The What's Your Number? premiere is tonight in Los Angeles! I have my dress and I'm super excited!
I'm gong to be tweeting live from the red carpet at 6:30 PM PST for US Weekly magazine, so make sure to follow them and me on Twitter:
Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/9/19/whats-your-number-premiere.html
Brittany Murphy Cameron Diaz Carrie Underwood Danica Patrick
Terror of Camp Crystal Lake joins Freddy Krueger on our list of horror icons: Vote for the deadliest in our poll!
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Jason Voorhees from "Friday The 13th"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
MTV News kicked off our Killer Halloween with Freddy Krueger on Monday (October 24), but now it's time to take a look at one of his rivals: "Friday the 13th" terror Jason Voorhees. If you're just tuning in, each day we'll profile two of cinema's deadliest serial killers and ask you to help create the ultimate ranking. Each villain will be ranked from 1 to 5 on a number of deadly attributes, so check back all week for new profiles and new polls, and help decide on the deadliest of them all.
Head over to our Movies Blog poll to determine which horror icon has style to die for!
Jason Voorhees
Occupation: Mongoloid
Weapons: Machete, the teenage libido
Arch-Enemies: Swimming, campers, Freddy Kruger
Profile: You know the saying: Hell hath no fury like a mongoloid serial killer with mommy issues. Jason Voorhees has more than a few things he should discuss with a therapist. His mother, a cook at Camp Crystal Lake, lost her mind when Jason drowned and went on a murderous rampage, killing the canoodling counselors and Kevin Bacon in the process.
But Mrs. Voorhees met a very headless end, when one of the counselors decapitated her with a machete, thus handing the camp reigns over to her recently resurrected son, Jason. Wearing a hood over his head to mask his disfigurements, he laid low for a while, hiding out in the woods and a cabin near Crystal Lake. Jason eventually proved more than any sociopathic mother could have ever asked for, killing counselors left and right. He took up that iconic hockey mask in the third installment.
While Jason is known for his slow gait, Detroit Redwings mask and machete, he could just as well be known for his many, many resurrections. Campers at Crystal Lake need to learn a simple equation: dead Jason plus electricity equals alive and pissed-off Jason. After two official deaths, Jason earned supernatural powers of regeneration that made him virtually indestructible. His newfound powers allowed him to be frozen and, in turn, to travel 400 years into the future in "Jason X."
Jason's most recent resurrection came at the razor-sharp hands of Freddy Kruger, who pretended to be Mrs. Voorhees in order to revive Jason. The two eventually faced off, but neither emerged as the clear winner.
Check out everything we've got on "Friday the 13th."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1673091/halloween-friday-the-13th-jason-voorhees.jhtml
Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/10/25/star-trek-2-jj-abrams-zachary-quinto/
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3187077&vid=700933
We analyze the Mod references and more as B does her best 'Funny Face' in new Technicolor clip.
By Rebecca Thomas
Beyonce in the "Countdown" video
Photo: Columbia
Beatniks, bobby socks and ... Beyoncé? On Thursday night, King B premiered her eagerly anticipated, Adria Petty-directed "Countdown" video, doing a bit of time travel back to the Swinging Sixties.
The colorful clip (if you doubt it, check out the glorious "Countdown" GIF Wall our pals at Buzzworthy cooked up!) is packed with references and looks — spanning the '60s to the '80s, from vintage Vogue covers to a head-to-toe homage to the Hollywood musical "Funny Face."
Check out what we spotted, and let us know what we missed!
The Banana Dance: Josephine Baker was just too hot for these United States, so she took her provocative act to the one place where a black girl in the 1920s could get down without the prude police knocking down your door: Paris. While B isn't topless with a fistful of ripe Chiquita bananas strung around her waist, she does La Baker proud in a series of twirls and booty-popping twists.
"Blow-Up": Influential Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni captured London's Mod scene in this 1966 flick. "Countdown" not only recalls the film's Technicolor glow and quick-cut technique, but B's exaggerated high-fashion poses also feel inspired by the ones depicted in the motion picture.
"Fame": Ragtag bunch of gifteds dance on tables at a New York City performing arts high school in early-80s TV series. Their leader (played by Debbie Allen) kicked off each episode with a pep talk about the high price of fame, but it's the studio and the modern dance duds that come to mind when we watch Petty's 2011 clip.
"Flashdance": Pittsburgh welder/exotic dancer has her heart set on getting into a prestigious ballet company in the 1983 cult classic. King B tugs at the shoulder of her gray sweatshirt, and pop culture welcomes another Jennifer Beals homage into the universe.
"Funny Face": A gamine Audrey Hepburn dons beatnik black in the West Village in this 1957 Fred Astaire musical. From the bunched white socks and loafers to the fancy footwork, Beyoncé kicks off "Countdown" by nailing the silver-screen queen's iconic look — and dusts off the Bebop moves too!
