Thursday, March 31, 2011

'Black Swan' Body Double Sarah Lane Stirs Controversy

Lane says there's been a 'cover-up' to promote idea that Natalie Portman did most of the dancing.
By Eric Ditzian

Natalie Portman in "Black Swan"
Photo: FOX Searchlight

"It was really extreme," Natalie Portman told MTV News in November. "And I definitely felt both physical and mental aftershocks from the experience, because it was the first thing I've ever done that was this physically demanding on top of an emotionally demanding part."

She was speaking about the 10 months she spent training to play a ballerina in "Black Swan," a role that would earn her a Best Actress Oscar in February. Now that awards season is over, however, a controversy has erupted over how much of the dancing in "Black Swan" was executed by Portman and how much was the work of her professional ballet-dancing body doubles.

Sarah Lane, a 27-year-old soloist at the American Ballet Theatre who stood in for Portman in the film, told Entertainment Weekly that she has been the victim of a "cover-up" meant to tout Portman's work at the expense of her own.

"Of the full body shots, I would say 5 percent are Natalie. All the other shots are me," she said. "They wanted to create this idea in people's minds that Natalie was some kind of prodigy or so gifted in dance and really worked so hard to make herself a ballerina in a year and a half for the movie, basically because of the Oscar. It is demeaning to the profession and not just to me. I've been doing this for 22 years."

Following Lane's comments, Fox Searchlight released a statement that was both supportive of the dancer but emphasized the amount of Portman's own ballet that made it into the movie. "We were fortunate to have Sarah there to cover the more complicated dance sequences and we have nothing but praise for the hard work she did," the statement read. "However, Natalie herself did most of the dancing featured in the final film."

The debate caught fire last week after Benjamin Millepied, Portman's fiancé and "Black Swan" choreographer, told the Los Angeles Times, "There are articles now talking about her dance double [Lane] that are making it sound like [Lane] did a lot of the work, but really, she just did the footwork, and the fouettés, and one diagonal [phrase] in the studio. Honestly, 85 percent of that movie is Natalie."

MTV News asked Portman's reps for comment but had not heard back as of press time.

Check out everything we've got on "Black Swan."

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

Related Videos

MTV Rough Cut: 'Black Swan'

Related Photos

'Black Swan'

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660763/black-swan-natalie-portman-dancing-controversy.jhtml

Blake Lively Britney Spears Brittany Murphy Cameron Diaz

Photos | 2011 Grammy Awards Red Carpet

2011 Grammy Awards Red Carpet

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1657832

Kate Moss Kate Walsh Chelsea Handler Christina Aguilera

Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year

Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."

He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.

You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.

Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.

And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.

And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.

To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.

One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.

"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."

Related Videos

Grammy Awards 2009: Hottest Moments

Britney Spears Brittany Murphy Cameron Diaz Carrie Underwood

Thor Gets Tased In Exclusive New Clip

Natalie Portman encounters Chris Hemsworth for the first time in this sneak peek.
By Kara Warner

Chris Hemsworth in "Thor"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

Attention "Thor" fans! By the good graces of otherworldly Asgard, Paramount Pictures has gifted MTV News with an exclusive new clip from the upcoming and highly anticipated "Thor."

For those who've been watching and re-watching the trailers, the featured scene will be slightly familiar. The clip opens with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), Professor Andrews (Stellan Skarsgård) and Darcy (Kat Dennings) rushing to the aid of recently banished/crash-landed Thor (Chris Hemsworth).

"Get the first aid kit!" Foster yells, as she runs to the side of the fallen God of Thunder. "Do me a favor, and don't be dead," she says to him.

"Whoa, does he need CPR?" Darcy asks after seeing Thor's chiseled face. "Because I totally know CPR."

"Where did he come from?" Foster wonders aloud. Thor then grunts as he stands up too quickly, still shaken from his fall. He starts to call out for his lost weapon: "Hammer? Hammer?"

"Yeah, we can tell you're hammered," Darcy quips while watching him stumble around the clearing. "It's pretty obvious."

"Oh my God! Eric, look at this!" Foster exclaims suddenly, pointing to the unique, circular pattern formed in the dirt surrounding the area where they found Thor. "We have to move quickly before this all changes."

"Jane, we have to take him to the hospital," Andrews says, while Thor calls out to his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), in the background.

"He's fine, look at him," Foster says to Andrews, still crouching at the ground, trying to examine the pattern in the soil.

