Janes Blog: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Michael Jackson's Family Upset With James Durbin Over 'American Idol' Pepsi Quip

'We were shocked to see this,' read the Jacksons' message; Durbin tweeted an apology on Thursday.
By Gil Kaufman

James Durbin performs on "American Idol" on Wednesday
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox

Some people might argue that it's patently unfair to take rank amateurs, put them on the biggest show on TV and then expose them to potential worldwide ridicule every week. Because it's one thing to tune in to "American Idol" from your living room or play shows at the local wings joint, it's another thing entirely when you get up on that stage and open your mouth with tens of millions watching and listening.

James Durbin learned this lesson the hard way this week when he made what he thought was an innocent crack about not setting himself on fire during his pyro-tastic cover of Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)" on Wednesday night.

Asked by host Ryan Seacrest if he was worried about dancing around among the flames shooting up from the piano onstage, Durbin joked, "I have a lot of hairspray in my hair to keep it from jumping around — so much so, the one thing I was worried about was having a 'Pepsi moment.' "

The seemingly innocent crack was a reference to the 1984 on-set accident in which late pop icon Michael Jackson was badly burned during the shooting of a Pepsi commercial by some wayward pyro effects. The serious burns he suffered in the incident allegedly led to his longtime addiction to pain medication and prescription drugs.

The Jackson family was not amused by the quip and sent a statement to TMZ on Thursday.

"We were shocked to see this. It's nothing to make light of and everybody should be focusing on who was responsible for Michael's death," read the statement. Family patriarch Joseph Jackson also was reportedly miffed that "Idol" producers did not cut the comment from the West Coast feed of the show.

Durbin defended his slip-up in a tweet, which has since been scrubbed from the singer's official "Idol" Twitter feed, that explained, "For anyone talkin ... I said pepsi NOT MJ! I have no disrespect for Michael. I grew up singing his art. I guess youll take it how you want it." He later added, "Talkin about MJs passing is too soon. Making a reference to an incident 25 years ago..not too soon. The stab was at pepsi people."

It's worth noting that Pepsi's bitter rival, Coca-Cola, is the main "Idol" sponsor, a fact that Seacrest reminded Durbin of in an awkward moment after the comment on the show.

What did you think of James Durbin's "Pepsi" quip? Tell us in the comments.

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Michael Jackson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1661097/jackson-family-james-durbin-american-idol.jhtml

Elisabeth Röhm Elisha Cuthbert Eliza Dushku

Photos | Alicia Keys Brings Jay-Z, Beyonce To Her New York Show

Alicia Keys Brings Jay-Z, Beyonce To Her New York Show

Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park Gretha Cavazzoni

Beyonc� - Diva

Diva

Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia, Music World Music
Director: Melina
Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=333569

Jaime Pressly Jamie Chung Jamie Gunns

Lady Gaga Pal Lady Starlight Recalls Their Bargain Costume Days

'We stuck to the dollar bin and panties,' Gaga confidant tells MTV News of their old-school creative crafts.
By James Dinh, with additional reporting by James Montgomery

Lady Gaga
Photo: MTV News

If there's one way to pay homage to Lady Gaga, it's by dressing up as the pop phenomenon in one of her many signature costumes. Little Monsters did just that when MTV News invited a select few to our studios to watch "Lady Gaga: The After-Show," our special live stream on Thursday night, where, following the airing of "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," we spoke with a few of the entertainer's close friends and collaborators.

From Gaga's one-of-a-kind red-laced VMA look to the barely-there hazard-tape outfit from the "Telephone" video, Little Monsters came decked out in their own Gaga gear. Among Mother Monster's close confidants, one who knows a thing or two about crafting outfits from scraps includes her longtime friend Lady Starlight.

After admitting that she just visited Michaels the other day, Starlight told MTV News' James Montgomery about their bargain-bin costume days. "Well, we didn't basically have any money, so we'd go to the dollar store," she said via Skype. "We didn't go to the $2 bin because that was too expensive. We stuck to the dollar bin of panties."

With a few crafts in hand, the duo went to craft store M&J Trimming and picked up the tool that held the outfit together — literally. "We would take this thing called Gem-Tac, and we literally would have it in our bags in case anything went wrong or we needed to make a costume on the fly," she said, adding, "Gem-Tack, dollar panties, something shiny — done."

Asked if Gaga has changed as a person or an artist since experiencing fame, Starlight was quick to deny any difference, citing the "fact that she can be friends with the same people that she was friends with before she was famous."

Lady Starlight was the center of one story during the MTV Lady Gaga documentary, which described one of their many shows at the Lower East Side's Rockwood Music Hall in New York.

"This was, like, super-inexpensive, but nobody on the Lower East Side was doing anything even remotely like it," Gaga says of her early performance show sets. "In fact, it was kind of uncool to be doing it, so it became cool because we were the only people doing anything like it. We would plug in all these crazy party favors, and we would throw glitter, and we would dance in these matching bikinis that cost us $4 to make. I got dubplates pressed in Brooklyn with my beats on them, so [Lady Starlight] would spin the dubplates."

What is your favorite Lady Gaga outfit? Tell us in the comments.

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Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664743/lady-gaga-lady-starlight.jhtml

Hayden Panettiere Haylie Duff Heidi Klum

MTV Movie Awards: A Peek Inside The Gift Bag

'Twilight' styling brushes will greet celebrities at June 5 show.
By MTV News staff

The 2011 MTV Movie Awards gift bag
Photo: Ter`rece Walker/MTV

If it's not enough to know that all of your favorite stars will be attending, presenting or performing at this year's MTV Movie Awards — which they will be — MTV News will be all over the event: behind the scenes, front and center, everywhere, to bring you the most exclusive insider information.

