abnervaught: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Britney Spears Hosts As Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, More Bring Wango Tango To L.A.

Pitbull, Matthew Morrison, Selena Gomez, Far East Movement and others filled the Staples Center on Saturday night.
By Matt Elias

Britney Spears hosts KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2011 on Saturday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears makes headlines at concerts, even when she's not performing. That's probably why Los Angeles radio station KIIS FM tapped the pop princess to guest-host their annual Wango Tango music festival along with Ryan Seacrest on Saturday night at the Staples Center.

The bill was a balance of pop and hip-hop, with acts like Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Selena Gomez, "Glee" 's Matthew Morrison, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain, Jason Derülo, Far East Movement, New Boyz, Cobra Starship and newcomer Cody Simpson.

Backstage, the media room went into a frenzy when Spears arrived in a red, geometric-print dress and a beaming smile. Owning her "femme fatale" moniker, Spears worked the carpet for a few moments while all of the cameras in the room were pointing at her. It was the second red carpet appearance by Brit this week, after her Beverly Hills benefit on Wednesday night for the St. Bernard Project.

Check out photos from Wango Tango 2011.

Spears' Femme Fatale collaborator Ke$ha, who was returning to the festival for the second time, said that an onstage collab between to the two would have to require one thing.

"That would have to include me finding her and attacking her," Ke$ha told MTV News, with the best intentions. "I'm planning on pouncing her."

While that never happened, at least not onstage, Ke$ha delivered on her promise of a set heavy on her glitter gun. And she assured us she knew the dos and don'ts of handling that kind of firepower.

"Do not spray yourself in the face with it," she said. "Do spray everybody else with it. That's pretty much it."

While Joe Jonas wasn't performing at the show, he took a break from recording his solo debut to catch up with almost everyone backstage.

"I didn't see Britney backstage, just said 'hello' to a couple of my friends," Jonas said. "Backstage is always [full of] people, especially having it at the Staples Center this time, I think compared to all the way out in the desert, it changes everything."

Also happy to have Wango Tango in Los Angeles were locals Far East Movement.

"Man, we grew up literally a few blocks away from here, and you can only imagine basketball games being played here," Kev Nish said. "So to come in here as performers, to be able to do our songs in this arena is a little crazy. We used to pass out CDs a few blocks [away], so we're very thankful. And the lineup is nuts, so we're extremely excited to be a part of this lineup."

Were you at Wango Tango? Share your experience in the comments below!

Related Photos

Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez And Many More At Wango Tango 2011

Amber Valletta America Ferrera Amerie Amy Cobb

Usher - Trading Places

Trading Places

Artist: Usher
Label: Zomba/LaFace Records
Director: Chris Robinson
Album: Here I Stand

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=285678

Jenny McCarthy Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel

Photos | 2011 Billboard Music Awards

2011 Billboard Music Awards

Adrianne Curry Adrianne Palicki Aisha Tyler Aki Ross

Monday, May 30, 2011

Usher Says New 'Rev Pop' Project Is A 'Movement'

Singer teases his new project by pointing to past hits like 'Yeah!' and 'OMG.'
By James Montgomery

Usher
Photo: MTV News

With the success of songs like "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," "Hot Tottie" and "OMG," Usher had himself a fairly massive 2010. But rather than rest on his laurels, he's looking to build on his big year, not with an album, but with a "movement."

It's something he's calling "Rev Pop" — or, simply, "Rev" — and though he's already teased his idea in a video with David Guetta (Akon is also involved), he has yet to speak in full about it. So when MTV News caught up with Ush before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles at the (Belvedere) RED launch party, we asked him about his next musical endeavor. And though he didn't reveal much, he did let it be known that "Rev" isn't exactly something new. In fact, he's been doing it for a while now.

"I'll give it to you this way: At a later date, I'll tell you more about Rev Pop, but if I were to give you a flash: I've done it before, I did it with 'Yeah!' " he said, "taking a cultural experience, and also worldwide recognition of a feeling, and putting the soul in the middle of it. Not allowing it to shift heavily to R&B genre, or pop. I did it again with 'OMG,' once again putting the soul in the middle of it, which was an electric-pop experience, with the soul.

"It's bringing those elements together to tell a story, that was born here," he said, gesturing toward his heart, "And that's what Rev Pop is. There's more, I mean, I could really elaborate, but that's just what I'm going to tell you right now. 'Rev' is what it's called ... the movement is called Rev."

Usher wouldn't say just when his fans would be getting their first taste of Rev, but whenever they do, it sounds like they're going to be impressed ... if not a little shocked.

"Stay alive," he smiled, "Because you're definitely going to be in for a surprise."

Related Artists

Usher

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658043/usher-rev-pop.jhtml

Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff

Justin Bieber's Grammy Performance Will Be 'A Crossover,' Usher Says

The 'O.M.G.' singer looks forward to sharing the stage with his protégé on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery

Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.

Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.

"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."

And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.

"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."

And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.

"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."

Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!

Related Photos

Amber Brkich Amber Heard Amber Valletta America Ferrera

'Teen Wolf' Stars Enjoy 'Magical' Hollywood Premiere

'It's just blowing me away,' star Tyler Posey says of show's approaching June 5 debut on MTV.
By Matt Elias

Tyler Posey at the "Teen Wolf" premiere
Photo: MTV News

HOLLYWOOD — While we're still about 10 moons away from the TV premiere of MTV's new series "Teen Wolf" (actually, it's on Sunday, June 5, after the MTV Movie Awards), the show's cast and crew celebrated with a beast of a premiere party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Wednesday night.

It was a reunion of sorts for the cast, who began production on the show more than a year ago. And when MTV News caught up with them on the red carpet, they were equally excited and anxious to unveil the series.

