Tag Archives: news article

Justin Bieber Helps Usher ‘Relive’ Teen Years

‘The first reaction is like no other,’ Usher says on ‘MTV First’ about witnessing Bieber’s ascent to fame. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway Usher Photo: Jessica Hyndman / MTV News Back in 1994, a teenaged Usher dropped his self-titled debut album and skyrocketed to fame. Nearly 20 years later, Usher is still on top, having lost little career momentum. While he’s maintained his own career over the years, he also helped launch Justin Bieber to mega-fame as well. As Bieber continues to grow as an artist, Usher explained that the 18-year-old has built up the kinds of friendships and relationships that he would have wanted as a kid star. “Cool part about it is, he’s really able to live a dream that I think most teenagers would want to. To be able to have friends like Mayweather. They are actual friends, hang out, talk,” Usher told MTV News during “MTV First” about Bieber’s friendship with boxer Floyd Mayweather , who he recently hung out with in Las Vegas. “It’s really cool to be able to have friends all around the world and people that can relate to your reality. “I don’t think Michael [Jackson] had people like that,” he continued. “I didn’t have a ton of people like that. I had Puff. I had JD [producer Jermaine Dupri] … but to be able to have friends all around the world that keep you, it’s cool.” Their friendship was on full display recently when Usher performed in “Fuerza Bruta” back in April in New York City. Bieber dropped by to catch him getting his theater kid on, and midway through the show, the twosome battled it out on the dance floor. “I was like, ‘Come on, I got you. Just chill out.’ Set it up ,” he recalled about tricking the sleepy globe-trotting star to hang with him at the show. “[We] brought him to the middle of the dance floor, and we got it in. But we always show support for each other like that. We was housing a little bit.” The guys will soon go head to head on the Billboard charts: Usher is set to drop his album, Looking 4 Myself , on June 12, and one week later, Bieber will release Believe . While it’ll be interesting to see those two fight it out on the charts, what’s more interesting for Usher is watching Bieber go through the same stuff he went through as a teen heartthrob. “I relive every bit of it, from the screaming fans and the first reactions, shutting down the malls. The first reaction is like no other. To be able to be there, to be there with him and go through those emotions and see that shock for the first time [is exciting],” he said. Related Videos MTV First: Usher

See the original post:
Justin Bieber Helps Usher ‘Relive’ Teen Years

Jay Sean’s ‘Sex 101’ Collabo With Tyga Is ‘Dope’

‘Everyone knows Tyga’s the next hot thing,’ Sean says of his Cash Money family member. By Natasha Chandel, with reporting by Jocelyn Vena Jay Sean Photo: MTV News Jay Sean knows how to keep it in the family. The Cash Money family, that is. He has worked with its heavy hitters Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj and can now add Tyga to his roster of A-list collabos. The labelmates have teamed up for the seductively titled track “Sex 101” off Jay’s latest studio album, Worth It All. “One of the first things I noticed when I joined Cash Money was that they don’t work with just anyone, they really don’t,” the pop crooner told MTV News, expressing gratitude for the support he has received from his extended family. Before Nicki Minaj catapulted to stardom, she jumped on his song “2012,” as Wayne did with “Down,” the club banger that broke the U.K. artist into the U.S. market. It seems it was that communal energy that drew Jay Sean to Cash Money in the first place. “That family thing — working with people, talking to people, doing business with people that they can only vibe with is just how they operate,” he explained. “That’s why Baby [Cash Money co-founder Bryan Williams] will call me every other day just to check up on me and see how I’m doing.” Although he doesn’t want to be defined by his collaborations, working with Tyga was a natural fit for Jay. “Tyga’s the next to blow from Young Money. Everyone knows Tyga’s the next hot thing.” So it didn’t take much for him to hit up his longtime supporter and friend to appear on “Sex 101.” “I realized from an early stage how dope he was as an MC,” Jay said about the “Rack City” rapper. The R&B single is featured on Jay’s mixtape The Mistress and will be reproduced and reworked as a single and video off his forthcoming album, Worth It All . Jay Sean’s newest single, “I’m All Yours” featuring Pitbull is set for release on May 29th. Related Artists Jay Sean Tyga