After receiving no response from his father, Thor starts to get more lucid, haughtily demanding answers about where he is: "What realm is this?" he demands.

"New Mexico," Darcy answers, her flashlight and taser gun pointed right at him.

"You dare threaten me?" Thor warns. "With so puny an..."

Darcy then shoots a taser into him, making him fall back to the ground, much to the astonishment and disbelief of Foster and Andrews.

"What?" Darcy asks innocently, as if her use of the taser was perfectly logical. "He was freaking me out!"

What do you think of the new clip? Let us know in the comments!

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

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

Penélope Cruz Pink Scarlett Johansson Shakira

Photos | 2009 American Music Award Nominees

2009 American Music Award Nominees

Brad Pitt Lindsay Lohan Mel Gibson Madonna

Celebrity Breakup: Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron

Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron

It was confirmed that Vanessa and her longtime boyfriend/ ?High School Musical? costar Zac Efron decided to call it quits. According to Us Magazine, the ?High School Musical? co-stars have split after spending more than three years in the spotlight together. With their romance having started as the two were paired up as co-star leads in Disney's "High School Musical," a source close to the couple now claims of the breakup, "It was mutual. They have been together for so long. It just ran its course." And, the insider insists, "They are still talking and still friends. There's no drama. No one cheated. They just grew up." [gallery=746]

Source: http://www.celebritygossiphollywood.com/celebrities/vanessa-hudgens-celebrities/celebrity-breakup-vanessa-hudgens-and-zac-efron/

Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Kate Hudson Kate Moss

Beyonce To Star In Clint Eastwood's 'A Star Is Born' Remake

Movie will be directed and produced by the Oscar winner.
By Kara Warner

Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage

Beyoncé Knowles is headed back to the big screen and into the familiar territory of playing an aspiring singer-turned-superstar. According to Deadline, Knowles will star in a remake of "A Star Is Born," to be directed and produced by Oscar winner Clint Eastwood for Warner Bros.

The remake will be the fourth telling of the "A Star Is Born" tale, the most memorable in recent years being the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson as star-crossed lovers of sorts. It is also worth mentioning that the producers of that film, Billy Gerber and Jon Peters, are also attached to this new project. It is said to be a full-on musical with production set to begin sometime in the fall.

Naturally, the plot details are under wraps, but the original story revolves around an aspiring singer who meets and falls in love with a troubled, failing former star who helps get the young ingénue her big break in the business.

No announcements have been made with regard to the male lead, but the report mentioned that major names like Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Hamm have been floated around.

It's definitely an interesting step for Knowles but not necessarily a surprise, given the fact that the majority of her film roles have been as singers ("Cadillac Records," "Dreamgirls," "The Fighting Temptations"). While many thought "Dreamgirls" would bring awards recognition for Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson's supporting role ended up garnering the most attention. With Oscar fave Eastwood at the helm of this new project, Knowles could be in line for some hardware yet.

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

Related Artists

Beyoncé

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1656365/beyonce-star-clint-eastwoods-star-born-remake.jhtml

Danica Patrick Katie Holmes Katy Perry Kim Kardashian

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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

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

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.

In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.

But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.

"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."

Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.

"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.

Heidi Montag Hilary Duff Hilary Swank Charlize Theron

Elton John Readies for SNL Double Duty

Getting viewers ready for what's sure to be quite the entertaining evening, Sir Elton John appears in a brand new promo video for "Saturday Night Live".

In what's his first appearance on the beloved sketch show since 1982, the "Tiny Dancer" piano playing superstar will be gracing the stage on the long-running NBC comedy on April 2nd.

Taking the night on his shoulders, Elton will be pulling double duty on the upcoming SNL - as he's tending to both host and musical guest efforts.

As for the just-released promo, John can be seen getting chased around the studios by show regular Jason Sudeikis as "Benny Hill" plays in the background.

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/elton-john/elton-john-readies-snl-double-duty-492839

Alicia Keys Amanda Peet Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin

Britney Spears 'Brushes Off' Negative Rumors

'You just brush them all off ... The tours and everything make it worth what I do," the Femme Fatale star tells a NYC radio station.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears
Photo: C. Flanigan/ WireImage

It's been quite the week for Britney Spears. In between talk-show appearances, performances and the release of her new album, Femme Fatale, the pop star found some time on Wednesday (March 30) to call in to New York radio station Z-100 to chat about her currently very busy life.

