.' "
Handler may have summed it up best when she quipped, "Basically, what's happening is, you made it OK to flirt with underage people."
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Lady Gaga Thanks Fans For Twitter Crown
The singer shouts out her fans for making her the most-followed tweeter.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Lady Gaga
Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News
Lady Gaga's millions of fans have another title to call their Mother Monster: Queen of Twitter.
After steadily gaining on Britney Spears, who until recently was the most-followed user on the social-networking site, Gaga surpassed her fellow pop supernova over the weekend by landing over 5.7 million followers. At press time, Gaga's Twitter army clocked in at 5,726,168 deep, besting Brit, who had 5,696,275 followers. Just days ago, the chart-toppers were neck-and-neck, with Spears boasting 5,646,028 Twitter peeps to Gaga's 5,635,460.
When Gaga learned she had dethroned Spears, she took to the Internet to thank the people who made it all possible: her fans. In a video posted online, Gaga doles out heaps of "monster" love to her followers for solidifying her digital dominance.
Sporting a lace headpiece adorned with a sequined Twitter logo and an ornamental Gaga-fied version of the site's familiar bird symbol, the singer addressed her nearly 6 million followers.
"Hello world, this is Lady Gaga, queen of Twitter," said the singer, with a flourish of an illuminated scepter and a sprinkle of glitter; a move that was part-Elizabethan royalty and part-Glinda the Good Witch. "I wanted to thank all my beautiful little monsters for following me. Thank you for beginning my reign as Twitter queen."
The singer then wished her Twitter-dom only the most enjoyable of experiences when logging onto the micro-blogging site.
"May you always have soft cuticles while tweeting," Gaga said wistfully. "May you never have carpal tunnel."
The "Alejandro" singer, who filmed the clip backstage at her Monster Ball Tour stop in Tacoma, Washington, promised to keep the Twitter nonsense to a minimum. "I vow never to partake in celebrity online shenanigans," Gaga said. "And I vow to always tweet and tweet again."
Before signing off, Gaga left her legions of viral fans with a few words of encouragement.
"Just remember that I love you," Gaga said. "And love you yourself. Because little monsters, you were born that way, baby. I love you Twitter. See you at the Monster Ball."
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Lady Gaga
Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News
Lady Gaga's millions of fans have another title to call their Mother Monster: Queen of Twitter.
After steadily gaining on Britney Spears, who until recently was the most-followed user on the social-networking site, Gaga surpassed her fellow pop supernova over the weekend by landing over 5.7 million followers. At press time, Gaga's Twitter army clocked in at 5,726,168 deep, besting Brit, who had 5,696,275 followers. Just days ago, the chart-toppers were neck-and-neck, with Spears boasting 5,646,028 Twitter peeps to Gaga's 5,635,460.
When Gaga learned she had dethroned Spears, she took to the Internet to thank the people who made it all possible: her fans. In a video posted online, Gaga doles out heaps of "monster" love to her followers for solidifying her digital dominance.
Sporting a lace headpiece adorned with a sequined Twitter logo and an ornamental Gaga-fied version of the site's familiar bird symbol, the singer addressed her nearly 6 million followers.
"Hello world, this is Lady Gaga, queen of Twitter," said the singer, with a flourish of an illuminated scepter and a sprinkle of glitter; a move that was part-Elizabethan royalty and part-Glinda the Good Witch. "I wanted to thank all my beautiful little monsters for following me. Thank you for beginning my reign as Twitter queen."
The singer then wished her Twitter-dom only the most enjoyable of experiences when logging onto the micro-blogging site.
"May you always have soft cuticles while tweeting," Gaga said wistfully. "May you never have carpal tunnel."
The "Alejandro" singer, who filmed the clip backstage at her Monster Ball Tour stop in Tacoma, Washington, promised to keep the Twitter nonsense to a minimum. "I vow never to partake in celebrity online shenanigans," Gaga said. "And I vow to always tweet and tweet again."
Before signing off, Gaga left her legions of viral fans with a few words of encouragement.
"Just remember that I love you," Gaga said. "And love you yourself. Because little monsters, you were born that way, baby. I love you Twitter. See you at the Monster Ball."
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Lady Gaga's Next Album Will Be 'Shocking,' Producer RedOne Says
'That's part of my job and her job — to keep her evolving,' he tells Billboard.By Kara Warner
Lady Gaga
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
Hot on the heels of Lady Gaga's confident pronouncement that her upcoming album is the "absolute greatest work I've ever done," "utter liberation" and an "anthem for my generation for the next decade" comes echoing praise from a reliable — if slightly biased — source: her producer RedOne.
"It's going to be shocking, shocking, shocking!" the Moroccan/Swedish master mixer behind "Just Dance," "LoveGame," "Poker Face," "Bad Romance" and "Alejandro" told Billboard of Gaga's new music. "You never want to go too far from your brand — people love you for a reason. But we still want to give them something with a kick, something that makes them say, 'Oh my God! We didn't expect this!' "
RedOne (real name: Nadir Khayat) said a big part of his job and future collaborations with Gaga are about evolution. "When you heard 'Bad Romance' after 'Poker Face,' it was like the best thing you've ever heard," he said. "We want that type of reaction. I think that's part of my job and her job — to keep her evolving."
The producer told Billboard that he worked on at least two tracks on Gaga's new album but also encouraged her to collaborate with others (he produced a total of nine tracks on The Fame and The Fame Monster), though he wouldn't divulge which hitmakers might be producing songs on the upcoming album.
"After 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face,' 'LoveGame' and 'Boys Boys Boys,' I got a sound out of her, and that made it easier for other producers," he said. "Her sound is so defined that, no matter what, people can follow it. That sound belongs to her."
What are you expecting from Gaga's new music? Let us know in the comments!
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Lady Gaga
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
Hot on the heels of Lady Gaga's confident pronouncement that her upcoming album is the "absolute greatest work I've ever done," "utter liberation" and an "anthem for my generation for the next decade" comes echoing praise from a reliable — if slightly biased — source: her producer RedOne.
"It's going to be shocking, shocking, shocking!" the Moroccan/Swedish master mixer behind "Just Dance," "LoveGame," "Poker Face," "Bad Romance" and "Alejandro" told Billboard of Gaga's new music. "You never want to go too far from your brand — people love you for a reason. But we still want to give them something with a kick, something that makes them say, 'Oh my God! We didn't expect this!' "
RedOne (real name: Nadir Khayat) said a big part of his job and future collaborations with Gaga are about evolution. "When you heard 'Bad Romance' after 'Poker Face,' it was like the best thing you've ever heard," he said. "We want that type of reaction. I think that's part of my job and her job — to keep her evolving."
The producer told Billboard that he worked on at least two tracks on Gaga's new album but also encouraged her to collaborate with others (he produced a total of nine tracks on The Fame and The Fame Monster), though he wouldn't divulge which hitmakers might be producing songs on the upcoming album.
"After 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face,' 'LoveGame' and 'Boys Boys Boys,' I got a sound out of her, and that made it easier for other producers," he said. "Her sound is so defined that, no matter what, people can follow it. That sound belongs to her."
What are you expecting from Gaga's new music? Let us know in the comments!
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Sofia Coppola Talks Motherhood, Reality TV And 'Somewhere'
Writer/director's latest, starring Stephen Dorff and set at L.A.'s Chateau Marmont, premieres at the Venice Film Festival.By Josh Horowitz
Elle Fanning and Stephen Dorff in "Somewhere"
Photo: Focus Features
You could say Sofia Coppola's work is primarily concerned with stories of lives playing out in the heady glow of fame or notoriety: the talk-of-the-town death-wishers in "The Virgin Suicides," the lonely wife lounging in the fancy hotel while her husband hobnobs with celebs in "Lost in Translation," the mercurial public and private life of the young queen of France in "Marie Antoinette."
Now comes "Somewhere," a film set at the famed Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, where a restive hotshot actor (Stephen Dorff) whiles away his time until his adolescent daughter (Elle Fanning) shows up and forces him to reassess his ways of emptiness and agony. The settings might change — 18th-century France, modern-day Hollywood — but the themes and the existentially troubled atmosphere of Coppola's films remain the same.
Yet the director describes "Somewhere" and "Lost in Translation" as her most personal films, in that she also penned both scripts, and audiences are sure to make many connections between the two. The soft-spoken Oscar nominee doesn't seem to mind. In a recent phone conversation with MTV News as part of our Fall Movie Preview, she spoke openly about her inspirations for the new film and how her own life — from her time living abroad to becoming a mother for the first time — have influenced her creative decision making.
MTV: The title is "Somewhere." Did you come up with it early on?
