With her new album due in March, we revisit some of the pop princess' many hits.By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Jive
Now that Britney Spears has announced that she will be releasing a new album in March 2011, fans must be wondering what her latest musical endeavor will sound like. The as-yet-untitled effort is a follow-up to 2008's well-received Circus, which helped resurrect the singer's career after a dark time in her life. No information regarding the upcoming album has emerged, but Britney's faithful followers have watched her change up her look and sound with each single over the span of her decade-plus career, as she evolved from a bubblegum-pop princess to a sexy dance-club siren. Let's trace Spears' musical journey by taking a look at some of her most memorable tunes.
In 1999, a fresh-faced Spears released " ...Baby One More Time" (produced by Max Martin), the title track off her massive debut album. She got the conversation about her sexuality started thanks to a provocative video in which she danced around in a Catholic school uniform, as well as the song's equally provocative lyrics, where she longingly sang, "My loneliness is killing me/ I must confess, I still believe/ When I'm not with you I lose my mind/ Give me a sign/ Hit me baby one more time." It's to be noted that the song originally was intended for TLC.
In the video for "Oops! ... I Did It Again" (produced by Martin and Rami Yacoub), Spears' smash from the 2000 album of the same name, the pigtails and skirt were gone, replaced by a red catsuit. That visual, as well as the song's lyrical content, reflected Spears' evolution from naughty schoolgirl to intergalactic sex kitten, both in her video and on the song's lyrical content.
For "I'm a Slave 4 U" (produced by the Neptunes) off 2001's Britney, Spears declared her sexual independence. No longer was she just teasing about the idea that she loved the beat of dance music and how sexy it made her feel, instead she was explicitly sharing it with the world. Plus, who could forget all the sweat in that video.
In 2003, Spears teamed up with the Queen of Pop, Madonna, for "Me Against the Music" (produced by Christopher Stewart and Penelope Magnet), the sexy lead single from In the Zone. While the darker, more synth-heavy "Toxic" would become the album's defining tune, "Me Against the Music" picked up where "Slave" left off: Spears battling the demon she has inside of her that just loves to come out on the dance floor.
After a few years of not putting out any music, Spears hit the club again with 2007's "Gimme More" (produced by Danja) off the aptly titled Blackout. Between the release of In the Zone and Blackout, Spears had married, divorced and become a mother — she also had started to act erratically. The track, which relied more heavily on underground dance and electro than most of Spears' previous singles, was a highly sexualized tune about getting it on.
After the darkness of Blackout, Spears got back to her fun and frolicking old ways on the 2008 Circus single "Womanizer" (produced by the Outsyders). The track was a return to form for Spears after the lackluster response to Blackout, and it brought the discussion back around to her music and away from her sometimes topsy-turvy personal life. In the song's video, Spears gets back at a player, and really has the last laugh. The clip also features ffotage of a completely nude Britney in a steamy sauna.
In 2009, Spears shot to the top of the charts with the danceable track "Three" (produced by Martin and Shellback) off The Singles Collection. The tune was an instant smash, and featured Spears robotically singing about a ménage à trois over a club beat.
As for what's next for the singer, very little is known about her forthcoming album, although a couple of her producers have dropped some hints. Dr. Luke said that the music will "be a departure from what you've heard," while Danja called it "hard-hitting, uptempo [and] high-energy." Spears, meanwhile, is very clear about how she thinks the record is sounding. "I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!" she tweeted.
Are you looking forward to Britney's new album? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
'Teen Mom' Star Amber Portwood Charged With Domestic Battery, Neglect
Charges stem from Portwood's assault of Gary Shirley in front of their daughter, Leah.By Jayson Rodriguez
Amber Portwood
Photo: MTV
MTV's "Teen Mom" star Amber Portwood was arrested on Monday and charged with felony domestic battery and child neglect stemming from her behavior on the reality television series.
Portwood, 20, is one of four women the show chronicles as they attempt to manage as young mothers. Last season, Portwood's tumultuous relationship with her on-and-off fiancé took a turn for the worse when she punched him in the face. Gary Shirley, 24, is the father of Portwood's daughter, Leah; the state of Indiana, which has been investigating Portwood since last season, filed charges against her for assaulting Shirley in front of their child. The two have a rocky history and Portwood frequently belittled Shirley and abused him, both physically and verbally, often in front of their child. Portwood was held for 24 hours following her arrest, according to The Associated Press.
A representative for "Teen Mom" had no comment on the matter when contacted by MTV News. In November, Portwood agreed to be monitored by child protective services for six months. That same month, state officials charged her with three counts of domestic violence as a result of her actions on "Teen Mom." Last month, the state of Indiana began the process of taking Portwood's daughter, Leah, away from her.
The child is still in Portwood's custody, however, until a hearing is set.
For all her struggles, Portwood has often been regretful about her treatment of Shirley. During the reunion episode after season 2, she opened up about her mistakes and was apologetic.
"I have no clue why I hurt Gary," she confessed. "I sort of do, but it's kind of beyond myself. I can't help myself. I have to get help and then help myself. I never notice how bad I am until I see it. And I feel so terrible. And it's like, did I really do that? The people who are around me, how do they feel? I don't remember it being that bad at the time. How did Gary feel? What the hell was I doing?
"I'm ashamed of the type of human being I am," Portwood added. "I don't think I'm worth the time. I think that Gary can't get away from me and he needs to find somebody better. There's better people out there. I care about him so much, but nobody can tell. I don't treat him the way I feel."
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Amber Portwood
Photo: MTV
MTV's "Teen Mom" star Amber Portwood was arrested on Monday and charged with felony domestic battery and child neglect stemming from her behavior on the reality television series.
Portwood, 20, is one of four women the show chronicles as they attempt to manage as young mothers. Last season, Portwood's tumultuous relationship with her on-and-off fiancé took a turn for the worse when she punched him in the face. Gary Shirley, 24, is the father of Portwood's daughter, Leah; the state of Indiana, which has been investigating Portwood since last season, filed charges against her for assaulting Shirley in front of their child. The two have a rocky history and Portwood frequently belittled Shirley and abused him, both physically and verbally, often in front of their child. Portwood was held for 24 hours following her arrest, according to The Associated Press.
A representative for "Teen Mom" had no comment on the matter when contacted by MTV News. In November, Portwood agreed to be monitored by child protective services for six months. That same month, state officials charged her with three counts of domestic violence as a result of her actions on "Teen Mom." Last month, the state of Indiana began the process of taking Portwood's daughter, Leah, away from her.
The child is still in Portwood's custody, however, until a hearing is set.
For all her struggles, Portwood has often been regretful about her treatment of Shirley. During the reunion episode after season 2, she opened up about her mistakes and was apologetic.
"I have no clue why I hurt Gary," she confessed. "I sort of do, but it's kind of beyond myself. I can't help myself. I have to get help and then help myself. I never notice how bad I am until I see it. And I feel so terrible. And it's like, did I really do that? The people who are around me, how do they feel? I don't remember it being that bad at the time. How did Gary feel? What the hell was I doing?
"I'm ashamed of the type of human being I am," Portwood added. "I don't think I'm worth the time. I think that Gary can't get away from me and he needs to find somebody better. There's better people out there. I care about him so much, but nobody can tell. I don't treat him the way I feel."
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Britney Spears - Break the Ice
Break the Ice
Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Robert Hales
Album: Blackout
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Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Robert Hales
Album: Blackout
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Lady Gaga Dishes On Born This Way During London Show
During her concert on Friday, the pop star said her upcoming album 'doesn't have a bunch of rock ballads,' confirmed that it will feature 'You and I.'By James Dinh
Lady Gaga (file)
Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News
Throughout the year, Lady Gaga has not only talked up her forthcoming album, Born This Way, but she's also previewed a few new tracks that may or may not appear on the release. On songs like "You and I" and "Living on the Radio," Gaga strays from her usual dance-hit formula to explore a more Elton John-esque sound. However, during her recent Monster Ball Tour stop at London's O2 Arena on Friday, the pop star told the roaring audience that the project won't be full of too many piano-driven ballads.
After asking concertgoers if they wanted to hear a new song, Mother Monster said, "Want to hear 'You and I'? This one is going to be on Born This Way. It's one of my favorites. The album doesn't have a bunch of rock ballads or anything, but this is one of them."
Following her chit-chat with the audience, Gaga launched into tune, which finds the singer recalling a reunion with a lover.
"There's something, something about this place/ Something about lonely nights and my lipstick on your face/ Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy/ Yeah something about/ Baby you and I," she sang while pounding away on her piano.
In the midst of her "You and I" performance, the songbird took time to give herself props for the originality and creativity she puts into her material.
"Now I don't know if you know this, but for those of you who don't know, I write all my own music," she announced. "Every single lyric, melody and note was created by me. I am not manufactured. I'm a bad cat and coming for you 'cause I believe in you and I."
Later on in the song, she added, "It's not that I don't like to be humble, it's just that pop music has a pretty bad rap," before indulging in some of her usual impulsive piano antics.
Gaga's Little Monsters can expect to hear even more new tunes as early as February. Just a few weeks ago, she told fan site Lady-Gaga.net that the lead single from Born This Way will be released that month, while comparing the album to "bad kids going to church, having fun on a high level."
What kind of tracks are you looking forward to hear on Born This Way? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Lady Gaga (file)
Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News
Throughout the year, Lady Gaga has not only talked up her forthcoming album, Born This Way, but she's also previewed a few new tracks that may or may not appear on the release. On songs like "You and I" and "Living on the Radio," Gaga strays from her usual dance-hit formula to explore a more Elton John-esque sound. However, during her recent Monster Ball Tour stop at London's O2 Arena on Friday, the pop star told the roaring audience that the project won't be full of too many piano-driven ballads.
After asking concertgoers if they wanted to hear a new song, Mother Monster said, "Want to hear 'You and I'? This one is going to be on Born This Way. It's one of my favorites. The album doesn't have a bunch of rock ballads or anything, but this is one of them."
Following her chit-chat with the audience, Gaga launched into tune, which finds the singer recalling a reunion with a lover.
"There's something, something about this place/ Something about lonely nights and my lipstick on your face/ Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy/ Yeah something about/ Baby you and I," she sang while pounding away on her piano.
In the midst of her "You and I" performance, the songbird took time to give herself props for the originality and creativity she puts into her material.
"Now I don't know if you know this, but for those of you who don't know, I write all my own music," she announced. "Every single lyric, melody and note was created by me. I am not manufactured. I'm a bad cat and coming for you 'cause I believe in you and I."
Later on in the song, she added, "It's not that I don't like to be humble, it's just that pop music has a pretty bad rap," before indulging in some of her usual impulsive piano antics.
Gaga's Little Monsters can expect to hear even more new tunes as early as February. Just a few weeks ago, she told fan site Lady-Gaga.net that the lead single from Born This Way will be released that month, while comparing the album to "bad kids going to church, having fun on a high level."
What kind of tracks are you looking forward to hear on Born This Way? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Beyonce Jokes She's Been Pregnant With Concert Special
'I was pregnant with this DVD,' she laughs to MTV News as 'I Am ... World Tour' is set to air Thanksgiving Day on ABC.By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé
Photo: MTV News
Beyoncé never really seems to slow down, so when the time came to choose a director for her concert special DVD "I Am ... World Tour," the singer decided to take on those duties too. It's an accomplishment the singer jokes may have sparked those pregnancy rumors.