"Dude, it's surreal, man — like, I can't believe it was already over a year ago we filmed the pilot, and it's already here. The show premieres in 11 days, and it's just blowing me away," said actor Tyler Posey, who plays lead lupine character Scott McCall. "I cannot believe how fast it came, and I'm just so stoked. I can't even believe it."

Crystal Reed, who plays Allison Argent (Scott's love interest), was just as thrilled to be standing on the red carpet at the show's premiere party.

"It's really surreal," Reed said. "I drove up this morning and I drove by [Grauman's] Chinese Theatre, and I haven't been in Hollywood that long, and I was thinking about how the tourists view Hollywood — and I felt like that once. But I drove up to my own premiere, and I started crying a little, because it's just such a magical moment for us. And to be with these people, I absolutely, genuinely adore them. My castmates are the best people in the world."

While viewers will get their first look at Scott's full werewolf transformation on June 5, Posey recalled the first time he saw himself in the complete monster makeover.

"It was four and half hours to get in all the makeup," Posey said. "I remember thinking, 'Am I gonna have to do this every day, four and a half hours?' But I think the final look, dude, it's nuts. I was staring at myself for so long in the mirror. And then they would get me in the makeup, shoot, and people would be talking to me, having normal conversations, and I'd look in the mirror and I'd be like, 'How the hell are people having normal conversations with me right now? It's just so weird.' But yeah, it really — it totally gets me into character when I'm in that makeup."

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664627/teen-wolf-premiere.jhtml

Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen Estella Warren Esther Cañadas

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Light Up Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show

Foursome is joined by special guests and tons of lights for smash-hit medley.
By Mawuse Ziegbe

Black Eyed Peas perform during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show
Photo: Getty Images

The Black Eyed Peas promised a party at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday (February 6), and the pop supernovas definitely delivered, with a performance teeming with lights, dancers and surprise appearances from celebrity pals.

Following a Chatter.com commercial that showed animated versions of the Peas showing off their social-media skills, the group kicked things off with their 2009 smash "I Gotta Feeling," descending from the ceiling on illuminated platforms onto a stage surrounded by a cluster of dancers clad in white bodysuits. The foursome led the team of fist-pumping troops in "Tron"-like getups, with Taboo sporting an outfit covered in flashing lights, will.i.am rocking a shiny hairpiece, Apl.de.ap wearing huge bright studs and Fergie vamping it up in bling-laden shoulder pads.

When the speaker-busting bass of "Boom Boom Pow" dropped, the dancers dispersed across the field to create arrow-shaped formations as the glow-in-the-dark lights on their suits illuminated the stadium. Then rumored surprise guest Slash of Guns N' Roses rose from below the stage for a "Sweet Child O' Mine" duet with Fergie. The GNR great rocked a finger-searing solo in a studded version of his signature black top hat as more angular platforms and dancers moved across the gridiron. The platforms were bearing scores of marching-band musicians who blasted their horns and pounded away on their drums as the Peas went into "Pump It" and blue lights splashed across the production.

Quick streams of fog heralded the arrival of the Peas' second surprise guest, Usher, who swooped in on a long chain to bust out his will.i.am-assisted joint "OMG." Rocking a sparkly collar on an otherwise all-white ensemble, the R&B hitmaker cranked out several counts of energetic choreography, enlivening moves from his "OMG" video and at one point jumping over Will and landing in a split.

A spray of pyro ushered in the collective's breakout 2003 hit "Where Is the Love?" as the oddly shaped platforms spelled out the word "Love" in bright-red letters. The team of dancers, which appeared to have multiplied to over 100, formed hearts across the field as will updated the lyrics of the smash with lines like, "Obama, let's get these educated."

Then the group jumped ahead to their most recent single, 2010's "The Time (Dirty Bit)," as several back up hoofers rocking cubed helmets joined the Peas onstage and dancers lined up along the gridiron to simultaneously bust out the Running Man, a move which drew cheers from the crowd.

The platinum-selling Peas wrapped up the performance with a reprise of "I Gotta Feeling," as the quartet triumphantly signed off amid of blitz of fog, firepower and flashing lights.

Ripping the halftime show was clearly a touching moment for will, who tweeted beforehand, "Me and apl started the peas when we were 16 yesterday we were dreamin now were livin it. Wow. I'm not crying out of sadness or nervousness its joy and pride and memories and the journey."

And once the crew left the stage, the frontman was not only proud, but pumped. "That was so freakin sick," he wrote. "Wow...!!!"

What did you think of the Black Eyed Peas' Super Bowl performance? Let us know in the comments!

Related Photos

Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Perform During Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show

Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe Christina Milian

Photos | Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Pop-Culture References

Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Pop-Culture References

Related Artists

Britney Spears

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1658274

Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt

Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner Meet MTV Movie Awards Host Jason Sudeikis

'SNL' star gets a little creepy with the nominees in new promos for the show.
By Eric Ditzian

Kristen Stewart
Photo: MTV

Ever since "Twilight" sank its fangs into the pop-culture landscape, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner have played major roles at the MTV Movie Awards. For the past few shows, they've appeared in movie spoofs, introduced exclusive franchise footage, kissed their co-stars and even accidently dropped a Golden Popcorn onstage.

For the 2011 Movie Awards, the actors decided to get involved in the action a little bit earlier. Not that they had a choice in the matter, as two new promo spots make clear. Host Jason Sudeikis follows up on his desire to meet the nominees before showtime (he's already shared face time with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Stone and Leighton Meester), and the "SNL" funnyman surprises the "Twilight" stars in some unlikely places.

In Stewart's clip, she has just settled in to get her hair cut, when Sudeikis pops into her dressing room. "You're not my hairdresser," she tells him. "Good eye!" he responds. But the two quickly hit it off, and it's not long before he's plopping a bowl on her head and snipping away. Say goodbye to Bella Swan's long locks!