Check out the photos! Pop Culture References In Beyonce's 'Countdown'
The Gap: Americans presumably bought khakis in record numbers in 1998, the same year the retailer launched an ad campaign featuring swing dancers in their pleated pants. The commercial comes rushing back when B's suddenly surrounded by khaki-clad hoofers.
"Glass Pieces": Set to a Phillip Glass composition, Broadway giant Jerome Robbins created the work for the New York City Ballet. Could B's team have been checking out the piece when they picked out those colorful costumes and choreographed the airy footwork?
"I Wanna Dance With Somebody": Flashing fluorescent backdrops with monochromatic DayGlo outfit changes to match. The black-and-white tiled floor, Crayola-box makeup, even an assortment of wide-band hair bows — it's all there in Brian Grant's 1987 clip for Whitney Houston, and now it's in B's extravaganza.
Luna, Donyale: In March 1966, Detroit native became first black model to cover British Vogue, striking the eye-between-the-fingers pose for famed photog David Bailey. Beyonce, looking very Luna, shows off similar handwork.
Mondrian, Piet: Early-20th century Dutch artist's primary color-drenched, colorblock pieces were hallmark of his Neo-Plasticism style. The grid-like backgrounds in Beyoncé's visual look like they could have been painted by Piet.
Quant, Mary: Fashion/cosmetics designer reigned in the swinging '60s. Superstar's hair and makeup job looks exactly like a popular ad for the brand.
The Supremes: Motown girl group; legends. No one does Diana like the "Dreamgirl," who shakes it in a sparkly silver minidress and bouffant wig.
"Valley of the Dolls": Campy 1967 film based on novel by Jacqueline Susann about three 20-somethings with Big Apple dreams who succumb to drugs (dolls) and drama. B's pink nightdress with purple hair bow look reminds us of the movie's promotional poster.
Versace: Look no further than vintage Versace ads for clues about the juicy, rainbow-bright bodysuits that B pairs with a striped, wide-brim chapeau.
"West Side Story": Jets and Sharks knew the only way to settle a turf war was ... a dance-off! Dance master Jerome Robbins worked up a snaps-heavy number for the theatrical release. And B snaps to that.
Share your thoughts on the "Countdown" video in the comments below!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672170/beyonce-countdown-video-cheat-sheet.jhtml
'It blew me away that members of [the British] Parliament were speaking about this,' Chris Marrs Piliero tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf
Britney Spears and Jason Trawick on the set of her "Criminal" video shoot
Photo: Eagle Eyes / Splash News
When Britney Spears hit London to shoot her "Criminal" video, she caused quite a stir. The singer immediately was criticized by local officials for her use of a gun in the sexy, crime-fantasy clip. Spears addressed the issue, shrugging off the controversy, and this week, fans finally got to see what all the fuss was about when the steamy clip dropped.
MTV News spoke to the video's director, Chris Marrs Piliero, who said he was surprised the video's gunplay became such a big deal.
"Holding the gun became a controversial thing 'cause we filmed it in London, and they don't have a lot of gun use out there," he explained. "That doesn't mean that there's no gun use, so I did find it really interesting. For me, the thing is, it blew me away that members of [the British] Parliament were speaking about this. One, because it's a music video, and two, because don't you guys have television shows out there that show crime?
"It's really strange to me," he continued, adding just what bothered him most about the controversy: "I don't understand why pop stars are put on such a high pedestal over other celebrities. Why do members of Parliament feel that they need to scrutinize her for having a gun, and 'She's in the public,' and 'She should know better,' and 'She's a role model,' but what about every other celebrity out there? What about every other actor? That's very strange to me. I was really surprised at how much the gun use was scrutinized."
Plus, Piliero said it makes sense that the couple, played by Britney and her real-life boyfriend, Jason Trawick, are using guns. "He's a professional criminal, so it makes sense he has a gun," the director said. "We shouldn't censor ourselves."
Share your opinion on the controversy in the comments below!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672848/britney-spears-criminal-director-gun.jhtml
The movie tie-in edition of "20 Times a Lady"—now called "What's Your Number?"—is now available wherever fine books are sold!
To celebrate its publication, a few of my favorite readers came up with these great reviews...
"What's Your Number? is like Harry Potter minus the wizards, wands, and Lord Voldemort." —Michelle Bell
"What's Your Number? is like Gone With the Wind except with less hoop skirts and poverty and more beaus..." —Karen Meyer
"What's Your Number? is like To Kill a Mockingbird without all the racism and children." —Julie Stone
Thanks ladies!
Please add your review in the comments!
Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/9/7/reader-reviews.html
Next episode, also featuring Lenny Kravitz and Bryan Greenberg, airs Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV.
By Lauren Kearney
Kristin Cavallari
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
We all remember party girl and badass Kristin Cavallari from "The Hills," and the die-hard "Hills" fans remember where it all began: "Laguna Beach." On this week's episode of "When I Was 17," Kristin takes us back in time to her "Laguna Beach" days, rehashing a Halloween rager that almost went off without a hitch.