"It's been a while [since I've been this busy]. Yeah, things are kind of a little crazy right now," she said, excitedly, before sharing that she's looking forward to her summer tour, which also was supposed to feature Enrique Iglesias before he abruptly pulled out of the gig.

"It's been two years [since I did a major tour,]" she explained. "It's pretty crazy [on the road]. It's a completely different lifestyle. You get used to it and you just grow to love it ... I have been missing it."

When asked about how she maintains her diet while on tour, Britney responded, "There's a lot of candy and stuff like that, but you have a state of mind of eating really healthy. All the dancers are really strict with what we eat because we're dancing really hard. We eat really, really healthy actually."

Spears has been a celebrity for most of her life and with all the accolades and critical praise for her latest release, also comes various rumors and speculation about her personal life. But, she says she's kind of over all that.

"Well, actually, I've had that all my life," she explained. "I've kind of gotten to a point where I know what's real and I know what's not. I have such an amazing family that supports me in everything that I do ... We brush it off. I have a good support system around me.

"When you're young and you're starting out a lot of it can be a little annoying, because when you're starting out they say hurtful things," she added. "You get to a point where [it's] enough already and you just brush them all off and everyone kind of laughs at them. [Dealing with the paparazzi is] part of what I do now. It's so exciting, the tours and stuff like that, [so] I don't even look at that anymore. The tours and everything make it worth what I do."

To see more about what Spears has to say about fame and her life as a pop star, don't miss the "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" special, which airs Sunday, April 3, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

Related Videos

Related Photos

Britney Gets Angelic In These Femme Fatale Promo Shots

Related Artists

Britney Spears

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660932/britney-spears-z100.jhtml

Cameron Diaz Carrie Underwood Danica Patrick Heidi Klum

Ke$ha - Tik Tok

Tik Tok

Artist: Ke$ha
Label: RCA
Director: Syndrome
Album: Animal [Clean]

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3213641&vid=445445

Brad Pitt Lindsay Lohan Mel Gibson Madonna

Miley Cyrus: I Mess Up -- There You Go!

Miley Cyrus may flub a line or miss a step every now and again, but she doesn't try to hide it. In fact, she gleefully admits it: "I mess up - there you go!"

"But if you live your life trying to be perfect, you don't really live your life ever, because you don't really make any mistakes and at the end of your life you won't be very smart or wise," the "Hannah Montana" star told in a new interview with Australia's Telegraph,

Miley has encountered her fair share of scandal in recent times - as she was captured on video smoking a bong packed with Salvia, a supposedly-hallucinogenic herb that's legal in California. "I'm having a little bit of a bad trip," a disoriented Cyrus said in the video, "I want more of that s---."

But, Cyrus is keen to put the past behind her and wants to hit the headlines for her talent rather than her scandalous antics, as she said, "I want to show people who I really am more than just what they see on TV."

Source: http://gossipcenter.com/miley-cyrus/miley-cyrus-i-mess-there-you-go-492529

Beyoncé Blake Lively Britney Spears Brittany Murphy

Valentine's Day Cakes

Look at these cute Valentine's Day cakes from the blog i am baker:

Click here for the Heart Cake tutorial.

And click here for the Rose Cake tutorial.

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/2/7/valentines-day-cakes.html

Anna Paquin Avril Lavigne Beyoncé Blake Lively

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Britney Spears 'Brought It' In Las Vegas, Fans Say

'She knocked it out of the box,' one fan tells MTV News after nightclub gig.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears performs "Big Fat Bass" at Rain Nightclub in the Palms Las Vegas
Photo: Roderick Trestrail

Britney Spears proved to be a Femme Fatale when she hit the stage Friday night in Las Vegas. The pop superstar donned multiple costumes during her high-octane three-song set, and her fans loved every moment of it.

The Femme Fatale hit the stage following a killer set from "Jersey Shore" star DJ Pauly D on Friday night (March 25). Spears sported a stunning sequined bodysuit and performed her first song of the night, lead single "Hold It Against Me." Flanked by sexy male dancers, she sashayed her way through the song, which included sexy hair-tossing and a wind machine. She performed snippets of past hits, "3," "Slave 4 U" and "Gimme More," as well as her latest club banger, "Till the World Ends." And by all accounts, fans were electrified.

Check out hot photos from Britney's Las Vegas show.