In the other spot, Lautner hails a New York City cab, only to realize Sudeikis is behind the wheel, though he admits to being "a terrible driver." Lautner tries to escape, but the Movie Awards host locks the doors. "That's weird," the Twi-werewolf tells him. Weirder still is that Sudeikis confesses he stole the taxi, and as the police sirens swirl in the background, he leaves poor Taylor locked in the car plaintively crying, "Jason!"

Hopefully, he'll find his way out by June 5, when the 2011 MTV Movie Awards air live at 9 p.m. ET from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. Voting in all categories, from Best Villain to Best Line from a Movie, is now under way at MovieAwards.MTV.com. Voting is set to close on June 4. But voting for Best Movie will stay open through the show itself, meaning you have the chance to affect the night's biggest winner up until the very last minute.

Will vampires and werewolves own the 2011 MTV Movie Awards? Can wizards or dream thieves steal the Golden Popcorn? Find out on June 5, when the 20th annual show airs live at 9 p.m. ET/PT. To get into the magical movie mood, we're kicking off a Sneak Peek Week starting on May 30 — five days of exclusives and interviews with the casts of "Fright Night, "Horrible Bosses" and more. Check out everything there is to know about Sneak Peek Week and the Movie Awards at MovieAwards.MTV.com!

Related Videos

2011 Movie Awards: Jason Sudeikis Meets The Nominees

Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Lady Gaga Fans Get Emotional About 'Inside The Outside' Special

'This interview was so sweet, I cried. She gives me hope for humanity,' one fan tweets about the MTV doc.
By James Dinh, with additional reporting by James Montgomery

Lady Gaga
Photo: MTV News

As her quest for world domination proceeds, Lady Gaga teamed up with MTV for an exclusive sit-down chat about her extraordinary journey to pop music royalty for the "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" documentary, which premiered on Thursday night. In it, Gaga discusses her early career struggles and whirlwind rise to fame, a tale that has all of her Little Monsters abuzz after watching it.

Reactions to the hour-long special have been strong, with an overwhelming response coming in from fans who were selected to attend our special after-show live stream, users on the MTV News site and the social networks in between.

One of those Monsters chosen to visit MTV studios Thursday night was Adrianna, who told MTV News that she was personally touched by Gaga's account of her bullying incident. "I was been bullied all through high school, and I kind of want to thank those people in an awkward way because I wouldn't be the same person, just like Lady Gaga wouldn't be the same person," she shared. "We wouldn't be as strong and confident with ourselves if it wasn't for those people."

Decked out in Gaga-like leather gear, Adrianna explained that Mother Monster is a role model to those who may still endure bullying, and that ultimately she is an inspirational star.

MTV News' Facebook page was also flooded by a wave of Little Monsters who couldn't help but gush about the doc. Users like Jimmy Aleman got emotional watching the special, saying, "I saw it :) It made me cry. She is a true woman." And Rossi Ruska Coles appreciated the pop star's defiant story, writing, "Thank you for this great one hour, the true and real Gaga! Love her and her self-identity!"

Chifi55 also got in on the fun by commenting on MTV News' site, saying, "She's so honest and true ... You just can't believe how amazing and loving and kind she is. She was nothing and became the world's greatest pop star ... There is no one who deserves it more than her!"

Despite the 140-character limit, Gaga fans were also quick to hit us up via Twitter to share their thoughts on "Inside the Outside." Superfan Ryan Lee tweeted, "I cried watching the special. Whoever made it should win an award because they captured the beauty of the angel that is Lady Gaga."

HausOfKels revealed she also couldn't hold back tears, writing, "This interview was so sweet, I cried. She gives me hope for humanity. Her message changed my life + made me stronger. xo #MTVGAGA."

And it wasn't just Little Monsters who tuned in to the MTV special, but also some non-fans, including sayjay41297, who admitted she's been transformed. "I didn't know all that much about Gaga, but now I'm really inspired and I think I've just became a Little Monster. #mtvgaga," she wrote.

Like sayjay41297, RickG63 shared a similar reaction to the doc, but had one minor complaint, tweeting, "Fantastic show, but her interviews are never long enough. Thank you for the show. It was great to see. Now you know why we love Gaga."

Did "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" shed a new light on the pop star for you? Share your comments below.

Related Videos

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664755/lady-gaga-mtv-special-reactions.jhtml

Brittny Gastineau Brody Dalle Brooke Burke Brooke Burns

Prince Turns The House Of Blues Into The ?House Of Funk?

So … I had a very long night/morning today … and am alive and functioning to tell the tale. As I mentioned yesterday, last night David and I attended the 8pm performance of the stage play God of Carnage and then I attended a 2AM concert performance by Prince in the intimate Foundation Room at [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/TQP1bRYyB6U/

Adrianne Curry Adrianne Palicki Aisha Tyler Aki Ross

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

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

Jenny McCarthy Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel

Friday, May 27, 2011

'Carrie' Remake Draws Lindsay Lohan's Attention And 'Fright Night' Gets R-Rating In This Week's Horror Bites

by Alison Nastasi
There's a lot of anticipation brewing in this week's Horror Bites, which reports that one upcoming remake is already causing a bloody battle between two of Hollywood's most talked about stars: Lindsay Lohan and Megan Fox are both reportedly vying for the same role in a remake of "Carrie."
Meanwhile, a popular zombie tale [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/05/27/carrie-remake-draws-lindsay-lohans-attention-and-fright-night-gets-r-rating-in-this-weeks-horror-bites/

Blake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan

What's Your Number? Website

The website for WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER? is finally up!

http://www.whatsyournumbermovie.com/

And the official Facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/whatsyournumbermovie

And the official YouTube channel!

http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialNumberMovie

Also, here's the trailer!

