mathew's blog

mathew

Album art from Pink Floyd, Blur and David Bowie also included.
By James Montgomery

Coldplay's new British stamps
Photo: Royal Mail

On Thursday (January 7), the U.K.'s Royal Mail unveiled a series of 10 new stamps, honoring the most iconic album covers of the past 40 years.

The albums featured in the new series are the Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed, Led Zeppelin's IV, David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, The Clash's London Calling, New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies, Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Pink Floyd's The Division Bell, Blur's Parklife and — the most recent album on to make the cut — Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head.

Meant to honor "the most potent graphic images of modern times, many of which have provided a visual soundtrack to people's lives," the series is the end result of a lengthy research process by the Royal Mail, who looked through thousands of album covers by British artists before deciding on the final list. And, during a Wednesday night BBC Radio broadcast, it was revealed that the queen herself actually approved each design.

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page — who helped design the cover for IV — was on hand to celebrate the release of the stamps and recalled the mysterious nature of the album's iconic imagery.

"Almost 40 years after the album came out, nobody knows the old man who featured on the cover, nor the artist who painted him," he said. "That sort of sums up what we wanted to achieve with the album cover, which has remained both anonymous and enigmatic at the same time."

Of course, any great honor is befitting of an equally great contest, so, on the same day the stamps were made available to the general public, Coldplay decided to give one of their Rush of Blood stamps away. In a message on their official site, the band held a contest to send one lucky fan "a letter using a Coldplay stamp, postmarked with today's issue date."

"We visited our local post office earlier today and bought some of the Coldplay stamps," the message read. "Very nice they are too."

Related Photos

Coldplay Perform Free Show At London's Carling Academy Brixton

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629227/coldplay-led-zeppelin-album-covers-featured-on-new-british-stamps.jhtml

Teri Polo Tessie Santiago Thalía Thandie Newton

mathew

In a week that saw plenty of post-Grammy sales bumps, it's Bieber who reigns supreme.
By James Montgomery

Justin Bieber
Photo: Mark Von Holden/ WireImage

In a week in which the post-Grammy sales boom finally took hold, sending several long-dormant albums rocketing back up the charts, it was the kid who got shut out at the big show who ended up topping the charts.

Justin Bieber's Never Say Never - The Remixes debuts at #1 on next week's Billboard top 200 albums chart, giving the pop star the second chart-topping bow of his young career. The album sold more than 161,000 copies, easily surpassing Mumford & Sons' breakout Sigh No More, which benefited from the group's Grammy-night performance with Bob Dylan (and the Avett Brothers), selling nearly 133,000 copies — a 169 percent increase in sales from the previous week — to hold steady at #2.

Former chart champ the Now 37 compilation lands at #3, with sales of nearly 95,000 copies, and Lady Antebellum — who not only performed at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, but took home the awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year — posted a 205 percent sales jump, selling more than 85,000 copies to snag the #4 spot.

Grammy winner and performer Bruno Mars' Doo-Wops & Hooligans sold nearly 61,000 copies (a 55 percent burst in sales) to come in at #5, followed by a host of other Grammy beneficiaries: Eminem's Recovery at #6 (nearly 61,000 copies sold), the 2011 Grammy Nominees compilation (#7, nearly 56,000 copies sold), Bieber's My World, 2.0 (#8, more than 54,000 copies), and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday (#9, nearly 46,000 copies). Rihanna's Loud rounds out the top 10, with sales of more than 45,000 copies sold.

That Grammy bump continues outside the top 10 too, starting with Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, which, thanks to her Grammy performance, jumped 30 percent in sales, moving nearly 42,000 units to land at #11. Surprise Album of the Year winners Arcade Fire's The Suburbs posted a 238 percent sales jump to come in at #12, selling more than 40,000 copies ... and moving past the 500,000 mark in total sales as a result.

Other winners and performers who leapt up the charts include Florence and the Machine, whose Lungs moved from #28 to #19; Cee Lo Green's The Lady Killer (from #53 to #22); Lady Gaga's The Fame (from #35 to #23); and the Black Keys' Brothers, which posted a 25 percent sales jump to grab the #24 spot.

Aside from Bieber's Never Say Never, other notable Billboard debuts include Bright Eyes' The People's Key, which opened at #12 with sales of nearly 41,000 copies, Hillsong United's Aftermath (#17, with sales of more than 27,000 copies), Ginuwine's Elgin (#30, with sales of more than 19,000 copies), and PJ Harvey's Let England Shake, which bows at #32 with sales of nearly 18,000.

Related Videos

MTV Rough Cut: Justin Bieber

Related Artists

Justin Bieber

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658506/justin-bieber-never-say-never-remixes.jhtml

Selita Ebanks Shakara Ledard Shakira Shana Hiatt

mathew

68th Annual Golden Globe Awards Presenters

Related Artists

Justin Bieber

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1655293

Aisha Tyler Aki Ross Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio

mathew

This is how I'll be during Sunday's football games.

Onion SportsDome

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/1/22/sports-me.html

Izabella Scorupco Jaime King Jaime Pressly Jamie Chung

mathew

[Images: Mr Paparazzi/Big Pictures Words: Laura Perks]

Look at Halle Berry?s face, look how excited she is about the Oscars. Yeah, you?re right she doesn?t look that thrilled really ? however we are!

We love the Oscars, not the awards bit; we the glamour and the dresses and all those ridiculous parties that celebrities go to.

