Monday, February 28, 2011

Beyoncé - Ego

Ego

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Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Video Is 'Slimy,' 'Sexy,' Fans Say

Little Monsters in New York's Times Square react to Gaga's shocking birth scene, Michael Jackson homage and more.
By Vaughn Schoonmaker


Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

NEW YORK -- Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" video premiered on Monday (February 28), and, as many of her videos tend to do, it created some confusion among viewers. MTV News asked fans in New York City's Times Square for their reactions.

"It looks like she's giving birth to something," Angela Foreman suggested.

"She looks really slimy!" Amanda Russ squealed.

Another fan, Katie Doig, made the same observation as several of those we spoke to: "She's so bizarre, but she's great!"

The video features Gaga taking on various identities, both "good" and "evil," and is filled with dancing, kaleidoscopic imagery, protruding facial and shoulder horns and, of course, fashionably loud costumes and makeup.

"She looks strange," Foreman said about one scene. "Like a devil, very demonic."

"I don't understand [but] it's typical from Lady Gaga," Guillaume Lachaud said about the unusual looks, and then added, "very beautiful, very sexy."

Gaga also is seen performing intricate moves (choreographed by Laurieann Gibson) to the "Born This Way" chorus, while dressed in a black bra and bikini; her body is especially exposed and toned in this clip.

"She's such a good dancer!" Doig exclaimed.

As for the tuxedo-wearing skeleton sequence, it reminded some fans of another music-video pop icon.

"She looks like Michael Jackson!" Lachaud smiled. "Very 'Thriller,' " Foreman added.

In spite of their baffled expressions, all agreed that the video held up against her previous work.

"I think she looks great," Andrew Janda complimented. "It's a nice video."

"She's so out there," Doig laughed. "But it's so good, like, only Lady Gaga can do it."

Sound off on the "Born This Way" video in the comments below!

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Lady Gaga - Video Phone (Extended Remix)

Video Phone (Extended Remix)

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3061469&vid=455581

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Michael Jackson - Liberian Girl

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1102&vid=208399

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Lindsay Lohan Returns To Acting In Post-Oscars Jimmy Kimmel Bit

Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, Minka Kelly, Jessica Biel and Sofia Vergara also pitch in for Kimmel's fake 'Humpilates' infomercial.
By Gil Kaufman


Lindsay Lohan and Jimmy Kimmel on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Sunday night
Photo: ABC

It's been a while since we've seen Lindsay Lohan on a screen — big or small — when it wasn't connected to one of the troubled starlet's legal entanglements. But on Sunday night, after the 83rd annual Academy Awards ceremony, Lohan made her first TV appearance in ages in an infomercial spoof on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show.

And she kind of nailed it. Lohan, who is still awaiting word on whether she'll face some jail time over the alleged theft of a $2,500 necklace, joined a jaw-dropping list of Hollywood beauties who helped Kimmel shill for a fake celebrity workout tape called "Hottie Body Humpilates."

"Here in Hollywood, being in shape is more important than being alive," Kimmel said during an introduction to his unique fitness regimen. After scanning past a bevy of toned female bodies, a voiceover asked, "Who trains the most beautiful actresses in the world?," The camera then falls on Kimmel, who responded, "I do, I'm Jimmy K. Let's get to work!"

That was followed by the unfortunate site of Kimmel's bare bottom in a thong unitard and a series of fake talk-show appearances by the celebrity workout king. Scarlett Johansson, wearing a "HoBo" T-shirt, then sauntered out while looking directly at the camera longingly and embracing Kimmel, staring into his eyes with love as he explained the wonders of his hip-thrusting, exercise-ball-humping method.

Lohan showed up near the end of the clip to help Kimmel sell some DVDs. Standing next to a rare yellow lion named Zion, which Kimmel claimed could take down an animal 10 times his size, the host asked, "So how does he find time to stay in such great shape?"

"Not with weights or diet drinks, I'll tell you that," chimed in a smiling Lohan. "Lions spend their days hunting and their nights humping," she continued, as she holds Kimmel's hand and walks around the ferocious beast.

