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Paramore Have ‘Squeezed Out The Last Drop’ From Brand New Eyes

‘Playing God’ single and video will be the album’s last hurrah, Hayley Williams tells MTV News. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias Paramore’s Hayley Williams Photo: MTV News As if the scrapbook sentiments of their just-released “Playing God” video weren’t evidence enough, Hayley Williams will be the first to tell you that Paramore are officially finished with Brand New Eyes, the album that took them to the brink and back. “Oh, we squeezed out the last drop last month,” she laughed. “We put out ‘Playing God’ and did a video for it with our friend [director] Brandon [Chesbro], and I feel great. I feel like … we hit the finish line and we’re golden. I love it. I’m proud.” So there will be no more singles from BNE, which was released more than 14 months ago and went gold. In fact, Williams said she knew as much when she began drawing up the “Playing God” treatment with Chesbro — which is why the duo decided to film it at her house in Franklin, Tennessee, and include as many of their friends as possible. It only seemed appropriate, given the sheer amount of personal growth (and intra-band communication) that went into the album’s creation, most of which is tackled in the song itself. “We filmed it at my house, so it was really personal, and I think that’s how we like to keep things,” she said. “We had friends hanging out on set all day, and Brandon being one of our best friends, he directed it. … It was just a fun, personal play on the lyrics of the song.” And, of course, there are also plenty of nods to Paramore’s past — the swinging light bulb from their “Ignorance” clip, the mirrors that adorn the back cover of Eyes, the old band photos Williams can be seen looking through — and the pop-culture world the band inhabits. It wouldn’t be a parting gift without a few presents to unwrap, after all. “There’s a lot of little things for our fans to figure out,” Williams said. “Nods to Gaga, with the glasses and the poison, and ‘Dexter,’ with the plastic on my wall in the basement. Making it was fun. I love it.” If you could pick another single from Brand New Eyes, what would it be? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Paramore

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Paramore Have ‘Squeezed Out The Last Drop’ From Brand New Eyes

Hayley Williams Talks ‘Glee’ Set Visit, Hypes Cory Monteith’s Band

‘When Cory invited us to come and see the set I was stoked,’ Paramore frontwoman tells MTV News. By James Montgomery Paramore’s Hayley Williams Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images On Monday, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams visited — and apparently got lost on — the set of “Glee.” We know this because Williams tweeted about it, which led us to wonder one thing: Why was she there? After all, it’s no secret that both the band and the show have mutual admiration , so it was entirely possible that Paramore were filming a cameo on the show. Of course, given the friendship between Williams and “Glee” star Cory Monteith, it was equally as possible that the two were just hanging out. So we decided to get to the bottom of the matter. We e-mailed a rep for Paramore’s labels, Atlantic/ Fueled by Ramen, and asked if Williams would be willing to talk about visiting the show. Turns out, she was — and though it might bum out fans of the band (or “Glee”) to hear it, it seems her visit had nothing to do with business. ” ‘Glee’ is an important show to me ’cause it’s keeping music on television. It’s even encouraging schools to not ditch their music programs,” Williams wrote in an e-mail. “A few of the cast members had reached out to me over Twitter a while back. They all seemed really cool and down to earth, so when Cory invited us to come and see the set I was stoked. We don’t do a whole lot of TV appearances and their world is a lot different than what we’re used to. I just had a good time seeing everyone in their element.” In a follow up e-mail, the label rep clarified that Paramore were not filming a cameo for the show, but that didn’t mean that, while she was on set, Williams didn’t take the opportunity to talk a little business with Monteith. Turns out, he’s just joined a band, and Williams is stoked. “I also found out that Cory is a drummer! All this time I thought he was a singer,” she wrote. “Apparently he’s in a band that’s just starting up so keep your eyes and ears open!” What do you think about Hayley’s love for “Glee”? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Paramore

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Hayley Williams Talks ‘Glee’ Set Visit, Hypes Cory Monteith’s Band

