Janes Blog: March 2012

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Lil Wayne, T.I., Wiz Khalifa To Get 'Sleazy' With Ke$ha

Tip confirms second remix in the works for track, which previously featured a remix verse from Andre 3000.
By Jocelyn Vena

<a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/kesha_/artist.jhtml">Ke$ha</a>'s already gotten <a href="/news/articles/1656039/andre-3000-pops-up-on-kehas-sleazy-remix.jhtml">"Sleazy" with Andre 3000</a>. Now, a few more rappers want to get dirty with the glittery pop singer. <a href="http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/10/t-i-andre-300-lil-wayne-wiz-khalifa-record-kesha-remix" target="_blank">XXLmag.com</a> reports that <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/t_i_/artist.jhtml">T.I.</a> plans to jump on the track, and Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa will also be joining Andre and Tip on a new version of "Sleazy." Weezy should be a welcome addition to <a href="/news/articles/1651081/keha-gets-sleazy-on-new-cannibal-track.jhtml">Ke$ha's dance tune</a>, as it sounds somewhat like Wayne's single "A Milli." And while not much else is known about the remix, T.I. promised that he's going to go big with his verse. "I haven't heard anybody but mine. ... I'm gonna put my money on mine," the newly freed rapper, who <a href="/news/articles/1671950/ti_prison-release.jhtml">ended an 11-month prison sentence</a> in September, told the website. The Andre 3000 remix dropped earlier this year and appears on K-Dollar Sign's album Cannibal. The guys will have a lot of swagger to compete with because when Andre appeared on the first remix, he had this to say: "We start out so cute in our baby pictures/ That mama shot for our daddy so that he wouldn't forget you/ He forgot anyway, but hey, one day he'll remember/ If not, he's human, I'm human, you human, we'll forgive him/ I call her Keisha, she like it because it's 'hood to her/ She call me Andre 6000 because I'm good to her." Tip told XXLmag.com that his appearance on the Ke$ha song is just one of many remixes he's amped about. He has also worked on remixes for Meek Mill and Rick Ross's "Ima Boss," as well as Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne song "N---as in Paris." "I'm looking for some more records to jump on," he said. "That's what I'm doin' right now. I'm commandeering hit records right now. I'm hijacking hit records. If you got a hit, I'm on it." Are you looking forward to the new "Sleazy" remix? Tell us in the comments!

Eva Green Eva Longoria Eva Mendes

Maggie Gyllenhaal Reveals Her Baby's Gender! It's a...

The actress and hubby Peter Sarsgaard announced their baby's sex! See more stars who are expecting

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/pregnant-celebrity-photos-look-whos-popping/1-b-18178?dst=iv%3AiVillage%3Apregnant-celebrity-photos-look-whos-popping-18178

Jennifer Morrison Jennifer ODell Jennifer Scholle

'Anchorman' Sequel A Go, Will Ferrell Says

Ferrell makes official announcement in costume as newsman Ron Burgundy on Conan O'Brien.
By Gil Kaufman

Will Ferrell in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy"
Photo: DreamWorks

It's time to get classy again, San Diego. Will Ferrell confirmed on Wednesday night that the long-awaited sequel to his 2004 comedy, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," is a go.

Ferrell, appearing as leisure-suit wearing newsman Ron Burgundy, broke the news while making a surprise appearance on the "Conan" show that thrilled the audience. Taking the stage in a, yes, burgundy suit and wide, striped tie, Ferrell/Burgundy, ripped off a wicked flute solo, then explained to host Conan O'Brien, "I like to keep my chops up, jam with the cats here ... smoke a little tea afterwards, see if a little backstage Judy ends up on my lap."

After complimenting the host on his broadcasting skills, Burgundy shared one small criticism with O'Brien. "You look awful," he said. "You look like someone put a bright red fright wig on a skeleton and chucked it out of a helicopter."

But Burgundy wasn't just there to play the flute and insult his host, he also had an exciting bit of news. "I want to announce this to everyone here in the Americas," he said. "To my friends, in Spain, Turkey and the U.K., including England ... as of 0900 Mountain Time, Paramount Pictures and myself, Ronald Joseph Aaron Burgundy, have come to terms on a sequel for 'Anchorman.' It is official, there will be a sequel to 'Anchorman.'"

And with that, Burgundy played himself off the stage with a second wicked flute solo. Back in early 2010, "Anchorman" director and co-writer Adam McKay  told MTV News that he expected much of the first movie's cast to come along for the sequel, including Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, as well as Christina Applegate, David Koechner, Chris Parnell and Fred Willard.

"We had an idea and we contacted Steve and Paul and Koechner and Christina and checked in with everyone and they were all game for it," McKay said at the time. "It's a tricky movie because everyone went and did really well after it, so everyone's prices went up and everyone's time got a little more valuable. But at the same time, graciously, Steve and Paul and everyone agreed to cut their price to come and do it, which you don't see very often in Hollywood — and cut their price substantially."

The original grossed more than $91 million worldwide. Ferrell and McKay will once again co-write for the sequel and McKay will direct again, with production slated to begin at the end of this year for a 2013 release.

