Director explains how signing onto 'After Earth' was like saying 'yes' to a date with your crush.
By Todd Gilchrist
Friday, May 31, 2013
Will Smith Seduced M. Night Shyamalan With 'After Earth' Pitch
Britney Spears Has Tearful Reunion With Former Duet Partner On 'X Factor'
Britney sang 'I Will Still Love You' with Don Philip on her debut album.
By Gil Kaufman
<P>Months before the revamped <a href="/news/articles/1687014/britney-spears-demi-lovato-x-factor-auditions.jhtml">"X Factor"</a>
 hits the air, we've already come to expect some serious drama from new judge <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a>. But in one of those only-in-reality-TV moments, Spears shed some genuine tears on Sunday during audition rounds in San Francisco when she was confronted with a voice and face from her distant past.</P><P><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20604974,00.html" target="_blank"><I>People</I></a> magazine reported that Spears got emotional when a male contestant hit the stage at Oracle Arena, telling fellow panelists Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and fellow newbie Demi Lovato, "I know him ... We did a duet together 10 years ago." A source told the magazine that when the man stepped on the stage, "You could see that Britney recognized him straight away ... She got this huge smile on her face and her eyes lit up. It was so sweet."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Britney Spears Explains Why She Wanted To Be A Part Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:769620" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>While <I>People</I> did not reveal the man's identity, Spears superfan Jordan Miller of fan site <a href="http://www.breatheheavy.com/2012/06/don-philip-drama-at-the-x-factor/" target="_blank">Breathe Heavy</a> confirmed that the auditioner was none other than Don Philip. The one-time aspiring new pop revolution singer performed a duet with Britney on the treacly ballad "I Will Still Love You," from her 1999 debut album, <I>...Baby One More Time</I>.</P><P>A spokesperson for the show declined to comment on the singer's identity when asked for comment.</P><P>The blast from her past got more emotional when Phillip revealed to the judges and audience, "I'm gay." He continued, "At the time I didn't think I was worth ... I didn't think you thought it was OK that I am gay." Spears was reportedly quick to voice her support for Phillip, saying, "I think it is fine you are gay."</P><P>The unnamed source told <I>People</I> that when Phillip started crying and said, "he thought he'd never see her again and that he'd had a lot to deal with, Britney was comforting him to calm him." Though she was compassionate and warm with Phillip, the source said that the singer was clearly a bit shaken by the unexpected run-in.</P><P>"She's been through a lot in those 10 years, too, so it must have been a shock for her to see him," the source said. "You could tell she was emotional and she really felt for him especially when he was crying, but she also stayed calm." Even with the drama, Spears reportedly gave a very straightforward critique, though it is unknown if Phillip made the cut.</P><P>Philip, a Miami, Florida, native who tried to ride the same late-'90s teen pop wave that made superstars out of Spears, Christina Aguilera, 'NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, has spent the time since the duet grinding away at a music career that never reached the heights of his former singing partner. The one-time Jive Records star-in-the-making has sung back-up for Gloria Estefan and toured with Spears early in her career, and like "The Voice" singer <a href="/news/articles/1684782/the-voice-christina-aguilera-tony-lucca.jhtml">Tony Lucca</a>
 and Aguilera, maybe he was hoping that a reunion with his former pop pal would provide the boost he's been looking for.</P><P>Apparently, though, the "Factor" audition didn't go as Philip planned. According to a series of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donphilip" target="_blank">Facebook</a> posts, Don was disappointed with how things went and wrote, "Tonight i might have sealed my music career fate according to a certain music mogul. I tryed to just be real and instead it totally got turned around on me," he said. "Perhaps this was not the place for me to reveal my very soul and obstacles of my past. Certainly not the place for a reunion ... I promise I only had good intentions in mind."</P><P>He said his voice "froze" when he began to sing and was never able to recover from what he felt was a "really hardcore interrogation" from what he anonymously described as "two pompous arrogant men."</P><P>He continued, "I guess I am not as tough skinned as I thought ... Wait it gets worse ... when I looked into the very eyes of my old label mate and saw she too was sad. I knew the whole situation was spinning out of control.. my heart broke."</P><P>On Monday, Philip posted another note, wondering if Cowell might give him another shot, explaining that he was "so exhausted and could not sleep [the] night before," because he was so scared to face Spears. He also referred to the "heavy burden" he was carrying, seemingly referring to his coming out, and following four hours of interviews he said his voice was just spent.</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></P>
Related ArtistsWhen Billy Met Giuli -- The Rancic Love Story in Their Own Words
Giuliana and Bill Rancic’s romance is a true Hollywood love story -- from the way they met (Giuliana, the co-anchor of E! News, interviewed entrepreneur Bill after he won The Apprentice) to the adversity they’ve overcome to start a family (Giuliana battled infertility, then breast cancer, before the couple welcomed son Duke via a surrogate). Their too-cute relationship is documented on their Style Network reality series, Giuliana & Bill. And while their fabulous, jet-set lives as celebrities are enviable, it’s their undeniable love for one another that has really won over fans.
Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone: Manhattan Mates
Making the most of a well-deserved day off, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone showed up at a New York City restaurant this afternoon (May 31).
The ?Amazing Spider-Man 2? costars/real-life lovers met up with some friends for some lunch and enjoyed a leisurely chat while shutterbugs loomed nearby.
And though Emma was rumored to be making her Broadway debut in the Roundabout revival of ?Cabaret,? it seems that?s no longer the plan.
Stone was said to be considering the role of Sally Bowles opposite Alan Cumming, but her schedule is just too busy at this point.
Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright
Conrad Murray Asks For Appeal In Michael Jackson Manslaughter Case
Murray is asking appellate court to re-test a piece of medical evidence from his trial.
By Gil Kaufman
<P>The imprisoned cardiologist <a href="/news/articles/1673906/michael-jackson-conrad-murray-verdict-guilty-involuntary-manslaughter.jhtml">convicted of manslaughter</a>
 in the 2009 death of <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson</a> filed a request on Monday to have a key piece of evidence in his trial re-tested. Dr. Conrad Murray is asking an appellate court to order a lab to authorize a forensic analysis on residue in a drug vial taken from the bedroom of Jackson's rented Los Angeles estate.</P><P>According to the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0731-murray-20120731,0,2898322.story" target="_blank"><I>Los Angeles Times</I></a> Murray's defense team thinks that the 100-milliliter bottle, which was a key piece of evidence at the 2011 trial that ended with Murray's conviction on involuntary manslaughter charges, could help lead to a successful appeal of the sentence.</P><P>Murray's fingerprint was on the bottle, which prosecutors said held the lethal dose of the surgical anesthetic propofol that killed Jackson. Prosecutors had argued that Murray mixed a small amount of propofol with another anesthetic, lidocaine, in an intravenous drip and then left Jackson unattended.</P><P>Murray's defense team said the vial was in a bag of trash and was unrelated to Jackson's death, countering that the pop icon injected himself with propofol from a syringe while the doctor wasn't looking.</P><P>"If a forensic examination of the residue in Exhibit 30 revealed no lidocaine, it would completely negate [the prosecution expert's] concluding theory ... leaving only the theory of bolus injection just prior to Jackson's death," appellate attorney Valerie Wass wrote in a filing.</P><P>This is the third time Murray's lawyers have attempted to launch an appeal on these grounds after they argued that they did not fully comprehend the need to test the residue until the testimony of a prosecution expert near the end of the seven-week trial. During the trial, judge Michael Pastor refused a motion for further analysis shortly after the verdict; a second request was also denied.</P><P>Murray, 58, received a four-year sentence but is not expected to serve more than two years in county jail.</P>
Related Photos Related ArtistsBeyoncé - I Was Here (Live at Roseland)
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia
- Director: Beyoncé Knowles
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Selena Gomez Says She's 'Lucky' To Have Justin Bieber
'I don't take anything in my personal life too seriously,' she tells Teen Vogue.