Emerie told MTV News moments after the show: "I love Britney! Everything was perfect. My favorite part was when she performed the song 'Till the World Ends.' Anything with Britney is amazing."

Jewelry designer Heather Bettes added, "It was fantastic. Britney Spears, she looks stellar. She killed it. She really brought it The beading is amazing on her costumes. She looked great. She brought it."

While fans described Spears' big show as "awesome," "sexy" and "the best thing ever," two die-hards had a personal connection to the show.

"I loved it!" Danielle said of Brit's performance at Rain nightclub in the Palms Casino and Resort. In fact, she loved it so much because her pal Mark is one of Brit's dancers. While Mark was one of her favorite parts, she said Britney really shined.

"The very end of the last song [was awesome]," she explained about pop's reigning queen. "She looked sexy. She's hot."

Daniel, who is not only Danielle's friend but also Mark's boyfriend, was very excited to see his beau onstage with the star. "He looked so sexy," he proclaimed, adding that Brit had told the dancers that this show was all about her excited fans. "She wants to please all of her fans. She knocked it out of the box."

Those good vibes were felt by Britney as well, who tweeted after the show, "OMFG it feels good to be on stage again!!"

For fans who may have missed it, they can check out Spears' performance in an MTV special airing next week, with a tease dropping Tuesday, the same day as the release of Femme Fatale.

Did you catch Britney's performance? Share your reviews in the comments!

Related Photos

Britney Spears Brings Down The House In Las Vegas

Related Artists

Britney Spears

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660730/britney-spears-las-vegas-show-fan-reaction.jhtml

Penélope Cruz Pink Scarlett Johansson Shakira

Photos | 2010 BET Awards Show Highlights

2010 BET Awards Show Highlights

Beyoncé Blake Lively Britney Spears Brittany Murphy

No hay más Led Zeppelin

A pesar de lo dicho ayer, Peter Mensch, manager del guitarrista Jimmy Page, se retractó totalmente en eso que la banda buscaría un reemplazo al ultragenial Robert Plant para seguir rockeando y toureándola por el mundo tras su show de 2007 en el O2 Arena de Londres por el poder de la música más sexual de la historia. No habrá más Led Zeppelin, no hay planes de que lo haya.

Mensch comentó: "Led Zeppelin se acabó. Si no los vieron en el 2007, se los perdieron. Probaron reemplazantes a Robert Plant, pero nada funcionó. Se acabó. No hay planes para continuar. Francamente, ojalá todos dejaran de hablar al respecto."

Los fans no están nada contentos, especialmente los británicos, considerando los precios delirantes de las entradas del show reunión.

¿Y a ti? ¿Qué te parece todo esto?

Related Artists

Led Zeppelin

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1602369/.jhtml

Christina Aguilera Danica Patrick Katie Holmes Katy Perry

DO WE LOVE IT?: Swizz Beatz & Eve's "Everyday (Coolin')"

Long time friends Swizz Beatz and Eve are back with another intense track. This is the first single off Swizzy's upcoming album which, of course, he produced, and it's called "Everyday (Coolin')."

Peep the audio after the cut and decide if we love it...

The former ruff riders have teamed up again. Check out "Everyday (Coolin')" below and decide if they have another success on their hands:

So...

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Source: http://theybf.com/2011/03/29/do-we-love-it-swizz-beatz-eves-everyday-coolin

Kate Walsh Chelsea Handler Christina Aguilera Danica Patrick

Photos | 2010 American Music Awards Red Carpet

2010 American Music Awards Red Carpet

The Pussycat Dolls Sandra Bullock Angelina Jolie Brad Pitt

Photos | 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Trailer Frames

'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Trailer Frames

Related Artists

Michael Jackson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1621244

Pamela Anderson Paris Hilton Penélope Cruz Pink

Monday, March 28, 2011

Songs For Japan Includes Eminem, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga And More

Benefit album is now on iTunes, with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
By James Montgomery

Songs For Japan Cover Art
Photo: EMI Music Group

On Monday, we learned the names of some of the stars set to appear on Songs For Japan, a compilation album to benefit the ongoing disaster relief efforts in the earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged nation. And on Friday (March 25), not only was the full roster of artists and songs revealed, but the album was made available for purchase on iTunes.

Lady Gaga, Eminem, Beyoncé, Madonna, the Kings of Leon and Katy Perry joined a list of already-announced artists like Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna on the album, which is available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99. Proceeds from the sale of Songs for Japan will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.