Here, we have a sneak peek at the official 2011 Movie Awards gift bag, which will be presented to celebrities at the show. This year's gift bag features a bevy of products from name-brand companies including Starbucks, Casio, Murad, Mattel, Ralph Lauren Fragrances and Lacoste.

There are too many goodies to name, but a few of the highlights include a $50 Starbucks card, Ralph Lauren Fragrances' Big Pony Collection scents for men and the Romance & Summer Romance for women, a Kobo eReader loaded with 100 books, a Casio TRYX camera, and a two-night stay and specially designed bag from Andaz 5th Avenue.

"Twilight" fans might be excited to learn that Pro Beauty Tools is gifting celebrities with a bunch of their professional hair-styling tools, the standout being the styling brush used on the set of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn."

"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" leads the Golden Popcorn nominations this year with eight nods — including Best Movie, Best Fight and Best Kiss — narrowly besting the dream thieves of "Inception" (seven nods) and the wizards of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" (six nods). All three films have been nominated for Best Movie and will compete with "Black Swan" (four nods) and "The Social Network"(five nods) for the night's top prize.

The list of presenters on the show keeps growing too, currently including Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Steve Carell, Emma Stone, Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Patrick Dempsey, Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, Aziz Ansari, Danny McBride, Nicki Minaj, Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy, with more appearances and performers to be announced soon.

The 2011 MTV Movie Awards will be hosted by actor/comedian Jason Sudeikis and will be broadcast live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

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The 2011 MTV Movie Awards Gift Bag

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664688/2011-mtv-movie-awards-gift-bag.jhtml

Hayden Panettiere Haylie Duff Heidi Klum

Britney Spears Says She'd Love To Tour With Usher

In her 'Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale' special, she calls the 'OMG' singer 'really hot right now.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Sway Calloway and Britney Spears
Photo: MTV News & Docs

What do Britney Spears and Usher have in common? Well, they are both global superstars with a back catalogue of tunes that have kept fans dancing for a really long time and they both recently hooked up with will.i.am for tracks on their latest releases (the Black Eyed Peas mastermind worked on the pop vixen's Femme Fatale tune "Big Fat Bass"). And, if Spears has her way, she and the "OMG" singer could be hitting the road together.

When Spears sat down to talk with Sway Calloway for her "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" special — airing Sunday (April 3) at 9 p.m. ET on MTV — the singer revealed that Usher is first on her list of artists she'd like to join her on tour.

"Oh, I'm so excited. I'm really excited about going on tour, very," she explained about her forthcoming summer trek, which happens to have a spot open on the bill now that Enrique Iglesias has pulled out of the gig. "I think Usher's really great right now. I think he's really hot right now. That would be cool [to tour with him]."

The North American road trip is expected to kick off June 17 in Sacramento, California, and will run for 26 dates, winding up on August 13 in Toronto. More details will be announced soon.

The "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" special is a mixture of behind-the-scenes footage of the singer as she wraps up production on her album, which dropped this week, as well as an inside look at her life and fans. In addition, those who couldn't make Spears' recent nightclub show in Las Vegas will get to see her as she takes the stage in her latest pop incarnation.

Don't miss "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale," airing Sunday (April 3) at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

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Monday, May 30, 2011

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

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

Chris Cornell
Photo: MTV News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aisha Tyler Aki Ross Alecia Elliott

Sarah Jessica Parker and Willie Garson?s Kids Are BFFs, Too

Nathan and James Wilkie are about 8 months apart in age, "so they're buddies," Garson says. "We go out to the beach with them and have a great time."

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/4rF-dwyV05g/

America Ferrera Amerie Amy Cobb

Britney Spears Says She'd Love To Tour With Usher

In her 'Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale' special, she calls the 'OMG' singer 'really hot right now.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Sway Calloway and Britney Spears
Photo: MTV News & Docs

The North American road trip is expected to kick off June 17 in Sacramento, California, and will run for 26 dates, winding up on August 13 in Toronto. More details will be announced soon.

Don't miss "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale," airing Sunday (April 3) at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

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

'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Trailer Frames

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

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Photos | Lady Gaga Leads The 2010 VMA Nominees

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Britney Spears Has Created 'Her Own Genre,' Dr. Luke Says

Femme Fatale producer tells MTV News the pop star defies categorization because she's 'forward-thinking.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias

Britney Spears
Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images

Since Britney Spears emerged on the scene nearly a decade and a half ago, she's run the gamut of pop music: from sugary bubble-gum to dirty, sexy dance tracks. In that respect, her longtime collaborator and Femme Fatale producer Dr. Luke says that the superstar has in many respects become bigger than pop. In fact, he says it's hard to confine her to just one genre.

"I feel like Britney kind of has her own genre: If you look at songs like 'Toxic' and 'Piece of Me' and 'Oops! ... I Did It Again,' they all were sort of influential and led the way," he told MTV News on Thursday (April 28) at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards.

So when the pair sat down to work on her latest release, Dr. Luke said her pop-music shape-shifting was very much on his mind. "She wanted to keep on with that and do stuff that was forward-thinking," he continued. "So we put some dubstep stuff in there, in bridges; snuck it in different places and I hope it ended up good. I hope you like it."

It seems every time Spears drops a new album, it's declared her comeback record. But Dr. Luke noted that Brit has really never gone anywhere. "Where'd she go? I don't know. I didn't know she ever disappeared, really," he said. "She's always been selling out concerts and records, so I don't know that she ever disappeared."