Sofia Coppola: Yeah, when I was first writing, that was just a temporary title until I thought of a real title and then it became the title.
MTV: Where did this film begin in your mind? What was the genesis?
Coppola: I'm not sure if it was the character or the setting for this one, but I think it started with wanting to write about Los Angeles, and I was living in Paris at the time. So thinking about Los Angeles, this character came into mind, that Stephen Dorff plays, and then I wanted to do a portrait of this guy and it took its shape from there. And then the character of his daughter came after, and that evolved into kind of the father/daughter part of the story.
MTV: What were you trying to capture about Los Angeles that may or may not have been captured in film before? Do you feel L.A. is ever captured well on film?
Coppola: I like "Shampoo" and "American Gigolo," and I feel there hasn't been a portrait of modern-day L.A. And I was just looking at how tabloid culture was while I was living in France. You know, there's always stuff about the Chateau Marmont. I remember going there when I was in college, and now it's so different with our reality TV shows and paparazzi around there. There wasn't Us Weekly when I lived there. It was a different world and I started with wanting to do something set in that world.
MTV: Have you watched some of the reality shows that the people who sign my paycheck created?
Coppola: I haven't watched tons of it, kind of a little here and there, but it just seems when you look at these tabloids, they're all reality TV stars and definitely a focus on celebrity culture more than ever. But I've seen a few. The twins in my movie are from "The Girls Next Door." So we do have some reality TV stars in it.
MTV: So Stephen's character, can you not help but base your characters after different aspects of people that you know?
Coppola: No, he's a combination of a ton of stories I've heard or different people's experiences, and I have put them all together into my imagination of what this guy's life is like. So it definitely is from people I know or stories I've heard.
MTV: Why was Mr. Dorff the guy for you?
Coppola: I just felt like he was the right guy for this part and I think he's a really talented actor and he has a lot of heart and sweetness that I thought was important for this role. And it's nice to see someone that's not in a million movies every year. You don't know everything about their personal life and all that.
MTV: As a parent, how much are you relaying your own experiences with the film?
Coppola: The movie's the first thing I wrote since having a kid. I definitely think that changes your point of view or that it had an effect on what I was thinking about. So the character had a kid, and how it affected him was definitely part of the story.
MTV: What does the script for this one look like versus what I will see on the screen?
Coppola: I don't think [scripts are] a blueprint, and I kind of stay open to what could happen. I don't storyboard everything and have an exact plan. I think you have an idea of what you want. So the script is definitely what the movie is. I think, if you look back on it, it's definitely from that but there's a lot of improvisation, especially with Chris Pontius, who plays the buddy from "Jackass." Part of why I cast him is because he's great at improvising and coming up with things and he's really great with kids. So I knew he would have a great interaction with Elle's character.
MTV: Were there any exceptional improvisational moments that you captured that weren't in the script?
Coppola: Yes, there are always happy accidents because when you're being creative, it's always the mistakes or things that you look forward to that make it real. I can't think [of one] specifically, but I think just putting Chris Pontius and Elle in a room together, and Stephen, the three of them, it was fun to watch that interaction. There are definitely surprises.
MTV: Can you tell me a little bit about Elle?
Coppola: She's 12 now. She was 11 when we were shooting. I was always impressed by her because she's so natural. When she starts a scene, she doesn't shift. You don't see a big difference even though the character is different from her in real life. But I feel that she is really talented and I tried to stay out of her way and not interfere too much. And we talked about it and she had the impression of what I was trying. At the beginning, we did rehearsals, and we rehearsed with her and Stephen together, so she got an idea of it.
MTV: Would you say at this point in your career you're a confident filmmaker?
Coppola: I don't think you're ever totally confident because you're always pushing yourself into new territory to do something you haven't done before. So it's always scary, but I feel like I have a clear idea in my head when I start a movie of what it should feel like and what it should look like. So I guess it's an intuitive thing, but I don't ever feel confident. It's scary. Besides that, I do have a strong opinion. That's why I like directing, because you can be very opinionated.
MTV: Were you sensitive when making this to the comparisons to "Lost in Translation"?
Coppola: When I started writing it, I didn't know what shape it was going to take, so I really didn't think about that. But then after finishing it, I can definitely see that there are similarities. I've only written two original scripts, so I feel this and "Lost in Translation" are my most personal stories because it originates from me. So there are going to be links, because I think, like all creative people, you're interested in similar themes that you revisit. I think each one of my movies has been a continuation of the last one.
MTV: Why use the Chateau Marmont? What are your memories from your time there?
Coppola: I just thought for this young actor guy in a moment of transition, that's where he'd be staying. And there's something impermanent about a hotel. Chateau Marmont is legendary in L.A. and it's kind of a setting for show business. So it seemed like the natural place for it to take place. And I have memories of going there as a kid and then as an adult in L.A., and we would go out there and it was always filled with interesting people for people-watching and it has great stories and a lot of history that I wanted to be a part of it. But I wanted the iconic L.A. backdrop.
MTV: Do you feel the same need to pick the brain of your successful family members?
Coppola: I always am glad to have my dad when I need advice or mentoring. Sometimes I'll show him [something] earlier on, but this one I had a more specific idea of how I wanted it to be and then I showed him when I was done. And my brother is the producer and he helped me a lot in the preproduction phase.
MTV: You're premiering at Venice, right?
Coppola: Yeah, next week. It's the first time we're going to show an audience.
MTV: How do you feel about that? Do you get nervous?
Coppola: Yeah I'm excited to share it with the audience and [in Venice]. And the guys from Phoenix are going to be with us. But I'm excited and it's also scary and nerve-racking to put it out there in the world for opinions and reactions. But I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I like it, so I hope other people will connect to it.
From the saucy Jessica Alba in "Little Fockers" to James Franco's grueling journey in "127 Hours," the MTV Movies team is delving into the hottest flicks of fall 2010. Check back daily for exclusive clips, photos and interviews with the films' biggest stars.
Check out everything we've got on "Somewhere."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
Exclusive Clips From The Fall's Most Anticipated Films
Related Photos
Fall Movie 2010 Preview Week: Exclusive Photos
Elle Fanning and Stephen Dorff in "Somewhere"
Photo: Focus Features
You could say Sofia Coppola's work is primarily concerned with stories of lives playing out in the heady glow of fame or notoriety: the talk-of-the-town death-wishers in "The Virgin Suicides," the lonely wife lounging in the fancy hotel while her husband hobnobs with celebs in "Lost in Translation," the mercurial public and private life of the young queen of France in "Marie Antoinette."
Now comes "Somewhere," a film set at the famed Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, where a restive hotshot actor (Stephen Dorff) whiles away his time until his adolescent daughter (Elle Fanning) shows up and forces him to reassess his ways of emptiness and agony. The settings might change — 18th-century France, modern-day Hollywood — but the themes and the existentially troubled atmosphere of Coppola's films remain the same.
Yet the director describes "Somewhere" and "Lost in Translation" as her most personal films, in that she also penned both scripts, and audiences are sure to make many connections between the two. The soft-spoken Oscar nominee doesn't seem to mind. In a recent phone conversation with MTV News as part of our Fall Movie Preview, she spoke openly about her inspirations for the new film and how her own life — from her time living abroad to becoming a mother for the first time — have influenced her creative decision making.
MTV: The title is "Somewhere." Did you come up with it early on?
Sofia Coppola: Yeah, when I was first writing, that was just a temporary title until I thought of a real title and then it became the title.
MTV: Where did this film begin in your mind? What was the genesis?
Coppola: I'm not sure if it was the character or the setting for this one, but I think it started with wanting to write about Los Angeles, and I was living in Paris at the time. So thinking about Los Angeles, this character came into mind, that Stephen Dorff plays, and then I wanted to do a portrait of this guy and it took its shape from there. And then the character of his daughter came after, and that evolved into kind of the father/daughter part of the story.
MTV: What were you trying to capture about Los Angeles that may or may not have been captured in film before? Do you feel L.A. is ever captured well on film?
Coppola: I like "Shampoo" and "American Gigolo," and I feel there hasn't been a portrait of modern-day L.A. And I was just looking at how tabloid culture was while I was living in France. You know, there's always stuff about the Chateau Marmont. I remember going there when I was in college, and now it's so different with our reality TV shows and paparazzi around there. There wasn't Us Weekly when I lived there. It was a different world and I started with wanting to do something set in that world.
MTV: Have you watched some of the reality shows that the people who sign my paycheck created?
Coppola: I haven't watched tons of it, kind of a little here and there, but it just seems when you look at these tabloids, they're all reality TV stars and definitely a focus on celebrity culture more than ever. But I've seen a few. The twins in my movie are from "The Girls Next Door." So we do have some reality TV stars in it.
