On ‘Today,’ reality starlet discusses shout-out in rapper’s new ‘Theraflu.’ By Jocelyn Vena Kim Kardashian on “Today” on Friday Photo: NBC What’s up with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West ? After being spotted around New York City together this week, and Yeezy proclaiming his love for the reality starlet on his track “Theraflu,” fans are very curious about their relationship status. After years of romance rumors — and denials — could it be that these two friends have decided to add benefits to the mix? When Kardashian sat down for an interview on Friday’s (April 6) “Today,” she didn’t exactly clarify what the twosome are up to. “I haven’t looked on the Internet in a while; it’s a new rule in life. The movie was really interesting,” she laughed about catching “The Hunger Games” with the MC. “I completely respect and understand you have to ask these questions, but I said before, Kanye and I have been friends for years, and you never know what the future holds. I like the song.” The conversation then turned to her split from Kris Humphries . Of wanting to finalize her divorce from the basketball player, she said, “I would love one,” noting that she didn’t want to dig too deep on the subject out of respect for Humphries’ privacy. “I have closed that chapter. I’m ready to move on.” She later responded to any critics who believe she got married for her reality show. “That’s something that’s really ridiculous to me. Why would I marry someone for ratings? I didn’t need that. I fall hard, and I followed my heart. When things don’t work out, that’s sometimes how life is. When I realized it fast, what’s the point in dragging something out?” Kardashian also discussed her infamous flour bombing at an event in L.A. After learning that a PETA activist had dumped the flour on Kim, who frequently wears fur, her sister Khlo
MTV News gets a behind-the-scenes look at the Cirque Du Soleil tribute to the King of Pop. By Uptin Saiidi A scene from Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour Photo: Cirque-Jackson NEWARK — Since its opening, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil has honored the King of Pop through music, dance and acrobatics 117 times. Night after night, artists celebrate the life of the late Michael Jackson, but how do they take his iconic legacy and put it into a production? When the tour came to New York City this week, MTV News went behind the scenes to talk with the creative forces and performers to find out. The artists (all 65 of them) had limited time to train and learn choreography — an especially difficult feat when it’s honoring MJ’s signature moves. It was a kind of pressure that creative director Tara Young certainly learned to channel into a positive force. “I think it is a pressure for sure; something I share with the whole building here is that we have nothing to prove, only to share,” Young told MTV News. “We have an opportunity to share what Michael would have wanted to share and the pressure is only there to achieve excellence.” For Felix Cane, a two-time world champion pole dancer who does a captivating performance to “Danger,” it was all about using that pressure to help the audience to remember the pop icon. “You are sharing this passion with them, and this love of MJ. There’s times in the show when some people and I, myself, might have shed a few tears.” That pressure never felt as great as when the Jackson family sat in the front row at a show in Montreal, an experience Young described as “inspiring.” When asked what MJ would think if he were sitting there with them, Young smiled, “He would feel such a sense of pride of what he has given us to work with. It evokes emotions in people that they didn’t even know were going to come out.” I think everyone feels inspired, which evokes a certain feeling of change,” Young added. “You feel a sadness too because he is not with us anymore, and that is an emotion that is wonderful too actually … just to honor him.” The tour will continue in North America through the summer, before heading to Europe this fall. Have you seen Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour? What did you think? Leave your comment below! Related Artists Michael Jackson
Reality star caught departing West’s NYC crib wearing the same clothes she had on the night before. By John Mitchell Kim Kardashian leaves Kanye West’s apartment in New York City on Thursday Photo: Pacific Coast News Things certainly seem to be heating up again between hip-hop superstar Kanye West and reality-TV diva Kim Kardashian, and now she’s been spotted leaving his NYC apartment — sporting the same outfit she was wearing the night before when she and West reportedly hit the movies together. For photos of Kim leaving Kanye’s apartment, click here. According to TMZ , the relationship is “just starting,” though we’d like to add the word “again” in there, as the two have been linked previously. During her visit to “RapFix Live,” West’s ex-girlfriend Amber Rose told Sway Calloway that West and Kardashian “were both cheating on me and [Kim’s ex] Reggie [Bush] with each other.” West kicked off this most recent Kim K. relationship reveal yesterday when he dropped his new track with DJ Khaled, “Theraflu.” In one verse, he finally addresses his long-rumored relationship with Kardashian, rapping, “And I’ll admit, I fell in love with Kim/ ‘Round the same time she had fell in love wit’ him/ Well, that’s cool, baby girl, do ya thing/ Lucky I ain’t have Jay drop him from the team.” The “him” referenced here is unquestionably Kardashian’s ex-husband Kris Humphries. Our evidence : Humphries plays for the New Jersey Nets, the NBA team co-owned by West’s Throne buddy Jay-Z, hence the “Jay drop him from the team” lyric. Last night, the pair were spotted by paparazzi leaving a screening of the blockbuster flick “The Hunger Games.” In those pics, Kim is seen wearing a feathered jacket, gray tank top, leather trousers, black heels and sunglasses … which, minus the jacket, is the same ensemble she was rocking this morning when she was spotted leaving West’s NYC apartment. Eyewitnesses said she left the building flanked by Kanye’s bodyguards and climbed into his Mercedes, which took her back to her hotel. Do you think Kim and Kanye are an official item? Let us know your thoughts on the new-ish couple in the comments below! Related Artists Kanye West