"I was pregnant with this DVD, yes!" she joked to MTV News.
The DVD hits stores on November 30, but fans can catch the 90-minute "I Am ... World Tour" TV special when it airs on ABC Thanksgiving night at 9:30 p.m. ET. Beyoncé opened up about what it was like to sit in the director's chair.
"Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled," she said at the New York City screening for the flick.
Beyoncé said she was completely hands-on, deciding which moments made the final cut and which ones wound up on the cutting-room floor. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it."
Her parents, Mathew and Tina Knowles, who also attended the screening over the weekend, said the film gives B the recognition she deserves after years of collaborating on many of her own videos.
"I'm really excited about this because Beyoncé has been making little short films and really helping to direct her videos," Tina told us. "So it's nice that she'll get credit for doing something that she really loves doing and that she's very talented at."
Dad Mathew recalled all of the effort his superstar daughter put into the special. "I'm so proud," he said. "I had an opportunity [to see the film], I've been to Houston with a screening; I've been to Bentonville, [Arkansas], with a screening, and to see the excitement from the audience, what an incredible job Beyoncé did as a director in the editing, I'm just so proud. Hopefully, all the fans go out and get the DVD and soundtrack and look at that ABC special coming on Thanksgiving."
Are you excited to see Beyoncé's concert special? Tell us in the comments!
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Beyoncé
Photo: MTV News
Beyoncé never really seems to slow down, so when the time came to choose a director for her concert special DVD "I Am ... World Tour," the singer decided to take on those duties too. It's an accomplishment the singer jokes may have sparked those pregnancy rumors.
"I was pregnant with this DVD, yes!" she joked to MTV News.
The DVD hits stores on November 30, but fans can catch the 90-minute "I Am ... World Tour" TV special when it airs on ABC Thanksgiving night at 9:30 p.m. ET. Beyoncé opened up about what it was like to sit in the director's chair.
"Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled," she said at the New York City screening for the flick.
Beyoncé said she was completely hands-on, deciding which moments made the final cut and which ones wound up on the cutting-room floor. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it."
Her parents, Mathew and Tina Knowles, who also attended the screening over the weekend, said the film gives B the recognition she deserves after years of collaborating on many of her own videos.
"I'm really excited about this because Beyoncé has been making little short films and really helping to direct her videos," Tina told us. "So it's nice that she'll get credit for doing something that she really loves doing and that she's very talented at."
Dad Mathew recalled all of the effort his superstar daughter put into the special. "I'm so proud," he said. "I had an opportunity [to see the film], I've been to Houston with a screening; I've been to Bentonville, [Arkansas], with a screening, and to see the excitement from the audience, what an incredible job Beyoncé did as a director in the editing, I'm just so proud. Hopefully, all the fans go out and get the DVD and soundtrack and look at that ABC special coming on Thanksgiving."
Are you excited to see Beyoncé's concert special? Tell us in the comments!
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Monday, December 27, 2010
The Game Robbed While Christmas Shopping
The rapper claims that he had valuables stolen from a friend's car while they visited an L.A.-area mall on Christmas Eve.By Jayson Rodriguez
The Game (file)
Photo: Moses Robinson/ WireImage
It wasn't exactly Yuletide blessings over at the Game's house during the holidays. The Los Angeles rapper claims that he was robbed on Christmas Eve. He vented his frustrations via Twitter, saying robbers relieved him and a friend of a luxury travel bag, jewelry and cash while his associate's car was parked in valet outside of a local mall.
"So, heres my day: tried 2 do last minute shoppin 4 da kids & valet stole a Louis Duffle out @avanterose's car & we 2 chains & $75,000 short," The Game wrote in several messages. "So police come & guess who get patted down ? Yea, US !!! then they tell us da palmtree was blocking the crime scene on the tape."
According to the rapper, he's going to search for justice by his own means. He threatened the Topanga Mall Nordstrom valet drivers with an offer to deliver them gifts after the holiday.
The Game, however, noted that he and his associate are both on
probation, so they couldn't properly voice their displeasure with the valet employees while police were present.
Last month, the Game attempted to reconcile with former mentor 50 Cent once again.
The Compton native reached out to the G-Unit head honcho via Twitter about rejoining the crew populated by Fif, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. (Young Buck, like Game, was ousted by 50 for being disloyal.)
"@50cent Aye n---a, get on twitter & let's get this sh-- movin !!!
G-G-G-G- well, you know the rest," Game's note to 50 read. "@50cent All it take is 'ONE PHONE CALL'! U call me, I call BUCK, tell Banks holla at Yayo & dat puts HIP HOP @ OUR MERCY! #UknowUcdisN---A. Anybody don't like it, F--- YALL!!!"
50 questioned Game's sincerity and dismissed the olive branch, though, saying the rapper's motive was to promote his long-delayed release, The R.E.D. Album.
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The Game (file)
Photo: Moses Robinson/ WireImage
It wasn't exactly Yuletide blessings over at the Game's house during the holidays. The Los Angeles rapper claims that he was robbed on Christmas Eve. He vented his frustrations via Twitter, saying robbers relieved him and a friend of a luxury travel bag, jewelry and cash while his associate's car was parked in valet outside of a local mall.
"So, heres my day: tried 2 do last minute shoppin 4 da kids & valet stole a Louis Duffle out @avanterose's car & we 2 chains & $75,000 short," The Game wrote in several messages. "So police come & guess who get patted down ? Yea, US !!! then they tell us da palmtree was blocking the crime scene on the tape."
According to the rapper, he's going to search for justice by his own means. He threatened the Topanga Mall Nordstrom valet drivers with an offer to deliver them gifts after the holiday.
The Game, however, noted that he and his associate are both on
probation, so they couldn't properly voice their displeasure with the valet employees while police were present.
Last month, the Game attempted to reconcile with former mentor 50 Cent once again.
The Compton native reached out to the G-Unit head honcho via Twitter about rejoining the crew populated by Fif, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. (Young Buck, like Game, was ousted by 50 for being disloyal.)
"@50cent Aye n---a, get on twitter & let's get this sh-- movin !!!
G-G-G-G- well, you know the rest," Game's note to 50 read. "@50cent All it take is 'ONE PHONE CALL'! U call me, I call BUCK, tell Banks holla at Yayo & dat puts HIP HOP @ OUR MERCY! #UknowUcdisN---A. Anybody don't like it, F--- YALL!!!"
50 questioned Game's sincerity and dismissed the olive branch, though, saying the rapper's motive was to promote his long-delayed release, The R.E.D. Album.
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Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams
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Boxing promoter offers Mark Wahlberg and Will Smith $1m to fight
Actors, who have both played boxers on screen, offered chance to do battle in charity celebrity match next yearIt looks set to be the biggest celebrity boxing match since Ricky Gervais took on Grant Bovey: a US promoter has offered Will Smith and Mark Wahlberg $1m to fight each other in the ring in Las Vegas next year.For Hollywood A-listers who can command salaries of several million dollars per movie that may not seem like a huge purse, but Damon Feldman of the Hollywood Boxing Federation is counting on the actors' sense of generosity: all the money would go to their favourite charities.Smith and Wahlberg are obvious candidates to fight for Feldman, who has staged a series of celebrity matches in the past, because both have trained in the pugilistic arts for appearances on film. Smith famously bulked up to play Muhammad Ali in biopic Ali while Wahlberg is appearing as boxer "Irish" Micky Ward in Oscar-tipped David O Russell film The Fighter.Both are also around the same age ? Smith is 42 and Wahlberg 39 ? though there might be some disparities in terms of each's weight and height: Smith is 1.88m (6ft 2in) and appeared as a heavyweight in Ali, while Wahlberg is 1.75m (5ft 9in) and is a welterweight in The Fighter."This will be a great opportunity for both stars to fight in the Superbowl of Hollywood boxing and to donate millions to their favourite charities," Feldman told RadarOnline.com. "It would be a great event too. Can you imagine?"The promoter ? who has previously put on fights featuring rather lower-calibre celebrities, including The Partridge Family star Danny Bonaduce and Lindsay Lohan's father, Michael ? said the actors would only be required to fight three one-minute rounds."We don't think these two are going to rip each others heads off," Feldman said. "We're just hoping they get into the ring and have a little fun duking it out."The fight, if Smith and Wahlberg agree to it, would take place in Las Vegas on 26 February 2011.Will SmithBoxingCelebrityBen Childguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More FeedsRascal Flatts
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Michael Jackson 'Hold My Hand' Video Tugs At Heartstrings
Posthumous clip mixes classic footage of Jackson with newly shot film of fans.By Gil Kaufman
Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In addition to his flawless vocals and mind-bending footwork, one of the things Michael Jackson was best known for was his drive to create the most elaborate and cinematic music videos the world had ever seen.
"Billie Jean," "Thriller," "Black or White," "Remember the Time" and "Bad" are just a few of the landmark clips the late King of Pop gave the world during his 1980s and early-'90s hit-making peak. Which is why fans and critics alike were eager to get a glimpse Thursday morning (December 9) at the first music video in the singer's career that was created without his firm guiding hand and vision.
After teasing the clip earlier in the week, the official MJ site debuted on Thursday the full video for the stirring ballad "Hold My Hand," the first single from the upcoming album, Michael. The clip for MJ's duet with Akon is not unlike the first posthumous vids from the likes of other contemporary fallen stars such as Tupac Shakur or the Notorious B.I.G., in that it mixes classic footage of the artist performing with newly shot images of fans young and old paying homage to their hero.
It opens with a crowd of people standing in front of a large airplane hangar and unleashing a flood of white balloons as they say "Thank you, Michael" and "We love you, Michael," while a gigantic image of the singer in silhouette appears on the side of the structure.
If nothing else, the "Hold My Hand" video is a kind of MJ greatest-hits montage, intercutting images of the singer in his prime in some of his most beloved stage outfits with glimpses of children wearing the same garb, a young boy holding a red plastic heart in his hands and Akon dancing on a pure white background as MJ hoofs beside him.
As Michael begins to sing the first verse, we see a variety of different hands — old, young, holding babies, reaching up to the sky, down into a bathtub, etc. — as well as a series of women crying, the infamous glittering glove and a woman in a hospital bed seemingly dying of cancer, all intended to pull heartstrings and stir emotion.
It continues on like that, with most of the video consisting of shots of hands (some trailing a kind of glittery pixie-dust vapor) doing various things, children breakdancing and popping, and various images of angels, as the edits of stock-like footage of sunny skies, forests and adorable babies pile on so quickly it's almost hard to keep up.
Jackson, frankly, is hardly in the video, making sporadic appearances courtesy of some iconic footage of him in concert, a curious choice given the reported dozens of hours of HD footage shot of the singer while he was preparing for what was slated to be his big comeback tour in England last year.
The duet with Akon was recorded in 2007 and, as a message on MJ's site points out, "a handwritten note from Michael belonging to his estate indicated his desire that 'Hold My Hand' be the first single on his next project." After an unfinished version leaked in 2008, Akon recently went back into the studio to complete production on the track.
