Posted on 09 February 2010 by Adam
Posted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
'Dudes are way more annoying,' says Ke$ha, explaining her bratty song's message.
By Jocelyn Vena
Ke$ha on the set of her video "Blah Blah Blah"
Photo: RCA
Ke$ha makes no apologies for her brash personality, which she's managed to channel into catchy, raucous party songs. And with her first single "Tik Tok" still pumping loudly from stereos, it's time for Ke$ha to assault radio airwaves with her new single, "Blah Blah Blah," off her chart-topping debut album, Animal.
The up-and-comer recently shot a video for the song along with the boys of 3Oh!3, who appear on the bratty club anthem. "The whole concept of the video was a bunch of douche-y guys macking on me as usual, and me making them eat their toupees or other various items," she told MTV News at the shoot. "At one point, I get to be strapped to this harness and bouncing around everywhere, and it was really cool."
In the song, Ke$ha ridicules a would-be suitor for "ta-ta-talking that bla-bla-bla" when all she really wants is to have sex with him.
Ke$ha explained that the dance tune originated from a discussion she had in the studio on the politics of female-male relationships. "The song came about when the people that wrote it — me, Benny Blanco, Neon Hitch and [3Oh!3's] Sean Foreman — all got in a room, and they were talking about how chicks talk too much," she said.
"And me and Neon were like, 'No, no, no, guys talk too much,' " she continued. "So, we had this war of who were more obnoxious, chicks or dudes. And the song kind of came around from that conversation. I think I make a pretty fair point both in this video and in the song, that dudes are way more annoying."
Related ArtistsPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
'There's not a better job on the planet than judging a karaoke contest,' Stern says on his Sirius radio show.
By James Montgomery, with additional reporting by Gil Kaufman
Howard Stern
Photo: Jim Spellman/ WireImage
On Monday (February 8), Howard Stern not only confirmed reports that Fox is interested in hiring him to replace departing "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, but that the interest is mutual.
"There's not a better job on the planet than judging a f-----g karaoke contest," Stern told his satellite radio listeners. "It might be possible, we'll see."
Stern, who frequently dissects "Idol" on his radio program, joked that the deciding factor in the negotiations might be the size of the paycheck show producers are willing to shell out for his services.
"They'd have to pay me a ton of dough, because I already make a ton of dough," he said.
Stern's five-year, $500 million contract with Sirius XM is set to expire in January of next year. And according to some reports, "Idol" producers are prepared to match that deal.
"A $100 million to judge a karaoke contest? Yeah, I think I would do that show for $100 million," Stern said. "It would be the best thing that happened to me. What a cush job: $100 million for four months. Who wouldn't take that?"
Stern added that he wouldn't do a radio show if he landed the "Idol" job, and said that, while the show is "nothing" without Cowell, he had read reports that it was the acerbic Brit himself who suggested the longtime shock jock take his place at the end of this season.
"I'm not going to comment about any discussions I might or might not have had," he said. "I watch 'American Idol.' ... people seem to think that if I was on it, because I'm such a foul-mouthed, miserable f---, that I would get them thrown off the air. I know how to judge."
And to that end, he said that, really, he's the best man for the job, since he'd be able to replace the acerbic wit the show would be missing without Cowell.
"If I do say so myself, I can't imagine anyone else but me replacing [Cowell]," Stern said. "I mean, how else are they going to make that show work? Who knows how to broadcast and who knows how to be interesting? And who's not afraid to speak their mind?"
And what else would Stern bring to the table? Well, judging by the jokes he made about current "Idol" judges Randy Jackson and Ellen DeGeneres, he wouldn't be opposed to sparring with his fellow judges. And when asked about the kinds of critiques he'd offer up to auditioners, he replied with this hypothetical nugget.