Sure the pre-Oscar parties are always a little dull, however they are an exciting taster of what?s yet to come. Despite Halle Berry?s subdued mood at the Women in Film Pres-Oscars cocktails bash at Soho house yesterday, over at the OK! Magazine pre-Oscar party in Hollywood everyone seemed to be in a far more excited mood about the impending awards including Kendra Wilkinson, Mel B and her husband Stephen Belafonte. That?s the spirit! Halle Berry take note.

FIND US ON >> Facebook... Bebo... MySpace... Twitter...

Source: http://www.mrpaparazzi.com//blog/index.aspx?postID=14275

Poppy Montgomery Portia de Rossi Rachael Leigh Cook Rachel Bilson

mathew

'American Idol' Recap: No Alarms/No Surprises

"Molly DeWolf Swenson is now following you on Twitter" is the kind of thing that might scare the mess out of a less secure man -- given her abilities, connections, marksmanship -- but I have been doing this job a very long time and I like the super-capable ones the best anyway, so we'll just leave at that: You take a shower before effing hours three and four of the recappapalooza that is this show this week, every week, and you think the idiotic cliffhanger of whether or not Chris Medina has broken J. Lo's soul, Brittenum style, you think that's the most exciting thing that's going to happen... And then you fire up the old Gmail.

CLICK TO READ THE FULL RECAP

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/american-idol-recap-no-alarmsno-surprises/1-a-326660

Amanda Swisten Amber Arbucci Amber Brkich Amber Heard

mathew

'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premiere After Party

Related Artists

Michael Jackson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1624956

Amber Brkich Amber Heard Amber Valletta America Ferrera

mathew

Them Crooked Vultures make their debut with a post-Lollapalooza set.
By James Montgomery

Dave Grohl (file)
Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Officially, Lollapalooza ended Sunday night in Chicago's Grant Park, with dueling sets from the Killers and Jane's Addiction. Unofficially, it ended very early Monday morning, across town at venerable rock club the Metro, with a surprise show by Them Crooked Vultures.

To the unfamiliar, the Vultures might seem like an odd choice to close out Lolla weekend ... until you realize that they're made up of Foo Fighters frontman/ former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme and Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones. And their gig at the Metro was their world premiere.

According to some reports, the Vultures actually turned down Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell's request to replace the Beastie Boys as headliners at the festival, opting to debut in front of some 1,100 super-psyched fans at the Metro, rather than 75,000 in Grant Park (tickets for the gig were announced via Foo Fighter/ QOTSA fan clubs). Meaning that, in a lot of ways, this was the most sought-after ticket in town.

Taking the stage just after midnight, the Vultures — Grohl on drums (of course), Homme on guitar and vocals, Jones on bass and keys and frequent QOTSA contributor Alain Johannes on guitar — ripped through 12 songs in 80 minutes, all taken from their upcoming debut, which may or may not be called Never Deserved the Future, and may or may not be hitting stores on October 23 (early "promo" videos touting both those facts were revealed over the weekend to be hoaxes perpetrated by QOTSA fans).

The songs, with appropriately Homme-ian titles like "Scumbag Blues," "Mind Eraser (No Chaser)," "Caligulove" and "Interlude w/Ludes," sounded pretty much how you'd expect, given the band's pedigree. They rocked, hard — Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot described them as "fresh, invigorating and just plain nasty" — delving off into psychedelic, reverb-filled excursions and exploring proggy territory, "both of the old-school Yes variety, and the more modern Tool flavor," according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Jim DeRogatis.

It's not known if Monday's Metro performance was a one-off event for the Vultures — there have been whispers of a full-blown tour, but a spokesperson for Homme had not responded to MTV News' request for comment at press time. Nor was it clear whether or not they'll have an album out in October.

Early Monday, a Crooked Vultures Twitter account, which had previously posted links to the band's official-looking Web site and the Metro's online ticketing site — posted a link to what appears to be the group's first bit of official merchandise: a Deserve the Future T-shirt. Cost: $30.

Related Videos

The Lollapalooza 2009 Experience

Related Photos

Vampire Weekend, Jane's Addiction, More At Lollapalooza 2009

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617950/dave-grohl-josh-homme-john-paul-jones-unveil-supergroup.jhtml

Beyoncé Bianca Kajlich Bijou Phillips Blake Lively

mathew

Fed Up (featuring Usher, Young Jeezy, Drake, Rick Ross)

Artist: Usher
Label: We The Best, E1 Music
Director: Gil Green

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=461562

Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh Ciara Cindy Crawford

mathew

The Hall Pass star explains why the movie's concept is a "bad idea" and why she's in denial about Steve Carell leaving The Office

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/jenna-fischer-id-be-insane-let-my-husband-cheat-me/1-h-326784

Halle Berry Hayden Panettiere Haylie Duff Heidi Klum

mathew

We hit a New York toy fair for scoop on the latest dolls, including a first look at an mp3-equipped, purple Bieber tour bus.
By Aly Semigran, with reporting by Brian Jacks

Justin Bieber figure
Photo: MTV News

If you're still mourning the loss of Justin Bieber's luscious locks, there's some news that could very well perk you up (and, no, it hasn't grown back yet). Just days before the "Never Say Never" star chopped off his trademark coif, toy company Bridge Direct debuted Justin Bieber "Real Hairstyle" dolls at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

MTV News caught up with George Vorkas of Bridge Direct, who give us the rundown on everything fans can expect from the doll, whose retail price is set at $17.99 and is slated to hit shelves this August.