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/5/5/whats-your-number-website.html

Cristina Dumitru Daisy Fuentes Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind The 'Glee' Cover

MJ classic is mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Heads Will Roll' for post-Super Bowl episode.
By Aly Semigran

"Glee"
Photo: FOX

Madonna, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and now, finally, Michael Jackson. The cast of "Glee" has covered plenty of icons during their first two seasons, but it's taken 33 episodes to get around to the King of Pop.

With a huge catalog of Jackson songs, the singing, dancing students of McKinley High paid homage to the late singer with one of his biggest staples (and, arguably, the greatest music video of all time) with their take on "Thriller."

The groundbreaking single from Jackson's best-selling album of the same name was mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" for the post-Super Bowl episode (titled "The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle"), featuring a zombie-fied "Glee" cast.

Bound to become a smash all over again (though with its nonstop rotation at Halloween parties and wedding receptions until the end of time, it's never truly gone away), here's a brief history of the dance/pop classic.

Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh, and final, single to be released from Jackson's smash record. According to the RIAA, the album (released by Epic Records) has gone gold 29 times, narrowly edging out the Eagles' Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.

In 2009, MTV News estimated that the Thriller album was poised to go triple diamond, meaning 30 million records sold in the U.S. alone.

After Thriller's other singles (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something") dominated the charts, it was time for the spooky, undeniably original track to take over. The song "Thriller" also appeared on many of Jackson's other albums, including the compilations HIStory and Number Ones.

Clocking in at a little under six minutes (though the radio edit was closer to four-and-a-half), the song features pop-music mainstays like synthesizers but shakes things up with its spooky sound effects, including creaking floors, howling and thunder.

The song was produced by Quincy Jones and written and composed by Rod Tempterton and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4.

But it's the music video for "Thriller" that truly made it the phenomenon it was in the '80s and continues to be today. Less a music video than a mini-motion picture, the video (over 13 minutes long and directed by John Landis) won three MTV Video Music Awards and has been named the best music video of all time by many outlets, including VH1 for the special "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos."

The chiller features Jackson in that iconic red leather jacket on a date with his girlfriend (played by Ola Ray) before things go terribly awry. After all, as Jackson (whose disclaimer at the start of the video reads, "This film in no way endorses a belief in the occult") sings in the opening line, "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." Cue werewolves, zombies, Vincent Price's soliloquy and one of the most memorable dance sequences ever.

The video was (no pun intended) a monster hit. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "At the height of the song's popularity, MTV would run the 14-minute 'Thriller' video twice an hour."

Choreographed by Jackson and Michael Peters (who, as the LA Times also reported, appears in the video as one of the zombies) and with makeup by Oscar-winner Rick Baker (also an undead "Thriller" extra) was made with a huge budget of an estimated $500,000.

Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.

Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)

Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.

Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.

Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.

What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!

Related Videos

Musical 'Glee-Caps' Of Season Two

Ali Larter Alice Dodd Alicia Keys Alicia Witt

Thursday, May 26, 2011

'Dark Knight Rises' Cast Grows By Two

Brett Cullen and Chris Ellis have signed on for roles in the next installment of the Christopher Nolan-directed 'Batman' franchise.
By Eric Ditzian

Brett Cullen
Photo: Getty Images

The population of Gotham City continues to grow, as "The Dark Knight Rises" has added two more actors to its swelling ranks.

Brett Cullen ("Lost") and Chris Ellis ("Catch Me If You Can") have signed on to director Christopher Nolan's third "Batman" film, Variety reports. Cullen is set to play a judge and Ellis will portray a priest. The two men join Matthew Modine, Tom Conti and Joey King, whose castings were announced on Friday.

Cullen is perhaps best known for his small but integral role in "Lost" as Goodwin, a member of the Others. More recently, he played Dakota Fanning's father in "The Runaways" and will be seen in this summer's "Monte Carlo," as well as the forthcoming "Red Dawn." Ellis portrayed a special agent opposite Tom Hanks in "Catch Me If You Can" and took on a short arc on Fox's "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Both men also appeared in Ron Howard's "Apollo 13."

These newcomers join Christian Bale, who again plays the lead roles of Bruce Wayne and Batman, plus Michael Caine as Wayne's butler and confidant, Alfred; Gary Oldman as Police Commissioner Gordon; and Morgan Freeman as Wayne's right-hand man, Lucius Fox. Other new faces in the cast include Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle (who becomes Catwoman in comic-book lore), Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake and Tom Hardy as Bane. We got our first look at Bane — his freaky head mask, his hulking frame — on Friday, when Warner Bros. kicked off a viral marketing campaign that led to the discovery of a photo of the villain.

"The Dark Knight Rises" is set for release on July 20, 2012.

Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."

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

Related Photos

Who Will Be In 'The Dark Knight Rises' Cast?

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664456/dark-knight-rises-new-cast.jhtml

Hayden Panettiere Haylie Duff Heidi Klum Heidi Montag

Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Light Up Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show

Foursome is joined by special guests and tons of lights for smash-hit medley.
By Mawuse Ziegbe

Black Eyed Peas perform during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show
Photo: Getty Images

The platinum-selling Peas wrapped up the performance with a reprise of "I Gotta Feeling," as the quartet triumphantly signed off amid of blitz of fog, firepower and flashing lights.

And once the crew left the stage, the frontman was not only proud, but pumped. "That was so freakin sick," he wrote. "Wow...!!!"

What did you think of the Black Eyed Peas' Super Bowl performance? Let us know in the comments!

Related Photos

Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Perform During Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show

Erika Christensen Estella Warren Esther Cañadas Eva Green

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

'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Trailer Frames

Related Artists

Michael Jackson

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

Ali Larter Alice Dodd Alicia Keys Alicia Witt

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Michael Jackson Estate Rakes In $310 Million To Date

Singer left behind more than $400 million in debt.