" 'Hey Fantasia, you're not getting little boys hard. You look like you stepped out of a cartoon. ... They want a Britney Spears or a Rihanna," Stern said. "Little boys are scared that you are going to sit on them. You're out. ... You've got to go clean up your act. Get a haircut like Rihanna if you want little boys [to get excited about] you."
Should make for an interesting show! A spokesperson for 19 Entertainment, which produces "American Idol," told MTV News there was no comment on the Stern situation.
Would Howard Stern make a good replacement for Simon Cowell on "American Idol"? What do you think? Sound off in the comments below!
Related Videos Related PhotosPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
'He's definitely going to be treated differently,' retired NYPD detective Derrick Parker says of Wayne's prison stint.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Lil Wayne
Photo: Newscom
Lil Wayne's life revolves around a daily regime of "SportsCenter," studio time and sweets. But on Tuesday (February 9), the Cash Money lyricist will be formally sentenced to prison after he struck a plea deal with Manhattan prosecutors stemming from a 2007 arrest in New York on gun charges. After he officially enters his plea, the rapper is expected to then turn himself in immediately to begin a one-year jail sentence.
Not since Tupac has such an accomplished and relevant MC faced an impending prison term. But will the lithe New Orleans rapper survive the daunting conditions at the notorious Rikers Island facility?
"Lil Wayne is gonna be OK," retired NYPD detective and noted "hip-hop cop" Derrick Parker told MTV News. "While he's in jail, it's a matter of fact they may not put him with the general population because of who he is and his popularity. They might lock him down and let him come out with a supervisor and stuff like that [when he's] in the main area — but he's definitely going to be treated differently."
According to Parker, the way Wayne will be handled will depend on safety concerns for the rapper as well as an effort to maintain as much normalcy at the facility as possible — it won't resemble pampered treatment by any means. Parker said despite Wayne's small physical stature and his propensity to signal a particular gang affiliation in his rhymes, the rapper won't have much to fear in terms of extortion, bullying or worse.
Parker compared Wayne to former New York Giants football player Plaxico Burress, another celebrity who was convicted on gun charges in New York. However, Wayne could be better prepared for life behind bars — Burress hired a jail coach to assist him with acclimating to prison, something Wayne wouldn't even consider.
"Wayne is from the streets, from the Magnolia Houses in New Orleans, so I'm sure those guys have been in jail or locked up at some point," Parker said. "So being in prison is no big deal to them. Plaxico isn't built for that — he's the type of guy that's never been locked up like that before. He's gonna need a coach or someone to tell him what to expect, since he's not used to that."
But what exactly can Wayne expect? Fortunately, he won't have to cut his trademark tresses.
"The days of doing that are over," retired corrections officer Charles Reid told MTV News. "They can't make inmates do that anymore — it's within their rights to maintain any kind of hairstyle."
Wayne will have a few comforts of home while he's away. He will be able to watch network television — not cable, however. And he'll be able to watch DVD movies. He told Rolling Stone recently he plans to take an iPod in with him to assist with writing music, but a source close to the prison facility told MTV News that would not be allowed.
Reid, who worked at Rikers Island for 21 years as an officer and an investigator, said Wayne's days would continue to be regimented, but in a much different way. He suggested the rapper may have to succumb to some work conditions, whether in sanitation or the mess hall, for example. Reid also noted that different wings of the prison carry different types of criminals, but guessed that Wayne would be housed in a dormitory area and not even be confined to a cell.
"Like a hospital, where there's maybe 20 to 25 beds in an open ward, or it maybe bunk beds," Reid said of Wayne's possible lodgings. "Where he has a nightstand to keep his personal belongings."
Due to the short nature of Wayne's sentence — one year, which could mean 10 months, including the possibly of early release after serving 80 percent of good time, possibly putting him back onstage in a little as eight months — the rapper could very well spend his entire term at Rikers Island.
It won't be known for sure if Wayne will be transferred upstate until he enters the New York corrections system and is processed. (A representative for the Corrections Department did not return several inquiries made by MTV as of press time.)