After the company received complaints about their first Bieber model, which featured plastic hair, Vorkas and his associates gave the 2011 model "real" hair.

"This year, we have Justin with hair. Every girl at home can now play with his hair and style it the way they want," Vorkas explained.

In addition to styling their toy Biebs — like the original, it "sings," only this time newer hits like "U Smile" and "Never Say Never" have been added — fans can also put him on the road. The company has created a purple (naturally) Bieber tour bus, complete with a functioning mp3 player dock and a stage setup that includes guitar, drums, keyboard and the heart-shaped cage he featured on his most recent tour.

"As Justin does new things with his stage sets, we'll be coming out with matching toys," Vorkas assured us. (The stage sets and tour bus will go for a whopping $79.99.)

And that's not the only way the company plans to evolve with the ever-changing pop phenom. While the 2011 doll features a variety of Bieber-inspired accessories and outfits, collectors and/or purse string-opening parents can also expect ever-changing fashions from the "Baby" singer. As Vorkas told MTV News, "When Justin changes into a new outfit, we'll also be coming out with that outfit."

Will you buy the "real hairstyle" Justin Bieber doll? Tell us in the comments!

Related Videos

Toy Fair 2011: Hollywood Edition

Related Photos

Justin Bieber's Famous Former Hair

Related Artists

Justin Bieber

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658621/justin-bieber-dolls.jhtml

Megan Fox Melania Trump Melissa George Melissa Howard

mathew

Proceeds from 'stripped-down' clip and song will go to 'anti-bully charity,' she tells Gayle King.
By Jocelyn Vena

Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Lady Gaga sat down with Oprah Winfrey's bestie, Gayle King, to discuss her forthcoming Nick Knight-directed videos for her chart-topping single "Born This Way," from her May album of the same name.

"I do have some exciting news about the new single. I've been so excited about [the fans'] reaction and seeing the fans be so excited during the show every time we play 'Born This Way,' it's been really amazing," she told King. "I've made two music videos for the song."

Gaga then went on to confirm that portions of the proceeds from the sale of the "stripped-down" version of the song, which will get its own video (further details about that clip were not known at press time), will go to charity. "So there's one that's coming out on Monday," she explained. "But then I'm actually putting together another video, which is a more stripped-down version of the song that will be released on iTunes and also released as an audio file. A portion of the money raised selling the song is actually going to go towards an anti-bully charity."

Mum has been the word on what the videos will actually be like. Though Gaga, in a recent radio interview, noted that the visual is about "the birth of a new race within the race of humanity. The birth of a new race that doesn't bear any prejudices. I think the most important thing is that I continue to grow, and I knew when I put [out] 'BTW' it would be a transitional moment, because it doesn't sound like [my previous singles]."

What are you expecting from the "Born This Way" videos? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos

Little Monsters React To Lady Gaga's Madison Square Garden Shows

Related Photos

Lady Gaga's Madison Square Garden Performance

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658733/lady-gaga-two-born-this-way-videos.jhtml

Eva Mendes Evangeline Lilly Eve Fergie

mathew

Lil Freak

Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond V. Raymond

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=497563

Tila Tequila Tina Fey Tricia Helfer Tricia Vessey

mathew

Kate and Wills are reliving their fairy tale romance in front of our eyes.

As they revisit the university at which they began their happy love story.

Wipe the tears of joy from your eyes and have a gander in our gallery...

Source: http://showbiz.sky.com/news-gossip/the-royal-romantics

Selita Ebanks Shakara Ledard Shakira Shana Hiatt

mathew

Lady Gaga Arrives At The 2011 Grammy Awards

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1657830

Elisha Cuthbert Eliza Dushku Emilie de Ravin Emma Heming

mathew

Having returned to the west coast yesterday following a stay in Louisiana, Britney Spears was back to work at the recording studio in Burbank on Thursday (February 24).

The "Hold It Against Me" singer was dressed casually in a powder blue top and white pants as she hit the exits upon finishing up - then shedding her zip-up sweatshirt to cope with the warm California weather.

The studio visit comes as Miss Spears is putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album "Femme Fatale" - from which she recently recently a teaser clip taken from the song "How I Roll".

The ?Baby One More Time? songstress? producer Lukasz ?Dr. Luke? Gottwald posted a 30-second clip on Twitter much to the delight of Britney?s loyal following, as he tweeted, ?i just might be feeling like giving u another snippet ?.. maybe?.should it be a bloodshy and avant song????

HOW I ROLL TEASER by drluke

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/britney-spears/britney-spears-gets-back-studio-479995

Alice Dodd Alicia Keys Alicia Witt Amanda Bynes

mathew

Director Jon M. Chu reveals more about the 40 minutes of new footage fans will see this weekend.
By Eric Ditzian

Justin Bieber in "Never Say Never"
Photo: Paramount

By now, most citizens of Bieber nation have undoubtedly canceled all weekend plans, purchased advance tickets for the super-size version of "Never Say Never," and are plotting the most stress-free path toward the multiplex to catch the revamped film's arrival in 3-D theaters on Friday (February 25).

But what exactly will you find up on the big screen when you slip on those purple 3-D glasses just three weeks after the original flick debuted? Team Bieber has promised over half an hour of new Justin-approved video, including fresh performances, footage from pre-release screenings and further glimpses at Justin's downtime with his pals.