Instead of the eye-popping special effects and intricate choreography of the past, the "Hold My Hand" video goes for a simpler, more predictable sentimentality. Without Jackson around anymore to call the shots and push the video envelope, it also signals a quiet, uneventful end to a career of constant reinvention and visual ambition via music video.
In a statement to MTV News, director Mark Pellington explained what he was aiming for with the posthumous clip. "We shot the video in a variety of locations in Los Angeles, including a blimp hangar in Tustin. The attempt was to create a celebratory, positive, healing music video honoring Michael's legacy," he said. "And for me personally, if his fans like it, that's all I really care about."
What do you think of the "Hold My Hand" video?
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Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In addition to his flawless vocals and mind-bending footwork, one of the things Michael Jackson was best known for was his drive to create the most elaborate and cinematic music videos the world had ever seen.
"Billie Jean," "Thriller," "Black or White," "Remember the Time" and "Bad" are just a few of the landmark clips the late King of Pop gave the world during his 1980s and early-'90s hit-making peak. Which is why fans and critics alike were eager to get a glimpse Thursday morning (December 9) at the first music video in the singer's career that was created without his firm guiding hand and vision.
After teasing the clip earlier in the week, the official MJ site debuted on Thursday the full video for the stirring ballad "Hold My Hand," the first single from the upcoming album, Michael. The clip for MJ's duet with Akon is not unlike the first posthumous vids from the likes of other contemporary fallen stars such as Tupac Shakur or the Notorious B.I.G., in that it mixes classic footage of the artist performing with newly shot images of fans young and old paying homage to their hero.
It opens with a crowd of people standing in front of a large airplane hangar and unleashing a flood of white balloons as they say "Thank you, Michael" and "We love you, Michael," while a gigantic image of the singer in silhouette appears on the side of the structure.
If nothing else, the "Hold My Hand" video is a kind of MJ greatest-hits montage, intercutting images of the singer in his prime in some of his most beloved stage outfits with glimpses of children wearing the same garb, a young boy holding a red plastic heart in his hands and Akon dancing on a pure white background as MJ hoofs beside him.
As Michael begins to sing the first verse, we see a variety of different hands — old, young, holding babies, reaching up to the sky, down into a bathtub, etc. — as well as a series of women crying, the infamous glittering glove and a woman in a hospital bed seemingly dying of cancer, all intended to pull heartstrings and stir emotion.
It continues on like that, with most of the video consisting of shots of hands (some trailing a kind of glittery pixie-dust vapor) doing various things, children breakdancing and popping, and various images of angels, as the edits of stock-like footage of sunny skies, forests and adorable babies pile on so quickly it's almost hard to keep up.
Jackson, frankly, is hardly in the video, making sporadic appearances courtesy of some iconic footage of him in concert, a curious choice given the reported dozens of hours of HD footage shot of the singer while he was preparing for what was slated to be his big comeback tour in England last year.
The duet with Akon was recorded in 2007 and, as a message on MJ's site points out, "a handwritten note from Michael belonging to his estate indicated his desire that 'Hold My Hand' be the first single on his next project." After an unfinished version leaked in 2008, Akon recently went back into the studio to complete production on the track.
Instead of the eye-popping special effects and intricate choreography of the past, the "Hold My Hand" video goes for a simpler, more predictable sentimentality. Without Jackson around anymore to call the shots and push the video envelope, it also signals a quiet, uneventful end to a career of constant reinvention and visual ambition via music video.
In a statement to MTV News, director Mark Pellington explained what he was aiming for with the posthumous clip. "We shot the video in a variety of locations in Los Angeles, including a blimp hangar in Tustin. The attempt was to create a celebratory, positive, healing music video honoring Michael's legacy," he said. "And for me personally, if his fans like it, that's all I really care about."
What do you think of the "Hold My Hand" video?
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Lady Gaga, Katy Perry React To 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal
Ellen DeGeneres, Pink and more celebrate historic Senate vote on Twitter.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Members of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network join Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
The armed forces' controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy will soon be history.
On Saturday (December 18), the Senate voted to repeal the 17-year-old measure that bars openly gay men and women from serving in the military. The bill passed by a 65-31 margin, according to CNN, which included eight republicans and one independent who joined the Democrat-backed initiative. President Obama will sign the bill into law next week.
"Today, the Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay. And no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love," the president said in a statement.
Calls to dismantle the policy ramped up this year with stars such as Lady Gaga decrying the measure and demonstrations cropping up around the nation. On Wednesday, the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who had been crusading to end the policy, tweeted to Gaga after the vote, "We did it! #DADT is a thing of the past."
Gaga, who arrived at the 2010 MTV VMAs with openly gay service members who had been discharged or left the military due to the policy, made viral videos and spoke at a September rally calling for the end of DADT, tweeted about her emotional reaction to the vote.
"Can't hold back the tears+pride. We did it!i Our voice was heard + today the Senate REPEALED DADT. A triumph for equality after 17 YEARS," she wrote.
Openly gay talk-show queen Ellen DeGeneres tweeted, "Thank you Senators for pushing us one step closer towards full equality."
Katy Perry showed her support for the repeal of DADT by responding to a missive that fellow songstress Pink retweeted.
"SUPPORTING ALL OUR TROOPS!" Perry added to Pink's retweet, "RT @Pink: Congrats 2 US!!! REPEAL of DADT & 17 years of allowing Human Rights Violations. There's hope after all!"
Former army lieutenant and gay-rights activist Dan Choi, who has called for an end to the policy since he was discharged from service after publicly coming out in 2009, also gave his take on the vote.
"Thank you, Democrats, for your leadership," he tweeted. "There: I said it. Also, thank you 8 Republicans. You're on the right side of history."
MTV News also caught up with student Bridget Todd, who once questioned President Obama about DADT during the commander-in-chief's "A Conversation with President Obama" forum in October. Although Todd said she was skeptical of the president's commitment to ending the policy after the Obama administration asked for stay blocking a judge's ruling that the measure is unconstitutional, she said the Senate vote has restored some of her faith in the U.S. leader.
"I think it's fantastic. I'm over the moon about it," Todd said. "It's sort of strange that it's 2010 and we're dealing with this so I'm happy that it's done, I'm happy that it's gonna be over with.
"I think I said that he displayed an alleged commitment to gay equality," she continued. "I think that this sort of proves that perhaps he is actually committed to these issues. They're not just sort of political talking points that you use to get elected — that this is something that he is willing to make happen."
What do you think about the Senate voting to repeal DADT? Let us know in the comments!
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Members of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network join Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
The armed forces' controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy will soon be history.
On Saturday (December 18), the Senate voted to repeal the 17-year-old measure that bars openly gay men and women from serving in the military. The bill passed by a 65-31 margin, according to CNN, which included eight republicans and one independent who joined the Democrat-backed initiative. President Obama will sign the bill into law next week.
"Today, the Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay. And no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love," the president said in a statement.
Calls to dismantle the policy ramped up this year with stars such as Lady Gaga decrying the measure and demonstrations cropping up around the nation. On Wednesday, the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who had been crusading to end the policy, tweeted to Gaga after the vote, "We did it! #DADT is a thing of the past."
Gaga, who arrived at the 2010 MTV VMAs with openly gay service members who had been discharged or left the military due to the policy, made viral videos and spoke at a September rally calling for the end of DADT, tweeted about her emotional reaction to the vote.
"Can't hold back the tears+pride. We did it!i Our voice was heard + today the Senate REPEALED DADT. A triumph for equality after 17 YEARS," she wrote.
Openly gay talk-show queen Ellen DeGeneres tweeted, "Thank you Senators for pushing us one step closer towards full equality."
Katy Perry showed her support for the repeal of DADT by responding to a missive that fellow songstress Pink retweeted.
"SUPPORTING ALL OUR TROOPS!" Perry added to Pink's retweet, "RT @Pink: Congrats 2 US!!! REPEAL of DADT & 17 years of allowing Human Rights Violations. There's hope after all!"
Former army lieutenant and gay-rights activist Dan Choi, who has called for an end to the policy since he was discharged from service after publicly coming out in 2009, also gave his take on the vote.
"Thank you, Democrats, for your leadership," he tweeted. "There: I said it. Also, thank you 8 Republicans. You're on the right side of history."
MTV News also caught up with student Bridget Todd, who once questioned President Obama about DADT during the commander-in-chief's "A Conversation with President Obama" forum in October. Although Todd said she was skeptical of the president's commitment to ending the policy after the Obama administration asked for stay blocking a judge's ruling that the measure is unconstitutional, she said the Senate vote has restored some of her faith in the U.S. leader.
"I think it's fantastic. I'm over the moon about it," Todd said. "It's sort of strange that it's 2010 and we're dealing with this so I'm happy that it's done, I'm happy that it's gonna be over with.
"I think I said that he displayed an alleged commitment to gay equality," she continued. "I think that this sort of proves that perhaps he is actually committed to these issues. They're not just sort of political talking points that you use to get elected — that this is something that he is willing to make happen."
What do you think about the Senate voting to repeal DADT? Let us know in the comments!
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Justin Bieber And Chris Brown Team Up For Song
Brown tweeted that the song will drop 'at the top of the NEW YEAR!!!'By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Jeffrey Ufberg/ Getty Images
Justin Bieber has never shied away from a good collaboration. At the ripe old age of 16, the singer has worked with everyone from Sean Kingston and Ludacris to Kanye West and Raekwon. Now it looks like he has found a new collaborator: Chris Brown tweeted that he and the Biebs plan to drop a joint song this weekend.
It's unclear whose album the song is for, but Brown seemed enthusiastic about the collabo. "ME and @justinbieber got a BANGER/SMASH record for all the fans out there at the top of the NEW YEAR!!!" Brown teased. "2011."
Bieber had hinted at a possible collabo with Brown back in October on his Twitter, sharing a thinly veiled message with his fans about a duet with the "Deuces" singer. "Kinda hyped rt now. for a new single teamed up with one of my friends and an artist I used to sing covers of on youtube. BIG RECORD. SMASH!!" He then tweeted a video of himself covering Brown's "With You."
After Brown's assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna, the singer hit a personal and professional low. But he seems to be making his way back into the spotlight, with Keri Hilson co-signing his return. "People are already putting [Brown] back in their good graces, 'cause they see his remorse," Hilson told MTV News. "And I know people are saying, 'Is he really a man? You have him on your album.' I mean, yeah. To me, a man is someone, you don't go backwards in life. You learn from your mistakes, and you don't do it again. You show remorse, and you move on. You move forward onto bigger and better things. That's a man trait."
Meanwhile, Bieber has been busy working on new music. MTV News recently caught up with him while he was hanging with Diddy in the studio, and both he and Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox have confirmed that they're working on new music together for the pop star's 2011 album.
What do you think of a Bieber/Brown team-up? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Photo: Jeffrey Ufberg/ Getty Images
Justin Bieber has never shied away from a good collaboration. At the ripe old age of 16, the singer has worked with everyone from Sean Kingston and Ludacris to Kanye West and Raekwon. Now it looks like he has found a new collaborator: Chris Brown tweeted that he and the Biebs plan to drop a joint song this weekend.
It's unclear whose album the song is for, but Brown seemed enthusiastic about the collabo. "ME and @justinbieber got a BANGER/SMASH record for all the fans out there at the top of the NEW YEAR!!!" Brown teased. "2011."