"I think he's gonna go in there and do his time and do it quietly," Parker said. "If he does it with good behavior, that will be a plus for him — then he'll be out and putting out a new album."
How do you think Lil Wayne will fare with his upcoming jail time? Let us know in the comments below, or upload a video to Your.MTV.com!
Related Videos Related ArtistsPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
The pop divas launch their own lipsticks in the line that raises money for HIV/AIDS.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga
Photo: Kristian Dowling/ Getty Images
It seems like a match made in pop-music heaven: Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. The two flashy blondes aren't collaborating musically, however: They're appearing together in MAC's new Viva Glam campaign and lending their names to new lipsticks that benefit the MAC AIDS fund.
The Viva Glam Cyndi and Viva Glam Gaga lipsticks will be available on March 18 and will retail for $14. This Wednesday both Gaga and Lauper will appear on "Good Morning America" and the "Today" show to promote the lipstick and the cause, according to MusicFascination.com.
The ladies also look appropriately glamorous in "From Our Lips" ads, which were shot by Ellen Von Unwerth and are set to appear in magazines later this month, Idolator.com reported. As Gaga and Lauper pose like adorable retro pinup girls, one ad reads, "You know you've got a sexy voice. Use it! Let's talk about how to keep your love life safer, seductive and satisfying. Just between us girls!"
Gaga and Lauper join a list of famous singers who have worked on the Viva Glam campaign. Fergie, Christina Aguilera, Eve, Mary J. Blige and Lil' Kim have all helped sell the lipstick line, which MAC started in 1994, donating every dollar of its sales to help men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Related Photos Related ArtistsPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
The son of another famous drummer, Starkey has actually been working with the band since 1996.
By Gil Kaufman
Zak Starkey performs during the Super Bowl XLIV halftime show
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
Every classic-rock fan knows the titanic twosome that fronts the Who: singer Roger Daltrey and windmilling guitarist Pete Townshend. But as the only two original members left of the iconic British rock band, the duo front a group of backup players who are decidedly more anonymous than late madman drummer Keith Moon and steady-on bassist John Entwistle, who died in 2002 on the eve of one of the band's seemingly endless final tours.
One of the sidemen that stood out for many football fans watching the Super Bowl halftime extravaganza on Sunday was splashy drummer Zak Starkey, who kept the beat on a medley of the band's most beloved hits: "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Riley," "Who Are You?," "See Me, Feel Me" and "Won't Get Fooled Again."
Though at 44 a relative youngster compared to Townshend (64) and Daltrey (65), Starkey is actually a nearly 15-year veteran of the touring version of the Who and a well-regarded rock sideman. He's played with Oasis, the Waterboys, the Icicle Works, Paul Weller and former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. The son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and his first wife, Maureen Cox, Starkey has been a touring member of the Who since 1996.
The gig is a fitting one, considering that Moon was Starkey's godfather and one of dad Ringo's best pals before the Who drummer's death in 1978. In fact, Starkey received his first drum kit and lessons as a child from Moon, despite Ringo's desire that his son not follow in his rock-and-roll footsteps.
Starkey began performing professional gigs in British pubs at age 12 with his band the Next and hooked up in 1985 with the reunited Spencer Davis Group, lead by Steve Winwood, when he was still a teenager. In addition to touring with his dad's All Starr Band, Starkey performed with Daltrey in 1994 on the singer's Daltrey Sings Townshend tour, as well as performing on Entwistle's solo albums.
Starkey was formally asked to play with the Who in 1996, during the band's string of special dates performing their iconic album Quadrophenia. He has performed with the group ever since, alongside other longtime sidemen bassist Pino Palladino, rhythm guitarist Simon Townshend and keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick.
Related ArtistsPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
Nicole Richie, Hugh Jackman, other stars also contributed items to Cyrus' eBay auction.
