Oh man. This is so effing cute!
Watching this feels like being hugged by your childhood all over again!
Check out this clip from the upcoming Winnie the Pooh, a reboot of the 1977 Disney classic (above) and set for a July 2011 release!
We LOVE that they stuck to the source material in the books, and [...]
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Young Dose Explains No Days Off Mixtape Highlights
'It's basically showing y'all how we splurge,' rapper tells Mixtape Daily of 'Benjamins to Lean On.'
By Alvin Blanco
Young Dose
Photo: Desert Storm
Firestarter: Young Dose
Young Dose knows keeping good company can be beneficial to your rap career. The ATL rapper's Big Play Entertainment company hooked up with DJ Clue's Desert Storm to help bolster the rep he was growing back home with the goal of taking his music national.
The alliance reaped immediate benefits with "Where Dey Do That At," which came to feature contributions by Rick Ross and another Clue affiliate, Fabolous. Mixtape Daily caught up with Dose as he dropped some insight into a couple of songs from his latest mixtape, No Days Off, with DJ Teknikz.
"Why I call it No Days Off, because we on a nonstop grind every day," Dose said. "We out here working 365 — 366 on a leap year — we out here."
On "Benjamins to Lean On," Dose offers a lyrical glimpse into his rap life. "It's basically showing y'all how we splurge," Dose said. "How we living in the skyscrapers. How we buying the finest of the coupes and blowing this paper, basically."
The other track Dose made sure to spotlight was "Ain't Doin' It Right," which features his big homey Gucci Mane. "It's basically talking about how y'all ain't doing it right out here," Dose said.
Other artists that Dose worked with on No Days Off include Waka Flocka Flame, Wale, Yung Joc and Soulja Boy Tell'em. Also appearing on the mixtape is fellow Big Play Entertainment rapper YC, whose "Racks," featuring Future, is huge hit in the South. YC recently signed a record deal with Universal Republic Records.
For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.
'American Idol' Finalist Casey Abrams Gets Hometown Dish Named After Him
Customers at Cafe Aroma in Idyllwild, California, can enjoy the 'Casey Abrams Gnocchi Alfredo.'
By Gil Kaufman
Casey Abrams
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
Casey Abrams is already tasting the sweet nectar of fame. He was the talk of the Internet last week after his dramatic save on "American Idol." He's been linked romantically to one of his fellow contestants. And now, one of his favorite hangouts in his tiny hometown of Idyllwild, California, has named a comfort-food entrée in his honor.
While America is just getting to know the bearded bass plucker, Frank Ferro, the operating partner of Café Aroma, said he's known Casey for years and always appreciated the local kid's talent. That's why he was more than game to pay homage to the "Idol" finalist at the town's de facto meet-up spot.
"We've got around 3,000 year-round residents here," he said of the artsy, bucolic town in the mountains outside of Palm Springs. Abrams attended the Idyllwild Arts Academy, and Ferro said he's known Casey since the singer was in fifth grade. "He graduated with my kids and they knew him in middle school and high school," said Ferro. "He grew up in my house, and we all know each other's kids around here."
Because Aroma is the town's unofficial meeting place — Ferro said whenever there's a fire, earthquake, power outage or other emergency, Aroma is the first place people gather to catch up — Casey would often hang out and eat there. He also performed there with his jazz quartet, the Trio of Four, and as is the custom at the restaurant, the night's musicians got to choose a meal when they played.
Hence the new menu item, the "Casey Abrams Gnocchi Alfredo," a unique mixture of the traditional potato pasta with six meatballs and white sauce, a concoction Abrams created as his employee meal.
"This is a dish Casey created on his own," explained Ferro, who has gotten a rash of calls about the "Idol"atry at his establishment since TMZ posted a picture taken five weeks ago of Abrams cavorting with some of the belly dancers who perform at Aroma every week. "We have gnocchi on our menu, but the players here are like heroes, so they get a decent meal that they get to choose and he wanted his with alfredo sauce because he didn't want red sauce on it."
Eventually, Abrams will be able to come home and enjoy his unique dish in the cozy "Casey Abrams American Idol Lounge," a room that seats around 15 , nearly half the 35-person capacity of the main dining room in the decade-old restaurant.
Ferro said people are constantly stopping in and asking about Abrams in the small community where everyone knows everyone. Abrams' dad was in earlier this week for dinner, and his mother has promised to bring in some pictures to hang in the lounge. "If Idyllwild was a country club, Café Aroma would be the clubhouse," he said proudly.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related PhotosCharlie Sheen Teams Up with Snoop Dogg
Now that he has some extra time on his hands, Charlie Sheen is diversifying his body of work with some musical composition.
The ?Men at Work? actor has joined forces with Snoop Dogg to record a new track that he?ll possibly use on his ?Violent Torpedo of Truth? tour.
Last week, Sheen posted a picture of himself, Snoop, and hard rock producer/guitarist Rob Patterson in the studio together.
Charlie also tweeted, "Warlock meets his makers-music makers that is @SnoopDogg @robpatterson666 get ready to rock the Sheenius within!"
Michael Lohan Shows Off His New Chick
Michael Lohan, who was just arrested for assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kate Major, is happily showing off the new lady in his life in — what seems to me — to be a vain attempt at attention-mongering … which, if you’re at all familiar with Michael Lohan, is just par for the course. Lohan has been [...]
Selena Gomez Says Justin Bieber 'Understands' Her
'He's been in my life for so long,' Gomez said on 'Late Show With David Letterman.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez on the "Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday night
Photo: CBS
When Selena Gomez stopped by "Late Show" to chat about her latest single, "Who Says," David Letterman couldn't resist bringing up Justin Bieber's name. And while she wasn't too forthcoming with details, she did give some insight into why she cares so much for her boyfriend.