That's a little vague for our liking, so we hit up director Jon M. Chu for some insight into what's being touted as a "Director's Fan Cut." While Chu lamented that he didn't get a chance to shoot Bieber's fresh haircut in 3-D for the revamped flick, he did reveal five secrets to keep an eye out for when the new "Never Say Never" arrives in theaters.

There Are 40 Minutes of New Footage, Not 30
In a YouTube video announcement, Chu told fans that the new version would include 30 minutes of new footage. But a subsequent Paramount press release pegged the number at 40 minutes. So which is it?

"That was my mistake!" laughed Chu. "I didn't time it out. I was like, 'I'll just say over 30 minutes, and we'll be good to go. But they timed it and it is 40 minutes. The point is, there's a crapload of stuff in there.

"We originally had a two-and-a-half-hour version of the movie, which we obviously couldn't release," he added. "So we started to think about putting stuff back in that didn't have to do with our story but that we knew people would love."

"Omaha Mall" Is Coming for You
This rock/rap tune became a fan favorite after Bieber posted it on YouTube, and the reworked "Never Say Never" will pull back the curtain on the song's creation for the first time on the big screen.

"We see the creation of 'Omaha Mall' and how that came to be," Chu told us. "We also get to see way more baby videos. We sit on a lot more shots, so it's like you're sitting with him in the living room, just watching."

Get Ready for Bieber's Abs
"Twilight" fans know what to expect when they hit the multiplex for the first viewing of a franchise film: Taylor Lautner without a shirt on. But Beliebers may have been surprised — and, no doubt, delighted — to sit down for "Never Say Never" and be treated to scene after scene of Justin sans T-shirt. When it comes to the new version, fans should expect even more skin.

"I can't confirm nor deny those reports, but we do what the fans want," Chu laughed. "If that's what the fans want, then they'll get a little bit more. Maybe some abs!"

You'll Truly See What It's Like to Be Bieber's Buddy
Such is the effect of Bieber Fever that the singer's friends, Ryan Butler and Chaz Somer, have become stars in their own right. And while they pop up a bit in the movie, Chu said that fans couldn't get enough of these two Canadian teens.

"Chaz and Ryan have their own followings, and one of the biggest pieces of feedback we got is that fans want more Chaz and Ryan," the director said. "In this version, we get to see what it's like to be part of the entourage. We go to their homes in Stratford. People call from all around the world and disrupt their dinners. It's absolutely insane. They're superstars."

Hello, "Favorite Girl"!
While the re-cut flick introduces 40 minutes of new footage, the overall running time is only 10 minutes longer. So what did Chu cut? He took out Bieber's lengthy, pre-MSG visit to the doctor, added in new scenes of tickets being given away outside concerts and swapped out some performances that didn't make it into the original release.

"Before we had to make a choice between 'Favorite Girl' and 'Never Let You Go,' because they're the same [in-concert] set-up with the heart," he said. "We couldn't play both. So this time, we made the choice to have 'Favorite Girl,' which is one of my favorite songs that he plays. People are going to love it."

Check out everything we've got on "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Related Videos

'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' Sneak Peeks

Related Artists

Justin Bieber

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658471/justin-bieber-never-say-never.jhtml

Salma Hayek Samaire Armstrong Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton

mathew

Jon M. Chu says teen star is 'learning how to interact with people.'
By Eric Ditzian

Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

MTV News first interviewed Justin Bieber in September of 2009, when the pint-size pop singer was on the cusp of breaking beyond his core audience into mainstream pop stardom. Then 15 years old and relatively new to the national media spotlight, Bieber wasn't nervous so much as generally tentative, a bit clipped and repetitive in his answers.

When Bieber walked into the MTV Newsroom earlier this month to promote the difference in his on-camera demeanor couldn't have been more different: He projected a breezy confidence, at times humorous or eye-on-the-prize focused, and was engaging throughout.

That Bieber has truly matured — not just as an artist, but as a person — isn't apparent only to those who occasionally cross his path. Jon M. Chu, who directed and began working with the singer in August, has noticed the change as well.

"With the movie and going to the Grammys and being respected on so many different levels beyond just his own fanbase, he's really growing up and learning how to interact with people," Chu said.

The director said he noted a great difference in the young star's disposition following the completion of his seven-month, 86-show tour.

"He's just had time to rest," said Chu, who started shooting "Never Say Never" as Bieber was in the midst of that nonstop North American tour. At first, Bieber was standoffish. Only gradually did the two establish a close creative partnership.

"Half of it was just me gaining trust with him because I was in his face with a camera," Chu said. "It was very much like 'Almost Famous,' where I was just on the bus and he didn't really want me there. Once we got past that, we were fine."

Have you noticed a change in Justin Bieber? Tell us below!

Check out everything we've got on "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and Justin Bieber updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Related Videos

'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' Sneak Peeks

Related Photos

Justin Bieber's 'Never Say Never' L.A. Premiere

Related Artists

Justin Bieber

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658527/justin-bieber-never-say-never.jhtml

Lisa Snowdon Liz Phair Lokelani McMichael Lori Heuring

mathew

Not shy about showing their newfound affection for one another, Drew Barrymore and her new beau Will Kopelman were spotted arm-in-arm in Beverly Hills on Wednesday (February 23).

The cute couple paid no mind to the following paparazzi as they paired up for a lunch date at E.Baldi Italian restaurant.

Sources tell that the blossoming relationship is in the early phases, while also noting that Kopelman is a ?a socialite type and a playboy? whose dad happens to be the former CEO of Chanel.