In her upcoming ‘Unplugged’ special, airing Sunday at 11 p.m. ET on MTV, Florence Welch gets both personal and passionate. By James Montgomery Florence Welch There are definitely two Florence Welches. One is the quiet, slightly awkward woman you meet backstage, in dressing rooms strewn with flowers and fabrics. In conversation, she’s eternally, empirically British, reserved to the point of distance, whispering and always folding herself inward, as if she’s trying to reach into that formidable set of lungs to find the right words. If it wasn’t for her flame-red hair and striking, alabaster skin, she’d almost disappear into the background. And you get the feeling that she’d probably like to. The other Welch is the one you see onstage: ethereal, epic, seemingly channeling something from another place. There are moments, when she’s really blowing and she opens her eyes wide, that you get the sense even she can’t fathom the power she’s channeling or the places she’s letting it take her. She is a great singer, from a different era — and not just, like, the 1940s. Maybe the 1800s. Or medieval Europe. There would be flowered wreaths involved. The phrase “madrigal” comes to mind. You know. It’s not uncommon for performers to completely transform the minute they step beneath the spotlight; it’s practically a necessity. Singing is, by its very nature, a rather unnatural endeavor, and singing before an audience of people, well, that’s about as much of an out-of-body experience as there is. Going to that other place is less of a coping mechanism as it is a flat-out survival skill, it would seem. But it’s rare that you see two sides of the same person during one performance. Last December, at New York’s Angel Orensanz Center (a perfect venue), was one of those times. Welch was both the damsel and the demigod during her taping of MTV’s “Unplugged,” whispering her way through between-song banter one minute, belting so hard she lifted the rafters the next. Maybe it was the intimate nature of the show — surely having Kanye West sitting 10 feet from you would have an effect of some sort — or perhaps she was summoning the spirit of the place, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect Florence and the Machine performance. Of course, Florence the Former, being the church mouse she is, summed it up thusly: “It was really wonderful. But what to say in between? I got so bashful. I was so grateful to be there, and I was trying to express that, and it just went into this weird, stilted speech. Singing is fine. Talking, not so much. ” She’s not kidding, either. Before taking on Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness” — which, you’re probably aware, Kanye sampled on the Watch the Throne standout “Otis” — she turned to West and muttered, “This is my favorite song … I think … um, yeah, hopefully it won’t go as well.” Speech is not her strong suit. But singing definitely is. And it’s readily apparent in “Unplugged,” which premieres Sunday at 11 p.m. ET on MTV. From the hushed, chill-inducing “Tenderness” (one of two covers she does; the other is a rather tidy little duet with Josh Homme on “Jackson”) to stirring, stripped-back takes on newer tunes like “Never Let Me Go” and “Only If for the Night” and set-closing hit “Dog Days Are Over,” Welch’s lofty range is on display throughout. And so is that ability to seize emotion from thin air. You will get goose bumps, that much is sure. And yet, that’s usually the case with a Machine performance. But on “Unplugged,” backed by a choir and strings, in a space first consecrated in 1850, it’s all taken to another level (no wonder it’s being released as a standalone album). Even if you weren’t lucky enough to be in the room that night, you get the sense that you’re truly witnessing something special. And when you throw in her fabulously furrowed banter (Welch definitely leads the league in “Ums”), well, then you get the other side of the coin too. Which is what makes it perhaps the definitive Florence set. Or at least the most personal. She truly was made for “Unplugged,” even if half her personality wouldn’t agree with that assessment. Then again, that duality is what makes all the great ones great. Welch never gets down and dirty the way singers like Nina Simone or Etta James did (it’s something you feel in your gut), mostly because it’s not in her wheelhouse. Instead, she floats above it all, goes higher (and subsequently deeper) than you’d think possible. And it’s fitting. After all, on this night, she was singing in a synagogue. And as we know, Welch is most definitely a proper girl. Some of the time, anyway. Don’t miss Florence and the Machine’s “Unplugged” on Sunday at 11 p.m. ET on MTV. Related Videos Unplugged: Florence + The Machine Related Artists Florence + the Machine