So what do Spears and Luke have up their sleeve now? "Not yet ... give me a second to breathe, come up for air!" he told us.

Plus, even with Femme Fatale already in stores, it seems like the pair are always finding ways to update the songs. Take, for example, the recent remix of "Till the World Ends," which features Ke$ha (the track's songwriter) and Nicki Minaj.

"Well, we already had Ke$ha on the song 'cause she co-wrote the song ... and she sounded really good on it," Dr. Luke explained. "And then Nicki got on the Femme Fatale Tour so we put Nicki on it and it just sounded amazing. She killed it."

Which version of "Till the World Ends" do you prefer? Tell us in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662892/britney-spears-dr-luke.jhtml

Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner

Sunday, May 29, 2011

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?

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

Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff

Photos | Britney Spears Hosts An Evening Of 'Southern Style'

Britney Spears Hosts An Evening Of 'Southern Style'

Cindy Crawford Cindy Taylor Cinthia Moura

'Hangover Part II' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know

With the comedy sequel premiering on Thursday (May 26), we prepare you for what to expect when the 'Hangover' boys head to Bangkok.
By Eric Ditzian

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis
Photo: Warner Bros.

" 'The Hangover' was lightning in a bottle," director Todd Phillips told us back in September of his $467 million-grossing comedy. "You can't judge other successes or other movies based on it."

Well, what if you just so happen to catch that lightning again? And what if, it turns out, you managed to bottle a whole lot more this time? Then can we do some comparing and contrasting with the original? Perhaps even Phillips wouldn't object at this point, with some industry insiders suggesting that "The Hangover Part II" could reel in more than $120 million domestically over the five-day Memorial Day holiday weekend. No R-rated film in history has opened to more than $100 million in box-office receipts.

So how did Phillips & Co. reach this ultra-lucrative point? To understand that, we have to flash all the way back to before the June 2009 release of the original "Hangover," when the film was testing so well in early screenings that Warner Bros. started making plans for a sequel. Just after the flick opened to $45 million, another "Hangover" was officially a go. Where the filmmakers went from there is something you'll find out below in another MTV News cheat sheet: everything you need to know about "The Hangover Part II."

Sobering Up "We were thinking of sequel ideas when we were shooting, which sounds cocky, but we were doing it more because it was just fun to talk about ideas while hanging out on the set," Phillips told us in June 2009. "Two weeks ago I was saying, 'Let's see how it works out.' Now that the movie has really connected, it's something we're doing for sure."

The question was, would all four stars — Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha — return for a new adventure? And how would Phillips spin another "Hangover" story after a ridiculous, couldn't-possibly-happen-twice tale set in Las Vegas? By December of that year, Phillips seemed to have his answer — he just wasn't going to let the secret get out. "It doesn't take place in Vegas, but it's certainly the same characters," he revealed.

Then Phillips and his team kept their heads down and worked on a script — one which, we found out nearly a year later, would take the Wolf Pack to Thailand for the wedding of Helms' character, Stu. True to Galifianakis' word, shooting kicked off in the fall of 2010.

Glug, Glug, Glug Our first peek at the "Hangover Part II" production came in October 2010, with a shot of the boys in an airport (Ontario doubling for LAX) on their way to Southeast Asia. That same month, news broke that Mel Gibson had signed on for a brief cameo as a tattoo artist. But after cast protests reportedly cropped up, the controversial actor was dropped from the film and Liam Neeson was hired to take over the role. (Neeson, in turn, was eventually replaced by Nick Cassavetes). "We just had a long talk about it, I explained it," Phillips told us of his conversation with Gibson to let him know about the recasting. "He certainly understood, you know. He wasn't happy, but he certainly wasn't upset. I mean, it just was kind of a bummer because I think he understood the intention of the casting and the role."

Production wrapped up on January 1 of this year, and a teaser trailer dropped the next month. "It's truly a teaser, so it might end up frustrating more than solving questions," Phillips told us shortly before the promo arrived. He wasn't kidding: We could tell that the pals were in Thailand, that things were not turning out very well for them and that Helms somehow got stamped with a Mike Tyson-style facial tattoo. But other than that, plot info was hard to come by. A full "Hangover Part II" trailer appeared in April, giving us more information about the storyline. The shenanigans get started after Stu's rehearsal dinner, when one beachside drink leads to the guys waking up in a shady hotel. Stu's soon-to-be brother-in-law is missing; Ken Jeong's hilarious gangster, Mr. Chow, is hanging out; and everyone has to get back to the resort before the wedding ceremony is set to begin. Helms told us. "Oh, and also hilarious. I forgot that ... Lots of craziness happened on set, and you'll see all of that in the movie."

Cooper declared that he believes the second film is funnier than the first, which made any initial nervousness secondary to his enthusiasm. "I think it was more excitement once we got the second script, which was really wonderful — actually stronger than the first one," Cooper said. "It was just utter excitement to play these characters again and hopefully deliver a movie where fans will be excited to see what happened. We get to see where [Galifianakis'] Alan lives, we get to see Stu progress to two years, [my] Phil as well, so I think it was just exciting to hopefully provide a lot more comedy for people who liked the first one."

That's exactly what Phillips is hoping too. "I think there are very few sequels that have been made that live up to or exceed their first film. 'The Godfather' is the first one," he told us. "We had always planned on calling it 'The Hangover 2,' and when we finished the script, I changed the cover page and wrote 'The Hangover Part II,' because I think the film lives up to or exceeds the first one. It was very much a nod to 'The Godfather.' "

Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."