An insider dished, "It's a very new relationship and they're taking things slowly ... They've been getting to know each other a lot better these last few weeks."

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/drew-barrymore/drew-barrymore-will-kopelman-e-baldi-lunch-lovers-479532

Gisele Bündchen Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park

mathew

Lady Gaga's Grammy Night

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1657884

Lacey Chabert Laetitia Casta Lake Bell Larissa Meek

mathew

Feb 23 - Musicians Paul O'Neill and Al Petrelli of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra discuss the idea behind their rock opera act, and how they plan to conquer Europe one fan at a time.

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/rock-and-opera-trans-siberian-orchestra/1-h-325869

Victoria Pratt Victoria Silvstedt Vinessa Shaw Virginie Ledoyen

mathew

Hold It Against Me

Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive, Zomba Label Group
Director: Jonas Akerlund

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=624145

Marla Sokoloff Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing

mathew

'There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out,' Miguel says of MTV News' Song of the Year.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker

Usher
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

MTV News just named Usher's "OMG" the #1 song of 2010, and clearly we're not alone in our admiration. But what is it like to watch it performed night after night? Miguel, who is currently opening for Usher's OMG Tour gave us a little insight.

"There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out, and he really gives the fans what they want," Miguel laughs. "He kills it every night."

Before his latest string of hits, Usher was out of the spotlight for a period of time in 2009, when he was dealing with personal issues including a divorce. Miguel finds his 2010 comeback inspiring.

"There was a period of time, when a lot of people didn't believe in Usher and thought he was finished ... just kind of going to ride off into the sunset and disappear," the up-and-coming singer noted.

With the release of Raymond vs. Raymond and its extended, companion EP, Versus, in 2010, Usher proved the skeptics wrong with chart-toppers including "OMG" and "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love."

"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel beamed. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."

MTV News' Top 25 Songs of 2010 have all been counted down. But the fun isn't over yet: We still want to see your picks in the comments below!

Related Photos

MTV News' Top 25 Songs Of 2010

Related Artists

Usher
Miguel

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654059/ushers-omg-kills-it-every-night-tourmate-miguel.jhtml

K. D. Aubert Karen Carreno Karolína Kurková Kasey Chambers

mathew

'I would have brought a 3-D camera there,' Jon Chu tells MTV News of missing out on teen star's historic barber trip.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Eric Ditzian

Justin Bieber gets his hair cut
Photo: TMZ

There are few celebrities these days that can set the news wires and Internets on fire by engaging in basic, everyday tasks. Lady Gaga, Robert Pattinson, Kim Kardashian and, of course, Justin Bieber, are among the few whose every move is cause for Twitter trends and celebrations.

Case in point, Bieber's haircut. A photo of the 16-year-old's newly shorn locks appeared on TMZ on Monday, along with news that the clippings will be given to charity to raise money for various causes, including animal rights.

Naturally, Bieber's famously fluffy hair swoop has been the subject of innumerable news stories and tweets, so when MTV News checked in with his "Never Say Never" director Jon Chu on Tuesday (February 22), we had to bring up the very popular subject of Biebs' new haircut. Chu's only complaint was that Bieber didn't let him know about the momentous occasion.

"I would have brought a 3-D camera there," said Chu, who recently announced the release of a special "Director's Fan Cut" of the film. "I would have shot it for ['Never Say Never'] 3.0."

Chu went on to say that he won't miss the shaggy flip and heartily approves of Bieber's shorter 'do.

"Two thumbs-up for the haircut, for sure. He's wanted it for a long time," Chu told us. "I'm just happy for him because he's been holding on. He's like, 'I need to get the haircut, I want to get rid of it!' But he has his hair flip which he can't get rid of, but now it's R.I.P. hair flip."

We then pointed out that "R.I.P. hair flip" sounded like a perfect Bieber-related Twitter trending topic, and Chu informed us that we were way behind.

"It is a Twitter trending topic!" he said with a chuckle. "At least it was yesterday, last night."

What do you think of Justin Bieber's new hair? Tell us in the comments!

Related Photos

Justin Bieber's Famous Former Hair

Related Artists

Justin Bieber

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658475/justin-bieber-haircut.jhtml

Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler Cheryl Burke China Chow

mathew

Lil Freak

Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond V. Raymond

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=497563

Tamala Jones Tami Donaldson Tamie Sheffield Tara Conner

mathew

Ciao bella!

America's Next Top Model heads to Venice this week, with the remaining six wannabe models in tow.

Take a look at our preview clip which shows the girls arriving in Italy and sharing their hopes for the future.

Source: http://showbiz.sky.com/americas-next-top-model-videos/antm15-ep-9-preview

Malia Jones Malin Akerman Mandy Moore Maria Bello

mathew

MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Zombie Pop Stars

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1650759

China Chow Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate

mathew

Bieber and Brown trade verses, harmonize on their Never Say Never - The Remixes collaboration.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

Earlier this week, Justin Bieber released the Never Say Never - The Remixes album, which reimagines some of the teenage phenom's songs as duets with some of the biggest names in the business, including Kanye West, Miley Cyrus, Rascal Flatts and Chris Brown.

Brown appears on the mid-tempo ballad, "Up," which is about the power of love and relationships. The R&B star, unsurprisingly, helps put a decidedly more R&B spin on the pop track, which has begun to turn up on various websites.