"When I was 17, my Dad got remarried and went away on his honeymoon, so I threw a huge Halloween party," Kristin recalls on the latest episode, premiering Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV and also featuring Lenny Kravitz and Bryan Greenberg. "Everyone was dressed up for Halloween, which makes it that much more fun. We were definitely dancing. We were drinking. My house was filled with people."
The next day, Kristin cleaned the entire house until it was spotless, leaving no evidence of the party the night before. Or so she thought.
"I thought I did such a good job. And then my dad and my stepmom came home, and apparently I just missed one beer can under the couch, and that's what my Dad found."
Busted! But we're glad Kristin decided not to change her partying ways. After all, what would "Laguna Beach" have been without the party girl?
Don't miss this week's episode of "When I Was 17," featuring Kristin Cavallari, Lenny Kravitz and Bryan Greenberg, at 11 a.m. Saturday on MTV.
Related Videos Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672955/kristin-cavallari-when-i-was-17.jhtml
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3061469&vid=697418
Remember when I wrote this post about how my nephew Jack can sleep anywhere?
Well, here's the latest:
Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/6/17/jack-my-narcoleptic-nephew-update.html
Kate Walsh Chelsea Handler Christina Aguilera Danica Patrick
The What's Your Number? premiere is tonight in Los Angeles! I have my dress and I'm super excited!
I'm gong to be tweeting live from the red carpet at 6:30 PM PST for US Weekly magazine, so make sure to follow them and me on Twitter:
Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/9/19/whats-your-number-premiere.html
We analyze the Mod references and more as B does her best 'Funny Face' in new Technicolor clip.
By Rebecca Thomas
Beyonce in the "Countdown" video
Photo: Columbia
Beatniks, bobby socks and ... Beyoncé? On Thursday night, King B premiered her eagerly anticipated, Adria Petty-directed "Countdown" video, doing a bit of time travel back to the Swinging Sixties.
The colorful clip (if you doubt it, check out the glorious "Countdown" GIF Wall our pals at Buzzworthy cooked up!) is packed with references and looks — spanning the '60s to the '80s, from vintage Vogue covers to a head-to-toe homage to the Hollywood musical "Funny Face."
Check out what we spotted, and let us know what we missed!
The Banana Dance: Josephine Baker was just too hot for these United States, so she took her provocative act to the one place where a black girl in the 1920s could get down without the prude police knocking down your door: Paris. While B isn't topless with a fistful of ripe Chiquita bananas strung around her waist, she does La Baker proud in a series of twirls and booty-popping twists.
"Blow-Up": Influential Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni captured London's Mod scene in this 1966 flick. "Countdown" not only recalls the film's Technicolor glow and quick-cut technique, but B's exaggerated high-fashion poses also feel inspired by the ones depicted in the motion picture.
"Fame": Ragtag bunch of gifteds dance on tables at a New York City performing arts high school in early-80s TV series. Their leader (played by Debbie Allen) kicked off each episode with a pep talk about the high price of fame, but it's the studio and the modern dance duds that come to mind when we watch Petty's 2011 clip.
"Flashdance": Pittsburgh welder/exotic dancer has her heart set on getting into a prestigious ballet company in the 1983 cult classic. King B tugs at the shoulder of her gray sweatshirt, and pop culture welcomes another Jennifer Beals homage into the universe.
"Funny Face": A gamine Audrey Hepburn dons beatnik black in the West Village in this 1957 Fred Astaire musical. From the bunched white socks and loafers to the fancy footwork, Beyoncé kicks off "Countdown" by nailing the silver-screen queen's iconic look — and dusts off the Bebop moves too!
Check out the photos! Pop Culture References In Beyonce's 'Countdown'
The Gap: Americans presumably bought khakis in record numbers in 1998, the same year the retailer launched an ad campaign featuring swing dancers in their pleated pants. The commercial comes rushing back when B's suddenly surrounded by khaki-clad hoofers.
"Glass Pieces": Set to a Phillip Glass composition, Broadway giant Jerome Robbins created the work for the New York City Ballet. Could B's team have been checking out the piece when they picked out those colorful costumes and choreographed the airy footwork?
"I Wanna Dance With Somebody": Flashing fluorescent backdrops with monochromatic DayGlo outfit changes to match. The black-and-white tiled floor, Crayola-box makeup, even an assortment of wide-band hair bows — it's all there in Brian Grant's 1987 clip for Whitney Houston, and now it's in B's extravaganza.
Luna, Donyale: In March 1966, Detroit native became first black model to cover British Vogue, striking the eye-between-the-fingers pose for famed photog David Bailey. Beyonce, looking very Luna, shows off similar handwork.
Mondrian, Piet: Early-20th century Dutch artist's primary color-drenched, colorblock pieces were hallmark of his Neo-Plasticism style. The grid-like backgrounds in Beyoncé's visual look like they could have been painted by Piet.
Quant, Mary: Fashion/cosmetics designer reigned in the swinging '60s. Superstar's hair and makeup job looks exactly like a popular ad for the brand.