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

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Britney Spears Appears On Harper's Bazaar Cover

'I'm like everybody else,' singer says in the magazine.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears on the cover of <i>Harper's Bazaar</i>
Photo: Harper's Bazaar

She appeared pregnant and nude on the cover back in 2006, but now Britney Spears just looks happy and healthy in a low-cut white dress on the cover of Harper's Bazaar. In the latest issue of the magazine, now being previewed online, the singer opens up about her life.

"I'm pretty normal, you know? Like I said, the type of day I love is just like everybody else's. I'm like everybody else," she says in the issue. When asked about her music videos, she recalls fondness for a clip from 2001. " 'Overprotected.' I just think it says a lot. It was directed so well, it was really colorful and the dancing was amazing," she says of the splashy clip.

Spears seems content with the way fans have been reacting to her Femme Fatale album, which dropped in March. "I've worked so hard on this album, so it's really refreshing," she said. "I feel like I'm drinking a tall glass of homemade sweet tea on a really hot, beautiful day."

Spears also talked about getting in shape for her highly anticipated summer tour. "I love to dance, so it's very exciting," she said. "The tour rehearsals have been going really well. I think it will be my best show yet."

In addition to the cover shot, another image from the magazine has hit the Web. It features Spears smiling in front of a wall painted with graffiti wearing a flowing, black star-print dress.

Not only has Spears been readying her summer tour, she has also been preparing to shoot her next music video, for the song "I Wanna Go." Spears will be working with Chris Marrs Piliero (Ke$ha, the Black Eyed Peas) on the clip, which is filming later this month in Los Angeles. The track is the third single off her album, following "Hold It Against Me" and "Till the World Ends."

While she's always moving forward to the next project, Spears did take the time to reflect on one very important onstage kiss with Madonna at the VMAs nearly eight years ago. "I actually saw her a couple of weeks ago at a party," Britney recalled. "I guess she's really taught me to stay true to myself. That seems like a simple thing to say, but she taught me through action, not just by saying it. There are so many people around you that have opinions, but you just have to listen to your instincts."

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663914/britney-spears-harpers-bazaar.jhtml

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Photos | Lady Gaga Joins Her Little Monsters At Best Buy Signing

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1664459

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Photos | Justin Bieber's 'Never Say Never' L.A. Premiere

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1657530

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Mariska Hargitay Comments On Chris Meloni's SVU Exit

Making the sudden and surprising announcement that his longtime "Law & Order: SVU" tenure is coming to an end, Christopher Meloni will certainly be missed by his co-star partner Mariska Hargitay.

The Detective Olivia Benson actress spoke about her beloved castmate's departure for the first time, releasing a statement reading: "For the past 12 years Chris Meloni has been my partner and friend, both on screen and off. He inspired me every day with his integrity, his extraordinary talent and his commitment to the truth."

Expressing her sorrow over the news, Miss Hargitay added, "I love him deeply and will miss him terribly ? I'm so excited to see what he'll do next."

The report of Meloni's SVU exit was made earlier in the week - with NBC confirming the news that Detective Stabler will not be back for what would have been his 13th season this fall.

According to insiders, Christopher is leaving the long-running program after his contract negotiations with the network couldn't come to agreeable terms.

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/law-order-svu/mariska-hargitay-comments-chris-melonis-svu-exit-509747

Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park Gretha Cavazzoni

Ernie Halter Talks 'Ridiculously Awesome' Justin Bieber Surprise

'I still can't wrap my brain around it,' singer/songwriter tells MTV News about being joined onstage by the Biebs.
By Jocelyn Vena

Ernie Halter
Photo: Ernie Halter

Justin Bieber joined Ernie Halter onstage to perform Halter's "Come Home to Me" (off his album Franklin & Vermont) on Thursday night in Costa Mesa, California. When Halter got on the phone with MTV News bright and early Friday (May 20) morning, he was still reeling from the experience.

"I still can't wrap my brain around it. It's bizarre," he told us. "I was really impressed with how humble and very sweet him and Selena [Gomez] were to me. They're both incredibly nice people. It's pretty crazy."

He then described how Bieber ended up taking the stage with him. "Well, I mean, him coming to the show, I don't know why I didn't see that coming. I just didn't. I guess I'm slow, but I had no idea until I actually saw him and Selena. I went probably mentally not there for a minute or two.

"I was at the gig last night, which is not close to L.A. at all. He really wanted to go and then I'm talking to someone and out of the corner of my eye I look over and that really looks a lot like Selena Gomez," he continued. "I looked to see who she was with and I went speechless for a couple minutes. I asked him [to perform with me] and he said yes. It was a little bit of a surprise because I didn't think he would do it."

With Bieber's blessing hitting Twitter, the Internet is quickly following and Halter's Internet stock is rising. "I have a tweet deck on my computer and it flashes every second [now] and there's no way I would have been able to envision that," he said. "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculously awesome."

While Bieber has made it clear he's a fan of Halter, is Halter a fan of Bieber?

"Entirely [I get it]. I've been a fan and I really believe he's extremely talented," he said, explaining that his 3-year-old son got him into the Biebs. "The type of reach that he has worldwide is really iconic, on a level that we haven't really seen. I think he's very, very talented."

Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso

Lady Gaga Pal Lady Starlight Recalls Their Bargain Costume Days

'We stuck to the dollar bin and panties,' Gaga confidant tells MTV News of their old-school creative crafts.
By James Dinh, with additional reporting by James Montgomery

Lady Gaga
Photo: MTV News

Lady Starlight was the center of one story during the MTV Lady Gaga documentary, which described one of their many shows at the Lower East Side's Rockwood Music Hall in New York.