Read the rest here:
Jay Sean’s ‘Sex 101’ Collabo With Tyga Is ‘Dope’

‘Terminator’ Actor Nick Stahl Reported Missing

Star of ‘Terminator: Rise of the Machines’ has not been heard from since May 9, his wife told L.A. officials. By Kara Warner Nick Stahl Photo: Barry King/FilmMagic “Terminator: Rise of the Machines” actor Nick Stahl has been reported missing. Los Angeles law enforcement officials confirmed to TMZ that Stahl’s wife, Rose Murphy, reported her husband missing on Monday, saying that the last time she saw the 32-year-old was on May 9. Sources told the website that Stahl had been displaying some erratic behavior recently and was allegedly spending time in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. The source also expressed concern that the actor might have become involved in some questionable activities. This is not the first time, however, that those close to the actor have expressed concern over his well-being. Stahl’s wife filed papers with the LA County Superior Court back in February asking a judge to limit her husband’s access to their 2-year-old daughter Marlo due to his alleged drug and alcohol abuse. She also claimed that she and Stahl were no longer living together. There has been no word from Stahl’s reps regarding his whereabouts, but Stahl’s wife has been relatively active on her Twitter account, posting a general thank you for support early Wednesday (May 16). “Thank you for kind words,” she tweeted. Thank you for kind words.. — Rose Murphy Stahl (@TheMrsStahl) May 16, 2012 A quick look at Stahl’s Twitter account shows that the actor has been inactive since May 1, but that he and Murphy might have been working through their problems since the actor tweeted on April 26 that they were not actually separated. Not sure where it got started but @ TheMrsStahl and I are not separated. Far from it — Nick Stahl (@TheNickStahl) April 26, 2012 “Not sure where it got started but @TheMrsStahl and I are not separated. Far from it,” he wrote. Stahl made his big-screen debut back in 1993 opposite Mel Gibson in “The Man Without a Face.” Since then, he’s appeared in several major studio films, inclduing “The Thin Red Line,” “Disturbing Behavior” and “Sin City.” His most recent role is in the VOD-released “388 Arletta Avenue” opposite Devon Sawa.

See more here:
‘Terminator’ Actor Nick Stahl Reported Missing

‘Idol’ Finalist Jessica Sanchez Gets Props From Philippine President

‘American Idol’ hopefuls Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips have gotten A-List support from Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Julianne Hough. By Gil Kaufman Jessica Sanchez on “American Idol” Photo: FOX U.S. presidents have typically stayed out of the “who is going to win ‘American Idol’ ” fray in the past in order to avoid upsetting any voting blocs. But that doesn’t mean that foreign dignitaries can’t offer up their two cents. That might explain why on the eve of the penultimate performance night on “Idol,” the Associated Press reported that Philippine president Benigno Aquino III has wholeheartedly endorsed his choice for next week’s finale: Jessica Sanchez. “Hopefully, she really reaches the top,” Aquino said of the 16-year-old top three finalists from Chula Vista, California, who is of Filipino and Latin heritage. The President isn’t the only one who has co-signed the pixie-size diva. She’s gotten shout-outs and love from everyone from “Idol” mentor Jimmy Iovine and his music industry pal Tommy Mottola to former “Idol” champ Kris Allen. Onetime contestants Jennifer Hudson and Haley Reinhart, as well as singers Billy Joel, Beyonc