Rihanna, Katy Perry, More Celebs Pick Their Top Songs Of 2010

Tracks by Drake, B.o.B, Willow Smith and more make the cut. By Jocelyn Vena Rihanna Photo: Getty Images MTV News has been counting down our picks for the Top 25 Songs of 2010 , and with everything from Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” to Drake’s “Fancy” making the list, it’s pretty clear that we just wanted to party this year. So when MTV News caught up with some music megastars, we wanted to know what they were jamming to this year. Katy Perry showed her girl some love with her pick, choosing a seriously fun Rihanna track. “I love ‘Only Girl (In the World).’ Of course I gotta give it up to my girl!” she said. Rihanna returned the favor to Perry, saying, “My favorite song of the year has to be ‘Teenage Dream,’ Katy Perry.” Snooki gave a shout-out to Pauly D and his “Beat the Beat” remix, Far East Movement gave love to Bruno Mars’ “incredible” songwriting on “Just the Way You Are,” and Mike Posner and Keri Hilson both shouted out “F— You” by Cee Lo Green as their pick. The Situation went with a non-“Jersey Shore” track: “Definitely Drake. … Maybe ‘Forever’ or one of his songs. I’m a big fan of Drake.” The guys from My Chemical Romance showed some rock camaraderie with their picks. “We got into Sleigh Bells and the new M.I.A. record,” they shared, adding that they thought the Black Keys’ Brothers was “phenomenal.” Paramore leading lady Hayley Williams also flew her rock flag, saying, “I really love the Arcade Fire record. and I love the song ‘Month of May.’ ” The fellas of Muse showed love to the Black Eyed Peas’ track “I Gotta Feeling” and, on the other end of the spectrum, Phoenix’s “1901.” Crooner Michael Bubl

Paramore Get Troops Rockin’ And Reflecting At ‘VH1 Divas’

Hayley Williams and co. performed ‘My Hero’ and ‘The Only Exception’ in Kuwait for Sunday’s show. By Aly Semigran Paramore’s Hayley Williams performs for “VH1 Divas Salute the Troops” Photo: VH1 “Hero” is a word that is often synonymous with members of the military, so it was quite natural that Paramore paid their respects to the men and women in uniform by covering the Foo Fighters’ 1998 arena rock classic “My Hero” for “VH1 Divas Salute the Troops.” In their performance in front of troops at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait — which was followed by sets back in San Diego from stars like Keri Hilson , Nicki Minaj and Sugarland — frontwoman Hayley Williams, looking as rocker chic as ever with pink hair and a blue sequined jumpsuit, alerted the crowd, “This one’s for you” as her band kicked into the tune’s instantly recognizable opening notes (particularly Taylor Hawkins’ heart-pounding drum intro, taken over here by Zac Farro). It seemed the troops were just as ready to rock out as Williams and co. were, as they quickly turned into a sea of signs of the horn and crowd-surfers. (Click here to see photos from “VH1 Divas Salute the Troops” .) Amid the flashing lights, both onstage and coming from the countless cameras flashing from the crowd (many of whom held glow sticks too), Williams belted out Dave Grohl’s catchy chorus, “There goes my hero/ Watch him as he goes/ There goes my hero/ He’s ordinary.” Paramore, who have previously covered “My Hero” (from the Foo’s defining 1998 record The Colour and the Shape ) on the compilation album Sound of Superman, didn’t miss a beat during their stint on Sunday’s show. Williams and her bandmates then took a breaking from rocking and slowed things down a bit with their love song “The Only Exception.” The audience showed their appreciation for the band with waving hands and lighters. The band provided one of the evening’s few subdued numbers of the night, and the swaying crowd (many of whom sung along with the chorus, “But you are the only exception “) gave the show a much-needed moment of reflection. While the song may not have been as obvious a choice as “My Hero” (particularly when they have a hard-rocking repertoire that includes hits like “Brick by Boring Brick” and “Decode”), it seemed to resonate hugely with the crowd (many of whom, perhaps, were thinking of their loved ones at home during the performance, particularly during lines like “I know you’re leaving in the morning when you wake up/ Leave me with some kind of proof it’s not a dream”). The service members attending the “VH1 Divas Salute the Troops” weren’t the first to take Williams’ ballad to heart this year. The tune was also featured in the wildly popular Britney Spears episode of “Glee,” in which Lea Michele echoed Williams sentiment that, “That was the day that I promised/ I’d never sing of love if it does not exist.” What did you think of Paramore’s performances of “My Hero” and “The Only Exception”? Let us know in the comments section below. For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the “VH1 Divas Salute the Troops” page . Related Videos Performances At ‘VH1 Divas Salute The Troops’ Related Photos Fashions At ‘VH1 Divas Salute The Troops’ Related Artists Paramore