The Supremes: Motown girl group; legends. No one does Diana like the "Dreamgirl," who shakes it in a sparkly silver minidress and bouffant wig.
"Valley of the Dolls": Campy 1967 film based on novel by Jacqueline Susann about three 20-somethings with Big Apple dreams who succumb to drugs (dolls) and drama. B's pink nightdress with purple hair bow look reminds us of the movie's promotional poster.
Versace: Look no further than vintage Versace ads for clues about the juicy, rainbow-bright bodysuits that B pairs with a striped, wide-brim chapeau.
"West Side Story": Jets and Sharks knew the only way to settle a turf war was ... a dance-off! Dance master Jerome Robbins worked up a snaps-heavy number for the theatrical release. And B snaps to that.
Share your thoughts on the "Countdown" video in the comments below!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672170/beyonce-countdown-video-cheat-sheet.jhtml
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3061469&vid=697418
The platinum songwriter and producer talks about his work with Kelly Rowland and Good friend Usher.
Photo: Triple C's
Related Artists
Rihanna's still making her way through the UK and beyond on her LOUD World Tour. And yesterday she was spotted rocking sexy thigh-highs and a red mini skirt as she left her hotel in Paris.
Pics inside, plus she's already working on the deluxe version of her new album...
The "We Found Love" singer was spotted leaving her Sofitel hotel last night for a night out after performing at the Paris Bercy. She avoided all the paparazzi cameras and mob of fans with her wide brim hat while rocking a red mini skirt and scalloped edged thigh-highs (or stockings that look like thigh-highs), a black cape, and heels.
And as if launching her second perfume and rolling to Belgium today to continue her tour wasn't enough, she's simultaneously working on the deluxe version of her upcoming Talk That Talk album. Rih tweeted last night:
“I’m so sleepy :( BUT I’m up working on the Deluxe package for yall! #TALKthatTALK #gully #illy #CRAY
More pics:
The whips-and-chains loving chick also revealed to The Sun recently that she wanted to get it in with "We Found Love" video co-star Dudley O’Shaughnessy on site when she first saw him:
She said: "I met him and I was like let's f****** kiss and... you know what I mean. We had to pretend how to fake f***."
A source told the mag: "Dudley and Rihanna are still having a lot of contact with each other. He travelled to Glasgow with her on tour recently and they have been making big plans for when she is back here performing next month. There's a lot of sexual chemistry between them."
Apparently after Dudley brought Rih to grab some Irish fish and chips, she took him shopping and stays in close personal contact with him still. We guess Matt doesn't mind....
Pics via WENN
B in the Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2, out Tuesday, features Tiësto's 'timeless' take on 'Piece of Me.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Damian Vaca
Britney Spears
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images
On Britney Spears' latest release, B in the Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2, which dropped Tuesday (October 11), a group of dance music's biggest names have put their stamp on some of the singer's most-popular tunes from the past few years.
Chopped, screwed and broken down, the songs reach new extremes. "It's cool that big mainstream pop artists let their music be remixed by people in the underground, like me," Kaskade, who contributed his version of "Gimme More," told MTV News. "It shines a new light on the EDM scene and how far it can reach. I give Britney props for taking chances and letting dance music be heard by the masses."
Kaskade is one of many EDM artists who appear on the album. He and other DJs who contributed say it's been a gratifying experience.
"She's been a pop icon for so long. I appreciate a lot of the values she brings to music," Cobra Starship's Alex Suarez explained. "She sings really well. I appreciate her talents. I definitely respect what she does and why she's successful.
"I'm impressed people stick by her, and when I got the opportunity, I was like, 'Wow.' Britney Spears is huge. She's a huge name worldwide.' "
Suarez remixed "Till the World Ends" and said he didn't want to go too far off course for his take on the Femme Fatale single. "I thought the original was really good to begin with," he explained. "I thought I wanted to make this as special as I can. I tried to stick true to the structure of the song.
"Sometimes, you get remixes and they chop it up and mix it around, which is cool. The thing with a Britney Spears remix is people like to sing along."
Kaskade explained that he was "excited at the chance to get to mess with" "Gimme More," and he wanted to make sure his remix worked with his musical style. "I wanted to make sure that it would be something that would eventually fit into my live set," he said. "That is the true test for me: Taking a huge pop vocal and making it work with my music can be a little tricky, but I find the challenge fun. I really dig what Brit does, and this song is awesome, so I was really excited."
The album is a blend of old and new remixes: EDM superstar Tiësto, who banked his "Piece of Me" remix ages before, said it's cool to be included. "That already happened like four or five years ago. That remix is pretty old, but it's funny they put it on the album 'cause it's a timeless remix," Tiësto told MTV News. "I was always proud of that remix, because the opinions about Britney are different, but what I did with that remix is pretty special. The melody, the atmosphere is totally different than the original. For me, it's always been a special remix. I'm glad they added that on the album."