Michael Jackson
Photo: Time Life Pictures/DMI/Time Life Pictures/Getty Im

Between album sales, movie profits, licensing arrangements and lucrative deals for Cirque du Soleil shows, the estate of late King of Pop Michael Jackson has raked in more than $300 million since the singer's shocking death in June 2009.

According to TMZ, legal documents released on Thursday reveal that executors of MJ's estate have managed to make a major dent in the more than $400 million in debt that Jackson owed at the time of his death.

The first accounting from the executors shows that they have already spent around $159 million paying back various debts, income taxes and other expenses, which include providing support for the pop star's mother, Katherine Jackson, as well as his three young children.

"Although there remain unresolved creditor claims, pending litigation and additional challenging business, tax and legal issues, and the estate is not yet in a condition to be closed, the executors have made substantial progress in reducing the estate's debt," the documents state, according to a Reuters report. Two of Jackson's longtime confidants, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, were named as administrators in a will sign by the pop icon.

In addition to paying to make "substantial improvements" to the Jackson family's Havenhurst estate in Encino, California, the executors also spent an undetermined amount of money on "last illness and funeral and memorial service expenses." Those costs included a $900,000 payment to the Forest Lawn Memorial cemetery where Jackson is buried and $35,000 on expenses described as "costume for memorial."

TMZ reported that not only did the famously cash-strapped Jackson have more than $400 million in debt, but his estate also owed more than $40 million to concert promoter AEG tied to the scuttled This Is It Tour, for which MJ was rehearsing when he died unexpectedly. They've also paid $27.2 million in taxes and $4 million in mortgage payments on Jackson's properties.

Despite the solid sales of the Michael album and millions of units of the singer's back catalog being sold, as well as the box office of the "This Is It" movie and DVD sales, the estate is not nearly out of the woods. TMZ noted that the administrators have received more than 65 creditors' claims, some of which are subject to "extremely high" interest rates, and there are several outstanding lawsuits against the estate in several countries.

Related Photos

Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos

Related Artists

Michael Jackson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658290/michael-jackson-estate.jhtml

Dominique Swain Donna Feldman Drea de Matteo Drew Barrymore

Photos | Lady Gaga Lights Up Atlantic City

Lady Gaga Lights Up Atlantic City

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1658380

Aki Ross Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio Alexis Bledel

Justin Bieber Vintage Video: His First Meeting With Usher

Justin Timberlake also wanted to sign Bieber, 'Never Say Never' star said in 2009.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber
Photo: Brian Phares/MTV News

Just as the world was learning who Justin Bieber was, MTV News caught up with the shaggy-haired singer in September 2009. He was gearing up to release his debut album, My World, and plotting his pop-world domination. In the year and a half since that interview, Bieber has done the nearly impossible, launching himself into the pop mega-sphere.

In the chat, Bieber recalled how he and his manager, Scooter Braun, met and eventually got big names interested in signing the teen.

"My manager found me on YouTube. He flew me out to Atlanta for the first time — I'd never actually been on a plane before. He flew me to Atlanta where i was going to the studio to meet some people," he recalled.

"And Usher happened to roll up in his Range Rover. I ran up to him, and I was like, 'Usher, I love your songs. Want me to sing you one?' The politest possible way he could say no, he did. ... I took the hint. I didn't get to sing for him: He had to run into a studio session."

But later, Usher was beckoning the teen back to the ATL. "He actually watched my videos — after my manager got to talking to him — and was like, 'I should have let this kid sing,' and flew me back to Atlanta where I got to sing for him in a proper setting. A week later, I had a meeting with Justin Timberlake, who also wanted to sign me, so they both kind of wanted me."

As the story goes, Bieber went with Usher, and the two never looked back.

"As far as Usher being my mentor, he's definitely given me words of wisdom. I hear it from everybody, but definitely to hear it from Usher is great, just to stay humble and grounded is very important," he explained.

"There's a lot of people, especially young stars, that have gone down the wrong path, and I definitely plan to stay humble and stay grounded and keep my family first, because that stuff really is important in life."

On Friday, Justin Bieber's 3-D documentary, "Never Say Never," opens. The film takes a look at how the teen star worked to hit it big. MTV News has been chatting with him along the way, from the time he first burst on the scene in 2009 until now, as he embarks on a huge 2011 that will include a tour and more new music.

Related Videos

Related Photos

Photos From Justin Bieber's Interview With Sway

Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Lindsay Lohan Loses Her Top In The Miami Ocean Tide

Over the weekend we saw photos of Linday Lohan (and her exposed nipples) in Miami, FL on the set of a photoshoot for Plum magazine and today we get to see photos of L. Lo playing in the Miami surf with her family and friends. Lindsay, who has a habit of being unable to control [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/8drEv-USWvw/

Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum

Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Muse Added To Grammy Show

Usher, Jaden Smith, B.o.B, Janelle Monae and Lady Antebellum will also perform on February 13.
By Gil Kaufman

Justin Bieber and Usher
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

While Willow Smith is the one who made music headlines with "Whip My Hair" last year, it's her brother, "Karate Kid" actor Jaden Smith, who will take the stage at the upcoming 53rd Grammy Awards in a special performance alongside Usher and Justin Bieber, with whom he collaborated on the song "Never Say Never" last summer.

The trio joins a list of new performers added to the show on Thursday (January 20) that will also include another power trifecta made up of B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, according to a press release from the Recording Academy announcing the additions to the February 13 telecast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Also taking the stage next month will be nominees Muse and Lady Antebellum. They will join a roster of previously announced performers that includes Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, Cee Lo Green and Miranda Lambert. It will be the first time on the Grammy performance stage for Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse and Smith. Eminem, Green, Gaga, Perry, Usher and Lady Antebellum will be making return visits for the occasion.