"Oh, that's cute," she said when showed a picture of the teens at the Vanity Fair Oscar party last month. "It was like a little prom night, wasn't it? Looked like it."
Letterman then wondered how long she and Bieber have known one another. She said, "Almost, like, two years now." Letterman pressed further, asking how they met. "Actually, his manager called my mom, who's my manager," she explained, before Letterman joked, "I heard he was your paperboy."
"I'm blushing!" she said.
"Are you dating or not dating?" Letterman asked again, and Selena danced around the answer. "He's been in my life for so long, and it's just nice to have someone that understands what you're going through."
"This is not my first rodeo, you can talk to me about these things," Letterman quipped as she laughed. Then he promised not to go any further in his Bieber-related questioning.
Both stars have been as quiet as possible about the true nature of their relationship, though they have been spotted out on dates together. Earlier this month, Gomez was by Bieber's side as he celebrated his 17th birthday. And while on tour abroad, Bieber tweeted a message to her, noting how much he missed her.
Related Photos Related ArtistsWednesday, March 30, 2011
Ke$ha - Take It Off
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Paul Hunter, Dori Oskowitz
Garcelle Beauvais Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville
Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Suit Vs. AEG Can Proceed, Judge Rules
Katherine Jackson and family are pursuing a claim against concert promoter.
By Gil Kaufman
Michael Jackson
When he was alive, Michael Jackson was forever embroiled in a series of complex and expensive-sounding lawsuits. But even in death, the late King of Pop is the subject of major legal action. None could potentially be bigger than the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the pop icon's mother, Katherine Jackson, against concert promotion giant AEG Live.
Reuters reported that a Los Angeles judge ruled on Wednesday that the civil lawsuit can go forward. It will proceed in parallel with the criminal case against Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson's June 2009 death from an overdose of the powerful surgical anesthetic propofol. Murray is the only person charged in Jackson's death and he is currently awaiting trial in that matter.
Katherine Jackson's lawsuit — filed in September on behalf of her and Jackson's three young children — accuses AEG of being responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray, whose salary was paid by the touring company behind Jackson's attempted "This Is It" comeback shows in London. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos denied a motion on Wednesday by AEG to dismiss Katherine Jackson's suit, but warned Jackson's attorneys that they would need to show evidence of "fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy" in order to win the case.
The judge has already said she doubts they can prove the latter charge, because the suit does not detail any agreement between Murray and AEG to break the law in providing medical care to Jackson.
"If the object was to get him to rehearsals, I don't see that as a wrongful or illegal act," the judge said. A lawyer for AEG told the judge that the company could not have predicted beforehand that Murray's medical decisions would result in Jackson's death. Court papers also show that AEG "did not choose to hire Murray" and had only participated in negotiations to bring him on as an independent contractor. Michael, who had previously been treated by Murray in Las Vegas, was reportedly the one who suggested the cardiologist serve as his personal, on-call physician during the "This Is It" rehearsals and shows.
Katherine Jackson's attorney recently dropped choreographer Kenny Ortega from the lawsuit based on new information they received about his actions. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 22, just six days before Murray is due back in court for his trial. Jackson's father, Joseph, has twice attempted to file a wrongful death suit in the matter, though his is focused on Murray and the Las Vegas pharmacy that supplied the propofol, not AEG Live.
Related Photos Related ArtistsMichael Jackson Doctor Pleads Not Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter
Conrad Murray's trial slated to start March 28.
By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray appears in court on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California
Photo: Irfan Khan-Pool/ Getty Images
Michael Jackson's former personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray entered a plea of not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the June 2009 death of the pop star at his arraignment on Tuesday morning (January 25).
According to the Los Angeles Times, when asked by judge Michael Pastor how he pleaded to the charge, Murray said, "Your honor, I am an innocent man." When Pastor interrupted and asked Murray what his plea was, the cardiologist said, "Therefore, I plead not guilty."
The brief hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court ended with Pastor setting a March 28 date for the start of a trial in the case. Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison if convicted, and the Times noted that he surprised the judge by invoking his right to a speedy trial, which meant the case would have to begin by late March. Pastor noted the rarity of a defendant asking to have a speedy trial, then set jury selection for the week of March 28 and said he was inclined to allow television coverage of the trial that the defense expects will last two months.
Lawyers for Murray have maintained his innocence all along, saying he did not do anything that "should have" caused the 50-year-old pop icon's death. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol mixed with a cocktail of other sedatives.
Murray has admitted to administering propofol to Jackson in the hours before the singer's death, but the defense appears to be gearing up to claim that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of the drug after he woke in a panic from a fitful night of sleep.
During a preliminary hearing earlier this month to determine if there was enough evidence to hold Murray over for trial, the physician's attorneys said that there was evidence Jackson injected or drank a fatal amount of the drug when the doctor was not looking.
Related Photos Related ArtistsUsher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Milla Jovovich Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen Miranda Kerr
Celebrate Wendy O. Williams' Birthday With Bobblehead Doll
What better way to celebrate Wendy O. Williams' 61st birthday on May 28 (if she hadn't blown her head off at age 48) than with a cute, scantily clad bobblehead doll.
Yes, Aggronautix, the company that, in 2009, presented a bobblehead of GG Allin -- the lovable now-deceased counter culture character who beat up audience members, [...]
Yes, Aggronautix, the company that, in 2009, presented a bobblehead of GG Allin -- the lovable now-deceased counter culture character who beat up audience members, [...]