By James Dinh
<P>Contrary to the breakup rumors that flooded the Internet earlier this month, Selena Gomez is perfectly happy with <a href="/news/articles/1690653/justin-bieber-writes-song-selena-gomez.jhtml">pop-star boyfriend Justin Bieber</a>.</P><P>He's just one of a few topics the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2012/">VMA</a> nominee chatted about with <a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/industry/coverlook/coverlook-september-2012/selena-gomez-teen-vogue-photos" target="_blank"><i>Teen Vogue</i></a> for a September cover story. Gomez also discussed her aspirations to take acting to a whole new level and her dreams to make music with <i>another</i> Justin.</P><P>Describing her relationship with Bieber as "really fun," Gomez told the mag she feels "lucky" to have the young singer by her side. "I'm 20. I don't take anything in my personal life too seriously," she says. "I have great friends and a solid group of people I love. I feel like everything else will come organically."</P><P>Unlike <a href="/news/articles/1686645/miley-cyrus-liam-hemsworth-engaged.jhtml">fellow Disney alum Miley Cyrus</a>, the pint-size pop star isn't interested in walking down the aisle anytime soon, saying, "Marriage and all that other stuff I think will happen once I feel accomplished in every other aspect of my life."</P><P>But if there's one thing Gomez is pushing for it's her long-term goal to shake off her predictable good-girl reputation. One major step in making her Mickey Mouse days a distant memory is her <a href="/news/articles/1684137/selena-gomez-spring-breakers.jhtml">girls-gone-wild adventure flick "Spring Breakers,"</a> which hits theaters in early 2013. She tells the magazine that after she read the script for the Harmony Korine-directed film, she took a plane to the director's home in Nashville to convince him that she would "work really hard."</P><P>And while she describes her role in 2011's "Monte Carlo" as "a good step for me at the time," Gomez said she would never want to do something like that again. "I don't necessarily feel accomplished. I want to create a whole different persona when it comes to acting," she explained.</P><P>Gomez is also planning to take her music to the next level too, and there's one star she's dying to hit the studio with. "I don't think he ever would — I don't even think he's doing music anymore — is Justin Timberlake," she said, gushing, "Just 'cause I love his music sooo much."</P><P><b>The <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2012/">2012 MTV Video Music Awards</a> will air live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Head to <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2012/">VMA.MTV.com</a> now through August 24 to vote for your favorites, or text BNA to 22444 to vote for Best New Artist all the way through the show!</b></P>
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10 Celebrities Getting College Degrees This Month
Graduation is upon us, and you know what that means: lots of celebrities getting degrees they didn't earn! Well, didn't earn the conventional way, anyhow. This spring, Ben Affleck, Jimmy Kimmel and Michael Strahan are among the stars who collected PhDs honoring their professional achievements (and gave undergrads a thrill with their commencement speeches).
Usher - There Goes My Baby
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Candy Valentine
When Billy Met Giuli -- The Rancic Love Story in Their Own Words
Giuliana and Bill Rancic’s romance is a true Hollywood love story -- from the way they met (Giuliana, the co-anchor of E! News, interviewed entrepreneur Bill after he won The Apprentice) to the adversity they’ve overcome to start a family (Giuliana battled infertility, then breast cancer, before the couple welcomed son Duke via a surrogate). Their too-cute relationship is documented on their Style Network reality series, Giuliana & Bill. And while their fabulous, jet-set lives as celebrities are enviable, it’s their undeniable love for one another that has really won over fans.
Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears Brittany Daniel Brittany Lee
Musical March Madness 2012: Video Highlights
The world's best bands duke it out for ultimate rock supremacy. Will your favorite band be crowned the winner? It's up to YOU.
By
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Help Fund The Feature-Length Movie From '5-Second Films,' 'Dude Bro Party Massacre 3'
Do you feel kind of icky about how Zach Braff managed his Kickstarter campaign? Are you looking for a truly independent film that's looking for your hard-earned cash dollars to fund it? Well, a Kickstarter just went live that's perfect for you. It's called "Dude Bro Party Massacre 3." "Dude Bro Party Massacre 3" comes [...]
Jennifer Lopez Too Sexy For ?Britain?s Got Talent?? (VIDEO)
Jennifer Lopez Too Sexy For “Britain’s Got Talent”? (VIDEO)
Jennifer Lopez performed on “Britain’s Got Talent” on Tuesday night promoting her new single, but gave television viewers an eyeful! The singer took to the stage in a tiny black leotard with her famous asset on display, drawing criticism from angry viewers over her “inappropriate” attire. The broadcasting industry regulator Ofcom received tons of complaints ...
Jennifer Lopez Too Sexy For “Britain’s Got Talent”? (VIDEO) Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Brittany Lee Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow Brittny Gastineau
Ke$ha - My First Kiss
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: Photo Finish Records
- Director: Isaac Ravishankara
- Album: Lean by Jarre
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Michael Jackson To Appear On Pepsi Cans
More than one billion cans will be imprinted with the late pop icon's image.