Are you looking forward to a sequel to "Anchorman"? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1682020/anchorman-2-will-ferrell.jhtml

Emma Heming Emma Stone Emma Watson

Photos | 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premieres In Los Angeles

'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premieres In Los Angeles

Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin

Photos | Justin Bieber Takes Over New York City

Justin Bieber Takes Over New York City

Related Artists

Justin Bieber

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/justin-bieber-takes-over-new-york-city/1674563/6712699/photo.jhtml

Amanda Detmer Amanda Marcum Amanda Peet

Friday, March 30, 2012

Lady Gaga Collaborator Jonas Akerlund Expects 'Great' Things From Her

'She can probably do anything she wants,' 'Paparazzi' and 'Telephone' director tells us at SXSW.
By Kara Warner

After the mostly positive reviews of <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a>'s first music-video directorial effort on <a href="/news/articles/1675270/lady-gaga-marry-the-night-music-video.jhtml">"Marry the Night"</a>. It's fair to assume that we fans can expect more Gaga-directed clips in the near future. When MTV News caught up with her "Paparazzi" and "Telephone" <a href="/news/articles/1633818/the-man-behind-lady-gagas-telephone-video-jonas-akerlund.jhtml">director Jonas Åkerlund</a> recently during his SXSW appearance for his new ensemble dark comedy "Small Apartments," we asked him for his thoughts on Gaga's future as a director, should she choose to direct all of her videos from here on out. <center><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:748102/cp~id%3D1680857%26vid%3D748102%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A748102" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></center> "She can probably do anything she wants," he said. "So that's probably going to be great." And would Åkerlund make himself available for advice, should Gaga ever be in need of it? "Of course. I would never turn her down," he said, at which point his "Apartments" star and funnyman Matt Lucas ("Bridesmaids") asked a question of his own. "Is her real name Lady Gaga?" "Yes," Åkerlund answered with a smile. "Wow," Lucas responded with astonishment. "There's a fact for you MTV fans." Although Åkerlund didn't mention any more work with Gaga at this time, the busy director is still fully in the mix of the world of music videos. "I may do a couple music videos and I've done quite a few since 'Small Apartments,' actually. The last one I did was a Duran Duran video, but there's a few coming up too." "Are you going to do the Osmonds video?" Lucas asked cheekily. "That's what they're asking." "Maybe," Åkerlund responded, playing along with Lucas' joke. "I'm hoping to." For her part, Gaga has said that she's always been heavily involved in the creative processes behind all her work, including the direction of her music videos. "I know it's my directorial debut, but I've really created everything I've ever done in my career," she said. "I really didn't do anything differently on this video that I didn't do on the 'Telephone' video or the 'Paparazzi' video or the 'Bad Romance' video. I hope my fans will take from this the progression that you have to trust yourself to make mistakes."

Related Videos

South by Southwest 2012

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Lady Gaga

Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1680902/lady-gaga-jonas-akerlund.jhtml

Dita Von Teese Dominique Swain Donna Feldman

Kate Winslet Says Her Acting 'Could've Been Better' In 'Titanic'

'I think I look nicer now,' actress adds to MTV News at London premiere of film's 3-D version.
By Fallon Prinzivalli

Kate Winslet at the "Titanic 3D" premiere
Photo: Getty Images

Kate Winslet has had a rough journey with "Titanic" premieres in the past. She missed the 1997 world premiere at Mann's Chinese Theatre when her ex-boyfriend, Stephen Tredre, tragically died of cancer. During the U.K. premiere, she was in the hospital suffering from dysentery she contracted in Morocco while filming "Hideous Kinky."

But as "Titanic" sets sail again 15 years later in 3-D, Winslet finally made a long overdue red-carpet appearance at the London premiere on Tuesday. MTV News caught up with the Academy Award-winning actress to find out how it feels to see the movie again in a new dimension. "It feels amazing," Winslet said. "I mean, it is a very strange experience because it's a long time since I've seen the film in its entirety."

In 1997, the retelling of the ship's disaster dominated the box office, raking in more than $600 million. The film stands strong as the second-highest-grossing box-office hit in the United States. But Winslet isn't worried about moviegoers and fans passing up the opportunity to see it in theaters again. While she says it looks different, she also believes it's much bigger, in a way. "It looks very different. I mean, it's still as wonderful and as epic as it always was. But it does feel bigger, you know, bigger somehow even than it did then, so it's very exciting," she said.

Having seen Rose again on the big screen, Winslet is critical of herself in the role, suggesting that there are things she would change if she could play the part all over again. "My American accent could've been much better. My acting could've been a lot better," she said. Her Oscar nomination for the role says otherwise.

And as far as seeing herself in 3-D, she's happier with the way she looks now. "I think I look nicer now," she said. "I prefer myself as a 36-year-old. It's really weird 'cause when you're 21 you think, 'Oh God, when I'm 36, oh God, that's nearly 40 and I'll look really old and wrinkly by then.' And actually I quite like the way I look. I feel OK about myself these days."

Audiences will be able to relive the story as the 3-D version of "Titanic" hits theaters on April 4.

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

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

Related Photos

'Titanic 3D' Premiere

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1681969/titanic-3d-premiere-kate-winslet.jhtml

Bijou Phillips Blake Lively Blu Cantrell

Does Britney Spears Have 'The X Factor'?

MTV News takes a look at the pros and cons of bringing Spears onboard as a judge for the reality singing competition.
By John Mitchell