The track list also includes "Radar" (Tonal Club Remix), "Womanizer" (Benny Benassi Extended), "Circus" (Linus Loves Remix), "If U Seek Amy" (U-Tern Remix), "3" (Manhattan Clique Club Remix), "I Wanna Go" (Gareth Emery Remix) and "Criminal" (Radio Mix).
Share your review of Britney Spears' new remix album in the comments below!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672287/britney-spears-remix-album-b-in-the-mix.jhtml
Here's a photo of my niece Lila eating a nectarine:
Don't you love her ears? (The one on the left is a little big.) (My sister doesn't like to talk about it.)
Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/7/29/happy-friday.html
Under the Mistletoe is due November 1; the 'Mistletoe' video premieres tonight at 7:54 p.m. ET/PT on MTV!
By James Montgomery
Justin Bieber
Photo: MTV News
Justin Bieber is about to share his top-secret approach to writing his upcoming holiday album, Under the Mistletoe, with MTV News, but first, there's something he'd like to clear up:
"People get confused: My song is 'Mistletoe,' my album is Under the Mistletoe, so don't get it confused," he explained. "Don't get it twisted."
So now you know. And of course, that "Mistletoe" video will premiere tonight at 7:54 p.m. ET/PT on MTV — with a special live stream to follow on MTV.com — giving his fans the first taste of what they can expect on Under the Mistletoe, which is due November 1. It's a collection of brand-new Bieber songs and his renditions of holiday standards, one he hopes will not only become a classic in its own right, but will tide the True Beliebers over until he releases the proper follow-up to his smash My World 2.0 album.
"I was going to put out my album soon anyways, and I was thinking, 'It's near Christmastime. If I'm going to release an album near Christmas, I figure maybe I'd just do a Christmas album,' " he said. "The fans get more music, and everyone's happy.
"I just picked my favorite Christmas songs. I picked 'Silent Night,' I picked 'Santa [Claus Is] Coming to Town,' because everyone loves those songs. Those are classics. They get people excited for Christmas," he continued. "And then, for songs that we wrote, we wanted to make enough new songs for people to hear new music and not just hear some classics. There's a lot of new stuff on there."
Oh, and as far as that secret songwriting approach, well, it turns out that in order to pen holiday tunes, Bieber forced himself to get in the Christmas spirit — even if he was working on most of the songs in August and September. And how did he do that? He turned to Christmas cookies, of course.
"It's different, because you've gotta think Christmastime. You've gotta think, 'What's at Christmas? Mistletoe, reindeer, Santa, all these things.' And especially when it's not Christmastime, it's hard to really get your mind around it," he said. "But once you get into it, like, I was really thinking it was Christmastime when I was writing this album. ... We had Christmas cookies [in the studio]."
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672688/justin-bieber-under-the-mistletoe-inspiration.jhtml
Scarlett Johansson Shakira The Pussycat Dolls Sandra Bullock
The Real Housewives star will marry the father of her child! See more stars who are planning to tie the knot
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/engaged-celebs-they-put-ring-it/1-b-277661
Scarlett Johansson Shakira The Pussycat Dolls Sandra Bullock
'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."
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598367/chris-cornell-debunks-led-zeppelin-rumors.jhtml
Scarlett Johansson Shakira The Pussycat Dolls Sandra Bullock
Them Crooked Vultures make their debut with a post-Lollapalooza set.
By James Montgomery
Dave Grohl (file)
Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
Officially, Lollapalooza ended Sunday night in Chicago's Grant Park, with dueling sets from the Killers and Jane's Addiction. Unofficially, it ended very early Monday morning, across town at venerable rock club the Metro, with a surprise show by Them Crooked Vultures.
To the unfamiliar, the Vultures might seem like an odd choice to close out Lolla weekend ... until you realize that they're made up of Foo Fighters frontman/ former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme and Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones. And their gig at the Metro was their world premiere.
According to some reports, the Vultures actually turned down Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell's request to replace the Beastie Boys as headliners at the festival, opting to debut in front of some 1,100 super-psyched fans at the Metro, rather than 75,000 in Grant Park (tickets for the gig were announced via Foo Fighter/ QOTSA fan clubs). Meaning that, in a lot of ways, this was the most sought-after ticket in town.
Taking the stage just after midnight, the Vultures — Grohl on drums (of course), Homme on guitar and vocals, Jones on bass and keys and frequent QOTSA contributor Alain Johannes on guitar — ripped through 12 songs in 80 minutes, all taken from their upcoming debut, which may or may not be called Never Deserved the Future, and may or may not be hitting stores on October 23 (early "promo" videos touting both those facts were revealed over the weekend to be hoaxes perpetrated by QOTSA fans).
The songs, with appropriately Homme-ian titles like "Scumbag Blues," "Mind Eraser (No Chaser)," "Caligulove" and "Interlude w/Ludes," sounded pretty much how you'd expect, given the band's pedigree. They rocked, hard — Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot described them as "fresh, invigorating and just plain nasty" — delving off into psychedelic, reverb-filled excursions and exploring proggy territory, "both of the old-school Yes variety, and the more modern Tool flavor," according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Jim DeRogatis.