All in all, 38 artists lent songs to the album, including legends like Bob Dylan, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the late John Lennon; country acts like Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum; rock artists like the Foo Fighters, R.E.M. and Bon Jovi; pop icons like Madonna and Pink; and top hitmakers like Bruno Mars and David Guetta.

All acts appearing on Songs for Japan — and their labels and music publishers — have waived their royalties and proceeds from the worldwide sales of the album to insure the Japanese Red Cross Society receives as much support as possible. The JRCS will use funds from the album to support its ongoing relief efforts and for eventual recovery assistance to the areas hardest hit by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis. iTunes will also donate its proceeds from the album's worldwide sales to the benefit of the JRCS.

The track list for Songs for Japan, according to Apple:

1. John Lennon, "Imagine"
2. U2, "Walk On"
3. Bob Dylan, "Shelter From the Storm"
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Around the World"
5. Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
6. Beyoncé, "Irreplaceable"
7. Bruno Mars, "Talking to the Moon"
8. Katy Perry, "Firework"
9. Rihanna, "Only Girl (In the World)"
10. Justin Timberlake, "Like I Love You"
11. Madonna, "Miles Away"
12. David Guetta, "When Love Takes Over"
13. Eminem (featuring Rihanna), "Love the Way You Lie"
14. Bruce Springsteen, "Human Touch"
15. Josh Groban, "Awake"
16. Keith Urban, "Better Life"
17. Black Eyed Peas, "One Tribe"
18. Pink, "Sober"
19. Cee Lo Green, "It's OK"
20. Lady Antebellum, "I Run to You"
21. Bon Jovi, "What Do You Got?"
22. Foo Fighters, "My Hero"
23. R.E.M., "Man on the Moon"
24. Nicki Minaj, "Save Me"
25. Sade, "By Your Side"
26. Michael Bublé, "Hold On"
27. Justin Bieber, "Pray"
28. Adele, "Make You Feel My Love"
29. Enya, "If I Could Be Where You Are"
30. Elton John, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
31. John Mayer, "Waiting on the World to Change"
32. Queen, "Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)"
33. Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody"
34. Sting, "Fragile"
35. Leona Lewis, "Better in Time"
36. Ne-Yo, "One in a Million"
37. Shakira, "Whenever, Wherever"
38. Norah Jones, "Sunrise"

Will you download the benefit album? Let us know in the comments!

Kate Moss Kate Walsh Chelsea Handler Christina Aguilera

Mariah Carey Released From Hospital After 42nd "Birthday" Contractions

Seems like Mariah Carey's twins wanted to surprise their momma on her 42nd birthday today. The singer tweeted that she was rushed to the hospital this morning for contractions...but was released from the hospital. Deets inside....

We told you earlier that Nick was nervous about the labor room thing....and today it almost happened. While the diva and Mr. Cannon were celebrating both her birthday AND their wedding anniversary today, the twins almost made their grand entrance into the world.

Mimi was rushed to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning when she started experiencing contractions. But once she was admitted, doctors got the contractions under control and Mimi was released.

She and Nick are now back at home celebrating their two special events. See her tweets below:

Source: http://theybf.com/2011/03/27/mariah-carey-released-from-hospital-after-birthday-contractions

Padma Lakshmi Pamela Anderson Paris Hilton Penélope Cruz

Matt Damon: Kissing Michael Douglas Is Like Kissing Catherine Zeta-Jones

Matt Damon has kissed some of Hollywood’s hottest actresses, and for his latest role, he gets to smooch one of Tinseltown’s leading men, too! In an interview with People, Damon, 40, gushes about the prospect of locking lips with Michael Douglas, 66, for his role in Liberace, an upcoming biopic about the late, gay pianist.

"I never thought I would get to kiss Michael Douglas," Damon -- who will play the boyfriend to Douglas' Liberace -- says of his on-screen make-out. "I kind of think of it in algebra terms, back to my high-school days," he says. "It's like the transitive property -- by kissing Michael Douglas, I am making out with Catherine (Zeta-Jones)."

Damon previously worked with Douglas' wife on Oceans Twelve, but Brad Pitt was Zeta-Jones' romantic interest in that one. "I was actually kind of upset that I never got to kiss Catherine," he jokes. "But now I get to kiss Michael. I thought it would have been better if I could have at least kissed them both."