The news that <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> is reportedly in final negotiations to <a href="/news/articles/1680782/britney-spears-x-factor-judge-offer.jhtml">join "The X Factor"</a> has set the <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com">MTV Newsroom</a> on fire. Opinion on whether the pop star is a good fit for the reality singing competition has been sharply divided, so we decided to take on the topic the way we're sure Simon Cowell did before making Spears a reported $10 million offer: a good, old-fashioned pros and cons list. <embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:698603/cp~vid%3D698603%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A698603" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed> <big>Pro: She'll attract viewers</big> The <a href="/news/articles/1671220/x-factor-simon-cowell-ratings.jhtml">debut season of "The X Factor"</a> performed well below expectations. Its heavily hyped premiere pulled in 12.1 million total viewers and a meager 4.4/12 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18 to 49 demographic. That's about half of what the 2011 season of "American Idol" averaged ("Idol" is having its own ratings woes this season), and it didn't even win the night: Emmy-winning sitcom "Modern Family" drew 14.3 million viewers and a 6.0/15 for its season premiere. The poor ratings precipitated the overhaul that saw judges <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger</a> and host Steve Jones fired from the show. There's no question that Spears would bring viewers to "The X Factor." She enjoys a large and devout fanbase who will basically follow her just about anywhere. And beyond her own fans, Spears' celebrity would also likely draw attention from the general public, who will tune in simply to see how she does. <big> Con: She's become nervous on camera </big> Though she can still wow a crowd live in concert, as evidenced by last year's successful tour behind her hit album Femme Fatale, Spears has become increasingly tentative during interviews. She rarely grants on-camera sit-downs, and when she does, she seems nervous and uncomfortable. To be a strong judge or mentor on a reality show, you have to be very comfortable on camera. Part of what made Jennifer Lopez click last season on "Idol" was that she came across as confident, direct and often empathetic. She even broke down in tears after <a href="/news/articles/1658584/americaon-idol-top-24.jhtml">sending home contestant Chris Medina</a>, whose fiancée suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident. The key word here is after. It's hard to imagine Spears being able to keep it together and deliver such difficult news in similar circumstances. It's worth noting that a high-drama situation arose on the first season of "The X Factor" -- one that left <a href="/news/articles/1675936/x-factor-rachel-crow-elimination-reaction.jhtml">contestant Rachel Crow sobbing</a> onstage and Scherzinger a wreck ... a wreck who received <a href="http://www.thefablife.com/2011-12-05/paula-abdul-and-nicole-scherzinger-receive-death-threats-after-the-x-factor-elimination/" target="_blank">death threats</a>. Producers should also consider whether it's wise to send Spears, who has dealt with emotional issues in the past, into a genre that thrives when the emotional stakes are high. <big>Pro: she is a contemporary artist</big> One of the things we like most about <a href="/news/articles/1680496/the-voice-battle-rounds.jhtml">"The Voice"</a> is that its judges — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton — are all active artists. They are all still hitting the studio to make hit records, and that lends a great deal of credibility to their opinions when they critique a contestant's performance. We don't mean to slight Abdul or Scherzinger, but you could argue that a legacy singer who hasn't released an album in over 17 years and a performer who has had a difficult time getting her own solo singing career off the ground aren't the best judges of who does and does not have "The X Factor." On the other hand, Spears may be. <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/03/29/britney-spears-femme-fatale-reviews/">Last year's Femme Fatale</a> gave Spears three top-10 singles — the most of any of her seven albums — and earned some of the best reviews of her career. While it's true that she did not write or produce much of the record, she was most certainly involved in picking her collaborators, which actually could speak well of her ability to know talent when she sees it. Spears also smartly chose red-hot rapper Nicki Minaj to open on the North American leg of her tour. When it comes to the contemporary pop music scene, Spears knows what works. <big>Con: She's not known for her singing</big> Unlike Aguilera, whose talent as a vocalist is indisputable, Spears is not known for her singing. By signing her to judge and mentor a singing competition, "X Factor" producers are setting themselves up for inevitable criticism. "Who is Britney Spears to judge a singing competition?" critics will scream (and they won't be wrong). When Aguilera critiques a performer's vocals, she speaks with authority — and her ear for singing proved to make her the most discerning judge on the "Voice" panel during the <a href="/news/articles/1679565/the-voice-christina-aguilera-jonathas-usher.jhtml">blind auditions</a>. Spears' judging style will likely be based on liking what's already there, but she's not going to have much insight on missed notes or pitch, which will cripple her ability to further mentor her team. How can she help them improve as vocalists when it's a truth universally acknowledged that she's not really a vocalist herself? Do you think Britney Spears is a good choice for "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments below.

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Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1680800/britney-spears-x-factor-judge-singing.jhtml

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Justin Bieber Will Change 'The Landscape' With Believe

Producer Mike Posner says Bieber's next album will make pop artists 'go back to the drawing board.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kara Warner

This week, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> dropped his single <a href="/news/articles/1681772/justin-bieber-boyfriend-mike-posner.jhtml">"Boyfriend,"</a> marking his first step toward making more mature-sounding pop tunes. Co-producer Mike Posner told MTV News that Bieber's upcoming Believe album displays how far he's come since the sugary sweet ditties of his My World days. "I think our goal was to make something that me and my friends could listen to in the car," Posner explained. "I think we've all known Justin since he was 13, and that's not the kid I was in the studio with anymore. He's an 18-year-old. He <a href="/news/articles/1678337/justin-bieber-lil-wayne-studio-visit.jhtml">skateboards with Lil Wayne</a> and hangs out with Lil Twist. Those are his homies. And he listens to hip-hop and he's a really cool kid. He's not like a corny guy. <embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:753202/cp~vid%3D753202%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A753202" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed> "So I wanted to make something that reflected who he is now and who he is going to continue to be," Posner added. "We're still working more on the project and it sounds really incredible. I think people have been waiting [for] when he's going to turn that corner, and the time is now." Believe isn't going to change just Bieber's career, but all of pop music, Posner added. "He's kind of bringing soul back, and rhythm and blues back and definitely hip-hop into his music. I'm really excited to see how it's going to change the landscape, and I know a lot of artists are going to have to go back to the drawing board." <a href="/news/articles/1681595/justin-bieber-boyfriend.jhtml">"Boyfriend" is the lead single</a> off Believe, which will drop later this year. A video is currently in the works, but no release date has been announced. Do you like Justin Bieber's new sound on "Boyfriend"? Leave your comment below!

Related Photos

Justin Bieber's Birthday: Celebrating 18!