What is your favorite Lady Gaga outfit? Tell us in the comments.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664743/lady-gaga-lady-starlight.jhtml

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'Hangover Part II': The Reviews Are In!

'The stock dismissal 'more of the same' has rarely been more accurately applied to a sequel,' one reviewer writes.
By Eric Ditzian

Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis in "The Hangover Part II"
Photo: Warner Bros.

By this point, if anyone is still doubting whether "The Hangover Part II" will be a massive worldwide hit, Wednesday's midnight screenings should quiet skeptics. Warner Bros. announced that the follow-up to 2009's record-smashing hit roped in $10.4 million in those early showings, setting a new midnight opening record for an R-rated film on its way to what many are predicting will become a $125 million opening over the five-day holiday weekend.

All this box-office talk gets even more impressive when you note reviews for the film have been decidedly mixed. While the first "Hangover" won over both critics and moviegoers, the sequel is currently languishing at just a 31 percent approval at the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregator. Critics have pointed out how the second film follows the plot points of the original far too closely. They've also argued that the sequel simply isn't as funny as the first. Other reviews, however, are still getting a kick out of watching the Wolf Pack flail and fail all over again, similarities are not. Read on for a deep dive into the "Hangover Part II" reviews:

The Story
" 'The Hangover Part II' opts for the most popular cure: the hair of the dog that bit it. In other words, the sequel is almost identical to the first 'Hangover.' This time, dweeby Stu (Ed Helms), slick Phil (Bradley Cooper) and attention sponge Alan (Zach Galifianakis) are at a wedding (Stu's) in Thailand, instead of Las Vegas, but the rest is pretty much the same. The movie starts with the three waking up after a night of debauchery, with one of their pals missing, with a threatening crook on their tails and with vague knowledge of peccadilloes both sexual and chemical. Oh, and Mike Tyson is tangentially involved (Stu has a facial tattoo just like the former champ's). They spend the rest of the movie trying to make it to the wedding while piecing together clues to what happened the previous night and searching desperately for their missing bud." — Chris Hewitt, St. Paul Pioneer Press

The Laughs
"[The] laughs aren't just staged, they're superlatively engineered — even if that means, at moments, that they feel like they're falling into formatted slots. When they don't, the movie can be flat-out hilarious. As the guys begin their desperate search for a missing bank account number (they have to give it to a drug lord or he'll kill them), it's no surprise to discover that they went to a Bangkok strip bar. And when we learn what happened in that club to Stu — who hasn't shaken his tendency to fall drunkenly head over heels in love with hookers — you may see the twist coming, but you won't foresee the casual outrageousness of the dialogue, the kind that keeps on giving. Yet that sort of choke-on-your-popcorn laugh is more the exception than the rule." — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

The Performances
"Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis slide into their roles as if they didn't go on to play other characters in the interim, although at least two of the three (Helms being the exception) have seen significant career upticks. Phil is the good-looking leader, Stu is the worry-wart nerd, and Alan is quite possibly the most loathsome individual to have crawled out from under a rock. He's not a loveable loser; he's a detestable loser — and that's where a lot of the comedy comes from. Galifianakis stole the show in 'The Hangover,' and he steals it here. Refreshingly, [director Todd] Phillips does not feel the need to give Alan a heroic moment of redemption." — James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The Comparison
"The stock dismissal 'more of the same' has rarely been more accurately applied to a sequel than to 'The Hangover Part II,' which ranks as little more than a faded copy of its predecessor superimposed on a more brightly colored background. One can understand director Todd Phillips' initial reluctance to tinker with a formula that made the 2009 romp the highest-grossing R-rated comedy ever, but the rote professionalism on display verges on cynicism, and despite some occasional sparks, this ranks as a considerable disappointment. Box office should be huge all the same." — Andrew Barker, Variety

The Final Word
That comfortable air of familiarity provided by the returning characters also extends to many of the original's more inspired bits — but to less potent effect. Still, even a milder 'Hangover' manages to deliver more laughs than most of the competition. ... In addition to that hard-to-replicate element of surprise, also in short supply here is the manic energy that made the original such a delightfully unpredictable ride. The reunited cast looks to have been up for a greater challenge, especially gonzo Galifianakis, who emerged as the breakout star of the first 'Hangover.' " — Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter

Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."

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

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Photos | 2011 Billboard Music Awards Red Carpet

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Lady Gaga Says Fans 'Changed My Life' In MTV Special

The pop superstar describes her Little Monsters as 'a giant disco ball' in 'Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside,' airing tonight on MTV.
By Jocelyn Vena

Lady Gaga in "Inside the Outside"
Photo: MTV News

Lady Gaga is perhaps a bigger fan of her fans than they are of her. She never passes up a chance to thank her Little Monsters for helping her go from scrappy New York performer to legitimate pop superstar. That appreciation is expressed in the MTV documentary "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," airing tonight at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

During the hour-long, exclusive chat, Gaga goes into great detail about her life in New York, her rise to fame, her love for her family and how she began to grow a fanbase on the Lower East Side of New York City thanks to her outlandish stage persona and the way people connected to it. While she's performing to bigger crowds these days, she remains grounded and her gratitude to the people who have bought her records and tickets to her shows seems undying.

"The biggest surprise to me has been my relationship with my fans," she explains in the special. "They've changed my life. The fans are the thing that you can't learn; they were the instrument in the music that nobody taught me about."