Bieber had hinted at a possible collabo with Brown back in October on his Twitter, sharing a thinly veiled message with his fans about a duet with the "Deuces" singer. "Kinda hyped rt now. for a new single teamed up with one of my friends and an artist I used to sing covers of on youtube. BIG RECORD. SMASH!!" He then tweeted a video of himself covering Brown's "With You."
After Brown's assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna, the singer hit a personal and professional low. But he seems to be making his way back into the spotlight, with Keri Hilson co-signing his return. "People are already putting [Brown] back in their good graces, 'cause they see his remorse," Hilson told MTV News. "And I know people are saying, 'Is he really a man? You have him on your album.' I mean, yeah. To me, a man is someone, you don't go backwards in life. You learn from your mistakes, and you don't do it again. You show remorse, and you move on. You move forward onto bigger and better things. That's a man trait."
Meanwhile, Bieber has been busy working on new music. MTV News recently caught up with him while he was hanging with Diddy in the studio, and both he and Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox have confirmed that they're working on new music together for the pop star's 2011 album.
What do you think of a Bieber/Brown team-up? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Usher's 'OMG' Gets Celeb Endorsement As Song Of The Year
'It's undeniable,' Travie McCoy says of the track that topped MTV News' Top 25 Songs of 2010.By Jocelyn Vena
Usher
Photo: Getty Images
2010 had some great jams, and all week, MTV News has been counting down some of its best. Everything from Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" to two of Kanye's West's killer My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy tracks, "Power" and "Runaway," made the top 10. But it was Usher's bombastic party jam "OMG" that rose to the top and came in at #1.
So what made that song such a party anthem? "Oh my God! That's exactly what I would say! Oh my God!" Pauly D joked about 2010's top party jam. "Dope, dope track. I love playing it. The crowd goes crazy when I play it. Usher's the man!"
Travie McCoy added: "It's a great song. It's undeniable, you know what I mean?"
"Dancing With the Stars" pro Lacey Schwimmer admitted that "OMG" was the track that got dancers, both professional and amateur, on the dance floor. "You guys got a great dance anthem," she said. "So be prepared for people who do not know how to dance just going to town!"
Producer Alex Da Kid gave props to will.i.am for the song's epic beat. "I love 'OMG.' I think it's definitely something different for Usher," he said. "And it still has all the dance performance elements Usher's known for, but it's something slightly different and done in a will.i.am kind of way, and it's different and that's why it connected to so many different people. It's a great song."
Celebrities also weighed in on their favorite jams of 2010, choosing everything from Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair" to B.o.B and Hayley Williams' "Airplanes."
Why did you love "OMG" in 2010? Tell us in the comments!
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Photo: Getty Images
2010 had some great jams, and all week, MTV News has been counting down some of its best. Everything from Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" to two of Kanye's West's killer My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy tracks, "Power" and "Runaway," made the top 10. But it was Usher's bombastic party jam "OMG" that rose to the top and came in at #1.
So what made that song such a party anthem? "Oh my God! That's exactly what I would say! Oh my God!" Pauly D joked about 2010's top party jam. "Dope, dope track. I love playing it. The crowd goes crazy when I play it. Usher's the man!"
Travie McCoy added: "It's a great song. It's undeniable, you know what I mean?"
"Dancing With the Stars" pro Lacey Schwimmer admitted that "OMG" was the track that got dancers, both professional and amateur, on the dance floor. "You guys got a great dance anthem," she said. "So be prepared for people who do not know how to dance just going to town!"
Producer Alex Da Kid gave props to will.i.am for the song's epic beat. "I love 'OMG.' I think it's definitely something different for Usher," he said. "And it still has all the dance performance elements Usher's known for, but it's something slightly different and done in a will.i.am kind of way, and it's different and that's why it connected to so many different people. It's a great song."
Celebrities also weighed in on their favorite jams of 2010, choosing everything from Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair" to B.o.B and Hayley Williams' "Airplanes."
Why did you love "OMG" in 2010? Tell us in the comments!
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Photos | Family & Friends Say Goodbye To Michael Jackson
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Usher Most Admires Justin Bieber's 'Excitement And Innocence'
Bieber's mentor tells MTV News the teen sensation has 'so much more in store for the future.'By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Tim Kash
Usher and Justin Bieber at the 2010 AMAs
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
With so much accomplished in 2010, Justin Bieber has certainly set the bar high for 2011. But the teen singer is already gearing up for next year. Bieber will not only release his much-anticipated 3-D flick, "Never Say Never", but he has also teased that he'd like to release an album of all-new material sometime later next year.
His mentor, Usher, thinks that at this point, the sky's the limit.
"As far as music and entertainment, that's the beginning," Usher told MTV News at Sunday's AMAs, where Bieber performed and took home four awards.
"There's so much more in store for the future, or at least there's a ton of things we can do and will, and with the support of his fans who will continue to just grow and grow and grow."
At 16, Bieber has accomplished what few manage with many more years in the music business, but Usher said he wants to ensure that Bieber doesn't stop enjoying it all as his popularity continues to grow and his schedule gets busier.
Asked what he admires most about Justin, Usher said, "His excitement and innocence in it. And I don't mean that in a light way because I think that he's absolutely enjoying every moment of it, as any young man his age would, but in a different way because [of] the hard work that has gone in and led to the dream that has become a reality. And every time you have an opportunity do something incredible, I tell him to do his best and be conscious that what you're doing today should last forever and eternity."
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Usher and Justin Bieber at the 2010 AMAs
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With so much accomplished in 2010, Justin Bieber has certainly set the bar high for 2011. But the teen singer is already gearing up for next year. Bieber will not only release his much-anticipated 3-D flick, "Never Say Never", but he has also teased that he'd like to release an album of all-new material sometime later next year.
His mentor, Usher, thinks that at this point, the sky's the limit.
"As far as music and entertainment, that's the beginning," Usher told MTV News at Sunday's AMAs, where Bieber performed and took home four awards.
"There's so much more in store for the future, or at least there's a ton of things we can do and will, and with the support of his fans who will continue to just grow and grow and grow."
At 16, Bieber has accomplished what few manage with many more years in the music business, but Usher said he wants to ensure that Bieber doesn't stop enjoying it all as his popularity continues to grow and his schedule gets busier.
Asked what he admires most about Justin, Usher said, "His excitement and innocence in it. And I don't mean that in a light way because I think that he's absolutely enjoying every moment of it, as any young man his age would, but in a different way because [of] the hard work that has gone in and led to the dream that has become a reality. And every time you have an opportunity do something incredible, I tell him to do his best and be conscious that what you're doing today should last forever and eternity."
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Michael Jackson 'Hold My Hand' Video Tugs At Heartstrings
Posthumous clip mixes classic footage of Jackson with newly shot film of fans.By Gil Kaufman
Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In addition to his flawless vocals and mind-bending footwork, one of the things Michael Jackson was best known for was his drive to create the most elaborate and cinematic music videos the world had ever seen.
"Billie Jean," "Thriller," "Black or White," "Remember the Time" and "Bad" are just a few of the landmark clips the late King of Pop gave the world during his 1980s and early-'90s hit-making peak. Which is why fans and critics alike were eager to get a glimpse Thursday morning (December 9) at the first music video in the singer's career that was created without his firm guiding hand and vision.
After teasing the clip earlier in the week, the official MJ site debuted on Thursday the full video for the stirring ballad "Hold My Hand," the first single from the upcoming album, Michael. The clip for MJ's duet with Akon is not unlike the first posthumous vids from the likes of other contemporary fallen stars such as Tupac Shakur or the Notorious B.I.G., in that it mixes classic footage of the artist performing with newly shot images of fans young and old paying homage to their hero.
It opens with a crowd of people standing in front of a large airplane hangar and unleashing a flood of white balloons as they say "Thank you, Michael" and "We love you, Michael," while a gigantic image of the singer in silhouette appears on the side of the structure.
If nothing else, the "Hold My Hand" video is a kind of MJ greatest-hits montage, intercutting images of the singer in his prime in some of his most beloved stage outfits with glimpses of children wearing the same garb, a young boy holding a red plastic heart in his hands and Akon dancing on a pure white background as MJ hoofs beside him.
As Michael begins to sing the first verse, we see a variety of different hands — old, young, holding babies, reaching up to the sky, down into a bathtub, etc. — as well as a series of women crying, the infamous glittering glove and a woman in a hospital bed seemingly dying of cancer, all intended to pull heartstrings and stir emotion.
It continues on like that, with most of the video consisting of shots of hands (some trailing a kind of glittery pixie-dust vapor) doing various things, children breakdancing and popping, and various images of angels, as the edits of stock-like footage of sunny skies, forests and adorable babies pile on so quickly it's almost hard to keep up.
Jackson, frankly, is hardly in the video, making sporadic appearances courtesy of some iconic footage of him in concert, a curious choice given the reported dozens of hours of HD footage shot of the singer while he was preparing for what was slated to be his big comeback tour in England last year.
The duet with Akon was recorded in 2007 and, as a message on MJ's site points out, "a handwritten note from Michael belonging to his estate indicated his desire that 'Hold My Hand' be the first single on his next project." After an unfinished version leaked in 2008, Akon recently went back into the studio to complete production on the track.
Instead of the eye-popping special effects and intricate choreography of the past, the "Hold My Hand" video goes for a simpler, more predictable sentimentality. Without Jackson around anymore to call the shots and push the video envelope, it also signals a quiet, uneventful end to a career of constant reinvention and visual ambition via music video.
In a statement to MTV News, director Mark Pellington explained what he was aiming for with the posthumous clip. "We shot the video in a variety of locations in Los Angeles, including a blimp hangar in Tustin. The attempt was to create a celebratory, positive, healing music video honoring Michael's legacy," he said. "And for me personally, if his fans like it, that's all I really care about."
What do you think of the "Hold My Hand" video?
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Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In addition to his flawless vocals and mind-bending footwork, one of the things Michael Jackson was best known for was his drive to create the most elaborate and cinematic music videos the world had ever seen.
"Billie Jean," "Thriller," "Black or White," "Remember the Time" and "Bad" are just a few of the landmark clips the late King of Pop gave the world during his 1980s and early-'90s hit-making peak. Which is why fans and critics alike were eager to get a glimpse Thursday morning (December 9) at the first music video in the singer's career that was created without his firm guiding hand and vision.
After teasing the clip earlier in the week, the official MJ site debuted on Thursday the full video for the stirring ballad "Hold My Hand," the first single from the upcoming album, Michael. The clip for MJ's duet with Akon is not unlike the first posthumous vids from the likes of other contemporary fallen stars such as Tupac Shakur or the Notorious B.I.G., in that it mixes classic footage of the artist performing with newly shot images of fans young and old paying homage to their hero.
It opens with a crowd of people standing in front of a large airplane hangar and unleashing a flood of white balloons as they say "Thank you, Michael" and "We love you, Michael," while a gigantic image of the singer in silhouette appears on the side of the structure.
If nothing else, the "Hold My Hand" video is a kind of MJ greatest-hits montage, intercutting images of the singer in his prime in some of his most beloved stage outfits with glimpses of children wearing the same garb, a young boy holding a red plastic heart in his hands and Akon dancing on a pure white background as MJ hoofs beside him.