Anna Friel Anna Kournikova

Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey Play Santa In 'Christmas' Clip

Bieber debuts 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' video (and performs with Busta Rhymes and Usher) during 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center.'
By Jocelyn Vena

Deck the halls! The holiday kicked into high gear Wednesday night (November 30) when New York's massive Christmas tree was lit during "Christmas in Rockefeller Center." Plenty of A-listers were on hand, including Justin Bieber, who premiered his highly anticipated <a href="/news/articles/1673689/justin-bieber-mariah-carey-christmas-video.jhtml">video for "All I Want for Christmas Is You,"</a> featuring Mariah Carey. <div class="player-placeholder right" title="Justin Bieber Rocks Rockefeller Center" id="vid:715720" width="240" height="211"></div> Before the strings of lights were illuminated, performances from Michael Bublé, Katharine McPhee, Big Time Rush, Tony Bennett, Carole King and Neil Diamond warmed viewers up. But Bieber was the headline act of the night, giving fans some big performances and an even bigger video premiere. Bieber amped up the energy with his hip-hop-ified take on the Christmas classic <a href="/news/articles/1673334/justin-bieber-mariah-carey-christmas-song.jhtml">"Little Drummer Boy,"</a> which included him spitting a holiday-themed rhyme. Decked in all black, the teen star had the crowd screaming. He was even joined by Busta Rhymes, who appears on the Under the Mistletoe cut. JB then slowed things down with <a href="/news/articles/1673032/justin-bieber-usher-christmas-song.jhtml">"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),"</a> leaving his female fans swooning as he crooned the holiday standard. He was joined by his mentor Usher for the track. "God bless and Merry Christmas," Bieber told the crowd before tossing to the "All I Want for Christmas Is You" video. The clip features Mariah Carey dressed in a sexy Santa Claus outfit standing in a department store as she dances around singing the track, almost as if she's on display for holiday shoppers. It also sees Bieber and his pals shopping for some choice holiday gifts like high-top kicks. In between performance shots of Bieber and Mariah, a street-corner Santa Claus hands out envelopes to shoppers on the street, teasing an inevitable yuletide party scene. The shoppers are then welcomed into the department store, where Justin and Mariah hand out gifts to everyone. The duo tease and flirt with each other as everyone around them unwraps their gifts. Bieber and Carey re-recorded her classic holiday tune for his chart-topping holiday album, which also features appearances from the Band Perry and Boyz II Men. They filmed the video earlier this month, just in time for the holiday season. Did Bieber get you in the holiday spirit? Let us know in the comments!

Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris Deanna Russo

Thursday, March 29, 2012

'Bully' Will Be Released Unrated

Weinstein Co. is releasing the documentary on bullying unrated in a protest against an R.
By Gil Kaufman

A Scene from "Bully"

Actors, singers, politicians, educators and high school kids have been protesting the R rating given to the anti-bullying documentary "Bully," but the ratings board would not budge. So, instead of folding, frequently outspoken Weinstein Co. co-founder Harvey Weinstein has decided to release the film unrated.

"The small amount of language in the film that's responsible for the R rating is there because it's real," director Lee Hirsch said of the multiple f-bombs that landed the film its restricted rating, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It's what the children who are victims of bullying face on most days. All of our supporters see that, and we're grateful for the support we've received across the board. I know the kids will come, so it's up to the theaters to let them in."

The film depicts the painful results of school bullying and follows several families who've been impacted by bullying. But because it was given an R rating, it cannot be screened in middle and high schools.

Weinstein began a public appeal of the rating last month, making the case that it would freeze out the very teens and others under 18 who most need to hear its powerful message.

The rating war inspired 17-year-old Katy Butler to start a viral petition to get the decision changed. Not only did her movement win her a GLAAD Media Award  over the weekend, but it also drew nearly 500,000 signatures and support from the likes of Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Johnny Depp and Ellen DeGeneres.

Though unrated films are often shut out of many theater chains out of respect for the ratings board, the CEO of the AMC chain, Gerry Lopez, said he will allow certain theaters in his circuit to screen the movie. "Bully" opens on March 30 in New York and Los Angeles. The movie has gotten another unlikely partner in the form of computing giant Microsoft. According to the Los Angeles Times, Microsoft has agreed to use its Bing search engine to promote "Bully" with a TV and social media ad campaign.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1681835/bully-movie-unrated.jhtml

Anna Faris Anna Friel Anna Kournikova

'Bully' Will Be Released Unrated

Weinstein Co. is releasing the documentary on bullying unrated in a protest against an R.
By Gil Kaufman

A Scene from "Bully"

Weinstein began a public appeal of the rating last month, making the case that it would freeze out the very teens and others under 18 who most need to hear its powerful message.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1681835/bully-movie-unrated.jhtml

Amanda Marcum Amanda Peet Amanda Righetti

Usher's Next Album 'Soulful, Catchy,' Taio Cruz Teases

'He always wants there to be the soul in there,' Cruz tells MTV News about his 'Without You' collaborator.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias

<a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> is hard at work on his next album. Set to work with fellow hitmaker <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/cruz__taio/artist.jhtml">Taio Cruz</a>, the two already cooked up some magic with their <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/guetta_david/artist.jhtml">David Guetta</a> anthem <a href="/news/articles/1670301/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml">"Without You,"</a> and it seems they are hoping to recapture that spirit for Usher's follow-up to 2010's Raymond v. Raymond. <div class="player-placeholder right" title="Taio Cruz's Collabo With Usher Is A 'Secret'" id="vid:717257" width="240" height="211"></div> "I saw Usher a few times, but I spoke to him at length at David [Guetta]'s house when we were in Ibiza [Spain]," he told MTV News in L.A. after his Jingle Ball set. "He has very specific ideas of where he wants to go musically and sound-wise." Given that Usher has never shied away from exposing a bit of himself in his music, while also keeping the party going, Cruz wants to make sure they can connect the mind, body and soul for this next release. "He always wants there to be the soul in there," he explained. "I'm kind of, not the opposite, but I'm always like, 'Let's get straight to the point and be really clear with the message and be simple.' "So we try to match those two worlds together: being soulful and, at the same time, catchy," he added. Cruz can't yet discuss what they're working on: Besides "Without You," he said, "Everything else is secret." Usher said he was drawn to the <a href="/news/articles/1674782/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml">Guetta hit</a> because he connected to it emotionally, explaining to MTV News recently what an important part that plays in his musical philosophy. "I think the world wanted a record like that. That [song] really spoke to the journey that I've actually been on in the last three years," he said. "Traveling all around the world, music sounds different. There's many different genres, and when you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is." <div style="background-color:#000000;width:428px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:713197/cp~vid%3D713197%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A713197" width="420" height="236" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed></div></div>