By Gil Kaufman
<P>More than three years after <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jackson_michael/artist.jhtml">Michael Jackson's</a> <a href="/news/articles/1614744/michael-jackson-dies-at-50.jhtml">death</a>
, the pop icon will be at the beach, the pool, the 7-Eleven and everywhere in between this summer thanks to a new deal with PepsiCo.</P><P>According to <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304746604577381792902984470.html?KEYWORDS=pepsi" target="_blank"><I>The Wall Street Journal</I></a> the #2 soda company is going back to the future with a massive campaign that will have Jackson's image imprinted on more than one billion cans of soda as part of its new global "Live For Now" marketing push.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Remembering Michael Jackson - One Year Later" id="id:1642144" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Nearly 30 years after Jackson first agreed to be the voice of the brand, an agreement has been reached with Jackson's estate, though reps for both sides declined to disclose the financial terms of the deal. When Jackson signed on to shill Pepsi in 1984 he was paid a then-record $5 million. A representative for the estate said the PepsiCo campaign is the first branding deal executed since Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50.</P><P>While Jackson was handsomely paid in the 1984 deal, it was during the filming of an ad for that sponsorship that his life was forever altered. While shooting a commercial for Pepsi, a pyro effect went wrong and Jackson's hair caught fire, seriously burning his face and scalp and requiring multiple skin grafts and resulting in intense pain. It has been speculated that Jackson's addiction to pain medications may have begun after the mishap.</P><P>The new campaign is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Jackson's <I>Bad</I> album. PepsiCo will start distributing the special-edition cans in China this weekend and they will arrive in the U.S. later this month. The 16-ounce, collector's-edition can in the U.S. will feature a special download code that will link to downloads of <I>Bad</I> remixes. Though TV ads will debut in China later this month, it has not been determined yet if similar spots will air in the U.S.</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></P>
Related Videos Related ArtistsTop 10 Best-Dressed Stars at the Cannes Film Festival
After two weeks of captivating movies and breath-taking fashions, the star-studded Cannes Film Festival came to a close on May 26. The French film La Vie d'Adele - Chapitre 1 & 2 ("Blue Is the Warmest Color") won the grand prize, and the Coen Brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis (starring Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan) came in second.
No hay más Led Zeppelin
By
<P>A pesar de lo dicho ayer, Peter Mensch, manager del guitarrista Jimmy Page, se retractó totalmente en eso que la banda buscaría un reemplazo al ultragenial Robert Plant para seguir rockeando y toureándola por el mundo tras su show de 2007 en el O2 Arena de Londres por el poder de la música más sexual de la historia. No habrá más Led Zeppelin, no hay planes de que lo haya.</P><P>Mensch comentó: "Led Zeppelin se acabó. Si no los vieron en el 2007, se los perdieron. Probaron reemplazantes a Robert Plant, pero nada funcionó. Se acabó. No hay planes para continuar. Francamente, ojalá todos dejaran de hablar al respecto."</P><P>Los fans no están nada contentos, especialmente los británicos, considerando los precios delirantes de las entradas del show reunión.</P><P>¿Y a ti? ¿Qué te parece todo esto?</P>
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Remember when I wrote this post about how my nephew Jack can sleep anywhere?
Well, here's the latest:
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Cute Alert! SJP Steps Out with Her Little Girl
Sarah Jessica Parker and Tabitha take a walk in N.Y.C.! Plus, see more photos of celebs spending time with their loved ones.
Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano
'Glee' Star Promises New Britney Spears Hit On Tribute Episode
'I grew up listening to Britney Spears,' Amber Riley reveals to MTV News about the season-four homage.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P>The first time "Glee" paid tribute to the one and only <link type="content" id="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</link>, fans tuned in to not only hear the Gleeks put their spin on some of Brit's biggest tunes, but also to catch a glimpse of the star on the show.</P><P>Now, with <a href="/news/articles/1685127/britney-spears-glee-episode.jhtml">another Britney-centric episode planned</a>, one of the show's stars, Amber Riley, admits that she'd be down to do whatever show creator Ryan Murphy asks her to do for it.</P><P>"I don't really keep my ear to the ground for those things. If it's something they want me to know, they'll let me know," she told MTV News on Wednesday (August 1) when she stopped by the offices to chat about the show's fourth season, kicking off September 13. "They did all the songs that I really liked in the first one."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="'Glee' Star Amber Riley Wants To Perform Britney Spears' 'Circus'" id="vid:822247" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Sure, some of her favorite tunes may have already been performed, but that doesn't mean there isn't one or two she'd like to put the Mercedes stamp on. "There's so much Britney music. I grew up listening to Britney Spears. She definitely has been a part of my high school years coming up. I would love 'Circus.' 'Circus' is a good one."</P><P>Spears isn't likely to appear in this new tribute episode, but that doesn't mean she isn't destined to run into the "Glee" kids, especially given they are all on Fox shows. When asked if Riley has any plans to chill with the "X Factor" judge at any network holiday parties, she laughed, "No! Probably not."</P><P>With Riley was uncertain of her own role in the Spears episode, some of her co-stars have been more forthcoming about what they will be doing or hope to be doing in the episode. Chris Colfer <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/332350/glee-s-chris-colfer-wants-drama-for-kurt-blaine-hopes-to-sing-britney-spears-in-tribute-episode" target="_blank">has said</a> he hopes to do something from her <i>Femme Fatale</i> era, while Chord Overstreet added, "It's probably one of her most recent singles. We're doing a really cool version of it. It's going to be a little group number. It's going to be fun."</P><P><i>Which Britney Spears songs will be featured in the tribute episode? Give us your guesses in the comments!</i></P>
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Usher's Stepson Kile Glover Laid To Rest In Atlanta
Family and friends gathered at the Wieuca Road Baptist Church for 11-year-old's funeral service Friday (July 27).
By Rob Markman, with reporting by FLX
<P>Family and friends gathered privately in Atlanta on Friday (July 27) to lay to rest young Kile Glover, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher Raymond</a>'s 11-year old stepson, who died from injuries suffered in a tragic <a href="/news/articles/1689206/ushers-stepson-declared-brain-dead-after-jet-ski-accident.jhtml">Jet Ski accident</a> earlier this month.</P><P>Glover was the son of Usher's ex-wife, Tameka Foster, and Atlanta TV executive Ryan Glover. He was struck by a Jet Ski while floating in an inner tube on Atlanta's Lake Lanier on July 6.</P><P>There was no fanfare outside the Wieuca Road Baptist Church on Peachtree Road where the funeral was held, but inside, the Glover, Foster and Raymond families received tremendous amounts of support from many esteemed members of Atlanta's music and political communities. Ludacris, Jazze Pha and Phaedra Parks from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" were just some of the celebrities in attendance. The hour-long service began at 11 a.m.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Usher's Stepson Kile Glover Is Laid To Rest" id="vid:819972" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Young Kile was airlifted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where doctors subsequently pronounced him brain-dead. "We know God's in control, and are leaning on our faith in Him and His word at this most difficult time," the family told CNN in a statement. "We firmly believe in the power of prayer and ask that you all continue to pray and lift Kile up, as it's the best way we can all support him now."</P><P>Glover passed away on July 21 after being removed from <a href="/news/articles/1690157/usher-stepson-kile-glover-taken-off-life-support.jhtml">life support</a>.</P><P>Atlanta radio personality and Cash Money record artist DJ Greg Street sent out a tweet immediately after hearing the news of Glover's death, expressing his support for the family. "Lil RG is an Angel now, Ryan, Tameka, Usher & the whole Glover Family we gotta make him proud," he wrote.</P><P>The man driving the Jet Ski has been identified as 38-year-old Jeffrey S. Hubbard, a friend of the family. Police have determined that no drugs were involved in the accident, and Hubbard has not been charged with a crime. No word on whether or not he attended the funeral.</P><P><i>Leave your condolences for the Foster, Glover and Raymond families in the comments below.</i></P>
Related ArtistsTaylor Swift Is the Star of the Most Amazing GIF Ever
Everybody can just stop making GIFs now, because you're never going to do better than this one. At Sunday's Billboard Music Awards, a red carpet videographer caught Selena Gomez in a clinch with her supposedly ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber. More importantly: the camera caught Taylor Swift's split-second, grossed-out reaction to her best friend smooching the singer. Now, some genius has turned that immortal moment into a GIF, so we can watch it over, and over, and over.
'Return Of The Jedi' Turns 30: Secrets Of Ewok Language Revealed!
Sound designer Ben Burtt says Ewokese was created over time and across continents with help from Grandma Vodka.