Mother Monster likens her fans to one of the key parts of her aesthetic. "They're a giant disco ball — thousands of tiny little mirrors," she says. "The commercial success that I've had has been mind-blowing. I'm the girl that everyone said 'no' and shook their head and said, 'I don't get it.' "

Well, her fans got it and that love goes both ways. Earlier this week, MTV News caught up with some of Gaga's Little Monsters at a Born This Way album signing and they sang her praises as well. "Being a Little Monster is about letting out your inner freak," Jen Finnegan, an aspiring musician, explained to us about Gaga's influence. "[It's letting out] everything that you are and everything that you want to be through Lady Gaga and her music."

Don't miss "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" to hear Mother Monster herself open up about the creative forces behind her generation-defining career. Our exclusive documentary airs Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, followed by a live stream on MTV.com hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery and featuring special guests Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter from Semi Precious Weapons, documentary director Davi Russo, producer Fernando Garibay and Gaga's biggest Little Monsters.

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Friday, May 27, 2011

'American Idol' In 60 Seconds: Scotty McCreery Wins It For The Kids

As the youngest top two in 'Idol' history awaited their fates, the guest-stars got a little dirty for the finale.
By Jim Cantiello

Scotty McCreery in the "American Idol" finale
Photo: FOX

"American Idol" season 10 has drawn to a close, and while Scotty McCreery was still digesting all that confetti he ate on Wednesday night, we here at MTV News were working around the clock to bring you news from the big finale, including Thursday's "Idol Party Live" (streaming live right here on MTV.com at 12 p.m. ET) and "Idol" in 60 Seconds, the script of which you can peruse below while you watch the video:

On Tuesday night, Fox televised a Southern junior high school talent show. Yes, season 10 came down to Scotty McCreery and his smirk versus Lauren Alaina and her doctor. There were songs about teenage love, and moms, and the civil war and ... I'm so sorry, guys, I'm trying, but me and country music go together like Haley Reinhart and pants.

On Wednesday, producers booked only the biggest, most contemporary pop stars for the big finish: Gaga, Beyoncé, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones ... Gaga, Beyoncé.

And after every guest star from stage and screen and total f---ing catastrophe [shot of "Spider-man"] finished their cameo, Ryan Seacrest did this. [Montage of Seacrest plugging all the guest stars' projects.]

Wow, if "Idol" did this good a job promoting their own artists, Lee DeWyze might be selling records.

Unless you were a fan of James Durbin's armpits, the night was really all about the big winner, Scotty, and runner-up Lauren, the two youngest "Idol" finalists ever, so producers made this finale especially family-friendly.

[Gaga gets busy with a dancer.] [J.Lo shakes her booty.] [Beyoncé sings, "Let's make love! Make love!"]

Or not. But give "Idol" some credit for still trying to kickstart David Archuleta's puberty.

Ding!

Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. Get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Star Moms Make School Drop-Off Stylish

Check out these super stylish star moms as they drop their tots off at school.

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Photos | Lady Gaga Takes Cannes

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MTV Movie Awards Mania Kicks Off With Sneak Peek Week

Stars of 'Fright Night,' 'The Help' and more stop by next week for live interviews and exclusive clips.
By Eric Ditzian

Christopher Mintz-Plasse in "Fright Night"
Photo: DreamWorks

Each year, we jam 12 months' worth of movie magic into just one day for the MTV Movie Awards. This time around, there's simply too much Golden Popcorn goodness to contain, so we're opening up things with a full five days of cinematic treats that we call MTV Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week.

Starting on Monday, May 30, and running through Friday, June 3, we'll be bringing you exclusive looks at some of this summer's hottest films, including "Fright Night," "Horrible Bosses" and more. Each night at 11 p.m. ET, we'll welcome a film's cast onto MTV to present an exclusive clip. Then you can continue the live conversation with the stars online, as our own Josh Horowitz hosts an extended chat with the talent. As always, you'll have the chance to ask the stars your own questions; just tweet at @MTVNews using the hashtag #SPW.

It's all building up to the Movie Awards themselves, which will be hosted by Jason Sudeikis and air live on Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.

On Monday, we'll be sitting down with "Fright Night" star Christopher Mintz-Plasse and director Craig Gillespie for an early glimpse at this horror remake. Mintz-Plasse and Anton Yelchin play high school seniors who get pulled into their neighbor's creepy world, eventually finding out that the stranger (Colin Farrell) is a vampire preying on the town.

The next night, the stars and director of "The Art of Getting By," a Sundance fave earlier this year, will be stopping by. Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser and director Gavin Wiesen will introduce a clip, then stick around to discuss their indie about a lonely student (Freddie Highmore) and the unlikely friendship he strikes up with Roberts' charismatic and complicated teen girl.

Wednesday brings us what's sure to be one of the funniest comedies of the summer. "Horrible Bosses" director Seth Gordon will present an exclusive clip before diving into a chat about how Jason Bateman and his onscreen cohorts hatch a plan to kill their nasty workplace superiors.

Then on Thursday, Emma Stone and Bryce Dallas Howard will jump into the action in support of "The Help." Based on the #1 New York Times best-seller, the film stars Stone as an unlikely civil-rights activist in '60s-era Mississippi.

Finally on Friday, the folks behind action-comedy "30 Minutes or Less" will bring Sneak Peek Week to a close. Stars Aziz Ansari, Michael Peña and director Ruben Fleischer will be on hand for the festivities, and stars Jesse Eisenberg and Danny McBride will deliver a special message for fans. The flick follows Eisenberg's pizza delivery boy, who's kidnapped and forced to rob a small-town bank.