MTV: So Stephen's character, can you not help but base your characters after different aspects of people that you know?
Coppola: No, he's a combination of a ton of stories I've heard or different people's experiences, and I have put them all together into my imagination of what this guy's life is like. So it definitely is from people I know or stories I've heard.
MTV: Why was Mr. Dorff the guy for you?
Coppola: I just felt like he was the right guy for this part and I think he's a really talented actor and he has a lot of heart and sweetness that I thought was important for this role. And it's nice to see someone that's not in a million movies every year. You don't know everything about their personal life and all that.
MTV: As a parent, how much are you relaying your own experiences with the film?
Coppola: The movie's the first thing I wrote since having a kid. I definitely think that changes your point of view or that it had an effect on what I was thinking about. So the character had a kid, and how it affected him was definitely part of the story.
MTV: What does the script for this one look like versus what I will see on the screen?
Coppola: I don't think [scripts are] a blueprint, and I kind of stay open to what could happen. I don't storyboard everything and have an exact plan. I think you have an idea of what you want. So the script is definitely what the movie is. I think, if you look back on it, it's definitely from that but there's a lot of improvisation, especially with Chris Pontius, who plays the buddy from "Jackass." Part of why I cast him is because he's great at improvising and coming up with things and he's really great with kids. So I knew he would have a great interaction with Elle's character.
MTV: Were there any exceptional improvisational moments that you captured that weren't in the script?
Coppola: Yes, there are always happy accidents because when you're being creative, it's always the mistakes or things that you look forward to that make it real. I can't think [of one] specifically, but I think just putting Chris Pontius and Elle in a room together, and Stephen, the three of them, it was fun to watch that interaction. There are definitely surprises.
MTV: Can you tell me a little bit about Elle?
Coppola: She's 12 now. She was 11 when we were shooting. I was always impressed by her because she's so natural. When she starts a scene, she doesn't shift. You don't see a big difference even though the character is different from her in real life. But I feel that she is really talented and I tried to stay out of her way and not interfere too much. And we talked about it and she had the impression of what I was trying. At the beginning, we did rehearsals, and we rehearsed with her and Stephen together, so she got an idea of it.
MTV: Would you say at this point in your career you're a confident filmmaker?
Coppola: I don't think you're ever totally confident because you're always pushing yourself into new territory to do something you haven't done before. So it's always scary, but I feel like I have a clear idea in my head when I start a movie of what it should feel like and what it should look like. So I guess it's an intuitive thing, but I don't ever feel confident. It's scary. Besides that, I do have a strong opinion. That's why I like directing, because you can be very opinionated.
MTV: Were you sensitive when making this to the comparisons to "Lost in Translation"?
Coppola: When I started writing it, I didn't know what shape it was going to take, so I really didn't think about that. But then after finishing it, I can definitely see that there are similarities. I've only written two original scripts, so I feel this and "Lost in Translation" are my most personal stories because it originates from me. So there are going to be links, because I think, like all creative people, you're interested in similar themes that you revisit. I think each one of my movies has been a continuation of the last one.
MTV: Why use the Chateau Marmont? What are your memories from your time there?
Coppola: I just thought for this young actor guy in a moment of transition, that's where he'd be staying. And there's something impermanent about a hotel. Chateau Marmont is legendary in L.A. and it's kind of a setting for show business. So it seemed like the natural place for it to take place. And I have memories of going there as a kid and then as an adult in L.A., and we would go out there and it was always filled with interesting people for people-watching and it has great stories and a lot of history that I wanted to be a part of it. But I wanted the iconic L.A. backdrop.
MTV: Do you feel the same need to pick the brain of your successful family members?
Coppola: I always am glad to have my dad when I need advice or mentoring. Sometimes I'll show him [something] earlier on, but this one I had a more specific idea of how I wanted it to be and then I showed him when I was done. And my brother is the producer and he helped me a lot in the preproduction phase.
MTV: You're premiering at Venice, right?
Coppola: Yeah, next week. It's the first time we're going to show an audience.
MTV: How do you feel about that? Do you get nervous?
Coppola: Yeah I'm excited to share it with the audience and [in Venice]. And the guys from Phoenix are going to be with us. But I'm excited and it's also scary and nerve-racking to put it out there in the world for opinions and reactions. But I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I like it, so I hope other people will connect to it.
From the saucy Jessica Alba in "Little Fockers" to James Franco's grueling journey in "127 Hours," the MTV Movies team is delving into the hottest flicks of fall 2010. Check back daily for exclusive clips, photos and interviews with the films' biggest stars.
Check out everything we've got on "Somewhere."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
Exclusive Clips From The Fall's Most Anticipated Films
Related Photos
Fall Movie 2010 Preview Week: Exclusive Photos
Lady Gaga Thanks Fans For BET Awards Win With Beyonce
'Thank you so much for my first BET award ever,' Gaga tweeted after winning Video of the Year for 'Video Phone.'By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga in the music video for "Video Phone"
Photo: Columbia/Music World
Jay-Z was nominated for two Video of the Year prizes at the BET Awards, but it was his wife, Beyoncé, who took home the trophy on Sunday night, for "Video Phone," her splashy collaboration with Lady Gaga.
And Gaga — who plays second billing on that particular collaboration, which is not to be confused with their work on "Telephone" — didn't wait too long to take to her Twitter to thank her fans for the prize. She wrote, "Thank you so much for my first BET award ever, with Honey B! Videophone won VIDEO OF THE YEAR! Paws up for B! X Mother Monster."
The girls were up against such other worthy contenders as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna ("Run This Town"), Jay-Z and Alicia Keys ("Empire State of Mind"), B.o.B. and Bruno Mars ("Nothin' on You") and Melanie Fiona ("It Kills Me").
The "Video Phone" clip premiered late last year and was only a prelude to what fans could expect from the ladies in Gaga's "Telephone" video.
In November, Gaga admitted that she went into the video shoot in the Beyoncé headspace. "I said, 'I want to do you in your video, and I want to tribute you. I want to dress up like you,' " she recalled telling her co-star. "And [director] Hype Williams ... was so excited. He was like, 'Gaga, I want no makeup on your face.' It was really stripped down — real Beyoncé hair, and we wore the same outfit in the video, and I [paid tribute to] her."
Do you think Beyoncé and Lady Gaga deserved the top prize? Tell us in the comments!
Related Videos
The 2010 BET Awards
Related Photos
2010 BET Awards Show Highlights
2010 BET Awards Red Carpet
Related Artists
Lady Gaga
Beyoncé
Lady Gaga in the music video for "Video Phone"
Photo: Columbia/Music World
Jay-Z was nominated for two Video of the Year prizes at the BET Awards, but it was his wife, Beyoncé, who took home the trophy on Sunday night, for "Video Phone," her splashy collaboration with Lady Gaga.
And Gaga — who plays second billing on that particular collaboration, which is not to be confused with their work on "Telephone" — didn't wait too long to take to her Twitter to thank her fans for the prize. She wrote, "Thank you so much for my first BET award ever, with Honey B! Videophone won VIDEO OF THE YEAR! Paws up for B! X Mother Monster."
The girls were up against such other worthy contenders as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna ("Run This Town"), Jay-Z and Alicia Keys ("Empire State of Mind"), B.o.B. and Bruno Mars ("Nothin' on You") and Melanie Fiona ("It Kills Me").
The "Video Phone" clip premiered late last year and was only a prelude to what fans could expect from the ladies in Gaga's "Telephone" video.
In November, Gaga admitted that she went into the video shoot in the Beyoncé headspace. "I said, 'I want to do you in your video, and I want to tribute you. I want to dress up like you,' " she recalled telling her co-star. "And [director] Hype Williams ... was so excited. He was like, 'Gaga, I want no makeup on your face.' It was really stripped down — real Beyoncé hair, and we wore the same outfit in the video, and I [paid tribute to] her."
Do you think Beyoncé and Lady Gaga deserved the top prize? Tell us in the comments!
Related Videos
The 2010 BET Awards
Related Photos
2010 BET Awards Show Highlights
2010 BET Awards Red Carpet
Related Artists
Lady Gaga
Beyoncé
Monday, August 30, 2010
Michael Jackson - Gone Too Soon
Gone Too Soon
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic
Director: Bill Dicicco
Album: Dangerous
Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic
Director: Bill Dicicco
Album: Dangerous
Britney Spears - Do Somethin'
Do Somethin'
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: BMG International
Director: Bille Woodruff/Mona Lisa
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: BMG International
Director: Bille Woodruff/Mona Lisa
New Archie!
