May 26, 2012

Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Lea Michele Up For PETA Awards

Peta2 is bestowing awards including Most Animal-Friendly Pop/Hip-Hop Artist to celebs for their support of animal rights.
By Jocelyn Vena

PETA's youth division, peta2, is giving props to celebs like Justin Bieber, Ke$ha and "Glee" star Lea Michele at this year's Libby Awards for their efforts in support of animal rights.The Biebs, who appeared in a campaign for the organization at the top of the year using Bieber-fied catch-phrases like "My world includes passion for animals, yours should too" and "Animals can make u smile. Adopt from your local shelter," is taking on fellow animal-loving pop star Ke$ha and rappers k-os and Waka Flocka Flame in the Most Animal-Friendly Pop/Hip-Hop Artist category. Ke$ha appeared in an ad campaigning against the slaughter of Canadian seals.Michele, who speaks out against the mistreatment of carriage horses in New York City, faces off against "Jackass" star Steve-O, Cobra Starship's leading man and peta2's Sexiest Vegetarian Gabe Saporta, and "Victorious" star Daniella Monet in the Top Animal-Friendly Celebrity category.The Ready Set, Tokio Hotel, Hellogoodbye and the Swellers are all up for Most Animal-Friendly Band. Ke$ha and Tokio are also up for Best peta2 ad along with Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness and Yelle.The Libby (as in "Liberation") Awards will be decided on January 17 by fan votes as well as peta2. Voting ends December 23."Our nominees have all worked hard to shine their spotlights on a variety of important animal issues," peta2 Division Manager Marta Holmberg said about the nominees, which honors animal-friendly people and products. "As our accomplished stars demonstrate, compassion isn't just a virtue — it's also a road to success."

Elizabeth Berkley Halle Berry Angela Bettis Leslie Bibb Jessica Biel

May 26, 2012

Photos | 2012 Grammy Nominees

2012 Grammy Nominees

Ellen Burstyn Hilarie Burton Sophia Bush Brett Butler Amanda Bynes

May 26, 2012

Usher's 'Climax' Is 'Not About Sex'

Looking 4 Myself single is about reaching 'a place where you're gonna dive in or let it go,' Usher explains on 'MTV First.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Usher admits that "over the last three years of my life, it's no secret I went through some heavy transitions." And he's not joking. In 2009, he filed for a divorce from his wife, Tameka Foster, after marrying her in 2007. In the lead-up to the split, their relationship certainly came with drama, including a rift with his mother and a major health scare for Foster during a 2009 trip to Brazil.And even with his divorce finalized, Usher is still in and out of court dealing with custody issues over their two sons, Usher and Naviyd. However, he is ready to put all that drama aside now that he's purged those emotions for his June 12 album release, the aptly titled Looking 4 Myself."There's an emotional side to it. Over the last three years of my life, it's no secret I went through some heavy transitions and in that I really came out new," he told MTV News during "MTV First." "I came out feeling a sense of entitlement and a sense of ownership of all of that I went through to become better and in being able to survive it.<div class="player-placeholder right" title="Usher Gets Shot In His 'Climax' Performance" id="vid:767991.id:1685137" width="415" height="255"></div>"So I was looking for something in the music," he continued. "I was looking for something in life. I was looking for something in it has always been right here. It has always been there. So I kind of used the music as a dairy in a way, but a creative, artistic, art-in-motion diary."But, Usher is no stranger to putting his drama to music. With albums titled Confessions and Raymond v. Raymond, he has always put his personal business right where people can hear it."Oddly, I've unfortunately left my life an open book," he said. "So every record people would assume that each and every detail is specific, even the videos."That includes his most recent clip for "Climax," which follows jilted lover Usher as he contemplates shooting his girl's other man. Soon, he charges in the house, and a gunshot is fired off. What's unclear is whether it's reality or just Usher's fantasy."OK, I'm not sitting out in front of somebody's house and shoot up the crib, just so you know," he joked. " 'Climax' was an interpretation to really give people a better understanding 'cause I felt like people really looked at the record for what you heard first, which was 'Climax'. So, people thought 'sex.' It's not about sex. Well, climax is about sex, but not the song. Just so we're clear."The Diplo-produced track actually has more to do with the events of the last few years of his life than events in the bedroom. "The song is really about kind of the crescendo of a relationship, where you've reached a place where you're gonna dive in or let it go," he said. "And the 'Climax' is what it is."

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685264/usher-climax.jhtml

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May 26, 2012

Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover

Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman

Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off <MTVNLINK type="url" id="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/led_zeppelin/artist.jhtml">Led Zeppelin</MTVNLINK>'s 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.<div style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;"> </div>The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610709/adam-lamberts-whole-lotta-love-story...