"Lions hump upwards of 40 times a night. I've spent thousands of hours watching them, so I know," Lohan added while giving Jimmy a longing, knowing look, followed by a kiss on his hand.

"The Jimmy K program is so affordable, it's practically a steal," Kimmel said at the end of the bit. "Allegedly," Lohan piped in comically, crossing her arms and giving Jimmy a withering look.

Lohan was just one of the famous beauties who appeared in the segment. ScarJo's testimonial was followed by similarly gushing tributes from Minka Kelly (who apparently used to be a big, big fattie), Jessica Biel (who only hopes to be in good enough shape to lure Kimmel into wanting to bed her), Kelly Ripa and Jessica Alba (who was apparently sluggish and out of shape and cried a lot before becoming a "HoBo").

The segment showed the ladies all demonstrating Kimmel's ball-humping method during a class, as he urged them on while wearing a revealing red leotard and purple Speedo bikini.

"That's good humping, girls ... hump it up, hump it down, take a train to humpy town!" he said. Eva Longoria, Sofia Vergara and Emily Blunt also stopped by to sing the praises of "humpercize." And we think Vergara (apparently a disgusting hippopotamus before starting "HoBo") had good things to say about the method, but it was kind of hard to tell with that accent and all.

Lohan is due back in court on March 10 and the judge in her case has instructed attorneys on both sides to meet and discuss the possibility of accepting the plea in the meantime.

What did you think of Kimmel's over-the-top infomercial? Let us know in the comments.

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Michael 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!

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Photos | Best And Worst Grammy Fashions

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Usher's 'OMG' ' 'Kills It Every Night,' Says Tourmate Miguel

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


Usher
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lady Gaga Confirms There Are Two 'Born This Way' Videos

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


Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photos | Critics' Choice Movie Awards Red Carpet 2011

Critics' Choice Movie Awards Red Carpet 2011

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Justin Bieber's Next Album To Capture Justin Timberlake's Magic

Songwriter Sean Garrett says former 'NSYNC star's success inspires Bieber's new project and also dishes on Beyoncé's album.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Justin Bieber
Photo: Getty Images

Justin Bieber may have declined the chance to join Justin Timberlake's label, but according to a songwriter in the know, the former 'NSYNC crooner is the inspiration for the teen sensation's upcoming album.

Songwriter Sean "The Pen "Garrett, who has been working with Bieber on the follow-up to the chart-ruling My World 2.0., spoke with Billboard about the direction for the teen superstar's forthcoming album, saying the project will feature more grown-up fare.

"What we're trying to do with Justin is to segue him into young adulthood," Garrett said of the project, which is also slated to feature production from hitmaker Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. "The one great thing about Justin Bieber is the fact that his fans are going to grow with him. So we want all the fans that started out with him to still be intrigued and excited about him, but we want to also stretch out a little bit and make the fans that are 22-23 years old love Justin as well. When Justin Timberlake went from the last album of *N Sync to his first solo album -- I want to say [we're aiming for] that level. That's the bar for the type of song, that level of 'Cry Me a River,' big records."

Garrett, who has crafted records for stars like Chris Brown and Bieber's mentor Usher, also said he's hard at work on Beyoncé's next project. However, the songwriter didn't divulge too much information, only revealing that he's "been working with her extremely hard ... she's my favorite."

While Garrett said the plan for his next outing is to angle Bieber toward a swiftly maturing audience, Bieber himself has refused to categorize his music, insisting to MTV News in December that he's just focused on creating quality records.

"Whatever comes out of my mouth is just what you guys are going to hear," Bieber explained of his hits. "I don't know, it's not a specific type of music. Whatever music I write, I wouldn't say I'm pop or R&B or country or anything: I would just say it's just good music,"

What do you think Justin Bieber's new music is going to sound like? Let us know in the comments!

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Perez Hilton Expects 'Fierce Fashion' In Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Video

Gaga's gossip-blogger buddy also thinks the clip will feature 'determined dancing.'
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga
Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

No one is really sure what to expect from Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" video. The clip, directed by fashion photographer Nick Knight — with help from choreographer Laurieann Gibson, the Haus of Gaga, Nicola Formichetti and Mother Monster herself — makes its debut on Monday (February 28). With so little known about the video, and so much anticipation around its release, one of Gaga's closest confidants, Perez Hilton, was willing to go out on a limb and take a guess at what the sure-to-be-over-the-top clip will include.