‘American Idol’ Producer ‘Thrilled’ By Final Three

‘I can’t even begin to think who the final is going to be between,’ Nigel Lythgoe tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Nigel Lythgoe Photo: MTV News And then there were three. The final trio of contestants will face off this week on “American Idol,” and if you think you know who might win, “Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe points out that there’s really no way to predict the winner. With it all down to Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and judge-favorite Joshua Ledet , the chances of predicting who will be the season 11 champion is nearly impossible, especially given the show’s history. “I guess I was shocked at Colton [Dixon] going so early . I thought he might even make the final. We’ve had very talented singers all this season. I’m thrilled with the three people who are left,” he told MTV News at an event announcing Fox’s fall lineup on Monday. “I can’t even begin to think who the final is going to be between. “And then whichever combination you look: If Joshua is sent home, where does Joshua’s votes go to, Jessica or to Phillip? Where does Jessica’s votes go, if she’s sent home? Where do Phillip’s votes [go]?” he continued about any final combinations ahead of the May 23 finale. “So… I still don’t know with the combination of just moving it around who is going to win.” That being said, Lythgoe must have some gut feeling about who will join the ranks of Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen as the “Idol” victor this time around? “I don’t have to use my gut,” he said. “I know the results every week and nobody has won two weeks on the run. It’s so dependent, I think, on song choice now and how they do. The judges can critique, America makes its own decision at the end of the day.” Do you think you can predict the next American Idol? Leave your comment below! Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances

The rest is here:
‘American Idol’ Producer ‘Thrilled’ By Final Three

T.I. Supports President Obama On Same-Sex Marriage Stance

‘I think that you should be able to do whatever you want to do,’ T.I. tells ‘RapFix Live’ about his stance on same-sex marriage. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway T.I. on “RapFix Live” Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News President Obama is no stranger to hip-hop’s support. Not only have MCs dedicated songs to the 44th U.S. Prez, but guys like Jay-Z , Diddy and Ludacris have openly backed Barack. While many criticized Obama for his support of same-sex marriage , Hov backs him, and so does T.I. “Just to speak honestly and being frank, I don’t care,” the “Live Your Life” MC said about the non-stop debate on same-sex marriage when he appeared on Wednesday’s “RapFix Live.” “I think that if a matter doesn’t affect your daily life, you shouldn’t take a hard stand on it. If it’s not something that directly affects you, if it doesn’t affect you, what difference does it make to you what other people are doing with their lives?” Tip, who is currently serving probation stemming from his 2007 weapons arrest, is unable to vote, but once his probation is lifted in September he revealed that he plans to vote for Obama, who will be looking to secure a second term as head of state. “I don’t think that’s a hard question,” he said. During an interview with CNN on Monday, Jay applauded the president for speaking out in support of the gay-rights movement. “I’ve always thought it as something that was still holding the country back,” Jay-Z said. “What people do in their own homes is their business, and you can choose to love whoever you love. That’s their business. It’s no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination, plain and simple.” “I think that you should be able to do whatever you want to do,” T.I. remarked. “I don’t see how it matters one way or another.” Related Videos T.I. Brings The Grand Hustle To ‘RapFix Live’ Related Artists T.I.

See the original post here:
T.I. Supports President Obama On Same-Sex Marriage Stance

Usher Unveils ‘Nostalgic’ New Song ‘Twisted’