It's not known if Monday's Metro performance was a one-off event for the Vultures — there have been whispers of a full-blown tour, but a spokesperson for Homme had not responded to MTV News' request for comment at press time. Nor was it clear whether or not they'll have an album out in October.
Early Monday, a Crooked Vultures Twitter account, which had previously posted links to the band's official-looking Web site and the Metro's online ticketing site — posted a link to what appears to be the group's first bit of official merchandise: a Deserve the Future T-shirt. Cost: $30.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsMTV debut of 'It Will Rain' clip, from latest 'Twilight' soundtrack, to be followed by a live-stream chat with Mars on MTV.com.
By James Montgomery
Bruno Mars
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images
"Twilight" fans, get ready: Bruno Mars is set to debut the video for "It Will Rain," the first single from the upcoming "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" soundtrack, and MTV is going to help him do it.
On Wednesday, October 26, at 7:54 p.m. ET, MTV will premiere the video for "Rain," and when it comes to an event this big, we're pulling out all the stops. The "Rain" video will feature a never-before-seen clip from the film, which hits theaters November 18. Immediately following the video's premiere, the action switches over to MTV.com for a live stream featuring MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway's exclusive interview with Mars, plus "Twilight" music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas, who will discuss everything about "Breaking Dawn."
Mars will also be answering your video and text questions, which you can submit starting today at MTV.com, or via Twitter using the hashtag #AskBruno.
It's all in celebration of the world premiere of the "It Will Rain" video and the "Breaking Dawn" soundtrack (available November 8), featuring new music from the likes of Theophilus London, the Joy Formidable, Iron & Wine and Christina Perri.
Work by "Twilight" composer Carter Burwell and actress Mia Maestro (she plays Carmen of the Denali Coven in the films) also shows up on the soundtrack, as do songs by Angus and Julia Young, the Features, the Belle Brigade and Cider Sky.
It all kicks off Wednesday, October 26, at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV with the premiere of "It Will Rain," so grab your umbrellas, tune in, and prepare to be wowed. Oh, and then stick around for our exclusive live stream on MTV.com, where you can learn even more about the "Breaking Dawn" soundtrack and maybe even get your question answered by Bruno himself!
Bruno Mars' "It Will Rain" video premieres Wednesday, October 26, at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, with a live stream to follow on MTV.com. Fans can submit their questions for Bruno through MTV.com, or via Twitter, using the hashtag #AskBruno.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672886/bruno-mars-twilight-breaking-dawn-video-it-will-rain.jhtml
A nod to New Edition's classic boy band moves is just one of the reasons we can't wait for B's next clip.
By Rebecca Thomas
Beyoncé in the "Love on Top" music video teaser
Photo: Columbia
It's only been a week since Beyoncé dropped her frenetic "Countdown" video, but she's already gearing up to hit the eject button on another clip from her 4 album. Some fans got their first taste of "Love on Top" when B debuted it (along with that baby bump!) at the 2011 MTV VMAs. But while she gave the retro-leaning track the doo-wop treatment, sporting a sequined Dolce & Gabbana blazer at the show, she'll revisit another musical era for the video.
New Edition's '80s smash "If It Isn't Love" is the clear inspiration in the 82-second tease of Beyoncé's video. And although the superstar has been doing damage control over claims she referenced another artist's work too liberally in her "Countdown" clip, we only want to see more of how B recharged the Boston boy band's classic choreography.
Check out how the "Countdown" director dealt with B's "special arrival."
Check out our five favorite things from the wisp of a preview, and share yours in the comments section!
If It Isn't 'Love on Top'
N.E.'s 1988 hit from their album Heart Break is a crazy melodic uptempo ballad with singer Ralph Tresvant tackling the lead. In the super spare clip, casually dressed bandmates Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Michael Bivins and — taking over for the newly solo Bobby Brown — Johnny Gill turn a dance rehearsal into a stage-worthy triumph. In the sneak peek, B is backed by five T-shirt-rocking male dancers who help her recreate the quintet's smokin' steps. Even her studio, with its multiple window views, looks like it was shot in the exact same spot.
All Hail, King B
While B's head gear may call to mind a certain Ugandan dictator among kids who paid attention in AP History, there's only one power this diva exercises in the land of Beyoncéstan: forcing you to dance.
If the Shoe Fits
Not even pregnancy can keep Beyoncé out of her towering Brian Atwoods. Still, after peeping her in '60s-style ballet flats in the "Countdown" visual, we were just gushing over how the singer paired black nylons and a bodysuit with sneakers. The Ash footwear line's white-soled Biba shoe, to be specific. A new look for B, and we like!
Brook Payne, Bring the Pain
B and her longtime choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. have traveled far and wide when it comes to seeking dance inspiration for her visuals. For "Run the World (Girls)," for instance, the pair famously sent a search team to Mozambique to track down the African Tofo Tofo dancers whose hard-to-replicate steps (captured in YouTube videos) had hypnotized them. But for "Top," B's team turns to the work of Brook Payne, veteran choreographer for New Edition. Payne makes a cameo and delivers the monologue at the top of the N.E. clip — maybe Gatson will too?