While 11-time Grammy winner Eminem leads the pack in nominations this year (with 10 nods), Mars has seven nominations, and Gaga and Lady Antebellum are not far behind with six nods each. B.o.B has notched five, Perry and Green are each up for four, and Arcade Fire and Lambert are vying for three awards. Bieber, Muse, Usher and Monáe are each nominated for two Grammys.

No details of the collaborative performances were released, but the Grammy announcement promised a rare, never-before-seen event for the Mars, B.o.B and Monáe segment.

With the addition of Antebellum, all five Album of the Year nominees (Eminem, Arcade Fire, Gaga, Perry) are now scheduled to perform on the show. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.

Which Grammy performance are you most looking forward to? Talk about it in the comments!

Related Photos

2011 Grammy Performers

Carol Grow Carrie Underwood Cat Power Catherine Bell

New Led Zeppelin On The Way? Jason Bonham Hints At 'Jam' Sessions With Jimmy Page -- But Not Robert Plant

Drummer admits he doesn't know what will come of 'new material.'
By Chris Harris

Jason Bonham
Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images

On Friday morning, mere hours before he was due to take the stage with classic rockers Foreigner at Detroit's GM Renaissance Center, drummer Jason Bonham — the son of late Led Zeppelin kitman John Bonham — told Jim Johnson and Lynne Woodison of local rock station 94.7 WCSX that he'd be an ex-member of Foreigner as of September 1. But that's not the only thing he said.

Much to the delight of Led Zeppelin fans everywhere, Bonham revealed that he's been meeting up with Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones in recent months and that they've been "trying to do some new material and writing."

It was the first time since Led Zeppelin announced they would re-form for a single performance (which happened late last year at London's O2 Arena, in honor of the late Ahmet Ertegün, who signed the band to Atlantic Records in 1969) that anyone connected to the band has confirmed publicly that new music could be on the horizon for the iconic rockers. While the bandmembers have stopped short of definitively ruling out such a reunion, singer Robert Plant insisted in the wake of last year's show that he intended to focus on promoting and touring behind his critically lauded album with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, Raising Sand.

Not that Bonham knows what — if anything — will happen with the new material he's been working on with Page (who collaborated with pop singer Leona Lewis on an uneven version of Zep's "Whole Lotta Love" at the Olympic closing ceremonies in Beijing on Sunday night) and Jones. He said he just shows up and takes his seat behind the kit.

"I've been over [to England] a couple of times," Bonham said. "I've been working with Jimmy and John Paul and trying to do ... some new material and some writing. I don't know what it will be, but it will be something. At the moment, all I know is I have the great pleasure to go and jam with the two guys and start work on some material. When I get there, I never ask any questions. If I get a phone call to go and play, I enjoy every moment of it. Whatever it ends up as, to ever get a chance to jam with two people like that, it is a phenomenal thing for me. It's my life. It's what I've dreamed about doing."

He said it's still too early to tell what will become of these "jam" sessions, but admitted that the "possibility of doing something is in the cards. I really felt it was in the cards from the moment we walked offstage at the O2." Bonham also explained that, before there could be a Led Zep LP, "lots of politics [would need to] get ironed out," but added that recording with Zep is "something I've always wanted to do."

Bonham noticeably didn't mention frontman Plant's name during the discussion. A spokesperson for Page's management had no comment on the matter, and a spokesperson for Jones' management could not be reached by press time.

Daisy Fuentes Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso

Monday, May 23, 2011

Photos | Lady Gaga's Madison Square Garden Performance

Lady Gaga's Madison Square Garden Performance

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1658394

Hilary Duff Hilary Swank Isla Fisher Ivana Bozilovic

Britney Spears - Piece of Me

Piece of Me

Artist: Britney Spears
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Wayne Isham
Album: Blackout

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=195543

Amy Cobb Amy Smart Ana Beatriz Barros Ana Hickmann

MTV Movie Awards Hosts Jason Sudeikis Inflicts Dental Hilarity Upon Leighton Meester

MTV Movie Awards host Jason Sudeikis makes everything better, even going to the dentist. Yes, that sounds impossible ? nothing makes going to the dentist better ? but trust us, it's true.
Just ask Leighton Meester, one of the Best Villain nominees at this year's show. She had an unexpected encounter with Sudeikis at the [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/05/20/mtv-movie-awards-jason-sudeikis-leighton-meester-video/

Claudette Ortiz Coco Lee Connie Nielsen Cristina Dumitru

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Beyonc� - Run The World (Girls)

Run The World (Girls)

Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia
Director: Francis Lawrence

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=654804

Aaliyah Abbie Cornish Adriana Lima Adrianne Curry

Arnold Schwarzenegger Puts Brakes On Acting Comeback

Former governor's reps announce the embattled 'Terminator' star is 'focusing on personal matters.'
By Kara Warner

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Photo: Getty Images

Not long after news broke that Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child with a former member of his household staff, the speculating began about what impact the scandal would have on the former governor's acting career, especially given that Schwarzenegger had recently signed on to star in "Cry Macho," in a deal that would give him a $10 million advance and a portion of the film's profits.

Unsurprisingly, Schwarzenegger's return to the big screen has officially been put on hold. According to The Associated Press, Schwarzenegger's reps released a statement on Thursday (May 19) announcing the decision.

"Governor Schwarzenegger is focusing on personal matters and is not willing to commit to any production schedules or timelines," the statement reads. "This includes 'Cry Macho,' 'The Terminator' franchise and other projects under consideration. We will resume discussions when Governor Schwarzenegger decides."