Looking 4 Myself track featuring Pharrell is classic R&B but ‘very relevant,’ superstar says on ‘MTV First.’ By John Mitchell, with reporting by Sway Calloway Usher Photo: Jessica Hyndman / MTV News Usher sat down for an exclusive “MTV First” interview about his hotly anticipated upcoming release, Looking 4 Myself , his unconventional album-listening experience with the off-Broadway show “Fuerza Bruta” and to give fans a first listen to the Myself track “Twisted” featuring Pharrell. He told MTV News’ Sway Calloway the song is a “nostalgic record” that reflects the album’s ambitious aim to represent the variety of musical experiences that have impacted the R&B superstar. ” ‘Twisted’ is more of a nostalgic record, so when you think about the classic R&B record, we managed a way to modernize it, even though that’s very relevant,” the singer said. “You hear records like Cee Lo, you hear Bruno Mars and also Andre 3000, and that sound is very relevant in this time. So this was kind of our way to tie it all together and give you something different that you probably wouldn’t normally get from me.” Adapting current sounds and making them his own is a theme Usher is bringing in earnest to Looking 4 Myself and also reflects his philosophy of how to stay in the game. The star released his self-titled debut in 1994, when he was just 16, and has gone on to sell over 65 million records worldwide and score nine #1 songs and six more top 10 hits. As for how he’s managed to stay on top for so long, Usher revealed that it’s important to never be insular when it comes to music. “Life is a workout, man, it’s like a treadmill, and you gotta be with it, you gotta just stay with it,” he said. “For me, I’ve had the fortunate ability to always be mindful of other things and other people. I’m not so caught up in what I’m doing that I can’t be cognizant of what other people enjoy. … Now, I think music should be used as a channel to really allow people to have different experiences. So, this album is all about bottling up those different experiences.” The connecting tissue that’s given Usher the ability to explore world music — from full-on dance tracks like his new single “Scream” and his collaboration with David Guetta, “Without You,” to more classic R&B slow jams like “Climax” and the old-school spare drum beat of “Twisted” — while delivering cohesive records has been his voice, which he said brings “the essence of soul and emotion” to each record. “All of my career is kind of an unveiling, an unfolding story, and it ain’t done. There’s so much more that I’m going to do, so much that I’ve now just been interested in and been introduced to,” he continued. “I just want that experience of having this very monogamous relationship with entertainment and acting in a way where I can really, really focus and become better.” Usher’s commitment to tackling the changing face of music head-on and forging new roads in entertainment as he matures — he is currently training for a Sugar Ray Leonard biopic — is the key to his success, he said, concluding, “It’s all about evolution for me.” Share your review of “Twisted” in the comments below! Related Videos MTV First: Usher Related Artists Usher

Originally posted here:
Usher Unveils ‘Nostalgic’ New Song ‘Twisted’

Nicki Minaj And Nas Seal ‘Right By My Side’ Video With A Kiss

Rap superstars get cozy in just-premiered clip, which also features Chris Brown. By Rob Markman Nicki Minaj and Nas in her “Right By My Side” video Photo: Cash Money/Young Money/Universal Music Nicki and Nas —it has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? It’s no secret that Nicki Minaj has a flair for the dramatic, and on Wednesday (May 16), when she debuted her “Right by My Side” video on MTV, Nicki surprised many by casting the Queensbridge rap great as her leading man. The bright and cheery video opens with a pensive Nicki seated in a high-backed chair fit for a queen; her mind is clearly elsewhere, unaware of the camera’s gaze. Only a few seconds pass before Nas struts into the scene and the two lean in to share a smooch only to find their lives subjected to a rewind sequence before their lips touch. “It all comes down to this, I miss your morning,” Nicki sings on cue as the viewer is taken back in time. It’s all pretty rosy as the lovesick couple share deep conversation and an inside joke as Nas hands his honey a silver dollar, which she flips into a wishing well. The clip has all the makings of a Nicholas Sparks romance flick: There’s PDA, hand-holding, shopping trips and outdoor lunches. In one scene, Nas — who sports his trademark half-moon Caesar and big-framed 1980s-inspired glasses — surprises Nicki with a new car, topped off with a pink bow, of course. The reigning rap queen is so excited she leaps into his open arms. When Chris Brown shows up for his guest verse and duet-styled hook, he is set outside of the video’s story line, delivering passionate performance scenes but never interrupting the two lovebirds. Breezy is no doubt a superstar, but he sits as a third wheel on Nicki and Nas’ romantic ride. The vibe of the soft love song switches by the time the Female Weezy’s rap verse rolls in. It’s quite the verbal display as she sits beside Nas, wearing his hoodie and rapping in double-time of her own sexual prowess. “My p—y game so cold, that he always seem to come back/ ‘Cause he knows that it be a wrap when I’m riding it from the back,” she spits while wearing God’s Son’s oversized medallion around her neck. For the most part, the couple can’t stay away from each other, but there is clearly some separation between the two lovers, even if only for a brief, undefined moment. In the closing scene, a lonely and longing Nicki sits on a park bench under a full moon with a sullen look on her typically animated face. Her frown is quickly remedied when Nas pulls up besides his boo and takes a seat next to her. They first hug and then share a deep and sensual kiss that is sure to get the rumor mill spinning out of control. What did you think of Nicki Minaj and Nas’ kiss in the “Right By My Side” video? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Nicki Minaj Nas