He's not exactly breaking any new ground, but we like it!
David Archuleta has just dropped his new single, Something About Love, a very pleasant and safe pop song. The best word to describe it is "cute".
Hopefully it can turn into at least a mild radio hit for the Idol alum!
Check it out (below).
[Image via WENN.]
David Archuleta has just dropped his new single, Something About Love, a very pleasant and safe pop song. The best word to describe it is "cute".
Hopefully it can turn into at least a mild radio hit for the Idol alum!
Check it out (below).
[Image via WENN.]
Photos | Britney Spears Spotted In New York City
Britney Spears Spotted In New York City
Related Artists
Britney Spears
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Britney Spears
Mandy Moore's 'Tangled' Heroine Not 'Typical Disney Princess'
'She's very independent,' actress/singer tells MTV News of new Rapunzel.By Kara Warner
Rapunzel (voiced by Many Moore) in "Tangled"
Photo: Disney
While the fall-to-Thanksgiving film season is usually rife with Oscar bait, it's also prime time for releasing family films. One such movie is the highly anticipated "Tangled," Disney's updated and traditionally animated take on Rapunzel, starring the vocal talents of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi.
Kicking off our Fall Movie Preview, we bring you a delightful chat we had with the ever-gracious and lovely Moore, during which she discussed non-typical femmes fatales, singing in front of a 65-piece orchestra and Levi's powerful pipes.
MTV: How is Rapunzel different from the typical femme-fatale characters?
Mandy Moore: She's not the typical femme fatale or the typical Disney princess even, because: A) She doesn't know she's a princess. I think she sort of has this inkling that something isn't quite right in her life, [but] she's just really sort of motivated to find out what else is out there beyond this crazy tower she's lived in for 18 years. Having said that, she's very independent, she can take care of herself, and she's definitely come up with really entertaining ways to keep herself busy.
MTV: Is the Disney take on Rapunzel the same as the original fairy tale?
Moore: Pretty much. She has an overprotective mother who tells her she's not missing out on anything, and it's a big bad world out there and it's too scary and dangerous and she'll be eaten alive, literally, if she decides to venture out into the world.
MTV: What was your reaction to Disney changing the film's original title, in an effort to lure in more young boys?
Moore: I think I was initially a bit taken aback, only because people know the story of Rapunzel, so when you say you're working on "Rapunzel," it's sort of a no-brainer, you don't have to explain it to people. But as the title sort of sunk in, I understood the decision behind changing it. The movie is so great and so cute, and people are going to see the trailer and know what the story is about. I guess you sort of have to leave it up to the brains at the top. They know what they're doing.
MTV: What can you tell us about this particular story? Can you tease any romance?
Moore: She sort of comes face to face with this stranger who precariously ends up in her tower, and he's very handsome [and] he knows it. He's quite the ladies' man, if you will. Somehow, they get roped into going on this adventure together and start to see a different side of one another, and potentially a romance ensues. There's [also] a few musical moments.
MTV: What was that experience like, recording with legendary Disney composer Alan Menken?
Moore: That was fun. I'm definitely the quintessential girl who grew up watching "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" and the like, so it was probably one of the coolest things I've done thus far, being in the studio with Alan Menken and a 65-piece orchestra. It was such a moment in time. I kept telling myself: "Just be in the moment. Remember this. You're going to want to think about this for years to come." It was really magical and sort of everything you'd want a Disney animated experience to be. As one of the players involved, I was like, "Oh my God!" ... To watch it all come to life, because so much of your job — you're looking at storyboards, you're having things explained to you, but there's nothing tangible to see or get, it has to form in your imagination, which is one of the slightly taxing parts, but also the most fun — to get to be a kid again and go into the depths of your imagination and play around. This, being there with the orchestra and hearing the score sort of come to life and what the feel of the movie was going to be at different parts was like, "Oh, OK, now I really get what we're doing." So that was definitely a moment for me. It was the first time I met Zach [Levi].
MTV: Does Zach actually sing in the film?
Moore: He does, and he's amazing! Oh my God, we had one rehearsal before we went into the studio, and I was so interested [in him], because they wanted to cast actors in the roles who could also sing, and I had no idea that he sang, and it turns out he's like a big musical-theater nut and had that in his background. He has a beautiful voice, but he has the perfect voice for something like this. He's such a sweet guy, and he's so funny in the movie, but I think his voice will astonish people, like, "Wow, where did that come from?"
From the saucy Jessica Alba in "Little Fockers" to James Franco's grueling journey in "127 Hours," the MTV Movies team is delving into the hottest flicks of fall 2010. Check back daily for exclusive clips, photos and interviews with the films' biggest stars.
Check out everything we've got on "Tangled."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
Fall Movie Sneak Peeks
Exclusive Clips From The Fall's Most Anticipated Films
Related Photos
Fall Movie 2010 Preview Week: Exclusive Photos
Related Artists
Mandy Moore
Rapunzel (voiced by Many Moore) in "Tangled"
Photo: Disney
While the fall-to-Thanksgiving film season is usually rife with Oscar bait, it's also prime time for releasing family films. One such movie is the highly anticipated "Tangled," Disney's updated and traditionally animated take on Rapunzel, starring the vocal talents of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi.
Kicking off our Fall Movie Preview, we bring you a delightful chat we had with the ever-gracious and lovely Moore, during which she discussed non-typical femmes fatales, singing in front of a 65-piece orchestra and Levi's powerful pipes.
MTV: How is Rapunzel different from the typical femme-fatale characters?
Mandy Moore: She's not the typical femme fatale or the typical Disney princess even, because: A) She doesn't know she's a princess. I think she sort of has this inkling that something isn't quite right in her life, [but] she's just really sort of motivated to find out what else is out there beyond this crazy tower she's lived in for 18 years. Having said that, she's very independent, she can take care of herself, and she's definitely come up with really entertaining ways to keep herself busy.
MTV: Is the Disney take on Rapunzel the same as the original fairy tale?
Moore: Pretty much. She has an overprotective mother who tells her she's not missing out on anything, and it's a big bad world out there and it's too scary and dangerous and she'll be eaten alive, literally, if she decides to venture out into the world.
MTV: What was your reaction to Disney changing the film's original title, in an effort to lure in more young boys?
Moore: I think I was initially a bit taken aback, only because people know the story of Rapunzel, so when you say you're working on "Rapunzel," it's sort of a no-brainer, you don't have to explain it to people. But as the title sort of sunk in, I understood the decision behind changing it. The movie is so great and so cute, and people are going to see the trailer and know what the story is about. I guess you sort of have to leave it up to the brains at the top. They know what they're doing.
MTV: What can you tell us about this particular story? Can you tease any romance?
Moore: She sort of comes face to face with this stranger who precariously ends up in her tower, and he's very handsome [and] he knows it. He's quite the ladies' man, if you will. Somehow, they get roped into going on this adventure together and start to see a different side of one another, and potentially a romance ensues. There's [also] a few musical moments.
MTV: What was that experience like, recording with legendary Disney composer Alan Menken?
Moore: That was fun. I'm definitely the quintessential girl who grew up watching "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" and the like, so it was probably one of the coolest things I've done thus far, being in the studio with Alan Menken and a 65-piece orchestra. It was such a moment in time. I kept telling myself: "Just be in the moment. Remember this. You're going to want to think about this for years to come." It was really magical and sort of everything you'd want a Disney animated experience to be. As one of the players involved, I was like, "Oh my God!" ... To watch it all come to life, because so much of your job — you're looking at storyboards, you're having things explained to you, but there's nothing tangible to see or get, it has to form in your imagination, which is one of the slightly taxing parts, but also the most fun — to get to be a kid again and go into the depths of your imagination and play around. This, being there with the orchestra and hearing the score sort of come to life and what the feel of the movie was going to be at different parts was like, "Oh, OK, now I really get what we're doing." So that was definitely a moment for me. It was the first time I met Zach [Levi].
MTV: Does Zach actually sing in the film?
Moore: He does, and he's amazing! Oh my God, we had one rehearsal before we went into the studio, and I was so interested [in him], because they wanted to cast actors in the roles who could also sing, and I had no idea that he sang, and it turns out he's like a big musical-theater nut and had that in his background. He has a beautiful voice, but he has the perfect voice for something like this. He's such a sweet guy, and he's so funny in the movie, but I think his voice will astonish people, like, "Wow, where did that come from?"
From the saucy Jessica Alba in "Little Fockers" to James Franco's grueling journey in "127 Hours," the MTV Movies team is delving into the hottest flicks of fall 2010. Check back daily for exclusive clips, photos and interviews with the films' biggest stars.