When we caught up with the re-formed, six-strong group at the Essence Festival in June, Bobby Brown spoke to MTV News about Payne's mastery and why that footwork has been so often imitated. "It's a lot of things that I'm capable of doing, but New Edition steps, whether you think so or not, they're probably one of the hardest things in dance that you could do," Brown said.
The Diva Fan
Ahh, the diva fan: From "Crazy in Love" to "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," B seldom hits a video set without it, and it always blows to the left, to the left.
What are you hoping for from B's "Love on Top" video? Tell us in the comments!
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672439/beyonce-love-on-top-music-video.jhtml
Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz in final negotiations to pen upcoming flick.
By Kara Warner
Tom Cruise in "Top Gun"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
Just about one year ago, Tony Scott sent his "Top Gun" fans into a frenzy over the news that a sequel is not only planned, but Scott will take the directorial reins on the project. There has been little forward movement since then, but now we have word that "X-Men: First Class" writers Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz have been hired to helm the script.
According to Variety, Miller and Stentz are in final negotiations to get to work on the screenplay, with Jerry Bruckheimer and David Ellison signed on to produce.
The trade publication claimed that there are no plot details to reveal yet, but we're hoping the "First Class" writing duo sticks with the outline Scott shared with us last year.
"It's not even a reinvention, it's not even a sequel. It's a re-thinking," Scott said of his plans for the sequel. "What inspired me is that the world today is great, it's so different from the world we touched originally. It's really run by guys sitting in Nevada on computers playing war games."
Scott teased that the film will focus on the new generation of fighter pilots. "It's a mixture of that, and it's the end of the generation of fighter pilots. Not in a complete end to the generation, because these guys they go up in F-35s and they carry 10 drones with them. [But] it's a very different movie," he said.
But the most pressing question on everyone's minds is: Will Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer reprise their iconic roles?
"I'm gonna withhold that information," Scott told MTV News. "I can't say anything. I'm talking with Jerry [Bruckheimer], and I'm going to withhold [those other details]."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672556/top-gun-sequel-writers.jhtml
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=695927
Scarlett Johansson Shakira The Pussycat Dolls Sandra Bullock
Drummer admits he doesn't know what will come of 'new material.'
By Chris Harris
Jason Bonham
Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images
On Friday morning, mere hours before he was due to take the stage with classic rockers Foreigner at Detroit's GM Renaissance Center, drummer Jason Bonham — the son of late Led Zeppelin kitman John Bonham — told Jim Johnson and Lynne Woodison of local rock station 94.7 WCSX that he'd be an ex-member of Foreigner as of September 1. But that's not the only thing he said.
Much to the delight of Led Zeppelin fans everywhere, Bonham revealed that he's been meeting up with Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones in recent months and that they've been "trying to do some new material and writing."
It was the first time since Led Zeppelin announced they would re-form for a single performance (which happened late last year at London's O2 Arena, in honor of the late Ahmet Ertegün, who signed the band to Atlantic Records in 1969) that anyone connected to the band has confirmed publicly that new music could be on the horizon for the iconic rockers. While the bandmembers have stopped short of definitively ruling out such a reunion, singer Robert Plant insisted in the wake of last year's show that he intended to focus on promoting and touring behind his critically lauded album with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, Raising Sand.
Not that Bonham knows what — if anything — will happen with the new material he's been working on with Page (who collaborated with pop singer Leona Lewis on an uneven version of Zep's "Whole Lotta Love" at the Olympic closing ceremonies in Beijing on Sunday night) and Jones. He said he just shows up and takes his seat behind the kit.
"I've been over [to England] a couple of times," Bonham said. "I've been working with Jimmy and John Paul and trying to do ... some new material and some writing. I don't know what it will be, but it will be something. At the moment, all I know is I have the great pleasure to go and jam with the two guys and start work on some material. When I get there, I never ask any questions. If I get a phone call to go and play, I enjoy every moment of it. Whatever it ends up as, to ever get a chance to jam with two people like that, it is a phenomenal thing for me. It's my life. It's what I've dreamed about doing."
He said it's still too early to tell what will become of these "jam" sessions, but admitted that the "possibility of doing something is in the cards. I really felt it was in the cards from the moment we walked offstage at the O2." Bonham also explained that, before there could be a Led Zep LP, "lots of politics [would need to] get ironed out," but added that recording with Zep is "something I've always wanted to do."
Bonham noticeably didn't mention frontman Plant's name during the discussion. A spokesperson for Page's management had no comment on the matter, and a spokesperson for Jones' management could not be reached by press time.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593468/jason-bonham-hints-at-jam-sessions-with-jimmy-page.jhtml
How does the 2011 'Thing' stack up against the '82 original?