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Paramore Get Troops Rockin’ And Reflecting At ‘VH1 Divas’

Eminem Producer Alex Da Kid Is ‘Confident’ In His Grammy Chances

Two of his songs — Em’s ‘Love the Way You Lie’ and B.o.B’s ‘Airplanes’ — are facing off for Record of the Year. By Steven Roberts Alex Da Kid Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images Producer Alex Da Kid has had quite the year, collaborating with Eminem and Rihanna on the chart-topping “Love the Way You Lie” as well as B.o.B and Hayley Williams on the equally anthemic “Airplanes.” Now that the 2011 Grammy nominations have been announced, Alex has racked up a few nods, and his two biggest hits will even duke it out for Record of the Year. MTV News caught up with Alex via phone Thursday (December 2), and he said he was extremely excited about the recognition but wasn’t surprised: He knew these songs would put him on the map from day one. “I remember sitting in the studio with Em and being like, ‘I’m writing my Grammy speech right now,’ ” Alex recalled. “He hates all that stuff, and he hates it when I say stuff like that, but I really believed in it from the start.” Alex’s first major song was B.o.B’s “Airplanes,” which he said paved the way for his second Grammy-nominated song, “Love the Way You Lie.” Eminem — who received 10 nominations himself — is featured on “Airplanes Pt. II,” and Alex said their relationship grew from there. The rookie producer faces stiff competition in the Record of the Year category — where he faces off against Cee Lo’s “F— You,” Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” — but Alex remains confident about his chances. “I mean, I think they’re pretty good,” he told MTV News of his pair of tracks. “I’m a confident person, and they’re my favorite songs out of the category we’re in, but you never know.” Do you think Alex has a good shot come Grammy night? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Eminem

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Eminem Producer Alex Da Kid Is ‘Confident’ In His Grammy Chances

B.o.B Promises Paramore Collabo If He Wins A Grammy

‘If I win … I will make a song with Paramore,’ the rapper tells MTV News after learning of his five nominations. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by James Lascina B.o.B Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images B.o.B certainly had that “magic” this year. The rapper got five Grammy nominations for his various efforts with everyone from Bruno Mars to Eminem to Paramore’s Hayley Williams. So, how does it feel to get all those nods? “I feel like being nominated for a Grammy is something that’s more about the music to me than anything else,” he told MTV News after all the potential winners were announced. “It’s great. It’s just like a party. It’s like being in the locker room after a football game that you won.” B.o.B’s nominations include Record of the Year, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song for his Bruno Mars collabo “Nothin’ on You,” as well as Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “Airplanes II” with Eminem and Williams and Best Rap Album for The Adventures of Bobby Ray . Regarding his nods for “Nothin’ on You,” B.o.B said, “Bruno’s the truth, man. I’m glad we’re both nominated. It’s awesome.” Now, B.o.B admits that he doesn’t care which Grammy he takes home … as long as he wins one. “Hey, I’m nominated for a Grammy, so whatever category to go home with a Grammy is an accomplishment in itself,” he maintained. “It can be a ‘Most F-sharps Played on an Album’ Grammy nomination. As for who might take home the most awards at the event, he said, “I think that I don’t know, honestly. You never know with these things. They’re quite the elusive type of prediction to make. I can’t really say … hopefully me,” he laughed. And, if he does manage to snag one of the coveted trophies, he has a big promise to fulfill. “If I win, I’ll make another song with Hayley Williams,” he said. “No, if I win I’ll make a song with Paramore, if I win … if I win a Grammy, I will make a song with Paramore.” The 53rd annual Grammy Awards air February 13 on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT. What do you think about this year’s Grammy nominations? Tell us in the comments. Related Videos 2011 Grammy Nomination Reactions Related Photos The 2011 Grammy Nominations Concert Related Artists B.o.B