After this week-long warm-up, the main event kicks off on Sunday, June 5. At this year's Movie Awards, "Eclipse" (eight nominations) will be facing off against "Inception" (seven noms) and "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1" (six noms). Voting in all the categories, from Best Kiss to Best Fight to Best Scared-as-S**t Performance and beyond, is currently under way over at MovieAwards.MTV.com. Voting is set to close on June 4. But voting for Best Movie will stay open through the show itself, meaning you have the chance to affect the night's biggest winner up until the very last minute.

The 20th annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET.

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Chuckie Will Debut Michael Jackson Remix In Miami

Official 'Hollywood Tonight' remix coming to Miami Music Week.
By Akshay Bhansali

Chuckie
Photo: Jason Ano/ One and Only Productions

Leaving the South by Southwest festival, Lavo New York and Las Vegas' Marquee in his wake, house DJ Chuckie has his sights set on the week ahead. With Miami Music Week now upon us, Chuckie plans to seize the opportunity to debut new material. Fans will be tickled to know the Dutch producer has tracks in the can with Kelly Rowland and T-Pain, but when MTV News caught up with him Friday in New York, Chuckie shared the achievement of which he's most proud.

"I did a Michael Jackson remix, which was really scary — to touch Michael Jackson vocals," Chuckie said. "I did this remix for this track 'Hollywood Tonight.' I couldn't say it for a minute: The label called me, and they said, 'You can't say nothing about this. It's kind of a secret project.' It's gonna come out anytime now."

"Hollywood Tonight" was originally produced by Teddy Riley for Jackson's posthumous Michael album, and Chuckie's mix of the song will be the sole official remix of the track.

"I will play it Miami," Chuckie revealed. "I told them this is the best week to launch the remix. So it feels really good. I'm the only one remixing that Michael Jackson track, and they are considering it a single. For me, especially, it's an honor to remix the King of Pop because he died on my birthday."

So, will the mix be a thundering Chuckie Dutch house banger or will it have a melodic progressive house feel, like his Marquee remix of Diddy-Dirty Money's "I Hate That You Love Me"? Well, according to the "Let the Bass Kick" producer, fans will be getting a healthy dose of both.

"I had to bring in the raucous," Chuckie confessed. "Yeah, I did the Chuckie flavor, but then again, I wanted to make it really musical, so I went progressive (house) on it."

Chuckie will be performing twice at Miami Music Week: at the Cr2 Records Party at Wall Lounge on Wednesday, and then headlining "No Sugar Added" at Nikki Beach on Friday.

Are you excited to hear Chuckie's remix of Michael Jackson's "Hollywood Tonight"? Let us know in the comments below!

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Jennifer Lawrence Says Dying Her Hair Silenced 'Hunger Games' Hate

'People were like, 'Oh my gosh, blond hair can turn brown. Wow. It's a miracle,' ' actress quips to MTV News.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Jennifer Lawrence

Any time a beloved book series is adapted for the big screen, the fan fervor and excitement is twofold. On one hand, people are ecstatic to see celebrated characters and story lines in live-action form, but on the other hand, when said characters are cast, there is the inevitable period of criticizing and overanalyzing whatever actor or actress has been chosen.

Academy Award nominee Jennifer Lawrence has experienced those criticisms ever since she was announced as the very lucky lady who will portray female protagonist Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games."

When Lawrence stopped by our MTV News offices in New York recently to talk about "Hunger Games" and her role in the highly anticipated "X-Men: First Class," we asked if she's paid attention to any of the online debate or if the criticisms scattered around the Web (the bulk of which centered around the actress' blond hair) have affected her in any way.

"No, because the Internet to me is kind of like a black hole, and I never really go on it," she said. "I wasn't aware that everybody was so upset until I after I got my hair dyed, and people were like, 'Oh my gosh, blond hair can turn brown. Wow. It's a miracle,' " she joked.

"So now is the only time that I'm being told that people hated me at first," she added with a smile.

Most of those hair debates have been silenced, given the fact that Lawrence's hair has been dyed much darker and fans had their first glimpse of Lawrence as Katniss last week when Entertainment Weekly released the first official photo from set.

Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Mary Margaret

Please help welcome Mary Margaret, the new addition to the family!

She is a rescue. I'll tell you her whole story tomorrow!

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/4/18/mary-margaret.html

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'The Oprah Winfrey Show' Finale Preview

After all the love, understanding, compassion, thrills, tears and laughs Oprah Winfrey has given us over the past 25 years, on Wednesday she ended the last episode ever of The Oprah Winfrey Show by telling viewers everything we've meant to her.

Biting her lip and with a tear welling in her eye, she said: "(I was) a lonely little girl who felt not a lot of love (growing up)... It is no coincidence that I grew up to feel the genuine kindness, affection, trust and validation from millions all over the world," adding, "You and this show have been the great love of my life."

The final episode -- which iVillage live tweeted at twitter.com/ivillage when it aired at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday -- was nothing like the star-studded "Farewell" specials that aired Monday and Tuesday. Instead, the show's last hurrah was simply Oprah standing alone on the stage, speaking in a warm, confident voice that oozed gratefulness and appreciation. The Queen of Daytime recounted the lessons she's learned over a quarter century on the air, mixing in some of her greatest words of wisdom for good measure.

"I wanted to encourage you to be more of yourself," she told viewers, adding that while her show was her calling, people watching must find and act on their own mission. "You can help somebody, you can listen, you can forgive, you can heal," she said. "You have the power to change someone's life."