Check out everything we've got on "Tangled."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos
Fall Movie Sneak Peeks
Exclusive Clips From The Fall's Most Anticipated Films
Related Photos
Fall Movie 2010 Preview Week: Exclusive Photos
Related Artists
Mandy Moore
The Little Aud-Ball
Yesterday afternoon David and I trekked out west to Marina Del Rey, CA to attend a baby shower for our friends Genevieve and Charlie who are expecting their first child together ANY DAY NOW! They’ve already settled on naming their babygirl Audrey so, naturally, her baby shower was dubbed The Little Aud-Ball ;) Part of [...]
Nikki Reed Gushes About 'Twilight' Co-Stars' Upcoming Projects
'We all root for each other,' she tells MTV News.By Kara Warner
Nikki Reed
Photo: MTV News
Ever since the first "Twilight" film was released — kicking off the phenomenon that has included record-breaking box-office numbers, fainting fans, megawatt premieres, etc. — the suddenly superstar cast has been catapulted into a spotlight none of them saw coming. As such, the actors are very much in demand and currently working on a number of projects.
When Nikki Reed stopped by MTV News recently to discuss her film "Last Day of Summer," we asked her which of her co-stars' upcoming films she's most excited to see.
"All of them," she said. "I love Taylor [Lautner] so much, and I'm so proud of him and what he's doing. He's making a great movie in Pittsburgh right now," she said, referring to the John Singleton-directed action thriller "Abduction."
"I'm excited about Rob [Pattinson]'s movie 'Water for Elephants,' " she added. "I think he's going to be phenomenal in that, and Kristen [Stewart] is doing an amazing film ['On the Road']. Elizabeth Reaser just did a movie called 'Homework' with Michael Angarano, who's a really good friend of mine, and Emma Roberts that I'm excited about."
Reed and her co-stars have so many projects going that she was hard-pressed to remember everyone's work schedule. "We all root for each other," she said.
Speaking of which, the multi-talented and multi-tasking actress, who recently directed Sage's music video for "Edie Sedgwick," lit up at our question about whether she would consider directing a music video for her co-star Jackson Rathbone's band, 100 Monkeys.
"Would I ever! Jackson and I are on the phone every other day, because we're trying to find a movie to do together. I forgot to mention him — his band is skyrocketing. It's amazing," she gushed. "I would be honored. I don't want to take the position: 'Would I ever.' If he would ever let me, yeah. I love them."
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Nikki Reed
Photo: MTV News
Ever since the first "Twilight" film was released — kicking off the phenomenon that has included record-breaking box-office numbers, fainting fans, megawatt premieres, etc. — the suddenly superstar cast has been catapulted into a spotlight none of them saw coming. As such, the actors are very much in demand and currently working on a number of projects.
When Nikki Reed stopped by MTV News recently to discuss her film "Last Day of Summer," we asked her which of her co-stars' upcoming films she's most excited to see.
"All of them," she said. "I love Taylor [Lautner] so much, and I'm so proud of him and what he's doing. He's making a great movie in Pittsburgh right now," she said, referring to the John Singleton-directed action thriller "Abduction."
"I'm excited about Rob [Pattinson]'s movie 'Water for Elephants,' " she added. "I think he's going to be phenomenal in that, and Kristen [Stewart] is doing an amazing film ['On the Road']. Elizabeth Reaser just did a movie called 'Homework' with Michael Angarano, who's a really good friend of mine, and Emma Roberts that I'm excited about."
Reed and her co-stars have so many projects going that she was hard-pressed to remember everyone's work schedule. "We all root for each other," she said.
Speaking of which, the multi-talented and multi-tasking actress, who recently directed Sage's music video for "Edie Sedgwick," lit up at our question about whether she would consider directing a music video for her co-star Jackson Rathbone's band, 100 Monkeys.
"Would I ever! Jackson and I are on the phone every other day, because we're trying to find a movie to do together. I forgot to mention him — his band is skyrocketing. It's amazing," she gushed. "I would be honored. I don't want to take the position: 'Would I ever.' If he would ever let me, yeah. I love them."
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Photos | 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premiere After Party
'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premiere After Party
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Lady Gaga - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
Video Phone (Extended Remix)
Artist: Lady Gaga
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Hype Williams
Artist: Lady Gaga
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Hype Williams
Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray's Trial Set For January
Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images
More than a year after Michael Jackson's death, the pop icon's former personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was in court Monday (August 23) where a judge finally set a preliminary date of January 4, 2011, in the cardiologist's involuntary-manslaughter trial.
TMZ reported that Murray's legal team won a request to get a fluid sample from Jackson as part of their defense strategy questioning the accuracy of levels of the surgical anesthetic propofol found in Jackson's body. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Jackson, 50, died as a result of acute propofol intoxication.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter and has admitted to giving Jackson propofol, a strong anesthetic usually used during surgery but allegedly employed by chronic insomniac Jackson as a sleep aid. Murray's lawyers have said the physician did not administer any drugs that "should have" caused Jackson's death. The investigation into his death was equally lengthy, lasting more than eight months, after which Los Angeles prosecutors charged that Murray gave the King of Pop a lethal combination of propofol and other painkillers and sedatives in the hours before the singer was found dead in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009. Murray faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
After hearing from both sides in the case at the January court date, the judge, Michael Pastor, will determine if there is enough evidence to mount a full trial.
Jackson's mother and father, Katherine and Joseph, were in court on Monday, according to Radar Online, sitting in the front row as Judge Pastor set the preliminary hearing date. Pastor granted a protective order covering all evidence in the criminal case, meaning it cannot be released to anyone other than the lawyers, paralegals and investigators in the case.
Murray's defense team reportedly asked for access to three fluids collected by the coroner's office, including ones taken from syringes and an IV tube to re-examine test results. Pastor ruled that the coroner's office must preserve the samples, and if defense attorneys and prosecutors cannot agree on the request, he will schedule a hearing on the matter.
After court let out, a group of Jackson supporters gathered and sang an impromptu verse that featured the lines, "Conrad Murray is a cold man," while holding up signs that read "Justice for Michael Jackson" and "Love Unites Us, Peace Drives Us, Judgment Day 4 All."
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Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images
More than a year after Michael Jackson's death, the pop icon's former personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was in court Monday (August 23) where a judge finally set a preliminary date of January 4, 2011, in the cardiologist's involuntary-manslaughter trial.
TMZ reported that Murray's legal team won a request to get a fluid sample from Jackson as part of their defense strategy questioning the accuracy of levels of the surgical anesthetic propofol found in Jackson's body. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Jackson, 50, died as a result of acute propofol intoxication.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter and has admitted to giving Jackson propofol, a strong anesthetic usually used during surgery but allegedly employed by chronic insomniac Jackson as a sleep aid. Murray's lawyers have said the physician did not administer any drugs that "should have" caused Jackson's death. The investigation into his death was equally lengthy, lasting more than eight months, after which Los Angeles prosecutors charged that Murray gave the King of Pop a lethal combination of propofol and other painkillers and sedatives in the hours before the singer was found dead in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009. Murray faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
After hearing from both sides in the case at the January court date, the judge, Michael Pastor, will determine if there is enough evidence to mount a full trial.
Jackson's mother and father, Katherine and Joseph, were in court on Monday, according to Radar Online, sitting in the front row as Judge Pastor set the preliminary hearing date. Pastor granted a protective order covering all evidence in the criminal case, meaning it cannot be released to anyone other than the lawyers, paralegals and investigators in the case.
Murray's defense team reportedly asked for access to three fluids collected by the coroner's office, including ones taken from syringes and an IV tube to re-examine test results. Pastor ruled that the coroner's office must preserve the samples, and if defense attorneys and prosecutors cannot agree on the request, he will schedule a hearing on the matter.
After court let out, a group of Jackson supporters gathered and sang an impromptu verse that featured the lines, "Conrad Murray is a cold man," while holding up signs that read "Justice for Michael Jackson" and "Love Unites Us, Peace Drives Us, Judgment Day 4 All."
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Photos | MTV News' 2009 Women Of The Year
MTV News' 2009 Women Of The Year
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'Dancing With The Stars' Pro Weighs In On Casting Rumors
The Situation, Audrina Patridge and Bristol Palin may compete on new season, Maksim Chmerkovskiy teases.By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello
Dancing With The Stars' Maksim Chermovsky
Photo: MTV News
For weeks, names like the Situation, Audrina Patridge and Bristol Palin have been floating around as possible contenders on the next season of "Dancing With the Stars." But with the official announcement only hours away — ABC will announce its new lineup on Monday night (August 30) — one "DWTS" regular said he wasn't about to ruin the surprise.