"I expect fierce fashion and determined dancing in the 'Born This Way' video!" Perez told MTV News in an e-mail.

Perez has been teasing fans about all things "Born This Way" for weeks now. When he spoke to us earlier this month about the star's Born This Way era, the gossip blogger admitted that it really will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

"I think just by reading the lyrics that 'Born This Way' is taking things in a new direction," he explained. "Whereas 'Bad Romance' and 'Just Dance' were great first-person [songs], 'Born This Way' is very much about the you and I, the collective us, the little monsters and the world."

Lady Gaga's longtime collaborator, producer RedOne, recently echoed those sentiments, noting that for this album — and everything that goes along with it, including videos and music — Gaga is only going to top herself.

"She's growing all the time, from the day I met her," RedOne said. "Of course, she's an encyclopedia of music. She listened to all the Bruce Springsteens, all the legends, and she has music in her. But on her personal level, she's always growing and growing and growing and becoming bigger and bigger, and her vision's the same thing. She just needed this platform to put all her ideas and learning from what she's been doing [into one place], and she's doing her thing."

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Lady Gaga's Fans Call Her A 'Source Of Inspiration'

Little monsters gush about pop star outside Madison Square Garden.
By MTV News Staff


Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on Monday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

On Tuesday night, Lady Gaga's little monsters filed into Madison Square Garden for her second of two nights at the storied New York venue. Her fans talked to MTV News about the impact Mother Monster has had on their lives, and many said she gives them the courage to be who they truly are.

"I think that Lady Gaga, for me, has given me a new source of inspiration. And she's so creative ... you have to have some sort of reaction to that," Frank said outside MSG. "And, for me, it's a positive one."

Donning an outrageous outfit, little monster Ricky joked that Gaga has recently done two things for him: "She made us broke, and she reminds us to be ourselves."

Kevin explained that in a world as vapid as pop can be, Gaga serves as a reminder that true art can be created. "As a music fan, I think it's fantastic that we finally have someone else now to be, like, all about a great message and great music," he said. "She writes her own music, which you don't get anymore."

"Lady Gaga's fantastic," Michael chimed in. "Again, as an artist, she's really proven that you can be who you want to be and do what you wanna do and really succeed with it."

Gaga's connection to her art is what seems to really stick with some fans. "I think Lady Gaga has affected everyone personally," Garrett explained, "because I think she's shown the whole artistry of it and making pop culture and art one and one again."

In between all the chatter about her devotion to her music and her craft, one fan noted that Lady Gaga just makes it fine to wear wacky wigs. "She totally made me buy this yellow wig," Gabriella said. "Without her, I never would have bought it. I'm not even lying."

Has Lady Gaga affected your life? Tell us how in the comments section below!

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Paul McDonald Brings Nashville Cool To 'American Idol'

Scruffy top 24 semi-finalist wowed judges and became a Twitter trending topic after Wednesday's Las Vegas episode.
By Adam Graham


Paul McDonald performs on "American Idol" Wednesday
Photo: FOX

The coolest contestant of season 10's "American Idol" has stepped out in the form of Paul McDonald.

The 25-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, was voted through to the "Idol" top 24 on Wednesday's (February 23) episode, and his laid-back, easygoing style makes him an early standout among the semi-finalists.

The scruffy-bearded McDonald, who auditioned for "Idol" in his hometown of Nashville, was first seen on Wednesday singing the Beatles' "Blackbird" during the Las Vegas round with his duet partner Kendra Chantelle. McDonald's smooth vocals — which have sort of a Jason Mraz-meets-Mike Posner quality — caused judge Steven Tyler to exclaim, "Yeah! I love his voice," mid-song, while Jennifer Lopez turned to Tyler to show him the goose bumps on her arm. Lopez later praised McDonald's "soft, beautiful tone," saying it "cut right through" and made him stand out.