Teen couple has a low-key date in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. By Christina Garibaldi Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber have a picnic at Griffith Park in Los Angeles on Wednesday Photo: Clint Brewer Images/Splash News Justin Bieber continues to prove he is the best “Boyfriend” around. The pop star treated his girlfriend of over a year, Selena Gomez , to a romantic picnic in the park. The teen superstars decided to go for a low-key date, picking up Subway sandwiches and cuddling on a secluded hill in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. This isn’t the first time the teen super stars’ dates have made headlines. Last year, Bieber rented out Staples Center for a private viewing of “Titanic.” Recently, Bieber revealed his secrets to a successful relationship. “To be a great boyfriend, you just have to have patience,” Bieber told E! News. “You’re always wrong when it comes to girls, you’re always wrong, so just say sorry when things are rough.” Last week, the pair appeared at the Kids’ Choice Awards , where Bieber got slimed after winning the Favorite Male Singer award. Yet, Bieber and Gomez haven’t been able to spend too much time together lately, due to their hectic schedules. Gomez recently returned from St. Petersburg, Florida, where she was busy filming her latest flick, “Spring Breakers,” starring James Franco and Vanessa Hudgens. As for Bieber, he has been hard at work on his next album, Believe, and is enjoying the success of his latest single, “Boyfriend,” which sold an impressive 520,000 downloads in its first week, making it the #2 most-downloaded first-week single. On Tuesday, Bieber treated his fans to another brief teaser of the “Boyfriend” video. In the clip, fans can see Bieber floating underwater and standing in front of a burning tire swing. On Wednesday, Bieber reached out to his fans again, thanking them for their continued support of his new song. “U have all been working so hard 4 the #1 spot on BILLBOARD and so have I,” Bieber tweeted . “We will get it! #BELIEVE – in the meantime THANK YOU! U R AMAZING.” What do you think of Justin and Selena’s picnic date? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez: A Look Back In Photos Related Artists Selena Gomez Justin Bieber
‘That’s just incredible, thank you so much for your support,’ frontman Bill Kaulitz says in message to fans. By James Montgomery Tokio Hotel’s Bill Kaulitz Photo: MTV News One day after upsetting Green Day and shocking the world in MTV’s Musical March Madness championship game, Tokio Hotel are still basking in their post-title glow — and they want to share that happiness with their fans. TH’s Bill and Tom Kaulitz have just released a special video message to their Aliens around the world, thanking them for all their support and for helping guide them to the 2012 MMM championship. “Hey, Aliens! We just heard we won MTV’s Musical March Madness 2012. … That’s just incredible, thank you so much for your support, and it’s unbelievable,” frontman Bill said in the message. “I know it’s been really, really hard because there’s been so many great bands nominated … totally unexpected.” Bill’s brother Tom then chimed in — from behind the wheel of what appears to be a rather large SUV (championship swag!) — with a parting shot that’s sure to anger plenty of fans of those other great bands, accusing them of attempting to bend the rules to bring Tokio Hotel down. But hey, he’s a champ now, and he can pretty much do whatever he wants. “And they tried to cheat!” Tom joked. “And they tried to cheat,” Bill laughed. “Thank you guys so much for voting! And we are so proud to have you guys, and we want to thank you for your patience. I know you’re waiting for the new record and we’re working on it really hard and we hope to see you guys pretty soon. Thank you so much — we’re really proud of you.” Unlike what 2010 MMM champs Coheed and Cambria did in their acceptance speech — 2011 champions Green Day didn’t feel like making one, btw — Bill signed off by blowing a kiss to the camera (his brother flashed the peace sign) and giving one last “thank you” to the TH fans for their undying dedication. And with that, the coronation was complete: Tokio Hotel reign supreme as MMM champs, and until someone knocks them off the throne in next year’s tournament, well, let’s just say we could be seeing a whole lot more kisses being blown. It’s apparently the European way to celebrate a championship title. Check out the results from this year’s tournament in the MTV Musical March Madness interactive bracket! Related Videos Musical March Madness 2012: Video Highlights Related Photos MTV’s Musical March Madness 2012 Related Artists Tokio Hotel
The guys put their signature bad-boy attitude in the spotlight on ‘Chasing the Sun.’ By Jocelyn Vena The Wanted Photo: Steve Thorne/ Redferns The Wanted recently described their new single, “Chasing the Sun,” as being “in the same vein” as their smash “Glad You Came.” Well, the guys didn’t lie. On Thursday (April 5), the guys dropped their latest single off their self-titled U.S. debut, and it’s full of fist-pumping beats and sing-along chants. The club-banger, with its swirling production and booming beat, is a bit more aggressive than “Glad You Came” though. It has more in-your-face moments in terms of the way the song grinds along, corresponding to the fivesome’s signature bad-boy swagger. “We’ve only just begun/ Hypnotized by drums/ Until forever comes/ You’ll find us chasing the sun,” the guys proclaim on the track, written by British rapper and singer Example. They continue, “They said this day wouldn’t come/ We refuse to run/ We’ve only just begun/ You’ll find us chasing the sun.” Where “Glad” focuses on the guys romancing ladies with double entendres and innuendos, “Chasing” seems to be about the guys declaring that no matter what, in love and life, nothing can stop them from going all the way. And yes, the expected sexy moments are still there, as evidenced by lines like, “When the daylight’s fading/ We’re gonna play in the dark/ Until it’s golden again.” The song’s release coincides with their appearance on Thursday night’s “American Idol.” Their U.S. album hits shelves on April 24, and the guys will also appear on an episode of MTV’s “Punk’d” later this season. “To be in the U.S. is amazing,” bandmember Siva Kaneswaran said recently. “But just as long as we go out there and be ourselves and the U.S. takes us as we are, we’re just coming over here to have a laugh.” Related Artists The Wanted
Afrojack, Steve Angello, Avicii and many others set to touch down in Las Vegas for three-day party kicking off June 8. By Akshay Bhansali David Guetta Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images What began as a modest event nearly two decades ago in California is now one of the biggest dance music experiences on the planet. Yes, we’re talking about Electric Daisy Carnival , which is gearing up for its return to Sin City on June 8, after a successful move last year to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. And before you book your tickets, MTV News has the exclusive phase-one lineup! According to estimates, a whopping 300,000 carnival-goers (up from 240,000 in 2011) will walk through the gates during this year’s three-day EDC . They can expect to see heavy hitters like Ti
‘Twilight Saga’ star will take on ‘fun’ role in sequel to the hit 2010 comedy. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Lautner Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic If you’ve been itching to see Taylor Lautner flex his comedy chops more on the big screen, this news is for you. The “Twilight Saga” star has just nabbed a role in the sequel to 2010’s “Grown Ups,” according to The Hollywood Reporter . Lautner will join most of the original cast in the sequel including its leading man Adam Sandler, as well as Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Maya Rudolph and Salma Hayek. “Project X” star Oliver Cooper also recently joined the cast. Director Dennis Dugan will be back to helm “Grown Ups 2.” Sources say that the big-screen werewolf “will make an appearance in a ‘fun’ role, in which he goes toe-to-toe with Sandler.” The role marks a departure for Lautner, who previously angled more toward action-based blockbusters like the “Twilight” flicks and “Abduction,” which was a Stateside box-office dud but managed to gross $82 million worldwide. The first “Grown Ups” film earned $162 million domestically and $271 million worldwide. The film follows a group of friends who reunite as adults after their high school basketball coach dies. While no further production details about the film are being reported, Lautner does have a busy 2012 ahead of him. He’s set to work with Gus Van Sant in his next indie, the final “Twilight” film, “Breaking Dawn – Part 2,” opens in November and since mid-2011, he has been attached to the big-screen adaptation of the YA novel “Incarceron.” Lautner also recently dropped out of a starring role in “Stretch Armstrong” after being attached to that project for some time. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Taylor Lautner
Madge’s 12th studio album sells 359,000 copies, giving singer her fifth straight #1. By Gil Kaufman Madonna Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic Madonna will retain her claim to the pop throne next week when her 12th studio album, MDNA, debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This will be the singer’s fifth straight #1 album, and its sales of 359,000 were more than enough to outpace the #2 debut from fellow veteran Lionel Richie . Richie marks a return to the upper reaches of the charts with his hook-up with country artists on Tuskegee, which sold 199,000 copies, according to figures provided by Nielsen SoundScan. With her latest chart-topper, Madonna, 53, joins Barbra Streisand as the only woman to top the Billboard albums chart at least eight times; Streisand holds the record with a total of nine #1 albums. Two seasoned rock bands also debut in the top 10, with Shinedown hitting #4 with Amaryllis (106,000) and the Used returning to the charts at #8 with Vulnerable (32,000). The rest of the top 10: Adele , 21 (#3, 121,000), “Hunger Games” soundtrack (#5, 64,000), One Direction , Up All Night (#6, 46,000), the deluxe version of Katy Perry ‘s Teenage Dream (#7, 33,000), Bruce Springsteen , Wrecking Ball (#9, 28,000) and NOW 41 (#10, 25,000). The week after they debuted at #3, the Shins drop 11 spots to #14 as business for Port of Morrow dipped by 71 percent to 22,000. Meanwhile, noisemeisters the Mars Volta land at #15 with their latest, Noctourniquet (21,000). All-American Rejects bop in at #18 with Kids in the Street (18,000), and last season’s “American Idol” winner, Scotty McCreery , got a big boost after appearing on the show last week, sending his debut, Clear as Day, up 46 spots to #21 as sales picked up by 172 percent to 16,000. Look for a new #1 next week as Nicki Minaj ‘s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded crashes the charts. Related Artists Madonna
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