MTV News caught up with dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy on Sunday night after the Emmy Awards, and he refused to give up much about who might be taking a shot at the mirror-ball trophy.
"How many people out there really want to [know early]?" he asked when we met him at the "ET" Emmy afterparty. "I think that's just spoiling it, the excitement. A lot of [the casting rumors] are [true], but there's certain things, like, even if you know the cast, you don't how they got paired up, which makes a huge difference and it's going to be a lot of fun."
While Chmerkovskiy wouldn't confirm or deny talk that the stars of MTV's reality hits "Jersey Shore" or the "The Hills" would be making appearances, he admitted that in past seasons there have been contestants he didn't want to hit the dance floor with.
"I've been dodging bullets many seasons, but then again sometimes you get paired up, and you go, 'Jesus,' " he revealed. "Then you find out about the person and you try and figure out a way to make it work and you make it work and it turns into a great show."
Chmerkovskiy said that while he had yet to begin rehearsals for the new season, the dancers and their celeb partners were already being introduced. "This weekend is when couples meet each other, or maybe tomorrow, maybe today, but I think tomorrow's the last day when people meet each other," he said.
"You find out 20 minutes before [you meet them] who you're dancing with. The producers I think [want] to avoid the 'What the hell?' reaction, and then you go to the studio, they walk in and you go, 'You didn't put on weight since last time I saw you somewhere,' and it's awesome,' " he explained about the process. "It's fun."
Chmerkovskiy added that regardless of who he gets paired with, not much about "DWTS" phases him these days.
"We're going into season 11; it's my ninth season ... As pros, we've been there. We've done it, we've danced with everybody. We'll make it work," he said. "We'll just have to wait and see!"
Which MTV stars would you like to see compete on "DWTS"? Share your casting wish list in the comments!
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The 2010 Cast Of 'Dancing With The Stars'
Dancing With The Stars' Maksim Chermovsky
Photo: MTV News
For weeks, names like the Situation, Audrina Patridge and Bristol Palin have been floating around as possible contenders on the next season of "Dancing With the Stars." But with the official announcement only hours away — ABC will announce its new lineup on Monday night (August 30) — one "DWTS" regular said he wasn't about to ruin the surprise.
MTV News caught up with dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy on Sunday night after the Emmy Awards, and he refused to give up much about who might be taking a shot at the mirror-ball trophy.
"How many people out there really want to [know early]?" he asked when we met him at the "ET" Emmy afterparty. "I think that's just spoiling it, the excitement. A lot of [the casting rumors] are [true], but there's certain things, like, even if you know the cast, you don't how they got paired up, which makes a huge difference and it's going to be a lot of fun."
While Chmerkovskiy wouldn't confirm or deny talk that the stars of MTV's reality hits "Jersey Shore" or the "The Hills" would be making appearances, he admitted that in past seasons there have been contestants he didn't want to hit the dance floor with.
"I've been dodging bullets many seasons, but then again sometimes you get paired up, and you go, 'Jesus,' " he revealed. "Then you find out about the person and you try and figure out a way to make it work and you make it work and it turns into a great show."
Chmerkovskiy said that while he had yet to begin rehearsals for the new season, the dancers and their celeb partners were already being introduced. "This weekend is when couples meet each other, or maybe tomorrow, maybe today, but I think tomorrow's the last day when people meet each other," he said.
"You find out 20 minutes before [you meet them] who you're dancing with. The producers I think [want] to avoid the 'What the hell?' reaction, and then you go to the studio, they walk in and you go, 'You didn't put on weight since last time I saw you somewhere,' and it's awesome,' " he explained about the process. "It's fun."
Chmerkovskiy added that regardless of who he gets paired with, not much about "DWTS" phases him these days.
"We're going into season 11; it's my ninth season ... As pros, we've been there. We've done it, we've danced with everybody. We'll make it work," he said. "We'll just have to wait and see!"
Which MTV stars would you like to see compete on "DWTS"? Share your casting wish list in the comments!
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The 2010 Cast Of 'Dancing With The Stars'
Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner
NYPL
I've lived in New York now for over ten years now and I've ever been to the New York Public Library until today. Mark is in town and wanted to meet someplace where we could work, so I said, "How about the library?" I've always been meaning to go there but never have.
Anyway, long story short, it smelled like feet and body funk. It was gross. I don't think I'll ever go back. And I'm terrified of bed bugs at the moment, so of course I thought the joint was crawling with them. I shook myself out on the street when I left just to be safe.
Okay, bye bye.
Anyway, long story short, it smelled like feet and body funk. It was gross. I don't think I'll ever go back. And I'm terrified of bed bugs at the moment, so of course I thought the joint was crawling with them. I shook myself out on the street when I left just to be safe.
Okay, bye bye.
Exclusive: Raekwon Talks Finished Justin Bieber Remix With Kanye West
'I definitely didn't give him anything that I thought was too hot to be spoken on by a 16-year-old,' Rae tells MTV News.By Shaheem Reid
Raekwon
Photo: Getty Images
Kanye West's Twitter spawned one of the most talked-about (and unexpected) musical collaborations in years — and the song was only finished Wednesday.
West and Justin Bieber started talking on Twitter a few days ago about making a remix of the Biebs' "Runaway Love." 'Ye suggested Raekwon get involved, and the next day, the Chef and the Louis Vuitton Don were in New York's Electric Lady Studios knocking out verses.
"Kanye was just being Kanye," Rae told MTV News about the session. "He was definitely excited. The energy in the room was already speaking for itself. It was time to get up and have fun on the track together. We was drinking, laughing, being normal cats. At the same time, we had a houseful of celebrities in the house as well. [Kanye] was moving through the facility checking out the studios he had. He had three studios in there.
"You had Akon in the building. Mos Def was just chillin'. Mos is a good friend of 'Ye's," Rae added. "You had Charlie Wilson, the legendary cat from the Gap Band. Chris Rock walked in. These are guys that really respect who 'Ye is. 'Ye's energy is cool. He's a normal cat. A normal Chicago/world cat. Very mature. Having a great time."
Rae said his followers on Twitter alerted him that Kanye and JB were talking on their pages about collaborating and had brought his name up. He didn't hesitate to let them know he wanted in.
"This is a conversation that extended from the Twitter thing," the Staten Island general explained. "Kanye was having a conversation with Justin over the Twitter. They came up with this great idea to have me involved. I was told to check it out and see what they talking about. They was right. They was saying, 'This is something Kanye and Justin want to do.' So automatically, first thing I do is hit them back and say I'm with it. Definitely, it created a movement. A lot of people want to see what could be the outcome to this remix. It's definitely a hot remix."
For the past year, most of Rae's accolades have been coming via his raw street music, most exemplified by 2009's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II LP. Obviously, Rae didn't go into the "Pyrex Vision" or "Surgical Gloves" zone with his rhymes for Bieber's fanbase.
"All I did was ride the beat and listen to what he was singing to," Chef said of his rhymes on the "Runaway Love" remix. "I can go basic when I want to. I can go rated R, I can go rated PG. I definitely didn't give him anything that I thought was too hot to be spoken on by a 16-year-old. I know how to read beats, and listening to the record, I just complemented. At the end of my 16 [bars], when you do hear Justin coming, it fits and it's a great sound. I didn't go crazy. One thing people gotta recognize about me, I'm the Chef. I know how to make spicy food, I know how to make food that ain't spicy. I made something that fit the criteria.
"Me and Kanye are just here to sprinkle a little bit more love on this man's success and all our success," he added.
Rae didn't exactly have Bieber Fever before this collabo, but he respects the teen's work. Chef said he recognized Bieber's star quality and potential when he saw him perform last year. The MC hasn't heard an entire Justin album yet, but his kids are big fans.
The "Runaway Love" remix has also sparked the opportunity for more Raekwon/ Kanye West collaborations. "We sat down and we talked about it, we talked about doing things in the future. This is just the beginning," the Wu-Tang co-founder revealed. "This is something that was supposed to happen a long time ago. He started throwing on them tracks, ideas started coming to my head. I was like, 'If this cat produces a Rae and Ghost record, what could come out of it?' Every album, he evolves. He's always doing the extra, or absurd, the abnormal, but it sounds crazy."
On Tuesday, Rae released his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II: Gold Edition on iTunes. The set includes new songs, remixes and music videos. The project helps commemorate the 15th anniversary of his classic first Linx.
Are you excited to hear the "Runaway Love" remix? Let us know in the comments!
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Raekwon
Justin Bieber
Kanye West
Raekwon
Photo: Getty Images
Kanye West's Twitter spawned one of the most talked-about (and unexpected) musical collaborations in years — and the song was only finished Wednesday.