His voice wasn't the only thing that made McDonald stand out. For his final audition, McDonald sported a white Nudie Suit, complete with embroidered roses and that looked like something out of Jeff Tweedy's closet. Not only that, but he chose to forgo popular logic and sang an original song for his final shot in front of the judges instead of a cover. The guy couldn't blend into the background if he tried.

"I've gotten this far based on, you know, just doin' my thing, and if it's meant to be, it's meant to be," McDonald said in voiceover. It was meant to be: In his final sit-down with the judges, they praised his unique qualities and said while they're not quite sure where he'll land in the competition, it will be those same attributes that could potentially take him far. "We're gonna bank on that and put you through," Lopez told him.

McDonald took the news in stride; raising his arms in victory, he let out a hearty laugh before thanking the judges. And while he said he's spent the last few weeks "relaxin,' hangin' out," now, he admitted he's got some work ahead of him. "I gotta learn some songs!" he said.

While he works on those new songs, his fanbase is already starting to grow. By the end of Wednesday's episode, McDonald was a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, and he already had at least one former "Idol" contestant in his corner. "Paul McDonald is the man," "Idol" season-eight finalist Matt Giraud tweeted. "Really impressed me."

What did you think of Paul McDonald? Let us know in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658580/american-idol-paul-mcdonald.jhtml

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Gwyneth Paltrow, Florence Welch, Mandy Moore Sing Oscars Score

Randy Newman nabs Best Original Song for 'We Belong Together' from 'Toy Story 3.'
By Aly Semigran


Gwyneth Paltrow performs at the 2011 Oscars on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Sunday night (February 27) marked the 83rd annual Academy Awards, but there were some moments when the ceremony was more reminiscent of a Grammy stage.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who has gone from Oscar-winning actress to singing awards-show mainstay — having performed "Forget You" alongside Cee Lo Green and puppets at the Grammys — was one of the featured performers in the Best Original Song category.

Paltrow, who joked to MTV News on the red carpet that she'd calmed her pre-Oscar nerves with a beer, called the ceremony "so, like, freaking serious" as compared to her previous stints on both the Grammys and the Country Music Awards.

After being introduced by Jennifer Hudson, a calmer Paltrow (who Hudson described as "a singing sensation and country music's new star") donning a sleek, off-the-shoulder nude and bejeweled gown, sang some of "Coming Home" for the Kodak Theater and millions of Oscar viewers around the globe.

With a starry stage set-up behind her, Paltrow crooned the chorus, "After all of my running/ I'm finally coming home/ The world tried to break me/ I found a road to take me home."

But Paltrow wasn't the only familiar face to appear as a performer during the ceremony. Fellow singer/actress Mandy Moore, wearing a flowing blue gown, sang the nominated "I See the Light" from her hit animated film "Tangled" alongside her co-star Zachary Levi, with Alan Menken accompanying them on piano.

Later in the telecast, Florence Welch, frontwoman for 2010 breakout act Florence and the Machine, helped Oscar winner A.R. Rahman perform "If I Rise" from "127 Hours" while images from the Best Picture nominee appeared in the background.

Welch, who wore a striking burnt-sienna gown, showcased her beautiful, moody voice as she stepped in for Dido (who co-wrote the song, as well as sang on the film's original track).

However, those were the only moments those songs and their performers had any Oscar glory on Sunday, as perennial nominee Randy Newman walked away the winner in the Best Original Song category.

Newman, who had performed "We Belong Together" from "Toy Story 3" at the piano on the Oscar stage, won his second career Academy Award, besting the songs from "Country Strong," "Tangled" and "127 Hours."

Stick with MTV News on Oscar night and beyond for red-carpet fashion coverage, analysis of the winners, plus interviews, photos and more from your favorite Hollywood stars!

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Photos | Janet Jackson Performs A Tribute To Michael Jackson At The VMAs

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Hailee Steinfeld Has Met With 'Hunger Games' Director

'It's definitely something that we're taking one day at a time,' 'True Grit' star tells MTV News on Oscars red carpet.
By Aly Semigran, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Hailee Steinfeld attends the 2011 Academy Awards
Photo: Getty Images

Hailee Steinfeld arrived on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday night (February 27) a first-time nominee for her breakthrough performance in "True Grit" and could very well leave the evening as a Best Supporting Actress Oscar-winner.