Bieber kicks off the track before Brown jumps on for the second verse. Brown sings, "It's a big, big world/ And, girl, I'm gonna show you all of it/ I'm gonna leash you with pearls/ From every ocean that we're swimmin' in/ We make the sun shine in the moonlight/ We can make those gray clouds turn to blue skies/ Yeah, I know it's hard/ But baby believe me/ [That we can go nowhere but up]."

By the time the second chorus rolls around, Bieber and Brown are harmonizing and putting their own individual stamps on the song.

News of the collaboration first hit the Web in late December, when Bieber and Brown tweeted about working together, though little more was known about the collaboration then. The 16-year-old said he and Brown had a great time in the studio and that Brown had even given him some sage advice, having been a child star himself and seen the ups and downs of fame at an early age.

"[Chris and I] just talk about regular stuff, nothing too crazy," Bieber told MTV News earlier this week. "Just, like, staying humble and remember that God got us in this position, so always make sure to just bless Him and praise Him."

Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, teased the album and its guest appearances in a chat with fans earlier this year. "Yes, Justin is working on new music," Braun said last month. "He's been talking to Drake about new music. [Bieber] and Kanye had a call today about a song they're trying to work on together; Kanye wants to produce a bunch of new songs for the new album. He's talked with Rascal Flatts. Him and Chris Brown have been sending stuff back and forth to each other."

Have you heard Bieber and Brown's "Up" remix and, if so, what do you think of it? Tell us in the comments.

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658296/justin-bieber-chris-brown-up-remix.jhtml

Freida Pinto FSU Cowgirls Gabrielle Union Garcelle Beauvais

mathew

[Images: Mr Paparazzi/Big Pictures Words: Chloe Curran]

Kate Moss and Jamie Hince looked a little bit rough around the edges when we spotted them leaving a London Fashion Week after-party in Notting Hill last night.

Although to be fair, if we were in Kate?s shoes and we?d just returned from a trip to Brazil we?d probably look a little bit ropey as well.

The supermodel and her rocker fianc� had rushed back from their recent holiday in Rio so they could attend a party hosted by Topshop boss Sir Philip Green, who reportedly toasted their upcoming nuptials during the star-studded bash.

FIND US ON >> Facebook... Bebo... MySpace... Twitter...

Source: http://www.mrpaparazzi.com//blog/index.aspx?postID=14215

Nicollette Sheridan Nikki Cox Nikki Reed Norah Jones

mathew

'It's truly a teaser, so it might end up frustrating more than solving questions,' director tells MTV News.
By Eric Ditzian

Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms in "The Hangover"
Photo: Warner Bros.

After the record-breaking success of "The Hangover" and the endless speculation about where the sequel would take place, after the casting gossip and the Mel Gibson controversy, after the first photos and the behind-the-scenes set visit, we're about to get our first peek at actual footage from "The Hangover Part II."

"We have a teaser trailer that I just finished color for yesterday night, so that'll come out next week," Todd Phillips told MTV News on Friday (February 18) while promoting the DVD release of "Due Date." "And I think it comes out in theaters on 'Hall Pass,' which should be next Friday."

It can't come soon enough. The film hits theaters May 26, and up until now, official glimpses at the production have been few and far between. The only reason for the dearth of Warner Bros.-sanctioned material, though, is that Phillips and friends didn't wrap production on the flick that long ago.

"We've had, like, one photo out, and that's just because we finished shooting on New Year's Day, and the movie comes out on Memorial Day," the writer/director said. "It's really just a crazy-tight schedule."

While Phillips wouldn't dish details about what we'll actually see in the teaser, he did emphasize that fans should temper their expectations: The footage will hardly offer a comprehensive dive into what the film is all about. "It's truly a teaser, so it might end up frustrating more than solving questions," he told us. "I love it. It's a true tease, if that makes sense. It's just one of those things that's gonna make you go, 'OK, let's see what more they have.' It's to pique interest and to remind people what's coming down the pike."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658351/the-hangover-part-2-trailer.jhtml

Maggie Grace Maggie Gyllenhaal Majandra Delfino Malia Jones

mathew

Drummer admits he doesn't know what will come of 'new material.'
By Chris Harris

Jason Bonham
Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images

On Friday morning, mere hours before he was due to take the stage with classic rockers Foreigner at Detroit's GM Renaissance Center, drummer Jason Bonham — the son of late Led Zeppelin kitman John Bonham — told Jim Johnson and Lynne Woodison of local rock station 94.7 WCSX that he'd be an ex-member of Foreigner as of September 1. But that's not the only thing he said.

Much to the delight of Led Zeppelin fans everywhere, Bonham revealed that he's been meeting up with Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones in recent months and that they've been "trying to do some new material and writing."

It was the first time since Led Zeppelin announced they would re-form for a single performance (which happened late last year at London's O2 Arena, in honor of the late Ahmet Ertegün, who signed the band to Atlantic Records in 1969) that anyone connected to the band has confirmed publicly that new music could be on the horizon for the iconic rockers. While the bandmembers have stopped short of definitively ruling out such a reunion, singer Robert Plant insisted in the wake of last year's show that he intended to focus on promoting and touring behind his critically lauded album with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, Raising Sand.

Not that Bonham knows what — if anything — will happen with the new material he's been working on with Page (who collaborated with pop singer Leona Lewis on an uneven version of Zep's "Whole Lotta Love" at the Olympic closing ceremonies in Beijing on Sunday night) and Jones. He said he just shows up and takes his seat behind the kit.