Watch: ?True Blood? Releases A Season 4 Preview Video Featuring Bill Compton
Previously we got to see True Blood season 4 preview videos featuring Eric Northman (HERE) and Jason Stackhouse (HERE) … today we get to see a new promo video from the Waiting Sucks campaign for the show that features a scene with Bill Compton. Bill is joined in this clip by his friend/foe Eric. Check [...]
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Will Weak 'Sucker Punch' Showing Affect Zack Snyder's 'Superman'?
Critics, Hollywood insiders weigh in the possibility that the director may be removed from the upcoming superhero reboot.
By Eric Ditzian
Zack Snyder and Superman
Photo: AFP/ Alex Ross/ DC Comics
There was a time, after "Dawn of the Dead" and "300," when few might have argued against handing Superman's cape to director Zack Snyder and telling him, "Resurrect this franchise!" Then came his polarizing adaptation of "Watchmen" and a disappointing box-office performance in "Legend of the Guardians," neither of which prevented Warner Bros. from giving Snyder the "Superman" gig last October. Now, though, in the wake of the critical drubbing and weak opening weekend of "Sucker Punch," some industry insiders suspect that the studio and its corporate parent are starting to wonder if Snyder — a director with a keen visual eye but not always the deftest storytelling touch — is truly the right man for the job.
In fact, David Poland of Movie City News even speculated that the director might end up departing the production. "Next month would be the moment when Snyder 'decides to do a more personal project,' if he was being given the heave-ho," the critic told MTV News.
Not that Poland or anyone else is suggesting that Snyder has one foot out the door. Certainly helping matters is that "The Dark Knight Rises" director Christopher Nolan has taken on a much-vaunted "godfather" role on "Superman."
"With Nolan shepherding 'Superman,' Warner Bros. will likely have complete trust in their collective vision as they attempt to reboot one of Hollywood's golden franchises," said Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for entertainment-research firm Exhibitor Relations. "Yes, 'Sucker Punch' is a creative and financial disappointment, and probably the last time in quite a while that Snyder will be given free reign over a film, but he was never going to have that creative autonomy with 'Superman' regardless."
Yet Nolan's guidance is hardly enough to ensure "Superman" success on the level of "Batman Begins" or "The Dark Knight." James Cameron, for instance, took on an executive-producer role on "Sanctum" — one can clearly see his input both in the visuals and the storyline — but no one would argue that the film resides in the same creative universe as "Avatar." What's more, it remains unclear how engaged Nolan will be as he readies production on "The Dark Knight Rises."
"How involved will Nolan really be? His ['Batman'] casting is ahead of 'Superman''s," said Poland. "[Is] Nolan godfathering Snyder or just WB? Is he there to give script notes or to really assert an influence? It's an unknown."
Poland maintains that Snyder's hiring always seemed to be a move spearheaded by Warner Bros. Pictures Group president Jeff Robinov rather than Nolan, since the two directors possess vastly different stylistic vocabularies. In this sense, it may not be that WB is reassessing Snyder so much as that Robinov's higher-ups at Time Warner are.
"[I]t's more about the bosses second-guessing. Will the noise level turn [CEO] Jeff Bewkes' head?" noted Poland. "Could another 'Superman' flop — meaning just $400 million worldwide, hit numbers for most films — change how Jeff Robinov is seen inside the company? ... I do believe that [Snyder] is Robinov's guy and that Robinov's career is on the line here."
It's important to note, however, that Warner Bros. certainly knew what it had in "Sucker Punch" before hiring Snyder — its commercial and critical reception couldn't have come as an inordinate surprise. Nor was its box-office debut ($19 million) especially shocking, according to Gitesh Pandya, editor of BoxOfficeGuru.com. "The opening was only a tad bit below expectations," he said. "If a branded film like 'Watchmen' opened like this, then it would be a big deal. The visuals were impressive and that's a major factor when it comes to a superhero tentpole. Many directors with far less action experience were handed comic-book epics before."
But even action-savvy helmers have faltered with "Superman." Just ask Bryan Singer. The thing is, after Singer's "Superman Returns" failed to resonate with the public in 2006, Warner Bros. can hardly afford to stumble again. According to Bock, WB understands that "it's do or die time," and continues to have confidence that its pairing of Snyder and Nolan was the right choice.
"[T]hey needed Nolan in a godfather capacity, and Snyder to up the hip quotient," Bock said. "Snyder knows how to create a dynamic spectacle on the silver screen, as he has shown with '300' and 'Dawn of the Dead,' and with Nolan guiding the story process, 'Superman' may just be the next big thing — again."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosGuess Who Got A Big Dose Of Love Last Night
Can you guess which celeb was photographed emerging in the wee hours of the morning clutching a cute I Love You teddy bear? It’s not known for certain who gave who this bear but the celeb in possession of this stuffed toy seemed to be awfully proud of showing it off. This celeb has been [...]
Usher - Spotlight
- Artist: Usher
- Label: Warner Bros. Records, Asylum, Mizay Ent
- Director: Benny Boom
- Album: The State vs. Radric Davis
Baby No. 5 On the Way for Kevin Federline
The former backup dancer and onetime rapper is expecting his fifth child this summer -- his first baby with girlfriend Victoria Prince, a source tells PEOPLE.
Will Weak 'Sucker Punch' Showing Affect Zack Snyder's 'Superman'?
Critics, Hollywood insiders weigh in the possibility that the director may be removed from the upcoming superhero reboot.