Check out photos of Hailee Steinfeld on the red carpet.

But even on her big night, fans are buzzing about her possible future projects, and one in particular. MTV News caught up with Steinfeld, who was wearing a Marchesa gown, on the carpet (she told us she felt, "so honored and so blessed to be here") and had to ask whether she was still in the running for the big-screen adaptation of "The Hunger Games," based on the popular young-adult novel.

Steinfeld has been one of the names in consideration for the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen. The young actress told us she has "a lot of projects that we're looking at at the moment," but she also confirmed that she has met with "Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

"It's definitely something that we're taking one day at a time and making sure that everything is in place," Steinfeld said of her possible casting as the film's heroine.

Whether or not the "Hunger Games" role goes to Steinfeld, she's quickly becoming one of the hottest commodities in Hollywood. And the 14-year-old has already selected her first post-"True Grit" project, a film called "Forgotten," based on Cat Patrick's upcoming book of the same name. Steinfeld will play a teen who loses her memory daily.

"The Hunger Games" is slated to hit theaters on March 23, 2012.

Stick with MTV News on Oscar night and beyond for red-carpet fashion coverage, analysis of the winners, plus interviews, photos and more from your favorite Hollywood stars!

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Michael Jackson Estate Rakes In $310 Million To Date

Singer left behind more than $400 million in debt.


Michael Jackson
Photo: Time Life Pictures/DMI/Time Life Pictures/Getty Im

Between album sales, movie profits, licensing arrangements and lucrative deals for Cirque du Soleil shows, the estate of late King of Pop Michael Jackson has raked in more than $300 million since the singer's shocking death in June 2009.

According to TMZ, legal documents released on Thursday reveal that executors of MJ's estate have managed to make a major dent in the more than $400 million in debt that Jackson owed at the time of his death.

The first accounting from the executors shows that they have already spent around $159 million paying back various debts, income taxes and other expenses, which include providing support for the pop star's mother, Katherine Jackson, as well as his three young children.

"Although there remain unresolved creditor claims, pending litigation and additional challenging business, tax and legal issues, and the estate is not yet in a condition to be closed, the executors have made substantial progress in reducing the estate's debt," the documents state, according to a Reuters report. Two of Jackson's longtime confidants, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, were named as administrators in a will sign by the pop icon.

In addition to paying to make "substantial improvements" to the Jackson family's Havenhurst estate in Encino, California, the executors also spent an undetermined amount of money on "last illness and funeral and memorial service expenses." Those costs included a $900,000 payment to the Forest Lawn Memorial cemetery where Jackson is buried and $35,000 on expenses described as "costume for memorial."

TMZ reported that not only did the famously cash-strapped Jackson have more than $400 million in debt, but his estate also owed more than $40 million to concert promoter AEG tied to the scuttled This Is It Tour, for which MJ was rehearsing when he died unexpectedly. They've also paid $27.2 million in taxes and $4 million in mortgage payments on Jackson's properties.

Despite the solid sales of the Michael album and millions of units of the singer's back catalog being sold, as well as the box office of the "This Is It" movie and DVD sales, the estate is not nearly out of the woods. TMZ noted that the administrators have received more than 65 creditors' claims, some of which are subject to "extremely high" interest rates, and there are several outstanding lawsuits against the estate in several countries.

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Gwyneth Paltrow, Florence Welch, Mandy Moore Sing Oscars Score

Randy Newman nabs Best Original Song for 'We Belong Together' from 'Toy Story 3.'
By Aly Semigran


Gwyneth Paltrow performs at the 2011 Oscars on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Sunday night (February 27) marked the 83rd annual Academy Awards, but there were some moments when the ceremony was more reminiscent of a Grammy stage.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who has gone from Oscar-winning actress to singing awards-show mainstay — having performed "Forget You" alongside Cee Lo Green and puppets at the Grammys — was one of the featured performers in the Best Original Song category.