Despite the shock and awe surrounding Schwarzenegger's admission of a love child, combined with the recent news that he and Maria Shriver are separating, Hollywood insiders still think he'll be back (pun intended).

"This will, essentially, go away," David Poland of Movie City News told MTV News this week. "He'll be on 'Leno' next week to put this all behind him. Maybe two weeks — depends on how much the kid looks like him and how many weeks the tabloids run the photo on the front page. But eating this privately is not his way."

"Philandering has rarely, if ever, hurt anyone's career in Hollywood," added Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations. "He has already taken the proper steps by admitting his transgressions and facing the press directly. And on his career side, his role as the Governator only stoked his box-office cred, as he is hotter than ever, moving forward with several high-profile film projects. I don't think this comes as a shock to anyone, as people have known for quite some time that Schwarzenegger is something of a lady's man."

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664252/arnold-schwarzenegger-acting-career.jhtml

Jenny McCarthy Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel

Michael Jackson Doctor's Trial Delayed

Judge pushes start of Conrad Murray's trial back to May.
By Gil Kaufman

Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Though Conrad Murray's lawyers had been pressing for a speedy trial, a judge in the involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson's doctor ruled on Wednesday to delay opening statements in the proceedings until May.

The Associated Press reported that Murray's attorneys consented to the postponement after they discussed the matter with prosecutors and both agreed they could be ready for trial by May 9.

According to a transcript from the closed-door session, though opening statements will not begin for several months, Murray told Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor that he did not want to forfeit his right to a quick trial, but agreed to the delay if screening of prospective jurors begins as scheduled on March 24.

"It is only acceptable to me if this is not strung along over a long period of time," Murray told the justice. "I don't want to lose my constitutional right to speedy trial." Murray — who has pleaded not guilty to the charges — reportedly has been in favor of having the proceedings begin as soon as possible because he is facing financial troubles, but he said he understands that the delay is necessary to allow both sides to prepare for the trial.

Pastor consented because he said he didn't want to lose a jury pool, and believed a month-long delay might let potential jurors shuffle their schedules for the case, which could take up to two months to decide. The judge has reportedly clashed with Murray's defense team in recent weeks, pressing them for answers about why they had not turned over more witness notes and other potential evidence to prosecutors in the run-up to the trial.

Cardiologist Murray was hired to be Jackson's personal physician while the King of Pop prepared for his planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2009. The doctor told police that he provided the then-50-year-old Jackson with sedatives and the surgical anesthetic propofol in order to combat the singer's chronic insomnia. He said he did so on the morning of June 25, 2009, when Jackson died of what a coroner deemed acute propofol poisoning.

Murray's lawyers reportedly plan to argue that Jackson was already in weak health before he died, that it's unfair to blame propofol for his passing and that, if the anesthetic was to blame, the pop superstar may have given himself the fatal dose by drinking the drug in a panic.

A status hearing in the case has been set for this Wednesday.

Related Videos

Remembering Michael Jackson

Related Photos

Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos

Related Artists

Michael Jackson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659100/conrad-murray-trial.jhtml

Amanda Detmer Amanda Marcum Amanda Peet Amanda Righetti

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Photos | Lady Gaga's Madison Square Garden Performance

Lady Gaga's Madison Square Garden Performance

Related Artists

Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1658394

Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt

Nicki Minaj Prepares For Substance-Free Britney Spears Tour

And you know what, she ain't even mad! In fact, she's stoked about it!
As Nicki Minaj prepares to hit the road with Britney Spears, certain details about the upcoming tour are leaking to the public. The most interesting of which was the news that everyone involved with the summer venture must adhere to a strict [...]

Source: http://perezhilton.com/2011-05-21-nicki-minaj-prepares-for-substance-free-britney-spears-tour

Ana Beatriz Barros Ana Hickmann Ana Ivanovi Ana Paula Lemes

Photos | Behind-The-Scenes: Ke$ha At 'SNL'

Behind-The-Scenes: Ke$ha At 'SNL'

Related Artists

Ke$ha

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1637151

Eva Longoria Eva Mendes Evangeline Lilly Eve

Friday, May 20, 2011

'Hunger Games' Star Jennifer Lawrence Talks 'Twilight,' Kristen Stewart

Actress tells MTV News she imagines an awkward introduction with fellow book-to-movie heroine would begin with, 'Books! Who knew?'
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Jennifer Lawrence
Photo: MTV News

For those who keep tabs on the world of best-selling young adult fiction and the big-screen adaptations that accompany them as we do, the most exciting story to come out of that world recently is the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' dystopian mega-hit, "The Hunger Games."

Naturally the biggest news was the announcement that Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence had won the highly coveted role of Katniss Everdeen, followed by casting news of key characters Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) and Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), then Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinkett and later, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy.

MTV News was lucky enough to score a few minutes with Lawrence recently to talk all about her exciting upcoming projects, including "The Hunger Games" and "X-Men: First Class." While discussing the huge fan-following behind the "Games" trilogy, the topic of comparisons to another popular book series-turned-box-office dominator, "Twilight," and its leading lady, Kristen Stewart, came up.

Given that "The Hunger Games" and "Twilight" have a few similarities, we asked Lawrence if she's spoken to Stewart about the experience, or if she'd want to commiserate in any way about starring in hugely popular book-to-movie franchises.

"No, I haven't spoken to her," Lawrence said, and then playfully acted out a little pantomime scene of what might happen if and when the two ever do meet. To do so, Lawrence used a series of incomprehensible grunts and gestures that could be loosely translated as, "Hi, how are you? You're in those movies. You are, too. Cool."