By Eric Ditzian
Zack Snyder and Superman
Photo: AFP/ Alex Ross/ DC Comics
There was a time, after "Dawn of the Dead" and "300," when few might have argued against handing Superman's cape to director Zack Snyder and telling him, "Resurrect this franchise!" Then came his polarizing adaptation of "Watchmen" and a disappointing box-office performance in "Legend of the Guardians," neither of which prevented Warner Bros. from giving Snyder the "Superman" gig last October. Now, though, in the wake of the critical drubbing and weak opening weekend of "Sucker Punch," some industry insiders suspect that the studio and its corporate parent are starting to wonder if Snyder — a director with a keen visual eye but not always the deftest storytelling touch — is truly the right man for the job.
In fact, David Poland of Movie City News even speculated that the director might end up departing the production. "Next month would be the moment when Snyder 'decides to do a more personal project,' if he was being given the heave-ho," the critic told MTV News.
Not that Poland or anyone else is suggesting that Snyder has one foot out the door. Certainly helping matters is that "The Dark Knight Rises" director Christopher Nolan has taken on a much-vaunted "godfather" role on "Superman."
"With Nolan shepherding 'Superman,' Warner Bros. will likely have complete trust in their collective vision as they attempt to reboot one of Hollywood's golden franchises," said Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for entertainment-research firm Exhibitor Relations. "Yes, 'Sucker Punch' is a creative and financial disappointment, and probably the last time in quite a while that Snyder will be given free reign over a film, but he was never going to have that creative autonomy with 'Superman' regardless."
Yet Nolan's guidance is hardly enough to ensure "Superman" success on the level of "Batman Begins" or "The Dark Knight." James Cameron, for instance, took on an executive-producer role on "Sanctum" — one can clearly see his input both in the visuals and the storyline — but no one would argue that the film resides in the same creative universe as "Avatar." What's more, it remains unclear how engaged Nolan will be as he readies production on "The Dark Knight Rises."
"How involved will Nolan really be? His ['Batman'] casting is ahead of 'Superman''s," said Poland. "[Is] Nolan godfathering Snyder or just WB? Is he there to give script notes or to really assert an influence? It's an unknown."
Poland maintains that Snyder's hiring always seemed to be a move spearheaded by Warner Bros. Pictures Group president Jeff Robinov rather than Nolan, since the two directors possess vastly different stylistic vocabularies. In this sense, it may not be that WB is reassessing Snyder so much as that Robinov's higher-ups at Time Warner are.
"[I]t's more about the bosses second-guessing. Will the noise level turn [CEO] Jeff Bewkes' head?" noted Poland. "Could another 'Superman' flop — meaning just $400 million worldwide, hit numbers for most films — change how Jeff Robinov is seen inside the company? ... I do believe that [Snyder] is Robinov's guy and that Robinov's career is on the line here."
It's important to note, however, that Warner Bros. certainly knew what it had in "Sucker Punch" before hiring Snyder — its commercial and critical reception couldn't have come as an inordinate surprise. Nor was its box-office debut ($19 million) especially shocking, according to Gitesh Pandya, editor of BoxOfficeGuru.com. "The opening was only a tad bit below expectations," he said. "If a branded film like 'Watchmen' opened like this, then it would be a big deal. The visuals were impressive and that's a major factor when it comes to a superhero tentpole. Many directors with far less action experience were handed comic-book epics before."
But even action-savvy helmers have faltered with "Superman." Just ask Bryan Singer. The thing is, after Singer's "Superman Returns" failed to resonate with the public in 2006, Warner Bros. can hardly afford to stumble again. According to Bock, WB understands that "it's do or die time," and continues to have confidence that its pairing of Snyder and Nolan was the right choice.
"[T]hey needed Nolan in a godfather capacity, and Snyder to up the hip quotient," Bock said. "Snyder knows how to create a dynamic spectacle on the silver screen, as he has shown with '300' and 'Dawn of the Dead,' and with Nolan guiding the story process, 'Superman' may just be the next big thing — again."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosMichael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind The 'Glee' Cover
MJ classic is mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Heads Will Roll' for post-Super Bowl episode.
By Aly Semigran
"Glee"
Photo: FOX
Madonna, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and now, finally, Michael Jackson. The cast of "Glee" has covered plenty of icons during their first two seasons, but it's taken 33 episodes to get around to the King of Pop.
With a huge catalog of Jackson songs, the singing, dancing students of McKinley High paid homage to the late singer with one of his biggest staples (and, arguably, the greatest music video of all time) with their take on "Thriller."
The groundbreaking single from Jackson's best-selling album of the same name was mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" for the post-Super Bowl episode (titled "The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle"), featuring a zombie-fied "Glee" cast.
Bound to become a smash all over again (though with its nonstop rotation at Halloween parties and wedding receptions until the end of time, it's never truly gone away), here's a brief history of the dance/pop classic.
Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh, and final, single to be released from Jackson's smash record. According to the RIAA, the album (released by Epic Records) has gone gold 29 times, narrowly edging out the Eagles' Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.
In 2009, MTV News estimated that the Thriller album was poised to go triple diamond, meaning 30 million records sold in the U.S. alone.
After Thriller's other singles (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something") dominated the charts, it was time for the spooky, undeniably original track to take over. The song "Thriller" also appeared on many of Jackson's other albums, including the compilations HIStory and Number Ones.
Clocking in at a little under six minutes (though the radio edit was closer to four-and-a-half), the song features pop-music mainstays like synthesizers but shakes things up with its spooky sound effects, including creaking floors, howling and thunder.
The song was produced by Quincy Jones and written and composed by Rod Tempterton and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4.
But it's the music video for "Thriller" that truly made it the phenomenon it was in the '80s and continues to be today. Less a music video than a mini-motion picture, the video (over 13 minutes long and directed by John Landis) won three MTV Video Music Awards and has been named the best music video of all time by many outlets, including VH1 for the special "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos."
The chiller features Jackson in that iconic red leather jacket on a date with his girlfriend (played by Ola Ray) before things go terribly awry. After all, as Jackson (whose disclaimer at the start of the video reads, "This film in no way endorses a belief in the occult") sings in the opening line, "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." Cue werewolves, zombies, Vincent Price's soliloquy and one of the most memorable dance sequences ever.
The video was (no pun intended) a monster hit. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "At the height of the song's popularity, MTV would run the 14-minute 'Thriller' video twice an hour."
Choreographed by Jackson and Michael Peters (who, as the LA Times also reported, appears in the video as one of the zombies) and with makeup by Oscar-winner Rick Baker (also an undead "Thriller" extra) was made with a huge budget of an estimated $500,000.
Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.
Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)
Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.
Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.
Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.
What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsCyHi Da Prynce Asks God For A Release Date Via 'Text Message'
'I'm speaking my album into existence this year,' MC tells Mixtape Daily of The Hard Way Musical.
By Jayson Rodriguez
CyHi Da Prynce
Photo: MTV News
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtapes: The Allies and Royal Flush 2
Headliner: CyHi Da Prynce
Key cameos: Big Sean, Pusha T, J. Cole, etc.
Essential info: CyHi Da Prynce knows what his next two projects are (a pair of mixtapes), but the Georgia rapper is calling on a higher power when it comes to getting a release date for his debut album. No, he's not calling on mentor Kanye West; rather, the "So Appalled" star is seeking an answer in the biblical sense.
"At the end of April, I want to put out Royal Flush 2 and I wanna release The Allies when school is coming back in," CyHi told Mixtape Daily. "Those two projects, I want them to be my last mixtapes that I put out before my album. I'm speaking my album into existence this year. God says, 'If you ask, you shall receive,' so I'm asking, and hopefully I'll receive it sometime soon. I'm sending a pigeon or something, even a text message."
For his debut, The Hard Way Musical, the G.O.O.D. Music artist is already a few songs in.
"My album is a lot of storytelling. It's heartfelt, but at the same time it's hip-hop to the T," he said of the collection. "Royal Flush is more so the different parts of me, but my album is gonna be more the story of me."
Other Heat This Week
» Kevin Cossom - By Any Means
» Papoose - The Second Coming
» DJ Green Lantern - Master Class
» Dom Kennedy - The Original Dom
» King Mez and Khrysis - The King's Khrysis
For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Jonas Akerlund
Exclusive: Ke$ha Talks Writing Britney Spears' 'Till The World Ends'
'It's an honor to write for one of pop music's biggest icons,' she tells MTV News.
By Kelley L. Carter, with additional reporting by Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears "Til The World Ends" cover art
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears' new single, "Till the World Ends" is dance-floor ready — just ask Ke$ha. The pop star in her own right wrote the just-released track, which was produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin.
"I consider myself a songwriter before and above everything else, so it's an honor to write for one of pop music's biggest icons. And I hope it gets everyone's ass on the dance floor cuz y'all know that's what K-Monay does best!" the singer said in an exclusive statement to MTV News.
The single was posted by Perez Hilton on Thursday afternoon (March 3), after speculation earlier in the day that it would hit radio next week.
"Till the World Ends" is a swirling, "beat the beat" track, ready for late nights spent "dancing till the world ends" as she sings on the fast-paced party jam. "This kitten got your tongue tied in knots I see/ Spit it out 'cause I'm dying for company," a confident Spears purrs.
Later in the song, she sings: "See the sunlight/ We ain't stopping/ Keep on dancing till the world ends/ If you feel it/ Let it happen/ Keep on dancing till the world ends."
Last month, Ke$ha talked with Spin.com about the song, saying it's about the power of an artist performing a great gig. "That song is me imagining her and any female musician touring the world," she said. "You know, when you go out, and you're having an amazing, magical night and you don't want to go to sleep and you want it to last until the world ends."
This new track is the latest single from Spears' forthcoming Femme Fatale, which drops March 29.
What do you think about the latest Britney song? Let us know in the comments!
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Jimmy Fallon Turns Universal Tour Guide
His career has certainly been trending upward over the past few years, and Jimmy Fallon will soon add yet another job title to his impressive resume.
It was announced today that the ?Late Night with Jimmy Fallon? star is set to become Universal Studios Hollywood?s newest ?virtual studio tour guide.?
"We really had fun with filming my role," Jimmy said in a press release. "We brought some writers out from our show and added some jokes, more play with the Studio Tour guides, the tram drivers and we added a song or two. The tour itself is a classic, a really great experience.?
The virtual tour has given over 150 million guests a behind the scenes look at moviemaking with famous production locations ?War of the Worlds? airplane crash set as well as ABC?s ?Desperate Housewives? Wisteria Lane.
Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Other Stars Make Forbes' Top-Earning Of 2010 List
Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus also made the magazine's top 20 list of Hollywood moneymakers.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Beyoncé
Photo: Columbia/Music World
On the East Coast, revenue streams are slowly rising as banks are still cratering and trying to recover from the recession. But out West, money ain't a thing, as Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z once rapped.
Forbes has released their list of Hollywood's 20 Highest Earners of 2010, with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus among those rubbing elbows with the likes of power players like Oprah Winfrey.
The venerable talk-show host topped the list with a whopping $315 million haul. Winfrey's earnings were generated for the most part by her multimedia deals, which include a syndication deal for her TV show, a magazine and her soon-to-be-launched network.