Read the rest here:
Nicki Minaj And Nas Seal ‘Right By My Side’ Video With A Kiss

‘Perks Of A Wallflower’ Trailer To Debut At MTV Movie Awards!

Emma Watson (who tweeted the news) will be on hand with Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller to present the sneak peek Sunday, June 3. By Kara Warner Emma Watson and Logan Lerman in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” Photo: John Bramley/Summit Entertainment We’re less than a month away from everyone’s favorite cinematic-themed awards show — the 2012 MTV Movie Awards — and with only weeks away from our June 3 show date, you can expect special announcements to start flooding in with teases of this year’s special guests, presenters and pre-show moments. Speaking of pre-show moments, we’re pleased to announce that the star-studded cast of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” will be on hand to help present the trailer for the highly anticipated film during our pre-show. The lovely Emma Watson helped break the news via her Twitter account on Wednesday (May 16). “#PerksOfBeingAWallflower Trailer is going to show at the @MTVMovieAwards pre-show!” Watson wrote . “@LoganLerman and Ezra and I will be there to present. : )” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is based on the popular Stephen Chbosky novel of the same name. The story revolves around introverted high school freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he slowly comes out of his shell thanks to new friends, siblings Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). Watson will not only be attending the show as part of the “Perks” trailer presentation, but will also be representing “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2,” for which the lovely actress is a double nominee in the Best Female Performance and Best Kiss categories. “Deathly Hallows, Part 2” has a chance to take home major Movie Awards gold given their six nominations but faces fierce competition from “The Hunger Games” and “Bridesmaids,” which are the most-nominated movies this year. The MTV Movie Awards will air live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.

Go here to see the original:
‘Perks Of A Wallflower’ Trailer To Debut At MTV Movie Awards!

‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’: Kim Kardashian Sneaks A Peek

‘My grandmother MJ read the first one and said she couldn’t put it down,” Khloe Kardashian tells MTV News. By Kara Warner Kim Kardashian & Khloe Kardashian Photo: MTV News With book-to-film adaptations being all the rage these days, people just can’t seem to stop talking about the latest hot-button page-turner and best-seller “Fifty Shades of Grey.” And with the big-screen version of the saucy, S&M-heavy tale on the way, we’re doing our best here at MTV News to keep abreast of the latest developments in casting , along with attempts to round up a list of celebrity fans. When we caught up with in-the-know reality TV superstars Kim and Khloe Kardashian recently, ahead of the premiere of the new season of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” we asked the sisters for their thoughts on the book and its rise to popularity within the pop-culture zeitgeist. Both ladies apparently have a lot of reading to do. “[I haven’t read it] but everyone talks about it,” Khloe said. “My grandmother MJ read the first one and said she couldn’t put it down. Now she’s on the second one. My grandmother!” Khloe added. “Sexy!” Kim also has yet to read the entire story, but admitted to letting her curiosity get the best of her during a recent plane ride that involved reading over a stranger’s shoulder. “There was someone reading it on their Kindle on the plane [in the seat] in front of me and they were a little older so the font was huge,” Kim recalled. “I was bored so I was like leaning forward and reading a full chapter.” “I heard it’s a great book,” Khloe chimed in. “It’s racy,” Kim said. “Grandmothers gotta live too,” Khloe said with a smile.

More:
‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’: Kim Kardashian Sneaks A Peek