Paltrow, who joked to MTV News on the red carpet that she'd calmed her pre-Oscar nerves with a beer, called the ceremony "so, like, freaking serious" as compared to her previous stints on both the Grammys and the Country Music Awards.

After being introduced by Jennifer Hudson, a calmer Paltrow (who Hudson described as "a singing sensation and country music's new star") donning a sleek, off-the-shoulder nude and bejeweled gown, sang some of "Coming Home" for the Kodak Theater and millions of Oscar viewers around the globe.

With a starry stage set-up behind her, Paltrow crooned the chorus, "After all of my running/ I'm finally coming home/ The world tried to break me/ I found a road to take me home."

But Paltrow wasn't the only familiar face to appear as a performer during the ceremony. Fellow singer/actress Mandy Moore, wearing a flowing blue gown, sang the nominated "I See the Light" from her hit animated film "Tangled" alongside her co-star Zachary Levi, with Alan Menken accompanying them on piano.

Later in the telecast, Florence Welch, frontwoman for 2010 breakout act Florence and the Machine, helped Oscar winner A.R. Rahman perform "If I Rise" from "127 Hours" while images from the Best Picture nominee appeared in the background.

Welch, who wore a striking burnt-sienna gown, showcased her beautiful, moody voice as she stepped in for Dido (who co-wrote the song, as well as sang on the film's original track).

However, those were the only moments those songs and their performers had any Oscar glory on Sunday, as perennial nominee Randy Newman walked away the winner in the Best Original Song category.

Newman, who had performed "We Belong Together" from "Toy Story 3" at the piano on the Oscar stage, won his second career Academy Award, besting the songs from "Country Strong," "Tangled" and "127 Hours."

Stick with MTV News on Oscar night and beyond for red-carpet fashion coverage, analysis of the winners, plus interviews, photos and more from your favorite Hollywood stars!

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Beyonce's Mom Says Daughter's Style Has Always Been 'Edgy'

'It's just a result of her constantly evolving,' Tina Knowles says of the fashion in Beyonce's "I Am ... World Tour" DVD concert special.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage

Beyoncé has never been shy about hitting the stage in stunning costumes. Her appearance has always been a mixture of showgirl sparkle and pop star razzle-dazzle. And her style is on full display in her new DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour."

Her mom and stylist, Tina Knowles, said that while the looks may seem a bit edgier than what fans have seen from the singer in the past, she thinks that her superstar daughter has always been ahead of the style curve.

"Well, the wonderful Thierry Mugler designed the costumes, and I actually worked on some of the dancers and the band, and it was just amazing to work with him because he is so creative," Knowles told MTV News at a New York screening of the special. "So it's just a result of her constantly evolving, but she's been edgy. It's funny for people to say she went more edgy, but she's been wearing body suits and that type of thing."

And while Knowles may act as her daughter's stylist and costume designer, she says that Bey's style decisions are all her own. "Well, we discussed her working with Thierry Mugler, and I'm the biggest fan. And so she had seen some of the fashions and she loved it," she said. "So we always discuss things, but it's her decision, it's her career."

Beyoncé, who also directed the concert special , said it gave her a better understanding of the filmmaking process. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it. ... Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled."

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Join Us Live From The 2011 Oscars Red Carpet!

Join us on MTV.com at 6 p.m. ET for "2011 Oscars Live," where we'll ask the stars your burning questions.


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Chris Cornell Filling In For Robert Plant On Led Zeppelin Tour? That's News To Him

'I have not been approached to fill in for Robert Plant on the Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be,' singer says.
By Chris Harris


Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News

Former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has spoken out for the first time about rumors that he's been asked to fill in for Robert Plant on a proposed Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The trek would feature original guitarist Jimmy Page, original bassist John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham taking over on drums for his late father, John Bonham.

Cornell has been mentioned — along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, White Stripes mastermind Jack White and Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy — as a potential Plant fill-in. Plant has already said that he wouldn't take part in the tour.

"I have not been approached so far to fill in for Robert Plant on the upcoming Zeppelin tour, but that isn't to say I won't be," Cornell told MTV News. "I've heard that from about 200 people now, and it might be one of those situations where it's just an online rumor or it might be true. But if you see anyone from Led Zeppelin around, let me know. I think I should actually fill in for Jimmy Page on the Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss tour."