"Avatar" creator James Cameron came in second, more than $100 million behind Winfrey, with a tally of $210 million. Director and playwright Tyler Perry ($125 million), blockbuster movie producer Michael Bay ($120 million) and golfer Tiger Woods ($105 million) rounded out the top five.
Beyoncé was the only pop star to break the top 10. The "Single Ladies" superstar landed at #9, sandwiched between George Lucas and Dr. Phil. Mrs. Carter, whose hubby, Jay-Z, was named Hip-Hop's Cash King by Forbes in August with a tally of $63 million, pulled down $87 million over the past 12 months.
The blond-haired trio of Britney Spears ($64 million), Lady Gaga ($62 million) and Madonna ($58 million) made their mark on the list at numbers 13, 14 and 15, respectively.
Pop tarts Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift capped the list. The young stars placed at 18 and 19 on the list, with Disney star Cyrus pocketing $48 million, and country singer Swift depositing $45 million into her bank account.
Hollywood's 20 highest-earning men and women of 2010, according to Forbes:
1. Oprah Winfrey, $315 million
2. James Cameron, $210 million
3. Tyler Perry, $125 million
4. Michael Bay, $120 million
5. Tiger Woods, $105 million
6. Jerry Bruckheimer, $100 million
7. Steven Spielberg, $100 million
8. George Lucas, $95 million
9. Beyoncé, $87 million
10. Dr. Phil, $80 million
11. Simon Cowell, $80 million
12. Jerry Seinfeld, $75 million
13. Britney Spears, $64 million
14. Lady Gaga, $62 million
15. Madonna, $58 million
16. Sandra Bullock, $56 million
17. Ellen DeGeneres, $55 million
18. Miley Cyrus, $48 million
19. Taylor Swift, $45 million
20. Judge Judy Sheindlin, $45 million
Gwen Stefani Steps Out With Her Fashion Forward Family
Gwen Stefani and hubby Gavin Rossdale packed up their sons — Kingston James McGregor & Zuma Nesta Rock — for a family trip to the California Science Center this weekend and as you can see from the photos below, the fashionista family used the outing as an opportunity to werq it out! We are no [...]
Celeb Birthdays of the Week March 28-April 3
From Lady Gaga to Alec Baldwin, see what the stars born between March 28 and April 3 can tell you about the sign of Aries.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug
- Artist: Ke$ha
- Label: RCA
- Director: Honey
Michelle Obama Michelle Rodriguez Michelle Trachtenberg Mila Kunis
Selena Gomez Says Justin Bieber 'Understands' Her
'He's been in my life for so long,' Gomez said on 'Late Show With David Letterman.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez on the "Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday night
Photo: CBS
When Selena Gomez stopped by "Late Show" to chat about her latest single, "Who Says," David Letterman couldn't resist bringing up Justin Bieber's name. And while she wasn't too forthcoming with details, she did give some insight into why she cares so much for her boyfriend.
"Oh, that's cute," she said when showed a picture of the teens at the Vanity Fair Oscar party last month. "It was like a little prom night, wasn't it? Looked like it."
Letterman then wondered how long she and Bieber have known one another. She said, "Almost, like, two years now." Letterman pressed further, asking how they met. "Actually, his manager called my mom, who's my manager," she explained, before Letterman joked, "I heard he was your paperboy."
"I'm blushing!" she said.
"Are you dating or not dating?" Letterman asked again, and Selena danced around the answer. "He's been in my life for so long, and it's just nice to have someone that understands what you're going through."
"This is not my first rodeo, you can talk to me about these things," Letterman quipped as she laughed. Then he promised not to go any further in his Bieber-related questioning.
Both stars have been as quiet as possible about the true nature of their relationship, though they have been spotted out on dates together. Earlier this month, Gomez was by Bieber's side as he celebrated his 17th birthday. And while on tour abroad, Bieber tweeted a message to her, noting how much he missed her.
Related Photos Related ArtistsCelebrity Twitter Pictures
Jenny McCarthy goofs around with her son! Plus, check out more stars' cute, candid and crazy Twitter photos!
Britney Spears Announces Plans For New Video, Kids' Choice, More
Brit's site confirms "Ellen" appearances, MTV takeover day and more leading up to Femme Fatale release.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears has become a very busy lady in the lead-up to the March 29 release of Femme Fatale.
After rumors came out on Wednesday that Spears would make several appearances on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the week her album drops, a press release posted on her website now confirms that and a few other engagements on Brit's calendar.
The release also confirms that Spears will pre-tape her "Good Morning America" appearance on March 27, two days before it airs on the show. MTV will dedicate March 29 to the femme fatale herself for what is being dubbed a "Britney take-over" day on the network. Additionally, Spears will make an appearance on the Kids' Choice Awards on April 2, though there is no word on whether she'll be performing, presenting or just getting slimed.
Spears is currently rehearsing for her appearances and working on the video for her second single, "Till the World Ends." It will be directed by Norwegian director and photographer Ray Kay, who has worked with Lady Gaga, the Backstreet Boys, Beyoncé and Justin Bieber. The video will be shot in L.A. No date has been set for the video's premiere.
In recent weeks, Spears has been on several magazine covers (including Out and V magazine), and in interviews she has talked about wanting to try something new on the album.
"I think Femme Fatale speaks for itself," Spears told V. "I worked really hard on it and spent almost two years recording it. I think it's the best album I have ever made. There's nothing to say. I'll let the music speak for itself. ... It's definitely my edgiest and most mature sound yet.
"It's a little bit of [an evolution and a revolution]," she continued. "There are songs on this album that don't sound like anything else and are completely revolutionary, but I also believe this album expresses where I am today as a woman and is an evolution of who I am."