Camilla Belle Carla Campbell Carla Gugino

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Celebrities In Ridiculously Cheesy Halloween Costumes

MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Celebrities In Ridiculously Cheesy Halloween Costumes

Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy Blog: How Our Favorite Pop Stars Celebrated New Year's

MTV Buzzworthy Blog: How Our Favorite Pop Stars Celebrated New Year's

Jennifer ODell Jennifer Scholle Jennifer Sky

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

'Glee' Star Chris Colfer Teases Michael Jackson Tribute Episode

'I sing part of 'Black [or] White.' I'm the 'white' in 'Black [or] White,' ' actor reveals on the Golden Globes red carpet.
By Amy Wilkinson, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Fox's song-and-dance series "Glee" is no stranger to a star-studded cameo or two, with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, John Stamos and Kristin Chenoweth all walking the halls of McKinley High during the past two and a half seasons. And as the show returns from a month-long hiatus, Gleeks aren't the only ones anticipating a few more famous faces. As star Chris Colfer told MTV News on the Golden Globes red carpet, there's plenty to look forward to when New Directions warble again January 17. "Well, the Michael Jackson episode ...," Colfer answered when asked about his most-anticipated upcoming episodes. "We have a Spanish episode coming up with Ricky Martin. We have a Valentine's Day episode coming up, so that's going to be fun." <CENTER><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:725517/cp~name%3Dnews%26id%3D1677338%26vid%3D725517%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A725517" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></CENTER> Martin is slated to play "the hottest Spanish teacher ever in the history of Ohio," according to <a href="http://www.tvline.com/2011/11/glee-ricky-martin-season-3/" target="_blank">TVLine</a>. The actor/singer recently <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ricky_martin/status/155141894333140993" target="_blank">tweeted</a> a joyful picture from his first day on set. As to how the King of Pop's prolific songbook will manifest itself in the January 31 tribute episode, Colfer explained, "Well, I sing part of 'Black [or] White.' I'm the 'White' in 'Black [or] White,' and I sing 'Ben,' that famous song he wrote for the rat." The rodent in question is the pet of a young boy named Danny in the 1972 film "Ben." Jackson sang a version of the theme song that appeared in the movie's closing credits and was later included on his 1972 album also named Ben. The track "Black or White" was the first single off of Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous. <big>Stick with MTV News all night for the 2012 Golden Globes winners, and don't miss all the fashion from the <a href="http://style.mtv.com/2012/01/15/golden-globes-red-carpet/">Golden Globes red carpet</a>!</big>

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Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677345/glee-chris-colfer-michael-jackson.jhtml

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Around the Web?

Happy Hump Day! Give Wednesday’s links a little love: Tori Spelling: Would a smaller bed keep my kids out of our bedroom? ? ediTORIal Parents feel more comfortable discussing drugs than money ? Huffington Post Pushy parents hijack Easter egg hunt for kids ? TIME How your baby can save you money this tax season [...]

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/EV_UlvN7JNA/

Estella Warren Esther Cañadas Eva Green

Simon Cowell Squashes Beyonce, Mariah Carey 'X Factor' Rumors

Judge also takes shot at 'The Voice,' asking, 'How many artists have they discovered?'
By John Mitchell

Simon Cowell is finally opening up about the cast shakeups on "The X Factor" as well as about rumors that two very famous divas are in talks to join Fox's reality singing competition. <div class="player-placeholder right" title="Simon Cowell Compares The British And U.S. Versions Of 'X Factor'" id="vid:698604.id:1672066" width="240" height="211"></div> Late last month, it was announced that judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones had been <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">id="1678191">fired from "X Factor"</a> and would be replaced in its second season. The announcement came as a shock to fans, but Cowell tells <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simon-cowell-x-factor-firings-voice-287806" target="_blank">"Extra"</a> in an interview airing Wednesday (February 8) that the decision was a long time coming and was ultimately made "at the beginning of the year — and we were told it had to happen straight away." While her dismissal came as a surprise, Cowell says Abdul "was very gracious" about it. "She understands it's business," Cowell said of his real-life friend. "It's never personal." Scherzinger, according to Cowell, was "disappointed" with the producers' decision to replace her. But the former Pussycat Doll insisted in a new <a href="http://www.accesshollywood.com/nicole-scherzinger-talks-x-factor-departure-i-have-no-regrets_article_60184" target="_blank">"Access Hollywood"</a> interview that she "had a wonderful experience on the show." "What happened? Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show," she said. "I know everybody's talking about it, they're saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can't say is that I didn't give it my all." Cowell also used his time with "Extra" to squash rumors that Beyoncé or Mariah Carey might be joining the "X Factor" team when it returns to Fox later this year. He seemed particularly amused by <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/idUS114237084820120208" target="_blank">talk</a> that the show was offering Beyoncé a nine-figure contract to join the judges' table. "The budget for the show is $100 million. That would never ever happen. It's absolute nonsense," he told "Extra." "No one is going to pay $100 million for someone. I genuinely haven't had a conversation with her about it. Not at all." The same can be said for Carey, who Cowell said he likes very much and would be a fine addition to the show but is an impractical choice because of the long hours involved. "I adore her, love her," he said. "But you can't expect someone who has just had two kids [and] has a record career to make the kind of commitment we would need on this show." "X Factor" did not perform as strongly as expected in the ratings last fall, which many feel precipitated the planned revamp, though the ever-cool Cowell is not sweating the competition. In this latest interview, Cowell took on "The Voice," which returned to NBC after the Super Bowl and delivered big ratings, saying the makeup of his judging panel is what sets "X Factor" apart. "I would ask how many records have they made, how many artists have they discovered?" Cowell asked of "The Voice" mentors Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. "That's where we have to be different on the judging panel. It's very important that you have people on the panel that have actually signed and made artists successful all over the world, not just have made hit records yourself."