By Kara Warner
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton in "The Thing"
Photo: Universal Pictures
The subject of film remakes and reboots has become a sensitive one. With two variations on that theme opening at the box office this weekend, "Footloose" and "The Thing," respectively, there are very defined, conflicting opinions on Hollywood's continued obsession with churning out new takes on old classics.
With regard to "The Thing," a prequel to John Carpenter's '82 film, the critical conversation is especially opinionated, given the fact that the horror community takes its films very seriously and that the original is so beloved by fans. Some critics were satisfied and entertained by Dutch filmmaker Matthijs van Heijningen's take on the film, along with the performances by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton and Ulrich Thomsen; some were not.
Without further ado, let's dig into the fleshy meat of "The Thing" reviews!
The Story
"For this prequel, first time feature director Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. puts a female (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) at the center of the fray, flanks her with several male members (pun intended) of a Norwegian scientific team, throws a phallic, mouthy monster into her path, adds and touch of paranoia, and presto! It's a scary movie set in a place where hell actually does freeze over. It's no secret that The Thing 2011 leaves off exactly where the 1982 version picks up and it's a nice touch that Ennio Morricone end credits song — Humanity (Part II) — is used to complement Marco Beltrami's score." — Staci Layne Wilson, Horror.com
The Performances
"While this 'Thing' features a low-impact cast full of unknown Norwegians, Winstead (Kate) makes an appealing star, ably supported by Joel Edgerton in the pseudo-Kurt Russell role of a tough-guy helicopter pilot. (His ass-kicking sidekick is played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, otherwise known as 'the black guy who doesn't get killed first.') Thomsen is in fine form as the unctuous and untrustworthy scientist who may doom the entire world to being chewed up and eaten, and Jørgen Langhelle is terrific as a gruff Norse workman who sides with Kate although he speaks no English." — Andrew O'Hehir, Slate
The Prequel Vs. the Original
"This 'Thing,' shot largely in northern British Columbia, engaged me more than Carpenter's. That's not to say it can hold a candle to the superb 1951 'The Thing From Another World,' directed by Christian Nyby. That film is a marvel of indirection, of ensemble camaraderie in the face of the Cold War-era unknown. Compared with that picture, this new one's just an entertaining, well-acted oozefest. All three 'Things,' along with everything from 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' to 'Alien,' owe their central ideas to the Depression-era story 'Who Goes There?' by John W. Campbell Jr. There's a rock-solid notion in that tale, that of an alien being able to take over a human body and cause pure paranoia in the populace. Who's real and who isn't? Why does so-and-so seem a little off today? And why is my dog looking at me funny? While I wish van Heijningen's 'Thing' weren't quite so in lust with the '82 model, it works because it respects that basic premise. And it exhibits a little patience, doling out its ickiest, nastiest moments in ways that make them stick." — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
The Scream/FX Factor
"Van Heijningen trades methodically established tensions for cheap, easy horror jolts, swapping the paranoia and distrust of Carpenter's version for simplistic rage and aggression. Where Carpenter carefully sliced into our deepest fears with the precision of a surgeon, Van Heijningen bluntly hacks away at our nervous systems like a maniac wielding a chain saw. Newcomers who rent Carpenter's film to see where Van Heijningen's story begins — or, continues — might be surprised by the reliance on organic horror makeup, stop-motion animation and creature compositions. Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Stan Winston ('Aliens,' 'Jurassic Park') reportedly worked on Carpenter's spectacularly gory dog creature, a triumph of horror wizardry. Alas, Van Heijningen replaces those tangible and imaginative alien inventions with shiny, empty digital effects — yet another miscalculation that undermines this 'Thing' prequel." - Sean O'Connell, Washington Post
The Final Word, Pro-Con-Pro Style
"It may not be as novel as the Carpenter original and ultimately, not as memorable, but Van Heijningen does a fine job recreating the look and tone of Carpenter's film, and there's enough alien-infested craziness to keep this prequel entertaining." — Edward Douglas, ShockTillYouDrop.com
"Nothing can save The Thing from itself. Bigger and louder is not scarier nor better, it's just more annoying. The Thing is too big for its britches and bites off more than it can chew. Everything that was great about the 1982 version (it was a small, claustrophobic film with strong characters and awesome special effects) is ignored in this 2011 crap that's nothing more than a boring CGI promo-reel. Do not waste a second watching this; instead go pop Carpenter's version back into your VHS/DVD/Blu-ray player and revisit one of the greatest horror films of all-time." — Brad Miska, Bloody-Disgusting.com
"This new take on THE THING is a gripping bit of horror entertainment that should excite audiences for its October release. In fact, it may inspire those who haven't seen the 1982 version to make it a double feature of sorts. Either way, this is a well cast, atmospheric piece that rates a hell of a lot better than some of the previous Carpenter remakes... I'm talking to you THE FOG. Stay for the end credits if you really want to get yourself in the mood for JOHN CARPENTER'S THE THING afterward." — Jimmy O, JoBlo
Check out everything we've got on "The Thing."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672546/the-thing-movie-reviews.jhtml