By Jocelyn Vena
Miley Cyrus
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
Miley Cyrus hasn't let an opportunity pass to make sure she's doing her part to help raise money for Haiti. She participated in both the "We Are the World" remake as well as the "Everybody Hurts" cover organized by Simon Cowell. Now, Cyrus has rounded up a number of items from fellow celebrities, including Britney Spears, for a Haiti benefit auction beginning on Monday (February 2).
"Ever since the earthquake, I've been trying to do my part to help the people of Haiti — and I wanted to do more," Cyrus told People about the eBay auction, in which fans can bid on the Herve Leger dress she wore to the Grammy Awards last month, as well as two tickets to the Hollywood premiere of her upcoming film, "The Last Song." "I want to get people involved and show that even the little things you can do can make a difference."
A message on eBay.com/Miley says that the auction will include tickets to Hugh Jackman's next movie premiere, Whoopi Goldberg's tennis shoes and Demi Lovato's tour wardrobe. Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. According to People, Nicole Richie has donated jewelry from her House of Harlow line and Spears has donated the silver Versace dress she wore to the 2008 MTV VMAs (having just gained permission to do so in a court hearing last month).
"I texted Nicole and right away she sent over some amazing jewelry and Joel [Madden] sent some of his clothes," Cyrus told the magazine. "Everyone has been so generous. My mom and I started calling and texting all of our friends to see if they'd like to be a part of the auction. Demi [Lovato] was one of the first to respond. Hugh Jackman was also excited to donate something."
Learn more about what you can do to help with earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti, and for more information, see Think MTV. Visit HopeForHaitiNow.org or call (877) 99-HAITI to make a donation now.
Related ArtistsPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
After filming 10 upcoming clips before the Super Bowl, Weezy partied with friends and colleagues before his upcoming sentencing.
By Shaheem Reid
Drake and Lil Wayne party over Super Bowl weekend
Photo: Julia Beverly
Lil Wayne got the most out of Super Bowl weekend, spending two days working around the clock and enjoying the big game on Sunday before having to report for his jail sentence on Tuesday. According to a source close to his camp, Weezy shot around 10 videos over the weekend — five on Friday and five on Saturday. The productions were rapid-fire, with Weezy shooting some videos in front of a green screen and some on location.
Miami's Marlin Hotel served as the backdrop for the "Da Da Da" clip.
"It was crazy," said Plex, of Wayne collaborators ¡Mayday! "They was trying to re-create, spin off of 'The Streets Have No Name' by U2 — the one where they were performing on the rooftop and people start gathering around. [Wayne's video] was doing something parallel to that on the rooftop of the Marlin. They had helicopter shots and all."
Boxing contender Sugar Shane Mosley made a cameo appearance.
"It was a whole mess of people. I didn't notice who was there, but I saw Shane because I'm a big fan. Then, you know, the whole Cash Money/ Young Money clique was there. A few NFL players were there. It was crazy. [The video] was set up like a reality show. They followed us out of the tour bus, up the stairs and then we jumped on the stage and started playing. It was fun, man." ¡Mayday!, who back Wayne up in the "On Fire" video, also shot a clip for "Get a Life."
So with visuals for those songs in the can, Wayne enjoyed watching his hometown New Orleans Saints take the championship from the Indianapolis Colts at Super Bowl XLIV. Afterward, Weezy was the guest of honor at a farewell party at Miami club Dolce. Drake, B.G., Nicki Minaj, Bow Wow, Wale, the Birdman and more were among those who came to see Weezy off in style.
¡Mayday! were the house band of the night at Weezy's request.
"They called us during the Super Bowl and said, 'We want you guys to rock tonight,' " Plex explained. "I had to cut my Super Bowl party short and go get my gear."
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
'I'd figured Peyton Manning wouldn't disappoint in the Bowl,' MC says of putting his money on the Colts.