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"The Dictator" Debuts Trailer #2: Watch Now!

With its theatrical release date getting closer and closer, Paramount Pictures has just debuted the second trailer for ?The Dictator.?

Directed by Larry Charles of ?Borat,? ?Bruno,? and ?Curb Your Enthusiasm,? the comedy film tells the story of a dictator who risks his life to prevent democracy from coming to the country he adoringly oppressed.

Set to hit theaters on May 11th, "The Dictator" stars Sacha Baron Cohen alongside Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, Megan Fox, John C Reilly and J.B. Smoove.

Word has it, Saddam Hussein's best-selling novel ?Zabibah and the King? inspired this story about a dictator played by Cohen.

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/dictator/dictator-debuts-trailer-2-watch-now-598611

Adriana Lima Adrianne Curry

Lady Gaga Launches Born This Way Foundation

'This is not an anti-bullying foundation; this is a youth-empowerment foundation,' Mother Monster says at Harvard launch event.
By Jocelyn Vena

<a href="/news/articles/1677562/lady-gaga-born-this-way-foundation.jhtml">Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta</a>, took over Harvard University to launch their <a href="/news/articles/1673633/lady-gaga-born-this-way-foundation.jhtml">Born This Way Foundation</a> on Wednesday (February 29). In front of a crowd that included <a href="/news/articles/1679223/lady-gaga-oprah-winfrey-foundation.jhtml">Oprah Winfrey</a>, the New York natives kicked off their inspirational foundation, hoping to empower the youth of America. "I was recently with the great Gloria Steinem, who said that sometimes the only way you can get attention to a problem is to freak people out," <a href="http://act.mtv.com/posts/lady-gaga-launches-born-this-way-foundation/">Oprah said at the event</a>." 'Break the form,' she said. You have to stop playing the game in order to change the content. Lady Gaga, with her music and her message and her own story, is breaking the form, and she is changing consciousness. She says that she wasn't put on earth just to sing songs; her passion is to be that force for good. The Born This Way Foundation is in line with so many of my core beliefs." Gaga enthusiastically opened up about the foundation and what she hopes to do with it. "I just have one thing to say before we get started: We got Oprah! ... Thank you from all of us — from my entire team, from my mother, from the bottom of the hearts of so many people who believe in what we're doing today," she said, wearing a chocolate-brown gown, brown lace gloves, towering platforms and a sparkly fishnet hat. "I'm not here today to give you an answer. And I'm not here to tell you I can solve these problems [of bullying]. This is about transformative change in culture over a period of time. One of the most important things I wanted to share with all of you today, it's no secret I speak out against bullying. This is not an anti-bullying foundation; this is a youth-empowerment foundation," she continued. "This is about changing the climate of the school environment and not putting the power in the hands of the teachers or the government. It is about the bubble effect. I don't believe they have the answers; I believe that you do." In addition to her fans, Gaga said her biggest influence to start the foundation is her own Mother Monster. "My mother really inspires me, because she talked about giving back ever since I was very, very young," she said. "And the more that I got to know my fans, the more that I realized that not everybody has that support system at home." Her mother later enthused that despite the snow outside, "It is even more beautiful inside because we are launching the foundation. The youth that is listening: you are the leaders of our future." Gaga also revealed another aspect of the foundation: "There is a bus now called the Born Brave Bus. So the Born Brave Bus is essentially a bus that is going to travel and follow my tour bus around the country, and it will welcome anyone from any walk of life to come and hang out and talk about love, acceptance, kindness and so forth. And the best thing about it it's going to be fun. It's going to essentially be a tailgate. This is not about saying, 'I need help,' but if you do, you can come. If you want to help someone else, you can come and say 'Hey, what's up?' " At the end of the day, Gaga said the foundation "is all about saying the power is in your hands. There really is sort of a focus on the victim, but what I want to point out today is that the victim and the bully are on the same playing field. How do we say, 'You are both equal members of society'? How do we not save not just the victim, but also the bully? I want the Born This Way Foundation to empower the youth of the world." Gaga further explained that one of the core values is teaching her fans to empower themselves to be "brave." "This, again, is not focused on bullying, the bravery aspect; I want for young people to know they have the power," she said. "How can we inspire young people to know they have the power to be brave?"

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Beyoncé - Love on Top

Love on Top

Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia Records
Director:
Album: Orion the Hunter

Source:
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=702484

Ashley Tappin Ashley Tisdale Asia Argento

James Cameron Dives To Deepest Point On Earth In Submarine

'Avatar' director became the first solo diver to dive to 35,756 feet in the Pacific Ocean.
By Gil Kaufman

James Cameron
Photo: Getty Images

Director James Cameron has scaled the heights in Hollywood with mega-smashes including "Titanic" and "Avatar."  Hell, he even once described himself as "king of the world" at the Oscars.

But on Sunday, the oceanographic nut reached new depths when he piloted his custom one-man submarine to the deepest point in the world's oceans by hitting 35,756 feet in the Mariana Trench, southwest of Guam, according to National Geographic. It marks the first time a solo diver has ever reached that point. Following seven years of preparation for the dive, and a few days cooling his heels to wait for bad weather to pass, Cameron pulled the feat off at 2:52 p.m. PT and then shared the historic news on Twitter.