"I don't really know what we'd say," Lawrence admitted. "[We'd] just be like [gestures to an invisible book in her hand], 'Books! Who knew?' "

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

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

Related Videos

Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence

Related Photos

Meet Katniss From 'Hunger Games': Jennifer Lawrence

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664347/jennifer-lawrence-hunger-games-kristen-stewart-twilight.jhtml

Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears Brittany Daniel Brittany Lee

I Told You So

In case I wasn't clear in my video... more proof that cab drivers don't like to go to Brooklyn.

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/4/21/i-told-you-so.html

Carla Campbell Carla Gugino Carmen Electra Carol Grow

'American Idol' Report Card: Are Scotty And Haley Headed To The Finale?

Lauren Alaina's performances Wednesday night may not have impressed as much as McCreery's 'Gonna Kiss Me' and Reinhart's Zeppelin cover.
By Eric Ditzian

Scotty McCreery performs on "American Idol" on Wednesday
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox

If there's one thing we've learned during our "American Idol" studies this season, it's not to get lost in the extraneous trappings of the show — the over-the-top theatrics, the couldn't-be-less-enlightening-if-they-tried judges' commentary, the schmaltzy video packages meant to tug heartstrings and sway votes. That's because voters have shown an admirable ability and initiative to go it alone, voting for the singers they believe in, the singers they feel are the best, and ignoring all the distractions. It's as if, with Simon Cowell gone and producers seemingly attempting to micromanage the competition like never before, each viewer has decided, To hell with it, I'm gonna trust my own gut this time.

And so as we dole out grades for Wednesday's show and attempt to predict who'll make it into the finale, we'll be careful not to read too much into judges' praise or dads shredding guitars up onstage. All that's just noise. Let's concentrate on how Scotty McCreery, Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alaina sang — and if they'll be around to sing in next week's show.

Excellent
Haley Reinhart: "What Is and What Should Never Be"
This is how good Haley's cover of this Led Zeppelin tune was: so freaking good she could trip on a step, turn toward the judges and offer a fierce, "Baby!" and it all seemed in keeping with her energetic, leave-it-all-up-onstage performance. She flitted airily through early verses, stomped with a blues-rock sultriness through the chorus, and left us (as well as, oddly, Randy "I Don't Really Like Haley That Much and I Can't Hide It" Jackson) giving her standing ovation.

Scotty McCreery: "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?"
We trust the first thing Scotty did at the end of the show was go over and shake Jimmy Iovine's hand for giving him a song with a chorus that challenged all his fans at home, "Are you gonna kiss me or not?" Our guess is that after this hip-shaking rendition, in which Scotty played to the camera better than he has all season, viewers were popping off smooches in the form of votes for hours and hours.

Good
Scotty McCreery: "Amazed"
If this Lonestar cover didn't rise to the level of "Gonna Kiss Me," it was only a narrow miss. Scotty showed an admirable affinity for melody and a true emotional connection to the song. And let's applaud the kid for reaching up for a higher register. This is his version of artistic growth: not in content (old-school country music flows through his veins) but in form. As if there could be any doubters at this point, Scotty's first two performances made clear the kid will be — and deserves to be — in the finale.

Lauren Alaina: "If I Die Young"
In our "Idol" preview on Wednesday, we hoped Lauren would grab hold of a mid-tempo country ditty, as those not-too-fast-not-too-slow songs offer the teenager the most room to show off her vocal gifts. There was something almost coquettish, yet somehow not off-putting or inappropriate, about the performance. Simply put, her confidence showed through as she glided along the song's lovely melody. Did she miss that key change? Yes, and that's perhaps the only thing keeping this song away from "excellent" territory.

Haley Reinhart: "Rhiannon"
Can we ignore that ridiculous wind machine? No, we can't — you're indoors, not on the bow of the Titanic next to Leonardo DiCaprio! Distractions aside, Haley connected so soulfully to the music, despite the way she had to battle with a particularly shrieky backup singer. While the performance faltered slightly once the tempo picked up, it left no confusion in our minds: Haley deserves to be in the finale.

Satisfactory
Lauren Alaina: "I Hope You Dance"
In theory, this Lee Ann Womack song was the perfect fit for Lauren's country sweet spot. In practice, it was a little cheesy, even after she added some much-needed vocal oomph before and during the second chorus. With Scotty and Haley both delivering two top-notch performances, it'll be interesting to see how voters treat Lauren. We wouldn't be surprised if she's the odd singer out on Thursday's elimination show.

Haley Reinhart: "You Oughta Know"
Last season, Crystal Bowersox united with Alanis Morissette for a rousing rendition of this '90s smash. Haley's take on the tune was a pale imitation of that performance. She started off too quietly, struggled with her phrasing throughout, and even when the guitar kicked in and the energy picked up, the song never quite came together. We do appreciate, though, that she boldly ran up and down the stairs again after her earlier fall. Haley and Lauren are competing for the free spot next to Scotty next week, and it's anybody's guess how this weak performance will affect the final voting.

Unsatisfactory
Scotty McCreery: "She Believes in Me"
Perhaps by the end of the two-hour show, Scotty's vocals needed a rest, because this performance was all sorts of nasal. He missed notes, he reminded us of a cruise ship country act, and still the judges drooled all over the kid. What's new?

Lauren Alaina: "Wild One"
Much like "Hope You Dance," Faith Hill's song fell right into Lauren's wheelhouse. And much like her final performance, this cover of "Wild One" fell oddly short. There were pitch problems and notes all over the place. Her foot-stomping confidence helped ease things somewhat, but at this stage in the competition, we're looking for something more; it might have been enough to score a "satisfactory" a month ago, but not when we're talking about the top three. If you ask us, Lauren is headed home, after which we'll be looking forward to her debut album.

Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Related Videos

'Idol Party Live' With MTV News' Jim Cantiello

Related Photos

'American Idol' Season 10 Performances

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664209/american-diol-scotty-hailey.jhtml

Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff