R. Kelly, Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette join contestants on their final night of performances. By Adam Graham Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene and Melanie Amaro on “The X Factor” Wednesday Photo: Ray Mickshaw / FOX At the outset of Wednesday’s (December 21) 90-minute “The X Factor” performance finale, which pitted three singers — Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene and Melanie Amaro — against one another for a $5 million recording contract, judge Simon Cowell predicted, “I think this is going to be the closest final we’ve ever had.” By the end of the penultimate show, Cowell made it clear who had his vote to win, and unsurprisingly, it was the singer he mentored in the race, Melanie Amaro. Following Amaro’s second song, a rendition of Beyonc
Film has been wildly successful overseas, but critics wonder if it’s worth the hype. By Kevin P. Sullivan “The Adventures of Tintin” Photo: Paramount It has already made a killing overseas, but now it’s time for “The Adventure of Tintin” to make a splash in the States. Though not as widely known in the U.S., Tintin has the help of two of today’s most popular filmmakers, director Steven Spielberg and producer Peter Jackson . The reviews are generally positive for “The Adventures of Tintin,” with 75 percent of critics’ approval, according to RottenTomatoes.com . We’ve taken our own sampling of the critical response, so here’s a rundown on what they have to say. The Story ” ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ derives mainly from three World War II-era books, ‘The Crab With the Golden Claws,’ ‘The Secret of the Unicorn’ and ‘Red Rackham’s Treasure.’ These titles mean a great deal to Tintin’s European fan base — the film has already made close to a quarter-billion dollars overseas — and less so to the average American multiplex visitor. The script, by Steven Moffat and the team of Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish follows Tintin (who looks either 12, 22 or somewhere in between) and his faithful dog Snowy as they come into possession of a model sailing ship, the Unicorn, containing a clue to the whereabouts of a vast treasure. Kidnapped and bundled on board a steamship commanded by the career alcoholic Capt. Haddock, our boy-man hero becomes the pawn in an age-old duel between Haddock, a good old sot, and the sinister Sakharine.” — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune The Performance Capture “I’m not one of those people with a knee-jerk disdain for motion capture (I enjoyed ‘The Polar Express’ and loved Jim Carrey in ‘A Christmas Carol’), but in ‘Tintin,’ the technique that renders all that movement so flowing and frictionless also makes the characters come off as if their souls were made of sponge. Is this the ‘uncanny valley’ — the much-discussed phenomenon whereby motion-capture characters look just human enough so that what’s missing from their eyes is subtly disquieting?” — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly The 3-D “I was surprised by how much I enjoyed myself. Spielberg not only uses 3-D but bases his story on one of Europe’s most beloved comic characters. The 3-D he pulls off, just as Scorsese did in ‘Hugo,’ because he employs it as an enhancement to 2-D instead of an attention-grabbing gimmick.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times The Actors “If the mocap technique falls somewhere between live-action and animated moviemaking, the same goes for the performances, which are altogether fluid yet sometimes (especially in certain dialogue-heavy sequences) give the impression of watching a very realistic video game with the sound turned up a few thousand notches. [Andy] Serkis (‘King Kong,’ ‘The Lord of the Rings’) nonetheless manages to turn Haddock into what will surely be the trilogy’s most memorable personage, while [Jamie] Bell (‘Billy Elliot’) makes Tintin about as interesting as he can be, which is to say sometimes less so than his dog.” — Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter The Final Word “Though the acting is uniformly strong, the story just isn’t engrossing, particularly for those not familiar with Tintin comics. There are a few spectacular scenes, such as a biplane flying into a lightning storm and a crash-landing in the Sahara, but the thrills are sporadic. Chases abound but none is breathtaking. … The much-publicized collaboration between producer Peter Jackson and Spielberg sets high expectations. But while the technical artistry is there, the film lacks a sense of magic, intrigue and mystery.” — Claudia Puig, USA Today Check out everything we’ve got on “The Adventure of Tintin.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Adventures Of Tintin’