Related Photos Related ArtistsNatasha Bedingfield Natassia Malthe Nelly Furtado Nichole Robinson
Britney Spears' 'Till The World Ends' Hits Web
Femme Fatale's second single was penned by Ke$ha.
By Jocelyn Vena
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears' new single, "Till the World Ends," sounds poised to be a club smash. The Ke$ha-written, Dr. Luke/Max Martin-produced track was posted by Perez Hilton on Thursday afternoon (March 3), after speculation earlier in the day that the song would hit radio next week.
"Till the World Ends" is a swirling, "beat the beat" track, ready for late nights spent "dancing till the world ends" as she sings on the fast-paced party jam. "This kitten got your tongue tied in knots I see/ Spit it out 'cause I'm dying for company," a confident Spears purrs.
As the song slows for a moment — during a break before she moves her way to the chorus — she sings, "I can't take it take it take no more/ Never felt like felt like this before/ Come on get me get me on the floor/ DJ, what you what you waiting for?" she teases.
The beat chugs in the background as synths play with Spears' sex-kitten delivery of lines like "Watch me move/ When I lose, when I lose it hard/ Get you off with a touch/ Dancing in the dark.
"See the sunlight/ We ain't stopping/ Keep on dancing till the world ends/ If you feel it/ Let it happen/ Keep on dancing till the world ends," she sings as the song breaks down, fading out for a brief moment (revealing her signature breathiness), and then coming back in as she repeats those final lines again to close the song.
Ke$ha recently dished about the track to Spin.com, noting that it is about the power of an artist performing a great gig. "That song is me imagining her and any female musician touring the world," she said. "You know, when you go out, and you're having an amazing, magical night and you don't want to go to sleep and you want it to last until the world ends."
"Till the World Ends" is the second single from Femme Fatale, set to drop March 29. Its lead single, "Hold It Against Me," was an equally club-friendly jam by Luke and Martin, who are overseeing production on the album.
Give your review of "Till the World Ends" in the comments below!
Related ArtistsAbove & Beyond Heat Up The Ice Palace At Anjunabeats Bash
A&B drop 'Sun & Moon,' a standout thus far at Miami Music Week.
By Adam Stewart
Above & Beyond
Photo: Anjunabeats
MIAMI — Last night in Miami's downtown district, Above & Beyond threw their annual homage to trance with their massive Anjunabeats party, which this year was held at the Ice Palace for the first time. Having expanded into their new home from their usual venue Karu & Y, the Ice Palace offered a massive space for the enthused crowed to hear Jono and Paavo, two-thirds of the trance trio, spin a killer set.
Hitting the massive LED-wrapped stage after an invigorating set by the reunited duo Gabriel & Dresden, the crowd erupted as the trance legends dove right into it, opening with "The Taxi Driver" by Andrew Bayer.
Also highlighted in the first hour of Above & Beyond's set was "Beautiful World" featuring Dino, a new cut from fellow trance icon Tiësto, who collaborated with Mark Knight. It's been a huge track for Miami Music Week thus far.
Perhaps the most exciting moment for the crowd, however, was when Above & Beyond dropped their massive new bomb "Sun & Moon," a heavy-hitting house-trance anthem with an amazing stab-synth hook that will undoubtedly come out of Miami as one of the standout tracks. Also featured were Fedde Le Grand's new beast "Control Room" and Arty & Matt Zo's "Rebound," as well as another Arty track, a remix of Ferry Corsten's "Punk."
They closed out their two-hour set with a blend of both old and new, and kept their family of trance-loving fans on their toes, highlighted by a mash-up of their smash hit under their OceanLab moniker "Sky Falls Down" and Passive Progressive's "Hide Away."
After A&B wrapped up their set and began to enjoy the rest of the night offstage, trance fans were in for another treat as the legendary Cosmic Gate took to the stage and wowed the crowd into the wee hours of the morning blasting classic anthems like "Exploration of Space" and "Fire Wire."
Were you at the Anjunabeats party last night? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
Be sure to follow our MTV News crew on Twitter (@AdamMTVNews and @ASBhansali) for all of the latest Miami Music Week action!
Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists'Limitless' Beats Down 'Battle: Los Angeles' At Weekend Box Office
Bradley Cooper suspense flick also came out on top over 'Rango,' 'The Lincoln Lawyer.'
By Ryan J. Downey
Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper in "Limitless"
Photo: Universal Pictures
The weekend's box-office receipts proved that Bradley Cooper doesn't need his "Hangover" or "A-Team" buddies to open a movie, Matthew McConaughey can impress the critics when he skips the easy romantic comedy cash, and the pair responsible for "Shaun of the Dead" have yet to exhaust their well of genre love letters as "Limitless," "The Lincoln Lawyer" and "Paul" hit theaters.
Cooper's "Limitless" was the #1 movie in America with a $19 million debut, according to studio estimates. It's the first flick to depend on Cooper's star power since the heartthrob actor hit it big in "The Hangover," the ensemble buddy romp that became the highest-grossing R-rated comedy ever. Overall, the box office was down 10 percent from last year, but this wasn't a bad debut.
Matthew McConaughey, known for going shirtless in several poorly reviewed but hugely successful romantic comedies, told the Toronto Star he took a pay cut to play an attorney reduced to living in his car in "The Lincoln Lawyer," and that move certainly paid off. "The Lincoln Lawyer" debuted at #4 with $13.4 million, and perhaps better still for the 41-year-old actor, it boasted an 81 percent critical average according to Rotten Tomatoes. By comparison, his "Fool's Gold" mustered a mere 10 percent with critics just a couple of years ago.