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May 26, 2012

Justin Bieber Has Nothing But 'Love' For Carly Rae Jepsen And Usher

'Carly is my artist, and I'm Usher's artist, so it's kind of cool that we're all performing,' Bieber tells MTV News at Billboard Music Awards.
By Kara Warner

LAS VEGAS — As was expected, Justin Bieber's show-stopping performance of "Boyfriend" at Sunday's (May 20) Billboard Music Awards brought out the squeals and the swag.<div class="player-placeholder right" title="Justin Bieber Breaks Down Billboard Awards 'Boyfriend' Performance" id="vid:770729.id:1685461" width="415" height="255"></div>When MTV News caught up with Bieber on the white carpet for the awards show, just before his big number, the teenage superstar said his expectations for the evening were relatively simple: He just wanted everyone to have fun and to be able to show off all the hard work he's been putting into his dance moves."This performance is going to be fun. I practiced a lot in the dance studio," Bieber said. "I've been working hard, and I can't wait to show the fans what I've been working so hard on." Since the other members of Bieber's musical family — Carly Rae Jepsen and Usher — were also performing, did the trio discuss any feelings of friendly competition or joke around about which performance would be better than the others?"[It's] not a competition. It's all love," Bieber said with a smile. "We're all a family. Carly is my artist, and I'm Usher's artist, so it's kind of cool that we're all performing here, together.For first-time Billboard Music Awards attendee and performer Jepsen, the goal for the night was to remember to take a moment to soak it all in."I want to feel happy when I'm onstage," she said. "A lot of times you kind of get caught up in the performance and then you worry and then it's over and you think, 'I didn't even enjoy it.' So tonight, after [having a successful] soundcheck this morning, it's going to be about having fun. It's me and my band, we've got some dancers and some fun lights, it's going to be an interesting show."Who had the best Billboard performance: Justin, Usher or Carly? Let us know in the comments!

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May 26, 2012

Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers

'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll

You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.<div style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float:left;"></div>But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine."I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon."I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.

Lara Flynn Boyle Lorraine Bracco Alexandra Breckenridge Eileen Brennan Amy Brenneman

May 26, 2012

Michael Jackson Lives On In 'Immortal' Tour

Cirque du Soleil show pays tribute to late icon with world tour.
By Uptin Saiidi

NEWARK, New Jersey — Music, dance and acrobatics combine in celebration of Michael Jackson's iconic life in the "Immortal" World Tour. From trapeze artists to acrobats and even a world-champion pole dancer, guests at the Cirque du Soleil show can expect a high-energy tribute to the legend.The tour stopped for two nights in Newark, New Jersey, this past weekend (its 40th stop) and will open Tuesday night (April 3) at New York's Madison Square Garden, where it will remain through Thursday. From there, it will continue across North America through the summer before heading to Europe in the fall.<center></center>Having already produced the Beatles "Love" show in Las Vegas, Cirque is no stranger to musical tributes."Immortal" serves as a sensory explosion that starts on the subdued side and progresses in both spectacle and energy. More than 60 artists perform to 32 songs in a presentation that feels much like a concert with an ensemble of circus-inspired acts elegantly melding together. The stage is two levels with a long peninsula extending into the audience, where the majority of the acrobatics takes place. MJ's famed choreographic style was present in nearly all the numbers, and the audacious task of the performers was well-received by the audience.The progression of the musical numbers moved seamlessly. The energy kicked into high gear with Jackson-like characters performing "Fanatics Medley" as Jackson 5 — one of them in MJ's signature fedora and another as a gold-suited mime. Jackson's youth was remembered in "Childhood" during which a recording of Jackson's voice referred to his early stardom as he sang, "Have you seen my childhood?/ It's been my fate to compensate/ For the childhood I've never known."While the moving screens, elaborate stage designs and detailed costumes were impressive, one of the most awe-inspiring moments was witnessing what the human body is capable of during the pole-dancing number. Felix Cane, a two-time world pole-dancing champion, maneuvered in the sky dancing on a pole — with no harness — appropriately performing to "Dangerous," as the audience was captivated by her every move.Another highlight was "Human Nature," during which the back screens were dominated by Neverland graphics and an image of a young Michael sitting on the moon. In front of the backdrop, a half-dozen artists wrapped in multicolored LED costumes soared through the air in sync, representing the constellations."Beat It" got the crowd moving while they watched performers in MJ's signature accessories, including his famous glove and penny loafers, dance in dynamic movement. A rock-infused duel between an electric guitar and electric cello capped the song.After an elaborate performance to "Black or White," as the night seemed to be over and the audience slowly started spilling into the aisles, the lights illuminated one last time for an encore to "Man in the Mirror." The artists appeared to take a bow in front of exploding fireworks.Have you seen "Immortal"? Share your review below!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1682347/michael-jackson-immortal-cirque.jhtml

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May 25, 2012

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy: Pop Stars Making Taylor Swift Faces!

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May 25, 2012

Linkin Park Builds Us Up Then Burn It Down!

Sizzle those instruments! Roast that sound! We are fantastically fired UP over Linkin Park's rejuvenation, and after seeing them scald Billboard audiences with ferocious tune Burn It Down, we were boiling over with anticipation for the track's visual accompaniment! And now… we are satiated! Check out Linkin Park's explosive new video for Burn It Down [...]

Source: http://perezhilton.com/2012-05-25-linkin-park-new-music-video-burn-it-down

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