"Just arrived at the ocean's deepest pt. Hitting bottom never felt so good," Cameron tweeted after the two-and-a-half-hour descent that took him 6.8 miles deep. "Can't wait to share what I'm seeing w/ you @DeepChallenge."

The record earned props from none other than movie tough guy and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who tweeted, "Congrats to my great friend on the deepest solo dive ever. Always a pioneer." Cameron surfaced a short time later after a 70-minute ascent.

Cameron helped design the torpedo-shaped sub called the DeepSea Challenger, which he used to collect samples and 3-D video on the ocean floor for nearly six hours. He was pleased with how the dive went, though he lamented that the "manipulator arm" didn't work, which is "to be expected w/a prototype vehicle. Takes time to iron out bugs." He said the team plans to go back and do a number of other dives over the next few weeks. "I see this as the beginning of opening up this frontier," he said. "Open up to science & understanding these deep places."

Though he's focused much of his time lately on the dive, it's possible Cameron surfaced with some ideas for the "Avatar" sequel. In August of 2010, the director told us that the sequel could be focused on the oceans of Pandora.

"I think what we should do there is — because we'll have to have characters that are in and under the water — is that we should actually capture them underwater," Cameron explained. "It's not the same as going diving, but I like to keep my diving, which I do for pleasure, separate from work."

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1681745/james-cameron-diving-record.jhtml

Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner

'Total Recall' Remake: First Look At The Trailer

Sometimes it's not enough to eagerly anticipate a movie. These days you have to eagerly anticipate your eager anticipation. That's exactly what trailer teasers are for, so if you are looking forward to looking forward to the Colin Farrell-led reboot of "Total Recall," we have just the thing for you. The new teaser actually shows [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/03/27/total-recall-remake-trailer/

Amy Cobb Amy Smart Ana Beatriz Barros

Photos | 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Premiere After Party

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/michael-jacksons-this-is-it-premiere-after-party/1624956/4354557/photo.jhtml

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

Janet Jackson Performs A Tribute To Michael Jackson At The VMAs

Carla Gugino Carmen Electra Carol Grow

Monday, March 26, 2012

Rihanna's Confidence-Boosting Secret? Get Naked!

International superstar Rihanna is known for her fabulous figure, but even she has the occasional body insecurity. And RiRi admits that she felt a little self-conscious about losing her signature booty after slimming down a bit.

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/rihanna-shares-secret-self-confidence-getting-naked/1-a-438342?dst=iv%3AiVillage%3Arihanna-shares-secret-self-confidence-getting-naked-438342

Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe

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

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/michael-jacksons-this-is-it-trailer-frames/1621244/4251489/photo.jhtml

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Ke$ha Celebrates National Coming Out Day

'We R Who We R' T-shirts support the Human Rights Campaign.
By Jocelyn Vena

<a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/kesha_/artist.jhtml">Kesha</a> has joined forces with the Human Rights Campaign to help celebrate National Coming Out Day on Tuesday (October 11). The pop singer created a special message T-shirt, featuring a purple zebra, that <a href="/news/articles/1653432/kehas-we-r-who-we-r-video-is-hot-and-dangerous.jhtml">proclaims "We R Who We R,"</a> the title of her hit anthem about individuality. The shirts sell for $35, with all proceeds supporting the HRC's work to achieve equality for the LGBT community. According to the <a href="http://www.hrc.org/press-releases/entry/human-rights-campaign-unveils-t-shirt-collaboration-with-kesha" target="_blank">HRC website</a>, only 1,000 shirts will be produced. Others are also using the day to bring awareness to LGBT issues. Several notable celebrities will be honored by the Equality Forum, which is hosting an event and profiling notable LGBT members in pop culture. As <a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2011/10/lgbt-history-month-honors-ricky-martin-wanda-sykes-ryan-murphy-pedro-zamora-27-other-icons.html#ixzz1aTgr8yl4" target="_blank">LGBT History Month</a> rolls on throughout October, Ricky Martin, Wanda Sykes, "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy and Pedro Zamora, a former "The Real World" castmember turned AIDS activist, all will be profiled by the organization. "We're the only minority worldwide that's not taught history at home, in school or religious institutions," said Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum's founder and executive director. "Like every group that's been marginalized, it really helps to make the case why we should take real pride in ourselves and our community." Since launching the program five years ago, over 200 icons have been profiled, including Jane Lynch, Lady Gaga and Neil Patrick Harris. Lazin called LGBT month "empowering and life affirming." The message comes amid increased awareness about young people being bullied, including MTV's <a href="http://www.athinline.org">A Thin Line</a> campaign. The MTV film <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/disconnected/series.jhtml">"DISconnected,"</a> which premiered Monday night, focuses on issues in a world where technology controls personal lives. "I see the viciousness of people every day," said <a href="/news/articles/1672289/jersey-shore-vinny-disconnected-fight-negativity.jhtml">id="1672289">"Jersey Shore" star Vinny Guadagnino</a> on the "DISconnected" after show. "I kind of want to be a soldier in the field, so to speak, and try to combat the negativity with a positive message. I want to help open people's eyes up, like this movie does, to the negativity." Check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MTVDisCONNECTED">Facebook</a> page for <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/disconnected/series.jhtml">"DISconnected."</a>

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Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672294/kesha-national-coming-out-day.jhtml

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Five Reasons To See 'Hunger Games'

by Josh Wigler and Kevin P. Sullivan When a high profile literary adaptation as big as "The Hunger Games" hits theaters, the quality of the actual movie can be a secondary detail. Luckily, a talented cast and a skilled director have not only put together a faithful adaptation, but one that doesn't suck, at all. [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/03/23/hunger-games-review/

Ashley Tisdale Asia Argento

Rihanna, Usher Added To Grammy Nominations Concert

Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco and the Band Perry also scheduled to perform at November 30 event.
By Jocelyn Vena