Cornell's denial comes just a day after Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford confirmed reports that frontman Steven Tyler recently met with Zeppelin for an impromptu jam session. "They did it for fun," Whitford said during an appearance on the syndicated show "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire." "I actually think Jimmy wanted Steven to come over and play a little bit because I think he was trying to light a fire under Robert."

Rumors of a Zeppelin reunion tour have abounded since the iconic band played a single reunion set last year at London's O2 Arena. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider added fuel to the fire last month when he revealed that the group was thinking of touring, with or without Plant.

According to Snider, the rest of the band told Plant, " 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go. Here's a gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid [Myles Kennedy].' "

"And he can sing the sh-- out of Zeppelin," Snider added. "They're going to hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in."

In a recent interview, Jones told BBC Radio Devon that a new singer was being sought to take over for Plant. "We are trying out a couple of singers," he said. "We want to do it. It's sounding great, and we want to get on and get out there."

But Jones insists that he, Page and Bonham aren't interested in finding a Plant clone. "It's got to be right," he said. "There's no point in just finding another Robert. You could get that out of a tribute band, but we don't want to be our own tribute band. There would be a record and a tour, but everyone has to be onboard."

Of course, even if Zeppelin were to approach him, Cornell might be too busy to take over vocals for the band. His upcoming Timbaland-produced solo LP, Scream, will be released within the next few months. Cornell told MTV News last month that some of his fans might consider Scream something of a departure, but he doesn't see it that way.

"It makes me happy that there's this perception that I have a group of fans that I'm now sort of throwing a curve at and what their reaction will be," he said. "But I've been in this situation so many times already. When I put out [1999's] Euphoria Morning, my main goal was to create an album that sounded like nothing I'd done in Soundgarden, and I did that. I also had that with Temple of the Dog, where I showed up with songs that weren't necessarily riff-based. And then, of course, the pairing of me and members of Rage Against the Machine had everyone sort of speculating about what that would sound like.

"It feels like I've done this so many times that when it's presented to me as being a departure, I feel that's a misconception," he added. "I feel like that's my theme at this point."

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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.

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Lady Gaga's Fans Call Her A 'Source Of Inspiration'

Little monsters gush about pop star outside Madison Square Garden.
By MTV News Staff


Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on Monday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

On Tuesday night, Lady Gaga's little monsters filed into Madison Square Garden for her second of two nights at the storied New York venue. Her fans talked to MTV News about the impact Mother Monster has had on their lives, and many said she gives them the courage to be who they truly are.

"I think that Lady Gaga, for me, has given me a new source of inspiration. And she's so creative ... you have to have some sort of reaction to that," Frank said outside MSG. "And, for me, it's a positive one."

Donning an outrageous outfit, little monster Ricky joked that Gaga has recently done two things for him: "She made us broke, and she reminds us to be ourselves."

Kevin explained that in a world as vapid as pop can be, Gaga serves as a reminder that true art can be created. "As a music fan, I think it's fantastic that we finally have someone else now to be, like, all about a great message and great music," he said. "She writes her own music, which you don't get anymore."

"Lady Gaga's fantastic," Michael chimed in. "Again, as an artist, she's really proven that you can be who you want to be and do what you wanna do and really succeed with it."

Gaga's connection to her art is what seems to really stick with some fans. "I think Lady Gaga has affected everyone personally," Garrett explained, "because I think she's shown the whole artistry of it and making pop culture and art one and one again."

In between all the chatter about her devotion to her music and her craft, one fan noted that Lady Gaga just makes it fine to wear wacky wigs. "She totally made me buy this yellow wig," Gabriella said. "Without her, I never would have bought it. I'm not even lying."

Has Lady Gaga affected your life? Tell us how in the comments section below!

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Justin Bieber's Grammy Performance Will Be 'A Crossover,' Usher Says

The 'O.M.G.' singer looks forward to sharing the stage with his protégé on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery


Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.

Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.

"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."

And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.

"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."

And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.

"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."

Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!

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