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B.o.B Promises Paramore Collabo If He Wins A Grammy

Avril Lavigne Experimenting With Hip-Hop, Alex Da Kid Reveals

‘It’s a mixture of pop/rock and what I do,’ producer says of new album. By James Dinh Avril Lavigne Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images When Avril Lavigne splashed onto the scene eight years ago, the punk princess fueled her angsty, rebellious image with a pop-rock sound that had fans hooked. On her new album, the singer is ready to push her musical boundaries by mixing her signature sound with hip-hop elements, according to producer Alex Da Kid. “It’s a mixture of pop/rock and what I do,” the “Love the Way You Lie” hitmaker told Rap-Up TV . “We’ve got some things that are hip-hop leaning, and we’ve got some things that are more pop/rock leaning, so it’s what we both do just kind of combined into one thing.” The British producer explained that the songstress had her label reach out to him after hearing B.o.B and Hayley Williams’ mega-hit “Airplanes.” As hinted in the letter Lavigne posted on her website to her fans this past week, Alex suggested that the singer has experienced some hardships with her record label when it comes to the release of the yet-to-be-titled album. “I’m not sure what’s going on with the album, just because she’s been working on this album for a long time,” he said. “So I think there’s a lot of stuff going on politically and behind the scenes. “I really liked working with her,” he added. “She’s really cool and down to earth. It was a good experience.” He recalled their drunk studio sessions, but kept tight-lipped about other track details, saying, “We’re working it all out, so it’s probably too early to talk about it.” While he might not know exactly when the LP will drop, Alex knows all too well about fans’ pleas for new Avril Lavigne material. “Her fans hit me up on Twitter every day about ‘When’s the album coming out?’ ‘When’s the single coming out?’ so I know there’s a big demand for it,” he said. “Hopefully, it’ll be out soon, and we’ll see what happens.” Are you excited for Avril’s new album? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Artists Avril Lavigne

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Avril Lavigne Experimenting With Hip-Hop, Alex Da Kid Reveals

Paramore’s ‘Playing God’ Video: Coming Home, Coming Full Circle

New clip was shot at Hayley Williams’ house in Franklin, Tennessee. By James Montgomery Paramore’s Hayley Williams in “Playing God” Photo: Fueled By Ramen Paramore’s Brand New Eyes was released nearly 14 months ago, spawned something like five singles, sent the band around the world and went gold in the U.S. All that is the prologue to their new “Playing God” video, which — though it never expressly states as much — feels very much like the band coming full circle, tying up loose ends and probably putting Eyes to bed for good. Of course, I’m just speculating about all that. It’s entirely possible Paramore may still wring a single or two out of Eyes, but I sort of doubt it. Especially since everything involving the “Playing God” clip — which premiered Tuesday (November 16) on the band’s website — seems to suggest otherwise. It was shot entirely at frontwoman Hayley Williams’ house in Franklin, Tennessee, the same house she gave MTV News a tour of last year, in the week leading up to Eyes ‘ release. There are moments — particularly those that feature her bandmates tied up in her basement, a single light bulb dangling over their heads — that recall the video for “Ignorance,” which was the first single from the album (and was also shot, in part, at Williams’ house). In one scene, Williams can be seen examining old band photos, and in another, she performs in front of the mirrors that not only hang in her guest room, but adorn the back cover of Eyes (they were bought at the Franklin Goodwill , BTW). The message — at least to me — appears clear: Paramore are returning home, looking back, wrapping things up. “Playing God” is a bittersweet, sentimental thing, a scrapbook of the past year of their lives, and the final chapter in the Brand New Eyes saga. It’s a story that began with the band’s future severely in doubt and concludes with them stronger, happier and better than ever. So if “God” really is the end of the BNE line, well, then it’s a fitting farewell. It’s time for the band to turn the page, to move on. It was a heck of an album and a heck of a ride, and I can’t wait to see where they go from here. What did you think of the “Playing God” video? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Paramore