Trio parts ways with annual Pacha Ibiza residency in 2012. By Adam Stewart, with additional reporting by Akshay Bhansali Swedish House Mafia Photo: MTV News There’s a good chance your ears are still ringing from Swedish House Mafia ‘s takeover of Madison Square Garden , which was streamed live, over the weekend, but now that New York is back to normal and you’ve had a chance to watch the “Antidote” video a hundred times, it’s safe to say that Swedish House Mafia fans the world over are anxiously awaiting what’s next from the rock stars of house music. After months of rumors and chatter on studio work, MTV News sat down with the boys to see just what their plan of attack for 2012 and beyond really is. “There’s stuff in the works,” Steve Angello said. “Obviously, we always have stuff in the works .” “But there’s something that’s really close,” Axwell teased. Whether that means an album or the formal release what’s being dubbed “Inks” (which is rumored to be the new SHM single and debuted as the MSG opener on Friday), any chatter of fresh SHM tunes is certainly welcome news to their loyal following. But SHM admit they aren’t sure what form any of their releases will take. “We haven’t decided yet,” Angello admitted. “We would like to obviously present something, more of a fuller experience,” Axwell added. “[But] we still have to be together in the studio to finish it,” Angello continued. Even though “Save the World,” their remix of Coldplay’s “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” and “Antidote” have unequivocally pacified the masses, it is perfectly clear that everyone wants more. “We really are focusing on getting together and finishing stuff,” Axwell said. “We kind of cleared our schedules a bit and [are making] fairly clever decisions of when we are doing a tour — let’s rent a villa, let’s put in a studio, let’s work! Those kind of things.” Part of that focus includes parting ways with their now-legendary, Monday night gig at Pacha Ibiza, where for three years, they held residencies with The Dark Forest and most recently Masquerade Motel — both were must-sees for anyone’s visiting the Balearic shores. “This coming year we’ll probably do more shows,” Angello explained. “But it will be more spread out. Seventeen shows in Ibiza might be 17 shows around the world instead, which I would prefer now because — it’s a big world.” A world that’s actually become a lot smaller in a sense thanks in large part to SHM courting the masses into one big EDM family. In all likelihood, this coming year, the Mafia will continue charting new territories and pushing the boundaries, all the while making us smile. “You’ve seen how we work through the years,” Angello said. “It’s just growing and growing and growing — and we’re gonna grow some more — and hopefully Axwell is gonna grow a beard!” “I’m trying!” Axwell laughed “Mustache is not a problem. It’s the rest of the beard that’s a problem. It’s called a ‘model’s’ beard. I prefer to call it that. I have a model’s beard.” What tunes are you looking forward to Steve, Ax and Seb releasing? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos Swedish House Mafia Has An Epic End To The Year Related Artists Swedish House Mafia
‘We’re working on definitely the ‘Take Care’ video,’ Drizzy reveals to MTV News. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Felicia “The Poetess” Morris Drake Photo: MTV News To Drake , Take Care is the story of a kid who goes from wide-eyed Toronto dreamer to rap royalty. But while Drizzy has painted that picture through songs on his sophomore set, the Young Money star hopes to roll out more visuals in support of the album’s narrative, and he has big plans for one video in particular. We’ve already seen “Marvins Room” and “Headlines,” the Lil Wayne-assisted “The Motto” is already in the can , and when MTV News caught up with him backstage at the Power 106 Cali Christmas Concert , Drizzy Drake revealed he’s set to shoot a clip for the title track with Rihanna. “It’s a project where I think visuals are called for, for a lot of those records,” he said. “So we’re working on definitely the ‘Take Care’ video, which we’re trying to get shot soon and a couple of other ones, too, off the album.” Drake, who can now hoist another platinum plaque for Take Care, wouldn’t dish on the treatment or concept for the video, but he has high expectations for it. “I want to make it perfect — the best video I’ve done to date — so I’m just taking my time,” he said. The Jamie xx-produced “Take Care,” with its pounding bass drum and sparse piano melody, tells the story of two lovers ready to leave behind their sketchy pasts in favor of a fruitful relationship together. Drake and Rih’s real-life fling (one the rapper addressed on 2010’s “Fireworks”) only helps to enhance the song’s appeal. Standing as both an endearing duet and a club banger, it’s the danceable, Gil-Scott Heron-sampling house build toward the end of the song that truly makes it a standout. What other Take Care videos would you like to see Drake shoot? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Drake Related Artists Drake Rihanna
‘I was just one of a few artists at a certain sort of time in radio where more dance music was being played on top 40,’ she tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias Lady Gaga Photo: MTV News Lady Gaga burst on the scene in 2008 declaring that the world should “Just Dance.” From there, everyone kind of did. A few years back, the pop star was one of the few singers infusing mainstream pop records with electronic dance music influences. In the years since her breakthrough, Gaga’s use of the musical form has certainly gotten darker and more in-depth, especially on 2011’s Born This Way. These days, she’s hardly in the minority. EDM is all over pop and urban radio. Performers like Rihanna , Usher , Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj are working with some of the top EDM producers and DJs in the game, some of whom MTV has recognized as the Best EDM Artists of 2011 , churning out chart-topping, genre-busting tunes. When MTV News caught up with the Mother Monster earlier this month in L.A., she weighed in on 2011’s EDM/pop explosion, noting that she was hardly the main factor in the recent blast of crossover hits. “I think that radio has had the biggest influence on the rise of electronic dance music,” she said. “I was just one of a few artists at a certain sort of time in radio where more dance music was being played on top 40, but I’m not the person to thank for that. The people to thank for that are at KIIS-FM and at the other stations around the country who gave dance music a chance.” Not only is radio taking note, but also the whole music industry. Just last month, EDM star Skrillex was nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy, the first DJ recognized in that category ever. Gaga thinks there’s still room for growth. “I think we have some more work to do, especially with the different academies that honor music,” she said. “I think that dance music should also be credited as pop music where it’s due and vice versa, the way that country and pop is, the way that R&B and pop are. So we still have a ways to go, but it’s moving in a wonderfully fast and interesting direction.” Do you think Gaga influenced the popularity of EDM? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Best EDM Artist Of 2011 Debate Related Artists Lady Gaga
Fans tells ‘Twilight’ Tuesday how they’re passing the time until the November 2012 release of the final film. By Kara Warner Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in “Breaking Dawn” Photo: Summit Entertainment As anyone who has eagerly anticipated the arrival of a film, book, TV show or album knows, waiting can be painful. Such is the case for the very dedicated “Twilight” fans, who have nearly a full year to wait until “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” is released in theaters. For this installment of “Twilight” Tuesday, MTV News asked Twilighters how they’re passing the time from now until November 16, 2012, and keeping their obsessions alive. They did not disappoint and came up with some solid, creative plans. Our friends at Twilight Lexicon offered a shout-out to Internet stars/comedic sister duo Hannah and Hilly Hindi’s “The Hillywood Show,” who recently reached their goal of raising $10,000 to produce a “Breaking Dawn” parody. “Looking forward to the @HillywoodShow Breaking Dawn parody. They raised 10K to do it,” the Lexicon tweeted . Others suggested re-watching “Twilight,” “New Moon” “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” and re-reading Stephenie Meyer’s books that inspired it all. “@Twilight movie marathons, re-reading the books for my 6th time and of course twitter :),” wrote Jimena Martinez. Sarah M., who is one of the lovely ladies behind the Kristen Stewart’s Hot Bodyguard Facebook page, seems to be developing a budget so she can come to Los Angeles next year for the premiere and camp out again in Tent City. “Work, work, work to save $ for Tent City 2012 and hoping for some #SWATH promos/premieres w/ Kristen & @KStewsHBG :),” Sarah tweeted , referring to Stewart’s other big movie, “Snow White and the Huntsman.” The most creative planning goes to Brooke Lockhart, who had these humorous suggestions for how to pass the time. “Watch all the B list character’s awful movies,” she tweeted , adding : “Live in Hot Topic. Pick a side in the robsten vs. nonsten epic battle.” Then there’s a few who might — gasp! — take a break from it all. “Finally sleep & save money 4 my 20+ viewings of #BD2,” superfan TwiSherry revealed , adding later that she’ll be reading again too: “Read FanFic to fill in the ‘fade to black’ moments .” Sounds like a good idea! Also, if these suggestions don’t tickle your fancy, James Franco wrote a review of “Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” which is a nice meaty read that should take some time to get through. What do you think, “Twilight” fans? How are you spending the time from now until the release of “Breaking Dawn-Part 2”? Let us know in the comments or tweet me @karawarner! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos Top ‘Twilight’ Moments Of 2011 Related Photos Twilighters Set Up Camp For ‘Breaking Dawn’ Premiere
‘Barbz, shld i twerk in the stupid hoe vid???’ Minaj asks fans. By Jocelyn Vena Nicki Minaj Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images If Nicki Minaj ‘s latest Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded track, “Stupid Hoe,” seems off-the-wall, her fans should probably expect the video to be as well. And given the hints that the fierce MC has dropped on Twitter, something zany is definitely in store. Over the course of the last few days, the singer has been keeping her Barbz and Kenz up-to-date on the video shoot, which will by all accounts feature multiple costume changes, multiple setups and even some fried chicken. “Next shot is in a bathing suit and [hairstylist] terrence got me eating fried chkn and carrot cake!” she tweeted, later adding, “gettin my nailz done. still shootin the vid. 2 more looks!!!!” The rapper later posted a photo of her manicure, which featured animal prints and rainbow colors. “Barbz, shld i twerk in the stupid hoe vid???” she asked. “but i 4got my twerkin moves … dang.” She may not end up twerkin’ in the video, but as of Wednesday, she still had some work to do on the clip, so it seems anything could make the final cut. “Stupid Hoe” will be the second video off of Minaj’s February 14 release. Earlier this month, she teased the clip for “Roman Reloaded,” the album’s lead single. “Well, [Roman] was there [in Moscow] secretly because [alter ego] Martha wanted him to go there, so they put him in this thing with monks and nuns; they were trying to rehabilitate him,” Minaj explained. “But I can’t tell exactly what happened, you’ll just see it in the video format, but let’s just say he got out of there.” Minaj added that the video for “Roman in Moscow” “will be shot real soon.” Those aren’t the only Minaj videos that fans are excited for. Her clip for Madonna’s lead single, “Gimme All Your Luvin,” had everyone buzzing when she tweeted about a kiss she shared with the Queen of Pop. While little is known about that video, a behind-the-scenes photo of Nicki donning red sunglasses and hanging out with M.I.A. on set hit the Web late Tuesday night. Related Artists Nicki Minaj