"They're two really great roles, and we're really looking forward to it," Damon says of the film. This is Douglas' triumphant return to work after a successful battle with cancer. "There’s scripted that there’s actually more than one (kiss)," Damon says. That means we can expect quite a few on-screen smooches with Zeta-Jones' hubby!

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/matt-damon-kissing-michael-douglas-kissing-catherine-zeta-jones/1-a-335609

Brittany Murphy Cameron Diaz Carrie Underwood Danica Patrick

'Sucker Punch' DVD Will Include R-Rated Footage, Zack Snyder Says

Zack Snyder also describes the difficulty of editing for a PG-13 rating.
By Kara Warner

Emily Browning in "Sucker Punch"
Photo: Warner Bros./ Legendary Pictures

In case you haven't already seen, heard or read enough about Zack Snyder's action-adventure-fantasy "Sucker Punch," MTV News has you covered. In addition to our catch-all guide to the film and secrets revealed, today we bring you more from Snyder regarding the highly technical aspects of the shoot, as well as what fans can expect on the DVD and Blu-ray.

"The train sequences were the hardest technically to shoot only because it's a sequence that's broken up into maybe 120 shots that look like one shot," Snyder revealed. "So you just kind of have to know where the camera's going and where it came from, and put these little camera moves in, and all these shifts that have to happen," he said.

Snyder went on to say that he and his filmmaking team had the same sort of problems with the Samurai fight sequence, but they approached them differently.

"It was a little easier to do, but the thing that challenged us there was, of course, the scale was crazy," he said. "Ryan, who's one of my stuntmen, he would stand on a big piece of scaffolding and he would fight Emily [Browning] with this long stick," he explained. "Because she had to have an eye line to him up there. So he had this kind of flexible stick that he would try to hit her with."

Will we see any of that behind-the-scenes footage on the DVD?

"Yeah, sure," he said. "I think there is coverage of that."

Regarding what else will appear on the home-video-viewing versions of the film, Snyder teased that there will be a lot of action.

"There is about 18 minutes in the Blu-ray that is mostly action, because the MPAA was not ... [there was] a little too much action," he said, adding that taking the film from an R-rating to PG-13 was also a challenge.

"I would say that the very things that they [the MPAA] didn't like were the very things that you needed to see in order for you to understand the content of the scene," he said. "To know how to feel about it, because otherwise you're sort of left in this weird middle ground," he said. "So it's difficult. It's tricky."

Check out everything we've got on "Sucker Punch."

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

Related Videos

Related Photos

"Sucker Punch"

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660725/sucker-punch.jhtml

Shakira The Pussycat Dolls Sandra Bullock Angelina Jolie

Kate Hudson: "I Have The Most Unconventional Family Ever"

Kate Hudson, who is expecting a child with Muse front man Matt Bellamy, says she's learned a lot from growing up in an unconventional family.

The 31-year-old actress was raised by her mom Goldie Hawn and stepfather Kurt Russell from when she was three and has stated she doesn't think marriage is necessary.

Top Story? (feature beneath menu):

Source: http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2011/03/26/kate-hudson-i-have-the-most-unconventional-family-ever

Alicia Keys Amanda Peet Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin

Beverly Has A New Boyfriend

She's had a mad crush on him ever since Halloween.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/2/9/beverly-has-a-new-boyfriend.html

Alicia Keys Amanda Peet Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Preview 'Hop' | In Theaters Now

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/preview-hop-theaters-now/1-h-335179

Heidi Montag Hilary Duff Hilary Swank Charlize Theron

Emily Browning Talks Auditioning For 'Hunger Games'

'Sucker Punch' star also opens up about declining 'Twilight' audition.
By Terri Schwartz

Emily Browning
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

The role might have recently gone to Jennifer Lawrence, but there was a point in time when "Sucker Punch" star Emily Browning might have played District 12 champion Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming Lionsgate adaptation of "The Hunger Games."

"I read for ['Hunger Games'] a couple of times, but I've never read the book, to be honest -- which I know is terrible of me," Browning said in an interview with the Playlist. "I was nervous about it."

Despite the fact Browning started out her acting career as one of the leads in an adaptation of a popular children's series, it was that experience that turned her off from moving on to starring in the young-adult genre. She admitted that there was a period of time between when she filmed 2004's "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" and when she agreed to come onboard Friday's "Sucker Punch" that she seriously considered quitting acting altogether.

It was during that time that she found out "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer said she would be the perfect Bella Swan for the upcoming adaptation of the novel, but Browning wasn't ready to commit to a franchise.