By Shaheem Reid
Game
Photo: Gallo Images/ Getty Images
When Peyton Manning threw that interception in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIV, the Game says he felt the $1,000 he put up on the Colts slipping through his fingers. The underdog New Orleans Saints won the game and surprised a lot of NFL fans.
"I lost some money, man," Game admitted. "I was going with the Colts, man — for no reason. The Saints or the Colts, that ain't my team, man. I'd figured Peyton Manning wouldn't disappoint in the Bowl, but he got his Jim Kelly on. He could have easily tied that game up. But [Manning] was outta the game. I know that face — it's like that sick face n---as make when they knowing it's a wrap. He couldn't shake the face. He came out and played exactly how his expression was. He's used to having it his way. [The Saints] came out there and did they thing, man."
Game says he lost about $1,000 to Dr. Dre, his lab partner for his new LP The R.E.D. Album. The controversial MC watched the game at the Doc's crib and even had a chance to reflect on his career while the Who played the halftime show.
"I was sitting outside of Dre's house yesterday, me and Stat Quo. We was talking about my career and where he is with his and the people that were around that ain't around," Game recalled. "He was telling me, 'N---a, you did the sh--, you went up against everybody,' and we really right back here in Dre's front yard talking at halftime of the game. [Stat] was going for the Colts too. He lost some money to Dre too — gotta throw him under the bus too. But yeah man, the way the life is and the way sh-- happens, it's crazy. But it's a beautiful thing that a n---a is still existing in hip-hop and has the force to sell records."
Game's new album will also feature production by Pharrell Williams and Cool — Dre and appearances by Rick Ross, Ashanti and Justin Timberlake.
Related ArtistsPosted on 08 February 2010 by MTV News
Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter earlier in the day; bail was set at $75,000.
By Eric Ditzian
Dr. Conrad Murray arrives for his arraignment of at the Airport Los Angeles Courthouse today
Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images
Hours after Dr. Conrad Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Michael Jackson's 2009 death, the embattled physician pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon (February 8) during an arraignment hearing at a Los Angeles courthouse, according to The Associated Press.
Murray's bail was set at $75,000, three times greater than the bail usually set for such crimes. Without being handcuffed, Murray was then taken into custody for booking. He must surrender his passport, allowing him to travel within the United States but not out of the country. Prosecutors had been seeking bail of $300,000, but Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz rejected that amount. The involuntary-manslaughter charge carries a maximum jail sentence of four years.
Speaking with reporters following the hearing, Ed Chernoff, Murray's lawyer, said his client would not be talking to press. "He's going to go home," Chernoff said. "He's going to go back to his family. He's going to go back to his patients."
Members of the Jackson family — including the singer's parents, Joe and Katherine, sister La Toya and brothers Jermaine, Tito and Randy — were present during the hearing. Afterward the family made its way through a throng of fans and reporters outside the courthouse without making a formal comment to the press. "We need justice," Joe announced at one point as he made his way to his vehicle, according to The New York Times.
During the hearing, Randy Jackson tweeted, "Sitting in court & I'm sad. Those profiting most from my bro's death: AEG, Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega, Estate Executors r nowhere in sight."
"This charge is a slap on the wrist," Brian Oxman, Joe Jackson's lawyer, told People. "There's great disappointment here. [Conrad Murray] should've been charged with a higher degree of responsibility. What he did was reckless. It was a disregard for human life."
Earlier in the day, prosecutors filed a criminal complaint alleging Murray acted "unlawfully, and without malice [to] kill Michael Joseph Jackson" in administering the surgical anesthetic propofol and other tranquilizers to the singer. The coroner's report has indicated that Murray gave Jackson a dose of propofol sufficient for "major surgery" and that the pop singer died of "acute propofol intoxication."
Murray had been treating Jackson as the King of Pop prepared for a series of comeback concerts at London's O2 arena. Murray told investigators that he administered the sedatives to Jackson several times in the hours leading up to his death and eventually discovered that Jackson was no longer breathing. The singer was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. PT on June 25.
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