A decade into her career, the pop megastar reinvented herself this year as the ultimate Femme Fatale and made a big commitment to Jason Trawick. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Getty Images Maybe Britney Spears ‘ lucky number is 30. The singer turned 30 this year, marking the landmark birthday on December 2 with a fan-voted MTV News tournament that crowned the Best Britney Video of All Time . But her 30th year also proved to be an incredibly successful period in her career. For the first time in a while, she seemed comfortable being the pop megastar that she is. More than a decade into her career, Spears re-emerged as a Femme Fatale, giving fans a fist-pumping album, embarking on a flashy tour and dropping more memorable music videos. Britney Spears fandom was reenergized as the singer came out of her shell, opening up about this phase in her career as well her personal life in several high-profile interviews. So it’s probably not surprising that Spears will cap off the year at #4 on MTV News’ Top Newsmakers of 2011 list, just behind Lil Wayne. “When I was younger, I was busy, busy, and I was always singing and dancing all the time. I was just really creative,” she recalled in the MTV special “I Am the Femme Fatale.” “That’s when my mom realized I’m a really creative person.” She let that creativity shine over the past 12 months. From “Hold It Against Me” to “Till the World Ends” to her Chris Marrs Piliero-directed “I Wanna Go” and “Criminal,” Britney made headlines every time she dropped a music video. But no vid stirred up as much controversy as her “Criminal” clip , which featured real-life boyfriend (now fianc
A decade into her career, the pop megastar reinvented herself this year as the ultimate Femme Fatale and made a big commitment to Jason Trawick. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Getty Images Maybe Britney Spears ‘ lucky number is 30. The singer turned 30 this year, marking the landmark birthday on December 2 with a fan-voted MTV News tournament that crowned the Best Britney Video of All Time . But her 30th year also proved to be an incredibly successful period in her career. For the first time in a while, she seemed comfortable being the pop megastar that she is. More than a decade into her career, Spears re-emerged as a Femme Fatale, giving fans a fist-pumping album, embarking on a flashy tour and dropping more memorable music videos. Britney Spears fandom was reenergized as the singer came out of her shell, opening up about this phase in her career as well her personal life in several high-profile interviews. So it’s probably not surprising that Spears will cap off the year at #4 on MTV News’ Top Newsmakers of 2011 list, just behind Lil Wayne. “When I was younger, I was busy, busy, and I was always singing and dancing all the time. I was just really creative,” she recalled in the MTV special “I Am the Femme Fatale.” “That’s when my mom realized I’m a really creative person.” She let that creativity shine over the past 12 months. From “Hold It Against Me” to “Till the World Ends” to her Chris Marrs Piliero-directed “I Wanna Go” and “Criminal,” Britney made headlines every time she dropped a music video. But no vid stirred up as much controversy as her “Criminal” clip , which featured real-life boyfriend (now fianc
A decade into her career, the pop megastar reinvented herself this year as the ultimate Femme Fatale and made a big commitment to Jason Trawick. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Getty Images Maybe Britney Spears ‘ lucky number is 30. The singer turned 30 this year, marking the landmark birthday on December 2 with a fan-voted MTV News tournament that crowned the Best Britney Video of All Time . But her 30th year also proved to be an incredibly successful period in her career. For the first time in a while, she seemed comfortable being the pop megastar that she is. More than a decade into her career, Spears re-emerged as a Femme Fatale, giving fans a fist-pumping album, embarking on a flashy tour and dropping more memorable music videos. Britney Spears fandom was reenergized as the singer came out of her shell, opening up about this phase in her career as well her personal life in several high-profile interviews. So it’s probably not surprising that Spears will cap off the year at #4 on MTV News’ Top Newsmakers of 2011 list, just behind Lil Wayne. “When I was younger, I was busy, busy, and I was always singing and dancing all the time. I was just really creative,” she recalled in the MTV special “I Am the Femme Fatale.” “That’s when my mom realized I’m a really creative person.” She let that creativity shine over the past 12 months. From “Hold It Against Me” to “Till the World Ends” to her Chris Marrs Piliero-directed “I Wanna Go” and “Criminal,” Britney made headlines every time she dropped a music video. But no vid stirred up as much controversy as her “Criminal” clip , which featured real-life boyfriend (now fianc
Breaking Sports Video