By Tami Katzoff
Usher - Without You featuring Usher
- Artist: Usher
- Label: Capitol Records
- Director: Christopher Hewitt
- Album: La Explosion del Momento!
Blake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan
Monday, May 27, 2013
LEGO Made A Full Scale X-Wing!
FROM MTV GEEK There are only a handful of ways to experience the world of "Star Wars" for yourself, but most of them are pretty lame. You could buy a replica lightsaber, but it won't actually work. You could go to Disney World, but that Darth Vader is someone's nephew and will probably break into [...]
Fat Joe Needed 'Instagram' Warning: 'Joe, Don't Do It'
'You gotta reinvent yourself,' Fat Joe tells 'RapFix Live' of his 20-year career.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Britney Spears - Criminal (Lyric Video)
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive
- Director:
- Album: Loco de Amor
Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal (Michael Jackson's Vision)
Smooth Criminal (Michael Jackson's Vision)
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic/Legacy
- Director:
- Album: Natural Colours
Beyonce's Shout-Out Floors Snuggie-Clad 'Countdown' Video Mastermind
Seeing praise for his 'Snuggie Version' tribute on B's website was 'the best moment of my life,' 16-year-old superfan tells MTV News.
By Cory Midgarden
<P>When Ton Do-Nguyen uploaded his shot-for-shot <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2012/07/18/beyonce-fan-video-countdown-snuggie">recreation of Beyoncé's "Countdown" video</a> to the Web, he didn't expect it to be seen by anyone other than his friends and family. But with more than 500,000 views on YouTube and the stamp of approval from the Queen B herself, the junior class president from Pennsylvania has quickly learned the power of the Internet.</P><P>"I'm going on her website, and I just start screaming," Ton said about reading a post in which <a href="http://www.beyonce.com/news/brilliant" target="_blank">Beyoncé praises his "Snuggie Version,"</a> calling it "brilliant."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Ton Do-Nguyen Made His Beyonce Parody For 'Fun'" id="vid:816890" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>"That was literally the best moment of my life — hands down," the 16-year-old told MTV News. "I was scared she would get mad. ... When she posted it on her wall and everything, it was so positive."</P><P>It's not just the superstar singing Ton's praises either: Everyone from <a href="https://twitter.com/PerezHilton/status/225726296385277952" target="_blank">Perez Hilton</a> to "Glee" star <a href="https://twitter.com/iharryshum/status/225651447864360960" target="_blank">Harry Shum Jr.</a> are bowing down to the Snuggie-clad tribute, with the same question on everybody's mind: How the heck did he do it?</P><P>"For each specific part, I would just look on YouTube and try and get it down to a T in front of my mirror and go off and film it," Ton explained. "It's so tiring, and do you know what it's like to be in a Snuggie in the middle of July?"</P><P>And while the sleeved blanket was originally used merely as a fashion statement to set the two clips apart, Ton revealed that the body-length fleece ended up serving useful in the production as well: "I used my Snuggie as a blue screen and wore a blue shirt and then I just did my thing."</P><P><i>What do you think of Ton Do-Nguyen's recreation of "Countdown"? Tell us in the comments below!</i></P>
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Michael Jackson Immortal Tour: How They Uphold The Legacy
MTV News gets a behind-the-scenes look at the Cirque Du Soleil tribute to the King of Pop.
By Uptin Saiidi
<P><b>NEWARK</b> — Since its opening, <a href="/news/articles/1682347/michael-jackson-immortal-cirque.jhtml">Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour</a> by Cirque Du Soleil has honored the King of Pop through music, dance and acrobatics 117 times. Night after night, artists celebrate the life of the late Michael Jackson, but how do they take his iconic legacy and put it into a production? When the tour came to New York City this week, MTV News went behind the scenes to talk with the creative forces and performers to find out.</P><P>The artists (all 65 of them) had limited time to train and learn choreography -- an especially difficult feat when it's honoring MJ's signature moves. It was a kind of pressure that creative director Tara Young certainly learned to channel into a positive force.</P><P><CENTER><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:755805/cp~vid%3D755805%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A755805" width="430" height="242" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></CENTER></P><P>"I think it is a pressure for sure; something I share with the whole building here is that we have nothing to prove, only to share," Young told MTV News. "We have an opportunity to share what Michael would have wanted to share and the pressure is only there to achieve excellence."</P><P>For Felix Cane, a two-time world champion pole dancer who does a captivating performance to "Danger," it was all about using that pressure to help the audience to remember the pop icon. "You are sharing this passion with them, and this love of MJ. There's times in the show when some people and I, myself, might have shed a few tears."</P><P>That pressure never felt as great as when the Jackson family sat in the front row at a show in Montreal, an experience Young described as "inspiring." When asked what MJ would think if he were sitting there with them, Young smiled, "He would feel such a sense of pride of what he has given us to work with. It evokes emotions in people that they didn't even know were going to come out."</P><P>I think everyone feels inspired, which evokes a certain feeling of change," Young added. "You feel a sadness too because he is not with us anymore, and that is an emotion that is wonderful too actually ... just to honor him."</P><P>The tour will continue in North America through the summer, before heading to Europe this fall.</P><P><i>Have you seen Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour? What did you think? Leave your comment below!</i></P><P><center><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></center></P>
Related ArtistsSunday, May 26, 2013
Reader Reviews
The movie tie-in edition of "20 Times a Lady"—now called "What's Your Number?"—is now available wherever fine books are sold!