"I was just exhausted, and I was like, 'I'm sorry, but I just can't sign onto a trilogy right now,' " Browning told MTV News in 2009, after she finished "The Uninvited." "To be honest, if I had gone on to do the film straight after 'The Uninvited,' I would not have been a good Bella . and I'm hoping people realize that now."

But it was the fact that she was vilified for reportedly turning down the "Twilight" role that caused Browning to remain so hush-hush about trying out for "Hunger Games."

"It's always hard for me to talk about these kinds of things, because I know there was a big deal with 'Twilight' and my involvement with people wanting me to do 'Twilight,' so I'm always like, 'Oh, people love this book so much, I don't want to get involved, I don't want to talk about it!' " Browning explained. "I read for ['Hunger Games'] a couple of times, but I think every single girl in Hollywood read for it a couple of times, to be honest."

Would you have liked to see Emily Browning play Katniss Everdeen or Bella Swan? Sound off below!

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

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660353/emily-browning-hunger-games-twilight.jhtml

Madonna Cher Jennifer Aniston Alicia Keys

Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj Tapped For Japan Aid Compilation LP

U2 and Bon Jovi will also be featured on digital-only album from Universal Music.
By James Dinh

Justin Bieber
Photo: George Pimentel/ WireImage

Some of pop music's biggest artists, including Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, are lending their tunes for a good cause. On Monday (March 21), it was announced that Universal Music is rushing out a digital-only compilation album to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan.

While the lineup and track list have yet to be finalized, other chart-toppers expected to be featured on the release include U2 and Bon Jovi. Lady Gaga may also appear on the album. Proceeds from sales will go to the Japanese Red Cross.

"We are doing it only digitally because it is faster, and this will be a worldwide release. The plan is to have it available later this week," a spokesperson for Universal Music said.

In order to maximize proceeds, the record label plans to find more acts willing to waive royalties that would have come from having their tracks appear on the compilation.

Universal Music is not the only music-industry player reaching to support Japan disaster relief. Most recently, the Black Eyed Peas announced that the music video for their tune "Just Can't Get Enough" would be used to promote awareness and funds for victims of the tragic event. The clip, which was shot in Japan one week before the earthquake and tsunami hit, finds the BEP bandmates traveling throughout Toyko.

Earlier this month, Lady Gaga designed a special prayer bracelet with all proceeds going to relief efforts. In just two days, the pop singer and her legion of little monsters raised more than $250,000.

For more information on what you can do to help with earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan head to MTV Act, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Related Photos

Justin Bieber Turns 17! What's In Store For Him This Year?

Alicia Keys Amanda Peet Anna Kournikova Anna Paquin

CANDIDS: Beyonce Added To "Songs For Japan" Relief Effort + Halle Berry And Nahla Go Shopping

Beyonce has been added to the long list of celebrities contributing tracks to Songs For Japan. We have pics of her walking to her car inside plus candids of Halle Berry and Nahla.

Beyonce was spotted walking to her car in NYC recently.

She will be lending her song “Irreplaceable” to the Songs For Japan double album to benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.

And on the west coast...

Halle Berry was spotted out shopping at Bristol Farms in Beverly Hills with daughter Nahla.

I wonder if Nahla notices that people are always gawking at her mother.

Ahhh....so cute.

Photos via INFdaily/Elder Ordonez/GSI Media

Source: http://theybf.com/2011/03/26/candids-beyonce-added-to-songs-for-japan-relief-effort-halle-berry-and-nahla-go-shopping

Beyoncé Blake Lively Britney Spears Brittany Murphy

Vote for Beverly!

Mama needs a new chair! (Or table!)

Modernica's "Pet's on Furniture" Contest

She's #2

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/1/25/vote-for-beverly.html

Kate Moss Kate Walsh Chelsea Handler

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Photos | Jay-Z, Beyonce, Bieber And More Nominated For 2010 BET Awards

Jay-Z, Beyonce, Bieber And More Nominated For 2010 BET Awards

Sandra Bullock Angelina Jolie Brad Pitt Lindsay Lohan

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!

Charlize Theron Ivanka Trump Janet Jackson Jessica Alba

Bobbi Kristina Gets Her Own Reality Show!? + Michelle Obama To Speak At Spelman Commencement

Whitney and Bobby's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, may follow in Bobby's footsteps and star in a reality show of her own. Get the deets inside plus see what lucky graduates will get to hear Michelle Obama this summer...