"I've been over [to England] a couple of times," Bonham said. "I've been working with Jimmy and John Paul and trying to do ... some new material and some writing. I don't know what it will be, but it will be something. At the moment, all I know is I have the great pleasure to go and jam with the two guys and start work on some material. When I get there, I never ask any questions. If I get a phone call to go and play, I enjoy every moment of it. Whatever it ends up as, to ever get a chance to jam with two people like that, it is a phenomenal thing for me. It's my life. It's what I've dreamed about doing."

He said it's still too early to tell what will become of these "jam" sessions, but admitted that the "possibility of doing something is in the cards. I really felt it was in the cards from the moment we walked offstage at the O2." Bonham also explained that, before there could be a Led Zep LP, "lots of politics [would need to] get ironed out," but added that recording with Zep is "something I've always wanted to do."

Bonham noticeably didn't mention frontman Plant's name during the discussion. A spokesperson for Page's management had no comment on the matter, and a spokesperson for Jones' management could not be reached by press time.

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593468/jason-bonham-hints-at-jam-sessions-with-jimmy-page.jhtml

Vanessa Marcil Vanessa Minnillo Vanessa Simmons Veronica Kay

mathew

Picking a birthday frock can be tricky.

Paris Hilton's solution?

Why wear one when you can wear five.

Source: http://showbiz.sky.com/news-gossip/paris-day-of-five-dresses

Lacey Chabert Laetitia Casta Lake Bell Larissa Meek

mathew

James Van Der Beek Gears Up for an Anti-Dawson Comeback

In the eight years since Dawson's Creek ended, most of its original stars have moved on to wider fame. Michelle Williams (Jen) is a bonafide box-office star and current Oscar nominee. Katie Holmes (Joey), who's now the fashion-forward wife of Tom Cruise and mother of Suri, doesn't even need movie projects to land magazine covers. Joshua Jackson (Pacey) is starring in his third season of Fox's Fringe.

Only James Van Der Beek, who played Dawson, seems to have struggled with reinventing himself as an adult actor. That is, until last fall, when he made a series of online shorts for Funny or Die. Appearing as himself, he lampooned the very character he can't seem to shake. By taking sarcastic, sometimes prurient jabs at his sensitive image, he was finally able to shed it. Proof that it worked comes in the recent news that he'll be playing a heightened version of himself in the pilot for an edgy ABC sitcom, Don't Trust the B*** in Apt. 23. The plot, in a nutshell: A nice midwestern girl (Dreama Walker) moves in with a party girl roommate, whose best friend happens to be James Van Der Beek.

So Van Der Beek will be playing Van Der Beek. (Sounds odd, though it isn't so unusual: Matt Le Blanc is currently playing a version of himself on Showtime's Episodes.) What will this character be like? It's a safe bet that he'll resemble the Van Der Beek of the Funny or Die videos -- and not the one who played sweet, sappy Dawson Leery.

If things work out, and the show takes off, Van Der Beek might just end up with the most unique post-Dawson's career of all. He'll never have Tom Cruise, though. In that respect, Katie's still on top.

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/james-van-der-beek-gears-anti-dawson-comeback/1-a-324370

Joanne Montanez Jodi Lyn OKeefe Jolene Blalock Jordana Brewster

mathew

Madonna's people e-mailed their 'love and complete support,' Gaga tells Jay Leno.
By Gil Kaufman

Lady Gaga on Monday's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno"
Photo: NBC

After a number of fans and critics pointed out the similarities between Lady Gaga's smash new single "Born This Way" and a few of Madonna's songs (including "Express Yourself" and "Vogue"), Gaga went on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" on Monday to say that she's gotten the Material Girl's stamp of approval.

Twenty-four hours after Gaga wowed the Grammy audience with her space-egg entrance, Leno asked the singer how she felt about the many comparisons to Madonna's work. Mother Monster assured him that there is no beef between her and Madonna over the song.

"There is really no one that is a more adoring and loving Madonna fan than me," said Gaga, who furthered the controversy during her Grammy performance by rocking a long blond ponytail that also recalled a classic Madonna look. "I am the hugest fan personally and professionally."

In fact, Gaga said she recently got a note from Madonna, who said she liked the song and had no problem with the homage. "Well, the good news is that I got an e-mail from her people and her, sending me their love and complete support on behalf of the single, and if the queen says it shall be, then it shall be," she said.

Gaga, who picked up three Grammy awards on Sunday night, appeared on Leno's show wearing a gauzy black dress over a visible black bra and panties and a black head scarf, accessorized with a black vinyl Batman-like mask, as well as what appears to be her new monster-movie inspired look, complete with glued-on facial ridges. She displayed her three Grammys on Leno's desk and, as a Valentine's Day treat, crammed them with M&M's, the talk-show host's favorite candy.

"I think today in music, the freedom in the song, the sort of R&B, early-'90s vibe that it has, it's so full of love and spirit, and I think it's the spirit that people are reacting to the most," said Gaga of her already hit single. "I just want everyone to rejoice and celebrate and be unafraid to be happy with music. It doesn't always have to be so dark. It doesn't always have to be so sexy. Sometimes it's wonderful just to celebrate life and go to church with it."