To celebrate its publication, a few of my favorite readers came up with these great reviews...
"What's Your Number? is like Harry Potter minus the wizards, wands, and Lord Voldemort." —Michelle Bell
"What's Your Number? is like Gone With the Wind except with less hoop skirts and poverty and more beaus..." —Karen Meyer
"What's Your Number? is like To Kill a Mockingbird without all the racism and children." —Julie Stone
Thanks ladies!
Please add your review in the comments!
Justin Bieber's Michael Jackson Connection? Michael Madsen
Bieber's 'As Long As You Love Me' offer 'took me off guard,' says Madsen, who also starred with MJ in 2001.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> tweeted that when he was looking for inspiration for his <a href="/news/articles/1690963/justin-bieber-as-long-as-you-love-me-music-video-premiere.jhtml">"As Long As You Love Me" video</a>, there was no one he wanted to <a href="/news/articles/1691049/justin-bieber-as-long-as-you-love-me-michael-jackson.jhtml">emulate more than Michael Jackson</a>.</P><P>Coincidentally, when he needed someone to play his foe in the clip, he looked no further than a guy who has some experience working with Jackson.</P><P>That man is Michael Madsen, who appeared in Jackson's 2001 gangster-themed video for "You Rock My World" off his <i>Invincible</i> album. Oddly enough, the only people that have ever really asked the hard-edged actor to appear in videos happen to be Bieber and Jackson.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Michael Madsen Has A Soft Spot For Justin Bieber" id="vid:822276" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>"Hardly ever [am I asked to be in videos], that was why it was kind of funny cause that doesn't usually happen," he told MTV News. "It came out of nowhere. It was the last thing in the world I expected, to be called by Justin Bieber. It was kind of funny. It took me off guard. It's not the usual thing people think of me for, but considering the role, maybe."</P><P>In <a href="/news/articles/1690932/justin-bieber-as-long-as-you-love-me-video.jhtml">the video</a>, Madsen plays a tough guy who <a href="/news/articles/1691089/justin-bieber-michael-madsen-as-long-as-you-love-me-punch.jhtml">beats up Bieber</a> after the teen ignores his request to stay away from his daughter. It was that cinematic storyline that got Madsen interested.</P><P>"I didn't want to imagine myself on a trampoline with a lollipop, so I asked for the story. I realized it was almost like a film production; and of course, I kind of figured that it might be an interesting thing to do," he said about the Anthony Mandler-directed video. "I didn't know what to expect... I was surprised... They got me a good wardrobe. That was my shirt though. I brought my own shirt; those kinds of shirts are kind of rare.</P><P>"The story is so much Shakespearian; the couple, they run off together out the window," he later continued. "It's rather like that, I thought that was interesting. And I thought the kid, he had an enormous talent and he was very gracious to my sons and was very gracious to my family."</P><P>It was actually those sons that convinced the Hawaiian-shirt-wearing "Kill Bill" star to make the video with Bieber. "Well I was surprised at first that the kid was interested in having me be part of his video," he recalled. "I went to my sons and I asked my boys, I asked my sons what they thought if I should if they thought I should do it or not. And, of course, they gently placed their hand on my shoulder and said 'Dad don't you realize who Justin Bieber is?' And I said 'Well, no, actually I didn't.' But with their blessing I decided I thought it might be interesting."</P><P><i>Do you think Michael Madsen's appearance in "As Long As You Love Me" bumps Bieber to MJ status? Let us know in the comments!</i></P><P><object width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" id="embeddedPlayer" data="http://videoplayer.vevo.com/embed/embedded" style="visibility: visible;"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="flashvars" value="playerType=embedded&videoId=USUV71201064&playlist=false&enableDomScan=true&siteSection=MTV_mtv.com&playerId=62FF0A5C-0D9E-4AC1-AF04-1D9E97EE3961&autoplay=0&endScreen=play&cc=US&cultureName=en-US&cultureIsRTL=False&sbId=14A00605-7DB5-4492-B67B-CB2093BD89DD"></object></P>
Related ArtistsAlex O?Loughlin: My House Is a ?Man Factory?