Of course, Oprah also wanted to drive home the fact that change starts with the person in the mirror. "You are responsible for the energy you create for yourself, and the energy you bring to others. Don't wait for somebody else to save you, to complete you, to fix you."

She also urged people to look for the blessings in their lives. "You're worthy because you're born and you are here," she said. "You alone are enough." She told viewers to validate the people in their lives, because that's what every person wants and needs: "I see you, I hear you, and what you say matters to me."

At the end of the hour, Winfrey said she felt "all sweet, no bitter," and thanked viewers. "I won't say goodbye. I'll just say, 'Until we meet again.'"

She then stepped down the stairs of the stage, walked through the audience -- which included Winfrey's fourth grade teacher, actor/director Tyler Perry, close friend Maria Shriver and best friend Gayle King -- and stopped to give longtime partner Stedman Graham a hug and kiss.

She continued out the studio doors and high-fived staffers lining the hallways and staircase leading to the upper floor. At the top of the stairs, she picked up her blond cocker spaniel, and said, "Sadie, we did it!" She then walked with the pup in her arms toward her office as the show ended... forever.

Wednesday's show was the last original episode; reruns will air through September. Winfrey now turns her attention to her new TV network, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Though she hasn't announced any plans to appear regularly on the channel, what we "know for sure" -- a fave Winfrey catchphrase -- is that we certainly haven't heard the last of Oprah.

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/oprah-winfrey-show-finale-preview/1-a-353062

Cameron Richardson Camilla Belle Carla Campbell

Around the Web?

Check out these links for your Thursday afternoon… Carla Bruni-Sarkozy steps out in maternity wear — PEOPLE.com VIDEO: Top Chef‘s Tom Colicchio on the best baby food — lilSugar.com Top 100 newborn essentials — Babble.com C-sections rise with social status, study shows — Today Take your pick of these adorable baby announcements — BreezyMama.com

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/b4Lj33ir78o/

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Lady Gaga's 'Inside The Outside': Meet The 'Perpetual Underdog'

New documentary reveals early struggles, unyielding quest to prove the doubters wrong, in Bigger Than the Sound.
By James Montgomery

Lady Gaga
Photo: MTV News

There is a moment during Lady Gaga's "Inside the Outside" documentary when she refers to herself as "a perpetual underdog," which seems like an odd thing for a woman who's sold more than 15 million albums worldwide to say.

But then you listen to her new Born This Way album, you take a look at her rather astonishing career, her never-ending tour, her collection of over-the-top music videos, and that statement begins to make sense. Lady Gaga truly is a perpetual underdog, at least in her own mind, and there's a surprising amount of evidence to support that claim.

Before she was adored by millions, she was a misunderstood kid, then a rebel, and then she struck out on her own, struggling to get noticed as a piano-playing singer/songwriter and a bikini-clad performance artist/party girl. And then, when she finally earned a small piece of recognition — she was signed to Def Jam at age 19 — she was summarily dropped after just three months. No one, it seemed, believed in her or her music, no one "got it" (as she repeatedly says in the doc), and it hurt. Bad.

In fact, you could argue that her entire career — like all great careers, from Elvis and Michael Jackson (both of whom overcame overbearing parents) to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan (who had to force folks to listen) — has been fueled by that hurt, by rejection, by her belief that she is the eternal long shot. It's why she does everything she does, why she works so incredibly hard. She is eternally trying to prove the naysayers wrong.

That's just one lesson you learn in "Outside," which premieres Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV (and then re-airs again at 11 just in case you missed it), but it's an important one. Because it helps you make sense of Gaga's rapid ascent to the top of the pop stratosphere, a rise that was powered by little more than her undying work ethic and that rather sizeable chip on her shoulder — a rise that you begin to realize wasn't really all that rapid.

In her own words, Gaga reveals that she's actually been working toward her fame ever since she was a child, first barely able to reach the keys of her parents' piano, then meticulously working to master the instrument: Hanon exercises, Bach, Chopin until her wrists ached. Then, after her father promised he'd buy a baby grand if she learned how to play Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road," she spent hours toiling over the intricate progressions. And she got the piano.

As a teen, she longed to play the lead in a production of "Guys and Dolls," but could never warrant consideration because she was a brunette. So she bought a blond wig and she got the part. When she moved out on her own, she haunted the Lower East Side, playing music wherever they'd have her (her first show, she humorously recounts, was 90 minutes long. "I didn't give a sh--," she laughs) and working as a go-go dancer and a waitress to make ends meet. Then she teamed with Lady Starlight and launched the next stage of her career: a theatrical pop star who pissed off local promoters with her homemade pyro. No one got the act, but slowly — by nothing more than sheer determination, it would seem — the duo began to catch on, which eventually led to Gaga inking that deal with Def Jam.

When she got dropped, she was crushed. But, as she says in the doc, she took some inspiration from her grandmother, who allowed her to cry, but only for a day, because after that "you have to go kick some ass." And, not surprisingly, if you've been following along here, that's exactly what she did. Six years later, she is one of the hugest pop stars on the planet, an icon and an inspiration to millions. But she's never truly gotten over those past rejections; they have shaped her into the artist she is today. And though they stung, watching her re-live them, you get the feeling she wouldn't have suffered any other way.

And it's that drive, that compulsion, that makes "Inside the Outside" a truly compelling thing. You learn who Gaga was, and, more importantly, who she is. And in doing so, you even begin to come around to her belief that she is "the perpetual underdog." She's certainly put in the work to prove that fact.

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