West and Justin Bieber started talking on Twitter a few days ago about making a remix of the Biebs' "Runaway Love." 'Ye suggested Raekwon get involved, and the next day, the Chef and the Louis Vuitton Don were in New York's Electric Lady Studios knocking out verses.
"Kanye was just being Kanye," Rae told MTV News about the session. "He was definitely excited. The energy in the room was already speaking for itself. It was time to get up and have fun on the track together. We was drinking, laughing, being normal cats. At the same time, we had a houseful of celebrities in the house as well. [Kanye] was moving through the facility checking out the studios he had. He had three studios in there.
"You had Akon in the building. Mos Def was just chillin'. Mos is a good friend of 'Ye's," Rae added. "You had Charlie Wilson, the legendary cat from the Gap Band. Chris Rock walked in. These are guys that really respect who 'Ye is. 'Ye's energy is cool. He's a normal cat. A normal Chicago/world cat. Very mature. Having a great time."
Rae said his followers on Twitter alerted him that Kanye and JB were talking on their pages about collaborating and had brought his name up. He didn't hesitate to let them know he wanted in.
"This is a conversation that extended from the Twitter thing," the Staten Island general explained. "Kanye was having a conversation with Justin over the Twitter. They came up with this great idea to have me involved. I was told to check it out and see what they talking about. They was right. They was saying, 'This is something Kanye and Justin want to do.' So automatically, first thing I do is hit them back and say I'm with it. Definitely, it created a movement. A lot of people want to see what could be the outcome to this remix. It's definitely a hot remix."
For the past year, most of Rae's accolades have been coming via his raw street music, most exemplified by 2009's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II LP. Obviously, Rae didn't go into the "Pyrex Vision" or "Surgical Gloves" zone with his rhymes for Bieber's fanbase.
"All I did was ride the beat and listen to what he was singing to," Chef said of his rhymes on the "Runaway Love" remix. "I can go basic when I want to. I can go rated R, I can go rated PG. I definitely didn't give him anything that I thought was too hot to be spoken on by a 16-year-old. I know how to read beats, and listening to the record, I just complemented. At the end of my 16 [bars], when you do hear Justin coming, it fits and it's a great sound. I didn't go crazy. One thing people gotta recognize about me, I'm the Chef. I know how to make spicy food, I know how to make food that ain't spicy. I made something that fit the criteria.
"Me and Kanye are just here to sprinkle a little bit more love on this man's success and all our success," he added.
Rae didn't exactly have Bieber Fever before this collabo, but he respects the teen's work. Chef said he recognized Bieber's star quality and potential when he saw him perform last year. The MC hasn't heard an entire Justin album yet, but his kids are big fans.
The "Runaway Love" remix has also sparked the opportunity for more Raekwon/ Kanye West collaborations. "We sat down and we talked about it, we talked about doing things in the future. This is just the beginning," the Wu-Tang co-founder revealed. "This is something that was supposed to happen a long time ago. He started throwing on them tracks, ideas started coming to my head. I was like, 'If this cat produces a Rae and Ghost record, what could come out of it?' Every album, he evolves. He's always doing the extra, or absurd, the abnormal, but it sounds crazy."
On Tuesday, Rae released his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II: Gold Edition on iTunes. The set includes new songs, remixes and music videos. The project helps commemorate the 15th anniversary of his classic first Linx.
Are you excited to hear the "Runaway Love" remix? Let us know in the comments!
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adidas Originals Does ?Star Wars? For Fall/Winter ?10-?11
Last Winter we learned that adidas Originals teamed up with George Lucas to release a line of shoes and apparel based on characters and vehicles from the iconic sci-fi movie series Star Wars (I managed to pick up a few different pieces from the collection myself). Today we get our first look at a new [...]
Britney Spears Will 'Kind Of' Play Herself On 'Glee'
'She sort of wants to do a 'Where's Waldo?'-type thing with 'Where's Britney?' ' creator Ryan Murphy reveals.By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Britney Spears
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Ladies, gentlemen and Gleeks, Ryan Murphy has revealed a few more details about what fans can expect when Britney Spears makes a cameo in an episode of "Glee" dedicated to her and airing next season.
While the show creator wouldn't say exactly what part Spears will have, he did hint that she would be playing some version of herself.
"Well, it's her idea. She sort of wants to do a 'Where's Waldo?'-type thing with 'Where's Britney?' " Murphy told MTV News at the "Eat Pray Love" premiere in New York City on Tuesday night. Spears will "kind of" be playing herself, he added. "Yes, that's all I can say."
With so much anticipation surrounding the upcoming episode, Murphy said the cast is equally pumped to have the pop icon on set. In fact, many of them had long been pushing for a Spears episode.
"You know, I met with Britney Spears years and years and years ago right when '(Hit Me) ... Baby One More Time' came out and I was sort of starting my career, and I've always loved her," he explained. "I think what she's done in turning everything around is remarkable, and the show is just a love letter to her music.
"And the reason we're doing it is because so many of the kids on the show say, 'We grew up with Britney. We want to do Britney,' " Murphy continued. "So I said, 'OK,' but I'm filled with admiration for her."
One Gleek who's particularly excited to get Spears onboard is Heather Morris, who over the weekend at the Teen Choice Awards admitted she couldn't believe Spears might actually show up on set. "That'd be so nerve-racking," she said.
When asked which Britney songs she'd like to perform on the show, Morris said, "I like 'Toxic' the best or the 'Slave' video. It was always her best performance. She's rocking! I don't care what I do."
Would you like to see Britney play herself or another character on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
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Britney Spears
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Ladies, gentlemen and Gleeks, Ryan Murphy has revealed a few more details about what fans can expect when Britney Spears makes a cameo in an episode of "Glee" dedicated to her and airing next season.
While the show creator wouldn't say exactly what part Spears will have, he did hint that she would be playing some version of herself.
"Well, it's her idea. She sort of wants to do a 'Where's Waldo?'-type thing with 'Where's Britney?' " Murphy told MTV News at the "Eat Pray Love" premiere in New York City on Tuesday night. Spears will "kind of" be playing herself, he added. "Yes, that's all I can say."
With so much anticipation surrounding the upcoming episode, Murphy said the cast is equally pumped to have the pop icon on set. In fact, many of them had long been pushing for a Spears episode.
"You know, I met with Britney Spears years and years and years ago right when '(Hit Me) ... Baby One More Time' came out and I was sort of starting my career, and I've always loved her," he explained. "I think what she's done in turning everything around is remarkable, and the show is just a love letter to her music.
"And the reason we're doing it is because so many of the kids on the show say, 'We grew up with Britney. We want to do Britney,' " Murphy continued. "So I said, 'OK,' but I'm filled with admiration for her."
One Gleek who's particularly excited to get Spears onboard is Heather Morris, who over the weekend at the Teen Choice Awards admitted she couldn't believe Spears might actually show up on set. "That'd be so nerve-racking," she said.
When asked which Britney songs she'd like to perform on the show, Morris said, "I like 'Toxic' the best or the 'Slave' video. It was always her best performance. She's rocking! I don't care what I do."
Would you like to see Britney play herself or another character on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
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What Other 'Glee' Music Videos Do We Want To See?
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Photos | Lady Gaga Performs At Staples Center
Lady Gaga Performs At Staples Center
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Stanley Tucci Says 'Captain America' 'Design Is Stunning'
The actor says the film is shot beautifully.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Stanley Tucci
Photo: MTV News
Marvel hero Captain America is known his unstoppable brawn so it's a safe bet that moviegoers will check out a feast of out-of-this-world action scenes when "Captain America: The First Avenger" lands in theaters next summer. In addition to heart-stopping thrills, Stanley Tucci, who spent some of this summer filming the 2011 release, said that fans are in for a visually creative experience.
"[Director] Joe Johnston is a wonderful guy and I love the way he's shooting it, it's really interesting, it's beautiful-looking," Tucci told MTV News. The actor seemed awed by Johnston's approach. "There's a real power to it and the design is stunning."
Tucci will portray Dr. Abraham Erskine, the lab wiz who develops the potent serum that endows Steve Rogers with super-human strength and effectively turns the weakling into Captain America. The Oscar-nominated star dished about the nuances of his character who, despite having developed the muscle-popping serum, is not just a crazed genius tinkering with chemicals. Tucci revealed that "he's a combination of both" mad scientist and mild-mannered researcher.
Tucci, who will be seen next in the high-school comedy "Easy A," heads back to shooting "Captain America" in the fall. So far, the actor, who is known for diverse roles ranging from Julia Child's doting husband in "Julie & Julia" to a mega-fierce fashion insider in "The Devil Wears Prada," is relishing his time on the "Captain America" set.