Lionsgate Films paid theaters the difference for 40,000 tickets that were redeemed through a Groupon promotion, where subscribers to the discount email service were able to pick up tickets to "The Lincoln Lawyer" for just $6. The studio reported that 190,000 tickets were sold this way, which means many folks will likely continue to redeem them throughout the film's run in theaters.
"Paul," the weekend's other new wide release, was #5 with $13.2 million. Written by and starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, "Paul" is a road trip movie about an alien that is as much a comedic love letter to classic sci-fi films like "E.T." and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" as their previous movies "Hot Fuzz" and "Shaun of the Dead" paid homage to the action and zombie genres, respectively (and respectfully, for that matter). With a production budget of $40 million and worldwide appeal, the movie is sure to do fine for co-distributors Relativity and Universal.
Seth Rogen voices the namesake alien in "Paul" and the film's opening was stronger than that of his "Observe and Report" and his Kevin Smith-directed "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." It easily outdid "Hot Fuzz" as well, which debuted with $5.8 million in 2007 and went on to gross $23.6 million in the U.S. While 71 percent of critics enjoyed "Paul," it does bear the unfortunate distinction of being the worst reviewed of the Frost/Pegg collaborations next to the 91 percent earned by both "Fuzz" and "Shaun."
"Limitless" was the only new release that was able to beat "Rango." The blockbuster animated movie starring the voice talent of Johnny Depp as a lizard-turned-sheriff was #2 over the weekend with another $15 million in receipts for a $92 million total.
"Battle: Los Angeles" was #3 with $14.6 million for a $60.6 million total. "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke's gothic take on "Red Riding Hood" was #6 with $7.2 million for a two-week total of just $25.9 million. The movie's critical rating came in at just 11 percent.
The Matt Damon vehicle "The Adjustment Bureau" was #7 with $5.9 million for a $48.7 million total. Disney's "Mars Needs Moms," one of the biggest flops in recent memory, was #8 with just $5.3 million for a $15.4 million total against an estimated $150 million production budget. "Beastly," which had a release date close behind Alex Pettyfer's other teen-friendly flick, "I Am Number Four," was #9 with $3.3 million for a $22.2 million total. The comedy "Hall Pass" rounded out the top 10 with $2.6 million for a $39.5 million total.
Check out everything we've got on "Limitless," "The Lincoln Lawyer" and "Paul."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Vanessa Hudgens Vanessa Marcil Vanessa Minnillo Vanessa Simmons
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard Are NOT Married
Earlier this week Kristen Bell posted a message on her official Twitter profile that referred to her fianc�e Dax Shepard as her “husband”, sparking chatter that the couple may have secretly gotten married. But a rep for the couple has clarified that Kristen and Dax did NOT get married … at least not yet. Actress [...]
Usher - Moving Mountains
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records/Zomba Label Group
- Director: The Brothers Strauss
- Album: Here I Stand
Rachael Leigh Cook Rachel Bilson Rachel Blanchard Rachel Hunter
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Jonas Akerlund
Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen Miranda Kerr Mischa Barton
Ke$ha Postpones Japan Tour Dates
Ne-Yo, Cyndi Lauper continue to perform in the country following earthquake.
By Gil Kaufman
Ke$ha
Photo: Noel Vasquez/ Getty Images
As the people of Japan continue to struggle with recovering from the nation's devastating earthquake and tsunami, some artists are being forced to cancel their tour dates in the nation. Ke$ha released a statement on Monday announcing that she would have to postpone her upcoming dates in Japan.
"My heart is with Japan right now through this disaster and these hardships," the singer wrote on her website. "I genuinely don't think right now would be appropriate timing for me to perform in Japan given the content and the spirit of my show, which is all about feeling exuberant, rowdy, and wild. ... I plan to bring my party there and to that part of the world when we are all ready to dance and Get $leazy together again. In the meantime I am going to do everything I can to help relief efforts and I encourage everyone in the world to do the same."
In the meantime, Ke$ha has a string of North American dates kicking off on April 1 with a show in Clarion, Pennsylvania, and running through early May.
According to Billboard, the promoter of the scotched Japanese tour, Creativeman Productions, also announced that it would be canceling a pair of its annual spring festivals. The Springgroove, an R&B, soul and hip-hop festival scheduled for April 2 near Tokyo and April 3 in Osaka, would have featured Nelly and Flo Rida, among others. Also called off was then annual hardcore Punkspring festival on April 1 and 2 in Osaka and Nagoya with headliners Good Charlotte and Hoobastank.
Ne-Yo continued with his planned dates in Japan over the weekend, performing a show in Nagoya on Friday and launching a charity initiative to help the people of the country. Called "Spread Love Through Music," the show included donation boxes at the concert to help those in need and the sale of a special wristband with proceeds going to earthquake relief. He plans to do the same during his shows on Tuesday (March 22) in Yokohama and Thursday in Tokyo. "You can absolutely spread love through music, and I think that's what's absolutely called for in this time of crisis," he said in a video on his website.
Also currently touring Japan is Cyndi Lauper, who is slated to play a show in Osaka on Tuesday and was in the country promoting her Memphis Blues album when the quake hit on March 11. She's been tweeting about her experience all along, and on Monday, she wrote about the healing power of music in the shattered country.
"Miss my family but have my music family and the warmth of the peeps I sing to. Tonight I will lose myself in the music and the rhythm," she wrote. Like Ne-Yo, she is asking fans to donate cash at the shows to earthquake relief and is donating all royalties from sales of her Blues album in Japan to the Japanese Red Cross.
Related Photos Related ArtistsShannon Elizabeth Shannyn Sossamon Shiri Appleby Sienna Guillory
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