On the heels of "Being Bobby Brown," Bobbi Kristina tweeted that she is in talks to do a reality show. And if she is anything like her parents, it will be must see tv.

Her tweet said,

“PS EVERYONE ! Guess what ?! _ we are currently in the process of meetings about starting my very OWN! RealityShow!!”

Sigh....makes me wonder if opening herself up to the public is the best thing. Especially since those pics of her allegedly snorting cocaine surfaced.

But she seems to be excited about the attention tweeting,

“The world needs 2know me 4who I REALLY am_ U all will get 2see my everyday living_ walk with me thro startin my career. . EVERYTHING. I would only want to do this reality show so THEWORLD can know me for me. The GodFearing_Young classy_outgoing_silly_ REAL women iAm.”

I don't think this is a good idea...but I'll be watching.

Michelle Obama, one of the most admired women in America, will deliver the commencement address at Spelman College this year.

A White House source told theGrio.com, "In a personal address, the first lady will discuss her upbringing, and the significance of being part of the first generation in her family to graduate from college. She will also encourage the graduates to continue to serve their communities, embrace the challenges ahead of them, and strive to fulfill their ambitious goals."

This is just one of many speeches Mrs. Obama will give this summer. She is also expected to speak at the University of Northern Iowa, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and to graduates of the Quantico Middle High School in Quantico, Virginia this June.

The Randomness

1.Ex-Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick says he would lie about cheating on his wife to save his family. Story.

Source: http://theybf.com/2011/03/25/bobbi-kristina-gets-her-own-reality-show-michelle-obama-to-speak-at-spelman-commencement

Heidi Montag Hilary Duff Hilary Swank Charlize Theron

Photos | Best And Worst Grammy Fashions

Best And Worst Grammy Fashions

Jennifer Aniston Alicia Keys Amanda Peet Anna Kournikova

Exclusive: Jessie J Says Getting To Write For Britney Spears Was 'Incredible'

British pop singer reveals to MTV News she wrote a song called 'Being Britney' that didn't make Femme Fatale.
By Jocelyn Vena

Jessie J
Photo: MTV News

When fans of Jessie J heard that she'd written a track for Britney Spears, many hoped the British pop songstress would impart some of her "Do It Like a Dude" sassiness on the pop icon.

But as the final track listing for Brit's upcoming Femme Fatale hit the Web, it became clear that Jessie's song hadn't made the cut. When Jessie stopped by MTV News earlier this month, though, she told us she's cool with it.

"I think [it's a] misunderstanding that just because I'm Jessie J, jazz hands, it doesn't mean that I get pumped up to the top-three choice," she explained to us. "It means that I write a song and if it doesn't go on it, it doesn't go on it. She probably had every major songwriter in the world write a song for her."

In fact, the credits for Femme Fatale read like a who's who of producers and songwriters with big names like Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee and Rodney Jerkins all making the album. To Jessie, even being considered on a level with those guys is a big deal.

"It's just, to even have the opportunity to write a song for her is still incredible," she said. "As a songwriter, I'm still taking baby steps. You have to write 10 songs to get one good one and, realistically, I don't have time to write 10. It was a good song though."

Jessie also revealed the title of the track she had offered to Britney. "I may try and pitch it to someone else, but it was actually called 'Being Britney,' " she said. "So, it's actually hard to pitch it. It was a really cool song, but it is what it is; it happens for a reason. For me, one thing I love about Britney Spears is she is Britney Spears: No one can come and try and steal her path, her lane and that's what I love about her. That's what the song is about, 'I'm the sh--.' "

Do you think Jessie J and Britney should collaborate? Tell us in the comments!

Related Artists

Britney Spears

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660556/britney-spears-jessie-j-femme-fatale.jhtml

Hilary Swank Charlize Theron Ivanka Trump Janet Jackson

Friday, March 25, 2011

'Sucker Punch' Patient Files: Babydoll

Zack Snyder's long-awaited cinematic mind-trip "Sucker Punch" finally hits theaters today. At the center of the story are five women, all of them inmates at the fictional Lennox House for the Mentally Insane. They're also exotic dancers, and ass-kicking warriors as well. The film's most intense action unfolds in a sort of fantasy reality. The [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/03/25/sucker-punch-emily-browning-profile/

The Pussycat Dolls Sandra Bullock Angelina Jolie Brad Pitt