Related Photos

Lady Gaga's Grammy Night

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657997/lady-gaga-madonna-leno.jhtml

Summer Glau Sunny Mabrey Susan Ward Susie Castillo

mathew

Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" Video Premieres

After teasing us with a 30-second clip from her new video, Britney Spears has finally revealed her full masterpiece! The video for the superstar's "Hold it Against Me" debuted last night, and it certainly did not disappoint.

Though we're slightly puzzled by Brit's constant product placement, we were more than satisfied to see the Britney we love, showing off her dance moves -- and her bod -- in black leather. The futuristic theme also worked, and we can't say the clips of older Spears videos and the Brit vs. Brit fight -- in which she put herself in a headlock -- didn't delight us.

Check out Britney's new video below!

What do you think of Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" video? Chime in below!

Liked This? Read These:

-Britney Spears Through the Years
-Star Snapshots: Hottest New Photos
-Star Street Style

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/britney-spears-hold-it-against-me-video-premieres/1-a-324574

Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon

mathew

Diddy-Dirty Money Premiere 'Last Train To Paris' In New York

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1654324

Cheryl Burke China Chow Chloë Sevigny Christina Aguilera

mathew

Heal the World

Artist: Michael Jackson
Label: Epic
Album: Dangerous

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1102&vid=208386

Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison Jennifer ODell Jennifer Scholle

mathew

Director Zack Snyder says actor exuded 'crazy-calm confidence.'
By Eric Ditzian

Henry Cavill
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Less than three weeks after Henry Cavill was tapped to be the latest actor to pull on Superman's tights in Warner Bros.' rebooted take on the iconic hero, the 27-year-old actor is stepping into the public eye as the face of the franchise.

Cavill graces the upcoming issue of Entertainment Weekly, not suited up like the Man of Steel but wearing a faded "S shield" T-shirt underneath a leather jacket. Of course, he did have to don Superman's duds to win the role. In fact, according to director Zack Snyder, the tights he tried on were a replica of the ones worn by former Superman Christopher Reeve.

"If you can put on that suit and pull it off, that's an awesome achievement," Snyder said.

While Cavill had packed on muscle for Tarsem Singh's action-fantasy, "Immortals," he had to shed the weight for his latest gig — a starring role opposite Bruce Willis in "The Cold Light of Day" — and the prospect of trying on Superman's costume had him feeling more than a little anxious.

"All I could think was: Oh, god. They're going to look at me and go, 'He's not Superman. Not a chance,' " Cavill admitted. "The actor inside me was going: 'You're not ready! You're not ready!' "

Cavill could certainly be excused for his apprehension. The Brit had numerous close calls with major franchises. He was previously attached to a role as Superman, but lost out after McG exited the project and Bryan Singer eventually signed on to direct. Cavill also was reportedly considered to play Batman, James Bond and Green Lantern, but was passed up each time.

This time, however, Snyder took one look at Cavill in the Super-suit and knew he could play the Man of Steel. "He walked out, and no one laughed," the director said. "Other actors put that suit on, and it's a joke, even if they're great actors. Henry put it on, and he exuded this kind of crazy-calm confidence that just made me go, 'Wow.' OK: This was Superman."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

Related Photos

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658194/henry-cavill-superman.jhtml

Maggie Grace Maggie Gyllenhaal Majandra Delfino Malia Jones

mathew

Meredith offers to run the ER for a night, and we get to spend an hour with her in almost real time to see just how action-packed an hour in the ER can be. Most of the doctors and patients alike are all trying to get done and leave so that they can make it to a big UW basketball game, this includes Meredith's first patient who comes in with mild chest pain and wants to leave so he can take his son to the game with tickets he gave the kid for his birthday.

If you think this sounds unfortunately ominous, it is -- his x-rays keep coming back looking not quite right so she sends him for a CT, where he winds up coding while in the machine because he has a ruptured aorta.

CLICK TO READ THE FULL RECAP

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/greys-anatomy-recap-tick-doc/1-a-324610

Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff

mathew

'We just established that I'm a Belieber,' Depp told the teen sensation at a recent junket promoting the actor's upcoming animated film.
By Kara Warner

Johnny Depp
Photo: MTV News

A group of lucky reporters witnessed what may be the surprise celebrity encounter of the year over the weekend, when Justin Bieber waltzed into a press conference for the forthcoming animated film "Rango" with Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin and director Gore Verbinski. Coincidentally enough, Depp had just answered a question as to whether or not he was a "Belieber," since he'd taken his kids to a concert by the teen pop phenom back in December.

"Hey, pal!" a surprised Depp exclaimed as Bieber waved "hello" by flashing a peace sign from the back of the room. The young singer then approached the cast to shake hands — and received a round of applause from the audience while doing so.

"We just established that I'm a Belieber," Depp said.

"I'm a big fan of you, so I had to come support you," Bieber replied. "I just wanted to say 'hi.' I heard you were in the building."

Talk about worlds colliding! When MTV News caught up with Depp on Sunday, we asked him about the meeting, and whether his kids were green with envy at the fact that dear old dad met the "Never Say Never" star before they did.

"My daughter was most definitely jealous," Depp said of 11-year-old Lily-Rose's reaction upon hearing the news. "Justin, bless him, he's a very sweet guy. He had a pair of his purple glasses in his pocket [and] he said, 'Oh yeah, give these to Lily-Rose.' She was very chuffed [British slang for being really pleased] about that. She was very touched.

"He's a good guy," Depp continued. "A sweet guy."

Aw, that Justin Bieber — making Beliebers out of everyone, he is.

Check out everything we've got on "Rango."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Related Photos