"It's a man factory in the house," O'Loughlin tells Ellen DeGeneres of the family's living space.
Beyoncé - Love On Top (Live at Roseland) - Video
Love On Top (Live at Roseland) - Video
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Label: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia
- Director: Anthony Green
- Album: Folkways Years, 1955-1992: Songs of Love and Politics
Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison Jennifer ODell
'Fast & Furious 7' Is 'A Reset,' Vin Diesel Says
Today "Fast & Furious 6" hits theaters. Meanwhile, "Fast & Furious 7" already has a release date. So is it safe to assume that more movies are in the works in the "Fast & Furious" franchise? It's not much of a stretch, if Vin Diesel is to be believed. "I don't want to go too [...]
Christina DaRe Christina Milian Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh
Michael Jackson - The Behind The Mask Project
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic
- Director: Dennis Liu
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Lady Gaga Unleashes S&M-Tinged Fame Perfume Ad
Mother Monster tweets up her fragrance and then catches Olympics fever.
By Jocelyn Vena
<P>Just call <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a> the Fame Monster. The singer has just unveiled another ad for her fragrance, the aptly titled <a href="/news/articles/1689786/lady-gaga-nude-perfume-ad.jhtml">Fame</a>, dropping in September.</P><P>While she donned nothing except for tiny men crawling up her body in the last image, this new one features the singer in a clingy PVC bodysuit with a big PVC hat and face mask. The black-and-white photo features two Mother Monsters, facing off in a side-by-side mirror image.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Lady Gaga's Musical Roots" id="vid:657640" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>Like the first ad, this one was also shot by "Alejandro" video director and fashion photographer Steven Klein. Gaga added that the look was styled by Brandon Maxwell, who has worked for her pal Nicola Formichetti and styled her for "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving." She <a href="http://littlemonsters.com/image/5018ad5dc46c85665b000acb" target="_blank">tweeted</a> out the image late Tuesday, with the message, "Fame is an illusion. If you really want it, anyone can have it."</P><P>In addition to the two photos, she also previously dropped an artsy film, <a href="/news/articles/1689920/lady-gaga-formulation-film-teases-fame-fragrance.jhtml">"Formulation,"</a> featuring beefy scientists cooking up the eau de parfum.</P><P>The same day she unleashed the newest ad campaign, she also tweeted about her tears of joy over the Olympics as Team U.S.A. celebrated a number of victories, including a major achievement for <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2012/07/31/michael-phelps-wins-19th-olympic-medal-most-decorated-olympian-ever/">Michael Phelps, who added another piece of gold</a> to his mantle, and the gold-medal-winning U.S. women's gymnastics team.</P><P>"The olympics is the best ever. but i went through a whole pack of tissues last night. watching hard working athletes achieve their dreams," she wrote, later adding, "Woohoo! Gold for the ladies! just want to squeeze them! So much talent and beauty. Did u seem all holding hands? There's no 'I' in team."</P><P>Lady Gaga will go for record-sales gold when she drops her new album sometime in 2013. She will unveil the <a href="/news/articles/1686922/lady-gaga-new-album-title.jhtml">album's title in September</a> to coincide with the release of her first-ever perfume.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Lady Gaga Has The Title And Concept For Her Next Album" id="vid:717202" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P><i>What do you think of Gaga's latest Fame perfume ad? Tell us in the comments!</i></P>
Related ArtistsMichael Jackson - Come Together (Michael Jackson's Vision)
Come Together (Michael Jackson's Vision)
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic/Legacy
- Director:
- Album: Natural Colours
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