"So much fun," Tucci gushed about filming. "I have to go back and ... finish it in October but I was there for a few weeks in ... end of July, August. It was great; a great experience." The star chalked up his good times behind the scenes to his co-stars.
"Chris [Evans, who plays Captain America] is great, he's a wonderful guy," Tucci said. "Dominic [Cooper] and Hayley [Atwell] and Tommy Lee Jones - it's great people."
What are you looking forward to seeing in "Captain America: The First Avenger?" Let us know in the comments below!
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
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MTV Rough Cut: 'Captain America'
Stanley Tucci
Photo: MTV News
Marvel hero Captain America is known his unstoppable brawn so it's a safe bet that moviegoers will check out a feast of out-of-this-world action scenes when "Captain America: The First Avenger" lands in theaters next summer. In addition to heart-stopping thrills, Stanley Tucci, who spent some of this summer filming the 2011 release, said that fans are in for a visually creative experience.
"[Director] Joe Johnston is a wonderful guy and I love the way he's shooting it, it's really interesting, it's beautiful-looking," Tucci told MTV News. The actor seemed awed by Johnston's approach. "There's a real power to it and the design is stunning."
Tucci will portray Dr. Abraham Erskine, the lab wiz who develops the potent serum that endows Steve Rogers with super-human strength and effectively turns the weakling into Captain America. The Oscar-nominated star dished about the nuances of his character who, despite having developed the muscle-popping serum, is not just a crazed genius tinkering with chemicals. Tucci revealed that "he's a combination of both" mad scientist and mild-mannered researcher.
Tucci, who will be seen next in the high-school comedy "Easy A," heads back to shooting "Captain America" in the fall. So far, the actor, who is known for diverse roles ranging from Julia Child's doting husband in "Julie & Julia" to a mega-fierce fashion insider in "The Devil Wears Prada," is relishing his time on the "Captain America" set.
"So much fun," Tucci gushed about filming. "I have to go back and ... finish it in October but I was there for a few weeks in ... end of July, August. It was great; a great experience." The star chalked up his good times behind the scenes to his co-stars.
"Chris [Evans, who plays Captain America] is great, he's a wonderful guy," Tucci said. "Dominic [Cooper] and Hayley [Atwell] and Tommy Lee Jones - it's great people."
What are you looking forward to seeing in "Captain America: The First Avenger?" Let us know in the comments below!
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
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Photos | Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Kicks Off In Montreal
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Photos | Lady Gaga Leads The 2010 VMA Nominees
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Lady Gaga's Next Album Will Be 'Shocking,' Producer RedOne Says
'That's part of my job and her job — to keep her evolving,' he tells Billboard.By Kara Warner
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Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
Hot on the heels of Lady Gaga's confident pronouncement that her upcoming album is the "absolute greatest work I've ever done," "utter liberation" and an "anthem for my generation for the next decade" comes echoing praise from a reliable — if slightly biased — source: her producer RedOne.
"It's going to be shocking, shocking, shocking!" the Moroccan/Swedish master mixer behind "Just Dance," "LoveGame," "Poker Face," "Bad Romance" and "Alejandro" told Billboard of Gaga's new music. "You never want to go too far from your brand — people love you for a reason. But we still want to give them something with a kick, something that makes them say, 'Oh my God! We didn't expect this!' "
RedOne (real name: Nadir Khayat) said a big part of his job and future collaborations with Gaga are about evolution. "When you heard 'Bad Romance' after 'Poker Face,' it was like the best thing you've ever heard," he said. "We want that type of reaction. I think that's part of my job and her job — to keep her evolving."
The producer told Billboard that he worked on at least two tracks on Gaga's new album but also encouraged her to collaborate with others (he produced a total of nine tracks on The Fame and The Fame Monster), though he wouldn't divulge which hitmakers might be producing songs on the upcoming album.
"After 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face,' 'LoveGame' and 'Boys Boys Boys,' I got a sound out of her, and that made it easier for other producers," he said. "Her sound is so defined that, no matter what, people can follow it. That sound belongs to her."
What are you expecting from Gaga's new music? Let us know in the comments!
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Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
Hot on the heels of Lady Gaga's confident pronouncement that her upcoming album is the "absolute greatest work I've ever done," "utter liberation" and an "anthem for my generation for the next decade" comes echoing praise from a reliable — if slightly biased — source: her producer RedOne.
"It's going to be shocking, shocking, shocking!" the Moroccan/Swedish master mixer behind "Just Dance," "LoveGame," "Poker Face," "Bad Romance" and "Alejandro" told Billboard of Gaga's new music. "You never want to go too far from your brand — people love you for a reason. But we still want to give them something with a kick, something that makes them say, 'Oh my God! We didn't expect this!' "
RedOne (real name: Nadir Khayat) said a big part of his job and future collaborations with Gaga are about evolution. "When you heard 'Bad Romance' after 'Poker Face,' it was like the best thing you've ever heard," he said. "We want that type of reaction. I think that's part of my job and her job — to keep her evolving."
The producer told Billboard that he worked on at least two tracks on Gaga's new album but also encouraged her to collaborate with others (he produced a total of nine tracks on The Fame and The Fame Monster), though he wouldn't divulge which hitmakers might be producing songs on the upcoming album.
"After 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face,' 'LoveGame' and 'Boys Boys Boys,' I got a sound out of her, and that made it easier for other producers," he said. "Her sound is so defined that, no matter what, people can follow it. That sound belongs to her."
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Rihanna Ties Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Mariah Carey For #1 Pop Songs
'Love the Way You Lie' with Eminem becomes her sixth #1 on the pop chart.By Jocelyn Vena
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Photo: Troy Rizzo/ Getty Images
Rihanna is making hit songs, breaking records and taking names. The singer is currently tied with a few of her pop comrades for the most #1 songs on the Pop Songs radio airplay chart. She ties with Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey for the most #1's in the Nielsen survey. Rihanna now has six #1's on her résumé thanks to her chart-topping collaboration with Eminem, "Love the Way You Lie," according to Billboard.com.
Rihanna's other #1 songs on the pop chart include 2006's "SOS" (for one week); 2008's "Take a Bow" (for three weeks); 2008's "Disturbia" (three weeks); her late-2008 T.I. collabo "Live Your Life" (two weeks); and this year's "Rude Boy" (two weeks). "Love the Way You Lie" has been on top for one week so far.
Earlier this year Beyoncé and Lady Gaga tied Mariah Carey for six #1 pop songs with their collaboration, "Telephone." Carey had six songs hit #1 on the Hot 100 before the Pop Songs chart was created in 1993, and then six others since its creation. Meanwhile, Beyoncé collected hers from 2003 to 2010. Gaga was the fastest to tie the record, with all six released from 2009-2010.
Avril Lavigne, Pink, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake all come in a close second with five #1 pop songs in their careers.
Rihanna had fans talking last week when the video for "Love the Way You Lie" was released. The singer, who was assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009, appears in the video that depicts a violent love affair between Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox.
How do you think Rihanna compares to the other women at the top of the pop chart? Sound off in the comments.
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Photo: Troy Rizzo/ Getty Images
Rihanna is making hit songs, breaking records and taking names. The singer is currently tied with a few of her pop comrades for the most #1 songs on the Pop Songs radio airplay chart. She ties with Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey for the most #1's in the Nielsen survey. Rihanna now has six #1's on her résumé thanks to her chart-topping collaboration with Eminem, "Love the Way You Lie," according to Billboard.com.
Rihanna's other #1 songs on the pop chart include 2006's "SOS" (for one week); 2008's "Take a Bow" (for three weeks); 2008's "Disturbia" (three weeks); her late-2008 T.I. collabo "Live Your Life" (two weeks); and this year's "Rude Boy" (two weeks). "Love the Way You Lie" has been on top for one week so far.
Earlier this year Beyoncé and Lady Gaga tied Mariah Carey for six #1 pop songs with their collaboration, "Telephone." Carey had six songs hit #1 on the Hot 100 before the Pop Songs chart was created in 1993, and then six others since its creation. Meanwhile, Beyoncé collected hers from 2003 to 2010. Gaga was the fastest to tie the record, with all six released from 2009-2010.
Avril Lavigne, Pink, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake all come in a close second with five #1 pop songs in their careers.
Rihanna had fans talking last week when the video for "Love the Way You Lie" was released. The singer, who was assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009, appears in the video that depicts a violent love affair between Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox.
How do you think Rihanna compares to the other women at the top of the pop chart? Sound off in the comments.
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