As Michael begins to sing the first verse, we see a variety of different hands — old, young, holding babies, reaching up to the sky, down into a bathtub, etc. — as well as a series of women crying, the infamous glittering glove and a woman in a hospital bed seemingly dying of cancer, all intended to pull heartstrings and stir emotion.
It continues on like that, with most of the video consisting of shots of hands (some trailing a kind of glittery pixie-dust vapor) doing various things, children breakdancing and popping, and various images of angels, as the edits of stock-like footage of sunny skies, forests and adorable babies pile on so quickly it's almost hard to keep up.
Jackson, frankly, is hardly in the video, making sporadic appearances courtesy of some iconic footage of him in concert, a curious choice given the reported dozens of hours of HD footage shot of the singer while he was preparing for what was slated to be his big comeback tour in England last year.
The duet with Akon was recorded in 2007 and, as a message on MJ's site points out, "a handwritten note from Michael belonging to his estate indicated his desire that 'Hold My Hand' be the first single on his next project." After an unfinished version leaked in 2008, Akon recently went back into the studio to complete production on the track.
Instead of the eye-popping special effects and intricate choreography of the past, the "Hold My Hand" video goes for a simpler, more predictable sentimentality. Without Jackson around anymore to call the shots and push the video envelope, it also signals a quiet, uneventful end to a career of constant reinvention and visual ambition via music video.
In a statement to MTV News, director Mark Pellington explained what he was aiming for with the posthumous clip. "We shot the video in a variety of locations in Los Angeles, including a blimp hangar in Tustin. The attempt was to create a celebratory, positive, healing music video honoring Michael's legacy," he said. "And for me personally, if his fans like it, that's all I really care about."
What do you think of the "Hold My Hand" video?
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Sunday, December 26, 2010
Rebecca Gayheart Is Out With Baby Billie
I think this is the first time I've seen Billie! Adorable! Don't you want to pinch those cheeks? Rebecca Gayheart was spotted out with the baby yesterday afternoon. They went to a private residence.
Can you make out Billie's personalized booties (click through the pictures below for a better look)? Too cute :) It looks like Rebecca is focused on being a full-time mom while Eric Dane is still busy with 'Grey's Anatomy.' As you other stay-at-home moms know, getting out is so important!
I hope they had a good time :)
Photos by FAME
Stephen King Sarah Jessica Parker Leonardo DiCaprio Judge Judy Sheindlin Robert Downey Jr
Can you make out Billie's personalized booties (click through the pictures below for a better look)? Too cute :) It looks like Rebecca is focused on being a full-time mom while Eric Dane is still busy with 'Grey's Anatomy.' As you other stay-at-home moms know, getting out is so important!
I hope they had a good time :)
Photos by FAME
Stephen King Sarah Jessica Parker Leonardo DiCaprio Judge Judy Sheindlin Robert Downey Jr
Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy
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Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce
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Photos | Lady Gaga Performs With Yoko Ono In L.A.
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Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror
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AC/DC Howard Stern Jonas Brothers Tom Hanks George Lucas
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Label: Epic Records
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Beyoncé - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
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Label: Columbia, Music World Music
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'Spider-Man' Musical To Resume With New Safety Measures
Show was dark on Wednesday in the wake of actor's injury.By Gil Kaufman
"Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" poster
Photo: Marvel
In the wake of serious injuries during a preview performance, producers of the troubled "Spider-Man" Broadway musical met with officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New York State Department of Labor on Wednesday to put new safety measures in place for the ambitious $65 million production.
Reuters reported that following the meetings, new safety procedures were put into place in an attempt to avoid the kind of accident that injured 31-year-old aerialist Christopher Tierney. The performer fell 20 feet after a safety cable malfunctioned during a show on Monday and was hospitalized in serious condition.
Among the new rules enacted are a requirement to have a second stagehand and stage manager to back up all of the show's 38 stunts involving harnesses and ropes.
"All of these accidents are a result of safety and health systems failures," said Maureen Cox, director of safety and health for the New York State Department of Labor.
The performers union Actors Equity Association said the fall that injured Tierney was caused by human error, though it did not specify what that error was. The show's director, Julie Taymor, released a statement Tuesday reiterating the importance of safety on the stage of the show, which has been plagued by a series of missed opening dates and injuries to four performers.
"I am so thankful that Chris is going to be all right and is in great spirits," Taymor said. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our Spider-Man family and we'll continue to do everything in our power to protect the cast and crew."
Cox said the investigation into what caused Tierney to fall and whether there were any safety codes broken is ongoing. "At this point, we are satisfied that they have put in the appropriate controls," Cox said of the new safety measures. "If they are not comfortable and haven't got everything in place, we have agreed that they wouldn't go, and so apparently that is the position that they are in right now."
As of now, "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" preview performances will proceed as planned on Thursday (December 23), and the official Broadway opening date has been pushed back from January 11 to February 7. Wednesday's matinee and evening shows were the only performances canceled due to Tierney's injury.
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"Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" poster
Photo: Marvel
In the wake of serious injuries during a preview performance, producers of the troubled "Spider-Man" Broadway musical met with officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New York State Department of Labor on Wednesday to put new safety measures in place for the ambitious $65 million production.
Reuters reported that following the meetings, new safety procedures were put into place in an attempt to avoid the kind of accident that injured 31-year-old aerialist Christopher Tierney. The performer fell 20 feet after a safety cable malfunctioned during a show on Monday and was hospitalized in serious condition.
Among the new rules enacted are a requirement to have a second stagehand and stage manager to back up all of the show's 38 stunts involving harnesses and ropes.
"All of these accidents are a result of safety and health systems failures," said Maureen Cox, director of safety and health for the New York State Department of Labor.
The performers union Actors Equity Association said the fall that injured Tierney was caused by human error, though it did not specify what that error was. The show's director, Julie Taymor, released a statement Tuesday reiterating the importance of safety on the stage of the show, which has been plagued by a series of missed opening dates and injuries to four performers.
"I am so thankful that Chris is going to be all right and is in great spirits," Taymor said. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our Spider-Man family and we'll continue to do everything in our power to protect the cast and crew."
Cox said the investigation into what caused Tierney to fall and whether there were any safety codes broken is ongoing. "At this point, we are satisfied that they have put in the appropriate controls," Cox said of the new safety measures. "If they are not comfortable and haven't got everything in place, we have agreed that they wouldn't go, and so apparently that is the position that they are in right now."
As of now, "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" preview performances will proceed as planned on Thursday (December 23), and the official Broadway opening date has been pushed back from January 11 to February 7. Wednesday's matinee and evening shows were the only performances canceled due to Tierney's injury.
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Kate Hudson & Matt Bellamy's Aspen Holiday Vacation
Making the annual trip to the scenic mountainside locale, Kate Hudson was out doing a little last minute Christmas shopping at Imelda's boutique in Aspen, Colorado on Friday (December 24).
Joined on the wintry paradise excursion for the first time by new beau Matt Bellamy, the "Fool's Gold" actress browsed the racks at the local shopping stop as her Muse rocker opted to stay outside.
As per family tradition, Miss Hudson and her man are joined on the trip by Kate's family members including her actress mom, Goldie Hawn.
The holiday outing comes after Hudson recently completed a movie called "A Little Bit of Heaven" while Bellamy has been touring the world with his Muse bandmates.
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Joined on the wintry paradise excursion for the first time by new beau Matt Bellamy, the "Fool's Gold" actress browsed the racks at the local shopping stop as her Muse rocker opted to stay outside.
As per family tradition, Miss Hudson and her man are joined on the trip by Kate's family members including her actress mom, Goldie Hawn.
The holiday outing comes after Hudson recently completed a movie called "A Little Bit of Heaven" while Bellamy has been touring the world with his Muse bandmates.
Alex Rodriguez Robert Pattinson Conan O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Brien Shaquille O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Neal James Patterson
Akon Recalls Meeting Michael Jackson For The First Time
Before recording 'Hold My Hand,' the two spent quality time together.By James Montgomery
Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In 2007, long before Michael Jackson's death and everything that proceeded it (including the just-released "Hold My Hand" video and the upcoming Michael album), Akon met with the King of Pop in Las Vegas to work on a batch of songs, then intended for MJ's comeback album.
To date, only two of those songs have ever been released: a remix of Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " that appeared on the 25th-anniversary edition of the Thriller album, and, of course, "Hold My Hand." And with the Thursday (December 9) premiere of that song's video — and the pending release of Michael — MTV News went back to our August 2009 interview with Akon, to get the inside story of what it was like to work with MJ. And though the two men recorded "days" of music, what Akon remembers most about those sessions was getting to know Michael Jackson, the man.
"My favorite moment was the day we actually met, because I didn't expect him to be that cool," Akon said. "I expected him to be this diva — just hard to deal with, rarely speaks, got to send his message through someone else, you know? Because these are the stories you hear."
But, as Akon quickly learned, Jackson wasn't a diva — quite the opposite, in fact.
"So I'm going upstairs [to meet him], I knock on the door, his bodyguard opens and says, 'OK, he's waiting to meet you.' I walk in, and [Michael's] in this spinning chair, but it's facing backwards," he said. "So I walk in the room, but his back is turned, and the guard says, 'Hey, Mike, Akon's here.' So he spins around, like it was all choreographed — so, off the top, I'm like, 'Oh boy.'
"But as soon as he turns around, gets up, 'Yo, what up, man?!' and I was like, 'What up, Mike?' and he gave me a pound, we hugged each other," he continued. "He's like, 'Yo, I've been waiting to meet you for so long, this is a great honor, thanks for showing up, thanks for making the time.' And in my mind I'm like, 'You know, I should be thanking you for making the time.' "
And though "Hold My Hand" was born out of the sessions that would soon follow, Akon's greatest memory from meeting MJ was that initial meeting, when all his preconceived notions melted away and he got to spend real time with the legend.
"It was the craziest thing, because we sat down, we talked about Africa, we talked about my foundation, we talked about the music, we talked about girls. We had a great, incredible time that day," he said. "He was extremely funny, he told jokes, and he liked to have fun."
What do you think of MJ and Akon's collabo, "Hold My Hand"? Share your reviews in the comments.
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Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In 2007, long before Michael Jackson's death and everything that proceeded it (including the just-released "Hold My Hand" video and the upcoming Michael album), Akon met with the King of Pop in Las Vegas to work on a batch of songs, then intended for MJ's comeback album.
To date, only two of those songs have ever been released: a remix of Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " that appeared on the 25th-anniversary edition of the Thriller album, and, of course, "Hold My Hand." And with the Thursday (December 9) premiere of that song's video — and the pending release of Michael — MTV News went back to our August 2009 interview with Akon, to get the inside story of what it was like to work with MJ. And though the two men recorded "days" of music, what Akon remembers most about those sessions was getting to know Michael Jackson, the man.
"My favorite moment was the day we actually met, because I didn't expect him to be that cool," Akon said. "I expected him to be this diva — just hard to deal with, rarely speaks, got to send his message through someone else, you know? Because these are the stories you hear."
But, as Akon quickly learned, Jackson wasn't a diva — quite the opposite, in fact.