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Paramore’s ‘Playing God’ Video: Coming Home, Coming Full Circle

B.o.B, Paramore And Bruno Mars’ VMA Medley: Making The Show

MTV News was in the rehearsal for the collaboration — and for B.o.B and Hayley Williams’ first meeting. By Jayson Rodriguez Hayley Williams of Paramore and B.o.B perform onstage during the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images LOS ANGELES — B.o.B , Bruno Mars, and Paramore could teach a class in chemistry. The three acts blended together like they were one touring group during their medley performance of “Nothin’ on You,” “Airplanes” and “The Only Exception” at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night. It was the first time that the artists all came together in one setting, but during their rehearsal over the weekend , B.o.B , Mars, and Paramore singer Hayley Williams were playful and relaxed, which certainly helped set the tone for the big night. B.o.B and Mars’ sweet “Nothin’ on You” served as a dramatic introduction to Sunday’s performance, but when the pair rehearsed the number the day before, they were having plenty of fun, as they took turns trying to upstage each other with covers of songs by Drake and the Notorious B.I.G. Between takes, they also dished out a Jeffrey Osborne-like rendition of “Nothin’.” Mars began singing the tune in a low register, and B.o.B followed suit before the duo broke out laughing. The good vibes bled into the next portion as well. “Where are you guys?” Williams could be heard asking over her microphone. Although she was onstage with Mars and B.o.B, they were in the foreground and her view of them was obstructed by a pillar. Upon hearing her, B.o.B proceeded to make a beeline over to the Paramore frontwoman. Williams and B.o.B scored a top-five hit with “Airplanes,” and the track’s video earned multiple VMA nods, but the two had never physically worked with each other until the rehearsal . “We finally met for the first time,” B.o.B told MTV News on Saturday, turning to the camera excitedly, after hugging Williams. “I hope I don’t mess up.” “I’m gonna trip and fall,” Williams responded about their big performance. “Catch me, please!” Nobody fell, obviously, and the trio lifted one another up during the soaring medley, which was one of the night’s highlights. The Moonmen have all been handed out and the stars have gone home, but there’s plenty of 2010 MTV Video Music Awards news, interviews, behind-the-scenes scoop, party reports and more still to come, so keep it locked on MTVNews.com. Related Videos VMA All Access Behind The VMA Performances VMA 2010: Lady Gaga’s VMA Moments Related Photos VMA 2010: Performers VMA 2010: Show Highlights Related Artists B.o.B Paramore Bruno Mars

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B.o.B, Paramore And Bruno Mars’ VMA Medley: Making The Show

Travie McCoy Feels ‘Like Bono’ At VMA Rehearsal

Gym Class Heroes frontman will perform with house artist deadmau5. By Kelley L. Carter Travie McCoy and Deadmau5 rehearse for the 2010 VMAs Photo: John Shearer/ WireImage Travie McCoy is about to get his rock star on. We caught up with the Gym Class Heroes frontman just as he finished rehearsing for Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards , where he’ll perform with house artist deadmau5 , and he shared a bit with us about the feeling of performing his hit single “Billionaire” up onstage.

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Travie McCoy Feels ‘Like Bono’ At VMA Rehearsal