<a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/rihanna/artist.jhtml">Rihanna</a> and <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> have been added to the performance lineup for "The <a href="/news/articles/1673138/lady-gaga-grammy-nominations-concert.jhtml">Grammy Nominations Concert Live!</a> Countdown to Music's Biggest Night," set to go down November 30. They join already announced acts Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco, Sugarland and Jason Aldean. Country crossover act the Band Perry will perform a full concert of their own after the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/grammys">Grammy</a> nominations concert wraps up at L.A. Live's Nokia Theatre. LL Cool J will again host the show, which will air at 10 p.m. on CBS, <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/rihanna-band-perry-usher-added-to-grammy-1005529002.story#/news/rihanna-band-perry-usher-added-to-grammy-1005529002.story" target="_blank">Billboard.com reports</a>. This marks the fourth year the Recording Academy had held one of these concerts. As some of music's biggest names take the stage during the special, the nominations for major Grammy categories will be announced. The awards ceremony will go down February 12 at the Staples Center, and will air live at 8 p.m. Over the course of her career, Rihanna has taken home four Grammy Awards including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella," two trophies for "Run This Town" (including Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration) and Best Dance Recording for "Only Girl (In the World)." Rihanna is currently riding high on the forthcoming release of her new album, <a href="/news/articles/1674237/rihanna-talk-that-talk-watch-learn-hit-boy.jhtml">Talk That Talk</a>, and two buzzworthy singles, "We Found Love" and "You Da One." In the thirteen years he's been nominated for Grammys, Usher has amassed seven, including wins for Best R&B Vocal Performance Male for "U Remind Me," Best R&B Vocal Performance Male for "U Don't Have To Call," Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah," Best Contemporary R&B Album for Confessions, Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo/Group for "My Boo," Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "There Goes My Baby" as well as Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond. Recently, he has been taking over airwaves with his <a href="/news/articles/1670301/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml">David Guetta track, "Without You."</a>

Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Captain America

Go see Captain America this weekend! Support our Colin!

I went to the premiere on Tuesday and it was the coolest thing ever. First, the movie is AMAZING and Chris Evans is a superstar. Second, there were so many damn people there it was insane. I have been to movie premieres in New York before and they were nothing like this. I mean, they closed down Hollywood Boulevard. I would've taken photos to show you, but the invite said to leave phones in the car. But here's a photo of me in my cool Captain America 3D glasses:

(Sit down, stop jumping around, it's an awesome picture, I know. And the quality is amazing. It's not grainy or reddish... it's perfect.) (No, it's not.)

(And you can totally see the Captain America logo on the side of the glasses.) (No, you can't.)

Anyway, Captain America is pulling a strong 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes right now so GO SEE IT! IT'S FANTASTIC!

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/7/22/captain-america.html

Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park

Taylor Swift Tops Billboard 2012 Top Money Makers

Lady Gaga, Adele and Lil Wayne make top 10.
By Gil Kaufman

<a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml" target="_blank">Lady Gaga</a>, Katy Perry and <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/adele/artist.jhtml" target="_blank">Adele</a> had huge years in 2011, with major tours, strings of hit singles, Grammy wins and #1-hogging chart-topping albums. But when <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/music-s-top-40-money-makers-2012-1006415552.story#/news/music-s-top-40-money-makers-2012-1006415552.story" target="_blank">Billboard</a> magazine compiled its 2012 list of "Music's Top 40 Money Makers" it was <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/swift__taylor/artist.jhtml" target="_blank">Taylor Swift</a> who ruled them all. In fact, the 22-year-old country-pop darling out-earned all of her fellow ladies combined. <embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:732753/cp~vid%3D732753%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A732753" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed> According to the magazine's calculations, Swift earned her #1 spot on the list thanks to reported earnings of $35.7 million in the 2011 calendar year. Those earnings came from a combination of revenue from the quadruple-platinum-plus sales of Speak Now and its accompanying tour, which grossed $88.5 million in the U.S. alone. But because Swift writes her own songs, she rolled up a big chunk of change in songwriting royalties as well. Right behind Swift was iconic rock band U2, who earned a reported $32.1 million thanks to their record-setting 360 Tour -- which grossed a whopping $736 million total over two years -- including $50 million in merchandise sales and 1.4 million in digital track sales. Country singer Kenny Chesney was #3 with $29.8 million, followed by previous tally topper Gaga at #4 with $25.3 million. She stayed in the top 5 thanks to sales of Born This Way and its accompanying Monster Ball Tour, which grossed more than $51 million. She also moved 12.7 million digital tracks. Lil Wayne rounded out the top 5 with $23.1 million, made up of 12.3 million digital track sales, $44.7 million in tour grosses and cash from his gig as founder of Young Money Entertainment. The rest of the top 10: Sade (#6, $16.3 million), Bon Jovi (#7, $15.8 million), Celine Dion (#8, $14.2 million) and Jason Aldean (#9, $13.4 million). Adele rounded out the top 10 list at #10 with $13 million, mostly from the unstoppable streak of her 21 album's <a href="/news/articles/1680635/adele-21-album-billboard-charts.jhtml">chart run,</a>  which included sales of 6.7 million copies last year alone. The "Glee" cast were just outside the top 10 at #11 ($12.5 million), Katy Perry hit #14 ($11.9 million), Britney Spears was at #16 ($10 million) and like her sisters in pop, Rihanna made it to #22 ($7.6 million) through a combination of album and single sales and touring revenue. Other notable entries: Enrique Iglesias (#23, $7.4 million), Usher (#30, $6.2 million), Foo Fighters (#31, $6 million), Justin Bieber (#35, $5.5 million), Kanye West (#39, $5.3 million) and Linkin Park (#40, $5.1 million). Billboard calculated the figures based on proprietary data from its Boxscore archives for concert grosses, Nielsen SoundScan for sales of physical and digital albums, singles and ringtone sales, and Nielsen BDS for terrestrial radio play and streaming service information.

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