"So I'm going upstairs [to meet him], I knock on the door, his bodyguard opens and says, 'OK, he's waiting to meet you.' I walk in, and [Michael's] in this spinning chair, but it's facing backwards," he said. "So I walk in the room, but his back is turned, and the guard says, 'Hey, Mike, Akon's here.' So he spins around, like it was all choreographed — so, off the top, I'm like, 'Oh boy.'
"But as soon as he turns around, gets up, 'Yo, what up, man?!' and I was like, 'What up, Mike?' and he gave me a pound, we hugged each other," he continued. "He's like, 'Yo, I've been waiting to meet you for so long, this is a great honor, thanks for showing up, thanks for making the time.' And in my mind I'm like, 'You know, I should be thanking you for making the time.' "
And though "Hold My Hand" was born out of the sessions that would soon follow, Akon's greatest memory from meeting MJ was that initial meeting, when all his preconceived notions melted away and he got to spend real time with the legend.
"It was the craziest thing, because we sat down, we talked about Africa, we talked about my foundation, we talked about the music, we talked about girls. We had a great, incredible time that day," he said. "He was extremely funny, he told jokes, and he liked to have fun."
What do you think of MJ and Akon's collabo, "Hold My Hand"? Share your reviews in the comments.
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Britney Spears To Release Next Album In March
'I'm almost done with my new album and it will be coming out this March,' she tweets.By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Fame Pictures
Britney Spears tweeted Thursday (December 2) that her next album will drop in March. The singer, who has been working with a number of producers, including Dr. Luke and Max Martin, shared with her fans that she is "in love" with the yet-untitled project.
"I'm almost done with my new album and it will be coming out this March," she wrote. "I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!"
She also thanked fans for sending birthday wishes; the singer turned 29 on Thursday. "My fans mean the world to me & waking up to all of your wishes really made me smile, so here's something that I hope will make you smile... ," she wrote. "Just wanted to thank all of you for the amazing birthday wishes you guys have been sending all day."
The singer also sarcastically responded to recent reports that her beau, Jason Trawick, has abused her. "Ok, off on a romantic weekend with Jason for my birthday. xoxo Brit," she tweeted. "PS - Star Magazine, Radar Online, Jason Alexander and the rest of you liars, Ya'll can kiss my lily white southern Louisiana a**!"
While no additional details about the album, which is a follow-up to her 2008 release Jay-Z Black Eyed Peas Bruce Springsteen Angelina Jolie Rush Limbaugh
Britney Spears
Photo: Fame Pictures
Britney Spears tweeted Thursday (December 2) that her next album will drop in March. The singer, who has been working with a number of producers, including Dr. Luke and Max Martin, shared with her fans that she is "in love" with the yet-untitled project.
"I'm almost done with my new album and it will be coming out this March," she wrote. "I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!"
She also thanked fans for sending birthday wishes; the singer turned 29 on Thursday. "My fans mean the world to me & waking up to all of your wishes really made me smile, so here's something that I hope will make you smile... ," she wrote. "Just wanted to thank all of you for the amazing birthday wishes you guys have been sending all day."
The singer also sarcastically responded to recent reports that her beau, Jason Trawick, has abused her. "Ok, off on a romantic weekend with Jason for my birthday. xoxo Brit," she tweeted. "PS - Star Magazine, Radar Online, Jason Alexander and the rest of you liars, Ya'll can kiss my lily white southern Louisiana a**!"
While no additional details about the album, which is a follow-up to her 2008 release Jay-Z Black Eyed Peas Bruce Springsteen Angelina Jolie Rush Limbaugh
Louie Spence: 'Showbusiness is my life ? without it I don't feel alive' | interview
Sky 1's Pineapple Dance Studios has made Louie Spence a celebrity at last ? after 30 years hard slog as a professional dancer. And he intends to enjoy every momentNot since John Inman floated across the floor of Grace Brothers department store trilling "I'm free" and fluttering his hands in the manner of an overexcitable beauty queen, has there been anybody quite like Louie Spence on British TV. Sure, we've had our Graham Nortons and our Paul O'Gradys, but next to Louie Spence they look like the kind of rugged heterosexuals whose idea of a fancy night out is slipping on an M&S fleece and phoning for a takeaway. But then, Louie Spence seems to have been born camp. He's lisped since he could talk, has danced since he was five, seems unable to walk down a street if he can pirouette instead, and wears those alarming men's cleavage T-shirts of the sort Pat Phoenix used to sport on Coronation Street 30 years ago.All of which would suggest that he might be the most irritating man in Britain. And yet, somehow, he isn't. Or at least, he isn't most of the time. Because as well as being as mannered as a French farce, he's also quite winningly natural, his Essex council estate sensibility never far from the surface. On top of which, as well as being exhibitionist, touchy, petulant, bitchy, childish, and at times, the prissiest of prima donnas, he can also be very funny and has a genuinely brilliant way with words. It is what made him the undisputed star of Sky 1's Pineapple Dance Studios last year, and has since propelled him into the thick of celebritydom. There have been appearances on Jonathan Ross and Chris Moyles, photospreads in OK!, a column in Heat, a part in panto, he's triumphed on both Loose Women and Radio 5's Men's Hour, and he's been across the Christmas schedules like a rash ? cooked for by Jamie Oliver on Jamie's Christmas Lock-In; giving an alternative Queen's speech on Sky 1.And now, there's his new series, the follow-up to Pineapple Dance Studios, renamed in his honour Louie Spence's Showbusiness, slightly unfortunately since as he points out, he can't actually pronounce it ? "Louie Thpence's Showbuthneth" is about as close as he gets. The launch, at a snazzy London hotel, is the most bizarre showbiz party I've ever seen. As well as the male stripper group the Dreamboys, there is in attendance a really quite convincing David Beckham lookalike, a posse of glamour blondes, and Michael Buerk. Michael Buerk! And then I remember that he did the voiceover for the show. It's part of what helped make Pineapple Dance Studios such a success ? it had the look and feel of a mockumentary while being, however unbelievably, real. Or mostly real, give or take the odd dancing policeman.When I question Buerk on why he took the role, he starts off by saying "it's probably career suicide, isn't it?" and then "I honestly thought that no one would see it," although he admits he secretly rather enjoys it, "although John Humphrys rather delighted in upbraiding me for doing it."The fact is that it's been a huge hit for Sky, a new sort of playful semi-doc, with something of the joyfulness of Fame about it, and a not inconsiderable part of its success has been down to the lisping, sashaying exhibitionist never far from the centre of the action: Louie Spence. In the first episode of Pineapple Dance Studios, he oversaw an audition for a new dance troupe, and leapt out from behind his desk to backflip the length of the (really quite long) studio. He is an irrepressible show-off, but, unusually for TV, he does have actual talents to show off.At the launch he is, naturally, in his element. Because while he's only found TV fame at the relatively advanced age of 41, he's been a performer all his life, and doing jazz hands for any paparazzi who might happen to be passing comes as naturally to him as breathing."The thing is that it's a performance. And that's part of who I am. I can't help it. Now if I go out somewhere I'll be in the paper, but even before if I went somewhere with my friends, we'd all be like that. I'd be swinging around a tree. Or doing a high kick. That's just me. If they want to take a picture, I don't care! I have nothing to lose."I meet him in the office of Pineapple Dance Studios, the Covent Garden institution he became artistic director of when he retired from professional dancing a decade ago. His office used to be on the ground floor next to reception "but I'd become a tourist attraction, so I've had to move up to the top floor. But I'm still present. I'm still here every day. This is what I class as my real job. What has happened has been amazing, but I've done this all my life and it's my backbone. The rest of it might dry up in a moment."But then there's nothing like overnight success when you've been working at it for nearly 30 years. He grew up in Braintree, Essex, and went to the local Doreen Cliff's dance school with his sisters on a Saturday morning to give his mum a break. "It was just me and a lot of little girls. All the other boys were out doing boy things. They were out playing football. Where I just liked dancing around. I suppose it was that gay gene, darling, kicking in from a very early age. It was definitely nature not nurture for me."I read somewhere that your mother said she knew you were gay from the age of five, I say."Yeah she did. I got a letter from her when I was 19. My sister had told her I was gay. I didn't think it was necessary, I knew that they knew so what's the point? Anyway, I got a letter from her, saying 'I knew long before you knew'."He's still very close to them. His sisters are still in Essex ? "they breed like rabbits down there" ? and there's an episode in Pineapple Dance Studios in which he goes off to have botox with his mum, Pat. "I only did it because she wanted it and I could get it free with the show. I mean, it's about �350 a pop! Why not?" He's refreshingly upfront on the subject of celebrity freebies. "But then I'm council darling, you get what you can get." His mum used to buy the children party clothes, and keep the tags in "then hang them up by the window and take them back to the shop", but then, that's not so surprising when you learn that they remortgaged the house they bought under "right to buy" in order to send Louie to Italia Conti stage school.From there, he landed a part in the West End in Bugsy Malone, aged 13, and then the BBC's, Wayne Sleep's Hot Shoe Show. After leaving school without a single GCSE, he became a professional dancer with roles in Miss Saigon and Cats, and, most memorably, spent a year as a backing dancer with the Spice Girls on their world tour. "It was incredible, like being in a bubble, I mean they literally couldn't walk down the street, it was police escorts everywhere." He's still good friends with Emma Bunton ? "we just had very similar backgrounds; council, hard-working parents, same sense of humour." And since his new-found success, he's been around to dinner at the Beckhams, as he boasts in the opening two minutes of the new show. "It's all changed," he announces. "I'm huge now."But then, he's not exactly one to hide his light under a bushel. You don't suffer from a lack of confidence, do you, Louie?"No, I don't. I'm very confident with who I am. Although I have many many insecurities like everybody."Like what?"As a dancer you're so disciplined, about keeping yourself in shape, sticking to a routine. I get very disappointed in myself if I don't feel like I've done my best. You have so many knockbacks and disappointments, you're constantly trying to battle with yourself. I've got to do better. I've got to do better. I don't think that will ever leave me."He might have leapt to fame via a reality TV show, but it's perfectly obvious that Louie Spence is not a reality TV show star. When he says "showbusiness is my life", he's not exaggerating. "Without these people and what I do, I don't feel alive. This is what I do. It's who I am."He's been around the industry for such a long time that it holds no surprises. "I've had lots of famous friends, so it's meant that I've gone to these premieres and events, and I've seen what it's like from that side. Now the focus is on me. But I know how unreal it is. And it's just for the moment, until somebody else comes along. I'm just going to have fun with it while it's here."In some ways, the amazing thing is that it's taken this long. Jonathan Stadlen, the show's executive producer, says that he was looking for ideas for docu-soaps and went down to Pineapple. "I met Louie Spence about five seconds after I walked through the door, and then a very good-looking man walked past and Louie turned around and said, 'Ooh, my sphincter is fluttering like feeding time in a koi carp pond!' He's just made for television. He's such a natural show-off."It has been a remarkable year. Kate Moss decided to befriend him, and Kylie raved about him on her Twitter stream ("All hail Louie Spence!"), which, he says, "for a gay man is like being knighted". Although there's already been a backlash. The compilers of the Independent on Sunday's pink power list put him in their "rogues' gallery", calling him one of the "greatest re-enforcers of gay stereotypes". Stephen Fry leapt to his defence. Louie just shrugs when I bring it up. "I just thought who are you to make a judgment on me? For being who I am? If I'm stereotypical, well so are lots of gay people. There's many different types of gay people, but so what? Get a life? I mean it's 2010, who cares?"He was never bullied at school, he says, "I think because I made people laugh." But he was a teenager when Aids emerged, and the TV adverts of tombstones had a huge impact on him. "It frightened the life out of me. From a young age, I thought, 'I've got HIV and I'm going to die.' I hadn't really met gay people then and I thought I must have HIV because I'm gay. I think maybe that's why I have so many phobias and insecurities now."He's not so confident, after all, it turns out. He suffered from panic attacks for years ? "even now I get it. I was doing Chris Moyles the other day and I was sitting back with Jonathan Ross and all of a sudden I got a wave. I thought 'Oh no, I can't have it now!' It comes from nowhere, and I think that anyone who has panic attacks, or anxiety, will understand that."Still, the show must go on. And he's the consummate pro. "I can't not work. If I get asked to do something now, I always want to do more. They're like, 'You're done, now.' And I've been there, like, 10 minutes. And I'm like, 'No!' As a dancer, if you're doing a shoot, you are there at six in the morning until 12 at night and you don't get a cab home even if it's pissing with rain. I'm just used to really grafting. Even doing this interview, I just want to make sure that I do the best I can."And he does. He doesn't backflip down the corridor, but before I go I get a short blast of jazz hands. Get used to it: I've a feeling we're going to be seeing an awful lot more of them.Reality TVCelebrityDanceCarole Cadwalladrguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More FeedsAlec Baldwin
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Michael Jackson Fans Celebrate Michael's Release With DJ Cassidy
'It was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson,' Cassidy says at album-release party Monday night.By Steven Roberts
Michael Jackson's <i>Michael</i>
Photo: Epic Records
NEW YORK — Many a Michael Jackson fan lined up outside of the Roseland Ballroom on Monday night to celebrate the release of the King of Pop's posthumous Michael album. Dozens of dancers and fans filled the ballroom's floor, decked out in costumes inspired by MJ's iconic looks from throughout his esteem career. One of those fans also happened to be the evening's master of ceremonies, DJ Cassidy.
"I'm here to make the fans dance," he told MTV News. "I think that's why Michael essentially made the music. He wanted to make people dance. He wanted to make people feel the emotion he felt, and I'm here to do just that. I'm here to help the fans in the celebration of the king."
Dressed in a leather suit with a pink shirt and socks, a red bowtie and shell-top Adidas, Cassidy said that he's been a fan of Jackson for as long as he can remember. The late singer has been his inspiration in anything artistic in his life, from music to fashion.
"So much of my fashion comes from Michael," Cassidy explained. "So much of how I play music comes from how he formed his songs, how he created his sound that really inspired the way that I DJ. And really, it inspired me to want to be a DJ, to want to make people dance.
"So, when I became a DJ at the age of 10, it was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson," he added. "Tonight's just a small way for me to really celebrate his music."
The party's guests also included producers Teddy Riley, Eddie Cascio and Neff U, who each had a hand in producing Michael's tracks. But before he began to spin for the night, Cassidy was thinking back to the classics, particularly his favorite party song, 1979's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
"You can be anywhere in the world, any city, any small town, any type of crowd, black, white, old, young, poor, rich, at any type of venue," he said. "They could be wanting to hear house music, hip-hop music, anything in between, but 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' will turn that party out."
What's your favorite Michael Jackson song? Share it in the comments.
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Photo: Epic Records
NEW YORK — Many a Michael Jackson fan lined up outside of the Roseland Ballroom on Monday night to celebrate the release of the King of Pop's posthumous Michael album. Dozens of dancers and fans filled the ballroom's floor, decked out in costumes inspired by MJ's iconic looks from throughout his esteem career. One of those fans also happened to be the evening's master of ceremonies, DJ Cassidy.
"I'm here to make the fans dance," he told MTV News. "I think that's why Michael essentially made the music. He wanted to make people dance. He wanted to make people feel the emotion he felt, and I'm here to do just that. I'm here to help the fans in the celebration of the king."
Dressed in a leather suit with a pink shirt and socks, a red bowtie and shell-top Adidas, Cassidy said that he's been a fan of Jackson for as long as he can remember. The late singer has been his inspiration in anything artistic in his life, from music to fashion.
"So much of my fashion comes from Michael," Cassidy explained. "So much of how I play music comes from how he formed his songs, how he created his sound that really inspired the way that I DJ. And really, it inspired me to want to be a DJ, to want to make people dance.
"So, when I became a DJ at the age of 10, it was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson," he added. "Tonight's just a small way for me to really celebrate his music."
The party's guests also included producers Teddy Riley, Eddie Cascio and Neff U, who each had a hand in producing Michael's tracks. But before he began to spin for the night, Cassidy was thinking back to the classics, particularly his favorite party song, 1979's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
"You can be anywhere in the world, any city, any small town, any type of crowd, black, white, old, young, poor, rich, at any type of venue," he said. "They could be wanting to hear house music, hip-hop music, anything in between, but 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' will turn that party out."
What's your favorite Michael Jackson song? Share it in the comments.
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Nicki Minaj Surprised By Success: 'I Never Saw All Of This'
'When [Lil] Wayne first called and reached out, I thought it was a joke,' MC admits to MTV News.By By Hillary Crosley, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Nicki Minaj and Sway
Photo: MTV News
What's a girl without her dreams? Nicki Minaj has realized more of hers than most this year, from releasing her highly successful debut LP, Pink Friday to becoming MTV News' #6 Hottest MC in the Game. And, the Queens MC said she's still surprised by her achievements.
"A part of me expected it, because I wanted it so bad, but I never saw all of this," the MC told MTV News' Sway Calloway. "You know, I never would've imagined that I would've signed to [Lil] Wayne, number one."
On Monday, Minaj took time between takes while filming her video for "Moment 4 Life" with Drake to talk about becoming the queen of rap's reigning crew.
"[I] never imagined that Young Money/ Cash Money would be the hip-hop crew," she said. "To be signed to them is one thing, but to be signed to them when they're at their height, when this has become like an insane movement? No, I never imagined that, because when Wayne first called and reached out, I thought it was a joke.
"I've wanted this for a very long time, but I couldn't — not even with a crystal ball — I could not have predicted these things would really happen this way."
Minaj has even outsold, if we're counting weekly sales, one of her idols: Mr. Kanye West. West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy dropped November 22, the same day as Pink Friday. And while West garnered bigger opening-week numbers, Barbie has outpaced his album sales per week for the past 14 days. To date, Minaj's release has sold 658,439 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
"Girl power!" she said, with a giggle.
Are you surprised by Nicki Minaj's success this year? Tell us in the comments below.
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Nicki Minaj and Sway
Photo: MTV News
What's a girl without her dreams? Nicki Minaj has realized more of hers than most this year, from releasing her highly successful debut LP, Pink Friday to becoming MTV News' #6 Hottest MC in the Game. And, the Queens MC said she's still surprised by her achievements.
"A part of me expected it, because I wanted it so bad, but I never saw all of this," the MC told MTV News' Sway Calloway. "You know, I never would've imagined that I would've signed to [Lil] Wayne, number one."
On Monday, Minaj took time between takes while filming her video for "Moment 4 Life" with Drake to talk about becoming the queen of rap's reigning crew.
"[I] never imagined that Young Money/ Cash Money would be the hip-hop crew," she said. "To be signed to them is one thing, but to be signed to them when they're at their height, when this has become like an insane movement? No, I never imagined that, because when Wayne first called and reached out, I thought it was a joke.
"I've wanted this for a very long time, but I couldn't — not even with a crystal ball — I could not have predicted these things would really happen this way."
Minaj has even outsold, if we're counting weekly sales, one of her idols: Mr. Kanye West. West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy dropped November 22, the same day as Pink Friday. And while West garnered bigger opening-week numbers, Barbie has outpaced his album sales per week for the past 14 days. To date, Minaj's release has sold 658,439 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
"Girl power!" she said, with a giggle.
Are you surprised by Nicki Minaj's success this year? Tell us in the comments below.
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Vice President Joe Biden Says Gay Marriage Will ?Inevitably? Come To The US
In the wake of last weekend’s US Senate vote to repeal the US Military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy and President Barack Obama‘s signing of the repeal into law this week, Vice President Joe Biden appeared on Good Morning America today to discuss a range of topics including the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal … [...]Ben Stiller
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Ideeli
Oh my...
Seeing this top on Ideeli...
...made me laugh because of this post.
Six months later and, still, no one wants it.Jay-Z Black Eyed Peas Bruce Springsteen Angelina Jolie Rush Limbaugh
Seeing this top on Ideeli...
...made me laugh because of this post.
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Photos | Justin Bieber's AMA Night
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Brad And Angie's Christmas In Namibia
They're always off on an adventure!
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt went Christmas shopping at a mall in Windhoek, Namibia on Thursday.
Looks like some good stuff in there, but we wonder if those are for their own kids or the less fortunate.
You never know with those do-gooders! Love 'em.
[Image via AP Images.]
David Beckham Jerry Seinfeld AC/DC Howard Stern Jonas Brothers
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt went Christmas shopping at a mall in Windhoek, Namibia on Thursday.
Looks like some good stuff in there, but we wonder if those are for their own kids or the less fortunate.
You never know with those do-gooders! Love 'em.
[Image via AP Images.]
David Beckham Jerry Seinfeld AC/DC Howard Stern Jonas Brothers
The Top 10 Christmas Movies
It?s that time of year, when families all over will participate in the time-honored tradition of gathering around the television and watching Christmas movies.
And this year, Collider?s website has assembled a list of the top ten Yule Tide films for your viewing pleasure.
Of course classics like ?It?s a Wonderful Life? and ?Miracle on 34th Street? made the cut, as they?ve been favorites for years.
Modern Christmas tales like ?Elf,? ?Bad Santa,? and ?The Polar Express? were also named among the cream of the crop.
And the remaining five films on the list were ?Scrooged,? ?National Lampoon?s Christmas Vacation,? ?A Christmas Story,? ?Home Alone,? ?Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,? and ?The Muppet Christmas Carol.?
Enjoy the clips below of some of the top ten Christmas films.
James Cameron Lady Gaga Tiger Woods Britney Spears U2
And this year, Collider?s website has assembled a list of the top ten Yule Tide films for your viewing pleasure.
Of course classics like ?It?s a Wonderful Life? and ?Miracle on 34th Street? made the cut, as they?ve been favorites for years.
Modern Christmas tales like ?Elf,? ?Bad Santa,? and ?The Polar Express? were also named among the cream of the crop.
And the remaining five films on the list were ?Scrooged,? ?National Lampoon?s Christmas Vacation,? ?A Christmas Story,? ?Home Alone,? ?Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,? and ?The Muppet Christmas Carol.?
Enjoy the clips below of some of the top ten Christmas films.
James Cameron Lady Gaga Tiger Woods Britney Spears U2
Friday, December 24, 2010
Michael Jackson's Michael Has King Of Pop's 'Spirit,' Producer Says
'This feels like Michael, this feels like the spirit of Michael,' Teddy Riley tells MTV News.By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Teddy Riley at the Michael Jackson album-release party
Photo: MTV News
Teddy Riley had a long-standing working relationship with Michael Jackson, and the producer said Jackson's latest project, Michael, is as authentic an LP as any of the superstar's past work.
"Oh, they're gonna say this is him, that's the first thing," Riley told MTV News about fan's anticipated reaction to the set. "And this feels good. This feels like Michael, this feels like the spirit of Michael. And we love him, that's what they're gonna say."
The project, which arrived in stores and online Tuesday (December 14), is the first posthumous MJ collection since the singer died in June 2009.
Riley, along with Akon, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart (Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, The-Dream) and a host of other producers and songwriters were commissioned to complete the project, which was birthed from a spate of unfinished material in Jackson's archives. In the past, Riley has helmed MJ's Dangerous album, on which he produced "Remember the Time" and "Jam," among other tracks.
For Michael, which Riley was called in to work on during the last three months of production, the former Guy and Blackstreet member had a handy trick to help him retrieve the vibe he shared with MJ.
"Just by bringing his spirit in the room, in the actual studio," Riley explained. "I had his pictures all over the place. Time after time, I would [also] go back and forth to Thriller and listen to all the music to get the spirit and keep his spirit in the room. To keep the bad energy out of the room. He was always about the good energy. Anytime there was a negative energy, nothing would happen. The computers would react, they would just go out. There was serious spirits in the room. Shutting down computers. That was the problems we were going through. But when it felt good and the energy was good, everything went smooth and we got through the project."
Have you heard Michael yet? Share your reviews in the comments!
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Teddy Riley at the Michael Jackson album-release party
Photo: MTV News
Teddy Riley had a long-standing working relationship with Michael Jackson, and the producer said Jackson's latest project, Michael, is as authentic an LP as any of the superstar's past work.
"Oh, they're gonna say this is him, that's the first thing," Riley told MTV News about fan's anticipated reaction to the set. "And this feels good. This feels like Michael, this feels like the spirit of Michael. And we love him, that's what they're gonna say."
The project, which arrived in stores and online Tuesday (December 14), is the first posthumous MJ collection since the singer died in June 2009.
Riley, along with Akon, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart (Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, The-Dream) and a host of other producers and songwriters were commissioned to complete the project, which was birthed from a spate of unfinished material in Jackson's archives. In the past, Riley has helmed MJ's Dangerous album, on which he produced "Remember the Time" and "Jam," among other tracks.
For Michael, which Riley was called in to work on during the last three months of production, the former Guy and Blackstreet member had a handy trick to help him retrieve the vibe he shared with MJ.
"Just by bringing his spirit in the room, in the actual studio," Riley explained. "I had his pictures all over the place. Time after time, I would [also] go back and forth to Thriller and listen to all the music to get the spirit and keep his spirit in the room. To keep the bad energy out of the room. He was always about the good energy. Anytime there was a negative energy, nothing would happen. The computers would react, they would just go out. There was serious spirits in the room. Shutting down computers. That was the problems we were going through. But when it felt good and the energy was good, everything went smooth and we got through the project."
Have you heard Michael yet? Share your reviews in the comments!
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7 stories that changed Shanghai in 2010
Shanghai "fairs" well on the world stage
The most expensive expo in the history of expos drew more than 70 million visitors during Shanghai Expo?s 184 days of national pride and corporate messaging. It also breathed new life into the former site of crumbling shipyards and steelworks.
More on CNNGo: Full 2010 Expo coverageConvenience was sacrificed in the name of global perception -- more than 18,000 families, 10,000 workers and 270 factories had to be relocated -- but the images, subway upgrades, indulgence and innovation of the event nearly made it all worth it.
read more
Madonna Simon Cowell Taylor Swift Miley Cyrus Kobe Bryant
The most expensive expo in the history of expos drew more than 70 million visitors during Shanghai Expo?s 184 days of national pride and corporate messaging. It also breathed new life into the former site of crumbling shipyards and steelworks.
More on CNNGo: Full 2010 Expo coverageConvenience was sacrificed in the name of global perception -- more than 18,000 families, 10,000 workers and 270 factories had to be relocated -- but the images, subway upgrades, indulgence and innovation of the event nearly made it all worth it.
read more
Madonna Simon Cowell Taylor Swift Miley Cyrus Kobe Bryant
Usher 'Got A Good Laugh' From Fan Kicking Him In The Face
'It looked worse than it actually was,' the 'OMG' singer laughs about accidental blow during concert serenade.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Usher
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images
Usher's club-rattling jam "OMG" may "kill it every night" according to tourmate Miguel, but when the Atlanta crooner hit Madison Square Garden earlier this week, he was almost taken out by a clumsy fan.
When the singer touched down in New York on Monday, he indulged a super amped fan's fantasy by pulling her onstage for an intimate flirty serenade of "Trading Places." As Usher and the concertgoer got cozy on a recliner, she swiveled around to face the crooner — knocking him squarely in his mug with her foot. She began apologizing profusely as Usher briefly paused to collect himself. But the superstar took the strike in stride, quipping, "We play rough in the bed. We kick each other in the face and all type of good stuff."
Although Usher brushed off the blow, the moment did make an impression on him.
"In all my years, this is one of the most interesting experiences. I got a kick out of it!" he told Us Weekly. The singer assured fans that the knock wasn't that bad. "It looked worse than it actually was. My audience and I got a good laugh."
As for the fan, the "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" star maintained everything is all good on that front too. "Wherever you are baby, don't feel bad," Usher said. "No hard feelings."
As Miguel has noted, Usher isn't one dwell on drama, whether it's cranking out another hit album or weathering an unexpected hit from a fan.
"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel recently told MTV News. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."
What do you think of Usher's response to getting knocked in the head by a fan? Tell us in the comments!
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Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images
Usher's club-rattling jam "OMG" may "kill it every night" according to tourmate Miguel, but when the Atlanta crooner hit Madison Square Garden earlier this week, he was almost taken out by a clumsy fan.
When the singer touched down in New York on Monday, he indulged a super amped fan's fantasy by pulling her onstage for an intimate flirty serenade of "Trading Places." As Usher and the concertgoer got cozy on a recliner, she swiveled around to face the crooner — knocking him squarely in his mug with her foot. She began apologizing profusely as Usher briefly paused to collect himself. But the superstar took the strike in stride, quipping, "We play rough in the bed. We kick each other in the face and all type of good stuff."
Although Usher brushed off the blow, the moment did make an impression on him.
"In all my years, this is one of the most interesting experiences. I got a kick out of it!" he told Us Weekly. The singer assured fans that the knock wasn't that bad. "It looked worse than it actually was. My audience and I got a good laugh."
As for the fan, the "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" star maintained everything is all good on that front too. "Wherever you are baby, don't feel bad," Usher said. "No hard feelings."
As Miguel has noted, Usher isn't one dwell on drama, whether it's cranking out another hit album or weathering an unexpected hit from a fan.
"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel recently told MTV News. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."
What do you think of Usher's response to getting knocked in the head by a fan? Tell us in the comments!
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Lauryn Hill Announces 17 Tour Dates
Outing kicks off Monday in New York.By James Dinh
Lauryn Hill
Photo: Bennett Raglin/WireImage
After a string of festival appearances, Lauryn Hill has announced that she'll embark on an intimate North American tour starting next week. The 17-date outing, which begins at New York City's Highline Ballroom on Monday, will venture throughout the East Coast and Canada before wrapping up in New Jersey in February.
In a statement, Hill said she "may never play venues of this size again." According to a press release, the rapper/singer will be accompanied by a live band and will perform a set list of the many hits from her celebrated 1998 solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
For those fans who are hoping to hear something new from Hill, they can expect to see some of her biggest hits "reworked yet faithful to the rigor, soulfulness and power of the original music." Initial news of the reclusive singer hitting the road for a series of East Coast shows broke a few weeks ago.
When MTV News caught up with the iconic artist in August, she kept mum on when the hungry public could expect a new album, saying, "We're getting closer. That's all I can say."
While the singer takes her time with new music, she revealed that she enjoys the versatility of today's artists. "I have respect for what people do," Hill said. "I also like to hear the eclectics, I like to hear the mixture. There's a lot of different creative energies out there right now. I respect the different sounds that I'm hearing. It's been such a long time since I've gotten my voice and my ideas [out]. In terms of collaborations, that's not even something I've been thinking about per se. I'm happy that people are still making music. That we still have a platform with which to make music. It's gonna be interesting to see what the future holds."
Lauryn Hill's tour dates, according to a press release:
» 12/27 - New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
» 12/28 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
» 1/1 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
» 1/3 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note
» 1/4 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note
» 1/5 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note
» 1/8 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
» 1/9 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
» 1/12 - Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm
» 1/14 - Atlanta, GA @ Centerstage
» 1/16 - St. Louis, Mo @ The Pageant
» 1/18 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
» 1/20 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
» 1/22 - Toronto, Ontario @ Sound Academy
» 1/23 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
» 1/29 - Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues
» 2/4 - Montclair, NJ @ The Wellmont Theatre
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Lauryn Hill
Photo: Bennett Raglin/WireImage
After a string of festival appearances, Lauryn Hill has announced that she'll embark on an intimate North American tour starting next week. The 17-date outing, which begins at New York City's Highline Ballroom on Monday, will venture throughout the East Coast and Canada before wrapping up in New Jersey in February.
In a statement, Hill said she "may never play venues of this size again." According to a press release, the rapper/singer will be accompanied by a live band and will perform a set list of the many hits from her celebrated 1998 solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
For those fans who are hoping to hear something new from Hill, they can expect to see some of her biggest hits "reworked yet faithful to the rigor, soulfulness and power of the original music." Initial news of the reclusive singer hitting the road for a series of East Coast shows broke a few weeks ago.
When MTV News caught up with the iconic artist in August, she kept mum on when the hungry public could expect a new album, saying, "We're getting closer. That's all I can say."
While the singer takes her time with new music, she revealed that she enjoys the versatility of today's artists. "I have respect for what people do," Hill said. "I also like to hear the eclectics, I like to hear the mixture. There's a lot of different creative energies out there right now. I respect the different sounds that I'm hearing. It's been such a long time since I've gotten my voice and my ideas [out]. In terms of collaborations, that's not even something I've been thinking about per se. I'm happy that people are still making music. That we still have a platform with which to make music. It's gonna be interesting to see what the future holds."
Lauryn Hill's tour dates, according to a press release:
» 12/27 - New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
» 12/28 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
» 1/1 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
» 1/3 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note
» 1/4 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note
» 1/5 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note
» 1/8 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
» 1/9 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
» 1/12 - Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm
» 1/14 - Atlanta, GA @ Centerstage
» 1/16 - St. Louis, Mo @ The Pageant
» 1/18 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
» 1/20 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
» 1/22 - Toronto, Ontario @ Sound Academy
» 1/23 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
» 1/29 - Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues
» 2/4 - Montclair, NJ @ The Wellmont Theatre
Are you excited to see Lauryn Hill on tour this winter? Tell us in the comments!
Related Artists
Lauryn Hill
Shaquille O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Neal James Patterson Kenny Chesney Manny Pacquiao Tom Cruise
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